Author Friday!!

Happy Author Friday from Universal!! SQUEEE!!

Today we have a WONDERFUL author, that I have come to absolutely adore...

OTTILIE WEBER!!



Isn't she a cutie?! Ok, over my raving...here is her interview...


1)When was your first book published?

My first work, End of the Line, came to life for the world to see March 2nd 2009 when I was a freshman in college. However I wrote it when I was fifteen or sixteen years old in High School, and it is based off a nightmare I had on and off for years.



2) When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Oh god, um on and off for years. I found a journal not too long ago from my third or fourth grade class my teacher made the class keep. I can still remember not really sure what I was suppose to be writing so I just rambling on about this story that was in my head, about some girl named Mississippi. I to this day could not fully tell you what I was thinking when I wrote that. In middle school it was periodic when I started, more of something that was on my mind of an idea. Started with a remake of Rapunzel, which is one of my favorite fairy tales growing up. However I had this weird dream my freshman year in high school (apparently dreams can be good muses!), which happened to be in mute, go figure, I could not get the dream out of my head. I started writing it and my friends at the time read it as I went along. I absolutely loved the characters and Project US (the story) just really started the idea of many. I think I just made a short question into a long babble feast, but for me writing has been a way to let out imagination and work out dreams more then a ‘this will be my career’! I want to write for the rest of my life, I want to publish hopeful for years to become, but the idea of writing is not a career to me, but something bigger and more fulfilling especially for my sanity!

3) What is the hardest part about being a writer?

GRAMMAR! What a vile word that fully deserves the caps! Grammar and I do not get a long what so ever, mortal enemies! I’m missing that computer chip in my head to help process it. Of course writer’s block is in alliances with Grammar, together they are a powerful army to try to conquer my mind! However my mind is able to surpass this grand force more times to at least get stories done.

4) What inspires you?

What inspires me? Hm, I would say a few things music seriously helps me get started. Sometimes real situations in life help inspire me, or even actual people in my life just spark something. If I’m having writers block two movies help to kick some gears into work a little, Alex and Emma along with Shakespeare in Love. Sometimes reading itself gets me into the mood to write. Also procrastination on whatever homework I have help inspires me to write, sometimes my mind is in the best creative mood during when I should not be writing. So I’ll make notes and try to go back to the story later on.

5) How many books have you written?

Well, I have one published and one that will be published in May, so I guess one and a half? Although, I’ve started around or probably above thirty stories, so prepare to keep an eye out for more to come! They are all young adult stories, but I try to have a few kind of different genres in the mix to keep everyone interested because I know I like to read diverse stuff, along with write it so may others.

6) Tell me a little about your current WIP. (Work In Progress)

Okay so I’ll try to keep this answer shorter then some of the other answers I have been giving. As mentioned in the previous question I have many stories started, but I mentioned to Jessica that I have another book coming out in the spring and she asked if I minded sharing about it here. I love talking about my writing, I’m open to talking to people, and if you check out my blog I’m pretty good about sharing what is going on it if you keep an eye out…

However the one coming out in the spring is called Family Ties. The book is about understanding one’s family history and watching what you wish for. Abby is having a rough summer, waitressing at a snobby restaurant, her best friend Cory is being an idiot, and getting kidnapped on her way home from work!
7) What is your favorite genre to read?

I mostly like to read Young Adult. I like the character development better with this genre, along with the plots seem more interesting. However I do like Dan Brown’s writing, my mom and I share his books along with some of V.C. Andrews’ works. However I will admit I have given in to a couple Romance novels for after a semester ends and I just need something mindless to gain an attention span from all the reading I do in a semester. I love Shakespeare also, even though I may not always understand his words, his words are so alluring. I occasionally like to pick up classics also my reading is a little all over the place. Haha wow answered this in as authors instead of genres, so some subcategories in this area I enjoy pretty much anything not too much mushy. I could spend hours talking about books, but I’m not really sure if I have a specific genre. To name just a couple of authors I really enjoy, Laura Faria Stolarz, Sarah Dessen, and Holly Black and for this holiday season I have 10 books coming my way, all by authors I have not read yet so I’m excited!
8) What is the one thing you want to tell the world the most?

Don’t let people tell you, you can not do something, if it is a passion of yours and it does not cause harm to society or anyone go for it! Also, despite what I write I have not always been love’s number one cheerleader (my inner band member just shuddered), and I really don’t have the best luck in it myself, but it’s out there and people should not ever give up on it.

Thanks, Ottilie! HUGGELS!

Ok, you can check out her blog here and her book here!

Also, I will be announcing the winner of the giveaway tomorrow!! SQUEE!!!

Happy Tuesday!

Ok, I am sorry to say it, but getting ready for this trip is leaving me no time to blog...so I will be back on Friday with my author feature, and Saturday with the contest winner!! See you then!

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are looking forward to New Years!

The holiday season has officially kicked my butt, so I did not finish my current book. :(

So, today I will chat instead.

I am EXTREMELY excited about Friday because, 1) I have a GREAT author lined up for you guys and 2) I'M GOING TO HARRY POTTER WORLD!! *Happy dance*

Early on Friday morning, Me, my crazy sister, the hubbs and Kido McSquido (my 3 year old nephew AKA SuperSpawn if you follow Holly) are running away for New Years! We have our tickets, our game plan, and now we are anxiously waiting for Friday. *twitch twitch*

And how many of you wonderful people are Harry Potter fans? A lot? WOOHOO! That's great because I believe I will be doing my first giveaway from there! :D

Are you excited? I sure am!!

Ok, if you want to enter here is how:

1) Must be a follower (new or old will do)
2) Leave a comment on this post with your first name and email by noon Thursday EST
3) Tell me what house you are and your favorite color
4) Wait anxiously with me until Saturday when I announce who wins!

The winner will be chosen at random (I will probably put names in a hat/jar/cup to draw from)

SQUEEE! HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!!!! *Dances away*

Author Friday!!

Happy Friday to all, and Merry Christmas Eve (if that's your thing...)

Today is Author Friday!!! SQUEEE!! So I am featuring....

EDWARD "ED" COTE!

I don't have any fun pictures (yet...) but promise to provide them as soon as Ed can get them.

So, here is Ed's interview!!

1) When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I started trying to write when I was a child, but I didn't really figure out how to do it until my twenties, and I didn't firmly resolve that I would become a professional writer until 2009. I had always known at some level that I wanted to write, but now I know that this is my career and the only one I can fully embrace.

2) What is the hardest part about being a writer?

So far the hardest part is just getting started and established. Finishing the book was a challenge, but now I have to polish it, get it edited and formatted, get a cover, network, market, and promote. I have limited credibility until I publish and earn some sales. I'm doing what I hope will be the final major revision now, and that can be frustrating at times. I want the book to be the best it can be, but I can't keep working on it forever.

3) What inspires you?

All sorts of things- music, people, places, and images. Sometimes I become intrigued with a "what if" scenario or a philosophical question, but other ideas just seem to come from nowhere.


4) How many books have you written?

This is the first book that I have finished, though I do have strong concepts for several other projects.

5) Tell me a little about what you are currently working on.

Violet Skies is the name of both my series and the first book in the series. It is young adult fantasy set in the world of Aeo, which is entirely carved up into city-states, each ruled by a powerful wizard called a Great Magus. The story follows Taya Mindaerel, who has the potential to become one of the Magi. The bad news is that there is no room in the world for another, and one Magus, Dibian, sends his best hunter on a man-eating horse to track her down and kill her. The good news is that her mother Oma is an Oracle and foreseeing the danger, she leads Taya to seek sanctuary in the city of Dibian's rival Olbinaar. On the way, they meet three boys who will serve as their allies: Alex, a charming scoundrel, Brand, a dour swordsman, and Ogger, a wild creature.

6) When does your book come out?

I'm not certain exactly when I'll have it ready, but the first book will probably be available on Amazon's Kindle store in February.

7) What is your favorite genre to read?

I like a wide variety of different things, but when it comes down to it, most of what I read is fantasy. When I was a kid, I read science fiction almost exclusively, but I switched to mostly fantasy when I started reading The Wheel of Time in college.

8) What is the one thing you want to tell the world the most?

I will always have something to say, but exactly what that is might vary from year to year. The theme of Violet Skies is power- its use and abuse. I can foresee that coming up again in my writing in the future, though. For example, I have an idea for another fantasy series in which the theme would be death, but there would still be issues of power in the story. Off the top of my head, I can think of only one project on my hard drive in which power is not a major issue, so it's probably safe to say that this is a theme I will return to and explore throughout my career.

You want something more specific for the soap box right now? How about this: An abuse of power is an abuse of power, no matter who does it. All of the horrible things people think a Big Brother government would do are not somehow acceptable if a corporation does them. The idea that private interests can be trusted with the sort of unaccountable tremendous power we would never want for any government is patently ridiculous and very dangerous.

To end on a lighter note, I think that kids and people in general are reading more now, and I hope to play some role in that, however small.

Thanks, Ed! I hope to see your book out soon!

So guys and gals if you want to learn more about Ed, pop on over to his blog.
Have a great holiday everyone!!!

THURSDAY NERSDAY!

(You can snatch this image if you want, just please link back to me.)

Merry Christmas Eve, Eve! I hope you are enjoying the holiday season!

Today I am reviewing....

HELLOGON
by John Booth

4 out of 5 stars

Kindle Edition
Published December 9th 2010 by Night Publishing



Synopsis from Relaxatnight:"THE ESTABLISHMENT

Rules for Engagement with the Enemy ....

Rule 1: Never Gamble Unless You Have No Choice

Rule 2: Always Make Sure

Rule 3: Discover The Local Politics

Rule 4: Make Friends And Use Them

Rule 5: Trust No One

Peter Craig has been trained from childhood as a fifth columnist for the British Empire. He thinks he has been expelled from the Establishment for murder.

The truth will take him to other worlds and lies will be his only hope of salvation.

Can he save two worlds or will he destroy one or both of them?

Is he a hero or a villain?

Hellogon is an urban fantasy about deception, destruction and desires."

I give HELLOGON 4 stars!

**I would note that they have this book listed as a YA Fiction, however, I would say this is to mature for most young adults.**

Thank you, Tim for sending me a copy of this.

I really enjoyed this book. It was written in third person, which is very helpful in describing the surroundings and other needed information.

The story was somewhat slow within the first 50 pages, but once I made it through the set-up it was a great story. I really felt that the book flowed well and I was able to connect to Peter rather easily, but Sal is the one that really made the story for me. I adored her and her abusive ways, she made me laugh out loud.

HELLOGON took me places I had never thought about before. I am sad about the ending, you see they leave you wondering about a lot. Hopefully there will be a second book so that I can find out what happens.

If you appriciate a good sci-fi/romance novel then I suggest HELLOGON.

Waiting on Wednesday!

This meme is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine!

Today I am waiting on...



Hardcover
Expected publication: April 2011 by Little, Brown (first published March 14th 2011)

Synopsis from Goodreads: "Dark Parties is a dystopian novel about a country that generations ago closed its borders to people and ideas. No one knows what exists outside their protected society. Neva and her best friend secretly plot to force the government to open its borders. Anyone who threatens the government seems to disappear mysteriously. Neva receives a message from her grandma who vanished without a trace 10 years ago, inviting her to escape to the outside. Now she has a choice–stay and save her country or leave and save herself."

This one is a totally mystery to me...I can. not. wait. to. read. it. So far there are very few reviews and in those few they are very mixed. So, I am excited and curious as to what this book has to offer. I really hope it is good. The cover is very intriguing...I want to know how that will correlate with the story.

I have requested a copy from NetGalley, but have not heard back. I really hope I can get it!

So, what are you guys waiting on this week?

Book day...

Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone is having a good week so far.

So, I have no new tips or anything this week...life has been a bit crazy.

But, since it is almost Christmas, I thought I would share some of my holiday humor...







Ok...I have to say, the snowmen are my personal favorite. lol! I hope this gets you guys in the Holiday spirit!

And, finally, here is a picture of me and the hubbs at my Senior Prom a few years ago... I <3 this picture.



Happy Holidays!!

Monday Madness!

Well unfortunately, it is Monday again....uugh. But, on a better note, here is my Monday review!!

Today I am reviewing....

WINGS
By Aprilynne Pike

2 out of 5 stars

Hardcover, 294 pages
Published May 1st 2009 by HarperTeen



Synopsis from Goodreads: "Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever."

I give WINGS 2 stars.

WINGS was written in third person omniscient, which worked well with Aprilynne's writing style.

WINGS is a very well written book, however I felt like WINGS was a very slow moving. I wish that I was given more of an insight into what Laurel was learning about. Laurel was a little dry and naive, which made me not connect with her very well. I was able to connect with David, which was strange since he was not the main character.

I wish that Aprilynne had moved the story a little faster and given me some more memorable events. Truthfully, it was a very forgettable read. But, I did enjoy her creative ideas and take on the fae as a group it gave me a new insight into the fairy (or however you like it spelled) world.

Author Friday!!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

Today's author is....

LEE WILLIAMS!!!!!

*Does the happy dance*



Lee is a near and dear friend that I never get to see enough...even though he did set my husband on fire in high school...but that's another story. So, without further adieu, here is LEE!!!


1) When was your first book published?

My first novel was published in 2003, when a week before my 18th birthday.



2) When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

It's strange, because I just fell into being a writer really. I remember being 14, 15, and 16 working and building houses during the summer, tarring roofs, and clearing land on construction sites for foundations to be built. We had no iPods back then (I feel old saying that) so to keep my mind off of the Georgia heat, gnats, and manual labor, I would create these wild stories in my head. After the day was over, I'd go home and write the ideas out just so I wouldn't forget them. I began to take it seriously when I found writing to be very natural to me.

3) What is the hardest part about being a writer?

The business aspect of writing. I've found in my experiences that you can spend a large amount of time in the creative process, months, years even. The writer controls this side, but the business side is largely unpredictable.A strong understanding of the publishing industry is a must.

4) What inspires you?

I'm inspired by any great work, regardless of its creation. Sculptures, landmarks, artwork, cathedrals; anything man-made that required a great deal of time and concentration. I can relate my writing from thought to fruition into an actual manuscript with works of art, because of the dedication taken by the particular artist.

5) How many books have you written?

Currently I have three books completely written, which I plan to publish after I have finished my Masters.

6) Tell me a little about what you are currently working on.

Right now I am finishing sequels to my young adult science fiction series that began with my first novel, Project S.T.A.R, and a short story collection on small town, southern personalities.

7) What is your favorite genre to read?

I'm not completely sure why, but legal fiction is my favorite genre. The best books are usually very dramatic, with a wide variety of subject matter, and energetic characters.

8) What is the one thing you want to tell the world the most?

I think every writer has the desire to leave something of value to the world, but for me it would have to be to share my perspectives through stories. I'd like for the world to see things differently after they've read my material. Not necessarily to change their overall thinking, but to get them to think about something they've never imagined or considered before.

Thanks, Lee!!

Alright, here is a link, if you would like to go check out Lee's book. And if you would like to get in contact with him just let me know and I will be happy to pass along his email address.

Thursday Nerdsday

Happy Thursday!!

Today I will be reviewing...Drum roll, please!........

PARANORMALCY
by Kiersten White

5 out of 5 stars

Hardcover, 335 pages
Published August 31st 2010 by HarperTeen



Synopsis from Goodreads: "Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.

But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal."


I give PARANORMALCY 10 out of 5 stars!!! Oh...you mean I can't do that? *pout* I guess she will have to settle for 5 big, fat and happy stars.

PARANORMALCY was written in first person, which just made it loads of fun. (Evie is hilarious.)

This book was one of the best books I have read in a very long time. I laughed out loud, I almost cried. Almost. But best of all, it had layers of emotions. There was this dark, scariness that pulled all the way through the book. Evie could never cover it with her beautiful sense of humor. And lets be serious, this book is ACTION PACKED! Within the first 20 pages she has already kicked 2 butts! I mean, HOW COOL IS THAT!?! And she's funny about it?! WHAT! You need to stop whatever it is that you are reading right now, and go get this book. Like, now. Seriously. I said stop reading. You can finish reading this post once you are back from getting PARANORMALCY....and a loaf of bread...(seriously, if you are a chicken like me, get some bread) *Taps foot and waits*

WELCOME BACK!! Ok, so Evie is funny and wonderful and the book is very dark if you look under the skin...ok it may just be because I am a big fat chicken, but it was scary to me. It ends well, still at a cliff where you would really love to continue reading, but where you are happy that if it had to end, it ended there. I HIGHLY recommend this book, and her blog...go watch Kiersten Write...WRITE, KIERSTEN, WRITE! (And for the authors out there, Kiersten posts some really great tips about the writing world...)

So, I know it published a while back...does anyone else have a different opinion about the book? Let's play nice, but if you have a different opinion, it may be helpful for others to see it, so feel free to comment. :)

And, rememeber everyone...



HAHAHA!! I TOTALLY have that sign in my living room! (yes guys, thats a picture from inside my house) I love that sign.

My song to Santa....

The Jolly Man, a.k.a. Santa, (as pictured above) did not answer my letters last year. So, in light of the knowledge that he obviously does not pay attention to my persistent letters, I wrote him a song. I borrowed the tune from Santa Baby...I hope she got what she wanted, so maybe I can too! :D Well...here it goes!

Santa baby, slip a book light under the tree, for me
I've been an awful good girl
Santa baby, now hurry down the chimney tonight
Santa baby, a huge pile of books too, all new
I'll wait up for you dear
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Think of all the fun I've missed
Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed
Next year I could be oh so good
If you'd check off my Christmas list
Boo doo bee doo

Santa honey, I want a new plot and really that's
Not a lot
I've been an angel all year
Santa baby, now hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa cutie, there's one thing I really would like, the rights
To a killer blog site
Santa cutie, now hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa baby, I'm filling my stocking with a publisher, and checks
Sign their 'X' on the line
Santa baby, now hurry down the chimney tonight

Come and trim my Christmas tree
With decorations that bring epiphany's
I really do believe in you
Let's see if you believe in me
Boo doo bee doo

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring
From people in the industry
Santa baby, now hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry down the chimney tonight.

lol! I wish, I wish, for my whole Santa list!! *Crosses fingers and squeezes eyes shut*

Ok, so my sister did a writers Christmas tune...go check it out! http://hddodson.blogspot.com/

Be Merry!!!

Waiting on Wednesday!

This is hosted by Jill!!

Today I am waiting on....



Hardcover, 440 pages
Published February 1st 2011 by HarperTeen

Synopsis from Goodreads: "Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -the deliria- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love."

I mean...Woah. That sounds AMAZING! I am absolutely in LOVE...heh... *giggles at the irony...*

I could post a ton of books that I am waiting on, but today, it is mostly this one.

*drool*

There are a ton of reviews out on this already and I am kind of hoping to get my grubby fingers on an ARC...I will post the status of my mission as it progresses... Until then Eaglehawk99er. ;)

This is an ARC. A What?

An ARC.

A what? Ohhh. An ARC!



Happy Tuesday, fellow book lovers!

So today I am covering a few need-to-know places!

1) NetGalley.com

NetGalley is a magical place where anyone who is willing to write reviews is welcome. You can request all of the books you would like, and if they are approved, they are yours for 60 days in electronic format (which is really called a Galley copy, hence the website name, but it’s really the same as an ARC). I <3 NetGalley. I have only been turned down once so far, so that is nice. (I was hurt and now am debating about going back on my promise to not buy the book, which shall remain nameless, because they told me no.) It is a free membership and is totally worth it. Also, I have been hearing a lot about people not wanting to sign up until they think they can get the books, I registered and requested books on the first day of my blog life and was approved for a few books. So don't sweat it and get on that!

2) Shelf Awareness

Shelf Awareness is a daily email about what is happening in the book realm. I love having information about upcoming releases and all things book emailed to me Monday-Friday...it keeps me up to date with what I need to be reviewing. They also have contests for free hardcopy ARCs, not every day, but it is something to keep an eye out for. I have not been able to get any off of this site yet, but I have a feeling that there are a lot of people that enter in those giveaways...but it is still worth the shot. You can check them out at: www.shelf-awareness.com...and if you get an ARC from there before me, I want pictures! lol!

3) Librarything

I have not had much experience with Library Thing yet, but there are contests to receive ARCs from them. You really have to look to find their ARC page. As of yesterday, they had all contests closed. But you should check back regularly to see what they have. You can check them out at: http://www.librarything.com/er/list

4) Bold Options

I would imagine this would work better when you are an established blogger (unlike myself who can only dream about the day when wonderful people ask her to read their book...ahh sweet dreams)...but you can always go the old fashion route and stalk an author and then beg for a copy of the book that you have been lusting over since before they started writing it...(I promise that I'm not doing this...yet) or you can email/call/write and beg a publisher or maybe even an agent to release a copy to you (if said author say...puts a restraining order on you...) Penguin seems to release a few to major places and to Shelf Awareness. So, I would say when in doubt ask them.

Those are the options I have learned about in the past week. Does anyone else have other ideas of where to track down these elusive pieces of gold?

Monday Madness

AWAKEN
By Katie Kacvinsky

5 out of 5 stars

Hardcover, 352 pages
Published May 23rd 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children




Synopsis from Goodreads: "Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether it’s to go to school or on a date, people don’t venture out of their home. There’s really no need. For the most part, Maddie’s okay with the solitary, digital life—until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He enjoys the physical closeness of face-to-face interactions. People aren’t meant to be alone, he tells her.

Suddenly, Maddie feels something awakening inside her—a feeling that maybe there is a different, better way to live. But with society and her parents telling her otherwise, Maddie is going to have to learn to stand up for herself if she wants to change the path her life is taking.

In this not-so-brave new world, two young people struggle to carve out their own space."

A special thanks to NetGalley.com and Houghton Mifflin, for giving me this ARC!

I give AWAKEN 5 stars!!

AWAKEN is written in first person, which (yet again) I felt it helped the story, because Maddie's thoughts are a must know.

Maddie jumped off of the page at me, long flowing hair and all. The world was logical, and I can actually see being 70 and everything being just like Katie painted it to be. The beginning is slow, but as you begin to learn about Maddie, you don't want to stop. I got so in to this book that I had to remind myself not to hold my nook so close, like it was going to help submerse me more into their world or something. There are scenes that sizzle, and I could feel the heat coming off of the page. (But don't worry, it stays "PG") There are a few contradictions in the book, but nothing that would bother most people, I am just one of those weird people that make mental notes of it...But this is a MUST read.

I really hope this is a long series, otherwise I will be sad. Sign me up for the box set, Katie!!

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!!!!

Just so you know, I don't have a SINGLE competitive streak in my entire body....at 2 am...while I'm asleep...and the dogs aren't bothering me...

So, for my first and pretty simple challenge, I accept thee...almighty E-Book Challenge!! It is being hosted by The Ladybug! WOOHOO!!

Now, we may not know each other very well, but lets be serious...I am going for the Obsessed level (reading 20 e-books in a year). Do I think I can do it?! UH, Yeah!

So, if you are an e-reader type person, go ahead, go tell Madam Ladybug that you want in!



Yes, Logan, I did just totally go after one of your challenges. lol!

Author Friday!!

And the author of the Friday is....

HOLLY DODSON!!!!!!!

*Jumps up and down and screams!!!




Holly is my fantastic *older* sister, and I love her dearly...so I have to be nice...sometimes... *insert cheesy smile here*

Now, on to the about Holly!

1) How old are you?

FAIL. NOT TELLING.

2) When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I've always loved reading and writing. Words have been my favorite past-time since I was a child. I first realized I wanted to pursue writing as a career in the fall of 2009.

3) What is the hardest part about being a writer?

I absolutely adore being a writer, but that's not to say it's always easy. Nothing can be rainbows and sunshine all the time!

The hardest part for me is putting myself out there. I'm very much an introspective personality type, and that sometimes makes it hard to allow people to, not only read, but critique my work and point out the flaws. *yikes* But since I've overcome that fear, and found some of the BEST writer friends on the planet, it's not so terrifying anymore.

4) What inspires you?

Everything. Listening to the people around me in a cafe, chatting with the ladies at work. I take inspiration from every moment of every day of my life.

5) How many books have you written?

Well, I've written two complete novels, and have several I trunked about half-way through.

6) Tell me a little about your current WIP.

I'm currently in revisions on a YA fantasy novel about a 16 year old girl who finds herself trapped in a fairy tale, and has to escape before she loses her identity.

7) What is your favorite genre to read?

I read mostly YA fantasy and contemporary with a smattering of dystopian and paranormal. Okay, so I like them all. GIVE ME ALL OF THEM!!!

8) What is the one thing you want to tell the world the most?

Um, hi? *waves and shifts around uncomfortably*

I hope that someday I can share my books with all of you. I've been led down some of the most amazing paths by books, been changed more deeply than I ever thought possible, and marveled at the sheer talent of some authors.

My dream is that, one day, my own words will guide you, shift your views, or just let you escape the troubles of real life for a while.


Thanks, Holly, for your wonderful, uniquely you, answers! Love you too, Sis!

You should go check out Holly's website and/or blog...they are awesomely pink, have some great tips for other authors and some out of this world book reviews! Go on...go follow her! She doesn't bite...people outside of the family...except on Tuesdays... ;)



**Attention to those that are interested in participating in Author Fridays, please email me at: jpkassees(at)gmail.com. THANKS!**

My Lineup!

OK, Gather around! Calling all guys! Calling all gals! Here is a sneak peek at what you can expect from me! But shhhhhh...don't tell my other self...its a surprise for her.

ON...

Mondays: I will try to have a new-to-me book review...no promises but I will try.

Tuesdays: Will be my random rants about trying to find ARCs and whatever I have to say about the book world...hunting publishers for new books and authors for information about their current WIP.

Wednesday: Well...the meme of course! I will be joining in on Waiting on Wednesday hosted by Jill.

Thursday: I will shoot for another book review, since my average time at completely massacuring a book is 2 days... I will also try to talk about whatever else I feel like posting. After all, I have dubbed it "Thursday Nerdsday" so that I can be free with my nerdtastic self! :D

Annnnddd last but not least....Drum roll please...

FRIDAY!!!!!!! I will feature an authors blog!! Published or not, famous or not!!! EEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! So, you wonderful authors out there, shoot me an email at jpkassees(at)gmail.com, if you would like to join in on the fun!

Now...all I have to do is keep up!

*Runs away!

*Trips and flails to the ground

*Tries to walk away casually...

I see you laughing...you...the one with the hair...and the face...mmmhmmm... hehehe

Thursday Nerdsday

MATCHED
By Ally Condie

3 out of 5 stars

Hardcover, 366 pages
Published November 30th 2010 by Dutton Juvenile



Synopsis from Goodreads: "Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow."

I gave MATCHED 3 stars.

It was a good book, and very well written, but parts seemed forced.

I connected with Cassia within the first few lines, and loved the rythmic writing style of Ally Condie. I moved with Cassia, and fell in love with Xander within the first chapter. The story was moving, uplifting and heartbreaking.

MATCHED was written in first person, which was necessary to connect and understand the underlying emotions in the book. Then I got just past the half-way mark and it began to go downhill from there. I started to disconnect with Cassia, and the story tumbled forward too fast for the exposition I felt it needed to keep me drawn in. It was a very thought provoking book, it made me feel like I needed to re-evaluate my life and my role in society after reading. It is definitely a beautiful story.

Busting the Newbie Blues

Small Review is hosting a Busting the Newbie Blues Event!! WHOOHOO!!! So, as a very NEW newbie, here are my answers to their questionnaire.


When did you start your blog? 2 days ago...jeeze..it already feels like its been forever! lol...Kidding!!

Why did you start your blog? For the love of books...and my constant need to do something.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far? Finding my way into the book blogger world, and picking my background... hehehe ^.^

What do you find most discouraging about being a new blogger? I wonder if my blog will ever take off, or if I will sit here forever...

What do you find most encouraging? The endless possibilities, meeting new people and learning more about the book blogging world.

What do you like best about the blogs you read? Have you tried to replicate this in your blog? I love all of the different personalities out there. I do try to make sure my blog is me...which is harder than you would think...how does someone put their whole soul into one website, one blog?

What do you dislike about blogs you’ve read? Do you try to avoid this? Some are very pessimistic, and I do not enjoy that. I will always try to be upbeat.

Any advice for other new bloggers? Keep going, keep commenting, keep blogging...even if you are the only person that reads it, at least someone did.

Anything else you’d like to share about your experience? Ummm...just beware of the ginga-ninjas...they come out at night. If you start to smell gingerbread, RUN! Run as fast as you can!!

Is there anything you’d like to tell us about your blog? I'm weird, so be afraid...very afraid...

Wild Wednesday

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! Today is Wild Wednesday!!!!!!!

It has been a wild week, and what better way to start a blog than with a crazed mindset? The answer is none...because crazy is gooooooooddd!

Topic of the day: Advance Reader Copies(ARCs)

The more I look for really good YA ARCs the harder they are to find. I have discovered one place to find them, netGalley. It is a free membership and you can request as many of them as you would like. The ARCs come in a electronic format that you can put onto you Nook or Kindle if you so decide. From my understanding they are always a competition to get, so you have to act fast and get them while they last.

I just received my first ARC this morning!!!! And it will be my next review. It is THE KEENING by A. LaFaye. From what I can see on the quick reviews on GoodReads, it seems to be a sad book that a majority of people like. I, however, am exteremly excited about it! I feel like I need to take pictures of it or something to make sure that I remember it perfectly. Ahh...sweet memories... Anywho...

Here is the synopsis of it: "Born into a family with artistry in their fingers, Lyza laments that her only talent is carving letters into wood. That is until her life is turned upside down when her mother succumbs to the influenza pandemic of 1918, which is devastating their small coastal town in Maine. With her mother gone, Lyza must protect her eccentric father, who runs the risk of being committed, especially now that he claims he’s waiting for the return of his dead wife. Can Lyza save her father and find her own path in the process?"

Synopsis

I am curious as to where everyone else gets their ARCs and what your first was? And were you crazy enough to dig out the camera and make memories? Or am I just that weird?...Don't answer that last one.

Oh, on a side note I finished MATCHED by Ally Condie. Look for a review on that later today or tomorrow. See you then!

Hello There!

My name is Jessica and I am new to the world of book reviews. I have always had a passion for reading and love to talk about my favorite books. Most of the time I tend to read in the YA area, but I also enjoy a good Romance/trash novel. ;)

What spurred the thought of reviewing books was actually my sister. She is an aspiring author and a wonderful writer if you ask me. But in reading her books I have discovered a world that was meant for me, a magical place of reading and telling my opinions (which I have a lot of...). I can't wait to get started. I am currently reading MATCHED by Ally Condie. It is a YA dystopian novel that I should be finished with sometime later today or tonight. Thanks for stopping by!