Friday, July 30, 2010

Follow Friday Already!



Welcome to my blog! This is the 3rd week I've been doing Follow My Book Blog Friday hosted by Parajunkie and the Book Blogger Hop hosted by Crazy for Books. I now have 4 times as many followers as I did 3 weeks ago! It's amazing and wonderful! You should try it.

For the Book Blogger Hop, we always answer a question to try to get to know each other a little better. This week's question is:

Who is your favorite new-to-you author so far this year?

Hmmm...I like Sharon Shinn, author of "The Alleluia Files" (I read this book because she is my doppleganger in several ways) but I also like Michelle Moran, author of "Nefertiti". I would like to read more of these 2 authors as soon as I get some space on my bookshelf!

Leave a comment and a link to your post and I'll come visit you!

The Thirteenth Chime Twitter Party

Emma Michaels Follower Award

I'm going to be there, are you?

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

TEASER TUESDAYS


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:




Grab your current read.

Open to a random page.

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
 
 
Here's mine: "You'll see," Luke said. "Give him a project and he'll think he's the ruler of the world. He'll boss you and the ladies around until you mutiny."
"Ladies? Who else will be baking cupcakes?"
from page 212 of Lavender Morning by Jude Deveraux.
 
You can leave a comment here with a link to your Teaser or go over to Should Be Reading and leave one there. If you don't have a blog, you can leave your teaser in your comment.  

Monday, July 26, 2010

Check out my new logo!

My awesome daughter made this awesome logo for me!
I am so proud!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

An Award to Get and to Pass Along

Savannah, over at Books With Bite, just gave me an award! This is it! Thank you so much. The last couple of weeks have been great in my blog world. Since I discovered Follow Friday and the Book Blogger Hop, my followers have increased tremendously. Getting this award makes me really happy! Don't forget to go visit Books With Bite and see what else is on Savannah's blog.

Here's how this award works:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic

for whatever reason!

4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award! I’m sure they’ll be thankful ;-)

7 things about me...hmmm...
...I'm the shortest person in my family - my children and my husband are all taller than I
...I like to sew
...I love my computer and I'm on it every day
...I like to have flower gardens, but I don't really like digging in the dirt
...I'm getting a new daughter (well, a daughter-in-law) in September and I'm very excited about that
...I like to go to the movies
...I LOVE chocolate
 
There.
 
Here are 15 bloggers that I think are great:
 
1. Emma Michaels
2. The Nerd's Wife
3. Between Library Shelves
4. Black Fingernailed Reviews
5. A Heart for Words
6. At Home With Books
7. Booking Mama
8. Books Are Dreams
9. Confessions of a Bookaholic
10. Must Love Books
11. Reading to Know
12. Rhiana Reads
13. Writing From the Tub
14. To Read or Not To Read
15. Royal Reviews

Okay, that's it! Phew! Awarding is hard work, but thanks for presenting it to me, Savannah. Don't forget to visit her blog at Books With Bite.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list!!


The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!!

Check out the rules on Crazy for Books. Post about the Hop on your blog! Spread the word about the book party! The more the merrier! Each week bloggers answer a different question to help us get to know each other better. This is the question of the week:

TELL US ABOUT THE BOOK YOU ARE CURRENTLY READING!

I just finished "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson. It was a page-turner, but it was also disturbing. It made me want to round up my children, especially my daughters, and keep them near me so they wouldn't be prey for sadistic men who like to kill women. Of course, I can't do that because my daughters are old enough to fend for themselves... Anyway, I did like the book. I read the last 300 pages in one afternoon. So, if you like suspense and mysteries, you would definitely like this book. The character of Lisbeth Salander impressed me very much. She was a victim of abuse as a child, but she struggled to survive and used her gifts to become the best researcher Mikael Blomkvist ever met. She definitely had some quirks and creative ways of paying jerks back for their behavior. But, as great as that seems, I most likely won't be reading the other two books in the series - just too disturbing.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium, #1)The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This book was certainly a page-turner, but it was very disturbing. I said at the beginning that I liked Lisbeth Salandar and I still do - she is independent, her own woman and very intelligent, but she is also a little crazy and you only find out a little of her background that explains it in this book. The story was interesting and the way it was written made you want to keep reading until you found out the answers. One thing I didn't like was the Epilogue. When you got that far, you just wanted to find out what happened and it took a long time to get there. Even though I liked the book, I don't think I will read the 2nd book. I don't want to put myself through that.



View all my reviews >>

Saturday, July 17, 2010

My Interview with Emma Michaels!!!

The Thirteenth Chime by Emma Michaels
'A Sense of Truth' novel

No one knew of its existence until it was removed from the attic upstairs.



In a beautiful house that overlooks the sea, an antique clock has the power to change the course of their lives.

The power the clock resonates will not only force Destiny and ex-boyfriend David on a journey into the depths of one man's mind long dead, but into the mind of a man filled with hatred and bent on revenge.

With the only clues to the nature of the clock having disappeared into the sea, Destiny and David must retrace the steps the man had taken into the darkness, before they fall prey to the trap he had set in motion over half a century ago.

Hatred never dies.

Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal/ Urban Fantasy)
Publisher: Bokheim Publishing
Available soon in all digital formats and print
for more imformation or to submit your blog for a change to review The Thirteenth Chime e-mail Emma@EmmaMichaels.com
or
(Please feature The Thirteenth Chime in the subject)

That's the information, here's the interview...

1. When did you first consider yourself a writer?


A) I considered myself a writer the day I first scribbled out a story idea. I think there is a difference between an author and a writer though... Yes, I'm now published, but I think I will always have the heart of a writer. Authors are people who work much different and can write on a schedule and make first drafts by their deadlines. While I do all of that and enjoy it even, I think I will always write, not because of being an author but just because it is something I love and such a large part of who I am. But I promise each of you this - if you love the stories I plan to bring you, I will keep writing for as long as you want!

2. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

A) I began to be interested in writing after I read my first YA book. I was ill at the time and confined to bed, so the only thing I could do was read and write. After that first book, I was hooked! I scribbled ideas for years but other than for work, it was last year that I finally began letting my words pour forth into my first novel.

3. How did you name your characters?

A) David was named for a special reason within the book that I can't give away yet. Destiny's name wasn't chosen until the book was almost complete. I was talking to my fiance about the relationship between the two main characters and he commented about how the girl "just seemed to be David's destiny". It was in that moment that I just knew what her name was meant to be - she is David's Destiny.

4. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

A) I think I mostly want readers to be able to enjoy the novel the way that other novels have brought me joy. You can read the same book multiple times and always find a different meaning and I think that the 'A Sense of Truth' series will be the same. I have so many things that I believe in that show through my writing but most of all I believe in people. I believe in us all and want all of us to be able to achieve amazing things. That can mean love, that can mean that sometimes you never realize what you are meant to do until you do it, that can mean putting your own life before the life of another person, it can mean anything and so many of these themes show through in my writing. I just really believe in all of us and the things that we are capable of.

5. What is your favorite part of your new book? Favorite character? Why?

A) My favorite character is probably Stephanie, Destiny's best friend/roommate. She adds a certain charm and element that is very important in the relationship between David and Destiny. As to favorite parts, I think it is when the three of them come together and make peace. It is very important within the story and helps the bond between David and Destiny to grow.

6. Who designed the cover?

A) I had a few ideas that I submitted to Bokheim. I didn't expect for them to really hear me out, but they loved the idea and I was blessed to find out that they already had the perfect artist in mind when they heard my ideas. After a few revisions, the cover was complete and I feel that it matches the story perfectly. I am very thankful to the artist and to Bokheim.

7. What was the hardest part of writing your book?

A) The hardest part of the book was coming to terms with the beginning and ending of the book. When I write a story, I am both a storyteller but also a scribe. By that I mean I'm basically along for the ride, and it is the characters themselves who tell the story that I then share with all of you. The beginning had to be perfect in my mind and so I agonized over the first paragraph right up to the day I finished the first draft. With the ending, I really wondered what potential fans would think. Some are going to be really surprised and others, at least I think, are going to love it and think it was the right choice.

8. What books have most influenced your life?

A) I've had a lot of books influence me over the years. It was reading my first YA book that encouraged and inspired me to write YA. But if there was a single book that has inspired me above all others, it is DaVinci's journal, a copy of it that I was fortunate enough to purchase when I was younger, that has truly inspired and influenced me. It was the first time I actually started to think about everything that was possible and all the steps forward people could take. I realized that he was seen as a dreamer or in some cases less than sane for thinking about flying machines or machines that could take us from floor to floor instead of using the stairs. Yet, now look at us. We have amazing airplanes that can fly higher than he had dreams, we can now go into space and well, elevators, as much as some of us might not like them they are very useful and such a wonderful thing to have for people who have a harder time with stairs. I really believe that we can achieve anything as long as we all work at it together, with some luck and a bit of blessings, it can happen.

9. What book are you reading now?

A) I am actually in between library visits so trying to find something that I can get my hands on in the mean time. Oh! I am also reading Barbara Walters' How to talk with practically anybody about practically anything. I think it might help me with speaking to people in person and also help me understand a bit better how an interviewer feels and how I can help make situations more comfortable for everyone. So far a fascinating read! I will admit, normally I just stick with YA novels but I am really happy that I am reading this. she is just such an honest writer that it is so refreshing.

10. Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

A) Tamora Pierce. She just has a way with words that brings her written world to life for the reader. I hope one day to match her skill with the written word.

11. Do you have another job, or is writing your full-time job?

A) Up until a short time ago, I worked as a freelance writer and ghostwriter for several novels. Last year, I took the plunge to begin writing for myself under the encouragement of my fiance. It is now my hope to transition to full-time author and continue to bring my books to potential fans.

12. How do you begin a story? Do you have an idea of a plot and then create characters to fit…or create characters and then find adventures for them, or…?

A) It's all a bit of both, but usually it starts out with an idea and I just write like crazy until I have the basic idea out. After that, I turn to my usual organizational routine as it helps me write. The characters are usually found within the original idea, but more often than not, new characters develop as the world of the story is explored during the actual writing process. I try to take a passenger seat when I write and I think the result speaks for itself.

13. How does it feel to be a published author?

A) Amazing! I am so grateful to Bokheim Publishing, my fiance and all of the bloggers and blog readers who have supported me during this time. You have been terrific, and I will always be grateful. I hope you will enjoy reading "The Thirteenth Chime" as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Thank you for the interview and to everyone reading. Your support really does mean so much to me!!!

Thanks, Emma. Now on August 13th everybody head to the bookstore or Amazon.com or wherever you get your books online and buy Emma's book.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Book Blogger Hop - It's a PARTY

Book Blogger Hop

Along with the Follow my Book Blog Friday Blog Hop, I'm also participating in the Book Blogger Hop sponsored by Crazy for Books. It lasts all weekend and asks a question of the week - this week's question is:
RIGHT THIS INSTANT, WHAT BOOK ARE YOU DYING TO GET YOUR HANDS ON (PAST, PRESENT, OR FUTURE)?


The book I'm dying to get my hands on is "Clockwork Angel" by Cassandra Clare. It comes out August 31st. Another book I'm looking forward to reading is "The Thirteenth Chime" by Emma Michaels who I met on last week's blog hop.
Try the hop - you'll like it!

Follow Follow Follow



It's Friday again and I'm doing a Blog Hop! Welcome to any fellow hoppers! If you have never heard of the Follow Friday Blog Hop, this is how you can join and make new book blogger friends:

Just follow these simple rules:


Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list

Follow our Featured Bloggers - http://www.onceuponachapter.com/

Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.

Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments

Follow Follow Follow as many as you can

If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers

Happy Follow Friday!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

TEASER TUESDAYS

Today I'll give you a teaser from the other book I'm reading: "Fortunata and Jacinta" by Benito Perez Galdos...
on page 370..."Fortunata, who had been transferred to Mauricia's dormitory several days earlier, saw that her friend had lain down dressed and barefoot. She approached her and, hearing her deep breathing, thought she was sound asleep. That singular state her friend was in gave her reason to worry; she hoped that Mauricia would soon come around as she had on other occasions.

on page 371...In a profoundly lethargic state, Mauricia did what she had not been able to do awake: she continued the action interrupted by the locked door."

What was she up to??????

Monday, July 12, 2010

It's Monday already?

It's Monday already??? Where does the time go? My youngest daughter had her Grad Party yesterday, so high school is officially over. We had a good time looking through photos and cooking and decorating, but it put a dent into my reading time! So, this Monday, I am reading "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson and I like it. I especially like Lisbeth Salander. She seems so quirky and independent. I love people who are rebels in their own ways - even if it's just in their minds - because it makes them awesome individuals. I encourage and praise that in my own children. Forgive me, I'm waxing philosophical today - grad party brought out the sentimental me. Anyway, our book club is reading "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" and my sister is having a tough time getting into it. I may change my mind about it, but as of today, I'm intrigued and looking forward to seeing how the story develops.
I'm also STILL reading "Fortunata and Jacinta" by Benito Perez Galdos. It's over 800 pages, so I just keep plugging away. It is entertaining and sometimes makes me laugh out loud at things that happen.

What are YOU reading today?

Well, I just looked for a place to add my post for "What are you reading on Mondays?" and I couldn't find one. I've just been posting and not linking for a while now, but I thought I would share. Oh well, I guess I'll post it to Musing on Mondays if that's okay. The question of the week is "Can you read amid distractions?" and I would say I have to agree that having a number of people floating around me doesn't distract me, but the television does. I usually mute the TV or turn it off if I'm reading alone in the living room. My powers of concentration must be diminishing. I also take a book whenever I go somewhere where I will have to "wait". Although I can, I would rather not just sit and do nothing. I have found though, that when I go to visit my family - we go to Grandma's every Sunday for dinner - I leave my books at home because I want to talk to them and not be transported elsewhere via a book.

That's what I think, what do you think?

Friday, July 9, 2010

Follow My Book Blog Friday

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:


1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list

2. Follow our Featured Bloggers - www.theunreadreader.com

3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.

4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments

5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can

6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers

7. If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!


Happy Follow Friday! This should be fun!



What is a blog hop?




A blog hop is a linky list that is SHARED ON MULTIPLE BLOGS.

When several blogs put the same linky list code on their blog, the

exact same list appears on each blog.



Blog visitors can submit their entries on any blog that contains the list.

The entries will appear on each blog where the list resides.



Blog readers see the same list on each blog, and can "HOP" from blog

to blog seeing the same list of links to follow: BLOG HOP!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

The Thirteenth Chime by Emma Michaels

Emma Michaels' debut novel is to be released August 13th. You can watch a trailer about it here:



Looks amazing!

TEASER TUESDAYS

Today I am reading "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson. This excerpt is from page 277:

Then he walked up to his employer's house. He found Vanger on the ground floor. The old man raised his eyebrows in surprise when he saw Mikael.
"Did you escape?"
"Released early."
"That's a surprise."
"For me too. I found out last night."
They looked at each other for a few seconds. Then the old man surprised Blomkvist by throwing his arms around him and giving him a bear hug.



Sunday, July 4, 2010

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

Year of Wonders Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks



My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. At first glance, a book about the Plague sounds as though it would be depressing, but what I liked about it was that the girl we were following kept going. She suffered numerous losses of her own as well as losing many members of her community, but she investigated various plants to find remedies for the victims and she never lost her spirit. She also found a calling to midwifery and medicine because of the things she had to endure. I recommend this book to any historical fiction fan.



View all my reviews >>