Saturday, July 31, 2010

Winner Of Linger!!!!!


Phew! Sorry guys it took awhile to get through all of the entries!!!
However we do have a winner! Now with a drum-roll..........



The Winner is........



Number 173
bridget3420!




Congratulations! I have emailed you and I hope to hear back soon, you will have 48 hours to respond and then I will pick another winner! Thanks for entering everyone and stay tuned for
my next giveaway =)





Happy Reading!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Author Interview: Maggie Stiefvater




I was lucky enough to snag a awesome interview with the lovely Maggie Stiefvater!

I asked her a bunch of questions about her newly released book Linger that came out July 20th. So have fun reading her book and this interview!




Do Sam and Grace represent anyone from your real life?


Well, I’m a big time thief when it comes to people’s personalities, but I don’t usually steal someone whole-cloth. That wouldn’t be quite as entertaining -- characters are like art. You can take a snapshot of a bowl of apples or you can take that same bowl of apples and paint it with cool colors and globby paint and put your own interpretation on it. And while some people love that photorealistic art, most people, I think, would prefer to hang a good painting.


So that’s my long way of saying, no, not really. They have kernels of people I have met, but that’s wrapped with bits and bobs from other places.


Where do you go to get inspired to write these books?

Driving. It sounds bad but all my best ideas come to me at over 65 miles an hour.


What was your favorite scene in Linger?

It really depends on the mood you catch me in. There’s a painful scene involving a bathtub I like. Also one with a deer. I tend to like the ones that make you go “Ew” or “aw.” Something with a “w” at the end.


What was your overall mission when writing these books?


To make my readers cry hard enough that snot comes out of their noises. Also, to look at the idea that we choose the people we want to be, no matter what our circumstances are. But also, the snot. That bit’s important.


What is your favorite series (or multiple series) of books?


Hm, I tend to be less patient with series than I used to be -- all of my favorite series seem to be middle grade. Like The Dark is Rising, The Black Cauldron, and the Harry Potter series. I like things with wizards, zapping, and angst. Unicorns help, but are optional.


If you could be any character in Linger who would you be and why?


Ohmigosh. I would not wish to be any of them -- they all have terrible things inflicted upon them and are in bad need of therapy. Maybe Karyn from the bookstore. Nothing bad has happened to her . .. yet.




I would like to personally Thank Maggie and her publishing group for letting me be apart of this blog tour! I absolutely love this series and I can not wait to read more!



Happy Reading!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Will Post Winner To Linger Soon!



Hey guys I just wanted to let you know I will be posting the winner to Linger soon =) I also wanted to thank you all for entering the contest! So stay tuned!



Happy Reading!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Win Linger by Maggie Stiefvater!!!!


In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

Rules:
Thats right folks I was able to get one copy to give away to one of my lucky readers!!! Thanks too Samantha with Scholastic! So there is one main rule to the giveaway you MUST be a follower, if you are not a follower than just click the follow button and ta-da! There are also a number of different ways to get extra entries, so if you would like a better chance too win =) You must leave a valid email address for me too contact the winner I will give the winner 48 hours to claim their prize then I will pick a new winner. So below are a list of extra entries you can all participate in! Good Luck I will pick the winner (through Random.org) on July 20, 2010 the release date of the book!



Extra entries:
+1 for following me
+2 for already following <3
+7 for (each) referring someone (they must state your name in entering)
+1 following on Twitter +5 for actual blog post (leave link)
+1 for tweeting (leave @ras1513)
+2 for following these great blogs (+2 for each)
Try Reading My Mind
Bloody Bookaholic
Cooking With Sammy (good giveaways!)



Good Luck All!


Happy Reading!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Review: Untamed (House of Night Series #4)


  • Title: Untamed
  • Author: P.C and Kristin Cast
  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Received From: I Bought it
  • Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (September 29, 2009)
  • Genre: Fantasy/Fiction/YA
  • Cover: A+
  • Overall: B
  • ISBN-10: 0312596308

Life sucks when your friends are pissed at you. Just ask Zoey Redbird – she’s become an expert on suckiness. In one week she has gone from having three boyfriends to having none, and from having a close group of friends who trusted and supported her, to being an outcast. Speaking of friends, of the two Zoey has left, one is undead and one is unMarked. And Neferet has declared war on humans, which Zoey knows in her heart is wrong. But will anyone listen to her? Zoey's adventures at vampyre finishing school take a wld and dangerous turn as loyalties are tested, shocking true intentions come to light, and an ancient evil is awakened.




I am not going to lie I did not think that this book in the series brought the Amazing factor like the rest of the books. Don't get me wrong it was still a good book however I did think the others where much more stronger. I feel like this book had alot less action in it well, except for the end but don't worry I will not spoil that for any of you! I feel like this book dug more into Zoeys personal life and I did like that however I would have liked too see more action. I did think the Raven Mockers and the background too them where really cool, however it seemed like a build up to more build up lol!

I think the plot could have been stronger because it seemed secondary to me over the issues with Zoey and boys. I also thought that the character development could have continued and not just stayed where it was in the last book. However I did like certain scenarios for instant when Erik came to be a teacher, I thought that was an interesting turn of events. I also enjoyed the fact that Neferet is waging war on humans and that Zoey must find a way to stop it, I think that really brought up the plot for me.

Overall I would not say a bad book but just not my personal favorite in the entire series. I like a mix of all the elements: Action, Romance, Comedy, and Suspense! But what can I say I am hooked on this series so they have not lost me =)



So What Did You Think of Untamed?
-Or-
Will You Read It?




Happy Reading!

Review: Chosen (House of Night Series #3)


  • Title: Chosen
  • Author: P.C and Kristin Cast
  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Received From: I Bought it
  • Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (March 4, 2008)
  • Genre: Fantasy/Fiction/YA
  • Cover: A+
  • Overall: A-
  • ISBN-10: 0312360304

Dark forces are at work at the House of Night and Zoey Redbird's adventures at the school take a mysterious turn. Her best friend, Stevie Rae, is undead and struggling to maintain a grip on her humanity. Zoey finds herself in the very unexpected and rare situation of having three boyfriends. Mix a little bloodlust into the equation and the situation has the potential to spell social disaster. Just when it seems things couldn't get any tougher, vampyres start turning up dead. Really dead. It looks like the People of Faith are tired of living side-by-side with vampyres. But, as Zoey and her friends so often find out, how things appear rarely affects the truth...



I keep loving this series more and more as I go on! I find that this series is such a good read and it keeps getting stronger. The characters are developing along with the story and to me that is what makes for a great series! I also love the fact that Zoey is not being portrayed as perfect, because at that age no one is perfect. Well actual no one is perfect, what I am trying to say I think it is a very wise move on the authors to show that not only is Zoey a really strong Vampyre but she is also human at heart. I think this book shows how teens can go through many problems and have no where too turn.

The only thing that really got too me in this book was Zoey with all the guys. I mean I understand the blood lust but come on she keeps going back and forth and it does not make her seem appealing. However I also look at it as another mistake teenagers make, so it does not bother me that much. I love where the authors are taking Stevie Raes character I find her very interesting and something to look out for in the later books!

The plot I think was a very good turn for this series because Zoey basically alienated everyone to help save them. Not to mention the new characters that are being brought in too, I also find it interesting how I am slowly turning away from some characters and loving others. For instance Aphrodite I hated her now I absolutely love her! I think the setting in this book could have been a little stronger I did not feel that magical feeling like I did in the first two however I think this book mainly focused on the plot. Overall I really enjoyed this book and the rest of the series which I will be posting shortly =)



So What Did You Think of Chosen?
-Or-
Will You Read It?




Happy Reading!

Monday, June 21, 2010

I am a Graduate!!!!!

As most of you know I am a graduate from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh with my Bachelors in Graphic Design..... Well I had my Commencement last Friday and I wanted to share some pics with all of you my besties, I have on honors cords (cuz I graduated with them) and NTHS Cords =) enjoy!!!


Meee
[unfortunatly with out makeup =( ]

Hard work does pay off!!!

Woot!

Im in the Middle =)


So thats it all I can say is it was a ride! Good times and stressful ones but to all of you out there wanting to go back to school or are going I leave you with remembering this. There is only one person stopping you from reaching your dreams..... YOU! So go out there and get them I believe in all of you!!!


Happy Learning =P

Thursday, June 17, 2010

What I am reading now (8)

So I am a little behind with updating with what I am reading so to summarize I have read all the Sookie Stackhouse books (LOVE THEM WANTING MORE!) and I just finished Linger..... So I am now on the path to finishing the House of Night series and as of right now I am in Chosen....




Redbird, leader of the Dark Daughters and vampyre fledgling extraordinaire, has discovered some mysterious and disturbing events occurring at her vampyre finishing school. Her ex-roommate and best friend, Stevie Rae, is "undead" and only due to Zoey's love and belief that she still possesses some humanity has Stevie Rae not become a true monster. Zoey must quickly find a way to reverse what has been done to her before it is too late. To complicate matters, Zoey is forced to keep this a secret from her friends and has been betrayed by her mentor and advisor, Neferet. Zoey knows that Neferet is behind the creation of these "undead" creatures and is not at all what she seems. For help, she turns to her rival, Aphrodite, who becomes her confidante and partner in crime. Horror strikes the House of Night when two professors end up brutally murdered.




Have You Read It?
Do You Think I Will Like It?



Happy Reading!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

True Blood Season 3 Episode 1 Review!!!


FINALLY!!!! I have been waiting for this season to start forever! I am not gonna lie I was camped out in front of my TV since 6 just waiting for it to come on. However it was well worth the wait and I was surprised to find there was a pre show and post?? Love it these people definitely know my addiction!! So now that I am done gushing how about I get to the review? Just to let you all know there will be SPOILERS in my review so if you have not seen it yet.... I suggest you watch =)

First of all I want to discuss the relation to the first episode to the book. I was a little thrown off because I was surprised that it did not relate as much as I thought. However as any good show they do have to build up to the suspense so I will wait before I make my final verdict. Now as all of you know I have an obsession with Eric (yummy!) So when we got to see him.... all of him... I melted lol! I am really enjoying they are showing more of the vampires this season (so far) there is more development with Eric, Pam, the Queen, Jessica, and Bill. I am curious if they are going to go with the same theme as the book as too why Bill went "Missing", I hope.


Now I am a little sick of the drama with Tara, I do not know if it is just me or if anyone else finds the story line with here the same? Heartbroken blah! I feel they either need to mix her in with the vampires or drop her because personally I am bored. Sam's story line is really interesting I really cant wait to see if his family is like him and where that takes him. I also can not wait to see where Lafayette and this V selling is gonna go with the Vampire council. Finally I wanna talk about how awesome I think it is that they use real wolves for the werewolves! I also can not wait until they get to the Were-Bar. Basically too sum up I am really excited for the rest of this season and I am sad I have to wait until Sunday =( But until then I shall leave you with a yummy vampire thats mine lol =P




So What Did You Think?
Happy Watching =)

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Upcoming Book Case Review!


I am extremely excited because I just got word that I will be doing a review on a bookcase from CSN Bookcases!!! as you all know I am all about reading however my precious books need a home of there own, and finding the perfect home can get tricky. So Keep posted with me and I will let you know which bookcase is selected and how well it works so you all can go and get your own =) If you want to help me out with picking one out to review head over to the link below..... Until then bookworms!

Happy Reading!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Review: All Together Dead



  • Title: All Together Dead
  • Author: Charlaine Harris
  • Reading level: Adult
  • Publisher: Ace Books (May 1, 2007)
  • Paperback: 336 pages
  • Received From: Bought
  • Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction
  • Cover: B+
  • Overall: A
  • ISBN-10: 0441014941


Bestseller Harris mixes humorous Southern-fried fantasy with biting satirical commentary in her seventh novel to feature Sookie Stackhouse, the bubbly telepathic barmaid from Bon Temps, La. (after 2006's Definitely Dead). Sookie attends an all-important central U.S. vamp summit on the shores of Lake Michigan as a "human geiger counter" for Sophie-Anne Leclerq, vampire queen of a Louisiana weakened by Katrina and who will be tried during the event for murdering her king. Sookie knows the queen is innocent, but she's hardly prepared for other shocking murders, not to mention protests by the Fellowship of the Sun, a right-wing antivampire movement. Her sleuthing skills, along with those of her new telepath friend, Barry the Bellboy, are put to the extreme test. Harris juggles a large cast, including several romantic contenders for Sookie's heart, with effortless exuberance. HBO's True Blood, based on this addictive series, is scheduled to begin its TV run this fall


This book definitely set the standard for how awesome this series is getting! This book starts off with Sookie being summoned to a Summit for the Vampires where she has to be at the queens side to help prove her innocence. This book is jammed packed with so much action that I could not wait to read more and more, and to me thats how a book ought to be! I also thought the character development got stronger with the characters especially Sookie and her roommate Amelia (who I am liking more and more!)

Also this book definitly got on my good side mainly because there was more and more Eric in it (and we all know how much I love him!!!). This plot was a lot better than the previous book like I said I could not stop reading. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time =) This was the most action packed book so far in the series and I think all you Vamp fans out there will be real pleased with the result! I know I was =P


So What Did You Think Of All Together Dead?
-Or-
Will You Read It?

Happy Reading!

Review: Definitely Dead



  • Title: Definitely Dead
  • Author: Charlaine Harris
  • Reading level: Adult
  • Publisher: Ace Books (May 2, 2006)
  • Paperback: 324 pages
  • Received From: Bought
  • Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction
  • Cover: C
  • Overall: B
  • ISBN-10: 0441014003
Sookie Stackhouse once tried to keep her mind-reading capabilities secret, but the word is definitely out in Bon Temps, Louisiana, her hometown, leading local police to call on her to help find a missing child. There's a new man, were-tiger Quinn, in the picture, too, but on their first date, two were-people attack them. Sookie isn't sure whether she or Quinn was the target but is soon distracted by a more pressing problem. Cousin Hadley, a vampire, has been murdered, and Sookie has inherited her apartment, meaning she has to go to New Orleans to uncover the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death and meet with Hadley's lover, the Vampire Queen herself. Though not quite as driven as past entries in Harris' Southern Vampire series--Sookie doesn't get to New Orleans until a third of the way in--this is a gratifying read for Sookie's fans because of a major surprise for Sookie about one of her old lovers

I am not going to lie I was not impressed by this book in this series, I think some other titles in this series were much better. However non the less this did continue on with the series and it did not stay which was very nice. When continuing on with Sookie's crazy world this book brings you into New Orleans where Sookie goes to clear out her cousins Hadley's apartment. This is when Sookie is brought into the world of Vampire Royalty, she has to visit the queen and learn the truth about Hadley's death. Along with all that Sookie has to figure out her relationship with Quinn the hunky tiger, and gets caught up in a war, talk about a vacation!

So now that your up to speed with the summary of the book let me fill you in on what I think =) Personally it was not one of my favorites, however it still kept me reading. I think the best part about the book was when Sookie went to meet the queen, everything else seemed like fillers. The plot seemed to be what killed it for me, the character development was great and the scenery was depicted well however the plot was wah wah wahhhhh. However as I said before it kept me reading and believe me the next books were great! So keep on reading my friends keep on reading!


So What Did You Think Of Definitely Dead?
-Or-
Will You Read it?

Happy Reading!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Review: Captivate


  • Title: Captivate
  • Author: Carrie Jones
  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (December 23, 2008)
  • Paperback: 288 pages
  • Received From: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
  • Genre: Fantasy/Fiction
  • Cover: A
  • Overall: A
  • ISBN-10: 1599903423

Zara and her friends knew they hadn’t solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king’s needs grow deeper every day he’s stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It’s made him vulnerable. And now there’s a new king in town.

A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he’s one of the good guys. Nick isn’t buying it, though Zara isn’t as sure — despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it’s a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It’s her life — and his.


So when I started reading the first book in this series I did not know what to expect, however when I began this book I knew exactly what I was getting myself into! When I received this book in the mail from the publisher I was so excited and as the pages began to turn I was definitely not disappointed. When Need ended it left me in such suspense that this sequel started out perfectly. I think the plot was the most important thing in this book because we got to know most of the main characters in the first book. So I felt like the author payed close attention in getting the plot down to the exact detail (to the characters) that she made us believe in the first book. However new characters are introduced in this book and they sure do not disappoint maybe a love triangle? Who knows I am not going to spoil it ;)

There were also parts in this book that definitely had my heart in my throat, I am not going to spoil it for you (unless you already read it and know what I am talking about) but all I can say is this book definitely gets emotional. I find it ironic that the titles of this series are exactly how I feel when wanting to read the next ie. Need I needed to read Captivate and now I am captivated to continue, maybe its me but I find this author to not only write amazing books but also know exactly how to capture me in! Hey I am not complaining =) Oh and the ending to this book (last couple of chapters) will blow your mind! I definitely recommend this series so if you have not started it pick up Need and if you are continuing read the sequel!!!




So What Did You Think Of Captivate?

-or-

Will You Read It?



Happy Reading!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Mail Box Monday (20)


So I got something I have been waiting for, since last summer! I can not wait to read this because the first book was so amazing!!! I know you will agree with me when I say that this was a very good mail box surprise =)






Linger
by Maggie Stiefvater
Received from Scholastic Publishing


In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.



So What Did You Get?





Happy Reading!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Review: Need



  • Title: Need
  • Author: Carrie Jones
  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (December 23, 2008)
  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Received From: I bought it
  • Genre: Fantasy/Fiction
  • Cover: A
  • Overall: A++++
  • ISBN-10: 1599903385


Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal.

Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.


AMAZING! I love love love this book! I honestly could not put it down and when I did I was extremely sad! The storyline had me hooked instantly and as the pages turned I found myself more and more involved. The way Carrie wrote this book I actually felt like I was there and hanging out with Zara while everything happened. Oh and I can not forget to mention the pixies, I mean come on! What an awesome concept and so different from the normal tinker bell =P I have a feeling this book will be in my top 10 of 2010 because it was that good.

This book is filled with so much action packed fantasy, everywhere from pixies to were's its awesome! I also really enjoyed how Carrie explained Zara's surroundings because I felt like that was a key point in helping me visualize the pixies and their habitat. Oh and don't even get me started on the characters because I could write a book on that! I mean they all seemed so detailed and real to the point where I did not even feel like I was reading. Especially Zara she was laid out so perfectly that I could not help but want to read more to find out her particular story.

If you could not tell, I am not asking you but telling you: GO READ THIS BOOK. If you are anything like me and love fantasy young adult this is one you have to read. I loved it!





Happy Reading!

Review: Truly Madly



  • Title: Truly Madly
  • Author: Heather Webber
  • Reading level: Adult
  • Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks; 1 edition (February 2, 2010)
  • Paperback: 305 pages
  • Received From: Received from Author
  • Genre: Fantasy/Fiction
  • Cover: A+
  • Overall: B
  • ISBN-10: 0312946139
Meet Lucy Valentine; sassy, fabulously original…and psychic. Lucy hails from a long line of matchmakers known as Valentine INC. According to family legend, the Valentines have been blessed by Cupid with the ability to help couples find true love. Trouble is Lucy’s powers were zapped away by an electrical surge and now all she can find are lost objects. But what good is that in the matchmaking world? Lucy is about to find out when she tries to solve a murder and winds up falling into a romance of her own.



This book was definitely different, but in a really good way! As most of you know I read more of the Young Adult Fantasy however I found this story to be really intriguing. I think the characters were my favorite aspect of this story Heather goes into a ton of detail on each and every one of them and you really feel like you know them. I also really enjoyed the plot, It was interesting twist on a fantasy aspect. Lucy seemed like the kind of girl everyone would want to be friends with, and with a talent unlike anyone else!

I also really like how they ended this book (don't worry I am not going to spoil it) mainly because most books end badly, not like in a "oh thats lame" way but to the point where you make up your own endings. This book ends with the "what happens next?" feeling where you want to know more! I would suggest this book for anyone who loves fantasy and wants to give adult fiction a try, It really does not disappoint!





Happy Reading!

I left a student and now I am back a Graduate!!!!


I DID IT!!!!! So sorry for the excitement but I am finally back and I passed college and I am an official graduate =) This was a long stressful road for me but I can say that I learned many things along the way. I just want to say thanks to everyone on here for being so supportive. I have put below a picture of my stand (built from scratch) that I displayed my portfolio and artwork on for employers. (btw for anyone who did not know I graduated with my Bachelors in Graphic Design) It has my logo made out of plexi glass and its all sweet looking! Now I just need to find a job (anyone wanna help)


However I have read tons of stuff this long while and I will be posting........ NOW!





Happy Reading!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

update: Im going CRAZY

Just wanted to let u guys know im ok.... just going crazy!!!! As most of you know I am graduating in 3 weeks. Well I am still getting my portfolio done, however have been reading. So this is what is coming up:

- truly madly review
- need review
- captivate review

So sorry about the delay but I will be posting very soooon, hopefully if my final weeks dont kill me :\

Saturday, February 13, 2010

What I am Reading Now (8)

Truly Madly
by Heather Webber

Here is an excerpt from the book =).....

Lucy Valentine is as smart as can be, as single as you can get, and so not qualified to run a matchmaking service. But when her parents temporarily step down from the family business, Valentine, Inc., it’s Lucy’s turn to step up and help out—in the name of love.

Plus, her rent is due.

Here’s the problem: Lucy doesn’t have the knack for matchmaking. According to family legend, every Valentine has been blessed by Cupid with the ability to read “auras” and pair up perfect couples. But not Lucy. Her skills were zapped away years ago in an electrical surge, and now all she can do is find lost objects. What good is that in the matchmaking world? You’d be surprised. In a city like Boston, everyone’s looking for something. So when Lucy locates a missing engagement ring—on a dead body—she asks the sexy private eye who works upstairs to help her solve the perfect crime. And who knows? Maybe she’ll find the perfect love while she’s at it…



Happy Reading!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Author Interview: Jen Nadol


Jen Nadol took the time to stop by my blog and answer a couple of questions about her book The Mark. We also asked some other fun questions about her life and writing check it out:



What did you want to be when you were younger? Did you always want to write?
An air traffic controller, artist, veterinarian and, yes, definitely a writer.

Do you have a special place where you go and read/write? I almost always read in bed and always write in my home office.

Which author(s) inspires you to write? Did any author have an influence on how you wrote The Mark? I feel like I’ve mentioned Lisa McMann to so many people she’s going to think I’m a crazy stalker or something, but I read WAKE in one night right in the middle of my final edits to The Mark and it was a lightning-bolt moment: THIS is what my editor means by “tighten up the prose”! I loved WAKE and thought her writing was so clean and beautifully effective. It definitely helped me “clean up” The Mark.

I’ve read so many amazing books where I’m awed by the writer’s talent – White Oleander, The Kite Runner, almost anything by John Irving. Honestly, though, sometimes I’m more discouraged than inspired after reading them! I actually read very little when I’m in heavy writing mode.


Do any of your characters reflect anyone in your life? No, they really don’t. I wouldn’t even say they’re composites of people I know. They exist only on the page and in my head.

How did you come up with such a unique plot? Have you been working on it for a while? The idea – what if you knew it was someone’s day to die – just came to me when I was tossing around story ideas. And, right away, I could see some of the conflicts, even scenes that would play out. So I’d say the plot came pretty quickly. Actually writing it took a whole lot longer.

Do you have any plans of making a sequel? Yes, there is a completed sequel that we’re just beginning edits on. It’ll be out sometime in 2011.

Do you have any other books you’re currently working on? I have three other YA novels that are in early stages, but I’m not one of those people who are good at spreading my focus. I never read more than one book at a time and definitely can’t write more than one so they’ll have to wait until the sequel’s edits are finished.

What is your biggest goal in life? To make the most of my time and savor and appreciate the good stuff of life all along the way.

If you could have anyone (anyone at anytime) read your book, who would it be? This question had me thinking for so long! I’m going to have to go with my sons who are way too young to read it now. The rest of my family has all read it already and having my boys read it – and hopefully be proud of it – would be more important than anyone else I can think of. Um, unless Oprah wants to read and tell the world she loved it…

What’s the next book you plan to read? I have an ARC of Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus on my nightstand for the Tenner ARC tour. I’ve heard great things about it and am really hoping to find time to read soon!


Too learn more about Jen's book and life please visit her website below. I want to thank Jen for taking the time out of her day to come share this information with us, and I also want to thank Anna Dalziel from for making this all happen =)





Happy Reading!

We Have a Winners!!!

Well it took a lot of time to sort through the entries, I ended up with a total of 407! However we finally have two winners from the Your Choice New Years Contest! So with out further or do here are the winners (picked through random org).......




The 15 dollar credit:
Number 390: Elie N

The 10 dollar credit:
Number 113: Dreamer





I have already emailed the winners and if they do not respond with in 48 hours I will choose another winner.... Congrats you guys, and if you did not win don't worry there are going to be plenty more contests!




Happy Reading!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Extended the Giveaway...

So yes we are not at 250 followers yet only 10 more soooooo..... being that we are so close I am going to extend it for a couple more days so that way I can give out the two prize and not just one! When I see we are at 250 then I will close it =)

Happy Reading!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

One more day to enter!!!!

Hey guys I just wanted to let you know if you haven't already entered my Your Choice New Years Contest that you have one day left to enter I will close the contest tomorrow January 31 at Midnight. Now I know what your thinking "New Years? but its almost February?" Well I am glad you all asked! I have one winner for a 15 dollar credit to the boo depository however if I got to 250 followers before the end of it I would add another winner for 10 dollars.......

Well we are not there yet =( so I am just letting everyone know hopefully we can get there by tomorrow we are at 233 so far!!! So if you would like to enter click the unnecessarily big Enter here button below, good luck!


(Reminder only one entry per person and you must be a follower, I will check all
of the requirements on Monday and the winner will be announced on Tuesday)



Happy Reading!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Bloody Bookaholic Interview and Giveaway with Jeaniene Frost!!!!


So my girl Taschima had an awesome interview with Jeaniene Frost over at Bloody Bookaholic! It a really good interview so you should all go check it out. Also she is having an awesome give away where a winner can pick one of the following books:

  • Halfway to the Grave, Night Huntress Series book 1.
  • One Foot in the Grave, Night Huntress Series book 2.
  • At Grave's End, Night Huntress Series book 3.
  • Destined for an Early Grave, Night Huntress Series book 4.
  • First Drops of Crimson, Night Huntress World book 1.

Whats not to love? Plus if you all like my blog you will love hers as well because she does awesome reviews and is an awesome friend. So to get the the interview and giveaway click the Enter here button below which is extremely big (so you can see it =P)


Enter Here
(This will take you to Taschima's Blog)

On a side note:
There is only a couple of days to enter my Your Choice New Years Contest
so make sure you enter =P
Click Here to Enter!


Happy Reading!
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