In Which I Pick Writing & Frenzy Changes Focus

A COUPLE MONTHS AGO, my friend Cindy and I were having a great conversation. I was talking about blogging and how much I loved it--but how I'm so far behind that it's hard to catch up.  I don't have time to read all the books I need to read or want to read after I get home from work. All I want to do is write--and when it comes to reading something or writing something.....writing time will always win.

She said the most profound thing to me. Simple but true. She said:  "You're at the point in your life where you have to decide what you want to be known for: do you want to be a book blogger or a writer? It's too hard to be both."

And in that moment I knew she was right. So I had to step up and make a decision. It hasn't been an easy decision, but I know it's the right one. (I almost put the WRITE one. I like puns.)

LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE. Sometimes we have to move on, and that may suck, but it's true. Sometimes we start a journey one way and then a few miles down the road we're going somewhere different. That's part of the adventure. Life is an adventure and we have to figure it out as we go or what's the point? 

My life has definitely changed a lot in the last few months. If you remember back in March, I wrote this post about my life before reading felt like homework.

"I started this blog because I wanted to share a) my writing life, which I don't do as much as I'd planned b) I have all these books in my head and all these thoughts with no one to tell and I needed an outlet (my head is crowded enough!) c) maybe someone would read about a book I loved or something I'm dealing with in my writing and learn or connect or discover something new. That was why I started a blog. This was never going to be a book blog.


But it is. Of course it is! I'm a writer, a bookseller, a reader--it's my life. And that's okay. I have to read incredible amounts of books and  live a life surrounded by words, so I don't mind. In fact, I love it."

And I did: love words, love blogging about books, love spending hours reading because I had so much time that I could do all those things!

BUT THEN THINGS CHANGED. Now I don't have as much time. I'm not a bookseller anymore. I've got a new "identity" and my life isn't books and words and stories. Well, it is, it's just a different way. Now I write a lot more. I fight for things I love. I try new things. 

To bring in the new,  Frenzy won't be book blog anymore; it will be...something else. I swear, this blog is the epitome of an identity crisis. Seriously. But it is my blog, and this too I am. Time to put on a new face and a new purpose. I'm really excited about it.

So what will Frenzy of Noise be now? 

I don't know! Isn't that exciting?!? I'll be talking about writing and life and all the things in between. It will be an adventure. I want to share it with you, if you want to be part of it. Plus, if you hang out, you may get to be part of all the new things I get to experience. And I definitely don't know what those are yet!

On the plus side, there are tons of fantastic YA Book Blogs out there--like Epic Book Adventures that my lovely blog partner started up just a couple weeks ago! There are others--many more--so I'm sure I won't be missed. Plus, I mean, I'm around. Being snarky and inspirational and whatever all over Twitter and Tangled Up In Words and (eventually) back here on Frenzy.

SEE YOU IN 2012! With a new year. A new blog design. A new purpose. Gah, I love adventures!!!

I hope you do too. And those of you who adventure with me---see you then. 

Call to Bloggers for the YA Spooktacular 2011

Last year the YA Spooktacular took over the blogosphere with over 100 people involved to bring it to fruition.

And I'm SO EXCITED to host it again this year with Nikki from Wicked Awesome Books.

We're still pulling it all together, but there are already several incredible authors on board--as well as some of the best bloggers I know. 

But we need you now! We're still looking to fill a handful of spots for blog hosts.

What would this require?

You'd host an part of a story, a giveaway, a little challenge, or maybe a combination of any of those. There is no requirement for number of followers, we just ask that you blog regularly, are a YA book blog, and would be able to post on time on your selected date (between October 24-31). If you're interested, please fill out the form below and we will be getting back to our selected bloggers by the end of the month.

ALSO, we need some people to make graphics. If you're interested in doing that--please email us with "Graphics" in the subject line. The email is: YASpooktacular (at) frenzyofnoise (dot) net. Include a couple design samples or a link to some of your design samples. 

Thanks lovelies!! Nikki and I are looking forward to seeing who else will be a part of 2011 YA Spooktacular!

change is coming.

Change is coming. It's a wind blowing through Frenzy of Noise like a tornado. Okay not a tornado. Maybe a soft breeze.

I have found two girls who are going to help out around the blog. I'm really excited about it and you will get to meet them on Wednesday!!! The girls are Hannah-Beth and Nicole. And I know they are going to be a fantastic addition over the next few months. In the meantime, I'm revamping some things around here to make it more friendly for them. It's fun because a new set of sheets is always good.

Since we're going to be changing the way some things are happening....I have questions for you and I really, REALLY need your feedback on some things. So take a second and leave a comment for me with your thoughts. Please??

• Do you want a rating system? (I'm thinking of bringing it back!)
• What about negative reviews? Do you want us to talk about books we don't like too?
• What are some things you'd like to see on the blog? (ie. More author or character interviews, guest posts, more popular memes, more reviews, more posts about what we're reading, new....something!) 

And, just an FYI--the blog has it's own Twitter now. It's @FrenzyofNoise. So go check it out and add us there!

That's all I have! So take a second and let me know. Change is coming--and I want it all to be for the better!

Open Call to Someone Awesome

Are you a lover of YA books??

Do you want a place to talk about them??

Do you follow this blog??

Are you someone who has initiative and takes the lead?

If I asked you random questions could you answer them without being nervous? Do you KNOW how random my questions can be??

Do you like the word "awesome" and know what someone means when they mention the TARDIS? 

If you answered YES to these questions (the TARDIS one aside) then you might be the someone awesome I am looking for. In which case I urge you to keep reading! 

If not....well, you can keep reading too. 

Okay. So here's the deal. I wasn't really sure if I wanted to share this in such a public way, but here we are. This is a big step for me, it's something I don't like to do a lot (or ever if I can avoid it) but I know I must. Here goes.

I need some help around here.

This is an idea I've been toying with for a while. I love this blog. If you read it all I think I've said that a thousand times. I would love to share some of the joy I've had from it with someone else. So, I've been thinking for a while. And now that grad school has started up, the YASpooktacular is approaching and a sekrit project is happening (not to mention my job, my house and my novel) it's become one I need to act on. Plus, I was bed-ridden all week with some weird summer plague and it put me behind. There are a million reasons. The main one is none of those though...

I need help. Do you want to help?

All those questions I asked you up there--I meant them. If someone out there reading this wants to talk with me about helping run this blog--EVEN if it's just until Christmas!--I would love to talk with you. I have stipulations. (Of course I do, I'm a lister.) It's a short list.

This can't be about getting ARCs. Quite simply, I don't have them to give to you. I have some that I got at BEA but they aren't coming to my doorstep or anything. Don't expect that. That's not why I blog and it certainly can't be why you blog.

This must about your love of books. That's pretty simple. If you love books--if you can talk about them (and their authors and readers) in a respectful way, then that is awesome. This blog. This entire community is about connecting. If you want to be part of it, then I want you here. If you love this blog and want to step up, then I want you here. It's a passion thing. I'm all about passion.

Now it's up to you. I was going to do a fancy form and all, but I'm not. If you are interested in helping out for a few months (or maybe forever!) then EMAIL ME. That's all I need right now.

If no one does, then don't worry lovelies. Frenzy of Noise is not going anywhere. I'm just deciding to extend my hand to someone else. Because who knows, maybe there's someone out there who wants to blog and doesn't know where to start. Or maybe there's someone who's never thought it before. There could be a whole lot of someones out there who are reading this and never even really thought about it. Well, here's a chance. THIS is the main reason I'm asking.

Email me. It's not a commitment from you--it's merely a conversation. If you can be sure of nothing else be sure of this: it will be a fun one! 

May

May is almost here. With it comes the realization that I am so far behind. So far behind. With BEA on the cusp, I don't want to be far behind because when I come back I'll be that much more gone. On top of a stack of old book reviews to write, new books to read and netgalley requests, I have the biggest issue: my WIP which sits unfinished at less than 20K.

Fear not friends, I have a plan to fix this. And that plan is May.

May is writing month. I'll have 22 days to finish my WIP. I really want to come back from BEA able to edit and read all the wonderful books that await me. I won't be able to read much this month (despite the stack) as I'm only reading on the T going to/from work. This was a hard decision but I NEED to finish this WIP. It's a need that runs deep and I will not be defeated.

What does that mean for the blog?

It will be filled with more writing/life type posts. Or if I have time to write past reviews/new reviews I will do that. Maybe some quest posts. Maybe some more quiet than I usually like. I'm not really sure what will happen. I do have two EPIC things planned. Tomorrow it's the Cassie Clare/Holly Black event re-cap AND giveaway. May 2: The Sekrit Project reveal.

But for the most part, it will be random. There may even be more random contests like before! Just bare with me. I will be back in June with love, books, reviews, a follower contest and a blogoversary! (WOW!)

In the meantime, enjoy these parting videos.

Hilarious video:



For fans of Doctor Who:



For fans of Harry Potter:



Cat:

Life Lessons from Geometry and Cookies (or Square Peg Syndrome)

I'm sitting here failing to write a book review. I have many I need to write, but the words just keep failing me. My brain is trapped in one mode: shapes.

Things are "simple" with shapes. Square. Triangle. Circle. Rectangle. Pentagon....What you see is what you get. Count the sides and there's no room for question. A square is a square is a square is a square...no matter the size or color or location.

But when you think about it--really think about it--it does matter. 

If you flip a rectangle over a few degrees, you get a diamond. If you make that loop in the circle a little too long, you get an oval. There are other types of triangles: obtuse, acute, right. I think math-people would say all those are very different things, even if they are essentially the same.

That's the whole point of this post: everyone is different. Every blog, every book, every writer is different. Even if they are essentially the same.

Why am I talking about this? A few reasons. (stick with me)

1) A friend and I were talking about contemporary books all having a similar rhythm and way with words. She said it was a formula that even paranormal books have. I keep trying to agree with that, and can't. Because the words and rhythm of Author A should be different than Author B, even if the stories are similar. Because they are different.

2) I stumbled in a conversation that someone only needed to read one blog--because they were all the same anyway. This, of course, is complete crap. (Sorry, person.) But every blog is different. Sure, they may share meme's and review the same books, but the opinions, ideas and voices of each person are so incredibly different.

3) My real-life community is in a transition (my whole life is it seems); we're going from a dream, a hope, a plan to a reality. And with that there are things that need to happen, roles that need to be filled, a place where everyone needs to fit. It's exciting! I love that it's all happening and I want to dive in and help. But the things they need help aren't things that I enjoy doing or really even want to do whole-heartedly. So, that makes me feel displaced, like a square peg that's trying to fit in a round hole.


I was thinking about ALL that. About how we put ourselves in these boxes. About how we make life this checklist and force all the things around us to fit into it. And it doesn't fit. But we shove anyway. We twist. We pull. We push. We trim. We shape. We want it to fit. And then we wonder why, in the end, we're tired and broken.

Here's why:  a square cannot be a circle.

Well, &%^#! What now? What do we do when we can't be the fill the kind of need that exists? When we can't be the type of blogger who brings in 15 bazillion unique visits in a day? When we aren't the kind of writer that makes words flow and dance and hearts stop beating and tears fall because the lines are so good?

You're right. We quit. We don't try to find a place to fit. We don't create something new. We stop existing and disappear.

I bet that's what Augustine Rodin did he got the idea for The Thinker...laughed and threw away the design because it was too different.

I bet that's what Oatmeal Raisin cookies did when they couldn't be Chocolate Chip--just stopped existing because they weren't good enough.


And when JK Rowling had an idea about a little magical boy named Harry with black hair, a scar and glasses, she completely scrapped that idea because it was too hard and too scary.

Oh wait...they didn't? You mean, The Thinker is one of the most famous sculptures of all time? And people actually eat Oatmeal Raisin cookies? And--what??--JK Rowling is like the twelfth richest woman and one of the most influential women in Britain?

Fine. But what does all this have to do with shapes and blogging and writing--I'm so confused?!

It has to do with this: BE YOURSELF.

We're taught that in elementary school, but somewhere along the way we forget. We become so obsessed with fitting into the mold, we forget that we are supposed to be different! We are different. Every person has something about them that's unlike anyone else, even if sometimes it seems essentially the same. No two people are alike. And you know that saying, "Opinions are like noses. Everyone has one." And they are all uniquely different.

So what if I can't find a place to serve and help that's exactly what I want to do. I can find something else! I can say hello to people and celebrate that a dream is becoming a reality. I can watch and wait and find a way to serve that fits me when it comes up. Me. A job no one else may see as a need until later. I matter there. 

So what if your blog only has 200 followers--that's awesome! Remember when it was you and your best friend and some random kid who entered a contest? You've come far! And no one comments on your reviews? Oh well. The four people that are reading them are listening to you. And that post you wrote last week, yea...that really affected someone. Remember that email? Don't doubt your blog because it's your voice. Yours.

SO WHAT if the words in your novel don't make you want to cry at every line. Who wants to cry at every line? Just write the book! Just tell the story. Let it suck...and then fix it. And take criticism. And then fix it. And fix it some more. And make the words flow. EVEN IF it doesn't sound like author A & B. I'd say that's good! I don't want all my books to sound the same. I don't all my characters to have a dead mother or a dead sister or a crazy boyfriend. I want different. That crazy aunt who talks to the flowers in her closet--I'd read that. Write it. Find your voice---YOURS. Not JK Rowling's. Not Cassie Clare's. Not Rachel Hawkins' or James Patterson's or your crit partner's. YOURS.

No one else can tell your story or fill your role. Only you. And if you don't do it--if you don't step up and be yourself and take a chance--then no one else will do it for you.

Not me because I can barely do it for myself.

Not that girl who doesn't know there's an entire world of blogs out there and she's missing out.

Not that agent who's waiting for a story just like yours.

Only you.

Everything has a place it belongs. And eventually, even the square finds a place to fit.

Blogger Interview: Terri from Read & Riot

Today I have my first blogger interview! If you're interested in doing an interview or a guest post, then just let me know! Today's blogger is

Terri from Read & Riot.

Tell us some facts about yourself.

I’m an 18 year old Canadian girl who loves to read. I also love chocolate. If you made me choose a favourite book, I would hide from you. Harry Potter holds a special place in my heart. I still listen to The Spice Girls and S Club 7. I miss Sailor Moon. I wish Veronica Mars was never cancelled. I don’t own the Hannah Montana Movie, but I’ve seen it at least ten times. I’ve loved Paramore since I was in grade six. I can quote Gilmore Girls. I love Spring, and I strongly dislike Winter. Glee makes me ridiculously happy.

Why did you start blogging? How long ago?

I started Read & Riot this year. It was in the planning stages during the fourth quarter of 2010. My reasons for starting Read & Riot aren’t entirely honorable. I’ve been working in a book store (Indigo Books & Music) for over two years, and I had never heard about book bloggers. I know, you’re shocked. Take a moment to curse and read on. So, back in November 2010, I had never heard of book bloggers or Advanced Readers Copies or anything that comes with the territory. I was in line for a Cassandra Clare / Holly Black book signing where I met my artist friend Vy. Vy introduced me to ARCs, which led to book blogging. I had previously met someone who worked in publishing and I learned more from them about this genre. Now, I had new knowledge AND free books arriving in my mailbox. I could contently and happily read what I was sent, or I could tell people about it....It was made clear that I had no obligation to review anything. I still don’t. I review because I want to. I love blogging. Plain and simple.

 What's your favorite thing about blogging?

My favourite thing about blogging is my favourite thing about twitter. I love getting to talk to people all over the world, and book blogging gives me a chance to do that. It’s possible to bond over books (hello, Harry Potter!). If you think about it it’s incredible. I have a new friend that I talk to multiple times a week, and our first conversations were about Stephenie Meyer’s, The Host. How is that not amazing?

I also have to mention that getting the chance to communicate with authors is wonderful, and a huge bonus.

 Dream fictional boy?

Now I would be betraying myself if I didn’t say that Harry Potter was my dream fictional boy. Therefore, Harry Potter is my dream fictional boy. But if I had to pick another … it might possibly be Irial from Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely novels.

What do you want to be when you grown up?

What do I want to be when I grow up? When I figure it out I’ll let you know. Teacher, social worker, working in publishing … I still have time to figure it all out.

 Favorite Meme in the blogosphere?

My favourite meme in the blogosphere to write is Top Ten Tuesday by The Broke and the Bookish. I love it because I love lists and narrowing down my favourites is a challenge for me. My favourite meme to read is Waiting on Wednesday by Breaking the Spine. After all, I’m always looking for new books to add to the list.

What you look for when you read a book/decide to review a book?

I can’t tell you what I look for when I’m in a book store choosing a book. Sometimes the cover will catch my eye. I have my go-to authors. Plus, I find recommendations to be helpful.
 
Now, I’m going to get this out there. I find reviewing hard. It takes me hours, and sometimes I get very frustrated, but there are a couple of things that help me express myself. When I review a book:

* I make a list of notes about the book while I’m reading it.
* I focus on how the book made me feel.
* I follow my review checklist (premise, plot, writing, characters).
* I keep the book beside me as I write.

What are your top 5 favorite books?
I’m going to list my top five favourite books for you. I hated making this list, because I found it so difficult. I love so many books, and it took me a long time to narrow it down. I am very, very surprised with the books I ended up choosing for this.

1. Harry Potter series
Why? I’m like many children. Harry Potter is what got me into reading. I cannot explain to you how much I love this series. This is the only book or series where I have actually imagined myself as a character in it. I think everyone who can should read Harry Potter at least once in their life.

2. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Why? I think it’s safe to say that Sarah Dessen is my favourite author. Or at least top three. She’s an incredible writer, and I can honestly say that because I’ve read most of her books. There are amazing themes in Just Listen, and I even have some of the quotes written on the back of my door.

3. Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
Why? I usually don’t love the continuation of a series as much as I love the first book, but I love Ink Exchange more than Wicked Lovely. It might be because of Irial. He just happens to be one of my favourite fictional characters ever. Also, as strange as this may sound, I could really, really relate to Leslie.

4. Pluto’s Ghost by Sheree Fitch
Why? This book is one of a kind. I love the narrator / main character, Jake Upshore. He’s a character that makes you want to read. Plus, the writing style is incredibly interesting.

5. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Why? This is one of the best love stories I’ve ever read. I’m smiling right now just thinking about it.

What books have changed you in some way?

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Reason: It’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever read. Like I said, it’s the only book or series I have imagined myself in. Also, it’s magical.

Lucky by Alice Sebold
Reason: This book covers adult themes, so if you’re under the age of 18 you shouldn't read what I’m about to say. This is Alice Sebold’s autobiography. She discusses her rape, the trial, and the aftermath. It’s impossible to read it and come out unscathed, especially if you’re female.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Reason: I felt for these characters. I felt for Katniss. The story made me so emotional. It was just something that stuck with me.

What books have you read the most?

Harry Potter, Hush Hush, The Darkest Powers, Wake trilogy, Megan Meade’s Guide to the McGowan Boys, Top Ten Uses For An Unworn Prom Dress, The Mortal Instruments, Stephanie Plum novels.

Trusted authors?

Sarah Dessen, Meg Cabot, Kelley Armstrong, Susane Colasanti, Holly Black,, Cassandra Clare, Lisa McMann.

Anything else?

I got extremely lucky and am exceptionally grateful. Thank you for giving me this chance. I hope you enjoyed getting to know me.

Thanks, Terri! She's really great. Check out her blog! 

When Reading Wasn't Homework...

I can remember when reading was fun.

Don't get angry. I love reading! But I remember when it was joyful thing.

It wasn't that long ago when I'd walk into work (because that's a bookstore), pick up a book with a pretty cover, be elated because the back sounded good and dive in. There's something about discovering a new world that's so filling. You're following this blog then you're a reader so you know. You pine for characters, yell and sigh at all the right moments. Then, when you're finished, you go back and find a new book.

I miss those days. I miss walking into a store and finding a new discovery.

Until I started blogging and jumped into the YA community, I went purely on instinct and read what sounded good. Now, when I find the new book, my first thought is: "I can't. I have too many to read." So I put it back--and unfortunately for me I have to stare at it every day when I'm at work and wonder what it's about. Sometimes, I never get to find out.

Don't misunderstand me.

This is not a complaining post. I'm completely floored everyday that I get to be involved in the YA community. This is where my friends are, my make-shift family. I wouldn't trade any of this or you for all the cupcakes in the entire world. Seriously. And I'm not going to quit blogging. I don't want anyone to think that. I just need you to listen, because this has been on my mind.

I have to read A LOT. I have to read as a blogger and write reviews that may not get a single comment. I have to read as a writer. I have to read as an indie bookseller. I need to be on my toes, to know what's coming out, to know the content, the story, who will like it and if we'll sell it the store.  I have to know what's coming out, so I have to read. I GET to read for work. How awesome is that? It's totally awesome. But sometimes, I get so overwhelmed by the reading. Sometimes, reading is more of a chore than fun.

Since I've been blogging, I've learned a ton about how all this works. I understand the importance of reading a book or an ARC and spreading the word about it. It's so important. And I don't--and won't-- write negative reviews. I am a writer. When this blog or my job disappear, I'll still be a writer. I want to be a person of integrity and for me, that means not writing negative reviews. I'm okay with that. I look at this way.  If I'm at work and I'm recommending a book, I'm going to recommend one I like. The ones I don't--unless someone asks me--I'm going to ignore. Why even bring up a "bad" book? This is the approach I'm taking. I'm talking about books I love for whatever reason. (That doesn't mean if you don't see a book here I hate it--just maybe I haven't gotten to it yet. Don't assume things people.)


Anyway, talking about books is a responsibility that I love having. But one thing I never, ever, ever want to do is be that "look at me" blogger. You know, the ones who have to have every title first and read it first and post it before everyone else does. Honestly, it's so exhausting. I have a stack of books I still need to read for this month--and I probably won't get through it. But I'll try. And I'll write comment-less reviews and share my opinion. I love doing that. If I didn't, then I wouldn't do it.

But.

I miss the freedom of reading. I miss getting to read what I want to read whenever I want to read it. I miss the time before how many hits I got on this or how many books I can read this year or how many comments I got on that post. (Guilty of all those things.) Those aren't the reasons I started this blog. In fact, any advanced copies I get are from work. I'm not a blog that many publishers recognize--and I'm totally okay with that. None of these reasons are why I'm here.

I started this blog because I wanted to share a) my writing life, which I don't do as much as I'd planned b) I have all these books in my head and all these thoughts with no one to tell and I needed an outlet (my head is crowded enough!) c) maybe someone would read about a book I loved or something I'm dealing with in my writing and learn or connect or discover something new. That was I started a blog. It was never to get books---I didn't even know how people did that. This was never going to be a book blog.

But it is. Of course it is! I'm a writer, a bookseller, a reader--it's my life. And that's okay. I have to read incredible amounts of books and  live a life surrounded by words, so I don't mind. In fact, I love it.


So what's the point of this post then?

To say that I want to love reading again. I want it to be fun and enjoyable--and less of a checklist or a chore or a rush to read books a, b & c before this date.

From now on, I'm reading the books I want to read. If I have something from a publisher that I need to read and review before release date--or if I've read something early--I'll post it to help promo. I want to help promote books. It's why I'm a bookseller--and a book blogger. But I don't want to race anymore. I don't want to pass on a book that sounds incredible because Mt. TBR is overflowing and six books come out this month. I'm going to read what I want to read. I hope that's okay with you. I hope you stick around--but if you don't want to, then you can leave.

I have this blog to share my struggles and my words and the words that pierce me with. That's what I do. Giveaways are fun, but my wallet is decreasing so those will be too. I don't want followers at the cost of reviews. I'd rather have six people who read, comment and share their thoughts with me than 256 who don't. Seriously.

Reading IS FUN. Blogging is fun. Writing is fun. The moment any of them become homework is the moment it should be re-evaluated.  That's what I'm doing. Re-evaluating. Telling you why I'm here and hoping it's why you're here. I'm going to be making some changes around here--so those are coming this month. I'm excited about them!

I feel better. I'm off to read a book THAT I WANT TO READ. And it doesn't come out until May. I'm excited. I hope you're still here when I get back, but if you're not, that's fine too.

200 Followers Giveaway!

I'm excited! 200 followers--that's so awesome! You totally, totally rock!! I'm not going to delay  the giveaway news with some big speech. BUT if I could do this, I would...



O_O hehehehe...

And as The Doctor would say to each of you: You are brilliant. (Really. He would. I promise. You can see here.)

Anyway. We're casting lots for prizes! Here are the rules, it's pretty simple.

• You get three lots (entries) for being a follower. You can use them toward anything that you see here! They can go toward one prize or you can split them up. It's your choice. 
• If you are casting all your lots toward one book, there's an option that says "Add the rest of my lots to this entry." If you click that, whatever remains will go there.
• You MUST BE a follower to enter. Since, I'm celebrating you. :) Normally I don't require that.
• This IS international.
• Giveaway ends on January 11.   

 There are no extra entries but feel free to spread the word!  


Here's what's up for grabs! (All are ARCs) You can click on a book for the info.

And this Author Swag Pack!! I have two of them. :)

It includes: Brightly Woven bookmark, Mockingjay tattoos and mini-posters, an Across The Universe goody, signed A Touch Moral swag, Michelle Zink bookplate & signed Angelfire swag. 

That's the giveaway!!! Here's the form. Thanks for following!! 2011 is going to be such fun!

Guest post!

I had the pleasure of doing my first guest post ever!!! *squeal*

It was great. Well, not really. It took forever to figure out what to say but I was really pleased.

It's called Passion and Things. Check it out.

Let's have an editing picnic!

I was going to give myself a picnic today in the grass but I woke up to rain. My plans were thwarted and I had to redo everything, which is exactly like editing. You have a plan, words, a story and then you have to change it all. It's not always fun but has potential, like a picnic. (See how I pulled that out of thin air?!) Let's call it something fun in the midst of something not as fun.

I want to talk about editing, not that I have much experience but I have some. I went to sleep late last night after an awesome feedback (in overview form) with my CP. We don't really know how being a Crit Partner works but we're trying a way that we think will work for us. First, we read the whole MS. That's really important before you start tearing it to shreds with smiles. We needed to know what happened. Last night, unexpectedly, we told each other our major thoughts/questions/concerns, etc. It went really well. We both pointed out the things that other person already suspected. That, friends, is how you know you have a good CP. That, and the fact that both of you can handle what the other is saying.

Now, we will start chapter-by-chapter edits. We're doing them 3-4 at a time until we get them all done. That way, it's not overwhelming for either of us. (X, being the smart person she is, took notes about what happened in each chapter of my story so she could reference it. I wasn't that smart.) It's an exciting part of the process. I'm sure things are about to change in each of our stories.

We talked to someone else last night about being part of our group but in the end, it's not going to work out. It's sad that we didn't grow but we've only been together a week now and we work well together. I'm really excited to see how my story changes and develops through this process. I have complete faith that, despite all the up-coming pain, it will be totally worth it. 

Also, since we are on the subject, this post is awesome. Really, most of her stuff is--like her post about Crit Groups. I read her blog and she always passes on some really great wisdom. (Natalie, if you are out there: Be my friend.) If you a writer of any kind--especially if you are about start edits--then you need to read this. It's very, very true and very helpful. This post was also added after I updated but it's definitely worth sharing. I guess editing is on everyone's minds today.

If you are in the editing stage, please tell me how it's going! I'm always interested in other people's processes....and CP's. Have a happy Thursday! (I LOVE Thursdays, don't you!?)

I'm not ready

I wanted a fresh start in a place where no one knew me, where I could start over with a new focus on writing–and just writing. On the process, on the journey. On the…well, everything professional. So, I did it. I came here from my long-time, personal home at Wordpress because this is where all the trendy people are.

I've been doing a lot of doubting. It's hard to leave your home (wordpress or WV) and go somewhere new (Blogger/Boston). So when you read this, know that I want to be a professional but I’m not. I’m just a girl, trying something, trying to connect to a world I love–and I’m slightly failing. At least, I feel like I am. What do I have to offer the world of aspiring writers besides frustration and doubt? Nothing. Nothing really...but doesn't every author start that way?


Anyway, I'm taking a hiatus. I’m not ready attempt to dole out wisdom where it is not had. Not yet. Maybe, MAYBE, when I finish the first draft. But, then….maybe not. I don’t know. Right now, I’m…I don’t know.


As for this blog, I'll be back. I think...When it's time. Right now, I'm busy. I'm moving. I'm writing. I'm not sleeping. And more, I'm not ready to balance three blogs. So, we'll see other later...


Hopefully when we meet again, I will have a first draft, completed and rough. And happy.

Vlog and random thoughts

Vlog
I got to participate yesterday in a really cool Vlog. It's an author vs. blogger debate about what makes a good love interest. It was fun and I was delighted to be part of it! (Though in hindsight, i would've linked the book review blog and not this one. Whatever.)

Check it out here. (Sorry. I don't know how to post a video. I tried but I'm clueless.)

Random thoughts

I swear, I never want to be that girl. You know, the one who complains. I have so many GOOD things happening. Writing is going well and should be finished in a few more chapters! I'm moving to a great city with lots of opportunity. I have great friends. I will get to make new friends soon. I have a job and a car and lots of books to keep me happy. Yet, today, this evening, has been one of those days.

Those days when I feel crazy. I'm preparing (trying to) for the big move and it's overwhelming. I woke up this morning with my left eye all watery, ew. That's been tremendous fun. I am ADD and emotional about everything else. Today is a day of unneeded doubting, second-guessing, wondering if I'm completely wasting my time, if I will ever have IT and complete indecisiveness.

It all started when I held in my hand two books and left with neither; and then all I wanted was season 2 of How I Met Your Mother, which I couldn't find anywhere in town, and instead almost bought "Remember Me" but couldn't because looking at the box made me have an emotional breakdown in the store with my mother. Oh, Rob Pattz. It's his fault. Always.... Sigh.

That's all my complaining. See? Not too bad. Am I alone world? Anyone else feel this way?

In other news. Boston. SO excited about that chapter.

Publishing and Professionalism

I read a lot of blogs from great (mostly ladies) authors who challenge me with their thoughts AND who say the most profound things in the world. Really. Things that I need to hear, never knew or just love reading about.

Today, it's these two.

Kim Harrington has a new post this week (one a day) with everything you need to know about being published.

And, the lovely Hannah Moskowitz posted a blog about professionalism.

Read it. Absorb it. Pass it on.

Thoughts?

I have a writing blog... now, what do I say?

I don't know what the purpose of this blog will be. That's not entirely true. I do know something.

I know that this blog will be to talk about writing. It's for me. It's for you. It's for my characters. It's so one day I will look back and remember what I was working through at that moment. I want this to be regular but knowing myself, it probably won't be. Not yet anyway.

I've been meeting/communicating/learning from many great authors over the last few months. What a crazy few months it's been, too. And all of those authors have some kind of blog. I decided that I want a blog. Not to be like them (well, a little) but to document this journey that I'm going on. It has already been an exciting one.

Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go. ~E. L. Doctorow

I found that quote tonight and I knew I had to incorporate that into this blog. The more I write, the more I realize how true that is. It is now my theme. If you are reading this for wisdom and insight, then find another page. Check out the authors I follow and go look there. I can't help you. I know nothing. (Yet.) I'm literally making this up as I go.

But I sure enjoy it.

I enjoy the frustration, the blockage, the movements, the new things that I think of 20 chapters later that make the story great. And believe me, it happens often. It's sure to be a fun adventure.

At least, I hope so.