Your God is Too Boring by Jon Leonetti

So I just finished Your God is Too Boring by Jon Leonetti. It was a good book and an easy read, which is what I like. Each chapter highlights different parts of the Catholic faith, from before its birth to now. The book is moving, it is written to bring the reader back to the basics of the meaning behind Christianity-Catholicism. I picked it up because well it was free..but I read it because I wanted to learn more about my faith and my relationship with God. I learned that the Catholic church is you and me and Jesus. It's rather simple and how by following Jesus's teachings, we can find true happiness on this earth. Easy right, yet not quite. Here are some of the things that stuck with me from reading the book.
1. Do not be afraid
2. You and I share more with the Saints, canonized and otherwise, that we think
3. Selfishness is BORING
Those are the three pieces of wisdom that spoke loudest to me. I hope as I reflect on them in the coming days...years... i will continue to grow in love with God and His spirit within me.

As I am now

I always think it's crazy when I see aunts and uncles from years past and the first thing they say is "oh my, how much you're grown. You used to be this tall the last time I saw you." ( in saying this they always let their hands over at about 3ft). My reply: yes aunty(uncle) time will do that. But seeing as I am only at 5ft2in now, looks like time did not do that great of a job. What time did do though, was allow my to mature into the person I am today, at this moment. You see, I stopped growing tall in about the 5th grade, therefore time had to turn to a new avenue in which to shape me--my mind. I have opened up a lot since well yesterday even. I see each day as a means to continue my growth and to thirst for insight. In doing so, I am becoming more of the person I want to be, a "beautiful child of God." 

So as I am now, here a few things you should know about me

-each day is a journey

-one day (in exactly four years hopefully, i will be a doctor)

-i still like to read, though I am a lot pickier than i used to be

-i LOVE to travel

-i want to be (will be) fluent in Spanish (one day)

-i want to know God better than I did yesterday

-i enjoy learning

-i love taking pictures

-i do not know what i would do without spellcheck 

and i should probably stop there cause last i remember, a few constitutes of about 3-5 and i'm way over my limit. but one more thing, i say like a lot. 

Several Months Later....

So I don't think I have been on here since my freshman year in college. I'd lost touch so badly it was almost a fight to regain my username and pw, but luckily it did not result to that. So here I am again, the blog back in my hands. Oh what will I do with it? I want to try something new. Instead of focusing just on books, I'd like to zero in on some more personal ideas also (well really, just kinda whatever comes to mind). Clearly, it would make more sense to create a separate but equal private blog but then I'd have to keep up with two whole blogs. Plus what's the fun in putting something out there, if you want it to remain private? Once it leaves your mind, mouth, or fingertips, its all free game...right?  Hope I haven't bored you just yet. In any case, Thanks for Reading and welcome back!

The Unforgiving Minute by Craig Mullaney

Hello everyone!! It's been a loooong year and I have successfully completed my freshman year of college!!! Yay me. It's been a shame that I have had to give up Blogging though, a day does not go by when I do not miss it! That said, I am going to try and make more time for blogging, whether its as simple as posting the title of a great book or writing a full blown review. This post is a little of an inbetweener.

At my university, we have what is called a Common Reading Experience, which is when all the freshman read a book prior to coming to campus in the fall. This year, the selection was The Unforgiving Minute by Craig Mullaney. Because I am a freshman mentor, I have to read the book also, and Thank God For that!!!! Here is my mini-review of The Unforgiving Minute, followed by my QLC---favorite quote, lesson learned and the character I most relate to.

The Unforgiving Minute was an exceptionally amazing read!!!! At first I was really reluctant to read it. I felt as though I would not be able to connect with the characters, but once I go past that and started reading deeper into the book, I thoroughly enjoyed it! One of the reasons I LOVE this book so much is that there is soo much to learn from Mullaney from his experiences. Also because I definitely gained a better understanding and greater appreciation for the military.  This is the first non-fiction and "grown up" book I've read in years and it was amazing. Not only do I actually want to re-read the book to catch what all I missed the first time around, I always want to read more books like this one; expand my horizon form just YA Fiction to life-changing, soul seeking. 

Quotes:

1. "No Excuse Sir." this is because there are a lot of things we do in life which literally are inexcusable. We need to learn to take charge of our actions and be able to learn from our mistakes.

2. "Pain is weakness leaving the body." and "If you're going through Hell, keep going." These two are very inspirational and it gives you hope in your worst of times. They remind you of what your end goal is and it keeps you going.

Life Lesson:

"doing everything right might still entail heart-wrenching consequences." life is unpredictable, you can do everything right and still something goes wrong. it doesn't mean it's you fault or you could have avoiding that wrong-doing, it just means you did everything you could but some things are just meant to happen. and you need to learn to accept that.

Character:

I believe I was more like Mullaney. One of the reasons he went to West Point was so he could have something to connect with his father, I am the same way. I live to make my parents proud. He wanted to badly to protect his brother that he didn't want to share his story with him. I always want to protect my siblings and seek their approval also. As an older sibling, you always want your younger siblings to be able to look up to you and see is great image of you with no faults. Mullaney seemed to not have great confidence in some of his decisions but he quickly overcame that. I am the same way, it takes me a long time to make a decision and even then, until i see it all the way through, I second guess myself a lot. I hope that I can one day be like Mullaney and be able to come at peace with myself that I did and am doing all that I can for what is best for me and the ones I love.

21 Questions with... Denise Jaden

Denise Jaden
Losing Faith

September 7, 2010
Simon Pulse

I like to start out my days with a laugh. Soo… What makes you literally LOL?
Honestly, almost everything! I love to laugh. My husband makes me snort my tea through my nose too often. The latest thing that made me LOL was TREASURE MAP OF BOYS, the third Ruby Oliver book by E. Lockhart. I love to listen to audio books in the early hours of the morning, but I couldn’t with this one – I ended up waking the whole house up!

I'm the same way. I even laugh at things that shouldn't be laughed at. my bad.

Has anything AMAZING happened to you as a writer? (Other than getting published?)
I’ve had some amazing compliments come my way via editors and other published authors. I often have to pinch myself.

How about something EMBARASSING?
Oh, if only I had a whole page to list the embarrassing things! Well, to name a few, I’ve made a few major screw-ups on my blog, mentioning things I shouldn’t have or naming wrong names. I’ve addressed query letters to the wrong people. I’ve pretended that I’ve read authors books, only to be called out on it. The list goes on and on (but at least I love to laugh, even at myself, so there’s always that!)

How did you celebrate getting published?
I had some out of town friends staying with me at the time. After they’d helped calmed down my hysterics, they went out and bought some champagne so we could celebrate with that.

What/Who inspired you to become a writer?
Probably Jane Hamilton. It was her writing that made me start to fall in love with words and the way they could be put together.

If not an author, what would you have been?
I think I still do everything I would have otherwise done. Besides being an author, I’m also a professional Polynesian dancer. I’m a homeschooling mom. I do all the bookkeeping for my husband’s business. Even without writing, I think this would be enough to keep me busy.

Polynesian dancer? That's pretty sweet.

Can you in any way relate your life to your book title, Losing Faith?
I think no matter what someone’s beliefs are, everyone goes through times where they feel like they’re losing faith in something or someone, or just the world in general. I’m no exception. I have good days and bad days; days where I feel like life couldn’t get much better, and days where I can’t understand why such horrible things happen. When I was sixteen, a close friend of mine was killed in a senseless accident, and that was definitely inspiration, in part, for the title and subject matter of the book.

Why did you direct Losing Faith towards the YA generation?
I love writing for young people. I’m very young at heart, in speech, and I think I often act more like a teenager than an adult. It just felt right.

What's your guilty pleasure?
Baskin Robbins or Coldstone Creamery. It’s a toss-up.

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now?
I love a ratty blue Old Navy T-shirt that I’ve had for years. Also, my fuzzy blue pajama pants.

What could you eat all day long and never grow tired of?
Sugar snap peas. (chocolate I would get sick of – I’ve tried that!)

What’s your favorite fairytale? Have you ever thought of re-doing it?
My favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast. I think it’s been re-done enough though. I love going to see it live at the theatre when I can. Also, my critique partner is stellar at re-tellings and because I’ve seen through her process how difficult it is, I don’t know that I’d be able to do a re-telling justice.

When you get stuck writing, how do you unglue yourself?
Um, I work on interviews instead. Haha. Actually, I jump around a bit in my manuscript until I find some passion for it again. When I find a part that really entertains me, then I can usually go back and fix the tough spot.

Are you planning a release day party? I would.
I’m hoping to do an online release party and an in person one in my hometown, or near my hometown. Watch my blog http://www.denisejaden.com/Blogl for details. LINK

What’s something you can’t live without?
My computer. I’m getting to the point where I have to say my iphone too.

Write a mnemonic, using your first name, which describes you.
What’s a mnemonic? Dense Denise – how about that?

not quite what i was looking for, but it works. (=

Is there any moment in your life you’d like to relive?
Hmm. There are probably many, but the one that comes to mind was the first agent phone call offering me representation. It was the first moment that I felt truly validated as a writer.

What’s a random fact about you?
I’m not a huge fan of jewelry or flowers. I’d rather have ice cream.

Do you have any words of wisdom?
We all still have a lot to learn.

i like that.

What’s your favorite imaginary place to visit?
My head.

Now it’s time we put things in reverse. Do you have any questions for me?
What’s the last book you read that you really loved and why? I love to hear about what other people love in books.

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten. I had never read a book with a similar premise so it was totally new to me and definitely original. I love how she worked the clues together and how everything like just matched up. It was pretty much amazing. Also, who doesn't love a chapter book with pictures? That right there is a dreal breaker.

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Thanks so much for having me!
Thank YOU for being here Denise.

Be sure to visit Denise on the web!

Blog <>

21 Questions with ..... Shannon Delany

Shannon Delany
13 to Life

Shannon is a debut author this year. Her novel 13 to Life comes out in stores June 22!!!

I like to start my days out with a laugh. Soo... What makes you literally LOL?
My son. He's got a wicked steak, a great sense of humor and a stange sense of reality (by the way, we call *that* creativity in my household). He's in kindergarten and yesterday he flopped onto the floor in his dragon-hooded towel, his arm out, hand holding a foam sword. Looked like a warrior after battle---if warriors sported green terrycloth.

Has anything AMAZING happened to you as a writer? (other than getting published?)
Yep. Before the deal with St. Martin's Press (and after) we stared hearing movie producers asking to see the book. A couple small production companies and a really big one wanted a peek. I was thrilled. No idea where that interest will go, but it's always VERY flattering.

How about something EMBARASSING?
Trying to remember how to spell my earlier pseudonym. Yes, I should have known then that it wasn't a keeper. *sigh*

How would you describe your road to publication?
Three words: Bizarre and unexpected.

cute, i like that.

What/Who inspired you to become a writer?
I've always written and drawn. Although it wasn't a moment directly tied to writing, I have to say my mom inspired me when I was in kindergarten. I had homework and was supposed to draw a person. It totally intimidated me so I asked my mom to draw one for me. She shook her head. No. I was insistent. *I* couldn't do it. finally she picked up an envelope, flipped it over (this is a habit I got from her that makes my husband twitch) and explained she wasn't a good artist---that I could surely do better. She drew the most misshapen stick figure. Ever. I thought: *I* can do better than *that*! I went on to love art and writing because my mom did little things like that to bolster my confidence. The first book is dedicated to her.

that's really sweet--on both parts.

If not an author, what would you have been?
hmmm. That aptitude test I took in high school suggested forest ranger. Yeah. I've been a teacher (loved it), an artist (love it mostly), freelance author (which in a way I still am---crazy!), a tour guide for a well-known cave (cool except for the spooky guide crushing on me), a worker on Godiva's factory line (and Pepperidge Farms), the educational director for a privately owned zoo (Love. Giraffes), a counter of belts (Worst Job Ever), and a bunch of other things. I'm technically a farmer who also writes. so... I think one way or the other I'll always be a writer/author, artist, and teacher. I can't easitly separate them anymore anyhow. ;-)

wow, this reminds me of the "i've been everywhere" comercial. :)

Why did you decide to write a paranormal series?
The short answer? Life is weird. There is no normal to speak of. The longer answer? I've always been fascinated by the paranormal (and have had plenty of weird experiences of my own, thanks). I happened to be writing two stories (13 to life and another one I want to revisit eventually) for the Textnovel contest and although I *tried* to do one that was simply fiction I just couldn't. I mean, I *could* but the spooky stuff seems to be attracted to me. Just like that tour guide in my sixth answer. ;-) I studies stuff about the paranormal starting in middle school. My science fair projects were about fringe science. In high school I tested middle school kids for psychic abilities (and freaked them out when they tested me. ;-). There's stuff we can't easily explain. I'm cool with that. And it'll probably always show up in my writing and art in some way or other.

Can you in any way relate your life to your book title, 13 To Life?
That's an interesting question...Sure. For me, thirteen felt like the beginning of a new stage of life. I hated middle school---didn't fit in anywhere and was threatened and bullied. I think I was thirteen when my dad taught me how to throw a punch to protect myself. That was also around the time I started attending a local historical event regularly (one you got to dress up for and become someone else entriely). I realized life was really what you make it-- that *I* was whoever I wanted to be regardless of the way some kids treated me.

it took me longer than 13yrs to learn that. :) kudos to you for learning it so early.

How did you decide on 13 To Life being a series instead of a stand-alone?
I'd chatted with my husband about the possibitility briefly, them my agent called a day or so later. He said he felt pretty certain we could get a series deal if I felt I could do a series. I think I laughed. But then he wanted to know how many books we should push for (contracts can be so frikkin' scary). I said I thought I could get it to go to 4 or 5 but I only really knew how the first three would lay out. So we went for (and got) three.

What's your guilty pleasure?
Eating someonething delicious and ectravagant while wating an episode of Survivor. Yes. I'm twisted. ;-)

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now?
The blue and black top I wore to the Harlequin party at RWA in DC. Love it.

What coule you eat all day one and never grow tired of?
Nothing. I'm all about variety.

What's your favorite fairytale? Have you ever thought of re-doing it?
There are lots of fairytales I've thought of redoing (and one--Bab Yaga--that I did as a freelancer). I tend to like lesser known tales a lot (not necessarily Gimm or Andersen or Lang). There's a traditional legend that's been haunting my mind recently---a French tale that got retold as a poem a looong time ago (werewolf fans might know what I'm talking about). It's a book I have in Pietr's ownership in 13 To Life. I wouldn't mind re-envisioning it for a publisher.

When you get stuck writing, how do you unglue yourself?
Getting stuck isn't my problem, really. Staying focused is the more frequent issue. I get ideas for new novels and short stories pretty frequently. I have to sort of eorcise them before I can get back to the WiP I need to work on. If I do get stuck (in winter), I vacuum. There's something about that hum of the machine that kicks my brain into a different gear (probably a white noise thing). Otherwise I weed my garden. Getting my hands busy also frees my mind. However, if you ever see my garden, you'll know I don't frequently get stuck. ;-)

What's something you can't live without?
I could probably survive without almost anything, but I doubt I'd want to. Let's go with "Family" for the win. Note the capital "F"--blood relation is *not* a requirement of true Family to me.

Write a mnemonic, using your last name, which describes you.
Which last name to use....;-) Devilish Envisioner Loving All New (yetis? yams? yurts? yodelers? crap, I knew I shouldn't have gone with Delany...) Yarns.

Is there any moment in your life you'd like to relive?
A day at Cape May when my mother was alive and healthy--especially if Icould bring my son (at his current age) to meet her.

What's a random fact about you?
I didn't start off thinking 13 To Life would be anything but an experiment on the Textnovel.com website

Do you have any words of wisdom?
I'll steal Pietr's words (which Jess adds to later): "Live life fiercely."

How did you choose the title, 13 To Life?
It just came to me as a phrase and wouldn't stop rolling around in my head untill I used it.

Now it's time we put thinks in reverse. Do you have a question for me?
Do you have aspirations of becoming an author or are you absolutely happy reading and imagining the worlds others create?

I'd have to go with the latter. Although I love reading, I have zero creativity invested in me. I'm all sticks and figures. But I would love to be an editor or something of the sort. That, I could handle. :)

and here's an EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW of 13 to Life. ENJOY!!

13 To Life: Chapter 13, part N (used with the author's premission)

Sophia simply sucked on her straw, listening intently.
"I guess it itsn't," he admitted around a strip of beef jerky. "I just thought a male opinion..." He looked beyond me again.
"What? Because we can't figure this sort of thing out on our own?" I leaned across teh table, making it clear I could be the transgressor.

21 Questions with..... Shari Maurer!!!!

Shari Maurer

Change of Heart

April 23, 2010

Westside Books

I like to start my days with a laugh. Soo... What makes you literally LOL?

I can't always start my days with a laugh, so I try to end them with one. I fall asleep to Jon Stewart and The Daily Show most nights. And I know it's totally un-PC, but Family Guy is also pretty funny. My warped sensibilities often get a good giggle from The Onion. Maybe it's trite, but my kids and my husband have wicked senses of humor, so there's a lot of laughter in our house.

Has anything AMAZING happened to you as a writer? (Other than getting published?)

Sometimes it's the little things that are amazing. I was speaking to a seventh grade class and at the end one girl came up to me and told me I inspired her and she wanted to write a book. That was amazing!

How about something EMBARRASSING?

As a writer or just in general? Because plenty of embarrassing things have happened to me, but so far, the writing has been pretty low-key.

How did you celebrate getting published?

I still have the bottle of champagne chilling that I promised myself I'd open when I sold my book. I guess it's time to drink it, huh?!

What/Who inspired you to become a writer?

I've always been a huge reader, so it felt very natural to want to write. I adapted the sixth grade play from one of my favorite books, so in a way the writer in my has always been there.

If not an author, what would you have been?

I worked in the International Production for Children's Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop) in a former life. If the writing didn't work out, I think I would do some sort of event production.

Can you in any way relate your like to your book title, Change of Heart?

I married my first serious boyfriend (we met when we were 17) so I really haven't had any changes of heart.

I'm 17...and am now crossing my fingers. :)

Where did the inspiration for Change of Heart come from?

I had been watching a television progran on heart transplants when I saw a little girl who needed a transplant. They wheeled her into the OR and I saw the look on her face---unsure whether she was going to live or die-- and I was haunted by her. I knew I wanted to write a YA novel and tell the story of a girl going through a transplant.

In Change of Heart, Emmi gets a heart transplant, have you ever had any major surgery?

I've had two semi-major surgeries, but my daughter has open heart sugery, so I've seen it from both sides.

I really like the title Change of Heart, does it hold a double meaning as to the events in Emmi's life?

Absolutely. But I can't tell you why---you'll have to read the book! I actually had the title and built the plot from there.

What's your guilty pleasure?

Staying in bed and reading on a weekend morning.

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now?

My ratty, old (I won't tell you how old) Duke sweatshirt that I bought Senior year of college.

it keeps the memorie alive, nothing wrong with that. :)

What could you eat all day long and never grow tired of?

I think it's a tie between sushi and SoCo Creamery's Mexicali Chocolate ice cream.

so i've never heard of that type of ice cream before but i suddenlly have this craving for it. it just sounds sooo good.

What's your favorite fairytale? Have you ever thought of re-doing it?

When my kids were little I used to tell them a version of the Three Little Pigs with their dad and their uncles as the pigs (sorry, guys!). I doubt it would be fit for publication, though.

you never know. they publish some crazy things now-a-days. :)

When you get stuck writing, how do you unglue yourself?

I often take a walk or drive. I think much better away from my computer. Also, if I'm really stuck in a story, I'll sometimes create letters or journal entries from the characters to try to get further into their heads. I've found it helps to figure out their motivations, which is great for plotting.

What's something you can't live without?

Sad to say, these days, I'd say it's coffee, tea or any other caffeinated beverage.

Write a mnemonic, using your name, which describes you.

She Hopes All is Right In the World. (okay, this one was a stumper, but I tried!)

and that's all that counts, that you tried. :)

Is there any moment in your life you'd like to relive?

I'd love to go back to summer camp during the first few weeks I was dating my husband. It would be fun to see our 17year oldselves and to experience that joy of new love again.

What's a random fact about you?

I still know the lyrics to most of the songs on Sesame Street.

Do you have any words of wisdom on life?

Always try something once. If it doesn't work, don't do it again..

Now it's time we put things in reverse. Do you have a question for me?

What makes you pick up a book and know it's something you'd like to read?

In no particular order: the cover, the author, the synopsis, the reveiws(if any).

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A GREAT thanks to Shari for being with us today!!

21 Questions with... Kristina McBride

Kristina McBride

The Tension of Opposites

May 25, 2010
Egmont USA

I like to start out my days with a laugh. Soo… What makes you literally LOL?
My husband. He’s hysterical and makes me laugh every day. It’s one of the things I love most about him.

Has anything AMAZING happened to you as a writer? (Other than getting published?)
I think one of the most pivotal moments of my author journey was when my agent, Alyssa Eisner Henkin, offered me representation. She’s amazing and I would not have made it this far without her guidance and support.

How about something EMBARASSING?
When my publisher sent me a computer file with my manuscript, all marked up and ready for a serious round of revisions, I had no idea what I was supposed to do. I had to call my editor and ask very specific questions about how I was supposed to make these changes. I’d never felt or looked like such a novice.

How did you celebrate getting published?
I celebrated my first (of 3!) offers by going for ice cream with my husband and two children.

What/Who inspired you to become a writer?
That’s a hard question. When I was young, I lived across the street from an old library, and as weird as it may sound, books have always felt like a part of me. Every character and setting I encounter feel real, like they are simply around the nearest corner. I cannot remember a time when I did not want to create a fictional world for others to experience, to do for others what so many authors have done for me.

If not an author, what would you have been?
I was a high school English teacher for eight years before I quit to stay home with my first child. That’s when I dove into my writing, knowing I actually had the time to make it happen. If I hadn’t been able to make this whole become-an-author dream come true, I’d be heading back to the classroom in the very near future. But the two-book deal with Egmont USA has bought me a little more time. We’ll see what the future holds.

How do you associate with your fans? Are there any who’ve made a strong impression on you that you can’t forget?
Geesh. Fans? I mean, this is all so crazy new, that word seems foreign. Right now, I’m thinking of the blogger at The Hiding Spot who posted my first official review. It was an amazing feeling to read her thoughts on my book! I had leftover pizza in the oven when I read the post, and was so excited to send the link to everyone I know that I totally forgot about my lunch. It burned to a crisp. Oops. Here’s a link, in case anyone wants to check it out: http://bit.ly/5SdDzA LINK

Can you in any way relate your life to your book title, The Tension of Opposites?
I think in some ways everyone can probably relate. Opposing forces pull people in many directions every day. Should I eat those M&M’s or work out? Read that new book or write that new book? Buy or save? Speak or remain silent? Back down or stand firm?

I know the feeling. =)

The premise for The Tension of Opposites is not one I’ve heard of before. What was the inspiration behind it?
One day when my daughter was napping, I had a rare moment to watch a little TV. As I flipped through the channels, I was sucked into an interview Oprah was having with a young man who had just been returned to his family after a four-year abduction. His story captivated and inspired me. Within days, the voice of Tessa, the sixteen-year-old main character in The Tension of Opposites, started speaking to me.

What's your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate. Hands down.

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now?
Does my favorite purse count? Because it’s a thing of beauty. (I even blogged about it if you want to check it out: http://kristinamcbride.livejournal.com/1248.html) LINK

What could you eat all day long and never grow tired of?
Ice cream (Baskin Robbins, to be specific).

What’s your favorite fairytale? Have you ever thought of re-doing it?
I can’t pick a favorite – they’re all so much fun. I haven’t thought of using one as inspiration. But you never know what might happen!

When you get stuck writing, how do you unglue yourself?
I write. And then I write some more. I know that if a weak scene is in the way of a strong scene, I have to write through the muck to get to the good stuff. It’s hard to make myself sit down and write something that I think will probably be pitched in the end, but that’s how I work.

What’s something you can’t live without?
My family.

Which books are on your Must Have list right now?
I’ve recently been sucked into the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. I love everything by Laurie Halse Anderson, John Green, and Sarah Dessen. I think everyone should read Jay Asher’s 13 Reasons Why, and really think about how much the little stuff can affect the people around them. Savvy by Ingrid Law, and When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead are amazing. I also lovelovelove Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult. (Are you sorry you asked?)


Is there any moment in your life you’d like to relive?
I’ve had a lot of amazing moments. My wedding. The births of my two children. Many days I spent in the classroom. And, of course, special writing moments: my agent’s offer of representation, the day she told me my revisions were complete, the days I received offers on my manuscript, and the day I accepted a 2-book deal with Egmont USA. But, no matter how wonderful those days were, I think I’d like to just keep going forward and see what other amazing experiences I can add to that list.

What’s a random fact about you?
I don’t like shoes with pointy toes.

I'm not that big a fan either.

Do you have any words of wisdom?
Chocolate makes everything better.

Now it’s time we put things in reverse. Do you have any questions for me?
I want to know your favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now!

Right now I am in LOVE with cardigans. They are soo cute. and You can easily dress them down or up. It's just great. I have this black one and it looks kinda granish, but I love it. It's just so cute and simple. (<------there it is)
Can we have a little teaser from The Tension of Opposites? Promise to keep our lips sealed.
Since I’m not sure how my publisher feels about this, I’m going to leave it blank for now. If you want to check back closer to the date you’re going to post this, feel free. I’m not trying to be stingy, just trying to make sure I follow all the rules

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A HUGE-O thanks to Kristina for being with us today!

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Introducing...Reading the Best of the Best

Reading The Best of the Best
Kailia

Reading The Best of The Best is a blog where books are reviewed and talked about. I mainly review/read YA, Urban Fantasy and Paranormal but I'll read/review other genres as well. I like to have weekly memes and interviews with authors. I'm also hoping to have some contests on there soon!

What drew you into the book blogging world?
It’s more of a who then a what. I remember looking surfing the internet looking for a review on a book and I came across Reading Keeps You Sane (sadly, she’s not blogging anymore). I liked what I saw and looked more and more into that blog. I loved to read then, always have always will, and I decided why not just give blogging a try? I’d already been blogging another blog so I knew I could do it!

What's your favorite part about book blogging?
Tell people my opinions on a book/topic and hearing what they have to say!

Who's your favorite author?
That’s a really tough one! I’ve got several actually: Shannon Hale, Libba Bray, Rick Riordan, J.K.Rowling, Kristin Cashore, and Suzanne Collins just to name a few.

What kind of fiction are you into? or are you a nonfiction reader?
I love YA, Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal the most. I do like to read chick lit here and there. I’ve found that I love YA Paranormal A LOT!

If you could change your name what would you go by?
I like my name. It’s a really rare name (or so I know) since I’ve only met two people in all of my 15 years who have the same name as me! But if I have to choose, Rose Hathaway!

IF you could have an AWESOME super power what would it be?
Being able to read really fast. I could do my homework faster and read tons more books than I can at the moment (stupid High School!)

What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate, watching too much TV, and the Disney Fairly Tale Princesses. I know that sounds crazy but I’m a diehard romantic and I love the Prince Charming subject.

Why should I visit your blog?
I love to meet new people who have the same taste in reading as I do and I think people will enjoy reading my blog! At the moment, I don’t have any of my own contests up but I like to keep my readers up to date with contests and books coming out and stuff like that. I like to give my opinion but read others opinions as well!

And.. anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks for interview me for your blog!

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Don't forget to visit Kailia at her blog!

If you're interested in being feature on Introducing...YOU email me or leave a comment with you're email and I'll get you set up.

Daisy Jordan Contest Winner

I know i'm like a month late but the winner of the Daisy Jordan contest was finally revealed today. I used random.org and each entrant was assigned a number. number FOUR was what the generator spat out and lucky Angie had been assigned number FOUR. so congratulations to Angie. YOu have been emailed. Thanks to everyone who participated and sorry again for getting this out soo late.