Just A Reminder... and a word of thanks

Today is the VERY LAST DAY to enter my Geektastic Contest! I know you'd love a FREE copy so enter.. enter.. and enter some more. Heck, even tell your friends to enter! But yea, today is the last day to uh.. GOOD LUCK!

















and I have 101followers!! THAT is pretty amazing. I'm so excited. but I feel so bad since I don't post as often anymore. I'm so sorry about that my starrs, but I do do what I can. But Thank YOU soo much for being a follower and visiting my blog and such. I very much appreciate it!

21 Questions Starring... Jessica Verday

Today we have with us author, Jessica Verday! Her debut novel, The Hollow will be released.. TOMORROW! If you don't already own a copy, consider yourself deprived. I've read nothing but good about it so go out to the stores and get yourself a copy...NOW!


Are you working on anything after The Hollow? If so can we get a sneak peek if not can we get a peek at The Hollow?
I'm currently working on book two of The Hollow. I'd give you a peek at the first line, but my first chapters tend to change. So instead I'll give you a peek at the first chapter of THE HOLLOW, available now on my website.

I like to start out my days with a laugh. Soo… What makes you literally LOL?
I can Haz Cheezburger pictures, the Subway commercial where people's pants are splitting and buttons are flying off...that one gets me every time.

Has anything AMAZING happened to you as a writer? (Other than getting published?)
Getting emails (and gifts!) from people who have read my words, or who haven't read my words yet, but want to... That's absolutely amazing and humbling.

How about something EMBARRASSING?
No, not yet. Fingers crossed it will stay that way!

What/Who inspired you to become a writer?
There is no easy answer to this because I feel like there are so many things that inspired me. Music, movies, pictures, paintings, books, snippets of conversations... One day I just took all of those bits and pieces floating in the back of my mind and sat down and wrote a book.

What would you do/be if you were not an author?
I don't know. Life presents us with any number of paths depending on who we meet/where we are at a certain time, so if I wouldn't have ever written a book? I don't know where I'd be right now.

How do you associate with your fans? Are there any who've made a strong impression on you that you can't forget?
One of the ways I try to reach out to my fans is by offering them a 'Get the Goods' pack via my website. I know that I LOVE to get mail and give presents, so I thought it would be cool to combine those two things. People sign up on my website and I send them envelopes filled with goodies. Stickers, postcards, temporary tattoos...sometimes I even throw in strange little things like paper bats punched out of colored paper. It's just a fun way for me to say 'Thanks for visiting me!' As far as fans who have made a strong impression on me, two people from Myspace, Jessy and Autumn have been supporters from wayyyy back in the early days. We've exchanged gifts and emails, and they have just been so, so awesome. They were some of the only people to personally receive an ARC from me from the small stash I was given and I am truly grateful for their friendship.

awww. that is too sweet. click here for a "Get the Goods" pack

Who's your best friend? How long have you guys (gals) been friends?
My husband Lee is my best friend. He's my biggest supporter, fan, cheerleader, brainstorming partner... He's the best. We've known each other for about 12 years and every day is still fun and exciting. We have the best fun just hanging out (and telling inside jokes!)

i heart inside jokes

What's a typical day like, when you're not writing?
Every single day is different for me. Usually though, it involves some type of checking email, responding to email, doing "non-writing"-writing tasks (like interview replies, talking to my agent, tasks for my publisher, etc...), catching up on writing news. All stuff that every author has to deal with crammed in during business hours.

What's a weakness of yours?
I am very bad at reading an email, and mentally composing a reply but not actually sending the reply until much later. It's terrible. I get so far behind that way and feel really bad for people who are waiting on my response each time I find out that I didn't send a reply when I thought I did.

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now?
My boots. I don't know if they really count as a piece of clothing, but I wear boots everywhere. Love 'em.

What could you eat all day long and never grow tired of?
Strawberries! Whole, sliced, in smoothies, on ice cream, on cereal... YUM!

What's your favorite fairytale? Have you ever thought of re-doing it?
Picking one is hard, but one of my favorites is Hansel and Gretel. The evil witch, the candy cottage, the horrible oven. I haven't ever really thought about re-doing that one, but I do have a story in mind to do a re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood.

that would be pretty sweet. i remember an epic of That's So Raven on Disney Channel where there was Little Red Riding from the Hood. it was cute.

When you get stuck writing, how do you unglue yourself?
Sometimes I watch movies that inspire me and get me thinking, sometimes I read new books that I've been waiting for... But sometimes it's just a matter of waiting for inspiration to strike again. (And hope it doesn't take too long.)

Which character from The Hollow do you relate to the most?
I relate to all of them in some way. With Kristen, it's the desire to be the best friend she can be to Abbey. With Abbey, it's little bit of how she feels like she can't always say things right and the way she views the world. With Caspian, it's the way he wants so desperately to fix things, to make things work any way that they can. I even relate to Abbey's parents a bit!

If The Hollow were to become a movie, who'd you like to play the main characters?
For me, Abbey has always been Alexis Bledel, and Caspian is a cross between Tom Felton (the hair) and Gaspard Ulliel. I'm not sure who could play Ben. Any suggestions?

Can you relate your book title, The Hollow to your life in someway?
Hmm, not really. THE HOLLOW title is slang for the town that Abbey lives in, Sleepy Hollow. In the book she mentions living in 'The Hollow' when talking to Caspian about Sleepy Hollow.

What's your favorite book?
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

Where's your favorite pace to travel?
So far, it's been Reno/Las Vegas, Nevada. The air is dry and warm out there (I'm not a fan of humid heat), you can see for miles in every direction, and the landscape is just breath taking.

sounds nice. yea, i'm not a fan of humid heat either. talk about gross!

Which character, from The Hollow do you like the most?
They all are special to me, but I think Nikolas is my favorite. In my head I kind of see him as a Johnny Cash type character and I think he'd make a really great grandpa.

Anything else you would like to share with us?
Thanks for taking the time to do this interview with me! I hope you all enjoy THE HOLLOW...and remember, it's the first in a trilogy. There will be more answers in book two!

You were a pleasure to have Jessica. Wishing you more success with The Hollow and it's followers!
Be sure to friend Jessica on Myspace and Facebook and visit her at her website.

On My Door Step XIV

I totally "borrowed" this from The Story Siren. On My Door Step is just another name for In my mailbox, a topic where you share with everyone, on Sunday, what books you got during the week. It can be a book you borrowed, bought, or one you found on your door step. I thought I'd join in on the fun,when I can.



Suite Scarlett
Maureen Johnson

Thanks to Dominique and scholastic! and it came with a cute sleep eye mask thingy!

FunkY FriDaY III

It's Friday.. and time to get FUNKY!!!! yay..
Topic: Adopt a Freshmen/Freshmen Rant?

So today was club day at school, which was FUN. Being Vice President of the Read Learn and Serve Club(RLS), I should have attended today's meeting, but instead, I ventured over to the Beta Club. Anyways, turns out, for community service ideas, the RLS Club members decided they wanted to "adopt a freshmen," like a mentoring shindig. Now how cool is that? Our sponsor didn't like the idea very much but after she talked to me, I think she's all for it now. lol. But yea, does anyone do an adopt a freshmen/mentoring type program at their school? Like I'm really loving the idea cause freshmen are sooo..... freshmen. I mean, I know I was one back in the day, but it seems like they just keep getting worst and worst you know? Like they really need to grow up and realize that just cause they're in highschool doesn't mean they're COOL or ALL THAT and what not. Also, they need to learn to NOT RANDOMLY stop in the middle of the hallway in the middle of traffic. I mean it's awful. Like you'd be speed walking and everything right behind a freshmen and next thing you know, BAM. You run right into them cause they just spotted their best friend and it would have just been sooo RUDE not to STOP right there and then in the MIDDLE OF THE HALLWAY to say hi. I mean seriously freshmen? You can do soo much better than that. But yea, plus freshmen are always so lost and there's just those few that could really ammount to something if people would give them a chance or if like they knew there was someone they could always go to for help and stuff you know? But yea, I'm really liking this idea and I so hope it follows through. So if any of you guys do something similar at your school let me know how you run it so we won't be total "freshmen" once we get it started.

Introducing.... Mrs. Magoo Reads

Today we have with us Sophie the mastermind behind Mrs. Magoo Reads. Although she's hardly a new blogger, I thought it's still be great to feature here. Well, here she is with a blurb on Mrs. Magoo Reads and a mini Q&A.

Mrs. Magoo Reads reviews mostly YA novels. Every Monday, there is a review video along with a contest to win the book reviewed. Features also include weekly author interviews and blogger profiles, which often come with contests.

What drew you into the book blogging world?
I began blogging about two years ago, just because I thought it would be cool to start a blog. After a little deliberation, I decided on the topic of books. It was a few months before author Christina Meldrum told me about Random Buzzers. I checked out the site and saw how many other book bloggers there were!

What's your favorite part about book blogging?
Hmmm... probably the knowledge that there are people out there who are reading what I have to say, and actually factoring my opinion into their decisions!

Who's your favorite author?
JK Rowling, Scott Westerfeld, and Stephenie Meyer.

What kind of fiction are you into? or are you a nonfiction reader?
I'm not that picky about my genres, although I prefer fiction over nonfiction. I also like realistic fiction more than fantasy.

If you could change your name what would you go by?
Oh, I have no idea!! Maybe Brianna? Or else something super exotic.

If you could have an AWESOME super power what would it be?
I would love what Hermione has in the third Harry Potter novel-- a time turner. Second is the ability to read minds.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Ummm... books? :) I'll go with ice cream and mani/pedis.

Why should I visit your blog?
Because I have TONS of content and a fun layout. I'm also one of the only bloggers who makes review videos. And I have a lot of contests!

And anything else you would like to add?
Thank you so much for interviewing me!

Well there you go guys. That's Mrs. Magoo Reads, straight from the source!

If you'd like to be interviewed, leave me a comment or email letting me know. thanks.

Geektasktic Giveaway

Hey Guys. The nice lady (Alice Morley) over at LIttle Brown has given me the A-OKAY to host a Geektastic Giveaway, and that's just what I'm doing. Up for grabs are THREE copies to COMMENT, COMMENT, COMMENT, and tell your friends.

Open to US and Canada Residents Only
and No P.O. Boxes please.

And the contest will end when i get 100 followers, since I'm just four away. TALK ABOUT AMAZING. Just kidding. The contest will end on August 31. So yea, all you have to do is leave a comment!



About Geektastic
"Acclaimed authors Holly Black (Ironside)and Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof) have united in geekdom to edit short stories from some of the best selling and most promising geeks in young adult literature: M.T. Anderson, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, John Green, Tracy Lynn, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Barry Lyga, Wendy Mass, Garth Nix, Scott Westerfield, Lisa Yee, and Sara Zarr.

With illustrated interstitials from comic book artists Hope Larson and Bryan Lee O'Malley, Geektastic covers all things geeky, from Klingons and Jedi Knights to fan fiction, theater geeks, and cosplayers. Whether you're a former, current, or future geek, or if you just want to get in touch with your inner geek, Geektastic will help you get your geek on!"

FunkY FriDaY II

Ahhhhh! I hope it's not too late to post this. =)

It's Friday.. and time to get FUNKY!!!! yay..
Topic: Firsts!

Well, it looks like I'm kinda running late today/cutting short on time [my bad] so.. I'll get right into the funkyness. Today's topic is about Firsts.. you know, first this, first that.. it doesn't matter, it's usually ganna suck anyways. I don't know why we all get worked up about firsts, don't you just hate them. How's it's all awkward and such. Like the first day of school, man, i can't stand those, which for me was Thursday. Imagine walking in with your awesome new outfit, just to find out that there's a mirror image of your walking around, GROSS. Or getting excited about your classes just to find out that you have none with your super close friends? Now how about first birthdays. Boy are those a mess! and you don't even remember it at all. All your "memories" come from the embarassing pictures and videos your parents show your boyfriend/girlfriend, when you bring them home, of you sticking your face into the cake and just digging into it by the handful. Talk about RUDE, really mom and dad? The first of the month is also great too, more specifically, January first. Don't you love how you make all those resolutions yet nothing ever really changes? What's the point? Your First boyfriend or girlfriend.. please, do not get too atached. Trust me, it won't last FOREVER. Just take it lightly and have fun... but not too much fun. =) And don't spend every minute of your live with them. Cause once it ends, it's ganna hurt like crap, but you will recover, that i am sure of.
All that i'm saying is that firsts are really nohting to get all worked up about and such. Everyone makes mistakes/messes up, and it's usually the first time around too. So don't freak out and stuff. Don't try to make your firsts perfect, or do everything in your power for it to go as YOU plan. Instead, don't worry about it. Just be yourself and go with the flow. Do what feels right not what you think is right.
If I left out any other crappy frists that you'd like to share, leave it in the comments or send me and email. I'd love to know.

Introducing.....The Undercover Book Lover (Not Really)

There's a new kid on the block. Today I'd like to present to you all, Regie Cruz from the Undercover Book Lover (Not Really). Reggie's been blogging for about a month now so she's fairly new to the whole concept. But anyways, here she is with a little about her blog!

The Undercover Book Lover (Not Really) is a blog full of YA and Adult fiction book reviews. There are also many features currently being added like Author interveiws and contests and lots more!

ME: What drew you into the book blogging world?
REGGIE: Blogging is very new to me. I didn't know a world like that existed. I was amazed with what I saw and I thought 'why the heck not' so I created my book blog to show how much I love books!

ME: What's your favorite part about book blogging?
REGGIE: My favorite part of book blogging is meeting other, fellow bloggers out there! My family thinks I'm nuts, so it's good to know I'm not the only one (haha)

ME: Who's your favorite author?
REGGIE: Oooohhh, I hate this question...that's because there are so many to choose from! Currently though, I would have to say Lisa Schroeder. Her books have inspired me so much. They really do move your heart! She's an amazing author!

ME: What kind of fiction are you into? or are you a nonfiction reader?
REGGIE: I'm into both fiction and non-fiction but I prefer YA fiction above all other genres. Soon, though, that might change because I'm starting to like Adult fiction like Tom Clancy and John Grisham...

ME: If you could change your name what would you go by?
REGGIE: I'd go by Ava! It's such a beautiful name...and it's my favorite! But I'm more than okay with mine! haha!

ME: IF you could have an AWESOME super power what would it be?
REGGIE: Ooohhh! I LOVE this question! I would definitely want to become telekinetic! It's the best power ever!!! Transmogrification would be my second choice though.

ME: What is your guilty pleasure?
REGGIE: Coffee. Definitely. I want a caramel macchiato right now! I'm not really allowed to have it though...considering I'm 14 and growing taller...haha

ME: Why should I visit your blog?
REGGIE: My blog exposes more YA books...both the popular and the not-so-well known. You can discover so many new books through blogs...I know I did!

ME: And.. anything else you'd like to add?
REGGIE: Thanks to Nadine-Stella over here for giving me this interview!!!!!!! MWAHH!!!!!!! And a big thanks to my Secret Agents (followers!)!!!!! You guys rock!!!!!!

Thanks Reggie, for letting me interview you. As for my readers, be sure to visit Reggie at her blog, The Undercover Book Lover (Not Really).

The Fold by An Na

Overview
Joyce is like the ugly duckling compared to her older sister Helen. Helen's "things" are always put before Joyce's, Helen is pretty than Joyce, and it just seems as though everyone likes Helen better than Joyce. When Joyce's aunt gets the idea for Joyce to have the eyelid surgery, Joyce is iffy at first but then when her aunt adds that Joyce might even become as "pretty as Helen" Joyce starts considering the idea. She starts thinking about how her life will change if she looked more like Helen. Maybe John Ford Kang will actually remember her name. Soon, with the help of her best friend Gina, Joyce begins to do research on the eyelid surgery, trying to find out as much as she can before she decides to go under the knife.

Review
The Fold was a pretty okay book. It took me quite a while before I really started getting into it. The fact that it was told from the Third person POV kinda took away from the main story, Joyce's story. I think if it was told from her POV then I would have understood her much better and also why it was soo important to her for John Ford Kang to like her back.
Helen's story was kinda overused. She had the "do it all" attitude, you know the person that does everything and does a great job at it too, but has some problem eating on their insides. But An Na made Helen her own by giving her such a personal problem that just catches not only Joyce, but also the reader by suprise. Helen is a great older sister, even though it took Joyce a while to understand and appreciate her more.
Gina and Sam are great friends. They stuck by Joyce's side, even after she'd been nasty towards them. I'd like to have a Gina in my life. She's soo spontatnous, and go-getter, and outgoing.
Overall, The Fold has a pretty interesting and unique premise.

Is This your bookcase?

Are You running out of space on your bookcase or currently using your bed, floor, or any available space as your personal desk? We'll Amanda, over at Reviewabook123 has got the perfect contest for you. She's giving away a book case, or a computer desk to a luck winner. all you have to do is leave a comment. head on over there right now for your chance. LINK