Monday, February 04, 2013

Moon Mondays: Setsubun

Instead of what you have been seeing on Moon Mondays I thought sharing one of the books that I buy every year would be better.  So each Monday I will be sharing 1 spell a week with you.  

Make every day magical with a spell from Llewellyn’s Witches’ Spell-A-Day Almanac. Spellcasters of all levels can enhance their daily life with these easy bewitchments, recipes, rituals, and meditations.
Susan Pesznecker, Tess Whitehurst, and other experienced magic practitioners offer simple spells for every occasion that require minimal supplies. For convenience, the 365 spells are cross-referenced by purpose: love, health, money, protection, home and garden, travel, and communication. Beginners will find advice on the best time, place, and tools for performing each spell. With space to jot down notes, this unique spellbook can be used as a Book of Shadows. There’s also astrological data and daily color and incense recommendations to enhance each day’s magic.

   About the Author

Llewellyn Publications has grown and expanded into new areas of personal growth and transformation since it began as the Portland School of Astrology in 1901. Along with the strong line of astrology books the company was founded upon, Llewellyn publishes books on everything from alternative health and healing, Wicca and Paganism, to metaphysics and the paranormal-and since 1994 has published a growing list of Spanish-language titles.

Llewellyn has long been know as one of America's leading publishers of New Age books, producing a wide variety of valuable tools for transformation of the mind, body and spirit.  Reach for the Moon-and discover that self-help and spiritual growth is what Llewellyn is all about. 
Color of the day: Gray
Incense of the day: Neroli 
Setsubun
In Japan, Setsubun means "dividing the season,' and this tradition involves throwing roasted soybeans while shorting "In with good luck, out with demons!" This is a kind of symbolic spring cleaning ritual.  Today perform this ritual in order to clear negativiity from your environment. Visualize the end of winter and the beginning of spring (even though it's a but early in most areas).  Imagine the soybean bringing good health and vitality while chasing away any unwanted energy. You can freely toss soybeans around your home and yard, if you'd like, or choose a more methodical approach. Place a bean in each room, and as you set it in place, use this chant:
Bring good fortune to this place.
Purge all harm without a trace. 
Ember Grant

Sunday, February 03, 2013

Under Shifting Glass

My Review:
I was hanging on every word from the first chapter!  I couldnt put it down and I cant wait for more.  Jess is such a good character (im not just saying that since its my name to) This book is beautiful and makes you think.  I loved it. 
"*I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own."

Book Description

February 19, 2013
Jess has a secret: a mysterious glass flask she finds in an heirloom desk's hidden compartment. Its surface swirls with iridescent colors, like something's inside, something almost like a song, something with a soul. No one else sees anything under the shifting glass, but Jess is convinced there must be some kind of magic in there. And when her twin brothers are born critically ill, Jess begins to believe that the force within the flask just might hold the key to saving her brothers—and her family. In this emotionally rich novel, award-winning author Nicky Singer crafts a world of possibility that is steeped in hope and the power of love.



 Buy Links
BAM | BN | Amazon


Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nicky Singer is the acclaimed author of six books for children including Feather Boy, which won the Blue Peter award in the U.K. She was co-founder and co-director of Performing Arts Labs, a charity dedicated to training new writers for theater, screen, and opera. She lives with her family in Brighton, England.

"Thanks to the publisher or author for sending me this copy!"

Friday, February 01, 2013

HOP: Printed Books Giveaway


Somehow I missed this one!  So up it goes just in time!  So for this one I will be giving away a print copy of Bluff by. Lenore Skomai!  

Book Description

September 4, 2012
"To the medical world, I was a host body, surviving only to bring a new life into the world. And while I wanted to die more than anything in the world, I never wanted this. No, I never wanted to cease to exist. This was the worst death of all.” Jude Black lives in that in-between, twilight place teetering on death but clinging to life in order to bring her baby into this world. Only she knows the circumstances surrounding her mysterious fall off the bluff that landed her in the hospital being kept alive by medical intervention. Only she knows who the father of her baby is. In this poignantly crafted literary novel, the mystery unfolds and the suspense builds as the consequences of Jude’s decisions threaten to reveal everyone's deceptions, even her own. Bluff offers a sensitive look at essential questions such as the value of human life, the consciousness of those in a coma and the morality of terminating life support. At the core is the story of a tragically misunderstood woman who finds peace, acceptance, understanding and even love on her deathbed.



Author
Lenore SkomalLenore Skomal wants you to eat her books. She wants you to chew them in your teeth, savor them on your tongue, breathe them in, and feel her words in your skin. Her passionate desire is to touch your heart, inspire you, and luxuriate in the world of the written word. She finds ecstasy in constructing a perfect sentence and responds willingly to the nagging ache in her heart to create an authentic experience for the reader. Winner of multiple awards for blogging, literature, biography and humor, Lenore Skomal's catalogue spans many genres. With 30 years of writing experience, over 17 books published and a daily blog, the consistent themes in her work are the big issues the human experience and adding depth and voice to the intricacies involved in living a multi-dimensional existence. Skomal has won several Society of Professional Journalist Awards, Whidbey Island Writer's Conference honorable mention for best fiction, Writer's Digest 73rd Annual Fiction Contest, New York Public Library's Best Books for Teens 2003, and the Next Generation Indie Book Award for humor. From journalism, to literary fiction, to humor and biography, her writing is consistent, if not in genre, then in message. As a member of the world community, Skomal is excited by the opportunities presented in today's publishing climate. Now, not only can she spend her time traveling internationally and experiencing cultural events like a Lakota Sweat Lodge, she shares these experiences directly with her readers in hopes of resonating with them and underscoring that no one is alone. In addition to writing, Lenore is an engaging public speaker with over 1000 public engagements, book tours and writing seminars. She has taught college journalism, has one son, and when not off gallivanting from Egypt to Mongolia she resides with her husband in Erie, Pa. Visit her website at www.lenoreskomal.com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

February Giveaway: Signed ARC of Splintered


This month I thought I would give away my other copy of Splintered by A.G. Howard. I will also be giving away a ecopy of the same book.  As always print copies are only for the USA and ecopies are only for international winners who can accept ebooks via Amazon. 
"*I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own."

Book Description

 January 16, 2013
This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl's pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers--precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now. When her mother's mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice's tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice's mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

"Thanks to the publisher or author for sending me this copy!"

More About the Author

Biography

A.G. Howard was inspired to write SPLINTERED while working at a school library. She always wondered what would've happened had the subtle creepiness of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland taken center stage, and she hopes her darker and funkier tribute to Carroll will inspire readers to seek out the stories that won her heart as a child.

When she's not writing, A.G.'s pastimes are reading, rollerblading, gardening, and family vacations which often include impromptu side trips to 18th century graveyards or condemned schoolhouses to appease her overactive muse.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Author Thursday: Sadie Grubor






Today we have author Sadie Grubor thanks again to The Cover Contessa along with Never Too Old for YA Books on Goodreads, are excited to welcome author Sadie Grubor for an interview.

Here are Sadie's books:

And here's a little about Sadie!
Sadie Grubor has always had an active imagination and creative streak. Having written stories and journal upon journal of soul exposure throughout her years, it still comes as a surprise when people actual want to read and enjoy her work.
A self-proclaimed, foul-mouthed, book nerd, who loves reading genres ranging from Young Adult to Horror to Erotica, she embraces her Computer Geekdom through the Internet. You can find her on FaceBook, Twitter - @SadieGrubor, and her website - http://www.sadiegrubor.webs.com
Sadie Grubor is the adult-alter author of Young Adult Writer, Saewod Tice.

So Let's hear what Sadie had to say in answer to our questions:

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I didn't really realize I wanted to be a writer. I can honestly say it just happened. I've always enjoyed writing. Growing up I kept journals documenting my thoughts and feelings, small stories, poems, and doodles. It sort of morphed into writing stories for kids, for my kids. Then I started to want more from stories I read, or got ideas, and began to write.

How long does it take you to write a book?
It depends on the time I have on my hands and inspiration. I've written a book in a week and I have others that I've been working on for a couple years.

What do you think makes a great story?
This is something that differs for just about everyone – according to their taste. But I truly believe that, no matter the genre, you have to write something that makes you feel. Whether it's desire, romance, sadness, horror, if you feel it when you write it, then it will come across to the reader in your work.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
Since I'm the mother of two, full time day job working, wife to one handsome geek, my schedule is erratic and crazy. I try to sit down and allot time for writing, but this doesn't usually work out.

How do you balance family and writing?
As for how to balance, I'm not so sure I have balancing down yet. The writing time does suffer and often lose. Family comes first. My kids and husband mean the world to me. My writing is typically done late in the evening/night.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
The internet is my largest tool. Google provides me such an extensive pool of information to research.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That people would actually enjoy reading them. Like really, really like my books and be interested enough to want to read more of them. I'm still surprised when someone reaches out to tell me how much they enjoyed the book and want more. It's extremely flattering and fulfilling.

How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?
Written and published works would be four. Under author name Saewod Tice, I released a Young Adult post apocalyptic book titled Amongst the Ruins. This was my first published work. Second, came Live-In Position by VS Tice. This is a romantic chick-lit style book that was published before my Sadie Grubor personal was fully developed. Then came the self published books, Falling Stars & Stellar Evolution under Sadie Grubor. I have multiple completed books which are with BETA readers, proofers, and/or editors. On top of those, I have a few unfinished manuscripts that I'm still working through the development.

Are your characters based on anyone you know?
I do draw inspiration from people around me. Though, I've never truly had one character replicate someone I know.

Do you have a favourite place you love to write?
Wherever I can focus and listen to my music. Music is a big inspirational piece for me.

How hard is it to get published?
Being published is not a simple task in any regard. I got extremely lucky with my first book and was picked up really quickly; however, I've got a large file full of rejection letters from publishers. It takes time, dedication, a thick skin, and a willingness to take advice and feedback. Even self publishing is a challenging task. You have only yourself to rely on and only you to take the heat for negative responses.

What do your family and friends think about your books?
I'm thankful to have amazing friends and family. They are one hundred percent supportive of everything I do. They also harass me frequently for the next book and such.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I'm an avid horror flick watching woman. And I have a penchant for horrible B films. Heck even C & D films. LOL Netflix, Hulu and I seem to have a special understanding. Reading, of course, is a huge part of my life. Romance, Science fiction, Horror, Erotica, I'll pretty much give anything a shot as long as the writing is good.

Do you have any suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their craft?
If so, what are they? You will be constantly learning. Grow a thick skin, and stay open to the criticism and critique. Learn from your mistakes. These are the biggest things I've learned.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Wonder Woman. Then it was the Phoenix from Xmen. Yeah, so I had a bit of a nerdy comic book childhood.

What are your favourite books and which authors inspire you?
Asking me to list my favorite books is like asking me to pick my favorite kid. (LOL) Short List of Authors (this too is painful): Stephen King (twisted scares are amazing) Lisa Kleypas (she gives good regency) RL Mathewson (take care of yourself girl!) Alice Clayton (her humor is the best) Richard Laymon (gory horror and taboo horror at its finest) Kristen Ashley (for so many wonderful reasons) Truly there are so many that I could go on and on and on – and ON.

For an aspiring writer what do you feel are certain do's and don’ts for getting their material published? DO listen to critiques. DON’T let criticism get to you. I've seen many authors fall into the trap of reacting to bad reviews or comments. This will get you put on a do not read list so fast, regardless if the bad reviewer or criticizer was originally in the wrong. The trick is to either ignore the criticism all together by not reading them. Or, if you're skin is thick enough and you can restrain from lashing out, read and see if you can learn anything from them. Or at least get a good laugh from them. DO stand by your work. DON'T let a publisher or editor change the core of your story. This actually almost happened to me with Falling Stars. The publisher that originally had this manuscript wanted me to change Christopher to make him more likable. They also wanted me to cut the story so that Chris and Mia were together faster. We went back and forth with FS and it was pushed back a couple times. I was lucky enough to have the story released back to me, so I could publish it myself.

What are you working on now?
I'm working on the next Falling Stars novel: Hidden in the Stars. This tale will follow Jackson after Stellar Evolution. I won't say too much, just in case you haven't read the follow-up novella. This is in the writing phase, though I will say that I've been distracted with ideas for the possibility of another story to follow Jacksons. There are also two more manuscripts with editors, proofers and BETA readers. My editor has my marriage of convenience book in her hands – the Modern Arrangement series. She has book one out of the three. Then I have another book with a BETA and proof reader. I'm planning on a busy 2013.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, Sadie! It was great to have you here!

You can find Sadie's other works HERE:



Thanks again to the Cover Contessa for the awesome interview!

Warm Bodies


Warm Bodies
R is having a no-life crisis—he is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he is a little different from his fellow Dead. He may occasionally eat people, but he’d rather be riding abandoned airport escalators, listening to Sinatra in the cozy 747 he calls home, or collecting souvenirs from the ruins of civilization.And then he meets a girl.
First as his captive, then his reluctant house guest, Julie is a blast of living color in R’s gray landscape, and something inside him begins to bloom. He doesn’t want to eat this girl—although she looks delicious—he wants to protect her. But their unlikely bond will cause ripples they can’t imagine, and their hopeless world won’t change without a fight.

December 25, 2012


BUY THE BOOK  
 BN | Indie Bound | Amazon

Biography

I've written a few books, but most of them are terrible. Warm Bodies is the only one so far that's worth your time. I'm about to turn 30. I'm 6'3. White. Left handed. Mildly bearded. I write strange stories about strange events, often from the perspectives of strange things. I apologize in advance for any injury or inconvenience.

Find the Author
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog

  My Review: 4 Stars
This book was so good and I cant wait for the movie!  So here is a nice giveaway that i'm doing for this book!  So click here and enter! So as for a review. The book was great, small, and funny.  The only thing that I had a real issue with the following.  First was the use of the F word every 5 seconds and the Second was the Zombie sex.  YES Zombie Sex. I really didn't need that!  Other than that the book was great!

MOVIE REVIEW:    I am a big believer in reading the book before the movie. And this one didn't disappoint.  With a different ending and well NO ZOMBIE SEX!! And the F-word only used once instead of well more than I care for.  This movie was AWESOME!!  
It really did go with the humor vs. the seriousness of the issue.  The only thing I didn't like was that the ending felt rushed.  They might have wanted to just make it a 2 hour movie and slowed down the ending a little.  
As for the actors I really hope to see the girl that played Julie (sorry I dont now your name) I hope to see her in the next I am number 4 movies (if they ever make them) And I cant wait to see what R has in store for us when he plays Jack the Giant Slayer! 
 Read An Excerpt
The copy of this book was purchased by me. I purchased two copies lol