Because I'm a fan of all things "lists" — I'd like to share with you my reading goals for July. This is a pretty hefty list when you take into consideration that I can count the books I've read in May and June on one hand — but I figure it's time to raise the reading bar.:) Wish me luck!
I really hope everyone has a wonderful New Year! 2011 has been a great one and I hope everyone has a very happy 2012!
I've had a lot of fun blogging this year. I've found a lot more comfort in it and I really don't stress nearly as much as I used to.: ) There will be even more changes in 2012! I've already been plotting with Lisa (my blogging twin at A Life Bound By Books) and we are coming up with some features we'd like to do. We had an absolute blast with Haunted Halloween again this year and do plan to do it for the 3rd year in a row in 2012! Soon we will have a survey up to see what, if any, changes are needed. We'd love to get the opinions of the readers who were kind enough to join in on the fun!
The Top 10 event was something else we really had fun doing and we already agreed to do it again next year. I have gotten so many book ideas from checking out the posts and I really hope everyone else enjoyed sharing their favorites and seeing what everyone else loved.
I had a few blogging goals for this year, and for the most part, I kept up with them: ) I tried to comment more (but mostly failed on this one). I'm really going to try to be better at that! I did manage to read a ton more books this year. I only read 79 last year (eek!) but this year my goal was 100 and I read 117! Here are my final totals for the year.
117 Books Read! 36,776 pages read! 435 posts this year! Not bad. For 2012 I'm going to set my goal at 110. And I can't believe I've read almost 40,000 pages this year. Isn't that crazy?! If you are on goodreads, you can actually get your page count by going to"My books" then"stats" on the right (Thanks Lisa for that tip!).
This should be an exciting year because, after 2 years of graduate school, I'll be graduating in June! I have 2 more classes that start next week and then my thesis course starts in March. I'm very happy about that but very anxious too. I don't know what to expect with the thesis but I will be thrilled to NOT have classes anymore. 6 years of college is just craziness!
So, what about you? Did you meet your reading goals? Are you a blogger with some New Years resolutions?: )
So this week wasn't as lucrative as last — but I'm still happy with what I accomplished. I finished reading The Man Who Loved Jane Austen, Mr. Darcy Presents His Bride, and A Vengeful Spirit. I didn't exactly meet my goals from last week's Sunday Salon because Persuasion and Jane Austen Ruined My Life didn't come into my library yet. But I did watch Emma for the Everything Austen Challenge. I went to see My Sister's Keeper and Hp 6 (still working on my review). I received an award. And I hosted my first Author Interview. So overall — I'm very happy with how I fared last week.
This week don't expect near as much fun — book wise anyway. Tomorrow I leave for a mini vacation to Washington DC. My dad needs to attend the Indian Affairs meetings so my mom and I are going to sight see. Because of this, my goals are going to be sort of sad. My goal for this week is to finish A Circle of Souls, Suspense and Sensibility, and Jane Austen Ruined My Life. Expect Reviews!
But no worries about me being gone — I've been working especially hard to make sure that I have at least one post a day while I'm gone.:)
I'm officially amending my statement from a month ago — February 2012 was the busiest month by FAR! The top three posts read from February were Nonfiction for High School Students, Review: Dead to You, and Review: The Necklace, respectively. The search term most used to find my blog was "nonfiction." If direct numbers floats your boat — we're going steady at 727 GFC followers!
February brought four reviews and 28 posts. My favorite book of the month would have to be "Partials" by Dan Wells.
The big news this month was the announcement of the Titanic Reading Challenge! The challenge officially begins in April!
For BBRAW to be a complete success!:)
Read at least 5 NetGalley Books (completed 3)
Post seven reviews (completed 4)
Switch to WordPress
The majority of these goals from February were not met (besides #1) due to the unexpected death of my father. I so appreciate all of the emails, texts, and tweets from everybody. The support has been overwhelming. Thank you.
1. Read three NetGalley Books 2. Post 5 Reviews 3. Switch to Wordpress
Alright guys, as part of 2012 my blog goals are to improve my overall blog. I feel like I've made some steps in the right direction but there are some large (and scary) goals I still want to accomplish.
I'd like to make the switch from Blogger to Wordpress here in the next few weeks months. But I'm scared for several reasons: I don't want to lose everything, I'm not sure how it works since I own my domain through blogger, and I really REALLY love my new design from KD Designs. I've only had it for a month and I really don't want to lose it.
I know where I want this blog to go in the long run and I really believe that it starts with this huge move. If anyone could offer any advice or help I would really appreciate it. I just feel so lost and overwhelmed. I've been contemplating this really since Sheila brought it up last year when we were at BEA together and, like I said, I know this is a move in a right direction. I just don't know where to start and if I can bring my new look with me. Any thoughts?
In case you're wondering, there are several reasons I want to make this move. I love almost everything Google and I've been waiting on Google to improve Blogger for about two years and it just really hasn't happened yet. First of all, I really want to improve my SEO (which I'm still learning about) and I hear that Wordpress is really the way to go. I'd like to upgrade to this Thesis Theme that I hear April talk about (while still keeping my cute new look). Kristi keeps mentioning how replying to comments is so amazing and I want that! And, quite frankly, Shanyn sold me on it last year at BBC.:)
Well, the year is almost over and I thought I should do a realistic check on my challenge goals from last January. While they vary, I'm pretty proud of myself (in all categories but one) especially since prior to this year I didn't (obviously) read eBooks or really listen to books. I feel that while this year I haven't exactly met my reading potential, I have expanded my horizons and gone out of my literary comfort zone.
Dystopian Challenge — My goal was to read 15 books and I have so far read 13. I think I can complete this one.
YA List Challenge — I've read 12 out of the 25 books. I'm going to have to label this one a FAIL.
Audiobook Challenge — My goal was to read 12 audiobooks and at this point I've read 14 — so I can already call this challenge "unofficially" COMPLETED!
iChallenge — I set out to read 10 books and at this point I've read 12! Another "unofficial" COMPLETE!
Off The Shelf Challenge — I can already tell you this is an EPIC FAIL. I've read 18 books and I won't even tell you what my ridiculous goal was.
100+ Reading Challenge — I won't categorize this as an epic fail — but it's close. I've currently read 48 books. At this point I know I won't make it to 100, but I'd at least like to hit 65.
eBook Challenge — After getting my Nook early last year, I completed this challenge in June (merely six months later — 12 ebooks) and then I set another goal for myself: 20 ebooks. I'm currently at 18 so I think I can really make 20 by December!:)
What about you? Where are you at with your goals? Any already completes or epic fails?
Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt Published: Bloomsbury (March 26th, 2013) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 320 pages Rating: 5 of 5 stars Summary: When Mallory’s boyfriend, Jeremy, cheats on her with an online girlfriend, Mallory decides the best way to de-Jeremy her life is to de-modernize things too. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in1962, Mallory swears off technology and returns to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn’t cheat with computer avatars). The List: 1. Run for pep club secretary 2. Host a fancy dinner party/soiree 3. Sew a dress for Homecoming 4. Find a steady 5. Do something dangerous But simple proves to be crazy-complicated, and the details of the past begin to change Mallory’s present. Add in a too-busy grandmother, a sassy sister, and the cute pep-club president–who just happens to be her ex’s cousin–and soon Mallory begins to wonder if going vintage is going too far. Review: This book is so darn CUTE! Mallory is dealing with a cheating boyfriend and his emotional relationship with a girl who has been playing an online game with him. Mallory can't believe that he let a game take over and ruin their relationship. While dealing with this, she is going through some of her grandmother's things and finds a list of goals from back in the 60s. Mallory loves the simplicity of the list and that back then no one had to worry about cellphones, the internet, or computers that could ruin their lives.
Mallory's more simplistic lifestyle definitely isn't easy. Staying away from all technology is proving to be an obstacle. And, not everyone is on board with per Pep Club idea. But, there is Jeremy's cousin Oliver who steps up to be part of the club. Mallory is surprised once she gets to know Oliver and their attachment blossoms.
But this book is much more than a romance. It's really about a young girl who is heartbroken and wants to deal with the heartbreak in the best way possible. The new lifestyle is a type of therapy for her.
Mallory was so witty and funny. She may have let her ideas get a bit insane but she had good intentions. It was fun seeing her deal with day to day life without using the items we take for granted. Oliver really seemed to get her quirky personality and, in the end, she realized that maybe Jeremy wasn't right for her. Maybe she was going through her list for other reasons besides the heartbreak. This is a great feel-good book that would be a perfect summer read.
"I can't deny how emotionally attached I was to the characters in so little time. I will definitely be keeping this book to have in my classroom and I hope to read the rest of Mia's adventures in the near future!" — Miss Remmers
From Amazon.com...
"After one summer at the Little Tykes Theatre, Mia Fullerton is meek no more, but that doesn't make her life any easier. Not in her sophomore year at St. Hilary's, when her best friend Lisa forces her into a dangerously big part in The Music Man. Not when her ex-boyfriend, Tim, is teaching her little brother Chris to treat women like objects. And not when she learns to drive with serious repercussions.
Who is Mia? Is she an independent girl like Zoe, her acerbic goth friend from Little Tykes? She'd like to be — that's why she's volunteering to be onstage for the first time, in a show populated by her first ex and childhood crush Jake, her arch-nemesis Cassie, and new girl in town Alyssa. That's why it's so important she overcome the bizarre driving instruction of St. Hilary's janitor Mr. Corrigan to earn her driver's license, and therefore her freedom. Or is she the girl who misses Tim, even after the way he betrayed her? Tim is smart, funny, and likeable in a distinctly obnoxious way, and he's determined to win Mia back even if he has a funny way of doing so, dating both Cassie and Alyssa at the same time, behind both their backs. Can Mia forgive Tim? Should she instead choose Eric, Zoe' s cousin, a nicer and more respectful choice in every way? Or would either choice defeat her goals of independence? And when the worst-case scenarios rear their heads when Mia is forced into the lead in The Music Man, when her first night out on the road goes horribly, when Chris appears headed entirely to the dark side does Mia on her own have what it takes to set things right?"
Mia sure has it rough. A school play, an over zealous best friend, busy parents, annoying little brother, and a whole "hot mess" of relationships with boys. I throughly enjoyed reading this novel and finished it in one in one sitting. It's a quick read that would be great for upper middle school students or underclassmen. But don't let this fool you, the characters are great and the plot keeps readers guessing.
I couldn't help but want to be Mia's friend and to witness her life unfold. Just when I thought I had the story down, a twist would appear at just the most opportune moment. I learned to love Lisa's quirkiness and the love/hate relationship between Mia and her brother Chris. The dialogue between Chris and Mia was great — it reminded my of the Gilmore Girls dialogue.
A few things did bother me though: I did not like Jake, all the "dudes" and similar jargon I thought was unneccessary and overdone. He was the stereotypical class idiot — it seemed over played. Along the same lines, Mia's friend Zoe also bugged me (a little — but not as much) in regards to being overly stereotyped. I will also add (I may be a prude) that when I was sixteen I definitely wasn't getting as much kissing in as Mia and her friends.
But other than those small things — I adored this book. The ending was great — so much emotion! While I didn't like how it ended particularly, I can't deny how emotionally attached I was to the characters in so little time. I will definitely be keeping this book to have in my classroom and I hope to read the rest of Mia's adventures in the near future!
Favorite Quotes: "What do you call a man on a beach? — A tan-gent!" (7). "I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce" (47). "If you ever fell down a well, Lassie would leave you there" (47). "You're about as optimistic as a weatherman calling for sunshine while holding an umbrella" (50).
To the FTC, with love: Review Book sent by publisher
It's that time of year, Twitter and my GR is buzzing with the excitement of another year gone and another year here. With all the upcoming Reading Challenges and Goals for the new year, I can't help but feel motivated and ready (whether my classroom is or isn't is another question). Yesterday I looked at all the books I read and came up with my top ten favorites. Feeling a little extra motivated I even made a video — beware: it is my first video, and while I'm extremely proud of it, it isn't perfect.
Books mentioned:
10. Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready 9. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater 8. Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick 7. Beastly by Alex Flinn 6. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver 5. Matched by Allie Condie 4. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore 3. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher 2. Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers 1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Colli ns
After making that list I still felt like something was missing, like that list alone didn't sum up 2010. I continued to think about it this morning and then it hit me: it isn't always the books that mean the most, sometimes it's the authors. I read 65 books in 2010 and the above are my favorite reads, but what about my favorite authors? The authors who were crazy kind, excited to talk to me, and who were full enthusiasm?
Here are my top authors of 2010:
Lauren Oliver — Besides being an awesome writer, you were so approachable at BEA and I was so impressed when you remembered my name when you say me randomly walking around!
Shannon Delany — You single-handedly were the reason Sheila and I made it to the Author Event at BEA where I met so many great women! You were so friendly, understanding, and patient with my back and forth Twittering to find where you all were. I so appreciate everything you did and can't wait for your second book.
Courtney Summers — Your books never cease to amaze me, but I'll never forget your Author Interview with my struggling readers (and they never will either). You really demonstrated to my students that authors are people too — no matter how famous! Thank you!
Denise Jaden — Girl, "Losing Faith" rocked my socks off but you are just as outstanding (if not more!). You have such an outreach to readers and bloggers, I am so impressed!
Violet Haberdasher — I loved "Knightley Academy" and the main reason I bought it at BEA was because of how approachable you are! You were so friendly and excited to be at the NYC library! I can't wait for book two!
Simone Elkeles — I haven't even read one of your books (yet), although I do have all of them on my bookshelves and in my classroom. Your books are books that I don't have to pitch to students — they pick them up, love the cover, love the synopsis, and come to me later saying "I loved this novel! Give me another one like it!" At BEA you were so friendly and even joked about me actually being a teacher because of my size (true story, my students think the same thing!). You gave me two signed posters and they were the first posters up in my classroom. My students can't believe I met you! Thank you so much for giving a first year teacher some credibility!
Shari Maurer — I still need to read your book (I know, I'm behind), but I love your enthusiasm for reading and for struggling readers! I will never forget at BEA how willing you were to talk to me about my students (and I hadn't even met them yet!). Thanks!
Karen Essex — I read a review of "Dracula in Love" on a blog and commented that I really wanted to read your novel but had gone to BN and it was $25, within a half an hour later you had emailed me and asked if I'd like a copy for review. It was one of those moments that my students said, "That didn't just happen, did it?" And it did. Thank you for being so awesome!
Simmone Howell — My first Australian author! I am so excited to read your books in the near future! Your enthusiasm for reading and for students means a lot to me!
1. I read that you grew up in California and your grandfather had a vineyard. What was a typical day like for you as a child hanging out in the vineyard?
I played a lot amongst the vines. They were planted in rows and it was fun to run through them. I would sit in the little ditches under the vines and snack off the grapes. There weren’t any kids my age, so I made up stories to keep me busy. The vineyard was sold when my grandfather died, now houses are in its spot. Sorta sad. But nothing last forever. 2. You wrote a lot as a child. Can you share one of those story ideas and would you ever bring one of them back for a “possible book” idea? I have a story with a girl with a photographic memory. I wrote it in High School. It’s took place in the near future then 2000. Not sure, if I’d write it or edit it. I have so many projects swirling around in my head; it’s a matter of finding the time to work on them. Ideas were never my problem. It’s time that’s my enemy.
3. I saw that you are a fan of Janesen Ackles (me too, since his time on Days of our Lives), but if you could choose what stars could play the Freakvilles characters Kasey and Josh, who would you choose? Oh, yes he was great as Eric Brady. I liked him on Dark Angel, too. Big fan girl, never met him though. Hum, casting FREAKSVILLE is hard. Would need someone who is 16 and can do a British Accent for Josh. No clue there… Not Pattison, he’s too well known as Edward. Kasey would be harder. Maybe Emma Stone? It would have to be someone with a quirky spunk. 4. What is your favourite thing to do to relax after a hard day of writing?
Relax what’s that? Since selling FREAKSVILLE my life has been pretty crazy.
5. Can you share with us what you are working on right now?
Really rough unedited teaser? This isn’t final but it’s a scene taken from FURRY & FREAKED, book two. I really like Ruby and Kasey. They play off each other in a fun way. They are complete opposites but common goals bring them together as friends. Ruby is blunt, she’ll tell you how it is, and everyone needs somebody like that. I think this is somewhere in chapter five… Kasey is alone at her new school. Valkyrie is Ruby’s pet name for her. You’ll have to read the series to find out what it means. **** Chairs screeched signalling the mass exodus of the final bell and end of the school day. I hung back pretending to dig through my backpack waiting for the last student to leave the classroom. I didn’t want to run into Clay and his gang. I’m not one to hightail it from ghosts or teenage werewolves but, heckling was something I was never good at swallowing. “You’re going to miss the bus, Valkyrie.” I nearly jumped out of my skin as Ruby materialized next to me. Her jet black hair was pulled into two short pigtails streaked with navy blue. She ran her hands down her black and navy plaid pegged leg pants studded with massive amounts of safety pins, until, she came to a zipper and proceeded to remove a mint, not before blowing a piece of lint off it first. “Here,” She said thrusting it my way. “I don’t want it. No telling how long it’s been there. You died in the seventies, right?” I replied hoisting the backpack over my shoulder as I ignored my personal poltergeist. As I weaved in and out of the desks until I was out of the classroom and in the hall. Ruby followed with her blue combat boots hovering an inch or so above the floor. “As if, 1988. Take it or I’ll cram it down your throat! Don’t think I won’t do it. Your breath smells like something died.” She took a step closer and sniffed, curling her upper lip in disgust."I stand corrected you reek. What’s in the backpack? A body?” “Could be, if you keep it up.” Ruby and I had this little verbal wits match. I really liked that about her. *** Furry & Freaked, Kitty Keswick
Freaksville by Kitty Keswick Publisher: Leap Books (January 8th, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 328 pages Series: Freaksville, book #1 High school is hard enough when you’re normal. There’s peer pressure, book reports, the in crowd and the enormous zit that has a life of its own. Having a family whose skeletons in the closet lean toward the paranormal is not a topper on anyone’s list. Sophomore Kasey Maxwell is busy juggling the typical teen angst. Add visions, ghosts and hairy four-legged monsters into the mix and you get FREAKSVILLE. It’s a wonder Kasey has survived.
Every woman in the Maxwell family has the gift of sight. A talent sixteen-year-old Kasey would gladly give up. All she wants is a normal life. Shopping and talking about boys with her best friend and long-time sidekick Gillie Godshall consume her days. Until Kasey has a vision about Josh Johnstone, the foreign exchange student from England. The vision leads her into new waters, a lead in a play, a haunted theater… and into the arms of the Josh. Yet, both Kasey and Josh have secrets lurking in dark corners. Can Kasey’s new romance survive FREAKSVILLE?
Find Kitty Keswick Kitty Keswick / Twitter / Goodreads Purchase Freaksville Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository
1.What made you decide to share a story involving relationship abuse?
My initial goals were less about message than story — I wanted to write something suspenseful and atmospheric, a ghost story. That said, healthy and unhealthy relationships are subjects I keep returning to as a writer, probably because of my own past experience.
While I’ve not been in a relationship exactly like Clara’s, I’ve been with an abusive partner. (You can read more about this here, if you’re interested: http://debcaletti.com/archives/59).
Now, I just have this hope, this big, giant HOPE that young women (and young men) manage to stay out of those places. I hope they’ll understand themselves better than I did, I hope that they’ll put themselves only in good hands, and, more than anything, I hope that they’ll know. There was so much I didn’t know. And how can we know all that we need to about this, with the basic messages we still get? This is why I shared this particular story. To say, please know. To say, hey, those vampire books… The ones that show dark, obsessive “love” as romantic? There’s nothing romantic in something that will slowly but surely steal your confidence, joy, and ability to act in your own best interest. There’s nothing romantic about a person who frightens you.
2. What do you think teens should know in order to stay safe in a relationship?
I think it’s important to be smart and know the warning signs of a potentially abusive partner. Getting involved quickly, intensity, possessiveness, jealousy — these are things that might not seem like a big deal unless you’re aware that they are indicators of serious trouble ahead. But, even more, it’s important to listen to ourselves. Things can go wrong slowly, and there are always those little red flags at the beginning, those times when we think, “Huh? What was THAT?” We ignore that voice sometimes, though, because the “love” or excitement or approval feels so good right then. We might see red flags, but not want to see. Our strong need/desire for the relationship can cause us to explain away the worrisome things we see. But, “He wants me” is not the same thing as “He loves me.” And that little voice inside going, “Hey, wait. There’s something wrong here” – it knows.
3. Are there any resources for teens that you would recommend? (websites, phone numbers, groups, etc.)
The first thing I would suggest if you find yourself in a situation like Clara’s (or any other type of abusive relationship) is to start talking – to friends, family, teachers, counselors. People on the bus. The mail lady. Anyone. Your reality gets very twisted up, and it’s crucial to hear voices of clarity. Having someone say, “He/she did WHAT?!” is a first step to seeing straight and getting out. Their outrage and sense of what’s normal is hugely important, as you’ve likely lost both of those things. You can also call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline at 1-866-331-9474. One site for teens: www.loveisrespect.org.
4. What do you hope teenagers take from reading STAY?
If STAY helps readers recognize what this kind of relationship abuse looks like, how it builds, how complicated your feelings become, and the long-lasting damage it can do, then I am one happy writer. Too, I hope readers will see that anyone can find themselves in that place. Clara is “anyone.” I get really upset with the people (often other women, even more often very young women), who say, “Not me. Never me. She’s an idiot. I would NEVER… ” It’s arrogant, unkind, and naïve. The slope from here to there is slippery and complex, and the effect one person can have on another – on their confidence, strength, and their capacity to take action – can be profound and dramatic.
I hope readers will also take away the fact that abuse is always bigger than you are. The issues that drive someone to do those things are not solvable or cured by your love or reassurance or even by you setting down the rules of what you’ll put up with. There is no approach you can take to make it “work.” The most important thing is this: real love does not ever, ever cause you to feel small, trapped, or scared. Real love is safe.
Stay by Deb Caletti Publisher: Simon Pulse (April 5th, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 313 pages
Clara's relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it's almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he's willing to do to make her stay. Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won't let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough…
Find Deb Caletti Website | Facebook
Purchase Stay Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
Remember to check out THIS PAGE to sign up to win a copy of this book and the other books mentioned during"Stand Up Against Abuse" week. Help spread the word about the links and phone numbers listed on that page.
Well, I had planned on listening to "Shopaholic Ties the Knot" the entire ride home from Bismarck (five hours), but an hour in the CD started skipping and no matter what I did it wouldn't work. So I didn't really get into the read-a-thon until I got home — then, I promise, all I did was listen (and upload pictures to Facebook, and clean, and. . well you get the idea). I've just now finished it but am too tired to write the review — look for it tomorrow.:)
Tomorrow, while I do have a hefty little to do list, I would like to conquer either Shiver, Dead as a Doornail, or To Kill a Mockingbird. How is everyone else doing? Meeting those goals?
Amy Plum, author of the new book Die for Me, is here today to discuss the book and her writing. Die for Me will be released tomorrow!
Check out the bottom for a link to follow the rest of the tour stops.
1. From reading some of the background of Die For Me, it's easy to see how much thought you put into the story long before you began writing. Can you share with us 3 things that you were determined to achieve with this story?
1. I wanted to write a book that would be as much a love letter to Paris as a love story between a boy and girl. 2. I wanted to create a brand new paranormal mythology where I could let my imagination roam and have the freedom to form my own little universe.
3. And thirdly: redemption. Kate is strong and independent in a way that I wasn’t at her age. And I gave her a family I would have loved to have had.
So, although I hadn’t thought about it ahead of time, as I wrote the book (especially figuring out Kate’s past, although much of it isn’t spelled out) I was aware that I was rewriting my own past. In a small way, the book is a sort of redemption for a childhood and adolescence that included lots of not-very-nice things. And although Kate’s parents die when she is sixteen, up until then her life is what I wish mine had been.
2. Many of the locations in Die For Me were ones from your past. What made you decide to do that and is there any other place special to you that you wish you could include in a book? I am very visual, so places are important to me. And dropping my characters into locations I myself have known is—again—like recreating my past. I loved putting Jules’s art studio in my old apartment, placing a lot of the action in my old neighborhood, the Marais, and then there’s the Pont des Arts… *sigh*. So perhaps it’s a bit of a crutch. I know these places so well that I can easily go to them in my mind when I’m writing a scene. It might just facilitate the action to be able to close my eyes and be right back there.
Although… I made up the interior of Jean-Baptiste’s house from my imagination (dropping in a few elements that I knew: the staircase, Charlotte’s heart-shaped windows… ). BUT even though I’ve never been there, I know every room in that place like it was my own house. And yes – I would write a book that takes place, at least partly, in New York City, my other urban love besides Paris. It is just as magical as Paris, but in a completely different way.
3. What is the hardest part of juggling family time and writing? Do you have any tips for anyone who may be struggling with the same thing?
I can’t write if my children are in the house with me. (Unless they’re asleep, and by that time I’m usually too exhausted to write.) They’re only three and five, and if I am around they want to be rightnexttome. I’m lucky enough to have an office outside of my home. It’s a little building that’s just across the yard from our house. And when I go there I know that no one is going to bother me. I can immerse myself completely in my writing without my concentration being broken.
So my advice would be to find a place where you know you can let your mind reign supreme. Without listening for that next knock on the door or ringing phone. In Stephen King’s book ON WRITING, he spoke of writing his first two published novels “in the laundry room of a doublewide trailer, pounding away on my wife’s portable Olivetti typewriter and balancing a child’s desk on my thighs.” He says that John Cheever wrote in the basement of his Park Avenue apartment building, near the furnace. It doesn’t matter where it is or if it is even comfortable. If it is YOURS AND ONLY YOURS—for the time you are writing—that is what matters.
4. What has been the biggest adjustment for you since you started writing? What is your favorite thing to do that helps you relax after a long day of writing?
The biggest adjustment has been having a project that is long-term. When I was an art dealer or a professor or wrote articles for magazines, I had short-term projects that I could work hard on and then be done with in a relatively short amount of time. Now, writing the draft of a book usually takes me a few months. I’ve had to learn to chop that up into short-term goals. One day will be just for planning. The next I will write one chapter. I can’t stop until I finish it, but once I do I’m done for the day. Or if I’m editing, I have to finish two chapters per day. Whatever it is, I have to look at it as small tasks, because seeing it as a whole is too overwhelming for my impatient, impulsive personality.
And favorite thing to do at the end of a long day of writing? Usually after writing, I am busy splitting parenting activities with my husband: making dinner, getting the kids’ bath, pajamas, bedtime books, etc. So it’s not until the kids are in bed that I have time to relax. At that point, I’m usually so exhausted that I flop into bed with a book or my New Yorker magazine, or bring my laptop with me and read scandalous celebrity gossip! (Shhh… shameful confession!) When my husband offers to do all the kiddie stuff himself (when he sees that I’m falling over), I take a one-hour bath with a book and a glass of wine.
5. Can you tell us something that people would find surprising about you? I don’t have a television connection… by choice. My tv set is only used for DVDs! So when people talk about different television series or personalities, I don’t have a clue what they’re talking about. (Except for True Blood – my friend Kim sent me the series on DVD. Which I LOVE.)
6. What else can people expect from the Revenants series? Do you know how many books will be in the series?
DIE FOR ME is a trilogy. But I certainly have enough of a story to write another book or maybe spinoff books. I also have another series I’d like to write however, so who knows what will happen! So as far as the actual books go—your guess is as good as mine.
However, as for the story line, you can expect to discover more about the revenant mythology. You will learn more about the other characters. And you will see how Kate and Vincent respond to new challenges posed both by their relationship and by this dangerous supernatural world that Kate is just beginning to discover.
Die for Me by Amy Plum Publisher: HarperTeen (May 10th, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardback: 341 pages Series: Revenants, book #1 My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything. Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent. Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen. Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies.. immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind. While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?
January 2012 was the busiest month (traffic wise) at Miss Remmers Review EVER! Thanks everybody! The top fou posts read from January were Nonfiction for High School Students, Announcing BBRAW 2012, Fallen in Love, and Across the Universe, respectively. The search term most used to find my blog was "nonfiction." If direct numbers floats your boat — we're going steady at 702 GFC followers!
January brought seven reviews (consequently, seven books read) and 31 posts; this month I think I did a really good job of staying on top of everything and keeping the content constant. My top three favorite books of the month were "Fever" by Lauren DeStefano, "A Million Suns" by Beth Revis, and "Dead to You" by Lisa McMann. For my overall favorite book of the month (although it's SO hard to choose) — I'm going to have to go with "Fever." Even though it wasn't everything I had wanted it to be, I really missed the world that Lauren created; reading "Fever"'s pages was like returning home after a year away. Even though that home is an awful dystopian society plagued by a virus and polygamy.
The big news this month was the announcement of BBRAW (Book Blogger Reader Appreciation Week). It's coming soon — so make sure to check into it!
For BBRAW to be a complete success!:)
Read at least 5 NetGalley Books
Post seven reviews
Switch to WordPress
Continue being awesome? I really just wanted a fifth goal here.
If you could share any thoughts or feelings with authors, what would you like to tell them?
ISALYS: How much I admire them!! As a matter of fact, I had this conversation with my hubby the other day. I know a lot of hard work goes into being a actor or athlete or musician, but none of that compares to the hard work, dedication and talent that it takes to put together a great book that is enjoyed by so many all around the world. And above all that, authors are still so real! They tour the country taking the time to meet their fans, sign books, take pictures. They tweet us and tell us about their goals, their frustrations or what traffic was like that day. I love that they are not unreachable!
VANESSA: Again, I'd have to agree. I'd tell them how much I admire them! It takes real talent to be able to tell a story and captivate a reader. Especially when it's one of those books that just stays in your heart forever. ♥ — Isalys & Vanessa at Book Soulmates I would first have to say Thank You. Thank you for working with, hanging out and talking to everyone in the blogging community. Without you, being a book blogger would be a tad on the quiet side. We do what we do because of what you do. I’ve had such a great… wow, almost 2 years now working on my blog and every author I’ve talked to and worked with has always been great to me. I know I’m excited and eager to get to know more of you and I hope to host you on my blog sometime soon. — Lisa at A Life Bound by Books Keep writing! — Chris at Chrisbookaram Keep writing amazing stories. YA is certainly the place to be and so many great books are coming out! It's an exciting time. — Janenifer at YA Book Nerd That they are awesome and amazing for supporting bloggers the way they do. I know some don't like bloggers, and that's fine, but the ones that do are always so great about talking to us on twitter, or doing interviews, and all that other good stuff. They don't have to do any of that, but they do, and it never ceases to amaze me. So, thank you!: D — Jessica at The Firefly Book Loft I would like to tell them how much what they do means, and how appreciative I am of the time they put not only into their books, but also into connecting with their audience. Also, thank you for all the support you've shown to all of us bloggers and fans! — Andye from Reading Teen For the authors I would say: 1) Thank you! I don’t think you hear it enough, but I so appreciate the time, effort, work, heart, and soul that you put into your work. Whether I like your book or not, it takes a lot of guts and determination to put your work out there for the public. 2) You are all awesome! So far throughout this blogging journey, I have not “met” one negative author. I appreciate the time they take to read my reviews & comment as well as @replying to me on twitter. It is all so very sweet of them. — Katelyn at Kayelyn’s Blog Keep writing!!!!! — Emma at Emma Michaels Please understand that most book bloggers are swamped with review requests, so don't take it personally if we have to turn you down. Also, never give up on your dream! Keep writing! — Theresa at Fade Into Fantasy Hmm… that they're in inspiration for aspiring authors like me. I like reading their"how I got published" stories because I read and think,"It happened for them… it can happen for me." It's awesome to know that I'm not the only one trudging along this road to publication. I keep going because I see that others have succeeded. - Raenice at Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Publication
Well recently I've noticed allot of conflict, I guess you could call it, going on about Negative reviews written by bloggers. But to be honest if I was going to tell an author anything I would tell them truly what I thought out their book, as nicely as possible. I believe that if i was an author I would fully accept negative reviews, jus as long as they have been done tastefully, i would see it as constructive critizm and I believe many authors would agree with me. — Kayleigh at OnceUponABookNerd A great big THANK YOU! Also, just to let them know that it does mean a lot to bloggers when authors correspond with us in a personal way. — Danya at A Tapestry of Words Well that's kind of a hard question when I think about it. Especially with all the heated discussions that have been going on this year between authors and bloggers. I'm not sure really. Lame answer I know, but I'm one of those people who can't write speeches. I wait till the last moment when I'm standing in front of the crowd before I realize what it is I have to say. I share my thoughts and feelings with some authors all the time, the ones that I talk to every day (even about silly things), but when I read that question it seems like you mean authors on a bigger scale. And I don't really know. *shrugs* — Khadija at Black Fingernail Reviews I would just like to thank them for putting their work out there and for writing books for me to read and review. — Grace at Books Like Breathing I wish I had more time to read your stories and to write my own. — Kirsty from Kirstyes I admire greatly what they do. I've learned that it's a lot for an author to put the heart and soul into something and then send out in the world. You never know how it's going to be received. — Page at One Book at a Time Keep writing and I'll keep reading! — Bridgid at Inky Fresh Press Thank you for being you! I seriously wouldn't even be blogging if there were no books in the world. I admire their creativity and even if I don't particularly like a book, I still appreciate it. I am completely envious of how authors can create brand new worlds in their heads. It's genius. — Kaitlyn at Kaitlyn in Bookland To every single author who has written any book I ever read (and will read in the future): Thank you, you have offered me an escape from any bad day, bad test grade, argument, flu/allergy, and boring school lecture. Your books offer me a glimpse of worlds I would have not be able to see otherwise. They inspired me, made me cry, made me laugh, and just about any other emotion in between. Thank you for sharing your story with us! — Alex at More Than Just a Book I like when authors are accessible through social media. I'm not saying you have to be on Twitter or post on your blog everyday, but it's nice for authors to have some kind of forum where people can ask questions or learn about their upcoming projects, etc. -JL at An Avid Reader's Musings Thisis a tough one for me because I don't really give it much thought. If I think about it though I would like to say this. Sometimes a blogger will not like your book and that might hurt you; especially if you are on friendly terms with them. So maybe you start to keep your distance. It's not really the best thing to do. I can't stress enough that a blogger not loving your book doesn't mean they have crossed off all of your work altogether, or that they don’t like you. I have had times where I have given a mixed review and it's obvious the author has read it because even though we didn’t talk much, — we would tweet each other from time to time. When they stop replying back you get the message. It doesn't really bother me because like I said I don't really go out of my way to be friends with authors and I don’t have a relationship with any where I can call it a friendship. But it does leave me disappointed because I had planned on getting the sequel or your latest book. After all that I'm not so eager anymore. — Aly at Fantasy4eva
Thank you ALL for helping me celebrate my blogoversary and filling out these questions. You are all amazing!
USE GOOGLE if you want to know more about the blogoversary celebration.
In case you've missed the button on my right sidebar, there's a Read-A-Thon starting tomorrow! I'm really excited to participate since I missed out on Bloggiesta and the last major Read-A-Thon. I'll be driving home from Bismarck tomorrow so the first five hours will be spent with an audio book — "Shopaholic Ties the Knot." After that, we'll see what happens!
As for goals, I'd like to finish:
"Shopaholic Ties the Knot"
"Dead as a Doornail"
"O, Juliet"
"Shiver"
"To Kill a Mockingbird"
"Emma and the Vampires"
I really encourage everyone who is able to join in the fun! Summer is half way over and now is the perfect time to be "ubber" productive. I'm really looking forward to this because starting this week I'll be on (yet another) vacation for two weeks before moving in to my apartment and classroom, my best friend's wedding, and the beginning of school. Whoo! One day at a time right?
Let me know if you're participating in the fun and good luck to everyone!
At the beginning of this school year I realized that I had at least three girls who were severely struggling, not only academically but socially as well. When these girls came into my classroom each day they had this look of defeat on their faces — such a sad look for a freshman. When we started talking about recreational reading and that each freshman would be required to read two recreational books a quarter and that each Friday would be devoted to reading, I heard many of groans of agony I assumed I would receive.
These three girls came up to me after school and said, "Miss Remmers, we have no idea what to read. Nothing sounds good. Nothing is real." I immediately turned to my trusty bookshelf and handed them my copies of "Cracked Up to Be" (review) and "Some Girls Are" (review) . Four days later, each of the three girls had devoured both of these books and were begging for more. I don't have a copy of Courtney's next release "Fall For Anything," so I needed to find something to stall their ferociously growing appetite for YA.
I emailed Courtney's agent asking for an author interview; to my absolute delight, Courtney responded. When I told these girls, which has now gone from the original three to my "Girls Read" thirteen student After-School Book Club, they couldn't wait to put in their questions. Without further ado, I would like to welcome Courtney Summers, author of "Cracked Up to Be," "Some Girls Are," and the upcoming "Fall For Anything," not only to this blog, but to my classroom as well.
You have fantastic characters. They are so honest and real — just like us! How do you come up with your characters? Do you have any inspiration? Do you have a writing process you do for character development?
Thank you! Inspiration varies from character to character. With Parker and Regina, I was interested in writing female protagonists who were not traditionally nice. Parker was inspired by the pressure we place on girls to be perfect, often at the expense of themselves. In Regina, I wanted to write a character who didn't make likeable choices, but I wanted to see if I could make readers understand why she made those choices. I don't do any pre-writing in terms of character development (like interviewing my characters etc.)--once I have their general story in my head, I usually dive right into the book.
While I loved "Some Girls Are," it was almost painful to read it because of the issue of bullies. What was your inspiration for Regina and the other characters in "Some Girls Are"?
As a girl who bullied and was bullied, I had a lot of questions about my own experiences. I wanted to make sense of them and find out if I was alone in them, and that's ultimately why I wrote the book. As I mentioned above, in Regina, I wanted to write a female character who wasn't always nice or made good choices, but I wanted readers to understand why she made them. She's in a very toxic relationship with these girls she has known all her life and thinks of as her friends and she's constantly worried about her own immediate survival within her group. This fear inspires her to act in not always the best ways. But I think that's a sadly common situation girls find themselves in.
We learn in school that we have to practice our craft and setting up a routine is the best way to be consistent. Do you have a routine when you write? Any thing you have to have when you sit down to write? When do you write and where?
It's definitely important to be consistent; that will help you turn your writing into a discipline. I write every night (I'm a night owl) at a desk in my room. Pretty basic! I like to have water or coffee nearby and I absolutely have to have my headphones, so I can listen to my favorite songs while I type.
Parker, from "Cracked Up to Be," and Regina, from "Some Girls Are," were such fantastic characters. I can't wait to read your next novel. "Fall for Anything." Can you tell us anything about the protagonist of that novel?
Thank you! The protagonist of Fall For Anything is a girl named Eddie Reeves. She's seventeen and she's VERY unlike Parker and Regina. She's my first non-mean girl character. Eddie is a very vulnerable and open girl who is trying to make sense of her father's death (he killed himself). She's very single-minded in her quest to unravel the mystery and find out the truth.
What advice do you have for fourteen year old aspiring authors?
If it's what you really want to do, don't let anyone talk you out of it. And always set flexible goals!
What's your favorite and worst high school memory?
My favorite memory of high school is when the last bell went and I got to go home.;) The worst memory was walking down the hall and seeing a boy get publicly humiliated. A crowd had gathered and they were all laughing at him. It was awful.
What songs are on your iPod right now?
Sooo many. Here's a sampling: Marina & The Diamonds' album, The Family Jewels (fave tracks: Oh No! and I Am Not a Robot) Florence + the Machine's album, Lungs (fave tracks: Dog Days Are Over, My Boy Builds Coffins) Lissie's album, Catching a Tiger (fave tracks: Record Collector, Bully, Stranger)
Who is your best friend? How did you meet?
I have a few best friends who have come into my life in different ways... one of them is in the dedication of every one of my books.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you so much for reading my books and for your thoughtful questions! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!
Thank you so much Courtney for taking the time to talk answer my girls' questions. They were so excited to read your answers and demanded a printed out copy. These two novels not only opened up a world of YA fiction to these struggling readers, but they also provided an outlet and new found community. "Girls Read" meets every Tuesday after school; we are currently reading "Shiver."
"Fall For Anything" comes out December 21st, 2010.
This is exactly how I feel (prepare for my very own little melodrama).
Today, D left for Bismarck — roughly a 7 hour drive North for a new job. It's a job that will eventually lead to his dream job of working in the ER at the hospital he's always wanted to be at. So when he asked me what I thought of him applying for a job, I could hardly be anything but supportive. I wasn't surprised at all when they called less than 24 hours later for an interview and he had the job a week later.
That was three weeks ago. I've had three weeks to warm up to the idea of living alone for four months. Three weeks to brace myself. I thought I was ready; I was almost looking forward to it! I thought of all the time that I could read, do what I want, be alone, blog, twitter, read my Google Reader, etc...
But last night it finally hit me. No one to cook with. No one to watch TV with (I got rid of the cable). No one to complain about my students to. My best friend just moved 7 hours north after living with him for five months. I really am all by myself (cue music).
But really, I'll be okay. I mean after the initial shock of it I'm doing much better. The tears have dried and I've put on my big girl pants. I am keeping busy with this weeks 48 hour read-a-thon (can't wait) and a speech meet!
The thing is... I've never really lived alone. In college I was an RA so I lived in the dorms all four years and loved it. When I got my teaching job I moved into an apartment at the beginning of August and Dan visited basically every weekend until he moved in at the end of August. I don't have family near here and I don't hang out with my colleagues.
I'm still looking forward to "living alone" and I think it will be a valuable experience before getting married. I guess I'm one of those independent people who never really knew how much they loved being with another person until that person left... (irony).
What do you do when you're alone? Besides read, listen to audio, blog, and Twitter. I plan on learning a few new things — like how to cook! So I can surprise D when we "officially" move in together after the wedding. I also plan on working out twice as much (again, wedding goals). But what else do you do?
Don't say grade papers.:)
And... just because I own the copyright: here are our engagement pictures!
