Topic Tuesday:Change in reading with the seasons

Episode 1: Do your reading habits change with the seasons?

Note: I tend to go all over the place in real life to the point were sometimes I don't even make sence, so expect me to be all over the place with my discussions as well xD I usually type as i think, it's quiet horrible really, yall should see me texting xD Half of the time it's like im drunk texting, my thoughts run way too fast for me to comprehend you feel?

But hey! At least you all know that I’m being real with what I say lol But hey, I will hopefully be getting a beta reader for these things.

Some people start reading summer flings during the summer, or stories involving the beach.  

Or darker books during fall; trying to get ready for Halloween.  

Personally, I like to believe that my reading habits haven’t changed since I became an avid book reader except that I read A LOT more and its harder for me to control my book buying.

 Some book worms enjoy outdoors adventures 

 OTHER bookworms like reading ABOUT adventures while in the comfort of their homes, so MAYBE that is why some people in the book world start leaning towards certain types of books based on the current season.

Example of what I mean: I spend a huge amount of time on bookstagram and as summer started I had began to realize that many people started rearranging their TBR list (to be read) so summer romances and adventures would be on the top of their lists. I would often see pictures of fellow readers at the beach or the pool with a Nicholas Sparks book,  Jane Greens’ Summer Secret out on a bench under the tree or the Hobbit while out on a trip overseas.

Now that Fall has started and people are starting to get ready for Halloween and Thanksgiving, people are taking out their thriller books or stories of love and forgiveness. Pumpkins are being dusted and Pumpkin Spice Lattes are being bought.

Now, I’m a PSL fan as much as the next person (addict is more accurate)

 but I the only thing I really change when it comes to seasons is my Netflix queue and my clothes… Just Kidding, I live in southern California, I don’t really change my clothes xD there are only 2 types of weather down here. Hot and super-hot. 

POINT ISSSS, I don’t really plan out my readings.

When I first started blogging I tried that, specially so I could punch out weekly reviews on time, not stress out about school work getting in the way and all that good stuff. 

IT.

WAS.

HORRIBLE.

The thing about me trying to force myself to read something at a certain time was that it makes me not want to read at all. It starts to feel like homework or a chore.

 Over the winter time I pretty much made a schedule to try and have a certain amount of books read before I went back to school. It worked for a week or two before I wanted to throw all my books out the window and started to regret all the buys I had made for books.(About 45 or plus books in about a month)

I think it was mainly because it all started to seem repetitive. You start to notice a pattern in books that you probably wouldn’t have noticed if you read a variety of things. When summer came around, sure, I wanted to pick up a summery book and read it.

And I did…

Because I wanted to at the moment and I wasnt forcing myself to read it BECAUSE it was summer and as soon as I finished, I went on to read World War Z.

Now, if you have read World War Z in the past you know that it is definitely not a happy read xD Its bloody, it’s scary and it’s amazing. 

  By the way, not at all like the movie.  

Back to the point.

I change what I read a lot, I can’t even read just one book at a time, I have to read like 3 or 4 at the same time and they are all different or else I get bored.

Another reason for that is that something I see in my day to day life will remind me of a book and then I can’t even continue reading what is on my bedside table until I started reading the book I have in mind. 

Recently I saw a video of Twilight on my instagram feed, and then I wanted to watch the movie so I dropped everything and watched it. But after watching the movie, I wanted to reread the book… I couldn’t stop thinking about it until I finally picked up the book and reread it xD That’s just the way I personally am.

By the way, I'm a Twilight fan, deal with it.

But as fast as I can pick up a book and read it, I can also drop it and put it back on my shelf to read another one. No idea if anyone relates to this. 

This actually just happened with The Illuminae Files, I got SUPER into the book and binge read about 100 pages or so and then the next day I started reading something else andddd well… I haven’t picked up Illuminae again …

There is no right or wrong way when it comes to your seasonal TBR piles, some people get inspired to read certain books at certain times (and they arent forcing themselves) and others (like me) have absolutely no idea what book will be their next victim.

What about you? Do you change your reading habits according to the season? Email me and let me know

Author Spotlight: Emma Holloway A Study in Silks + GIVEAWAY Episode 3

As always, amazing to be able to work with an author :D Especially when its for a series you like or someone you deeply admire (mainly cuz they freaking wrote a series you love xD)

Lets get started shall weeeeee? :D

Also, you'll be finding the giveaway down below :D Endes October 1st 2015

About the Author 

Ever since childhood, Emma Jane Holloway refused to accept that history was nothing but facts prisoned behind the closed door of time. Why waste a perfectly good playground coloring within the timelines? Accordingly, her novels are filled with whimsical impossibilities and the occasional eye-blinking impertinence—but always in the service of grand adventure.

Struggling between the practical and the artistic—a family tradition, along with ghosts and a belief in the curative powers of shortbread—Emma Jane has a degree in literature and job in finance. She lives in the Pacific Northwest in a house crammed with books, musical instruments, and half-finished sewing projects. In the meantime, she’s published articles, essays, short stories, and enough novels to build a fort for her stuffed hedgehog.

Website: EmmaJaneHolloway.com

 

About Emma

 

What would you consider the hardest thing about being an author would be?

Being an author—just me and my keyboard—is lovely. The business side is hard, whether you are independent or working with a publishing house. There are too many non-writing issues that take up your time. Just give me a quiet room to daydream and a computer and I’m a happy girl!

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What authors have inspired you to write?

Many. Dickens, Wilkie Collins, Alan Garner, Lloyd Alexander, Tolkien, Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher. I read a lot of genres. For the Baskerville Affair, I drew on the Holmes stories, of course, and a lot of Victorian classics like The Moonstone. But there’s a pinch of urban fantasy and weird science in the books, too. I never met a monster movie I didn’t like (except zombies. Ick.)

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What was the most surprising thing about writing the Baskerville Affair?

Characters have a life of their own and a few insisted I change direction. Once or twice, I let them win the argument. Imogen and Tobias had adventures I didn’t initially expect. Tobias in particular goes through a very painful growth of character before he realizes what really matters to him. It makes him a very interesting person to write about and he’s probably my favorite character.

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Are you currently working on anything new?

I’m working on several different projects right now.

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What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I like researching, cooking (I’m a bit of a foodie), and hanging out wherever there are books.

 

A Study in Silks

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Sherlock Holmes is a legendary character, what inspired you to write about a niece of such a legendary character and her own adventures?

I have adored Sherlock Holmes since I was a child. I even wrote him a letter when I was in grade school, and the people at the Baker Street museum very kindly wrote back. But as I grew older, I got a more complex idea about who Holmes might have been. The character of Evelina just walked into my head one day, and I think she was my answer to all that cold logic. Not Sherlock’s opposite, because that would be just a cliché, but a blend of the rational and irrational sides of the human experience. She challenges Holmes by having the courage to show who she is, but they have deep mutual respect.

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What research did you do for this book? Anything involving mechanics or how things went back in the day?

I did tons of research, including a trip to England to visit some of the sites mentioned in the books. I already knew a fair amount about the Victorian era, but there is always more to know. There is a huge amount of information about the science of the time and I only used a tiny amount of what I came across. It’s ironic because I’m probably the most un-mechanical individual on the planet.

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Is Evelina inspired by anyone you know?

Not specifically. She is her own person.

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Did you always have that particular ending in mind? Or did you ever consider something else?

A Study in Silks ended exactly as I had planned.

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Where is Evelina 10 years from now?

Having adventures. Probably on an airship. That’s all I know for certain!

 

BONUS:

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If you weren’t a writer, what would your dream job be?

Since I have a day job, being a full-time writer is my dream! 

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 What’s your favorite food in the world?

I have many, but the cooling weather has me dreaming of pumpkin pie!

 

Author Emma Holloway has very generously offered to giveaway a SIGNED paperback copy to one very lucky person. If you already own book 1, you can get book 2 or3. There are multiple ways to get entries, make sure to check them all out below on the rafflecopter link. Below that is also the goodreads description and if you cant wait, you can go ahead and buy the books with the links below :D

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Goodreads Description:

London, April 4, 1888 ~ Evelina Cooper, niece of Sherlock Holmes, is ready for her first London Season - except for a murderer, missing automatons, a sorcerer, and a talking mouse. In a Victorian era ruled by a ruthless steam baron council, mechanical power is the real monarch, and sorcery the demon enemy of the empire. Evelina has secretly mastered a coveted weapon - magic that can run machines. Should she trust the handsome, clever rake who speeds her breath, or the dashing trick rider who would dare anything she would ask?

BUY THE BOOK:

Amazon

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Book Depository

Review: The Tragic Age By Stephen Metcalfe

Rate:

5/5

Goodreads Description:

This is the story of Billy Kinsey, heir to a lottery fortune, part genius, part philosopher and social critic, full time insomniac and closeted rock drummer. Billy has decided that the best way to deal with an absurd world is to stay away from it. Do not volunteer. Do not join in. Billy will be the first to tell you it doesn’t always work— not when your twin sister, Dorie, has died, not when your unhappy parents are at war with one another, not when frazzled soccer moms in two ton SUVs are more dangerous than atom bombs, and not when your guidance counselor keeps asking why you haven’t applied to college.

　
Billy’s life changes when two people enter his life. Twom Twomey is a charismatic renegade who believes that truly living means going a little outlaw. Twom and Billy become one another’s mutual benefactor and friend. At the same time, Billy is reintroduced to Gretchen Quinn, an old and adored friend of Dorie’s. It is Gretchen who suggests to Billy that the world can be transformed by　creative acts of the soul.　

With Twom, Billy visits the dark side. And with Gretchen, Billy experiences possibilities.Billy knows that one path is leading him toward disaster and the other toward happiness. The problem is—Billy doesn’t trust happiness. It's the age he's at.  The tragic age.  

Review:

I actually got this as a review copy a really long time ago and had the post scheduled before the release and everything, I don't know what happened XD I really loved this book, it talks about the struggles of being a teenager, I mean, sure there are great things about being a teenager, but this book, unlike most, gets a more realistic, in some way, side of the teenage life, referring to it as the tragic age. Many books talk about romance and how great it is and possibly a happily ever after, not this one. This one gives you all of the ugly.

Recommend it?

YES its a must.

Review: Kid Athletes by David Stabler

Rate:

5/5

Goodreads Description:

The author and illustrator of Kid Presidentshave reteamed to share 20 true tales from the childhoods of famous athletes. From Babe Ruth (so incorrigible that his parents put him in reform school at age 7) to Muhammad Ali (who learned to fight at age 12 after a thief stole his bicycle), Kid Athletes is packed with inspirational stories from the world of sports. Billie Jean King rose from modest circumstances to win 39 Grand Slam championships; race car champion Danica Patrick fended of bullies who told her "girls can't drive"; and martial arts legend Bruce Lee credited his success, in part, to childhood dance lessons. Every goal, touchdown, and championship comes to life in these kid-friendly and relatable stories, all with Doogie Horner’s whimsical full-color illustrations. Kid Athletes is a slam dunk for young sports fans everywhere.

Review:

This was actually really amazing!!!

So it was a super quick and easy read and it tells you the story of various legends and how they became legends in quick little snippets.

Its kind of inspiring and many of them surprising!

Like I never would've guessed that Babe Ruth had been such a trouble maker when he was younger. Or that Leo Messi got help from the FC Barcelona for medical bills at such a young age.

Im really pleasantly surprised at the author for being able to fit so many legends and all this information in such small segments that are great for kids.

There are illustrations throughout the book that I really loved, they add a certain comedy to the book that just makes everyone really enjoyable. Like... I actually laughed out loud for some of the things said in the caption. They are very sassy lol.

I dig sassy xD 

Very happy with this book.

Recommend it?

Totally, if you're a fan of any sport, this is something you'll want on your shelf. 

Author Spotlight- Kasie West The Distance Between Us Episode 3

First of all, I want to thank Author Kasie West for doing this, its always such an Honor to have some of my favorite authors here on my blog and to be able to pick at their brains :D

About the Author

I love to write--too much. It's a sickness really. My debut novel, PIVOT POINT, is out now with HarperTeen. (And will be followed by its sequel, Split Second on February 11, 2014.)

THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US, my contemporary YA novel, is also available for purchase! (HarperTeen).

Kasie West Blog

Twitter: Kasie West

About Kasie:

1.       Noticed on your website that you like to wakeboard, what else do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Well, I have 4 kids, so yeah…..that. I do a lot of taxiing and help with homework, and being a cheerleader at games and awards ceremonies, etc. etc. All of which I like to do. But outside of family obligations, I love to read (of course) and watch movies, and eat chocolate and travel.

  

2.       As always, how did you feel when you first found out you were going to get published?

An overwhelming feeling of disbelief. It took me a while to really believe it was going to happen. I remember calling my husband and while we talked just walking back and forth between my laundry room and my kitchen over and over again, unable to sit still. I was very excited.

3.       In college, were you in any creative writing classes?

No, no I was not. Ha. I had no idea in college I wanted to be a writer. I did take some literature classes, but no creative writing. 

4.       What WAS your BA degree and when was the moment you decided to go into writing instead of going into a full time career of whatever said degree was for?  (I find it hard to word when I don’t know the degree xD)

My degree was in elementary education. I thought I was going to be a teacher.  After I graduated I decided to stay home and raise my kids. I was going to teach after my kids were in school, but I came up with an idea for a book and told my husband about it and he said, ‘you should write that.’ I did and it really really…sucked. But I loved writing it so much that I decided to keep trying. So I did.

The Distance Between Us

1.       I really like the cover. How was the cover chosen? Did you have any initial ideas? Was the cover presented to you and you approved it? How was the final cover image decided?

I get no say in my covers. I mean, they show them to me and if I don’t like them they take that into consideration, but so far I’ve gotten pretty lucky in the cover department. Sometimes I have initial ideas about the covers but ultimately the marketing people usually have better ideas. Lol I figure they know what they’re talking about.

2.       Where are Caymen and Xander 10 years from now? What are they doing? Is Caymen’s mom still in the porcelain doll shop?

10 years? So 27 ish? That’s a good question. I write YA. Adult stories don’t exist in my brain. Ha. Just kidding. Let’s see, I imagine they both graduated from college. Xander figured out (despite wishing he could prove his dad wrong) that he does love running the hotel. Caymen is trying to work her way up to forensic investigator but she has to start by doing grunt work like crime scene clean up. (I really should research what the starting position for a forensic investigator would be but since I’m not writing that book, I’m unmotivated to do so) They, of course, are still together. And as hinted in my book ON THE FENCE, Caymen’s mom no longer has the store, but travels to different trade shows and such. She loves it and it is less stressful for her.  I reserve the right to change any of this if I do, in fact, write a sequel. J 

3.       Talk about plot twist towards the end, didn’t really see it coming; Did you always have that idea in your head?

Yes, I had this plot twist in my head from the beginning. I knew this was Caymen’s mom’s background. It’s what made her who she was and contributes to her feelings. (That’s my spoiler free answer)

4.       What truly inspired these characters and their story? Was there a particular scene that you imaged in your head at first before you decided to go ahead and write their story?

The setting inspired this story. My daughter used to do guitar lessons. It was just a half an hour lesson so pointless for me to go home during it. I would just wait in the car. Next door to the music store where she did her lessons was a porcelain doll store. For months and months I stared at those dolls and for months and months I thought to myself it would be the coolest setting for a book. At first I thought the book would be creepy or a mystery or something. But as I started to write it, Caymen’s personality came out and her sarcasm changed the tone of the book completely. She, the product of being raised in a porcelain doll store, had developed a very dry sense of humor.

5.       One word to describe your book.

Sarcasm

6.       What would we find in Caymens top 5 playlist? What about Xanders top 5?

Caymen likes the classic rock vibe. So she’d probably have some The Who, Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, the more modern but still classic sound of Heartless Bastards, and for her hidden romantic side, some Journey.

I imagine Xander as a romantic at heart, and maybe a little more contemporary so I think he’d have some Walk the Moon, 21 Pilots, Parachute, Bruno Mars, and he’d share Journey with Caymen. 

Bonus:

1.       Favorite TV show?

Favorite? I can’t pick a favorite. Okay, I love Arrow. And others. But I’ll go with that for now.

2.       Rock, Paper or Scissors?

I’m a writer. Paper, always paper.

3.       Last book/movie you cried on?

The Book Thief. I had read the book years ago but just watched the movie last week.

4.       What are you currently reading? What’s on your TBR list?

I just finished Girl On A Train—intriguing. My TBR pile is pretty high right now but because we just moved it’s also packed in boxes. In the mean time I should probably buy more books, right? That sounds like a reasonable solution. I could unpack the boxes, but I don’t have my bookshelves up yet…you see the dilemma. More books it is. 

The Distance Between Us

Goodreads Description: 

 Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.

So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she's beginning to enjoy his company.

She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about. 

Buy the Book:

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