The Life (and lies) of an inanimate flying object

Raise money to save the unborn!

2012-01-22T19:07:00.001-05:00

The Smokey Mountain Pregnancy Care Center in my area is being forced to close due to financial struggles. I'm trying to raise money to keep them open.

Every year they serve thousands of young women and men in providing free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, adoption referrals, and education for parents. Their goal is to give the parents another option besides Abortion.

From now until April 1st, I will donate all of the money I make (minus the cost of materials) to the SMPCC.

You can:
-Buy something for yourself
-Buy something and donate it to the care center
-Donate however much you can afford

Here's the site: http://the-yarn-cat.blogspot.com

Review: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens devotionals

2012-01-22T17:22:00.001-05:00

I got review copies of both the Jane Austen and the Charles Dickens devotionals. I love them both! The books are double-page spreads, and one of the pages contains an excerpt from one of the author's works, while the other page contains reflections on the writing and how it relates to our spiritual walk with Christ. There's a Bible verse for every one.

One of the things I like about these books are that they're sorted by topic, not date. They aren't dated at all: instead the headers are a description of what that day deals with (Christ's unconditional Love, Forgiven much and Forgiving much, etc).

They're beautiful, too. The outside is covered with cloth, and there's a ribbon bookmark.

These books would make excellent gifts, or additions to a Dickens or Austen lover's library.

Genre: Biblical Counseling
Austen ISBN: 9781400319534                                 Dickens ISBN: 9781400319541
Published: January 10th 2012 by Thomas Nelson
Rating: 5

Giveaway!

I have 2 copies of each of these awesome books: 4 total.

To enter:

US only
Leave a comment telling me which book you want (or either) and which novel of either author's is your favorite.
leave your email address! otherwise I can't email you if you win.
Ends 2/1/12!

Good luck!

2011 Book Awards!

2012-01-16T15:39:00.001-05:00

Yes I know I'm late. This is the first day off I've gotten in the new year, give me a break! :D

Adult Fiction: Triangles by Ellen Hopkins

Biblical Counseling: Slave by John Macarthur

Crime thriller: Hour of Dust and Ashes by Kelly Gay

Science Fiction: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Young Adult Fantasy: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Young Adult: Blood Red Road by Moria Young

Children: Touch of the Master's Hand by Myra Brooks Welch, Illustrated by Greg Newbold

Craft: Adventures in Bookbinding by Jeannine Stein

Knitting: Knitting Beyond the Edge by Nicky Epstein

Audio book: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Self-published: Ada: Legend of a Healer by R.A. McDonald

Congrats to all the winners! And now I'm ready for a new year!

This year I'm going to try to label more stuff (so you can search by rating, genre, etc) and I'll update my Reviews page (because it's a bit outdated.)

Review: Four Letter Words

2012-01-16T15:21:00.001-05:00

Four Letter Words: Conversations on Faith's Beauty and Logic by Bill Giovannetti
Genre: Biblical Counseling
ISBN: 9780983681267
Published: November 15th 2011 by Endurant Press
Rating: 5

I really liked this book. It was very blunt, unafraid of offending people. It's short, and is the kind of book I would read through in a day, and then keep for reference whenever I wondered about something.

Each chapter is about a different controversial four letter word: And I don't mean swear words, I mean words like "Pain," "Wait," "Evil," and "Hope." Each short chapter references many Bible verses, gets straight to the point, and doesn't sugar-coat anything.

I like blunt books. I think we as Christians need blunt books, because some books are way too soft on us. (but that's a post for a different day)

Content/Recommendation: One of the chapters is called "Damn," and it's about hell. There's also a chapter about sex. Ages 14+

Review: Healing is a Choice

2012-01-16T15:07:00.001-05:00

Healing is a Choice: Ten Decisions That Will Transform Your Life And Ten Lies That Can Prevent You From Making Them by Stephen Arterburn
Genre: Biblical Counseling
ISBN: 9780785232438
Published: November 8th 2011 by Thomas Nelson
Rating: 5

This book is an excellent resource for anyone who has gone through a painful experience and has yet to heal from it. Big or small, public or secret. Maybe you've gone through the Bible, gone to counseling, talked to people, taken medicine, and nothing is helping. Maybe you haven't told a soul and you don't know what to do.

This book is for you.

The ten decisions (and ten lies exposed!) are so straightforward that they totally change your thinking. It's blunt, clear, easy to read, and divided up into chunks that are easy to swallow (although I had no problem tearing through several chunks at a time because of how clear and understandable it is).

Here are 5 reasons why this is a great book for individuals and small groups:

It comes from someone who has not only counseled people with problems, but someone who has been through emotional and spiritual pain himself. He understands what you're thinking and feeling, and he has a way of writing it that everything makes sense.
It is extremely biblically founded. It's not just quoting a few verses and most of it psychology… It's all straight from God's word.
The new version has a workbook built right into it. There are journaling places, Bible verses to look up and relate back to the chapter, and exercises to complete (individually, or as a group, depending on your situation).
It can be used as a devotional, or as a small-group handbook, because everything in here will apply to every small or large problem you have.
I know this is really random, but there are decent sized margins and good space between the lines. This makes for good annotating and note taking. I don't know about you, but all my non-fiction books—especially God books—have writing all over them. It annoys me when I don't have space to write my thoughts in the book. There is space in this one.

All in all, I encourage you to grab this book. It's excellent and I love it, and have been using it for my personal Bible study.

Content/Recommendation: Some of the stories used for examples included in this book are about very…mature topics. I would recommend ages 14+, and if used for anyone younger than that, maybe a parent or small-group leader to guide the younger students and explain certain things, or assign only specific readings. That being said, there is nothing graphic or offensive. In my experience, however, some young teens are just not ready for certain content. As always, this is only a personal recommendation.

Easiest Scarf Ever

2012-01-05T15:40:00.000-05:00

First knitting pattern post of the year! How exciting!!

I'll have a picture up soon (I mailed away the finished project before I snapped a shot) but I've been knitting this simple scarf for about two years now. It's so easy, and so perfect for everything.

US 10.5 or 12 needles
Cast On 40 stitches
Row 1: K1 P1 to the end
Every other row after that: slip 1, [p1, k1 to the end]
Bind off snugly, and add fringe if desired.

The awesome thing about this scarf is it looks like stockinette, but it's actually a 1X1 rib. Slipping the first stitch keeps the first loop from looking too large or baggy or loose. It's extra warm and thick and very comfy, and doesn't curl.

Interview, Tour, Giveaway: The Secret Heiress

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Terri Reed, author of The Secret Heiress, is visiting The Life and Lies today!

About the book:

Finding out she is heir to a fortune shocks Caroline Tully to her core. And to “qualify” for the inheritance, she just has to visit her newfound grandfather’s Mississippi home from Christmas to New Year’s. Adopted as a baby, Caroline knows nothing about her mother’s family...and doesn’t realize they can’t be trusted. When attempts are made on her life, there’s only one man who can protect her. Donovan Cavanaugh—a man who made her lonely heart want to love again. Posing as her fiancé, Don promises to find the would-be killer. But will his protection-and his love-be enough to keep her safe?

1) Why and when did you begin writing?

I've always wanted to be a writer but it wasn't until 1993 that I took my dream of writing seriously and started down the path toward publication.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

This book developed from brainstorming ideas with another author. I knew I wanted to tell Don and Caroline's story. They both first appeared in my 2009 release Chasing Shadows.

3) How did you come up with the title?

The title reflect the nature of the story. Caroline didn't know she was an heiress, her very existence was a secret. A secret someone wanted to remain hidden.

4) What books or people influenced your writing? Was it positive influence, or negative?

Wow, there are so many people, too many to list, who have positively influenced by writing. Most have come through Romance Writers of America. As for books, Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women, edited by Jayne Anne Krantz, Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain, and The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler.

5) How do you go about researching for your books?

I love the internet for research. I have also bought several books on various subjects, ie:Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures,and Forensic Techniques, 4th Edition by Vernon Geberth, Police Procedure and Investigation for Writers by Lee Lofland. http://www.leelofland.com/books.html

6)Did you base any of your characters on real people?

Yes and no. I tend to use character traits I observe in friends and family but I don't basis any one character solely on one person.

7) What’s the most exciting part about being a published author?

Opening the box of new books. The first time the box arrived I cried. Now I just get a bit giddy holding a new book.

What is the hardest part?

There are two hard parts--writing the books and social networking. Writing isn't easy and isn't for the faint of heart. Social networking is time consuming and I don't feel I do it very well.

8) Do you have any other books planned in the future?

Why yes I do. :-) Upcoming books: The Deputy's Duty June 2012, The Doctor's Defender Fall 2012, an as yet untitled book early in 2013 and a book with the working titled Cold Case Murder in May 2013.

9) Which of your characters is your favorite?

I think my favorite character has been Claire from my 2004 release A Sheltering Love. I think I poured more of myself into her than any other character. Do you dislike any of them? Hmmm, not sure I dislike any but I definitely have struggled with a few.

10) What advice can you give to young writers who want to publish their books?

Never stop learning, be persistent, believe in yourself and submit(and keep submitting).

Just for fun:

1) What are your ten most favorite things?

In no particular order: roses, Christmas, my kids, my dogs, my husband, pizza, lattes, ice cream, junior mints, and hot tamales.

2) What do you do when you’re not writing?

I'm either volunteering at the kids school, visiting with friends/family, playing with my dogs or working out.

3) Do you have any pets?

I've two wonderful dogs. An Australian Shepherd and a Bichon/Llaso mix. They keep me company during the day when I'm working.

4) What are your favorite (and least favorite) foods?

Favorites: Pizza(good pizza), anything Italian, angel food cake. Least favorite: fish

5) Is there a specific place in the house (or out of the house) that you like to write?

I have an office but I also write in bed or on the couch.

6) Do you have a specific snack that you have with you when you write?

Depending on the time of day--sometimes little animal cookies, sometimes hot tamales.

7) If you could go anywhere in the whole world, either for a vacation or to live there, where would you go?

I really want to visit Ireland and Scotland.

8) What was your favorite and least favorite subject in school?

Favorite: Creative Writing/Literature Least favorite: Math

9) What book are you reading right now?

Miracle Cure by Harlan Coben

10) Tell us a random fact about you that we never would have guessed.

I love dance.

Thanks Terri!

At an early age Terri Reed discovered the wonderful world of fiction and declared she would one day write a book. Now she is fulfilling that dream and enjoys writing for Steeple Hill. She is an active member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband, two wonderful children and an array of critters. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and playing with her dogs.

http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com | http://www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com | http://www.eharlequin.com

Excerpt

Tears shimmered in her eyes. “Don, I need to hire you.”

Absorbing the announcement with surprise, Don was at her side in two strides.

“Come, sit down.” He took her by the arm and led her to one of the cushy sofas. “Tell me what’s happened so we can figure out what to do next.”

“I—” She took a shuddering breath. “Someone tried to kill me. My apartment door was wired with explosives. The police are investigating.”

Don sucked in a sharp breath of shock. A bomb. His right hand flexed, stretching the scar tissue along the outer edge. His gaze went to the bandage on her head. “Are you okay?”

She touched her fingertip to her forehead. “Yes. A mild concussion. My hearing still isn’t completely back and part of my front door hit me in the head.”

He sent up a silent prayer of thanksgiving that she hadn’t suffered worse injury. There was no mistaking the fear on her pretty face. He understood. He’d felt the same way the first time he’d faced a life-threatening situation during his military tour. Only time and repeated exposure to war had dulled the panic. His faith had kept him sane. But this wasn’t a war zone. Caroline shouldn’t have to be afraid in her own home.

Dubbed the best in the business of protection, Trent Associates employed ten operatives, all highly trained with either a background in military like Don or in law enforcement. “You did the right thing coming here. Start from the beginning. Tell me everything.”

Giveaway

Terri will be giving away a $10 Visa GC for both blog host with most comments and one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. The more you comment here and on the other tour stops, the higher chance you have of winning! See the other tour stops here.

Some changes

2011-12-31T10:21:00.001-05:00

Okay, here are a few things that will be changing at The Life and Lies.

Next year, I won't really be doing any challenges, simply because I don't really have time, and I forgot to sign up for any. I'll have to do them next year.

Also, I'll be really focusing on school, since I now have 2 majors, I'm teaching, and I'm doing an internship this summer (more on that later). Because of that, reviews will be irregular (like they are now) but don't worry, eventually I will have the time to read and write regularly.

Lastly, I'll be writing about writing a lot, since I'm really working on editing my novel, ACCIDENTAL GIRLFRIEND (title tentative). I also want to work on another book I've developed, WHISPERS. If you want to read AG, I'll send you a pdf review copy. I'm currently looking for readers to give me advice/critique on the first draft (it's very very rough!)

So there you go. I've already written my year-end post, about what I've learned this year (instead of resolutions). Also, if you want to follow my personal blog, email me and I'll send you the web address.

Things I've learned in 2011

2011-12-23T15:19:00.001-05:00

I've learned some big things this year. I don't particularly like making resolutions because I don't keep them. Instead, I'm making a list of things I've learned. Some of them will seem random, but I'd love for you to tell me what you think in the comments :)

Dare to wait. Dare to be patient. Dare to keep in mind what you want and what you're waiting for, and dare not to settle for second best. It's worth it in the end. (yes I am talking about boys here, but this lesson applies to many things in life.)
Seeking knowledge is one of the best things you can do for yourself, because not only do you become wiser and more intelligent, you gain a greater appreciation for God. (Example: As a writer, I've learned so much about myself, and about God's genius and creativity because He wrote my story, and it's perfect. My stories will never reach that level of perfection. But striving for it and writing about people teaches me about how God works in my life, and how my life affects other people… etc.)
God is faithful. Period.
You have to start somewhere, so why not start here, and why not start now? Sometimes we're afraid to start something because we don't want to go through the hard part (you know, the part where you suck at it?) but you have to start somewhere. So just jump in and do it!
Write every day. Read every day. Over the summer, I wrote a 60,000 word novel in three weeks because I went to the bookstore/coffee shop every single day (seven days a week!) and wrote several thousand words. At first it was really hard, but after a while, it got really easy. It was like as soon as I sat down in that coffee shop, my creativity turned on by itself! I pumped out those words like they were nothing. (okay there were some tough parts, but really, it works.)
You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. So for goodness sake, take care of yourself. Eat right, stay healthy, exercise, read your Bible. Find an accountability partner for whatever you need accountability for.
You're always either going into a trial, in the middle of a trial, or coming out of a trial. Always. So know that this too shall pass.

What have you learned this year?

Review: Shatter Me

2011-12-12T21:02:00.001-05:00

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Dystopia, Romance
ISBN: 9780062085481
Published: November 15th 2011 by Harper/HarperCollins

Rating: 5

Shatter Me is one of those books that will stick with me forever. I may even re-read it just because I enjoyed it so much! I mean, I never re-read books! But I may very well re-read this one! It's one that I can pick up the next one after not having read it for a year, and I can jump right back in because I remember it all. I can't wait until the next book comes out! Oh my gosh! Why on earth did I wait so long to read it? Oh yeah. College.

The writing was magnificent (man has it been a long time since I've been able to say that). It was interesting, and different, and felt like a free flowing train of thought instead of conscious sentences or pages from a diary. It was beautiful and poetic, and full of metaphors about nature and beauty and pain that were so honest and true that I couldn't figure out why I hadn't thought them up myself first. Sometimes there would be a phrase that Juliette thought to herself ~~that was true~~ but she refused to admit to thinking, and it would be crossed out. (like that ^). I really liked this, because it showed what she was really thinking, but it also showed what kind of person she wanted to be.

The plot was fantastic. It never stopped moving forward. There were brief times of rest in the thriller aspect of the story, but the tension itself never went away, and there were no dead plot fillers thrown in.

I really liked Juliette. She wants to be strong, but after a long life of being emotionally abused, she's a weak broken pitiful creature who just wants to be loved and nurtured back to health. She will do anything to be on good terms with someone she loves. She's dying to be touched, but she knows she can't be because she'll kill whoever touches her. And she doesn't want to hurt anyone. She wants to help people and comfort them, but she knows she'll kill them. What a horrible place to be in!

I won't say too much about her love interest, Adam, but I will say he is so going on my list of favorite literary crushes. He is hott stuff. And because of that, I'm going to put my recommendation as ages 16+. If you can't read Hush Hush or Hourglass, I'd hold off on this one for a while…

Content/recommendation: Some hot kissing scenes, and I'm seeing a potential for more in the later books. Ages 16+

Trailer. Yeah, you know I never post trailers. This is a good trailer. Watch it.

This review is copyright Haley Mathiot and Amazon Vine.

Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

2011-12-10T14:49:00.001-05:00

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Genre: YA Paranormal
ISBN: 9781611132977
Published: September 27th 2011 by Hachette Audio

Rating: 5

Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone was highly addicting. I really should have studied more last week but instead I listened to a riveting audio book.

I'm going to keep this short and sweet. The book pulled me into the story right away and kept me engaged the whole time. The characters were wonderful, real, imperfect, and believable. The plot never stopped and the pacing never slowed and the tension never dissolved. it got more and more interesting and complicated with every chapter, but all the ends were tied up at the end. Every detail mattered. The end was painful but perfect and I will be at the book store the day Book 2 comes out and hand over my hard earned cash to get that book in my hands because I can't wait to figure out what happens next!

This is the second book by Laini Taylor I've read (see my review for Lips Touch Three Times), and she is quickly becoming a favorite writer of mine. Her graceful lyric writing never ceases to impress me.

Audio: I listened to the audio book of DoSaB. I am very picky about audio books because I've listened to a lot of poorly recorded ones, and I've grown up having a very good reader read books out loud to me. But Khristine Hvam did an excellent job, so much so that I would seek out more books read by her. She gave distinct voices to each character, but it didn't feel corny and stupid like some readers do. She breathed and felt the characters and the dialogue, and it worked.

Content/Recommendation: Clean! Ages 14-Adult

2 Weeks!

2011-12-03T11:49:00.001-05:00

2 weeks of school left! One week of classes, and then finals week. I probably won't post much until school is out… but I have so many awesome exciting books to review through the month of December and early January! So keep your eyes peeled!

I'll also be hosting some giveaways and tours soon.

Meanwhile: Check out this video and leave me comments and tell me what you think.

Review: Sasha Kagan's Classic Collection

2011-11-23T11:28:00.001-05:00

Sasha Kagan's Classic Collection
ISBN: 9781600854118
Published: September 6th 2011 by Taunton Press, Incorporated
Rating: 3

I wasn't particularly impressed by this book, but that's because I don't knit sweaters, nor am I a fan of bland patterns. Looking through the photos, I knew I would never wear anything from this book, nor would I spend the time to make anything from it. There were a few patterns I liked, like the tunic and the dog beret, and I'll keep the book for the color charts because I adore working with colors, but it's really not for me.

If you like Sandra Kagan's patterns and you wear the style, this book is for you, because it's got some great projects in it. I however wasn't blown away by it.

Recommended: Intermediate/Advanced knitters

Knit Noro Accessories

2011-11-22T10:08:00.001-05:00

Knit Noro Accessories: 30 colorful little knits
ISBN: 9781936096206
Published: January 3rd 2012 by Sterling

Rating: 5

I liked this book a lot more than the other Knit Noro book. As I mentioned before, these books are using Noro yarn, yarn that looks great no matter what you knit with it, so it's hard to judge whether the book is great because of the pattern, or the yarn. This one definitely did a better job with the patterns. I liked all of them, and there were some very unique things in there! I was much happier with this collection.

Again, it depends on what you knit. If you like sweaters and shirts and other such large commitments, go with Knit Noro. If you like accessories, this is the one you want.

There are 30 patterns, and a good mix of hats, scarves, handwear, and other fun little things. Some of the designs include:

Dog Sweater
Tea Cozy
Lacy Pillows
Braided Headband

Recommendation: Intermediate/Advanced knitters

Preorder today! This title is released in January 2012.

Review: Eve

2011-11-18T16:43:00.001-05:00

Eve by Anna Carey
Genre: YA Fiction, Romance, Distopian
ISBN:9780062048509
Published: October 4th 2011 by HarperCollins Publishers

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Summary (From Goodreads):

Where do you go when nowhere is safe?

Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth’s population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a future as the teachers and artists of the New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school’s real purpose—and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Arden, her former rival from school, and Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust . . . and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

In this epic new series, Anna Carey imagines a future that is both beautiful and terrifying. Readers will revel in Eve’s timeless story of forbidden love and extraordinary adventure.

When I started Eve, I tore through the first half. I stopped about halfway through because it got sappy and dramatic and frustrating, but luckily I picked it up again and found that it only lasted a few pages. Aside from that one chapter that felt twilight-esque in its drama, I couldn't put it down and I loved it.

The pacing was great. It's been a while since I've read a book that I really had trouble putting down. I felt like I could read it forever, because the action and the tension never stopped: it just kept pulling you along at a very fast rate. And boy, did Carey pack a lot of story into this concise book. And the writing was good! It wasn't fantastic or jaw-dropping, but it was easy to read and it matched the character.

I liked Eve enough, but I really like Arden, one of the supporting characters whom Eve befriends while she escapes. Arden is something special and I understood her pain right away. She's that mean tough jerk of a girl on the outside with something sweet and beautifully broken on the inside. I wanted to know more of her story, and I hope in the other books I learn more about her and watch her grow. Eve herself was a strong sweet gentile innocent girl. She was so naïve I felt sorry for her. She reminded me of a child who thinks they understand the world and is devastated when they discover they're wrong. Luckily, Eve had more strength than that, and she loved strongly, so she was able to overcome her fears and her weaknesses.

The plot itself never stopped. There wasn't a section in the book that felt like "filler" story—like the author was trying to come up with plot to get from point A to point B. Everything was important, and everything was paced well. The word I used earlier was concise, and really that's one of the best ways to describe the plot. It was concise, but it was also elaborate and complicated and it never really stopped.

Which brings me to the end. The ending was not enough for the ending. It felt like there was something else that should have happened. I'm not going to spoil it, but I will say this: I wouldn't have had a problem with it if it had gone straight to part 2 or book 2 or something, but because the book ended where it did, I felt a little like I'd had cold water splashed on me. I would have liked either one more happy thing to happen, to close it up a little, or one more piece of the future plot to be revealed, to give me something specific to look forward to. Now it wasn't nearly as bad as Suzanne Collins's cliffhangers, or Cassandra Clare's chapter-esque endings; in fact it really wasn't bad at all. But I would have liked just one more something. Even a little more interior monologue for closure, or that wrapping-up feeling.

All in all I loved Eve,and will definitely recommend it to anyone ages 13+. There was no language, and not enough sexual content to even call it that (there was a kiss in the snow. Not bad, right?).

This review is copyright Haley Mathiot and Amazon Vine.

Tour: Highland Sanctuary

2011-11-10T00:40:00.001-05:00

Highland Sanctuary is on tour this week! Check out the trailer below.

A Sanctuary of Secrets...
Gavin MacKenzie, a chieftain heir who is hired to restore the ancient Castle of Braigh, discovers a hidden village of outcasts who have created their own private sanctuary from the world. Among them is Serena Boyd, a mysterious and
comely lass, who captures Gavin’s heart in spite of harboring a deadly past that could destroy her future.
The villagers happen to be keeping an intriguing secret as well. When a fierce enemy launches an attack against them, greed leads to bitter betrayal. As Gavin prepares a defense, the villagers unite in a bold act of faith, showing how God’s love is more powerful than any human force on earth.

You can learn more about the author here.

Christmas Card Exchange

2011-11-06T15:32:00.001-05:00

Would anyone be interested in a Christmas Card exchange? Leave a comment and tell me if it sounds fun.

Call for Readers

2011-11-02T17:24:00.001-04:00

I've got a writer-friend looking for readers to critique her novel. Here's the summary:

The book is called Remedium, and it is about a small family of doctors who are searching for a cure for a disease that has turned most of the population into inhuman-looking, animal-like creatures who they call "the sick." Abby Corner, the seventeen-year-old daughter of the family, searches for the cure in her own unique way and makes some interesting discoveries about the sick.

Meanwhile a passionate group of survivors called "the Slayers" attempt to eliminate the existence of the sick and put the dead to rest at last. Although they are convinced that they are following the right path of action, a few encounters with the young rebel, Abby Corner, encourages a slayer named Dante Scorne to think a little more about what he is doing. He will eventually have to pick a side, and Abby's life becomes increasingly endangered as her family and her refuse to conform to the Slayers' rules.

She's willing to send an e-copy of the book to anyone who is interested. Email her here or visit her blog.

This Week at The Life and Lies

2011-11-01T14:49:00.001-04:00

Here are the books I've gotten recently:

*Haley opens mailbox and finds random books that she didn't request or order* "SWEET! uh, I don't know who sent it but I'll try to read it…"

So some of these I'll review before others, since the ones I've requested I've committed to reading, but I'll try to get through them all. Any I don't get to will be given away or donated, so I promise they'll go to a good home instead of being stuck on my shelf for years…

Expect another giveaway soon, some new knitting patter,s and winners to be announced… And there'll be a blog tour some time next week!

…don't tell me you've forgotten to be awesome…

2011-10-30T20:42:00.001-04:00

Have YOU pre-ordered The Fault in Our Stars? I did. I hope all you nerdfighters out there will as well. It's only about $12 of your money, which is a little over an hour's worth of minimum-wage work.

C'mon. For a John Green book, it's worth it.

I absolutely loved the first chapter. I can't wait for more!

dftba.

Review: Stitchionary volume six: Edgings

2011-10-26T19:33:00.001-04:00

Stitchionary 6: Edgings
Vogue Knitting
ISBN: 9781936096220
Published: November 1st 2011 by Sixth&Spring Book
Rating: 4

This book is very similar to Knitting Beyond the Edge, but I don't like as many as the patterns. I like a lot of them, but I don't like as many as I did in KBtE. This might be because the patterns were presented in a relatively boring way: a photo, the pattern, and a number. There weren't any pictures of the edges being used, or examples, so maybe it was just hard to visualize using them. Again, I liked a lot of them, and they were inspiring, but not as much as I'd hoped.

It has seven sections: Ribs, Texture, Cables, Lace, Color, Unusual, and Crochet. There are some other things in the back like a glossary and abbreviations. I like the cables, lace, color, and unusual sections a lot. Of course I don't knit lace, so usability wise I would really only use three out of the seven sections.

Overall it's an extremely convenient and important tool for pattern designers and people like me who make stuff up as they go along. If this book is anything like the others, I'd love to have the rest of the Stitchionary volumes for my collection.

Recommendation: Knitters of all skill levels. There are very simple and basic patterns for ribs and seed stitches, all the way up to extremely complicated lace and Celtic knots.

Review: Knit Local

2011-10-26T11:11:00.001-04:00

Knit Local by Tanis Gray
Genre: Knitting
ISBN: 9781936096183
Published: October 4th 2011 by Sixth&Spring Book
Rating: 4

Knit Local is a really fun book. I went nuts while I was flipping through it. There's a wide range of patterns, including sweaters and large pieces of clothing, scarfs, hats, mittens, shawls, wraps, cowls, socks, kids clothing, and even some pillows. I liked the patterns, but I'm a small projects girl, and I don't make sweaters or large items, and there were a lot of larger more complicated patterns. I would have liked more small projects – but that's just my personal preference. Because it is so broad, I think it would be hard to find a target audience that would like every single pattern. I liked most of them, but about half of them I'll never knit.

Artistically, this book is beautiful. Each new feature includes a story about the small yarn company, information about them, their location, website, and yarns, and a pattern with their yarn. The layout and structure is just as beautiful as the photographs, and makes the book really easy to read and look through.

I love local yarn companies and shops. I love supporting local businesses, mostly because I know our economy runs on them more than we think we do. I've worked at three small businesses over the past five years, and I've loved every second of it. This book not only has great patterns, but there are connections to buy local yarns.

Recommendation: Intermediate/advanced knitters. There are a few crochet patterns, but not an even distribution of knit and crochet.

Anthologies, Memoirs, and Nonfiction

2011-10-26T10:36:00.001-04:00

Help for Writers by Roy Peter Clark
Genre: Instructional/Self Help for Writers
ISBN: 9780316126717
Published: September 21st 2011 by Little, Brown and Company
Rating: 5

This book is one of those books that I will let people borrow as long as they don't take it out of my house. It's so awesome I know it will be stolen if I loosen my grip on it. It reminds me of The Breakout Novelist, only it's not specifically aimed for novels, but more writers in general. It's about the process of writing, the preparation, the motivation, the different tricks and tips to get you going, and to get you to finish, and then how to edit etc. This is a gem of a book and should be on every writer's bookshelf.

Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant
Genre: YA Steampunk
ISBN: 9780763648435
Published: October 11th 2011 by Candlewick Press
Rating: 4

This is a really cool collection of fourteen different short stories by some of todays best known YA authors, including Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, Christopher Rowe, Holly Black, and more. They are peculiar and strange, and though I don't like all of them, I appreciate them and I like the collection as a whole. I definitely recommend this collection to anyone who likes the steampunk Genre. (This review is copyright Haley Mathiot and AmazonVine.)

Every Step You Take: A Memoir by Jock Soto
Genre: Memoir
ISBN: 9780061732386
Published: October 4th 2011 by Harper
Rating: 3, DNF

What can I say about a dancer's memoir? It's not the first I've read. In general I avoid memoirs because they tend to have a stuffy self-absorbed feel to them. There was a little of that in Every Step You Take, but it wasn't really bad at all. I didn't read the whole thing, although I probably will finish it eventually (a chapter here and a chapter there). It was interesting, and I felt pulled into Soto's story—his writing has good voice—but I didn't feel compelled to read it. I didn't love it, but I didn't dislike it. I'm still on the fence. If I ever find myself reading the rest and change my mind about it, I'll be sure to revise this review, but as it is, I'm finding my mind wandering. Time to move on. (This review is copyright Haley Mathiot and AmazonVine.)

Intended Target

2011-10-24T08:48:00.001-04:00

Primary Victim was one of my favorite crime thrillers through my first year of blogging. Primary Victim has been re-edited and re-released under the new title Intended Target.

Intended Target e-book is available on Amazon for $0.99 for a limited time!

Michael Bloomington is a serial killer whose victims don't die. They linger in prison, struggling to understand how they came to sit in jail convicted of a murder they did not commit.

A brilliant man trained in the intricacies of the law, Michael's goal is to get caught. Only then can his defense, based upon the maxim on which our legal system rests, "better ninety-nine guilty men go free than one innocent man be hanged," be tested.

Brice McCallahan is Michael's latest victim. With his memory clouded by a night of heavy drinking and overwhelming evidence pointing to his involvement in the murder of a young woman, even Brice begins to doubt his innocence.

Ted Jamey is the one homicide detective not entirely convinced Brice is a killer. However, as Ted draws closer to the true killer, he also draws closer to unleashing the killer's grand design.

Intended Target is a novel that tests both the psychological breaking point of an individual and the strength of the legal system governing society.

Learn more about Intended Target and author Cyrus Holt here.

Review: The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook

2011-10-24T08:46:00.001-04:00

The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook by Jeff Kinley
Genre: Christian Living
ISBN: 9781595554383
Published: October 11th 2011 by Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Rating: DNF

I really wish I could have gotten farther in this book. It sounded like it had a lot of potential and It's extremely relevant to our culture. However, this is another example of a sad reoccurring theme: An individual who has a really good idea and a really good concept, but can't write (They Almost Always Come Home, The Bridge, and more). In these situations, I always wish the author had partnered up with someone who could make the book readable.

I didn't have a problem with the book itself, and I'll bet Kinley is a great public speaker, but he can't write a book. Although I've never heard him preach, I can tell he writes like he speaks. If he were speaking this book out loud and if I were watching it, I would probably have given it a totally different rating. But books are written using grammatical sentences, starting with a subject, including at least one verb, and connected with prepositions and direct objects etc. This book was written mostly in fragments. Call me a grammar Nazi, but I couldn't get past the second chapter because it was grating on my nerves and making me want to mark it up with a red pen.

Also, Kinley made the first chapter a fiction story, and the next chapter the actual book. He continued this pattern through the book. I thought I would like this, but I found it broke up the book and made me lose my concentration. Either write a nonfiction, or write a novel, but please don't write both at the same time.

Included in that fiction aspect, there was a lot of gore. Now I like gore: I'm a crime thriller writer. Maybe this was poor decision making on my part, but I do my Bible study over breakfast; and eating pancakes with blueberries and applesauce while reading about zombie guts being spewed all over someone's face just don't mix very well. Again, I like blood and guts, but I felt like this was a little unnecessary.

I wish I could have given this book more positive promotion, but the only thing I can say is I've promised to give my honest opinion, so here you go.

Recommendation: Ages 16+ for graphic content.

My Memories Suite Review and Giveaway

2011-10-23T16:30:00.001-04:00

My Memories is a software program for digital scrapbooking. You can create templates, layouts, cards, albums, and a lot more.

The program is almost overwhelming because of everything you can do. You can:

design your own albums and templates page by page and layer by layer
you can pick a template online
or you can use the pre-made layouts that come with it.

I chose the premade layouts simply because I was trying to figure out how to use the program.

In the screenshot above, you can see the simple layout I picked in the center of the screen. On the sidebar are tons of options for picture editing, text editing, embellishments, and a lot more. You can add videos, links, music, and narration. You can even do the basic (yet important) things like spellcheck. This is very important for dyslexics and homeschoolers like me.

When the album is finished, you can make it into a video, an interactive album, a calendar, a JPEG photo file, or burn it on a DVD.

And that doesn't even scratch the surface.

My Memories will fill all your scrapbooking needs and more.

So today I have two things to give away:

1. A free coupon-code! Anyone can use this and you don't have to enter to use it. Get $10 off the software, and $10 off anything else in the store: $20 off total! Just use this at the check-out: STMMMS14455

2. A copy of the My Memories software program!

To win the program, leave a comment (or fill out the form below) and tell me what you would do with the program, or visit the store and tell me what other scrapbooking kit you'd love to get!

Extra points:

+1 link this giveaway on facebook, twitter, sidebar, etc

+3 Visit the My Memories Facebook page or Twitter page and like/follow them

+5 do a blog post about this giveaway

Ends November 6th

Crude Deception

2011-10-23T16:12:00.001-04:00

Gordon Zuckerman is on tour for his new book Crude Deception, and is visiting The Life and Lies today!

About Crude Deception:

The sentinels return in an epic battle against a big oil monopoly. As America's dependence on fossil fuel takes hold in the post-World War Two climate of economic growth, seven major oil companies join forces to control the industry, amassing obscene profits, squeezing tax-payers, and manipulating supplies around the world. The Sentinels, graduates of an elite American doctoral program - who, in Zuckerman's last book, foiled a group of German industrialists' scheme to hoard illegal war profits set out to break the circle of power. They quickly discover that the oil barons' influence runs deep in the U.S. and British government and banking sectors. Undeterred, the Sentinels fan out across several continents in an intricately plotted mission to bring Big Oil to its knees.

Can those who are independent of world governments and big business step forward and make a difference? Can the powerful forces behind world domination be stopped? In the anticipated follow up to the best selling The Sentinels: Fortunes of War, author Gordon Zuckerman tackles the unbridled limits of power, greed and corruption in Crude Deception.

In the new book, the group of six financial geniuses from the first adventure are back to battle the Post WWII oil cartels that threaten global prosperity and governmental autonomy.

Drawing on the headlines of yesterday and today, this story takes us back to the early days of WWII when a runaway oil monopoly began to take shape and develop a firm grip on the world with dire consequences.

Learn more about Crude Deception here.

Guest Post: Graham Parke

2011-10-22T19:22:00.001-04:00

Graham Parke, author of No Hope for Gomez is visiting The Life and Lies today! (check out my review of NHfG here).

Mystics predicts future accurately!

I’ve recently become a master in Goki Feng Ho, the ancient Chinese art of decoding license plates. It has, you can imagine, changed my life dramatically and for the better.

Like most practitioners, I’ve always had this suspicion that there’s more to life. That we can’t be mere random collections of molecules with no higher purpose than figuring out how not to soil ourselves while we keep our bodies running as long as possible. Such a view has always seemed too arbitrary to me. So, ever since I was a child, whenever I saw my initials – or part of my date of birth – pop up on a car license plate, I’d get that uneasy feeling. As if there was something I needed to do, or that I was supposed to realize. As if someone was sending me coded messages. Even at a very young age, I understood that something like Goki Feng Ho must exist, and that I was drawn to it like a moth to a particularly nice lady moth.
So, I was both surprised and not-really-all-that-surprised when a friend gave me this book on Goki Feng Ho. I started reading and became hooked. Even the relatively scarce historical background was interesting to me on so many levels. Although much is lost about how Goki Feng Ho first came to the west, the stories about its initial discoverer, master Hung Lee, survive, and I dare say they’d constitute fascinating reading for even the hardened skeptic.

From the early days of receiving his gift in the mail (though some claim he received it in a dream) to his struggles to find disciples to whom to pass it down, Hung Lee’s story is a heartwarming one. Obviously his life was made particularly challenging by the absence of license plates, or even cars, at the time. I have found no record of what the first Goki Feng Hoos practiced and honed their skills on, but I assume they invented plates for each other to decode, or borrowed some from the Germans.

At the time, though, Chinese mystics were known to keep their gifts a secret, passing them down only to family members. Lee broke this mold when he became the first mystic to offer up his gift to the general public. But even then, the story goes, he had trouble finding anyone who was remotely interested. There are parables of Lee raffling off free Kindles and iPods among his disciples, but, again, he was too far ahead of his time. No one understood what he was talking about. He finally found a handful of willing participants at a local mental hospital, after raffling off a small pig and some sticks. And even though lived to be a hundred and fifty, it is said he never managed to earn those back.

Bio:

Graham Parke is responsible for a number of technical publications and has recently patented a self-folding map. He has been described as both a humanitarian and a pathological liar. Convincing evidence to support either allegation has yet to be produced.

The award winning No Hope for Gomez! is his fiction debut:

Boy meets girl.
Boy stalks girl.
Girl already has a stalker.
Boy becomes her stalker-stalker

Winners

2011-10-21T16:39:00.001-04:00

Okay guys, here are winners for the the past few giveaways:

ARC of Triangles: Nicholas!

ARC of Reasons to be Happy: Chatty Cathy!

Copy of Wings: Margie!

You guys will be emailed (or if you see this first, you can e-mail me). If you don't reply within a week, I'll pick new winners.

Don't forget there's a new giveaway right here! tell me about your librarian!

Librarian Appreciation Post and Giveaway

2011-10-21T16:24:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure if there is a National Librarian Appreciation day or something, but I decided to write a little post about my awesome YA librarian.

I'd love to be a YA librarian because I'd love to be involved with working with that age group, planning events, book clubs, etc. And I'm trying to get into publishing in that genre, so it would only make sense that I'd work with that age.

Because teenagers are at a point in their lives where they really need an adult to look at and say "I'd like to be that person when I grow up, because I sure as hell don't want to be like my parents." They need someone to talk to because they hate their parents, or they don't think it's cool to talk to their parents about tough stuff. They need to know that not all adults hate them and that they have someone to go to if they need help. They need other kids who they can hang out with and have fun with without getting into trouble. They need to start deciding what they believe, and learn to hold their own beliefs and not their parents. They need to start reading for fun instead of just reading because they have to.

I started reading for fun when I was about fifteen. I went to the library to hang out, but I didn't read a lot of books. I mostly used the WiFi. But my librarian recommended a book to me (I won't tell you what it was because now I'd love to throw that book out the window into a volcano) and I realized I could actually get away from the world through a book (which was better than anything because I could be alone while I read... and I was a very anti-social teenager.) So I started reading EVERYTHING I could get my hands on.

I read some stuff I wish I hadn't, but even those things helped me realize what I believed because I had to figure out why I was convicted and why it made me mad/uncomfortable. I read some stuff my parents would be disappointed at me reading, but I read it and figured out just how much tolerance for certain content I had, and then I had to figure out whether that was a good thing or a bad thing. There was a lot of self discovery involved in the process. Shortly after, I started book blogging, and writing about what I was reading, and I became a much more critical thinker.

My librarian also helped me out with a project about book censorship and book banning back in High School, and ever since it's become a very important topic to me, one that I fully intend to do a lot more research and projects on.

All because my librarian was just that awesome. Krissy, you are so freaking cool.

So to celebrate how awesome librarians are, please leave me a comment (or fill out the form below, either one) telling me a story about your librarian/library/library experience and your email address, and I will enter you in a giveaway to win two of these ARCs:

USA and Canada only, you must be a follower, ends November 1. Good luck!

*I don't know how many (probably 2-5), all I know is I have a bunch of ARCs I need to get rid of and they are taking up valuable space on my bookshelf. how many I send you depends on how much money I have at the time of the giveaway.

Guest post and Giveaway:

2011-10-10T19:06:00.001-04:00

Today I have Karl Friedrich, author of Wings, visiting The Life and Lies! Learn more about Wings at the bottom of this post, and check out the giveaway!

Taking “The Big Deal” out of writing

My thoughts on how to sit down and do it

I joined the human race in 1946 – a baby boomer. And I grew up in a household that had already grown old and tired before I came along.

My parents were products of the Depression. Practical experience taught them to expect bad luck. As they aged and the economy prospered after the war, they remained stuck in the past. I have no doubt that my mother was fully prepared to find a downside to winning a million dollars, should that have happened; and that my grandmother would have chastised her for dreaming up such a gift, had Mother foolishly shared her thoughts. Abbreviation of expectation and communication was the norm in my family, and success outside the world of the blue collar was the domain of the other guy.

Being a somewhat dutiful son, I joined the program. I pretty much didn’t read until I was in the third grade and I managed to just scrape-by or to flunk classes that didn’t interest me. So my announcement in the sixth grade that I was going to someday be a writer was greeted in the familial unit with blank stares and some annoyance.

True to my training, I turned writing into an ordeal that would have hobbled Hercules. When I was in college and working on a local newspaper, I’d smoke half a pack of cigarettes trying to get ready to write. Later stints at magazines and public relations agencies were only marginally less painful. It wasn’t until many years later, while working at an advertising agency, that I kicked the smoking habit as well as my inability to sit down and simply go to work. Finally, when well into creating Wings A Novel Of World War II Flygirls, I found that I could as easily flip the writing switch as I could scribble on a napkin. That’s not to say that what I wrote was always good, or that it didn’t have to be rewritten again and again. Those are separate issues. What I’m saying is that I’d learned to lose the drama and get to the task.

I probably spent an hour writing the first few paragraphs of this piece. That’s not impressive production by any stretch of the imagination. But it was an hour of writing without anxiety. I’m sure I paused numerous times, though never for long. I don’t remember getting stuck or trying to decide what to write next. I was dropping and adding words and moving and rearranging sentences and expanding and consolidating thoughts. Mostly, I was making and correcting mistakes…and I wasn’t caring that I was making mistakes, because I knew that the act of writing is mostly about working the garbage until it becomes a banquet. That’s my secret to being able to sit down and write. I don’t care that the writing probably won’t be good when I start. So I don’t set myself up with impossible expectations. I expect to create a mess. In a piece like this one, I also imagine that I’m talking to a friend. Almost anyone can do that. Words flow when you’re explaining something to a friend.

A big part of good writing is having the experience to make the right choices: what to leave in, what to cut out, how to use fewer words to express yourself. Science discovered years ago that the “wiring” in human brains changes as the brain learns. This is especially true of brains that practice artistic endeavors like playing a musical instrument or writing. Perhaps this is physiological evidence of what we call experience.

But the only way to get the experience is to get started. If that’s your problem, remember what I learned. It’s OK to start with garbage; because given enough tillage, beautiful things will grow.

Giveaway

Based on the true World War II stories of America’s first female military pilots, this historic novel follows the story of a young woman from a dirt-poor farm family. Sally Ketchum has little chance of bettering her life until a mysterious barnstormer named Tex teaches her to fly and to dare to love. But when Tex dies in a freak accident, Sally must make her own way in the world. She enrolls in the U.S. military’s Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program at a special school known as Avenger, where she learns to fly the biggest, fastest, meanest planes. She also reluctantly becomes involved with Beau Bayard, a flight instructor and aspiring writer who seems to offer her everything she could want. Despite her obvious mastery of flying, many members of the military are unable to accept that a “skirt” has any place in a cockpit. Soon Sally finds herself struggling against a high-powered Washington lawyer that wants to close down Avenger once and for all.

Thanks Karl! To win a copy of Wings, leave a comment with your email address!

USA only, ends October 20.

Review: The Christmas Wedding

2011-10-09T22:08:00.001-04:00

The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 9780316097390
Published: October 17th 2011 by Little, Brown & Company

Rating: 3, DNF

I hate giving a rating like this to James Patterson's novel. But I've sworn to be honest in my reviews, so here's my honest blunt non-sugar-coated opinion: It was silly.

The plot is silly and corny. Really? A middle-aged woman has three men propose within a few days, and then she schemes to get all her family to visit her by not telling them who it she's decided to marry? When would that ever actually happen? It couldn't be pulled off. And she says she loves all three of them, but if she did, why would she put them through that? Not only would it be stressful, but it would be humiliating for the men who weren't chosen. Is she really that cruel? On top of that, the tone was over-sappy, and the whole thing read like a bad soap opera.

Yet I couldn't stop reading it because I wanted to know what happens. So when I did finally give up, I skipped to the end. Wouldn't you know it, I didn't like her choice.

I do like the characters. They're all distinct and interesting, which is one of Patterson's strengths. The sub-plots were well done, but I actually found myself caring more about the sub-plots than the actual plot of the story.

James Patterson is a fantastic crime/thriller/suspense writer, and Sundays at Tiffany's was pretty great, but Romance is just not his best genre. And I love his books, so I hate writing a not-so-great review, but I find myself rolling my eyes at the characters and saying "Really? Seriously?"

Content: some language. I only read half of the book, so I don't know about sexual content.

Recommendation: This would be a nice book if you had an afternoon at the library with nothing to do but read and sip coffee. And if you didn't have anything else to read.

Review: Finishing School—A Master Class for Knitters

2011-10-09T13:11:00.001-04:00

Finishing School: A Master Class for Knitters by Deborah Newton
Genre: Knitting technique
ISBN: 9781936096190
Published: October 4th 2011 by Sixth&Spring Books

Rating: 4.5

This book is awesome! There is so much in here for finishing every project, fixing every type of problem you could have, and techniques for making your handknits above the norm. I've learned so much just from flipping through it quickly. I refuse to part with it: It's a permanent addition to my knitting bookshelf.

Images and layout are very visually appealing, and the patterns are beautiful. There are lots of inspiring photographs and referenced projects that can be looked up. There aren't a whole lot of patterns in the book itself, because it's really all about techniques to finish your handknits.

My only complaint is very small and irrelevant to almost everyone: I'm trying to figure out why the whole book is formatted backwards, with a sans serif body text, and serif headers… maybe it's the technical writer/editor inside me, but it irritates me and it sticks out like a sore thumb.

(this is a sample from one of the pages. You can see the header is a serif, but the body text is a sans serif.)

But that's a pretty minor complaint when you think about it.

Recommended for knitters of all levels!

ARC Giveaway: Triangles by Ellen Hopkins

2011-10-08T14:47:00.001-04:00

I have one ARC of Triangles to give away! Just leave me a comment with your email address. USA Only please, ends October 18.

Click here to see my review.

Good luck!

Review: Triangles

2011-10-07T19:36:00.001-04:00

Triangles, by Ellen Hopkins
Genre: Adult fiction
ISBN: 9781451626339
Expected publication: October 18th 2011 by Atria

Rating:5

The thing about Ellen Hopkins is she writes about the stuff that everyone knows happens, but nobody is willing to admit to. She gives emotion and reason to why people make the choices we do, and what they feel like in the middle of a messy hurtful situation. She is the opposite of happyland syndrome. She tells it how it is.

I had read a little bit of Hopkins's work before: I started Crank (When I say started I mean read the first few pages) and loved it, but I was busy and never got the chance to get into it. But I got an ARC of Triangles, so I sat down and read it—and after one page I was hooked.

If you've been reading my blog at all, you know I'm not a person who likes stories about love gone wrong and marriages failing and extramarital sex etc. because I'm a Christian, and a romantic, and a softie (read 'wimp'). But I went ahead and dove into this book, because I knew Hopkins is a good writer.

It surpassed my expectations. I should have expected her to be this awesome, since obviously she's pretty famous and everyone else figured it out before I did, but I really am blown away. Not only by her blunt yet graceful storytelling, but by her nerve to tackle the stories nobody wants to tell: a dying child, a gay son, a pregnant teen, sexual disease, threesomes, a woman sleeping with her best friend's husband… it's all in here. Yet, it's not plot overkill. She made it work. Somehow.

Though, be warned. Since she does say it like it is, this book is not for the easily offended. But if you're willing to look past the content, there's a gem waiting for you about forgiveness, hope, and what love really means.

Content/recommendation: explicit sexual content, swearing. Ages 18+

Interview: Katrina Kittle

2011-10-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

Katrina Kittle is the author of a new YA release Reasons to be Happy.

Hannah's parents are glamorous Hollywood royalty, and sometimes she feels like the ugly duckling in a family of swans. After her mother's tragic death, Hannah's grief is compounded by her desperate need to live up to her mother's image. She tries to control her weight through Bulimia, and her devastated father is too distracted to notice. The secret of her eating disorder weighs heavily on Hannah, but the new eighth grade Beverly Hills clique she's befriended only reinforces her desire to be beautiful. The only one who seems to notice, or care, that something is wrong is Jasper, the quirky mistfit.

Hi Katrina! Welcome to The Life and Lies.

Hi Haley! Thanks so much for hosting me. I really appreciate the opportunity!

1) Why and when did you begin writing?

In those fuzzy memories of my childhood before I could write, I "told stories" in elaborate picture story boards, like graphic novels with no words! I have journals dating back to third grade. I loved to write stories and all of my creative assignments for English classes were always far longer than the assignment requirements. I was an English major in college, but I was always studying other authors' writing, and the writing I did was academic. I never thought about creative writing for publication, for any kind of audience, until after college. It "happened" because a very particular story tugged on me, wanting to be told. I was really driven to write my first novel, TRAVELING LIGHT, because I was teaching high school at the time and I wanted to put a human face on AIDS for those students. It started as a short story, then ended up growing into a novel. Every novel since has also begun with a social issue I'm very passionate about. I start with an issue, but then I work hard to find the characters who would inhabit a story about that issue...because a novel must be a story above all else. It can't just be some public service announcement!

2) What inspired you to write your book?

As a middle school teacher of several years, I grew so disheartened by a particular phenomenon I saw unfold over and over again: bright, bold, curious girls—strong and confident in their abilities—would hit a wall of self-doubt in sixth or seventh grade. They'd lose all sense of their own unique identity, stop taking any risks, and retreat into approval-seeking behaviors that made them all seem like watered-down clones of each other. I became obsessed with why girls had to go through that? Why were a few exceptional girls strong enough to withstand this challenge while others (who seemed equally exceptional) were not? And why, still in 2011, was body images such a huge part of this identity crisis?

3) How did you come up with the title?

My protagonist, Hannah, keeps a notebook in which she lists her reasons to be happy. Each chapter opens with a portion of her list. Sometimes she has no reasons to be happy. And over the course of the book, you see significant changes in the nature of the reasons she lists. When I taught middle school, I used to list a reason to be happy on the board every day.

4) How do you go about researching for your books?

Each novel has been different. Some books require far more research than others. I think my third novel, THE KINDNESS OF STRANGES, took the most research, meeting with social workers, police officers, therapists, pediatricians. For REASONS TO BE HAPPY, I did meet with a therapist who specialized in eating disorders. I also read nearly everything written about body image and eating disorders (I love research). Sometimes “research” comes in other forms. I was lucky enough to take a trip with some high school students to the West African countries of Ghana, Togo, and Benin, and those experiences work their way into this novel (including—I don't want to spoil anything here!—a certain “encounter” with a goat). That's the beauty of the writing life—we use everything!

5) What’s the most exciting part about being a published author? What is the hardest part?

The most exciting part for me is hearing from readers, through letters, emails, or in person at book events. So much of the writing life is solitary. Finding out how the book actually affected someone is like receiving a present. The hardest part is keeping a balance in your life. Writing takes soooo much time, yet it's a crazy, unreliable way to make a living. It really does feel like an addiction or a calling (yeah, that sounds better) at times.

6) Which of your characters is your favorite? Do you dislike any of them?

It's so hard to pick a favorite. Usually some minor character is often the one I'd most like to hang out with if they were real. That said, I'm awfully smitten with Jasper. And Modesta is pretty cool. I don't dislike any of my characters (not even the “b-squad,” the obvious antagonists), and I think that's important. I love the quote, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” No matter how unpleasant or hateful someone seems, often times they're simply broken or struggling themselves. A character can be seriously flawed, but I still love them all.

7) What advice can you give to young writers who want to publish their books?

Care about craft. Honor your apprenticeship the way a musician or dancer or athlete would. Don't be in a hurry. Be willing to do the work. Oh, and read. The best way to learn about writing (besides, well, writing) is to be an avid reader.

Just for fun:

1) What are your ten most favorite things?

Ooh, my own personal reasons to be happy? I love it!

1. My amazing tribe of family & friends

2. My extremely dysfunctional sweetheart of a cat, Joey

3. My overflowing garden

4. Good strong coffee with cream

5. Dark chocolate

6. Books

7. Going to the movies, especially if Robert Downey Jr. is in them [Haley: ROFL yes ma'am!]

8. Zombie Apocalypse stories

9. Cooking for friends

10. Goats!

2) What do you do when you’re not writing?

I run, garden, act whenever I can get cast in something, teach writing, and work part time for the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center.

3) Do you have any pets?

Yes. A gorgeous, black-and-white cat named Joey. He takes valium, sucks on blankets, and is in love with a spatula. I adore him.

4) What are your favorite (and least favorite) foods?

One favorite food is tough. I can narrow it to Indian and Italian, how's that? Alas, I can't eat raw onion. It gives me hives, and I end up with puffy, red clown mouth.

5) Is there a specific place in the house (or out of the house) that you like to write?

I have a fantastic writing office (the reason I bought this house). A Florida room with skylights and three walls of windows (it's an Imax Theatre for my cat!) that overlooks my garden. It has its own heat and cooling, so I can be out there even in winter with snow falling all around me.

6) Do you have a specific snack that you have with you when you write?

Good coffee is a must. Dark chocolate is a bonus.

7) If you could go anywhere in the whole world, either for a vacation or to live there, where would you go?

I love to travel. I was pretty darn smitten with Positano, Italy, I must say. If I had to stay there the rest of my life, I wouldn't be sad!

8) What was your favorite and least favorite subject in school?

I adored English, art, and theatre. There was nothing I genuinely hated (except maybe driver's ed!) but math was definitely not my forte.

9) What book are you reading right now?

I just finished WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN and am completely haunted by it.

10) Tell us a random fact about you that we never would have guessed.

I have a soft spot in my heart for vampire and zombie stories. [Haley: Don't we all? :)]

Thanks for visiting Katrina! Check out the links below for ways to keep in touch with Katrina Kittle and find out more about her book, Reasons To Be Happy.

Giveaway!

I have one ARC of Reasons To Be Happy to give away! To enter, leave a comment with your own reasons to be happy (a few or a bunch, whatever you feel like sharing.) In other words, count your blessings ;)

One entry per person, USA only, ends October 19 (two weeks from now). Leave your email so I can get a hold of you!

www.katrinakittle.com

Twitter: @katrinakittle

www.facebook.com/KatrinaKittleFanClub

http://katrinakittle.blogspot.com/ (Reasons to Be Happy Blog, lists a reason to be happy everyday)

There's a hash-tag—#reasonstobehappy—for your tweeting purposes. :-)

Book Awards 2010-2011

2011-10-04T14:59:00.001-04:00

HALEY YOU FORGOT BOOK AWARDS YOU MORON!!

I felt like such a doofus for forgetting my book awards post this year. I forgot because I had my blogoversary giveaway early.

No excuse.

Except now I'm sorting through the reviews and it's getting really confusing. So I'm going to change something…

This year's book awards will be from September 2010 through December 2011. It was going to be September 2011, but again, it's just too confusing. I'll just do it by year, rather than years I've been blogging.

So again: This year's awards will have a few extra months in them (plus that gives me extra time to make some tough choices) and every year after that, the awards will be for the calendar year.

Thanks guys!

Check out last year's post here.

Knitting Beyond the Edge

2011-10-02T20:30:00.001-04:00

Knitting Beyond the Edge by Nicky Epstein
Genre: Knitting pattern ideas
ISBN: 9781936096039
Published: September 6th 2011 by Nicky Epstein Books

Rating: 5

This book is fantastic. It's so inspiring and interesting and exciting. It's divided into four sections: Cuffs and Collars, Necklines, Corners and Edges, and Closures. Each one has pages and pages of different interesting unique ideas.

I would call this book a designer's sourcebook. Yes the patterns can be used to change or alter an existing pattern, or dress up that plain sweater, but they can also be used in and of themselves. Collars can be used as cowls, Cuffs can be turned into wristlets, or even mittens or gloves. I see potential hats and socks in here too for people like me who like to write down the pattern as they go, or design something based off a picture they saw.

There's even a few full patterns thrown in here, all of which I love, and a few of which I'm definitely going to have to knit… especially that fair isle sweater. Goodness gracious it makes me want to jump for joy.

The patterns themselves are easy to understand and concise, and the pictures are very good and show off the project without being distracting.

Recommendation: Intermediate/Advanced. Anyone who likes to go above and beyond in their knitting, or knitters who design their own patterns

A few random things

2011-09-30T14:17:00.001-04:00

First, reviews that are coming up soon and books I've gotten in lately:

Eve by Anna Carey
Help! For Writers by Roy Peter Clark
In the Forest of the Night by Kerseten Hamilton
Every Step You Take by Jock Soto
White Tiger by Kylie Chan
The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson
Triangles by Ellen Hopkins
The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi
A Christian's Zombie Killers Handbook by Jeff Kinley
Steampunk! (Anthology)
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Possession by Elana Johnson
Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck
The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern

Second, Links you should check out:

Homeschoolers Don't Share
Worst Logline Ever contest!
Maggie S's wrap-up vacation post. It brought me joy simply because Maggie brings me joy.
Cassandra Claire's Infernal Devices tour has been set. SHE'S COMING TO RALEIGH.

Third, Events coming up:

My birthday giveaway (probably some ARCs… Since most of the pictures above are ARCs… and I can't do anything with them….)
NaNoWriMo (my username is Haleyknitz! I'm so going to actually do it this year!!! maybe.) I'll probably try to get work done on the same NaNoWriMo book I've been working on (cough for three years cough). It's only about 20,000 words right now. If I write 50,000 on top of what I have, that'll bring it up to a full length Paranormal YA romance, which is about the word count required anyway… We'll see. There is this thing called school.
Publication (well, me uploading some PDF's) of some knitting patterns I'm working on.

Review: His Last Duchess

2011-09-23T21:34:00.001-04:00

His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm
Genre: Historical Fiction
ISBN: 9781402261510
Expected publication: October 1st 2011 by Sourcebooks Landmark

Rating: 4, DNF

(From Goodreads) When sixteen-year-old Lucrezia de' Medici marries the fifth Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso d'Este, she imagines life with her handsome husband will be idyllic. But little does she know that he is a very complicated man. The marriage is fraught with difficulties from the start, and, as time passes, Lucrezia becomes increasingly alienated. For Alfonso, the pressure mounts as the Vatican threatens to reclaim his title should the couple remain unable to produce an heir. Only his lover Francesca seems able to tame his increasing fury. But Alfonso's growing resentment towards his duchess soon becomes unbearable, and he begins to plot an unthinkable way to escape his problems. Originally inspired by a Robert Browning poem, His Last Duchess gorgeously brings to life the passions and people of sixteenth-century Tuscany and Ferrara. It is a story you are unlikely to forget for a long time

Here's the tricky part about His Last Duchess: It was really good, but I couldn't make myself finish it.

It was good because it was a well written character-driven novel. This means the novel progresses and is interesting not because of what happens, but because of the character's feelings and thoughts and how it happens. A good character-driven novel is hard to find these days.

It was also good because it had serious conflict that made me want to keep reading so I could see it resolved.

But this is why I couldn't finish it: It was painful to read. If you've been following my blog for any time at all you know I'm a romantic at heart. Poor Lucrezia was practically raped on her wedding night, her husband didn't respect her personality, he didn't give her a place in the home other than the trophy on the shelf, and he didn't appreciate her. And because I know the poem, I have a general idea of how much worse it will get (I'm about 140 pages in). Now, I know and love Robert Browning's poem My Last Duchess, which is the poem the novel is based off of. We discussed it in British Literature class extensively. It's one of my favorite poems and I knew to expect this. The character is right. Kimm portrayed exactly the man Browning was writing about. This is why it's so good. But this is also why I just couldn't keep reading it. Maybe I'm too much of a softie, but I wasn't enjoying it. And I firmly believe that if you're not enjoying a book, there's no reason to keep reading it.

Again, I give it 4 stars because it's good. But it just wasn't the kind of book I can enjoy, even though I truly wish I could.

Content/Recommendation: Some sex, little language. Ages 18+

Review: The Hour of Dust and Ashes

2011-09-17T15:06:00.001-04:00

The Hour of Dust and Ashes by Kelly Gay
Genre: Urban Fantasy
ISBN: 9781451625479
Published: August 30th 2011 by Pocket

Rating: 5

I've been anxiously awaiting the release of this book since the second one came out last August. I love this series! The tension starts at the very beginning and follows through the entire book, to the last page. I love the characters (Charlie is my hero) and I was furious about what happened at the end (in a good way. I have to read the next book now!).

I will say I wished I'd read the other two again before reading this one. I didn't forget too much, but there were a few little things were I was thinking "Okay I remember something about that, but no details." I would certainly recommend reading them closer together than one year.

If you liked the first two Charlie Madigan books, you'll love this one. Lots of loose ends were tied up, doors were opened, and secrets were revealed. I loved it!

Content/Recommendation: Some language, no sex. Ages 17+

Click here to see my reviews for Book 1 and Book 2.

Check out my interview with Kelly Gay here!

Interview: Kelly Gay

2011-09-17T15:04:00.001-04:00

Kelly Gay, author of the Charlie Madigan series, is visiting The Life and Lies today! Welcome Kelly!

1) Why and when did you begin writing?

I began making up stories from the time I was four years old and was six when I wrote my first story down. The 'why' is harder to answer because it's really something that feels intrinsic to who I am. I write because I have to, because the ideas in my head demand to get out and become a reality on paper. I began writing with dreams of publication in my teens and later, more seriously, in my twenties. The goal has always been to create stories for a living.

2) What inspired you to write your series?

I just had these ideas in my head about a world where the paranormal had come out of the closet, and this single mom character who was faced with sacrifice and choices. I felt compelled to explore her more, to see how a single mom, urban fantasy heroine would cope and it kind of took off from there.

3) How did you come up with the title?

My editor and I came up with it during a phone call wherein I was frustrated by the fact that none of the titles I was coming up with felt right. He started throwing out phrases and matching up words to ones I'd already been toying with and he came up with 'The Hour of' and paired it with Dust and Ashes, which I'd had paired with something else. When he said it all together, we both knew that was the one.

4) What books or people influenced your writing? Was it positive influence, or negative?

I was influenced by Marion Zimmer Bradlely, Mary Stewart, C.S. Lewis, Anne Rice... I read a ton of mythology growing up, which influenced me greatly as well.

5) How do you go about researching for your books?

I don't research beforehand as that can distract me from the actual writing. My research consists of things like weaponry, bodily injury, technology... I write over anything I don't know about and then go back after I'm done my draft to fill in the missing pieces and flesh things out more.

6) Did you base any of your characters on real people?

No, not really. Of course there are certain internal characteristics or traits that resemble people I know, but no one character is based on a particular person.

7) What’s the most exciting part about being a published author? What is the hardest part?

The most exciting is seeing my books on the shelf and actually being able to share the wild ideas in my head with others. The hardest part is sharing those ideas with others, LOL -- in getting what I see and feel into words that will make the reader see and feel the same thing. That can be a struggle sometimes to organize all my thoughts and words while under the pressures of deadlines, contracts, other books, family life, etc...

8) What advice can you give to young writers who want to publish their books?

Don't get caught up in finding the "right" process to write your fiction, in what size font to use, if you should outline, if you should plot as you go . . . etc. There is no one right way to do it. Everyone's process is different. Do what feels comfortable to you. Concentrate on learning what makes a great story great by reading, reading, reading, and then studying books you really love, dissecting them, seeing how they address pacing and plot and characters... Great books are amazing tools for learning how to craft great stories yourself.

9) Will there be more of Charlie Madigan in the future?

The 4th Charlie book is scheduled for summer 2012. After that, I'm not sure. I'd definitely like to write more, though.

Just for fun:

1) What do you do when you’re not writing?

Read! Play with my kids and try to get outside as much as possible.

2) What book are you reading right now?

Graveminder by Melissa Marr.

3) Do you have any pets?

We have two cats and a Great Dane. He's massive and when I write about Brim (the hellhound) slobbering, I get my inspiration from my dog!

4) What are your favorite (and least favorite) foods?

Potatoes, bread, and cheese. Can't live without those things. And pizza. Least favorites would be sweet potatoes.

5) Is there a specific place in the house (or out of the house) that you like to write?

I write on the recliner side of my sofa with my laptop. The sofa is leather and very cushy, so I can stay there a long time, which is good and bad. (Have to remind myself to get up and walk around during long bouts of writing).

6) Do you have a specific snack that you have with you when you write?

Not usually. Food distracts me, so if I do snack, I use that time to read emails or network online. Snack of choice, though, is usually cheese popcorn. Love!

7) If you could go anywhere in the whole world, either for a vacation or to live there, where would you go?

The British Isles or somewhere in the Greek Islands.

8) What was your favorite and least favorite subject in school?

History was my favorite and math -- least fav.

Thanks Kelly! Check out Kelly's website for more about her and her books.

Review: The Little Red Book of Wisdom

2011-09-16T14:50:00.001-04:00

The Little Red Book of Wisdom by Mark DeMoss
Genre: Christian wisdom
ISBN: 9781595553546
Published: June 14th 2011 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. (first published March 13th 2007)

Rating: 5

The number one reason I like this book is it doesn't feel like a sermon. It feels like a reference book. Many "self-help" books feel like the author is preaching or lecturing you directly. DeMoss is telling stories and providing examples to prove his point, and letting you come to the conclusion yourself and decide what to do with that information. It's much more inspiring that it is convicting.

I read selected chapters from the book. I found something in every chapter I read and every page I skimmed outside of those chapters. I fully intend on keeping this book on my shelf next to my other favorite reference books.

It is a "Christian" book, there is mention of God, there are Bible verses, but the advice and wisdom within the book and the stories and testimonies would be profitable to anyone, believer or not. Again, it doesn't feel like a sermon, and the chapters are real wisdom and common sense explained in a way that it applies to everyone, not a "make-your-life-perfect" sermon.

Recommendation: Ages 12-Adult. This book has something for everyone in nearly every situation. I think it would make a great gift High School or College students, newlyweds, individuals just getting a job, etc.

Review: I Knew You'd Be Lovely

2011-09-16T14:46:00.001-04:00

I Knew You'd Be Lovely by Alethea Black
Genre: Short stories, adult fiction
ISBN: 9780307886033
Published: June 7, 2011 by Broadway Paperbacks

Rating: 3

Alethea Black has an interesting writing style. It's a little confusing. She writes from third person and one specific character's perspective, but then switches to another character. It's a bit disorienting and I had trouble keeping track of who was thinking or talking about who.

I read three of the stories. One of them I liked, another I was perplexed by, and the end surprised me, but I didn't particularly like it. A third I couldn't get into because it felt like empty conversation and no conflict. I've had this book to review for a while now, and it took me a good amount of time to sit down and read it.

And I don't really know why I didn't like it. Maybe the characters weren't people I could connect with. Maybe the writing was confusing. Maybe the plots themselves didn't speak to me. But I doubt I'll finish all the stories, and I probably won't keep the book.

Review and tour: Playing Hurt

2011-09-09T11:48:00.001-04:00

Playing Hurt by Brian Goins
Genre: Christian Instructional
ISBN: 9780825426735
Published: August 1st 2011 by Kregel Publication

Rating: 4

Playing hurt is basically a marriage manual for men. But it's not a book on how to "win" the game of marriage against your wife: it's how to win with your wife. It's not how to change your wife so you can be happier: It's on how to change yourself so you can better glorify God through beautifying your wife.

I am, obviously, not a man. So you may be thinking "Haley, why are you reading a men's marriage book?"

well I've got a few answers:

1. I'm a writer, and I like reading things from a man's perspective so I can better write from their perspectives.

2. I'm hoping to get married one day, and it would be nice to understand how my husband thinks.

3. If I understand the ways women usually hurt men and understand men's weaknesses, I can avoid hurting my husband and support him in his weaknesses.

So those are the reasons I personally read this book. I found a lot of good information, and I got to see the other side of the relationship.

Recommendation: I definitely recommend Playing Hurt to men, but their wives can get something out of it as well. Sometimes as women we don't understand that we've hurt our man. But our words cut deeper than we know. It reminds me a lot of For Men Only and For Women Only (very good books by the way!).

Music Review: Young Love by Mat Kearney

2011-09-03T16:51:00.001-04:00

Young Love by Mat Kearney

4 stars

Young Love is a catchy album. It makes you want to bop your head and sing along. I felt like I'd been pulled right into the music when Kearney started singing Hey Mama.

Out of the ten songs, eight of them sound similar. Not the same, but similar in this way: The background music seems to be the same. It's not made with instruments, but rather with equipment. It sounds like soft rock lyrics and singing mixed with rap background. It's a peculiar mix of genres, and I like it, but I feel like all the songs could be better if they all sounded different.

Hey Mama and Rochester were the exceptions. Hey Mama was lighter and relaxed and free sounding. Rochester was acoustic guitar and was a sad but sweet way to close an album.

If lyrics are important to you, you'll love this album. All the lyrics feel genuine and singable, and the story behind each one is worth listening to. I even after listening to it several times, I found myself listening to it the whole way through, and not skipping tracks. I liked all the songs.

All in all, I liked Young Love. I've listened to it a few times and I like singing along or listening in the car. I'd consider buying another one of Kearney's albums, or at least buy my favorite tracks off Amazon or I-tunes.

Young Love is available on Amazon MP3 download for $4.99 here!

*no sexual references or swearing! Recommended for ages 15+

**this review was part of the One2One network tour.

Review: Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering

2011-09-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering by Lisa Engelbrecht
Genre: Calligraphy and craft
ISBN: 9781592536443
Published: September 1st 2010 by Quarry Books
Rating: 5

This book was absolutely amazing. I have loved calligraphy since I was eleven.

This book had everything: information on supplies and tools and instructions on how to build your own tools. There are chapters on different calligraphy styles, like classic calligraphy, vintage styled alphabets, raw dry-brush techniques, funky fun letters, calligraphy on fabric, urban-styled graffiti, flourishes, gothic, and mixed media pieces. Every chapter is exciting and inspiring, and each chapter will speak to a different person and hit on their personal style. I have to say the fabric section really made me want to dance and get out my sewing machine. There were example pieces, full alphabets, photographs, stroke-by-stroke instructions on certain alphabets, and ideas beyond belief. This book is enough to keep me busy for at least the next two decades…

I recommend this book to anyone interested in calligraphy, collage, mixed media, or anyone who loves hand-writing pieces of art (Yes there are still some of us who love hand-writing letters and love poems and posters. We're awesome.).

Short Stories

2011-08-21T20:24:00.001-04:00

I've got a few friends who rave about how awesome short stories are. My mom likes them because it's all she has time to write. But I'm the kind of person who sits down to write a paragraph and ends up with a 20 page paper, or comes up with an idea that can be summed up in one sentence (ex "guy asks out wrong girl on facebook") and it turns into an 65,000 word novel (hence Accidental Girlfriend).

But recently I've written a few short stories and they've been pretty exciting. Here's why I like them:

1. You don't have to put in all the details, because what you leave out is more important than what you put in. For example, in my latest short story, French Fries, one of the characters shoves his wallet into his back pocket. That's all that's said, but you can infer from it so much. But I don't have to write it!

2. You can say a lot in very little words. Short stories are the Haiku of fiction. Again with French Fries, it's barely over 1000 words. But I had an hour long discussion about it with one of my friends. Jesus, Babies, and Fishing was also very short, but it said a lot. So much so that a friend of mine is recommending it for a short film.

3. It means something different to every person. You don't have to make the "deep meaning" obvious. In fact, there doesn't have to be one. Jesus, Babies, and Fishing was just something I wrote from a prompt. I didn't purposefully make it beautiful or profound, but those are the responses I've gotten. Everyone finds something different within a short story. For example, Last spring I read The Price of Eggs in China, a story by Don Lee in his short story collection Yellow. During our discussion in class, it was obvious that everyone had an idea of what happened after the story ended, and everyone's idea was different. Also, the story itself was illusive about what actually happened, and everyone had different ideas of who actually did what. Because of that, rest assured that people will find what they need in the story.

I'm currently reviewing a book of short stories. I'll link this post to it and vice versa when it's up.

What's your opinion on short stories? do you like writing them or reading them, or do you prefer longer works?

The Scorpio Races

2011-08-13T10:23:00.001-04:00

Ch-ch-check it out!

Also, Maggie is having a contest here.

Review: Don't Check Your Brains At The Door!

2011-08-12T21:24:00.001-04:00

Don't Check Your Brains At The Door by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler
Genre: Christian Apologetics
ISBN:9781400317202
Published: August 2nd 2011 by Nelson, Thomas, Inc. (first published February 19th 1992)

Rating: 3

This book aims to look at common myths and lies about Christianity. Many unbelievers will use these lies or myths to try to sway young Christians from their faith. This book attempts to "bust" the myths that you may be told.

Which is great. Hypothetically.

There were some good topics and subjects in this book. A lot of things I've heard before were addressed. I had two problems with it.

1) The tone was very negative, and I felt like I or the potential unbeliever was being talked down to.

2) They started busting the myths, but didn't finish very well. I felt like I'd been told that something was a myth, but that it hadn't been proven to me.

I didn't read this book cover to cover. I'm getting ready for my second year of college and I don't have time. I did flip through and chose some random chapters to read though. I liked it, and it was a good start, but I felt like it didn't finish.

This book would be great for High School or College students in a group discussion setting. I felt it lacked a lot of content for a go-to reference book, but it would be great for a discussion guide, topics to get you started thinking and bouncing things back and forth between people.

This review was part of the tour with LitFuse. Check out the rest of the tour!

Interview: Quinn Barrett

2011-08-04T11:03:00.001-04:00

Quinn Barrett is visiting The Life and Lies today! She recently released her novel, Invisible Snow.

Invisible Snow is a classic family drama about wealth, power, greed, and redemption. Marriage is a delicate dance of power between lovers, but Kate and Paul Delacroix are strangers caught in a disparate union somewhere between betrayal and truth. Confronting their true selves for the first time results in an epic clash of wills where only one will prevail. The legacy of the family business is at stake, but power is not always about money. Their showdown results in a shocking twist of fate—a destiny Kate never saw coming.

1) Why and when did you begin writing?

During my sophomore year in high school, I had an English teacher who helped me develop my writing skills which led me to become an English major in college. I always thought I'd write a book at some point, but career and family had a way of intervening until recently. I suppose in some weird way I was waiting on more life experiences for better material to write about.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

The idea itself has marinated over time from years of sitting in work and church meetings, women's groups, booster club and PTA meetings. I sensed an underlying hostility from many dutiful women who performed their simple assignments with masterful precision, but seemed frustratingly unfulfilled. It made me realize that most of us lose ourselves in simple tasks to avoid walking our true path, living our own dreams. Kate's journey is about coming to terms with her choices and breaking free of her self-imposed limitations.

3) How did you come up with the title?

It took a long time and several working titles before Invisible Snow came to me while exercising one day. I knew that I wanted to use the imagery of Snow in the title as it was relevant in the character name, location and as a metaphor for transformation. But It still took a while before I put the two words together.

When we first meet our protagonist, Kate is the essence of invisibility in her own life. I also see snow as having that same quality of invisibility in the sense that despite its presence and inevitability in winter, Snow is often ignored as well as being something of a cover or camouflage of sorts. I also like the imagery of a fresh blanket of morning snow as if it were a clean, blank slate waiting to be written on.

4) What books or people influenced your writing? Was it positive influence, or negative?

I had a couple of great English teachers in high school as well as in college at UCLA. In terms of famous authors . . . I'd say that Harper Lee was the first author that made me believe writers had a unique opportunity and responsibility to shape the world.

5) How do you go about researching for your books?

I try to write about what I know and take liberties with various stories and experiences for the purpose of moving the story forward to the end or moral I want to teach. For character development or geographic location unfamiliar to me, I try to find people I know that can help me flesh out the details. Book research is also a good excuse to visit locations like Park City. And finally living in the age of Google and Wikipedia is a huge advantage I'd imagine most writers utilize (present company included).

6) Did you base any of your characters on real people?

Very loosely, but characters have a way of creating themselves during the re-writes. By the time Invisible Snow was finished, I'd say that all of the characters were unique and any relationship to real people known to me was purely inspirational.

7) What’s the most exciting part about being a published author? What is the hardest part?

I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment, but nobody can prepare you for the challenge of marketing a book. Even with help and guidance, it's hard work!

8) Do you have any other books planned in the future?

I'm working on a sequel as well as one other original book, but I have lots of ideas in notes and journals that I plan to develop and write eventually.

9) Which of your characters is your favorite? Do you dislike any of them?

Each character is a part of me, so I love them all... even the more annoying ones, but Kate has to be my favorite (once she begins her journey of self-realization) because she is the heroine of the novel. She is an extraordinary woman with resources beyond belief. She is capable of anything as long as she can stay out of her own way. And isn't that true for all of us?

A few other characters were also a lot of fun for me to write. Louise and Mary made me laugh a lot. Even I couldn't believe how ridiculous they could be as characters until I typed it. I also loved Walker and Joan's wisdom, but that's easy. Loving the darker characters is an interesting process.

10) What advice can you give to young writers who want to publish their books?

Writing is the fun part, but deciding which publishing path to take is tricky. The traditional publishing process can take a couple years or more depending on the type of book and the publishing cycle. Regardless of whether you have an agent or you decide to self-publish you're going to have to learn to create your own market/audience for your book so be aggressive in getting your name and title out in the blogosphere, local radio, newspaper, and anywhere else you can think of.

Just for fun:

1) What are your ten most favorite things?

These are in no particular order: Ralph Lauren T-Shirts, my Curious George coffee mug, my iPod, Bose ear buds, Angels baseball games, NetFlix, Panda Raspberry Natural Licorice, Chipotle salads, my novel, my family

2) What do you do when you’re not writing?

Web development and design.

3) Do you have any pets?

No . . . just a teenage son.

4) What are your favorite (and least favorite) foods?

There isn't much I don't like. I look forward to a juicy slice of Lawry's prime rib on Christmas Eve. I'm not a huge fan of onions and garlic.

5) Is there a specific place in the house (or out of the house) that you like to write?

I have a home office with lots of windows and French doors so I don't feel isolated.

6) Do you have a specific snack that you have with you when you write?

Kashi crackers and veggies.

7) If you could go anywhere in the whole world, either for a vacation or to live there, where would you go?

South Lake Tahoe in the mountains near the California, Nevada border.

[Haley: Lake Tahoe is beautiful! I used to live near there!]

8) What was your favorite and least favorite subject in school?

I loved English and creative writing. I wasn't crazy about Spanish.

9) What book are you reading right now?

I just finished The Hunger Games trilogy which was enjoyable. I've been trying to read The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, but I honestly don't see what the fuss is about.

10) Tell us a random fact about you that we never would have guessed.

I watch the movie Ground Hog's Day every February 2nd with my son and we recite many of the movies lines as we watch.

Thanks for stopping by Quinn! Check out the Invisible Snow website and Facebook page.

Blood & Water by Ephraim Rodriguez

2011-08-04T10:51:00.001-04:00

Ephraim is visiting The life and lies today while promoting is novel Blood & Water.

About the book:

Blood & Water chronicles the life of an American lobster-fisherman haunted by his father’s ghost.
Henry Michael Fischer wanted nothing more than to be like his forefathers; become a lobster-fisherman, get married and have a son of his own to carry on the family tradition. But when Henry suspects he is being haunted by his father’s ghost, he must lay the past to rest, even if it means digging up his father’s grave to return what has been taken - his identity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ephraim Rodriguez lived in Maine when he was a boy. He's also lived in Pennsylvania, Boston, Florida, Washington D.C., Washington state, WV and California. He's married with children and hopes you enjoy Blood & Water.

Learn more here

Interview: Ty Drago

2011-07-16T11:37:00.001-04:00

Ty Drago is the author of The Undertakers: Rise of the Corpses. He's visiting The Life and Lies today.

1) Why and when did you begin writing?

Honestly, I can’t remember when I didn’t write! I’m told I started at age four, drawing picture books of Tom and Jerry. Later on, I graduated to comics that I would share with the other kids in the neighborhood. I guess I wrote my first real short story (no pictures!) around age eight.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

Many of those comic books I drew as a kid centered around a group of pre-teen superheroes called the Kid Kadets (yeah, couldn’t spell back then). Their leaders were a brother/sister team named Tom and Sharon Jefferson. Many (many) year later, when I envisioned the idea of a child’s army battling an undead menace, I looked back on those comics and brought Tom and Sharyn (different spelling now) forward through the intervening years, to take command of the Undertakers! I guess you could say the Undertakers are the Kid Kadets all grown up. Sort of.

3) How did you come up with the title?

As a series title, “THE UNDERTAKERS” seemed like a natural. They’re battling the dead after all. As for the individual book title, “RISE OF THE CORPSES”, that’s meant to be a play on words. My son and I went around and around on both concepts before settling on what we’ve got. For this reason, among many others, the book is dedicated to him.

4) What books or people influenced your writing? Was it positive influence, or negative?

I grew up loving Stephen King and Dean R. Koontz. But lately, I’d have to say my writing is most strongly influenced – and very much in a positive way – by middle grade/young adult writers like Heather Brewer, Jackie Kessler and Jonathan Maberry. I like authors who write for children without talking down to them. Our children are literate and need to be treated as such.

5) How do you go about researching for your books?

THE UNDERTAKERS is set in Philadelphia, a city I know well. Nevertheless, I made it a point to visit every location described in the story. I’ve stood pretty much every place that Will and the other Undertakers stood. I take notes and a lot of pictures. I think it lends an air of realism. At least I hope it does.

6) Did you base any of your characters on real people?

Helene is based on my wife, Helene Boettcher Drago. She’s smart, brave and independent – the perfect heroine for an action story and a fantastic role model for girls. A few of the other Undertakers are affectionately named after friends, both from my present and my distant past. Not one of these characters actually resembles the living person in either behavior or physical appearance, of course. It’s just my way of winking at some of the good people I’ve known in my life.

7) What’s the most exciting part about being a published author? What is the hardest part?

There’s no feeling in the world like seeing our novel on a bookstore shelf. There are no words to describe it – and when a writer tells you that, you ought to believe it! But it’s scary too. You take this story that you’ve worked on, slaved over, put your heart and soul into for years, and then you put it out there for the world to judge. It can be … daunting. I think that’s the hardest part.

8) Do you have any other books planned in the future?

I would love to continue with the UNDERTAKERS series and have been busy with book two for months now. It’s tentatively called QUEEN OF THE DEAD, and introduces the Undertakers to a new and terrifying enemy.

9) Which of your characters is your favorite? Do you dislike any of them?

It’s hard to pick a favorite. They’re all pieces of me and there are things about each of them that I love: Tom’s strength and integrity; Will’s reckless courage; Helene’s grace and independence; Sharyn’s optimism and prowess; the Burgermeister’s loyalty and fearlessness.

Then, of course, there’s Kenny Booth. The head Corpse is a wonderfully nasty villain: ruthless and pitiless and deliciously evil!

10) What advice can you give to young writers who want to publish their books?

I once heard someone say to a roomful of prospective writers: “Some of you will make it. And the ones who do won’t be the most talented, but the most persistent!” Here’s my advice: Don’t ever stop writing. Don’t ever stop editing what you write. Don’t ever stop submitting what you’ve edited. Don’t ever give up!

Just for fun:

1) What do you do when you’re not writing?

I work for a living! Sigh.

2) Do you have any pets?

Two cats and a dog!

3) What book are you reading right now?

Rot & Ruin by John Maberry

Thanks for stopping by, Ty! Learn more about THE UNDERTAKERS here.

"On a sunny Wednesday morning in October, a day that would mark the end of one life and the beginning of another, I found out my next door neighbor was the walking dead."

With these words, middle school student Will Ritter introduces us to his life as a fugitive. Ripped from his family, this son of a murdered Philadelphia police detective finds himself hunted by an invasion of the walking dead. But these aren't the slow stupid zombies of George Romero movies. Nor are they the fast, stupid zombies of 28 Days Later and Zombieland.

These Corpses are smart, organized and utterly ruthless. If they find him, they'll kill him. If he goes home, they'll kill his family. Will's only hope is to join up with a rag tag children's army, led by the wise and charismatic Tom Jefferson:

THE UNDERTAKERS.

Hidden away in their secret Philadelphia lair, the Undertakers have set themselves against an enemy that's faster, stronger and far deadlier than they are. Worse, they're badly outnumbered ... and totally alone.

Yet they fight because, if they don't the world itself may be forfeit.

****

THE UNDERTAKERS: RISE OF THE CORPSES is the first book in a new middle grade adventure series, written by Ty Drago, and published by Sourcebooks under their Jabberwocky imprint.

To know more about THE UNDERTAKERS, visit www.jointheundertakers.com.

Review: My One and Only

2011-07-16T11:00:00.001-04:00

My One and Only by Kristin Higgins
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 9780373775576
Published: March 29th 2011 by HQN Books
Rating: 1

I loved Kristin Higgins' last release, All I Ever Wanted. I loved that it was a good romance with good characters and no explicit sex scenes. I loved the dogs. I loved the quirks. I loved the family, I loved everything about it. I was psyched to get her new release.

Sadly, it was a huge disappointment.

There were a few things that stacked against her in the beginning and I figured they would be made up for later, but it didn't improve. First, the characters.

I didn't like the character Harper. She was pessimistic, nosey, had no filter from her brain to her mouth, and her view of marriage was slightly offensive to me (only because I'm a Christian and a romantic. Don't mess with me.). I figured by halfway through the story maybe she'd see things the way they were, or that at least someone would hit her over the head and tell her to get a grip, but nobody did. I didn't like her interior monologue either. She didn't swear, but she had a few expletives that were… raunchy. I don't mind the "d" word too much. But supplementing the word "Crotch" or other phrases of similar nature just doesn't sit well with me.

And her boyfriend had the mentality of a sixth grader. Not joking. We'll leave it at that. Moving on!

Then there was her Ex. He was hot stuff, and I could see how the two of them could make it work (their personalities played off each other) but I just didn't like him. He was totally ignorant of the mistakes he'd made, at the halfway through point where we finally learn the back-story of her and him I seriously wanted to beat him over the head with a baseball bat—or a Bible—and give him a lecture about what marriage meant because the guy didn't get it. I didn't want the two to get back together, because it would be a recipe for disaster all over again. By the looks of it, neither of them had learned from their mistakes!

Second, I knew what was going to happen. She broke up with her boyfriend, she was going to fall for Nick again, and they were going to get married. Again. And because I didn't give a rat's poo about the characters, I didn't really care what happened to them.

Third, there were editorial mistakes. Now I know it's rude to point those out because when you read something dozens of times, you miss stuff like that. I understand that. I'm a writer. But I'm also a Professional Writing major and an editor, and I proofread stuff and I write promotional material and I edit things. It's what I do. It's my job. When I read a published book and I find things like "/= in the middle of the paragraph, or a grammatical error that is definitely not dialect or part of the character's personality, it makes me angry.

Fourth: I don't remember Kristin Higgins being a poor writer, but this book was poorly written and full of fragments. Sentences go like this: Subject, Verb, Direct Object. Or, Actor, Action, Description. Rearranging this causes passive voice, which is never fun to read, even though it does raise the word count. Ellipses should be used sparingly. Two or three per book: not per page or per paragraph.

And, no offense, but the dog was retarded. I know I shouldn't complain about the dog because now I'm just being whiney. But really? Maybe I'm biased about dogs, but I can't stand anything that bounces when it barks, even when it is in a book.

So those are five reasons why I stopped halfway through the book. This one is going to PBS. Don't get me wrong, I will continue to read Kristin's books. I've got a few more of hers that I hope will be as great as All I Ever Wanted, but this book was not her best work.

Recommended: Ages 18+ (Please note I don't know what sort of content was in the second half of the book.)

Some Knitting Books

2011-07-15T18:47:00.001-04:00

Here are some knitting books to check out!

60 Quick Baby Knits
Genre: Knitting
ISBN: 9781936096138
Published: May 3rd 2011 by Sixth&Spring Books
Rating: 4

Absolutely lovely patterns! The patterns are mostly for 6-12 months, with a few patters for up to 24 months. Some of them were very simple and some were rather complex, but they're all beautiful.

Knit Noro
ISBN: 9781936096152
Published: June 7th 2011 by Sixth&Spring Books
Rating: 3

Knit Noro was a lot of fun to flip through. The knitwear was beautiful. The thing is, what makes the book amazing isn't the patterns themselves, it's the yarn. I've never used Noro yarn (I'm a broke college student!) but I could tell you just by looking at this yarn that any pattern would look great with it. The patterns range from very simple to more advanced, but the patterns aren't anything new or fancy or exciting: It's all stuff I've seen before.

The projects are all absolutely stunning: But it's the yarn that makes them stunning, not the patterns. This doesn't mean I don't recommend the book: I love most if not all of the patterns. But the yarn is what makes it.

KnitSimple: Knitting Workshops: Clever tips and techniques to guarantee success
ISBN: 9781936096282
Published: August 2nd 2011 by Sterling Publishing
Rating: 5

This book has everything: Basic learn to knit and crochet instructions, lists of recommended tools, materials, books, and tons of basic beginner patterns that have the potential to be taken to the next level. I love it! Great for any beginner knitter.

However I have yet to find a book that has clear enough instructions to teach someone to actually knit a stitch. It's very hard to photograph a movement, and the basic knitting instructions in this book were no better than any others.

There was every sort of pattern: hats, scarves, socks, mittens, shawls, necklaces, flowers, sweaters, blankets etc. This book covered all the categories very well.

Review: The Elemental Journal

2011-07-15T17:40:00.001-04:00

The Elemental Journal by Tammy Kushnin
Genre: Craft
ISBN: 9781440305368
Published: March 7th 2011 by F+W Media, Inc.
Rating: 4

The Elemental Journal was really interesting. The journals were pretty advanced, and even though the instructions were clear they would have required a lot of materials. I would use this book for inspiration more than step by step instructions. This book would be great for any crafter who saves everything and sees potential in random pieces of "trash" like tree bark, scraps of fabric, wire, old plastic game pieces, door knobs, etc.

Mind you I loved it: it was wild and cool and exciting: it's just slightly more advanced and a little intimidating. Recommended for experienced crafters.

Review: Adventures in Book Binding

2011-07-15T17:27:00.001-04:00

Adventures in Book Binding: Hand Crafting Mixed Media Books by Jeannine Stein
Genre: Craft
ISBN: 9781592536870
Published: June 1st 2011 by Quarry Books
Rating: 5

Adventures in Book Binding was the perfect book to get me rolling. It had just enough information to educate me on the basics, but it didn't feel like a book meant for fourth-graders. I had no experience in book binding whatsoever (though I have years of craft experience), and now I feel like I'm ready to take off.

The beginning has information about tools, materials, adhesive, paper, and lots of other information. Each project has the fully explained version, a "Shortcut" idea and blurb for a more simple project, and a "Master" idea and blurb. The instructions themselves have many photographs, illustrations, and easy to read explanations.

The projects themselves are astounding! I loved every single one of them. They looked fun to make, they were all very different, and were very inspiring. I could spend hours flipping through this book, and every time I look at a project my mind goes crazy coming up with new ideas of my own.

There are templates and patterns in the back.

All in all I am highly satisfied with Adventures in Bookbinding and recommend it to anyone who has some experience in sewing or crafting and wants to get started creating their own books or journals.

Attalus needs our help! Earn more entries for the giveaway!

2011-07-15T10:06:00.001-04:00

Attalus is a band out of my sister's church. They're raising money so they can record their album. They need to raise $3000. Here's how it works:

Re-post this and leave me the link, and you'll get 1 extra entry in the ARC giveaway.
you can back the project by pledging $1 and I'll give you 3 extra entries in the ARC giveaway.
you can pledge $5 and get 8 entries from me, and a digital album from them.
pledge $10 and get 15 entries from me and a physical copy and sticker from them.

Here's a recording of one of their songs in case you want to hear them before you pledge.

Guest Post and tour: Amanda

2011-07-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Amanda is visiting The Life and Lies today! She is on a virtual book tour for her new novel, Diaries of an Urban Panther. She's written a short post about naming characters.

Shy Violet and Chuck.

I was really tempted to quote Shakespeare’s “A rose by any other name” but I thought that might be a little too heavy handed. And frankly, I don’t think it’s true. When we talk about novel writing, the wrong name can spoil a character from the very beginning and there’s nothing sweet about that.

Naming characters is almost as important at what kind of weapon you’re going to give them in their epic battle. How many times have you looked at a political sign and said “That’s a good name. I’d vote for them.” Names have the power to inspire confidence as well as loathing. A writer has one chance to make a character relatable or horrible. J.K. Rowling is the queen of naming characters. Harry is such an everyday name. You’d be best friend with a Harry, but thanks to the time period, you’d also know that he’s going to be a prince among boys. Hermione, well, you have to be smart just to know how to say it properly, so you know that she’s going to be smart. And need we mention He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, the best not named character ever, inspiring fear and tension and telling more of the story than if he had been referred to by his actual name.

Before I really got to know Violet (and she ultimately became the other voice in my head), I knew her name because I knew where I wanted to start with her character and where I wanted to end. Violet’s name is pretty straightforward. I wanted someone who didn’t want to be in the spotlight, like a Velma. She stands taller and away from everyone, watching from the sidelines but not participating, like an African violet that doesn’t do well in the sun. But, I also knew that at the end of her journey, when she is a powerful panther, I wanted people to go “I just got my ass kicked by a flower? Seriously?” I loved that juxtaposition.

Her last name was very particularly chosen. As a Shakespeare buff, I knew I wanted to reference the Jourdain witch in Henry VI, as a tip of the hat to the bard as well as a hint to her lineage. Though it’s not a big thing in the first one, her blood line becomes even more important in the second and third books, so I wanted to make sure that the seed had been planted. (Read: always plan ahead)

However, Mr. Chaz Garrett was not as easily named. Maybe it was because his character was so elusive. Maybe it was because I wasn’t sure how hard edge I was going to make him. At the end of the day, I knew I needed something that would be passed down through a family. That’s when Chaz got his name. Because he is a legacy. He is the millionth guardian in his family and his power is passed down to him from his father, so his name would be too. Charles Garrett is a solid family name.

Even better, there are a million nicknames for Charles that Violet gets to play with along the way. Nicknames, especially between romantic leads, need to fit the stage of their relationship as well as be used in special circumstances. When Violet calls Chaz “Chuck,” it creates a special moment between them that builds their relationship. When he calls her “Vi,” you can hear the tenderness in his voice.

The antagonists, the Haverty’s, were harder to name because I didn’t want a sneering Voldemort kind of name. I wanted money. I wanted class. For Spencer, I also need a touch of sleaze. He’s not a good guy, too privileged to be capable, to rich to know actual work. He’s been handed everything in his life by just being part of a family, where as Violet has had to fight to get everything she needed including a family. His name had to say all that because we don’t get to see Spencer’s POV since the entire novel is told by Violet. Whereas readers can skim over blue eyes and golden skin, a name like Snake or Rosehips reminds the readers who your characters are at the core and can try to predict what kind of trouble your characters might be in for.

How do you guys name your characters? Do you know the names before you start or do you have to insert X until the characters tell you what their name it? Let me know your secret in a post below and you’ll be entered to win $25 gift certificate to the e-book retailer of your choice.

Happy Writing!

Thanks for stopping by Amanda! You heard the woman, do tell your secrets on naming characters. I personally decide on the character of my person first, then search www.behindthename.com for a name that means something related to my character's personality. for last names, I search old census records for something that sounds right ;)

About the book:

Violet Jordan thought the fairy tales her mother wove were just a way to get Violet to sleep, not a way to prepare her for the apocalypse she is the key to preventing. When she becomes a midnight snack for werepanther Spencer Haverty, his infectious bite invokes the first element of her destiny. When Violet's budding instincts allow her to save a boy’s life, she realizes this new gig may come with perks: a slimmer figure, the attention of a handsome Guardian, and insights into her future embedded in her mother's stories. But as push comes to claws, can Violet make the fatal strike against the men threatening her new family, her new home and her first boyfriend in ages?

Coming soon: Book Two of the Diaries of an Urban Panther, Dec 2011

About the author:

Amanda was born in Illinois, raised in Corpus Christi, lives in Dallas but her heart lies in London. Good thing she loves to travel! The summer of second grade, she read every book in the young adult section of the library, so she started making up her own stories and hasn’t stopped.

She has a husband who fights crime, one dog who thinks he’s a real boy, and another who might be a fruit bat in disguise. When not writing, Amanda often dreams of co-opening an evil bakery and sell despicable desserts. Her particularly favorites are larvaceous lemon bars and sinful cinnamon streusel.

She spends her weekends writing at coffee shops, practicing for the day that caffeine intake becomes an Olympic sport, and plotting character demises with fellow writers Wolvarez, Killer Cupcake and Keith (names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent).

Excerpt: Chapter 15(-ish)

It was dark and quiet and there was no dog smell on the wind, no Chaz smell either. I sucked in the cool safe air as my head cleared.

What the hell was I doing? I asked myself. Who were they? Haverty’s men come to collect? And why the hell had I run? I’d just left him there, to fight my battles. Just left Chaz to deal with the beasties because they were his thing; they were part of his world.

Screw that. When the last time Violet Jordan let someone else fight her battles?

Oh, that’s right, until I met Chaz, there were no battles to fight. And if there was anything that invaded my little fortress, I ran. It’s what I had always done. Run, move, and start all over with a fresh slate when things got hairy.

Wasn’t getting any hairier than this.

I looked up at the waxing moon and felt the stir of the cat in my chest. I wasn’t the Violet Jordan who ran anymore. I was the Violet Jordan who threw drinks in men’s faces and threw sensei’s across the room. I was the Violet Jordan who dated male models.

And those jerks had just ruined the first good date I’d had in years.

Guest Post: Steven Verrier

2011-07-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

Mr. Verrier, author of Class Struggle: Journal of a Teacher In Up to His Ears is visiting The Life and Lies for the kickoff of his book tour!

About the book:

Class Struggle takes you deep into the heart of San Antonio's "Webster High School," an institution that seems to revel in dysfunction. Told from the point of view of a bemused teacher, Class Struggle is a guided tour through the landscapes and minefields of modern urban education. Come along and meet intriguing characters - the brilliant student "on a quest to kill," the barking boy, the substitute teacher who won't shut up, and many others - who'll make you laugh, cry, and scream! This is a book you won't want to put down ... whether you're a student, a parent, a teacher - or just someone who loves roller coaster rides.

IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A TEACHER …

Many teachers arrive at school every morning eager to teach killer lessons. Of course, this isn’t always easy to do given emphasis on standardized tests and meeting a limited number of state-mandated objectives. A lot of teachers choose to keep things simple rather than endure complaints from students, parents, and school administrators for straying too far from those mandated objectives and the “Scope and Sequence” a school district typically expects every teacher to follow.

As much as teachers want to help set their students up for success in life, job pressures often dictate they do just the opposite. Teachers are “advised” not to fail many students, and this often results in giving students credit for work they haven’t done or otherwise adjusting grades in students’ favor. Students I’ve failed have been given “credit recovery” tests unrelated to the courses they didn’t pass – and this after I’d given them multiple opportunities to retake tests, redo assignments, or do work they’d chosen not to do in the first place. Many people would call that setting students up for failure.

Attendance records are sometimes adjusted behind teachers’ backs – this happened to me – in order to ensure students aren’t denied credit or sent to court because of excessive unexcused absences.

One obvious result is that students are denied an opportunity to learn about accountability. They begin to feel bullet-proof in a sense; they learn once more that, regardless of their actions, they’ll be spared the consequences – at least, until they graduate and leave school.

If a teacher tries to apply real world standards by making students accountable now – by failing them when they deserve to fail, by making them rewrite plagiarized essays or reporting them for cheating on tests, even by gently scolding them when it seems appropriate – that teacher will probably endure a very long year and a lot of scolding himself.

Teachers are under such scrutiny now that many definitely would leave the profession if they saw other prospects. Stress-related illnesses among teachers seem to be on the rise, and a lot of teachers seem fearful of taking one step in the wrong direction.

Class Struggle: Journal of a Teacher In Up to His Ears is an account of my experiences and observations as a teacher at a challenging San Antonio, Texas, high school during the 2009-2010 school year – and a firsthand chronicle of a teacher’s burden in this day and age. If you’re thinking about becoming a teacher, check this book out and see whether you suddenly get the urge to pursue another profession.

About the Author: Steven Verrier, born in the United States and raised in Canada, has spent much of his adult life living and traveling abroad. He is the author of Raising a Child to be Bilingual and Bicultural, a prizewinning book published bilingually in Japan, and several short plays for the student market. His novels, Tough Love, Tender Heart and Plan B, were published in 2008 and 2010, and his recently-published nonfiction book, Class Struggle: Journal of a Teacher In Up to His Ears, is sure to raise eyebrows over the coming months. Currently Steven Verrier lives with his wife, Motoko, and their five children in San Antonio, Texas, and New Brunswick, Canada. You can visit his website at www.stevenverrier.com.

Thanks Steven! You can check out an excerpt at Pump Up Your Book by clicking here.

Tuesday July 5th
Guest Post at The Life and Lies of an Inanimate Flying Object

Wednesday July 6th
Guest Post at Reading, Reading and Life

Thursday July 7th
Guest Post at Rainy Day Reviews

Friday July 8th
Review at Rainy Day Reviews
Interview at Pump Up Your Book

Monday July 11th
Interview at Book Marketing Buzz
Review at 4 the Love of Books

Tuesday July 12th
Interview at BlogCritics

Wednesday July 13th
Review at One Day at a Time

Thursday July 14th
Interview at The Examiner

Friday July 15th
Guest Post at Coffee and a Keyboard
Review at The Book Connection

Book Battle results

2011-06-28T18:15:00.001-04:00

Christie from The Fiction Enthusiast and I read two books for Alyssa's book battle this year: Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund and Intrinsical by Laini Woodland. After discussing the books and considering plot, writing, introductions, characters, and readability, we have decided that INTRINSICAL will be the book continuing on to the next round!

Cell Phone Numbers Go Public!

2011-06-24T17:18:00.001-04:00

Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this month.

All cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.

YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:
888-382-1222.

It is the National DO NOT CALL list It will only take a minute of your time.. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked.

Wilson Tennis Capri's

2011-06-19T20:16:00.000-04:00

The Wilson La Davine Capri Pant is a compression fit Capri that is lightweight, breathable, and flattering. The premium technical fabric and design allow for maximum moisture wicking and comfort. The Capri has versatile functionality whether training in the gym, playing on the tennis court, or just out and about running errands.

I really like my tennis pants. I don't play tennis, but I like to wear capris or leggings while I'm dancing (rather than ballet tights). They worked perfect in ballet class and in the gym while I ran, did Pilates, stretched, and did physical therapy.

Over the school year while I used them, I was in the gym six days a week. The capris were perfect for exercising, but also for class after, so I didn't have to run back to my room to change. Then after class I didn't have to change again for dance. One pair of pants a day is enough for me!

Here's a picture of the ones I got. I don't have a picture of me dancing in them but I may post one later if I get a photographer. It's hard to do an arabesque and snap a photo at the same time…

Interview: James J. Kaufman

2011-06-19T20:02:00.001-04:00

Mr. Kaufman is visiting The Life and Lies today. He recently released his fictional debut, The Collectibles.

About the book: In his debut novel, James J. Kaufman delivers a gripping and unforgettable story of two strong men from separate worlds - one touched by tragedy, the other by greed - brought together with unexpected results. In chronicling how their lives and those they touch are dramatically changed by their encounter, Kaufman reveals the power of relationships, the nature of love, and ultimately the meaning of life.

Why and when did you begin writing?

I have been a storyteller all my life. I began writing in my 20’s, starting with “Noise: A Problem to be Heard”. As my career in law developed I wrote several books on legal issues and related business issues, including “What To Do Before The Money Runs Out”. The Collectibles was my first foray into fiction.

What inspired you to write your book?

My idea for The Collectibles formed in my mind when considering the amount of interest, energy and effort people put into collecting things (dolls, figurines, coins, cars, stamps, boxes, and the like). I wondered what would happen if the same amount of intensity was put into building relationships with other people.

How did you come up with the title?

When I refer to the collectibles, I’m not speaking of people as things, items or objects, but rather about the enrichment of the lives of people to whom we reach out to help. The Collectibles is at its core, a principle, a philosophy – a way of approaching life. In creating the collectibles in the story I drew upon my life experiences with a variety of people, each of whom were challenged in some way – all of whom had intrinsic worth.

How do you go about researching for your books?

I employ the skills I learned during the summers of my college years working as a private investigator, 45 years of legal research in connection with my law practice, and my natural curiosity, combined with great respect for focus, discipline and hard work. These skills combined with a lot of reading, looking and listening, are my approach in researching for my books.

What’s the most exciting part about being a published author? What is the hardest part?

The most exciting part is the opportunity to speak with men and women about subjects dear to my heart, and theirs as well. In the process, relationships are built around a positive outreach and approach – designed to discover the intrinsic worth in others. I don’t see a hardest part, I see the opportunity and feel the commitment is worth making.

Do you have any other books planned in the future?

Yes, I am working on Book 2 now.

Which of your characters is your favorite? Do you dislike any of them?

All of my characters are my favorite. Like people in general, they are imperfect and diverse. The important thing is to separate their conduct from them as a person, and focus upon bringing out their better side. I may dislike the way some of the characters act at times, but I do not dislike them.

What advice can you give to young writers who want to publish their books?

Follow your dreams and be prepared for a lot of work. Never quit.

Just for fun:

What are your ten most favorite things?

Spending time with my wife, family and friends, helping others sort out their lives and reach their goals, walking in the woods, driving a boat through the British Virgin Islands or the Greek Islands, scuba diving, fast cars, reading good books, writing, photography and ice cream.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

Spend time with my family, help reconstruct other businesses through The Kaufman Group, LTD, and enjoy a multitude of interests.

Do you have any pets?

Yes, my dog Charley!

Is there a specific place in the house (or out of the house) that you like to write?

I write in my office – a quiet place, set up just for that purpose.

If you could go anywhere in the whole world, either for a vacation or to live there, where would you go?

Greek islands and Tuscany, Italy

What was your favorite and least favorite subject in school?

I liked every subject except statistics and dissecting cats. My favorites are too many to list.

Thanks Mr. Kaufman! An attorney, businessman, and former judge, James J. Kaufman has published several works of non-fiction.

His fiction debut, "The Collectibles," draws heavily from his experiences in law, his dealings in the business world, and his interactions with people from widely different backgrounds.

In addition to his writing, Kaufman is CEO of The Kaufman Group, Ltd, a company that assists financially troubled businesses across the United States through strategic turnarounds. Mr. Kaufman is also a member of the Board of Imaging The World (ITW), a not-for-profit health care company delivering ultrasound services to Uganda and other underserved populations, and in the process saving many lives.

Kaufman lives in Wilmington, North Carolina with his wife, Patty. He is currently working on a screenplay for "The Collectibles" and has begun writing his second novel.

Click here to learn more about The Collectibles.

Review: Abandon

2011-06-16T12:10:00.001-04:00

Abandon by Meg Cabot
Genre: YA
ISBN: 9780545284103
Published: April 26th 2011 by Point

Rating: 4

I read Meg Cabot's Vanished series (previously published as 1-800-WHERE-R-U) and have drawn the same conclusion about Abandon as I did about that series: She's a fabulous story teller and can weave a wonderful intriguing mysterious story that is highly addicting (I read Abandon in five hours without stopping) but she's not a very good writer.

Let me explain: The ARC was 304 pages. If she had cut out all the unneeded phrases, descriptions, and dead wood that slowed the story down and made it harder to read, it would be closer to 200. If it were shorter, she'd have more space for more of that great plot line that she's so good at developing. But instead, I'm stuck tripping over ungrammatical sentences and awkward phrases—and let's not forget whole unnecessary paragraphs with details that don't matter, set off by dashes right in the middle of the sentence, because that's just such a good thing to put in a novel—that force you to go back and read the sentence several times so your brain doesn't get to twisted.

As for the story itself: I can't praise it enough. It was a mystery I had to solve, and some of the small clues I figured out, and others I didn't. I loved that I could figure out stuff about the same time Pierce did, but I also loved that I didn't figure out the major mystery of the story until I was supposed to. Some novelists make it too obvious, but Cabot had just enough to make it work.

I liked Pierce, but there were a few times I wanted to shake her and tell her to grow up and be honest. That is one of the reasons I couldn't stop reading, though. I wanted to see what happened because of the choices she made. And then there was the time I wanted to slap her: of course John was in love with her, why did she think he was acting like that? silly girl. Yet I couldn't have mean thoughts towards her because I liked her (and, okay, I have a soft spot for crazy main characters). John? He was quite amazing. Wild thing. Dark troubled boy. Dangerous. John needs to climb out of that novel and through my bedroom window and be my boyfriend.

The pacing and tension was perfect: I started reading and didn't stop until about five hours later when I closed the book at the end. I couldn't stop reading. That's the kind of book I like.

Now if only Cabot could write. Yes I have read worse writers, but she would be so excellent if the interior monologue of the character was less frustrating.

Content/Recommendation: No language, no sex. Ages 15+

Review: Lost Voices

2011-06-16T12:07:00.001-04:00

Lost Voices by Sarah Porter
Genre: YA
ISBN: 9780547482507
Published: July 4th 2011 by Harcourt Children's Books

Rating: 4

I'm not particularly sure what I think about Lost Voices. Here's the basic rundown: Beautiful writing, interesting story, and gripping plot and pacing. Here's the problem: I didn't like most of the characters.

I liked the main character, Luce. She was smart and brave but a little sullen. And I couldn't figure out if I liked the queen of the mermaids. At first I hated her because I didn't trust her, and then at times I did like her, and she seemed bi-polar. Some of the other mermaid girls made me so mad I wanted to hit them. Especially the disloyal ones (There was a section where the girls started following someone else as their queen and she wasn't a good choice). Also on the loyalty aspect: I felt like out of all the girls (there had to be at least thirty by this section of the story) there had to be at least one besides Luce who was loyal to the other queen. It didn't make any sense. Those other mermaids frustrated me beyond all reason.

Back to the great side of the book, the writing was beautiful. It was enchanting and descriptive. There were parts that felt odd or out of place, and it would have been much better if it were from Luce's perspective (it was third person) but it was good and easy to read.

The book was addicting, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. The plot was interesting, the pacing was good, and there was tension all throughout the book. But the characters were frustrating. Maybe it was a good frustration, because I read it pretty quickly.

My only other complaint is the ending: It could have had a little more closure, or a little more promise. It was sort of like "oh, okay, so now it's over. now what? what happens next?" It reminded me a little of Cassandra Clare's endings (only it wasn't as horrible of a cliff-hanger).

Content/Recommendation: Some slightly emotionally disturbing references like rape, abuse, violence etc. but nothing explicit. No language. Ages 14+

Tour: Spring for Susannah

2011-06-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

Spring for Susannah is a newly released Christian romance novel. (Click here to see my review.)

About the book: Spring for Susannah

Booklist says, "Inspired by [folk] lyrics, Richmond arrives on the inspirational fiction scene with a moving debut novel. Readers will be filled with hope that Susannah will learn the true meaning of love. Highly recommended where inspiring, romantic historical fiction is in demand."

Hundreds of miles from home, Susannah faces an uncertain future as a mail-order bride on the untamed Dakota prairie.

When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor's brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she's ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory .

Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves. Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them. And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge. But Jesse's confidence in her-and his faith in God's perfect plan-slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.

When she miscarries in the brutal Dakota winter, Susannah's fledgling faith in herself and in God begins to crumble. Still, Jesse's love is unwavering. Just when it seems like winter will never end, Susannah finally sees the first tentative evidence of spring. And with it, the realization that more than the landscape has changed.

She looks to the future with a renewed heart. Yet in her wildest dreams, she couldn't predict all that awaits her.

About Catherine: Catherine Richmond was focused on her career as an occupational therapist till a special song planted a story idea in her mind. That idea would ultimately become Spring for Susannah, her first novel. She is also a founder and moderator of Nebraska Novelist critique group and lives in Nebraska with her husband.

For more about Catherine, please visit www.catherinerichmond.com. Click here to purchase.

To celebrate her debut novel, Catherine and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away a Spring For Susannah Prize Package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen
* Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond (for KINDLE)

To enter just click one of the icons below and then tell your friends! But hurry, giveaway ends on June 27th. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 28th at 5 PM (6PM MST, 7PM CST, & 8PM EST) during Catherine's Spring for Susannah Book Club Party on Facebook! Catherine is rustling up some fun for the party - she'll be chatting about the story behind her novel, hosting a book club chat, testing your mail-order bride trivia skills, and giving away some GREAT prizes! Don't miss the fun and tell your friends!

Blog tour schedule:

6/7

Crystal at Eclectic Woman http://finamoon.blogspot.com

Charlene at Quintessentially Quilly http://quilldancer.com

Mocha with Linda http://mochawithlinda.blogspot.com

Sharon at Read Its Fundamental http://readitsfundamental.blogspot.com

Holly at 2 Kids and Tired Book Reviews http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com

Wendy at Wall-to-wall Books http://wall-to-wall-books.blogspot.com/

Jami's Reviews at http://jamisreviews.blogspot.com

Crystal at Created for Home http://www.createdforhome.net

6/8

Diana at Hanging By A Thread http://www.pencildancer.com

Debra at Footprints in the Butter http://debrakb.blogspot.com/

Holly at Savey Spender http://saveyspender.com

Jill at Book, Books Everywhere http://bookbookseverywhere.blogspot.com/

Chrissy at Lil Baby Booty http://lilbabybootie.blogspot.com

Apple Blossom at 4 the LOVE of BOOKS http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/

Billie the Girl http://www.billiethegirl.com

6/9

Valentine at Carabosse's Library http://carabosseslibrary.blogspot.com

Maggie at Tethered Mommy http://www.tetheredmommy.com

Glenda at Author’s Book Corner http://www.AuthorsBookCorner.blogspot.com

Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews http://sharonsgardenofbookreviews.blogspot.com

Renee at Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot http://steelergirl83.blogspot.com

Margaret at Creative Madness Mama http://www.creativemadnessmama.com

Long at Write to the Heart http://drteacherlady.weebly.com

Loven at Cindy's Book Reviews http://cindylovenreviews.blogspot.com

The Ramblings of Miss Aimymichelle http://aimymichelle.blogspot.com

6/10

Vida at Sunflower Faith http://sunflowerfaith.com

Christina at Foxy Designs & Reviews http://www.foxehrawr.blogspot.com

Pamela Readz http://pamelareadz.wordpress.com

Amy at The 160 Acrewoods http://www.the160acrewoods.com

Kait at Reviews By Jane http://www.reviewsbyjane.blogspot.com

Ruth at This That and the Other Thing http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com

Mindy at A Room without Books is empty http://detweilermom.blogspot.com

Pamela at Can't Wait... http://cant-wait-till-its-over.blogspot.com/

6/11

V.E. at Duncan Heights http://www.duncanheights.com/blog

Reviews By Molly http://www.reviewsbymolly.com

Danita Ellis (review & life) http://www.jdellis.blogspot.com

Diane at That's What I'm Here For http://www.dianeestrella.com

Leah at Love Grows Best Homeschool http://www.lovegrowsbesthomeschool.blogspot.com

Carol’s Corner http://www.carolscorner.org

Kim at Window To My World http://berlysue.blogspot.com

Mollie at The Gandy's Home Base http://thegandyshomebase.blogspot.com

Danielle at The Happy Wife http://juanshappywife.blogspot.com

6/13

Vic's Media Room http://vicsmediaroom.wordpress.com

Caroline at Happy Four http://happyfour.blogspot.com

Splashes Of Joy http://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/

Karla at Quiet Quilter http://www.karla-hanns-karla.blogspot.com

Stacie at HobbitDoor http://hobbitdoor.blogspot.com

Casey at Writing for Christ http://enjoyingthewritingcraft.blogspot.com

Laura at Lighthouse Academy http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com

Wendy at Minding Spot http://mindingspot.blogspot.com

Janet at Along the Way http://a-long-the-way.blogspot.com

Jamie at Little Blurbs http://littleblurbs.wordpress.com

Briana at I Can't Decide http://briana-icantdecide.blogspot.com/

6/14

Michelle at Our Little Corner of the World http://littlecornerofworld.blogspot.com

Patricia at Dream a little Dream http://liveanddreamalittledream.blogspot.com/

Holly at The Bookshelf http://bookshelfreviews-holly.blogspot.com/

Theresa at Frugal Experiments http://www.frugalexperiments.com

Elana at The Twinners Reviews & Giveaways http://www.thetwinners.com

Ruth at Thoughts from a Princess http://ruthkaup.wordpress.com/

The Zen of Motherhood http://www.thezenofmotherhood.blogspot.com

Carlybird's Home http://www.carlybirdshome.blogspot.com

Christina at Kennedy Reviews http://kennedybookreviews.blogspot.com

Deborah at Books, Movies and Chinese Food http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com

6/15

Mystiqua at Pursuit of Titus 2 http://www.pursuitoftitus2.com

Shonda at The Knowlton Nest http://www.jsknowlton.blogspot.com

Laurie here http://www.lauriehere.blogspot.com

Scott at LaVigne's Blog http://lavignesblog.com

Whitney at Rambles of a SAHM http://ramblesahm.blogspot.com/

Erin at Connected2Christ http://www.connected2christ.com/theblog

Cinnamon Hollow Reviews http://thecinnamonhollow.com

Haley at The Life and Lies of An Inanimate Flying Object http://haleymathiot.blogspot.com

6/17

Lydia at Overweight Bookshelf http://overweight-bookshelf.blogspot.com

Katie's Legacy http://www.katieslegacy.blogspot.com/

Renee at A Path of Joy http://renee1-blog.blogspot.com/

Melissa at Bibliophile's Retreat http://www.bibliophilesretreat.com

Lauri at Knits, Reads and Reviews http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com

Courtney at Courtney's Chitter Chatter http://courtney-courtneyschitterchatter.blogspot.com/

Michelle @ Life in Review http://lifeinreviewblog.wordpress.com/

Charla at For What It's Worth http://www.quiet-rebel.blogspot.com

Jodie at Mom's Pace http://www.moms-pace.com

6/18

Julee at Mommy's Memorandum http://jonbonjovious.blogspot.com

Pamela at Daysong Reflections http://daysongreflections.com

Marg at Simply Shop and Save http://simplyshopandsave.ca

Kendra at Happily Managing a Household of Boys http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com

Joan at Book Reviews from an Avid Reader http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/

Novella Vialli's Blog http://diaryofacambridgestudent.wordpress.com

Lizzie at A Dusty Frame http://www.adustyframe.com

Marissa at The Review Stew http://www.thereviewstew.com

Jendi's Journal http://jendisjournal.com

Jettie at Jettie's Ramblings http://jettiesramblings.blogpot.com/

6/20

Stephanie at A Cooking Bookworm http://www.acookingbookworm.com

Cara at The Law, Books and Life http://blog.caraputman.com

Tami at This Mom's Delight http://ThisMomsDelight.com

Janet at Home Is Where God Sends You http://www.homeiswhereGodsendsyou.blogspot.com

Tammy at TammyIsBlessed http://tammyisblessed.blogspot.com

Kristinia at Loving Heart Mommy http://www.lovingheartmommy.com

Faye at Labor Not In Vain http://www.labornotinvain.blogspot.com

Cassidy at Praying Through Chaos http://prayingthroughchaos.blogspot.com

Becky at Christian Chick's Thoughts http://christianchicksthoughts.blogspot.com

Sheila at Showcase Sisters http://showcasesisters.blogspot.com

6/21

Simply Stacie http://simplystacie.net

Tammy at Bluerose's Heart http://www.bluerosesheart.blogspot.com

Carrie at Farming On Faith http://farmingonfaith.blogspot.com/

Sara at Shoopette's Book Reviews http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot.com/

JHS at Colloquium http://www.jhsiess.com

Jennifer at For Such a Time as This http://www.jennifersikora.com

Kathy at Bags, Books & Bon Jovi http://bagsbooksandbonjovi.blogspot.com/

Carol at Books Before Food http://bookbeforefood.blogspot.com/

6/22

Melissa at Book Reviews http://melissasbookreview.blogspot.com

Kat at Reviews From The Heart http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com

Melissa at Contemplative Joy http://contemplativejoy.blogspot.com

Naasom at Ficção Evangélica - The Christian Fictions's Place in Brazil http://ficcaoevangelica.blogspot.com

Rachelle at Sojourner's Journey http://www.landofmysojourn.net/blog

Alexia at The Mommy Rambles http://themommyrambles.blogspot.com

Jen at Happy Little Homemaker http://www.happylittlehomemaker.com

SusieQTpies at Scraps of Life http://cafescrapper-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com

Megan at The Joys of Life http://www.raunandmegan.blogspot.com

6/23

Maureen's Musings http://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/

Lori at Frog's Lilypad http://lori1971.blogspot.com

Tracy's Nook http://www.tracysnook.com

Jenna at Eleven Pages http://elevenpages.blogspot.com

Lisa at Make Your Own Escape http://makeyourownescape.blogspot.com

Ariel at The Librarian's Bookshelf http://thelibrariansbookshelf.blogspot.com/

Dawn at Guiding Light Homeschool http://guidinglighths.com

Ashley's Bookshelf http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com

6/24

Jodie at Digging For Pearls http://diggingforpearls.blogspot.com

Patty at Broken Teepee http://brokenteepee.com

Kristie at Family Scrapbooks and Coffee http://needcoffeeplease.blogspot.com

Michelle at Healing Hearts Book Review Blog http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com

Review: Ruby Red

2011-06-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
Genre: YA time-travel
ISBN: 9780805092523
Published: May 10th 2011 by Henry Holt and Co. (first published January 2009)

Rating: 4

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era! Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon, the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

Ruby Red was very exciting. It threw me right into the story and kept me reading. The characters and the plot were highly addictive. Gwyneth is awesome and Gideon is delicious. The ending wasn't fair! It was so not fair! The epilogue left me with more questions than answers. The ending is the only thing making me lower the rating a star. Good job, Gier, I will certainly be reading the sequels.

On reading

2011-06-10T16:54:00.001-04:00

Don't read any of this, it's not interesting at all.

Ever get a book in the mail you didn't request? I have. Recently I received two copies of a book that I didn't request. I felt really guilty, but I didn't read it and I probably won't. I don't have the time. I have other books that are more interesting. I have pre-publication copies. I'm not going to waste my time reading a book that isn't even the genre I like just because I have it.

I've also found that if I have a bunch of books to review and I try to read them in a first-come first-served order, I get frustrated because I'm not in the mood to read that book right now. And that usually affects my review or how much I like it. So I try to get to a book within a reasonable amount of time, but I have to want to read it or it won't be worth the time reading.

And what is it with ARCs anyway? Why will people do anything to get their hands on an ARC? Does it make us feel special or important? Is it because they're rare? I've found more and more that ARCs are inconvenient. After I read them, I can't do anything with them. They can't be sold, sometimes my used book stores won't take them, and libraries can't put them into circulation because they don't have ISBN numbers. I started a website called ARC Swap (free to join, by the way), which is like Paperback swap only just for ARCs. The thing is though, a book can only be swapped a few times before the publication date is so far past that people aren't interested anymore. Logically I'd prefer hardbacks, because I can read them, let my folks and family read them, and then donate them to the library when my family is done with them. And yet for some reason, ARCs bring me great joy.

I have begun to enjoy non-fiction more and more. Books like The Respectable Sins and The Healing Code, things that tell me information about humans and nature and thoughts and science and other random stuff. I find that I can incorporate it into the books I write, and it enriches them.

I wonder if the reverse psychology worked…

Review: Happy Birthday to Me

2011-06-10T16:47:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday to Me by Brian Rowe
Genre: YA
ISBN: 1461071798
Published April 11th 2011 by CreateSpace (first published April 5th 2011

Rating: 4

Cameron was that typical jock who only cared about his sexy girlfriend and how soon she'd let him sleep with her. He got drunk and insulted his pretty waitress—which was a bad idea because she turned out to be a witch of sorts. She laid a curse on him out of spite: Every day, he grew to be one year older.

As he aged rapidly he was faced with a reality check: His life would end in a few short weeks. He would never see his graduation. His girlfriend breaks up with him and goes back to her ex. He's not sure if his parents love him or hate him. And they're not sure either.

Then he meets Leisel. And Leisel had her own secret.

The first third of the book frustrated me because Cameron was stupid, rude, immature, irresponsible, and disrespectful. But further in, I started to feel for him a little more. Near the last third of the book I was really enjoying it, I liked all the characters more (or less, in his girlfriend's case) and I was hooked on the story. It was fast-paced and interesting. I think the part I liked most was watching Cameron change from an obnoxious jerk into someone who had some depth and good qualities. It was what I wanted to see, and it made me happy to see him change.

The writing was a little frustrating only because there were ALL CAPS sprinkled in through the book. Now I understand why Rowe used all caps (If I woke up and looked like a thirty year old, I'd say everything in all caps too) but it still makes the editor in me cringe. Aside from that, I liked the writing and the style, I liked the pacing, I liked the humor, and I liked the dialogue. I don't often find a self-published book with good writing, so I'm wary to accept them. I'm glad I made an exception!

Content/Recommendation: Some language, some sexual references, no sex. Ages 16+

Blogoversary ARC Giveaway

2011-06-05T15:21:00.001-04:00

I am back from college!! and I just went through my books.

I have a lot.

(No that's not my picture. but it's pretty much what my library looked like)

Also, September is my 2-year blogging anniversary! I have so many books I will never read (or re-read) and I about a third of them are ARCs. So…

I will give away a pack of ARCs.
Right now it has 3 ARCs in it.
If I hit 450 followers by the end of the giveaway, I will put it up to 5.
If I hit 500 followers by the end of the giveaway, I will put it up to 6.

(etcetera.)

I will be adding to the giveaway pile until the end of the contest!

Rules:

USA only, sorry I don't have any money for mailing internationally. Maybe another year?
You must be a follower. It's easy I swear. If you hate google reader as much as I do, you can follow via RSS or by e-mail. (but know that I can check these, so NO LYING :P)
You have to fill out the Google form below. It's a survey, but every question you answer is a point.
Contest runs June 6 through August 10th.

The winner can pick between these:

edit 7/15: YES I WILL BE ADDING MORE! I've got two boxes upstairs!!

Good luck!

Big fun exciting news

2011-06-04T13:03:00.001-04:00

Three things:

1. I reached the end of my novel, The Accidental Girlfriend. It still needs a lot of work and there are some missing scenes, but I'm ready to go into the editing process. YAY! I'll post an excerpt soon.

2. September is my blogoversary (2 years!). But as I'll be at school in September, I figured I'd celebrate this summer a month or two early. I've written up the giveaway post, it'll go live as soon as I secure prizes.

3. I hit 400 followers this morning. This brings me great joy.

Interview, Tour, Giveaway: Dianne Greenlay

2011-05-31T00:00:00.000-04:00

About Quintspinner:

Blurb: In the year 1717, 16 year old Tess Willoughby witnesses a murder near a London marketplace and becomes the keeper of a legendary Spinner ring. Even so, she never imagines that she will find herself an unwilling passenger on a merchant ship bound for the pirate-infested waters of the West Indies and forcibly betrothed to the murderer. Longing to be with William, a young press-ganged sailor, but unable to escape her dangerous fiancé's clutches, Tess struggles to survive in her new set of circumstances. During a pirate attack, she unravels the legacy of her strange Spinner ring and its power, realizing that her own life and those of everyone she loves, are in jeopardy. As a powerful hurricane overtakes the ship, a slim opportunity for her own escape presents itself, and she is forced to make the most chilling decision of her life. Having won multiple Book Awards, (ReaderViews, ForeWord Connections, Creative Arts Council, Sask Book Award, Eric Hoffer Award) Quintspinner is a tale of pirates, secrets, betrayal, and romance on the seas of the West Indies, all bound together by a dash of ancient magic.

Today I have Dianne Greenlay visiting The Life and Lies!

Hello Haley, Thank you so much for the opportunity to be interviewed on your blog!

1.Why and when did you begin writing?

I have always dabbled in creative writing - diaries, short pieces, letter collections, but never seriously entertained the thought of writing a novel until a couple of years go, when I realized that it was time to start achieving things that had been on my "bucket list" for too long. I wrote and produced a successful one act comedy titled "The Camping Guy" and the public feedback was an introduction for me to the joy of creating a cohesive story.

2. What inspired you to write your book?

When the topic of "women pirates" came up erroneously on a google search, I was intrigued. I read about them and was instantly hooked on the details of their lives. There has already been much written about them, in both non-fiction and fictional accounts, by much more skilled writers than I,so I decided to make up my own characters, but to use the same time frame and lifestyles. I began to research and found that people behaved so differently 300 years ago, that there were plenty of ideas springing up in my head, for a story line.

3. How did you come up with the title?

"Spinner" refers to spinner rings which are based on ancient Tibetan prayer wheels. The motion of them was thought to enhance prayers and meditations, so that the abilities of healing and prophesy would occur. Spinner rings are commonly available throughout the Caribbean and other tropical locations, and can often be purchased in stores in North America. Since the age of pirates was a time of superstition among sailors and also a time of vast treasures, I thought a piece of jewelry with special powers would be a nice fit. I couldn't decide, however, which power to give the ring, so I decided that there would eventually be five of them. Five has also been a number long associated with mystical powers - there were 5 continents, 5 oceans, 5 senses, 5 directions (with "center" being the fifth), 5 elements, and 5 planets visible to the naked eye. "Quint" had a better resonance than "five".

4. What books or people influenced your writing? Was it positive influence or negative?

Writers are often told to write in a style that interests them. I have very little time to do personal reading so I appreciate books that have short chapters and plots that zip along (think James Patterson or Michael Crichton). These kinds of novels are my favorites as I want to be able to finish a chapter in one sitting. (What is it about those of us who can't stand to put a book down before finishing the chapter?) I fit my reading in, in the 15 minute wait in the dentist's office, in the 20 minutes during lunch, in the 5 minutes before I fall asleep at night - well, you get the picture. Therefore, QUINTSPINNER has short chapters - 4 or 5 pages each - and each chapter ends on what I hope is a compelling detail or situation for the reader to want to go on to the next chapter. What you won't find are lots of pages describing setting. I'm an impatient person and I would skim over long sections of description if I came to these in my own reading.

5. How do you go about researching for your books?

I had traveled several times to islands in the Caribbean, as well as to Mexico, Hawaii, and London, England and to the Canadian Maritimes. My research was mainly focused on things that I needed to learn that I hadn't already experienced, such as life on a sailing ship, weapons used in the 1700's, and general pirate information. My local library was fantastic at retrieving resource books for me (I was there so often, they had my library card number memorized), and of course writing in the age of the Internet makes research so much easier than it used to be.
I was so fortunate that the summer that I traveled to Nova Scotia, the National Maritime Museum was hosting a huge pirate display. The curators were extremely knowledgeable about the display and about sailing in general, and they were a tremendous source of little known details and gruesome facts with regards to the sailing lifestyle.
I have a medical background, both as an EMT and a sole charge physiotherapist working in a relative remote place, so the wound care and use of medicines did not require quite so much research.

6. Did you base any of your characters on real people?

Mrs. Hanley is based loosely on my own grandmother, who was a very down-to-earth woman, full of folklore. She cooked on a wood stove and had a homemade poultice for everything from a bee sting to a phlegmy cough.
William had some qualities from a long ago boyfriend. (<blush>Enough said on that!)

7. What is the most exciting part about being a published author? What is the hardest part?

The most exciting part is, initially, to hold one's book in one's hands, and to see it offered online on Amazon and Barnes and Noble and the like. Very quickly this feeling is passed by the delight in being recognized as having accomplished the novel, and to be asked to give talks and share the experience with readers.
The hardest part, for me, is to continue on with the next book - to not be just a one hit wonder. Readers have a level of expectation now and it's a bit unnerving to meet that challenge.

8. Do you have any other books, then, planned in the future?

QUINTSPINNER - A PIRATE'S QUEST was started as a stand alone. I was only less than halfway through writing it, however, when I realized that I had so much storyline envisioned that it all couldn't be held in one book. I am presently writing the second book as a continuation on from where the first left off. I think that there will eventually be a trilogy- at least I have done an outline for Book Three as well. QUINTSPINNER - A PIRATE'S QUEST has won several awards for Best Historical and Best YA, and readers often contact me to ask when the next book will be available so I know that it is a story that has appeal.

9.Which of your characters is your favorite? Do you dislike any of them?

Tess and William, the two main characters are of course, my favorites. I wanted to imbue traits in them that readers would identify with, both strengths and weaknesses. Mrs. Hanley was the most fun to write. She is courageous in her own way and quite outspoken without being rude. Gerta, the little black goat is also near to my heart!
I disliked Tess's parents. They were difficult to write about, but I wanted their characteristics to represent the attitudes prevalent in the 1700's, especially towards females.

10. What advice can you give to young writers who want to publish their books?

1. Make sure your manuscript is professionally edited. Yes, this is a cost. Do not rely on your aunt who is an English teacher or your best friend who reads a book a day. Professional editors have magic eyes and they see things that neither the author nor ordinary reader picks up. Personally, I did not heed this well enough.

2. Read all you can about the publishing world - it is in upheaval right now. If you are going with a traditional publisher, research the agents for their interests and what genres they represent, and learn how to do a killer query letter. If you screw up at this stage, you don't get a second chance. If you are going the self-publishing route, again research your options like CreateSpace and SmashWords, and pay to have a professional cover done for your book. First impressions (your book's cover) really do count with readers.

3. No matter which way you want to publish, build your author platform. Writers MUST have a presence on the Web - their own web page, blog, and Facebook page at the very least. Start making connections with other authors and follow agents on Twitter long before you need their services.

Just for fun:

1. What are your ten most favorite things?

1. Being able to hang out with my grown children ( all 6 of them) although I only get to see them a couple of times in a year. They have grown up to be wonderful adults and I am proud of the young people they have become.

2. Animals - our household has had a variety of pets including hamsters, guinea pigs, koi fish, a white rat, a rabbit, many cats, a miniature goat ( just for one day), a potbellied pig named Pieffer Pig, a Great Dane, (notice how they are getting bigger as we go along?) and a 200 pound Irish Wolfhound. One day my oldest son saw me reading "The Adventures of Dr. Dolittle" to my youngest son, and he quipped," You don't have to read that, Mom, we LIVE that."

3. White Lindor chocolate. This needs no explanation. Everyone will understand.

4. Traveling. Preferably somewhere hot.

5. Music - listening to it, dancing to it, or playing it ( piano, guitar, djembe drum)

6. Live theater. I am the director (and sometimes actress) of a community theatre group.

7. Gardening. I am lucky to live in a place where my yard is like having a private park, complete with a waterfall and a pond.

8. Meeting people and getting to know them. I have made many good friends in my travels, and through email since having had QUINTSPINNER published.

9. Reading. What a wonderful way to de-stress.

10. Having a back yard barbeque or patio party with friends.

2. What do you do when you are not writing?

I own and am a sole charge physiotherapist at a physiotherapy clinic. This takes up all of my daytime availability. Being a director of a large dinner theater each fall consumes a lot of my evenings from September to December. I try to exercise each day and sadly, get no time to watch American Idol. Oh yeah, and in between times, my husband and I renovate old houses.

3. What are your favorite and least favorite foods?

I'm a carnivore - I love a tender T-bone steak, barbequed to perfection. And did I mention white chocolate ( or any kind of chocolate for that matter)? Not at the same time of course...
BUT! Don't feed me lima beans or hot seasoned anything. I also don't like the taste of coffee so never drink it.

4. Is there a specific place in the house that you like to write?

I have a small desk in the corner of my living room that is surrounded on three sides by large windows, and flanked on the fourth by a fireplace. The actual area is marked by a small retaining wall made of heaps of books and piles of papers.

5. Do you have a specific snack that you have with you when you write?

Most often it will be a cup of tea and a plate of cut up fruit.

6. If you could go anywhere in the whole world, either for a vacation or to live there, where would you go?

I would love to see Ecuador, and as a second choice, perhaps travel down the Amazon river. I also intend to re-visit the Canadian Maritimes to see more of it.

7. What was your favorite and least favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject was art. I loved the creative process of darn near everything. My least favorite was Phys. Ed. I was always the last to be chosen to be on a team.

8. What book are you reading right now?

I multi-task across genres when I read. I'm reading ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins, IRON PIONEERS by Tyler R. Tichelaar, and ARRANGED by Catherine McKenzie.

9. Tell us a random fact about you that we never would have guessed.

I can shingle and drywall with the best of 'em.

About Dianne

Saving lives by day (physiotherapist, EMT) and spinning lies by night (writer/author and playwright/director of Community Theatre), I live on the Canadian prairies with my husband in a lovely historical home that we share with a consortium of cats. Having raised a family of 6 kids ( and, amazingly, everyone lived through it!) , I have plenty of their escapades still fresh in my mind, to weave into my fiction. Whenever possible, I travel to exotic locales to research my novels and to seek out new adventures to fuel my already overactive imagination.

Giveaway

Thanks for visiting, Dianne! Dianne will be giving away an Amazon.com giftcard, and a Quintspinner t-shirt. Leave a comment here for a chance to win. You can visit the other tour stops and leave more comments for a better chance to win!

Review: Tiger's Curse

2011-05-30T15:24:00.001-04:00

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
Genre: YA Adventure Romance
ISBN: 9781402784033
Published: January 11th 2011 by Splinter

Rating: 4.5

Passion. Fate. Loyalty.
Would you risk it all to change your destiny?
The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.
Tiger’s Curse is the exciting first volume in an epic fantasy-romance that will leave you breathless and yearning for more…

Tiger's Curse was infuriating beyond all reason, but in a good way. Actually most of it made me want to cry. But I couldn't stop reading it.

The pacing was rapid, there was constant tension, and the story never stopped. I read it in two sittings (only because the book store closed at 10 that night, but I never stopped thinking about it).

I really loved all the characters. Kelsey had her times when I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and say "YOU LOVE HIM ACCEPT IT ALREADY!" I also wanted to lecture her. If she was so afraid to give away her heart, she shouldn't have kissed him in the first place. But oops, he's just to sexy. (And really, Ren is seriously something. *adds to drool list* Also: Houck seriously knows how to build up the chemistry. *phew!*). The last chapter made me want to cry. As it were I couldn't just start crying because I was in a book store. The brothers were funny and I liked both of them, but Ren is my favorite, and it's probably going to stay that way (and really, Houck had better not pull a New Moon on me or I'm going to break something, and it'll probably be expensive).

The only thing I didn't like was the excessive descriptions. Sometimes it felt a little too wordy, and I wanted to just skip it (but couldn't because something important might be in there). It reminded me of Sarah Dessen's long passages of "I did this and thought about this, I did that and thought about that." Really? I don't care if you put on jeans and a red t-shirt, braid your hair, and tie a red ribbon around it to match the shirt, then pull on your new boots. Just say "I got ready and went downstairs." Also, I could tell she was trying to put in ancient Indian traditions, foods, bits of their cultures, and their myths, but there were some parts that felt like a cookbook, and others that felt like a textbook. Granted they were only about a paragraph long. Although they were interesting, it could have been cut.

I'm so relieved I have the second one ready and set to go… problem is, I'm not sure if I want to start reading it or not. It's reminding me of The Hunger Games and The Mortal Instruments. Once you start reading, you can't really stop.

Why do I do this to myself?

I should just learn from now on that when a book series is published, I should wait until the last book in the series is already released to start reading. But I don't, because I'm stupid. Or maybe desperate.

Content/Recommendation: No sex, no language. Some romantic scenes but nothing explicit. Ages 16+

Some Knitting Reviews

2011-05-30T15:11:00.001-04:00

Knit Socks by Betsy Lee McCarthy: 3 Stars

Nice patterns, but nothing I haven't seen before. I like most of them, but again it's your average sock knitting book. I guess there's only so many socks under the sun? I really like fair isle and there were only a few fair isle and color combo socks. There was a lot of lace and I don't do lace. It really depends on what kind of socks you like.

Knit one, Bead too by Judith Durant: 5 Stars

This book is amazing. Durant takes you through all the different ways of using beads with knitting (I didn't realize there were so many options! and each gives a different look!). There are tons of neat patterns and lots of inspiring pictures and clear instructions. I've got a whole slew of things I want to make now!

The Sweater Chop Shop by Chrispina Ffrench: 3 stars

I have mixed feelings about this book. Some of the patterns and ideas are really cool, and as an easily inspired person I sort of want to go over to my local goodwill and get a bunch of wool sweaters and make stuff. The patterns and photos and projects are very inspiring. However it was difficult to get past some of the less attractive designs. A few sweaters just looked trashy. Some of the scarves that could have looked artistic were just strange. The little creatures could be really cool, but I didn't like the images she gave.

I would use this book as a launching pad or a starting point for people who are already good at taking scraps and salvaging things to make into new clothes and want some ideas on what to do with sweaters. A possibility I saw with this book is wool roving (using needles to push raw wool into felt to create a pattern). With some design and color work, these could be cool projects. I just don't particularly like all the photos she used.

Review: Spring for Susannah

2011-05-28T11:45:00.001-04:00

Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond
Genre: Christian Romance
ISBN: 978-1595549242
Published: June 14th 2011 by Thomas Nelson

Rating: 3

With no prospects for marriage and her parents recently deceased, Susannah Underhill agrees to go west to the Dakota territory to marry her minister's homesteading brother, Jesse. But Susannah is painfully shy, doesn't see herself as worthy of love from either a husband or from God, and lives in constant fear that Jesse is going to ship her back to Detroit.

In spite of her petite size and the fact that Susannah doesn't look like she could survive on the prairie, Jesse quickly discovers that his new wife is a greater blessing than he even hoped for. The years she spent as her father's veterinary assistant allow her to save Jesse's ox and twin calves and to help neighboring farmers with their animals.

But Susannah's feelings of unworthiness are deeply rooted, and she can't believe that Jesse's praise-or the tenderness and love he shows-could possibly last. The thawing of her heart seems almost as distant as Spring in the midst of the winter blanketing the Dakota prairie.

Warning: few spoilers

Okay. So. I got this in the mail and read it through completely the same day. That's got to be worth something.

I loved the premise of this book. It sounded so sweet, it sounded like it had a lot of potential. And I loved it: up until the halfway mark.

Halfway through, Susannah, seemingly out of nowhere, storms out of the house and tells her husband she's leaving. One minute she was fine, and she was beginning to love him, and the next minute, that horrible smelly house is just too much for her. It made no sense.

Also, their arguments were like that (what few of them they had.) on minute they were fine and the next minute they have a little bickering or frustration with each other, and he's like "if it's that bad for you, we'll get divorced." (not an exact quote, but it was something like that).

Then he left her. It was tolerable up until that point. But then he just snapped, and he left her. The locusts came back and he wouldn't listen to her, he just left and was like "I'll bring you home money because now I can't support you." He went all Edward Cullen on me just as I was really beginning to like him!

And then she found out she was pregnant.
And then he gets captured by Indians.
And then she thinks he's dead and two other guys say they'll marry her.

A little bit of plot overkill, maybe?

I was really disappointed. It would have been so much better if the conflicts were more realistic, and the plot consisted of less events that were more pointed towards the same thing.

Then there was her salvation. She wasn't really a Christian before, and her faith didn't seem much improved by the end either. I was hoping for a heartbreaking realization or a sacrifice or a change, and all I saw was "huh I guess he's on to something, okay I'll pray too. God please give me back my husband."

Because of all that, near the end I found myself skimming and reading just the dialogue so I could get to the end. And the very end could have had so much more emotion, so much more response, but it just felt very dead.

I really wish I had loved this book because it sounded so adorable. If only it hadn't turned at that halfway point.

Recommended for ages 15+ for one scene in which the doctor gives some advice to the married couple

Review: The Dark Divine

2011-05-28T11:31:00.001-04:00

By Bree Despain

3 stars

Little spoilers!

Okay. Let's start with this: I wasn't prepared for werewolves. I thought maybe black magic. I didn't expect werewolves. I was like "What?…you're kidding, right?" but I got over it. still, it disappointed me. All that build up and it was just werewolves? I expected something much more creative.

The pacing was great, there was a lot of tension, and it was compelling enough to keep my reading non-stop. I sat down and read about 150 pages without realizing it and decided to actually check it out of my library (which I don't normally do because I always have so many TBR books.) and finish it at home. Which I did in about an hour and a half.

The characters were great and terrible, which added a lot of depth to them. They weren't those perfect people you read about when you accidentally stumble across a book with happyland syndrome.

The story was about a pastor's daughter, and I expected a little bit of Fictional Preaching (I hate that stuff) but it really wasn't there. There was a tiny bit of the Pastor talking to his Bible study, but it wasn't one of those books that should have been a sermon instead of a fiction novel.

And, the end was sappy. Kind of sweet, very sappy. And it really wasn't even a good ending.

All in all, I liked The Dark Divine, but I'm not in love with it. I will read the sequels, but I probably won't buy them.

Hacked

2011-05-27T21:38:00.001-04:00

To any of you who may have received a strange e-mail from me: I'm very sorry. I've been hacked. I changed my password and am about to run a virus check on my computer, but if I sent you an e-mail in the past day, please delete it immediately. Of course I can't send out a mass e-mail to my contacts because Yahoo thinks I'm spamming people, and this is the only place I can really alert anyone.

I'm horrified and embarrassed by this, and I hope it gets cleared up soon. I'm very sorry.

Haley

Send A Letter is getting closer!

2011-05-24T13:07:00.001-04:00

Send A Letter is an organization started by two homeschool students (Okay so I know them both) who are trying to make a difference. They write letters and send them to the governers, senators, and the President. Alan Gibson, one of the co-founders, has just updated the blog. Here's his newest assignment for Send A Letter followers:

As many of you know, the original purpose of this organization was to repeal Universal Healthcare in the US. The organization sees Universal Healthcare as the latest in a series of socialist measures in the US (see our "Socialism" link). Our first July Fourth Event was centered on the issue. Now, we've decided to take a further step.
Those of you who attended our event know that the letters we received were "co-signed" by those who agreed with the content and sent to Washington DC. We have found a site that, if we type in the letter, will post it for us as a petition and send a copy of it to Washington, DC every time someone signs. This could be a powerful tool in our fight to end socialism in America.
I request that all members sign by following this link: http://www.change.org/petitions/repeal-universal-healthcare-in-the-us-2 In the address box, you don't need to put a full address. For the organization's page, I put "none" and it accepted that. It does need your correct zip code and state, however, so it knows which Senators and Representatives should receive your signed copy. Thank you for helping to make a difference!
I encourage anyone who is serious about the turn our government has made over the past few years or anyone who is dissatisfied with the choices that are being made to check out Send A Letter.

For those of you in the New Bern area, we will be having a Send A Letter event some time in July.

Review: Blood Red Road

2011-05-21T21:11:00.001-04:00

Blood Red Road by Moria Young
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Adventure
ISBN: 9781442429987
Published: June 7th 2011 by Margaret K. McElderry

Rating: 5

Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.

Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction.

Blood Red Road completely took over my life for the few hours I was reading it. I found myself physically excited from reading. It was one of those books where you forget how long you've been reading and you look up to discover it's four hours later than it was five minutes ago, and the book is almost over. Dang. Then someone calls you to do chores and you get upset because you can't stop reading now!

Blood Red Road has everything a book should have: Immediately developed characters, tension the whole time, a multi-layered plot, and conflict around ever turn.

It seemed that one thing just naturally led to another—and that's the way it should be. Things don't always go as planned, people don't always do as you tell them to, and we're not always honest with ourselves about our feelings and motives. There were so many different layers, so many different things that influenced the book, that it felt real.

The writing was interesting. It was written the way the characters spoke. "Aks" instead of "Ask," "Thinkin" instead of "Thinking," "Fer" instead of "for," and a lot of slang like "kinda" and "ain't." At first it was really annoying, but then I got used to it and it didn't bother me. It slowed down my reading a little, but it didn't interfere with the pacing of the book (just my reading speed). It greatly added to the characters.

People betray us. People change. People fall in love. They argue with each other, they hate and they love at the same time, they put up with crap and they pitch fits. And that's what happens, so that's the way the characters were. I loved the change in Saba and Emmi's relationship (Emmi is her little sister) and I loved the growth, tearing down, tension, and forgiveness in the relationship between Saba and Jack.

Of course it wouldn't have been complete without a love story. Saba is so totally against outside help, so against Jack's attention (or maybe just terrified of it), that it causes an annoying and infuriating love story that gave me flashbacks to Mortal Instruments. (Only much better, because Jack is much more of a man than Jace. They both flirt about as often, though...)

I liked everything about this book except that it's only 512 pages. I didn't want it to end. I even like the cover. I saw it and thought "Oh I'm going to like that book." Saba looked like a kick-ass heroine. She is. I like her a lot (when she's not being a smart-aleck to Jack, and a jerk to her little sister).

And now I wait. This happened to me when I read The Hunger Games, Birthmarked, and Magic Under Glass, too. I read it first (either the day it was released, or I read the ARC), then had to wait longer than everyone else to get the sequel because I read it before they did. It stinks. Luckily, Blood Red Road doesn't have the horrible cliff hanger endings that Suzanne Collins, Cassandra Claire, and Jaclyn Dolamore have in their books. However, you can bet I will be holding my breath for the next one. Moria Young is going on my "auto-buy" list.

Content: Some violence, but not gore. I don't remember if there was any minor language, but there was so strong language. No sex. Ages 14+

Plot vs. Events

2011-05-21T20:35:00.001-04:00

Ever read a book and sat back and thought, "Wow, a lot happened in that book… but what was it about?" or have you tried to describe a book to someone and you just start telling them things that happen, because really there is no summary, there's just stuff that happens?

Plotless books.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. Especially because I'm trying to finish one of my novels this summer. It has a plot, and it has events, and I'm trying to make everything flow really well. But I had to actually sit down and construct a plot, because when I started, all I had were events and things that happened.

If you can't summarize the book in one sentence, it doesn't have a plot.

Good:

Mr. Darcy wins Elizabeth over by showing her love in his actions.

Saba travels to the most dangerous place in her country to rescue her brother, and ends up learning to love her little sister in the process.

Katniss survives The Hunger Games and starts a rebellion.

or mine, The Accidental Girlfriend: Mason accidently asks out the wrong girl over Facebook.

Bad:

Edward and Bella….uh… well… uh… first they fall in love, then a vampire comes to town and tries to eat Bella, then she wants to turn into a vampire, then Edward leaves, then Bella almost dies, then Edward tries to kill himself, then Bella goes to save him, then, then, then,…. uh…

Get it?

So what do you do about plotless books? Well, I am currently trying to figure that out. I have an amazing series that I love to death, and I love the characters, and I love the story, but the first book in the three-book series, Playing Agent Smith Smith, has no plot, only events and things that happen. More than Beautiful is the same way, and yet Playing Agent Smith Smith and More than Beautiful are two of the books that I've gotten people to read for me, and everyone who has read them thus far adores them. (Then again, most of them aren't writers or agents or publishers.)

Do you have this problem? Have you read books with this problem? What's your solution/advice?

Review: The Curse of Captain LaFoote

2011-05-21T20:21:00.001-04:00

The Curse of Captain LaFoote by Eddie Jones
Genre: YA, Tweens
ISBN: 9781935600046
Published: October 1st 2010 by Port Yonder Press

Rating: 2

RICKY BRADSHAW has never sailed the Caribbean Sea, searched for buried treasure or battled pirates on the deck of a Spanish Galleon. He's never fallen through the floor of Davy Jones' locker, befriended a witch doctor or watched an old fisherman morph into a porpoise. All Ricky knows is his lonely life with his widowed mom in a tiny apartment overlooking a marina on the Chesapeake Bay.

But all that changes on a snowy Christmas Eve when Ricky's apartment building burns down and he falls into the chilly waters while trying to save Barnacle, a mangy mutt with shrimp breath. Suddenly Ricky finds himself confronted by his neighbor, a young woman in a pink bathrobe who jumped to her death in order to escape the flames. She offers him a choice: go with her to a wonderful afterlife where snowflakes taste like candy or return to the dreary old world he knows. Ricky picks the past and awakes on a raft in the middle of the sea where there is surprising beauty on every island, danger around every corner and great honor and glory ahead of him... if only Ricky can summon the courage to survive the curse of Captain LaFoote

This book was hard to read. It was confusing, and it didn't seem to have a plot. A lot of things happened, but it didn't seem to really have plot.

I felt like there should have been more emotional reactions. Everything was from Ricky's perspective, so I was in his head, but most of the time I didn't know what he was thinking, so I didn't connect with him very well.

The beginning had pretty good pacing. The middle was really exciting. But then things got confusing again, and two thirds of the way through I just got really flustered because there were no answers (and no plot) in sight. I gave up, but then sighed and read one more page, and it got exciting again.

But at the end I was still confused. I was glad I finished it because I was getting annoyed. I found myself reading only the dialogue during the last quarter of the book.

I'm still not quite sure what the plot was. I don't know what the curse was. I don't know what happens at the end. All I know is Ricky and Rebecca survive and sail away on a boat (I think it's stolen) and the dog is gone. Maybe. Actually I'm not sure if the dog is gone or not.

Confusing. See? this is my confused face. o.0

(And while we're at it, this is my pirate face. o.-- )

Content: clean

Kindle Killer

2011-05-20T08:08:00.001-04:00

Introducing the best reader out there. Check it out. It made me happy.

Review: The Healing Code

2011-05-19T17:47:00.001-04:00

The Healing Code by Alexander Loyd, PhD, ND

DNF, 4

I haven't quite decided if I believe this stuff or not. I feel like if it were true it would be more popular. Then again maybe there are too many dubious people out there and that's why it's not getting popular. Or maybe people are so used to having to work hard for things to change that they don't believe there's an easy fix.

Or maybe it's baloney.

I'm not sure. I read about three quarters of The Healing Codes. It was all very interesting and scientific (at times complicated but I got most of it I think) and I'm keeping it as a reference book to hopefully use it for a science fiction novel I plan on writing in the future. Because that's what it sounds like: Science fiction. Creating positive energy waves to neutralize the negative ones and turn on the immune system? Killing cancer with hand positions? I don't know. It has good testimonies and it's pretty convincing, but then I step back and raise an eyebrow.

I give it four stars for being interesting, insightful, educational, and for providing me content and explanation for my novel I've been writing.

Tour: Random Magic

2011-05-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Random Magic by Sarah Soren
Genre: who knows
ISBN: 9780979777417
Published: January 1st 2010 by Beach Books, LLC (first published November 16th 2008)
Rating: DNF

Summary: When absent-minded Professor Random misplaces the main character from Alice in Wonderland, young Henry Witherspoon must book-jump to fetch Alice before chaos theory kicks in and the world vanishes. Along the way he meets Winnie Flapjack, a wit-cracking doodle witch with nothing to her name but a magic feather and a plan. Such as it is. Henry and Winnie brave the Dark Queen, whatwolves, pirates, Struths, and fluttersmoths, Priscilla and Charybdis, obnoxiously cheerful vampires, Baron Samedi, a nine-dimensional cat, and one perpetually inebriated Muse to rescue Alice and save the world by tea time.

Random Magic sounded really interesting and unique. I've actually been curious about it for a while, as I heard about it a while back. I was really excited to be part of this tour. Alas, when my book finally arrived, it smelled so strongly of smoke that I choked upon opening it, and couldn't manage to read more than a page at a time. It will be donated to my local library, therefore removing it from my house. Maybe one day I'll have a chance to read it instead of choke on it. I do hope so.

Check out the Rum and Plunder giveaway and event.

Here's your coin for the tour stop:

Review: Build A Sign Canvas Print

2011-05-17T22:06:00.001-04:00

I had an opportunity to review a canvas print through Easy Canvas Prints (Build A Sign) and I'm glad I took it. Last month was my baby sister's 18th birthday, and she hosted a formal ball. My brother took a really cool photo of Hannah and Dad dancing together.

You can see it's just a little blurry and strange looking, because my brother took the shot in the reflection of a mirror. But after choosing the Siena setting and putting a black background on the canvas, this is the finished product:

It looks really nice (it looks like it has a glare because of the camera). It's stretched well and feels sturdy, and has a little hook on the back to hang on a wall. It's sitting up on a shelf in my sister's room. My whole family is very happy with it!

It was really easy to do to! The website guided me through step by step, a lot like the build-a-sign process for my car magnets and window decals.

You can get your photo made into a canvas print here.

Review: Blood Magic

2011-05-15T22:55:00.001-04:00

Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton
Genre: YA
ISBN: 9780375867330
Published: May 24th 2011 by Random House Books for Young Readers

Rating: 3, DNF

Books should capture you from the first page, right? They should cause you to want to read more and not be able to put it down. They should also have important interesting things happening in every scene.

This is the problem with Blood Magic. The very first chapter was interesting: beyond interesting. It felt like I'd opened up to the middle. It threw me into the story with no explanation, no development, and no mental preparation. Because I didn't know the character I was reading about, it felt out of place and I just didn't care. The excitement was gone: it could have been dramatic if it was in Chapter 7, but it wasn't, it was in Chapter 1. The pacing felt off.

Same with the romance between the two main characters: It was way too smooth, way to fast, and there was no chemistry. They kissed a lot, but there was no chemistry, because there wasn't enough time for the tension between them to build.

I felt like the story didn't really get started until halfway through the book. I kept wondering "what's the point of all this?" See, stuff was happening, but there was no real plot. A plot is the main point of the story, and events link together to form it. Blood Magic had lots of events, but they didn't start connecting until late, and by that time I was tired of lots of kissing and cutting and looking at each other with go-go eyes.

On the good side, I did like the female protagonist, Silla. Her personality and her character were fun, her responses and reactions were plausible. The blood magic she performs was intriguing, as all magic is to me, and I enjoyed reading about it (however gruesome cutting yourself to use your blood for magic potions is).

However I am terribly disappointed. I expected much more from a Randomhouse book. The concept of Blood Magic had so much potential… but I feel disappointed and annoyed after hitting the halfway point. And the thing about reading is, why read something disappointing when I could read something that will please me? So I'm moving on.

Giveaway and Guest interview: Dr. Laurence B. Brown

2011-05-15T22:33:00.001-04:00

Today I have Dr. Laurence B. Brown visiting The Life and Lies. Below is an interview conducted by The Gatekeeper's Post.

Your story is so well-crafted. Did you outline your book beforehand?

Ix-nay to the book outline-ay. I know this sounds odd, but I’ve written three novels now (two still unpublished – DID YOU HEAR THAT, SIMON & SCHUSTER???) and I haven’t made anything but the briefest of outlines for any of them. I start by drafting detailed character profiles but the most sketchy outline you’ve ever seen. Then I turn the characters lose and let the story evolve from their interaction. It sounds crazy, I know, but this is what works for me. The interplay of the characters often creates surprises even I don’t anticipate.

How many drafts did you write until you got to your last draft?

Taking into consideration the developmental and copy edits, let’s see, add the four, carry the one, subtract three to protect my ego and divide by six for the sake of bragging rights . . . I get one-half. Seriously, I think I wrote five drafts in total, but you have to remember this was my first novel. I completed my second novel in three drafts, and my third novel in two. A couple more books from now, and I might really be down to half drafts.

You paint the Vatican as evil. What is your belief about them?

I’d like to answer that question, but first, let me share what a Roman Catholic reviewer said about The Eighth Scroll:
"Dr. Brown has weaved a fabulous story. From the first page to the last you are drawn in. I truly enjoyed this book. One of the best explanations of the different religions of the world I have ever heard is in this book. The intrigue is nail biting. You hope Micheal wins but you just never know. As a Roman Catholic myself and someone who has read the Dead Sea Scrolls, including the gospel of James, I can understand the priest's dilemma. The gospel goes against everything we are taught. I think that Dr. Brown has not only represented that dilemma in a realistic and heartfelt way but has also represented the reasons the Gospel should be exposed. No matter what your beliefs are this book will entertain you and keep you on the edge of your seat." (ritasbookreviews)
Now, for my answer: The Vatican is one of the antagonists in the story, but there is a big difference between the Vatican and its followers. Most Catholics I know are kind, charitable people who recognize and worship God. I attended Catholic mass for two years while I was on my spiritual search. In the end, I moved on. Obviously, I don’t share their belief system, but then again, neither do the majority of Christians. To each be his or her own. There is no reason why we can’t all live together in the spirit of mutual good will, religious tolerance, peace and understanding. You asked, “What is my belief about them?” Well, who cares? My belief isn’t going to impact another person’s salvation. I touch on some key issues in The Eighth Scroll, and if people are interested to read more regarding my theological views, they can start with my book, MisGod’ed.

Where can we get a copy of your book?

You can find The Eighth Scroll for sale on Amazon by clicking HERE.

About The Eighth Scroll:

Stirring the flames of age-old controversies, The Eighth Scroll by Laurence B. Brown draws on the three Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to create an unbelievably dynamic and powerful story. Set in a world that teeters between orthodoxy and heresy, this thriller is packed with intrigue and adventure. When a Roman Catholic scholar involved in the Dead Sea Scrolls Project hides one of the scrolls because of the heretical message it contains, no one is the wiser until decades later, when a prominent archeologist discovers reference to the scroll in an archeological dig. This discovery spurs the world religions into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, in which all who seek the hidden scroll are mysteriously silenced, leaving the salvation of humankind to a father and son, who must either find the hidden scroll . . . or die trying.

Giveaway

Thanks Dr. Brown! Dr. Brown has offered to supply a giveaway signed copy of his book, The Eighth Scroll. To enter, leave your name and e-mail address in the comments before May 28th.

Review: Hourglass

2011-05-15T19:23:00.001-04:00

Hourglass by Myra McEntire
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Adventure, Sci-fi (time travel)
ISBN: 9781606841440
Published: June 14th 2011 by Egmont USA

Rating: 5

Let me just say right now that I'm glad I didn't judge this book by its cover, because I never would have requested it. The cover doesn't particularly appeal to me; for that matter, the title didn't make me curious either. Even after I read the back cover I wasn't convinced. I like to be intrigued and the cover/summary fooled me. But I saw a good review for it somewhere, so I snatched it up. I'm very happy I did.

Time travel has been done poorly so many times, but Hourglass was fantastic. It was original and creative, and it met every requirement for a perfect book: it had tension, awesome characters, a well thought out and multi-layered plot, and good writing.

There was tension in every sentence of ever paragraph of every chapter. It was nearly impossible to put down. I completely lost track of time while I read it. (haha, lost track of…get it?…. it's a time travel book…never mind.) I was forced to put it down to do things like work and chores and food, but except for things like that, it kept me reading, and there were no empty scenes.

The characters were amazing. Can I just say that I want to marry Michael right now? omigoodness. He's going on my list. Any author who can write a character like that is going on my favorites list right now. Emerson is strong-willed, kick-ass, and has to remind herself that she's short because her personality is the opposite. She was the perfect heroine because she was real and fragile and head over heels in love with someone she wasn't supposed to love. Michael was the brave proud chivalrous attractive protagonist who has a major hero complex, and of course is trying not to be in love with Em (and failing miserably). Both of them together had humorous conversations and explosive chemistry. (like, things short circuit when they touch, and light bulbs break when they kiss.)

The plot kept me guessing all the way to the end, and the last quarter of the book threw so many twists and turns at me that I found myself thinking, "Ok wait, what? are you serious?" But it wasn't overdone, there was no overkill, and it worked perfectly in the end. (I'll keep it spoiler free, but I'll just say don't worry, it does work out. Don't get mad and throw the book against the wall like I did.)

And of course, the writing. I find that many young adult novels have mediocre writing. McEntire is a good writer in the sense that she can keep the tension real and controlling, she has good descriptions and great pacing, and there are no dead words.

Hourglass was fast-paced, exciting, unique, and completely enthralling. I anxiously await more from McEntire hope for more of Michael and Emerson's story in the future.

Content/recommendation: some mild language, no sex. Ages 16+

New inventory, garage sales, and anniversaries

2011-05-12T10:05:00.000-04:00

Here are the books I've gotten over the past few weeks:

Whisper (ironically it's close to the title of a book I'm working on too… funny) and Bright Young Things from a contest I won from Elizabeth Scott (the dear that she is)

Stagestruck, Hourglass, and Blood Magic from Vine

The Curse of Captain LaFoote, The Liquid City

For those of you in the New Bern NC area, I'm having a garage sale on Saturday the 14th to raise money for college for next semester. I'll be selling a bunch of books for quarters (or maybe two quarters) and I've got some nice clothes and such that don't fit anymore (but are still in great condition.) so if you want the address either look around town for posters, or e-mail me ;)

Also, September is my anniversary for book blogging… it'll be… uh… (opens up dashboard to see when her first post was) TWO YEARS!! woot! I'll be having some giveaways and some fun exciting stuff for that. It won't be just books, either. There might be some elemental and handmade journals, handmade dolls, perhaps a handknit, and who knows what else (I'm surprisingly creative). More likely than not there will be an ARC giveaway.

Lastly, there are some tours coming up to look forward to:

May 15-16 there will be a tour for Eighth Scroll, an interview, and a giveaway.
May 19th there will be a tour for Random Magic and a review ASAP (I haven't gotten my book yet…)
Soon (date isn't clear yet) a review/tour for To Be sung Underwater.
and some other stuff later in June.

so hang tight! I'm alive! I just got moved back into my parent's house so I've been super busy. (see my pretty desk?)

Review/Tour: Summer Fit

2011-05-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Genre: children's health
ISBN:9780976280071
Published: April 1st 2011 by Monkey Feather Books

Summer Fit is a new summer workbook series that provides an active and values based approach to summer learning.

Summer Fit tackles current concerns in education including the physical and social well being of students. Summer Fit is a tool for modern parents and caregivers to use as part of a multi-platform approach to learning that includes traditional workbooks, on-line technology and active play to connect mind and body. Summer Fit reviews basic skills in reading, writing, language arts and math and incorporates parent-child movement activities with daily exercise to create an active and playful learning environment.

Summer Fit engages children and contains meaningful value based lessons that prepare children for the mental, physical and social challenges of the new grade ahead.

Each workbook includes an additional 25 on-line activities and 10 on-line sports themed educational games, a FREE Powerbar offer for children who complete Summer Fit and other exciting resources to help make summer fun and active.

Summer Fit will give the kids the every-day routine they need. There is something for their physical health and their mental health. It'll keep them busy, give them new games to play, and they'll learn valuable lessons by reading the stories of some of our most loved people in history, like Abe Lincoln and Mother Theresa.

Recommendation: There are different workbooks for different age groups, up to fifth grade.

Amazon trolls

2011-04-29T17:49:00.001-04:00

I've become a victim of Amazon trolls.

I just became a Vine reviewer about a month ago. Somehow or another enough people marked my reviews as helpful. I was surprised because I have a pretty low ranking: somewhere in the 5000's.

But now, trolls have targeted me. They're visiting all my reviews and marking them as unhelpful, just because they can. And said trolls have several accounts and are marking me as negative several times.

This is ridiculous. There's really no way I can stop them either.

Another thing that has been happening to me lately: people are e-mailing me and asking me to mark their reviews as helpful because they want to "impress publishers" or something. I think this is silly: asking for people to rate your review so you can have a higher ranking. (Which is one of the reasons why I don't link my reviews on here directly to Amazon).

And of course when I started an Amazon discussion about the above paragraph, trolls took over and hijacked it so now it looks like a dumb discussion board post.

Trolls need to stop targeting poor broke college students. the only way poor broke college students get books is if people offer to send them. I will die without books. Please stop hurting my account… and really. I'm not proud or vain, but my reviews are not bad. They are good.

So stop.

Anyone else have this problem?

Review: Ada

2011-04-27T22:44:00.001-04:00

Ada: Legend of a Healer by R.A. McDonald
Genre: Young Adult
ISBN: 9780615412580
Published: January 1st 2011 by House of Lore

Rating: 4.5

Ada has the unique ability of being able to heal anything she touches. Having lived in the foster care system her whole life, she finally gets the opportunity to live with her aunt, Jessie, who is also a healer, and explains her special ability. But Ada and Jessie have different viewpoints on a healer's responsibility, and Ada decides she's had enough. She takes off on her own heading to Paris with only an address and a photograph to attempt to find her mother, who she discovers isn't dead.

There's just one problem: There's a man who wants to find her and use her as his personal fountain of youth.

Reviewing self-published books is a tricky business. There's a wide range of them: the really crappy ones that make the editor inside me want to cry, the mediocre ones that are just missing a story, and then the occasional gem that I'm so glad I managed to get my hands on. I've had one or two other gems: Ada makes the list, and is pretty high up on it.

I loved Ada's story. I read it almost completely in one sitting. I liked Ada, and admired her will power and strength. We didn't see eye to eye on everything, and I thought she was immature and disrespectful at times, but I could still relate to her well enough that I couldn't hate her for it. About halfway through the book, some characters were introduced that I didn't expect to stay in the story, simply because of the way they were brought in. But isn't that the way our lives work? We meet someone and aren't sure if we'll ever really see them again, but they end up as our friends, and sometimes it's someone really special? That was Ada and Daniel. Daniel is going to have to be added to my list of literary crushes. Not only is he good looking, he's a "bad boy" and a sweetheart at the same time. And he's got a delicious smile. And he does Parkour. And he's French.

The writing was clear and descriptive and easy to understand. It wasn't perfect and there were a few irritating sections with poor grammar, but it didn't distract from the overall piece enough to bring down the star rating.

One of the things I really liked was the pacing. Sometimes a book has an interesting plot, but it takes way too long for things to actually happen that you fall asleep, or have to read an entire series just to get the same amount of plot you're looking for in a single novel (coughtwilightcough). The pacing was really fast in Ada, almost to the point where I wished it was just a little slower so I could really concentrate on what Ada was thinking and feeling.

There was one very tiny part that I didn't like. At one point, Ada tries to practice healing herself, so she takes a pair of scissors to her arm. I thought this was completely inappropriate and very risky, because through Ada's interior monologue, it almost seemed to show self-cutting in a good light. Yes she was practicing healing herself and learning to ignore pain, and trying to figure out her power, and Ada thought it through well enough that the reader would understand why she was doing it, but it just seemed bold and risky. Because of that, I wouldn't want young young adults to read it—I feel like it would make them uncomfortable. I also can't help but wonder what kind of influence that will have on young readers.

Scattered through the book were some truly beautiful illustrations. I found myself flipping through them and just staring at them. They have a pen-and-ink with watercolor sort of feel to them: very lose and impressionistic, almost dreamlike, but with wild pen and scratches thrown through to add definition. Here are two of my favorites (very poor quality photos, though, so I apologize ahead of time).

All in all, I was very pleased and excited about Ada: Legend of a Healer, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Content/Recommendation: Some swearing, small reference to self-abuse. Ages 16+

Learn more about Ada here.

Review: Balanchine's Complete Stories of the Great Ballets

2011-04-24T14:23:00.001-04:00

by George Balanchine and Fredric Mason
ISBN: 978-0385113816
Published: Doubleday; Rev Enl edition (November 1977)

Rating: 5

I love this book! It' about three inches thick and loaded with ballet stories, photographs, and really interesting details about the ballets.

Each ballet is in alphabetical order, and has a paragraph explaining how many acts/scenes, who wrote the music and did the original choreography, where it was performed, who danced it etc. and other interesting facts for all you history buffs out there. Then each act and scene is explained. If the ballet has different versions (like Swan Lake or The Nutcracker) each different version of the story is explained too! This is great for Artistic Directors who are trying to pick which version to go with, or dancers who want to know all the different variations of the same story.

This is a great book. I have the Revised and Enlarged edition. I found it years ago at my local library and I checked it out constantly. Only recently did I decide to buy it for myself.

Stephenie Meyer

2011-04-22T21:17:00.001-04:00

This right here says it all. Thanks Mina.

(She's a friend of mine at college and I encourage you to follow her. She did a letter to Westboro Baptist Church too, and will, more likely than not, continue to do more.)

curious

2011-04-20T21:46:00.001-04:00

I'm curious: If I created an event that involved getting and writing to a penpal, who would sign up and participate? it would be international.

leave a comment and tell me what you think.

Review: Slave

2011-04-20T21:35:00.001-04:00

Slave by John Macarthur
Genre: Christian Living
ISBN: 978-1400202072
Published:Thomas Nelson (December 28, 2010)

Rating: 5

John Macarthur has gone through meticulous study and research to uncover a truth about our relationship with Christ to a degree we have not exhausted as thoroughly as we should. Because of words being translated differently, we have lost a dynamic of that beautiful relationship: Now Macarthur has explained what it truly should look like.

Reading Slave has been truly convicting and enlightening. It gave me a whole new perspective on my relationship with Christ, and a fresh sense of peace. Christ is our Master and we are His slaves, and by explaining the culture and the true definition of the words that were originally written, we see salvation in a new light.

Not only was it engaging and convicting, it was easy to read. I've gotten Christian books that felt like I was reading college text books. And trust me when I say I don't like college text books—I have a bunch of them and I avoid them at all costs. But MacArthur's writing was clear and concise yet thoroughly explained and can be easily understood by a wide range of readers.

Recommendation: all ages

Oops. Winners!

2011-04-20T20:17:00.001-04:00

So I was going through my blog and I realized I had a giveaway and I never picked the winner.

So. Winners of LIGHT AT WINTER'S END:

Sarah E

and

Hattie Norman

I've forwarded your info to the publisher. Congrats!

and for everyone else: When I get out of school (May 4) and I get home (May 6) I'll be going through my enormous library and probably doing an ARC giveaway. So keep your eyes peeled for that.

Interview: Ruth J Hartman

2011-04-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today I have Ruth J. Hartman, author of Flossophy of Grace, visiting The Life and Lies! Here's a little bit about her book:

What happens when a dental hygienist falls in love with her patient? That's what Grace Hart discovers when she meets Bruce Gardener. The problem? Grace's boss has a strict policy against relationships with patients. Can Grace and Bruce find a way to be together without her employer finding out?

1) Why and when did you begin writing?

I’ve always enjoyed writing, but didn’t get serious about writing for publication until 2008. I’d taken a course on writing for teenagers years before, but didn’t do much with submitting to publishers until then. But instead of children’s books I mainly write sweet romances.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

I’m a dental hygienist. One day I was cleaning a patient’s teeth and just wondered: what would happen if a hygienist fell in love with her patient?

3) How did you come up with the title?

The floss in Flossophy comes from the dental theme. Just a silly play on words.

4) What books or people influenced your writing? Was it positive influence, or negative?

I’ve gotten positive influence from Debbie Macomber for always having a happy ending, and from Janet Evanovich for her humor.

5) How do you go about researching for your books?

I guess my research for my dental-related romances just comes from the job I have. Stuff that I deal with on a daily basis.

6) Did you base any of your characters on real people?

Most of the time, the heroines in my books are at least somewhat based on me. And often, the hero resembles my husband. Some of the secondary characters are based on conglomerations of patients I’ve had. I never use real names, of course :)

7) What’s the most exciting part about being a published author? What is the hardest part?

The most exciting part is having someone tell me that they enjoyed my book. It made them laugh, or escape from their daily problems for a while. The hardest part is when someone downplays what an author goes through to write a book and have it published.

8) Do you have any other books planned in the future?

I’m working on another dental themed one right now. It will be released this July from Turquoise Morning Press, titled “Grin and Barrett” [Haley: I love it!]

9) Which of your characters is your favorite? Do you dislike any of them?

I don’t think I have a favorite. In “Flossophy of Grace” her boss, Dr. Beeth, is extremely easy to dislike.

10) What advice can you give to young writers who want to publish their books?

Check out small, independent publishers. They have more time to devote to authors than a large house, plus, you may have a better chance of getting published with them. And always check out their individual submission guidelines. They’re all different.

Just for fun:

1) What are your ten most favorite things?

God, My husband, my cats, my family, our home, 80’s rock music, chocolate, laugher, romance books, chick flick movies

2) What do you do when you’re not writing?

Listen to music with my husband. Play with our cats. Read. Paint or draw.

3) Do you have any pets?

Our two cats. Maxwell and Roxy. They’re my furry children.

4) What are your favorite (and least favorite) foods?

Favorite: pizza, pasta, pancakes. Least favorite: lima beans, liver and onions (ick!)

5) Is there a specific place in the house (or out of the house) that you like to write?

I always write in our workroom. We do everything in there. Read, watch movies, listen to music.

6) Do you have a specific snack that you have with you when you write?

Caffeine-free Diet Mountain Dew.

7) If you could go anywhere in the whole world, either for a vacation or to live there, where would you go?

I’d love to visit Scotland and Ireland. Some of my family roots are there.

8) What was your favorite and least favorite subject in school?

Favorite: English/Literature. Least favorite: math!!!

9) What book are you reading right now?

A mystery by Iris Johansen.

10) Tell us a random fact about you that we never would have guessed.

I’m left-handed, but do dental hygiene with my right.

Thanks for stopping by Ruth! Click here to learn more about Flossophy of Grace, read an excerpt, and purchase the e-book.

I'm famous.

2011-04-07T21:55:00.001-04:00

Well not really. But I was interviewed by The Gatekeeper's Post here if you'd like to check it out.