Winter Formal: Lynne Matson

Hey guys! WELCOME TO THE FIRST DAY OF THE WINTER FORMAL where I ask the Winter Formal authors (Jen McConnel, Lynne Matson, Sara B. Larson, and Bethany Hagen) one question and then ask my spotlighted author five questions. AND READ THROUGH FOR INFORMATION ON THE TWITTER PARTY!

Lynne Matson Interview

FF:  How did you come up with the science of Nil? (Because it is unbelievably complex and amazing!) 

LM: Thank you Nikki! :) I gave the science of Nil a great deal of thought. I didn't want everything to be explained…because I wanted a bit of the supernatural mystique of LOST, and to infuse the story with the vibe that there are some things in the universe beyond our grasp. And yet, I wanted there to be some sort of scientific basis--at least a plausible explanation--for the island's existence, and something concrete the teens (and readers) could grasp. AND I CAN'T SAY ANYMORE BECAUSE I'LL SPILL ALL THE SEKRITS!!! :) *shares island shaped cookies as a distraction* 

FF: If you were stuck on Nil, you'd most likely…

LM: Completely freak out, at least at first. After the initial panic, I'd like to think I could get it together enough to find people and figure it out, but sheesh--let's face is Nil is a freaky Twilight Zone moment with no end in sight.

FF:  What three things would you miss the most if you were thrown onto Nil?

LM: The first thing that popped into my head was family. I'd miss my boys and husband terribly. But you said "things" so hmmmm…

Okay, here goes. (1) My bed. I love snuggling into a comfy bed at night, with soft sheets and thick, fluffy covers. Not so easy to come by on Nil. (2) My iPod. I LOVE MUSIC AND WOULD MISS IT TERRIBLY. (3) Chocolate.

*honorable mention to sunglasses, because they would come in handy on Nil.:)

FF:  If you saw a heat shimmer, you would…

LM: Think of Nil.:) And possibly run the other way.Oh who am I kidding, I'd totally run AWAY. :)

FF:  What about your writing career has surprised you the most so far? 

LM: The incredible support of the YA community. It's AMAZING. Authors and bloggers have been so welcoming and thoughtful and generous. The YA Valentines have been my rock, and bloggers have helped get the word out about NIL more enthusiastically than I ever could have dreamed. Honestly, sometimes all the author/blogger kindness makes me teary, because the writing road can be lonely at times. But the YA community is tight--and AWESOME.:)

AND NOW by mini interview with all the Winter Formal authors:

Here's what I asked:

If you were one character in your book, who would you (want to) be?

Sara B Larson: Well, even though her life has been hard, I would definitely pick Alexa. She's such an example of strength to me. She's imperfect, but she's strong and determined, and she never gives up. I admire that so much. She's also incredibly loyal and cares so deeply for the ones she loves. She's willing to do whatever it takes to protect them, to help them.

Lynne Matson: Hmmmm…good one. I should pick a character that lives, right? Or not, because I don't want to be spoilery. *wails* I CAN'T PICK, Nikki, because otherwise I'll spill ALL THE SEKRITS. Nil is a creepy place. 

Bethany Hagen: Ooh, tough question.  Maybe Cara Westoff.  She is the complete opposite of me in temperament--loud, assertive and confident.  I think it would be fun to be her for like a day, but then the shopping bills would start to get out of hand...

Jen McConnel: That's actually a tough question; definitely not Darlena, because I don't want that kind of crazy power.  There's a character in the second book I would LOVE to be, but you haven't met her yet. ;)

Twitter Party

The twitter party will be held on Feb 12 with the hashtag #YAValsFormal and will start from 6:30 PM EST to maybe 7:30—8:00 PM EST. There will be prizes donated by the spotlighted YA Valentines and the four Winter Formal authors will also be attending! Chat about books, embarrassing Valentine moments, and other fun (preferably embarrassing, though not required) things! We will also be serving virtual snacks.

Nil Synopsis

On the mysterious island of Nil, the rules are set. You have one year. Exactly 365 days--to escape, or you die. 

Seventeen-year-old Charley doesn’t know the rules. She doesn’t even know where she is. The last thing she remembers is blacking out, and when she wakes up, she’s lying naked in an empty rock field. 

Lost and alone, Charley finds no sign of other people until she meets Thad, the gorgeous leader of a clan of teenage refugees. Soon Charley learns that leaving the island is harder than she thought . . . and so is falling in love. With Thad’s time running out, Charley realizes that to save their future, Charley must first save him. And on an island rife with dangers, their greatest threat is time.

Lynne Matson

Lynne Matson grew up in Georgia in a house full of books and a backyard full of gnarly pines. She attended the University of Florida, where she met and married her husband, the cutest boy she’s ever seen. Now, Lynne is mother to four amazing boys. After a career as an attorney, Lynne is thrilled to be making her debut in YA fiction.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Winter Formal Tour

Feb 10 Mon: Lynne Matson @ ME

Feb 11 Tues: Bethany Hagen @ Book Haven Extraordinaire

Feb 12 Wed: Sara. B Larson @ Eater of Books 

Feb 13 Thurs: Jen McConnel @ YA Reads

Blog Tour: Defy by Sara B Larson

---

Hey guys! I've been super excited to read DEFY for a while and Sara is such a sweetheart! For this tour stop I have a character interview with the two love interests of the story! Introducing Rylan and Damian!

FF: What do you think of Alex...?

Rylan: I’ve known Alex for three years, and I’ve always been incredibly impressed by Alex’s determination and ability to fight. Alex and Marcel’s relationship is also pretty remarkable. Sure, they’re competitive with each other, but ultimately everyone knows that they  would do anything for each other.  I consider Alex one of my closest friends, aside from my own brother.

Damian: Alex has been on my guard for just about a year now. Alex’s abilities and dedication to my safety are quite admirable.

FF: How do you feel in your position at the palace?

Rylan: Considering I began as an orphan in the army, I am proud that I’ve been able to work my way up to being guard to the prince. Even if he is spoiled, entitled, and rude.

Damian: Who wouldn’t want to be a prince? It’s a position of power. Everyone has to bow to my whims. Why would I ever feel any discontent about being the son of the king? Why, indeed.

FF: What do you think of your King? This war?

Rylan: I hate King Hector and what he’s done to Antion. He started this war to avenge his wife, which I understand, but all of his actions since then have been horrific and unconscionable. There will be no winners by the time this war ends.

Damian: My father and I are not close. In fact, we often avoid each other as much as possible. As a member of the royal family, I am not really at liberty to discuss my opinions about the war.  Suffice it to say that part of why I am not close with my father is because we don’t exactly agree on how he is ruling Antion.

                                                                                     

FF: What is something you like to do in your extra time?

Rylan: I don’t have any spare time. If I’m not on duty or training, I’m probably sleeping or eating.

Damian: I enjoy riding my horse when I have the chance.

FF: If you could change something about your life, what would it be?

Rylan: I would wish to be guarding over someone more worthy. Someone in whom I could actually place hope for creating a better future.

Damian: Why would I want anything to change? Yes, my people are all suffering and my father’s war is driving this kingdom into the ground. But I have all the parties and attention a man could ever dream of. Isn’t that what’s truly important in life—being entertained? Isn’t that how everyone expects me to feel?

FF: What do you think of each other?

Rylan: I think I’ve already made my feelings about the prince clear.

Damian: Rylan is an excellent swordsman and an asset to my personal guard. I can tell he doesn’t like me, but why would that bother me? A prince is expected to not care what anyone thinks of him.

FF: You two clash rather loudly a lot, but what's something you agree on?

Damian: I think Rylan would agree with me when I say that Alex is an invaluable member of my guard.

Rylan: Yes, I’ll definitely agree with you about that.

FF: What is a memorable moment in your life?

Rylan: I’ll never forget the day our village was attacked and our parents were killed in the fighting, leaving Jude and me orphans. But I will also always remember the day Jude and I tried out for the prince’s guard and both made it. That was one of the proudest days of my life.

Damian: There are many moments in my life I wish I could forget. You might be surprised if you knew what a spoiled , entitled, and rude prince like me has been forced to endure.

Defy Synopsis

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?

Author Info

Sara loves writing, reading, and dessert--but the order varies by the day. She wrote her first book in second grade about a woman who had a premature baby, complete with a "to scale" drawing of the baby's size--while her mom was pregnant. To say she was a bit precocious is putting it lightly. Now that she’s an adult, she writes books for teens that have magic and romance and kick-butt girls (and very few premature babies). She lives in Utah with her husband, two young sons and baby girl. She writes during naptime and the hours when most people are sleeping. Her husband claims that she should have a degree in "the art of multitasking." On occasion you will find her hiding in a bubble bath with a book and some Swedish Fish. 

Find her: 

Blog/Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

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Schedule

12/30/2013- A Book and a Latte-  Interview

12/30/2013- Book Nerd Canada- Review

12/31/2013- Primrose Musings- Review

12/31/2013- Fictitious Delicious- Guest Post

1/1/2014- Jessabella Reads- Review

1/1/2014- Dark Faerie Tales- Interview

1/2/2014- Curling Up With A Good Book- Review

1/2/2014- IceyBooks- Guest Post

1/3/2014- The Demon Librarian- Review

1/3/2014- Tales of the Ravenous Reader- Interview

1/6/2014- She Dreams in Fiction- Review

1/6/2014- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post

1/7/2014- Bookish- Interview

1/7/2014- Hannah Reads Books- Review

1/8/2014- Fiktshun- Guest Post

1/8/2014- Crossroad Reviews- Review

1/9/2014- Fiction Freak- Interview

1/9/2014- In the Best Worlds- Review

1/10/2014- Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, and Romance- Review

1/10/2014- The Cover Contessa- Guest Post

Blogoversary: The Second (and Giveaway!)

Long post ahead. Leave all precious items here because I'm about to cry over you and get sappy.

Well guys. It's come. I'm finally an old blogger.

WELL CRAP.

No no, I'm good.

Seriously. See?

Yeah. We're good.

...

L;REKJRGALFSDKJ;KLFNSDFKJSDFAJSDCNDLSKJFLSDJLSDKJFJWEHFSDKJCHNAKSJNFKJSDFHJSDKCNKJSADHFKJDSHFAKLJSDHFKASDHFCKJDHFKJDHSNCKJSHNDFKJHDSKLCHKJSDHFKJDHSFKJSDHFCKJNKSDAJHFLKAJHSDF

Guys. GUYS. GUYS. Two years since I started this thing and it's been filled with amazing.

And no I won't stop with the gifs.

The thing is, and I've said this a bajillion times, I never really expected much from blogging. I never knew how giant and big the blogosphere was. I didn't know how much I would love the blogosphere.

Some people agonize over the decision to blog--they knew about the blogosphere beforehand, they knew what blogging was. I just dived right in, not knowing what the HELL I was getting into.

I thought I would quit when I got 100 followers. I didn't even think I'd get 10.

I thought I would quit when I wrote 50 reviews. It seemed like so much to me.

I thought I would quit when I reached 1 year. I didn't know how quickly that year would pass.

Blogging has been absolutely amazing and honestly. What would I be doing without it?
Shoving my face with chocolate while I watched Spongebob and Doctor Who.

But instead I'm part of this absolutely amazing community that sticks with each other, doesn't prejudice, and loves books. And authors! Bloggers! I TALK TO THESE PEOPLE. 

And now it's been two years of books, wonder, authors, bloggers, and everything.

I have spent two years on this blog. 

I have spent two years in this community.

I have spent two years being surrounded by crazy book loving people.

I have spent two years...having fun. 

And to all you people who've stuck by me those two years. Or one year. Or even one month.

Yes. Yes here comes the people part. And basically the dedications if my blog were a book.

FIRST TO MY FOLLOWERS. Because lord knows I would've given it up if not for you folk. Twitter, GFC, Bloglovin, Tumblr, whatever. You guys make me smile and I love seeing your comments or tweets. I mean. Guys. People actually care about what I have to say. And you're awesome for not running away.

AND TO MY BLOGGY FRIENDS. 
Merp Squad, first of all. Because they've always been my number one go to and the group of friends I will never let go of. They're awesome, they get me (HAHAHA no. Kudos for trying to understand my 2 AM tweets though y'all!) and I love them! They've pretty much been my first blogger friends and deal with my pettiness and horrible sides with me. (I'm so sorry about that!) I love you all. And we can be fat merpy birds together now!
-I may not talk to most of y'all anymore but I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU for being my closest bloggy friends! <3 Miss talking to y'all but life is rather bossy, isn't it?

Hafsah, Jessica, and Alex because I HAVE TEXAN FRIENDS. You guys don't know how big that is for me.
-Hafsah, the awesome writer who sent me her manuscript of Unbreathable for me to devour and sending me swag and for being up at 1 AM so I can talk to someone. YES.
-Jessica for being so super sweet and amazing. Almost no one does sweet like her!
-Alex for being crazy. And sort of nice. What? She tortures me with all the books she gets! MEAN! But also for being someone fun to talk to!

Kaede for being super crazy and super fun and almost always being on twitter. Or used to. (She sort of disappeared. Hmm) We need to talk more.

And Lucy, Shreya, Christine, YA Reads, and Alyssa for being oh so epic and being there when I must talk and for somehow becoming a close friends in a matter of days. You guys are wiggly things that made me love you all. And thank you for ranting with me. I need that.
-On that note, ALYSSA FOLLOWED ME IN JUNE OF 2012. OMFG GUYS. SHE FOLLOWED ME BEFORE SHE STARTED BLOGGING. HOW CRAY CRAY IS THAT.

Danielle who's not a blogger (totally should be though. Just saying.) but is still SO FREAKING AWESOME and let's me bounce ideas off her!

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, Rachel for being my NaNo buddy and letting me read her AMAZING stuff and letting me rant to her. Also, for being up at all hours for no reason at all. Stay vampirish, my friend.

AUTHOR FRIENDS. 
You should all come to Houston. FYI. And please don't kill off any characters I'm/I'll get attached to.

Paula Stokes/Fiona Paul. Hey thanks a lot for confuzzling me with ALL YOUR PEN NAMES. But also for being so awesome when I randomly email you. Because I do that. And for making me less scared of authors almost two years ago and giving me that VENOM ARC that made my entire year. My first absolutely awesome author friend who I don't think I'll ever stop bothering. (So sorry about that!) I have a tag for Fiona Paul you know.

ANITA! (A.G. Howard)Who sent me awesome Splintered things and mailed me a birthday gift! How amazing is that? And for letting me facebook her pretty much every other day without being annoyed. Though come on. I am disappointed that you haven't killed of Jeb yet. *Tragic sigh* Also because I now have four Anita signed things. She also has pretty hair. PRETTY HAIR. 

Well hello Romily Bernard and Natalie Richards. Yes I must put you together in this post. Did you know these two both wrote thrillers? And both ripped my heart apart? They're nice like that. But in all seriousness they're amazingly nice people who I would love to squiggle (SQUISH+HUGGLE). Thank you for being so super sweet and letting me spam your twitter timelines. Yep.

Gina Rosati for talking to me about writing and putting me in touch with some professional people I needed answers from and for being so nice and generous about EVERYTHING.

Lili Peloquin! You have an adorable baby. Did you know that? I bet you did.
And for letting me email you randomly so much! I LOVES YOU. I met you! I MET YOU. Thank you for being super nice and not laughing as I fumbled with my books in that signing line.

And I actually didn't include all my author friends. Just the people I talked to recently. (So yes, I do still consider you a friend and I do love your face.)

MY 2014 AUTHOR FRIENDS.
Hello. I hope you consider me a friend and not just the random person who tweets you. Ahem.

(Off the bat, The YA Valentines are AMAZING and all so sweet! <3 Follow their blog here.

Well Paula. Fiona. You're already up there. HMPH.

Sara B. Larson FOR BEING SUPER SWEET on all matters and for using my idea of madlibs and for letting me fangirl over your hair, instead of your book (In my defense, I always wanted curly hair and I still haven't read Defy yet. MY EXCUSE.)

Bethany Hagen for being awesome when I randomly gchat her at 10 PM. And for having an awesome cover. And for letting Merp Squad run her blog tour. And for giving me a boy talk. And for letting me tell her about Cerritos Library 'cause God knows more people need to know about my hometown library. (The thing is massive.)

Lynne Matson because she gives me the blue M&Ms. *sniffles* Thank you for the sacrifice and putting up with my awkward tweetage that sometimes I don't even understand. And for tweets that totally make my day! AND THE SIGNED COPY OF NIL AND CANDY! Ah, one of the best packages ever! (Totally because of the candy. I kid I kid. Or do I.)

Sara Raasch who's last name I mispronounced on a monthly basis. Whoops! BUT NOW I KNOW RIGHT. Erm. ANYWAYS. The pictures of food that you continuously post that makes me hungry. Thanks for that. (I don't even know if that's sarcasm!) And for fighting off the birds. I depend on you to fight off the birds.

 Those birds. *Runs*

But yep! And if I left anyone out my excuse is that I wrote this at midnight a few days ago. 

So now all I have left to say is

Wait no! I have a giveaway too! You can win any of these following books. As long as they can fit in my box, feel free to choose as many as you like! This one is US only.
OR
If you're INT, you can pick any book from The Book Depository under $13 as long as it ships to your country and I've spotlighted, reviewed, or interviewed the author sometime on the blog.

The prize also includes a Catching Fire poster of Finnick (because I might've grabbed two) and an assortment of swag from the Fierce Reads authors and...any other good signed stuff I can dig up. And trust me, my piles are endless. You'll be good.

BOOKS
Auracle by Gina Rosati (signed hardback)
Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White (ARC)
Asylum by Madeleine Roux (ARC)
The Brokenhearted by Amelia Kahaney (ARC or hardback)
Afterparty by Ann Redisch Stampler (ARC)
Desert Tales by Melissa Marr (ARC)
Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle (ARC)
Twinmaker by Sean Williams (ARC)
Blackout by Robison Wells (ARC)
Send Me a Sign by Tiffany Schmidt (ARC)
Deception by CJ Redwine (ARC)
The Innocents by Lili Peloquin (SIGNED)
Crewel by Gennifer Albin (UK signed copy)
Wake by Amanda Hocking
Lullaby by Amanda Hocking
Tidal by Amanda Hocking
Elegy by Amanda Hocking


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Now I can say goodbye with

YA Crush Tourney: Vote Perry!

Tweet #TeamPerry and get your friends and family to vote for PERRY!
Y'ALL. I AM THE ADVOCATE FOR THIS HOTTIE RIGHT HERE:

Yeah him? Know him? I'll fill you in. 

Perry, our favorite Outsider, is perhaps one of the swooniest YA boys around. And, since I'm me, I'd rather show you than tell you. Be prepared to swoon at the quotes. 

Looks

I asked a few friends on why they love Perry.

"1. His tattoo & his markings bc every time I picture it, I pretty much swoon." -@ _extroadiMARY

Oh my. You mean these?

"He had tattoos, just like in the stories. Two patterned bands around each bicep. When he'd turned his back, she'd seen another design on his skin, some sort of hawk with wings spanning shoulder to shoulder."

Yeah, I would love to touch see them too.

There is hot. And then there is Perry. You don't resist Perry."-@Kami178xx

Truest words ever tweeted. Blond hair, bright green eyes, and one sexy athletic body of course. What's not to love?

Personality

"There're lots of adjectives to describe him but passionate sums it all up -- w his bow, Talon, Aria -- everything".-@LPofimagination

“Your voice sounds like a midnight fire. All warm and worn in and golden. I could listen to you talk forever." 
"I could never do that". 
She laughed at him. He brought his lips to her ear. "Your scent is like violets early in spring," he whispered. Then he laughed at himself because though it was true, he sounded like the worst kind of fool.” -Under the Never Sky

Perry responding to Roar (best friend) - "What do you think we are?" and "You're better than a brother."

"He didn't miss once. His name was never sharper than when his blood was up."

"Vale wouldn't fight for Talon, but he would. He was Talon's only hope now."

Oh yeah. Passionate is definitely something you can call Perry.

Ah, but he's not only passionate. He's loyal and strong and supportive. He'll fight for whatever he believes in and for his people and he'll do whatever he can to help.

The Swoon

Now. Another reason you should totally swoon? He's romantic and sweet. 

“In the afternoon, they stopped to eat on a rocky outcrop. Perry brushed a kiss on her cheek while she was chewing, and she learned that it was the loveliest thing to be kissed for no reason, even while chewing food. It brightened the woods, and the never sky, and everything.” 

"I miss you. I miss you. I miss you, I miss you. Be ready, because when I see you, I'll never let you go again”

"Should we try this again?" he asked. Aria smiled. "The right way," she said, and wove her fingers through his. "Together."

And then...his kisses. Can I have one?

“He kissed her slowly. Everything went slowly so he could follow her temper, and search into her eyes. When they joined, her scent was brave and strong and certain. Perry took it into himself, breathing her breath, feeling what she felt. He'd never known anything as right.” 

“Without thinking, he reached for her hand. Tucked it against her chest, feeling that was where it should be. Perry's heart slammed against his ribs. She had to feel it.” 

“Perry's hand settled on her hip, his grip firm. She felt his kiss settle into something deeper as his mouth moved with more urgency over hers. Suddenly there was more heat between them...” 

“His eyes were heavy with desire, but she saw something else. A gleam that made her suspicious.
"What?" she asked.
His hand slid to her hips. "You're incredible."
"That's not what you were thinking."

"Was so. I always think that." He leaned in, twisting a strand of her hair around his finger as he kissed her bottom lip. 

When the heck do I get to be Aria?

"He smiled and leaned down, kissing her softly, tenderly. She knew she should step away. This was a risk, but she didn't care about anything except him just then. She wove her arms around his neck and parted his lips with hers, stealing a taste of him. Tenderness could wait for another time. Perry went still for an instant; then he cinched her close, momentum sending them thudding into the door behind him. He sank against it, bringing himself closer to her height, kissing her with a sudden urgency. With a hunger she matched. His lips moved to her neck, trailed up to her ear, and the world fell away."

"There are other things I'd rather do when I'm alone with you."

Mmmmm. Perry is definitely the swooniest. Oh, but don't only take my word.

[I love him] because he is my baby. Or is he my baby because I love him? Hmmm-Ananbelle
Bows and arrows and blonds, oh my! Perry is my ideal male protagonist and swoony hero because he is survival strong :)-Alyssa
He is an awesome, protective sexy beast.-Tahereh
You broke me in half when you left sweet Perry-Ammie

Oh, and we have a giveaway by the way! Here it is.
First Round: 10 bookmarks
When Perry advances to the Second Round: 2 Signed Hardbacks of Under the Never Sky
When Perry advances to the Third Round: 2 signed hardbacks of Through the Ever Night 
When Perry advances to the Fourth Round: Signed hardback of UTNS AND Through the Ever Night, plus swag pack for one lucky winner

SO OMG GO VOTE FOR PERRY
HERE'S GIVEAWAY NUMBER TWO! Vote Team Perry and enter to win one of two signed Under the Never Skys! 
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And here's the first giveaway!
OVER
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ZOMG.

Ah, so big news. Book Haul next week.

So I bet you're wondering what the big news is. Well. I saw this yesterday.


FEIEODPWPCNSPWKFMDOWPWPDKDMX,ZODPEIDNDIWIENFJSOEIFNREPNDWPWEJD. OH MYGOD, YOU GUYS. I HAVE NO WORDS. I LOVE YOU ALL SO SO SO MUCH. I CAN NOT EVEN.

This is me

This was me when I saw

It still sort of is.

This was me staring at people who had 1000 followers

I KNOW I KNOW. Followers don't matter. BUT STILL. 1000 is a big number! HONESTLY? I never expected to get more than 10. I even said that I would quit blogging when I reached 100.

Obviously, that never happened.

YOU GUYS I HAVE 1000

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST. THIS IS THE BEST. I CAN NOT EXPRESS MY FEELS. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH. Even if you all came for the giveaways ;)

OH MY GOD. I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT. Of course I have to thank EVERY SINGLE PERSON. MAINLY? The Merp Squad. THEY ARE MY LIFE.

EILEEN AT SINGING AND READING IN THE RAIN Oh my God. NO WORDS FOR HOW MUCH I LOVE HER RANDOM AND CRAZY. She's totally my best friend and when I meet her IN AUGUST I shall tackle her and possibly cause concussions. Whoops. BUT OH MY GOD. I have no words. NONE. She is the BESTTTTT. Even if she hates my favorite contemporaries and I hate her favorite contemporaries.

ANNABELLE AT SPARKLES AND LIGHTNING We have discovered that she is an angel. Literally. Have you seen her halo? It's super bright. SHE IS SO SPARKLY IN A GOOD WAY. * shoos away Edward* She's so absolutely nice (buying everyone like 5 books. UGH. She makes me feel miserly. I mean, I am, BUT STILL) and oh my GOD. DO YOU KNOW HOW PRETTY SHE IS? Also, we have almost the same taste in books!

JESSI AT AUNTIE SPINELLI READS YESYESYES to Jessi! TOTALLY FUN AND SO ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. AND SHE TOTALLY UNDERSTANDS HOW MUCH AND WHY I LOVE THE YA GUYS I DO. Seriously. MORPHEUS YOU GUYS *glares at the rest of the Merp Squad* SHE IS AMAZING and owns 4 fluffy balls of fur. That's always a plus. SERIOUSLY.

INKY AT BOOK HAVEN EXTRAORDINAIRE Morpheus. THAT IS ALL YOU GET.

Just kidding. I LOVE THIS PERSON. She's totally fun to argue with--and we do that a lot. Because she won't realize how much better Morpheus is. BUT IT'S OKAY. Because she is pure awesome and I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE TO TACKLE HER WHEN I SEE HER. WHICH BETTER BE SOOONNNNN.  She's so totally hilarious. HILARIOUS.

And I can't forget my other amazing friends!
SHREYA AT CHOCOLATE COATED REVIEWS who was one of my first bloggy friends! TOTAL fangirl of Cassie Clare's stuff! I think she would live on all the TMI memes if she could lol! CHOCOLATE LOVER AND ONE OF THE NICEST AND BESTEST PEOPLE EVER.

LISSETH AT READAHOLICZ GIANT fan of music and bookkksss! She was literally my FIRST bloggy friend when I Goodreads messaged her awkwardly. That is me. AWKWARD. I haven't talked to her much lately which makes me cry D:

KRYSTAL AT  LIVE TO READ A recent friend who I absolutely love to talk to on Facebook almost every day! She LOVES chocolate and ice cream. SO OF COURSE I LOVE HER. We are also both gold medalists of procrastination and probably have schoolwork to do right now. Nahhhh

But I have bad news too. I posted that when I reached 1000 I would have an EPIC EPIC giveaway. But my mom and I are short on money, which she didn't tell meeeee, so it'll have to be postponed. I'M SO SORRY D: It WILL happen, just not now. But I promise you guys will love it!

And so, I leave you with this. I feel like a magical person.

Blog Tour: Sweet Revenge of Celia Door by Karen Finneyfrock

This is possibly one of my favorite interviews! I have an ARC of The Sweet Revenge, but I'm so swamped with books! This definitely became a hire priority though!

What inspired you to write?

I was an obsessive reader as a kid. I felt that all the books I was reading were involved in one great conversation that I wanted to be part of that conversation. It was my earliest dream.  

What's your favorite part about the writing/blogging community?

The most interesting, thoughtful, emotional, generous people are writers, readers, bloggers and librarians. I swear! I walked into the American Library Association’s Midwinter Meeting in Seattle and thought, “Why can’t librarians run the world?” I will vote for any librarian who runs for president-although my candidate is Nancy Pearl. People who love books are concerned with how individuals and societies grow and change. In other words, they are concerned with the most important questions that concern us as humans.

If the zombie apocalypse arrived, what book (yes, book!) would you take with you?

Although I want to get fancy-pants literary on this question, I feel I owe the truth to your readers. I would take the most comprehensive book of medical knowledge for a layman that I could find. Because it’s going to get ugly out there, and if we’re going to survive, we’re going to have to stitch up some wounds with no anesthetic.

You have a thousand wishes--what are your first 3?

#1, No zombie apocalypse. #2, An end to death-but WAIT! That doesn’t mean that people keep aging and are forced to suffer and be in pain and never die. Arg, you Genies are such tricksters!#3, No more child abuse and neglect. Every child should know she is loved.

What's your absolute favorite book? 

My all time favorite is The Once and Future King by T.H. White. I feel under its spell in elementary school and the magic has never worn off.

Have you ever done something in the name of revenge?

Oh yes. But, just like in my novel, I think that there is always a backlash to revenge. There is a famous saying, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Revenge is the same way. With that said, I am a novelist and I do get to pick names for my evil characters, which I think of as a tiny form of harmless revenge.  

How did you choose the title?

The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door is actually the second title. The original title, which you can still catch on the jacket for my poetry book, was Celia, the Dark and Weird. Careful readers will catch the times Celia gets called “Weird,” in the story.

Which do YOU think is sweeter? Revenge or friendship? 

Friendship is so, so sweet. What would life be without friendship? Other forms of love: family love and romantic love are made whole by that third place of friendship love.

Quickies:

Facebook or Twitter?

TWITTER

Coffee or Tea?

COFFEE

Winter or Summer?

SUMMER

Candy or chocolate?

CHOCOLATE (I’m glad you know chocolate isn’t candy)

Physical book or ebook?

PHYSICAL BOOK

Goodreads Blurb

That’s the day the trouble started. 

The trouble that nearly ruined my life. 

The trouble that turned me Dark. 

The trouble that begs me for revenge.

Celia Door enters her freshman year of high school with giant boots, dark eyeliner, and a thirst for revenge against Sandy Firestone, the girl who did something unspeakable to Celia last year.

But then Celia meets Drake, the cool new kid from New York City who entrusts her with his deepest, darkest secret. When Celia’s quest for justice threatens her relationship with Drake, she’s forced to decide which is sweeter: revenge or friendship.

This debut novel from Karen Finneyfrock establishes her as a bright, bold, razor-sharp new voice for teens.

Author Bio

Karen Finneyfrock is a poet, novelist and teaching artist in Seattle, WA. Her second book of poems,Ceremony for the Choking Ghost, was released on Write Bloody press in 2010. Her young adult novel, The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door, is due from Viking Children’s Books in 2013. She is a former Writer-in-Residence at Richard Hugo House in Seattle and teaches forSeattle Arts and Lectures’ Writers-in-the-Schools program. In 2010, Karen traveled toNepal as a Cultural Envoy through the US Department of State to perform and teach poetry and in 2011, she did a reading tour in Germany sponsored by the US Embassy.

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