Random Musings: Moving

Yes, I know that this button is slightly greener than it should be, but that's because I'm talking about moving to Wordpress. 

SO IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW, I'M MOVING TO WORDPRESS IN MID JUNE. AND THIS STUFF HAS BEEN STRESSING ME OUT SINCE JANUARY. Seriously, I'm writing this on Jan 16. *waves from the past* 

So anyways, I'm not just moving to Wordpress, I'm completely redesigning my blog into a sort of teal color instead of just blue and I'm so in love with what I have planned! I CAN NOT WAY TO OFFICIALLY GET STARTED WITH DESIGNING THE FINAL THING (which should be happening soon since my mom promised to let me do this once May started...it should be about now right? RIGHT?)

ANYWAYS (damn I get off topic so much) I'm actual really loving this whole process of creating a new design and making new banners and buttons and stuff and it's EXHILARATING. But damn is it stressful. 

I'm doing new memes, a set schedule, and instead of Week of a Fiction Freak I'm doing monthly recaps that will, most likely, be in video form. Guys it's so stressful deciding what memes I should do, what a good ratio is for memes: reviews and what days I shouldn't post anything at all. (Oh I think I'm going to post my new schedule down below, TELL ME IF IT'S OKAY? BECAUSE I'M DOUBTING IT ALL) 

 BUT BUT BUT. I'm so excited to finally have MY OWN FREAKING BLOG that I don't have to worry about and that Google can probably just shut down at any random time and worry about blogger glitching. I DON'T EVEN WANT TO CALL IT A BLOG. A WEBSITE. IT IS MY OWN WEBSITE. AHH. AT 13. That's just so freaking exciting and it makes me feel professional even though I'm far from it--if you can tell from my LOTS OF CAPS-ness. 

I honestly think moving to Wordpress (as in, buying your own domain and hosting) would be an AWESOME idea, especially if you plan on blogging long term--and if you do move to Wordpress, using Ashley @ Creative Whim's UBB (Ultimate Book Blogger) plug in or her Tweak Theme would be a GREAT investment. 

BACK TO THE SUBJECT, I'm planning on blogging throughout high school (my excuse--it's one of my extracurriculars so I kinda HAVE TO ya know? ;D ) and hopefully through college, so I definitely want my own site after two and a half years on Blogger. I love you and all, but Blogger, you're killing me. 

BUT YEAH that wasn't really a musing, more like a rant but eh. 

By the way here's the schedule I was thinking of 

Sunday: (at the end of the month, a wrap up) 

Monday: Book related

Tuesday: Book Related

Wednesday: Waiting on Wednesday

Thursday: Book related

Friday: Life of a Blogger

Saturday: Book Related

YES? NO? HAVE YOU MOVED TO WORDPRESS? ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT IT?

Random Musings: Books. Plain and Simple

(Repinned from http://pinterest.com/dragonflyturtle/ on Pinterest) 

This will, most likely, be a super rambly post since you know, this is pretty random and this is all brain vomit. I refuse to use backspace. Also this will be 100% cheesy.

Sooooo...books. That's all this blog is really about isn't it? But I don't think I've ever talked about books in the large general category. And whoever said books are life changing? They're right. What's sad is that sometimes I can't remember every single book I've read, every word, every letter. And I hate to forget my favorite books, but it happens.

http://barbara-bibliotecaria.tumblr.com/page/2

And it's just horrible because I always end up learning something from every character, every world, every twist of a story. And I have fun with all the characters who're there, quick to laugh, quick to love. And just forgetting their adventures? It's excruciating. So I guess that's what Goodreads is for. But I'm never going to remember all the feelings I had when I first read it and I'm never going to have the time to reread all my favorites.

Repinned from
http://pinterest.com/allthingsregal/whats-in-a-book/

And then that moment when you see these characters grow up, and you grow up with them, and you just realize--Oh my God the series is going to end. And you just want to break down crying because you'll never see your favorite characters in their lives ever again. I actually did cry the month before Iron Knight released. Several times. While listening to the Iron Fey playlists. THANK THE LORD FOR THE SPINOFF SERIES  OR I WOULD BE ON MY KNEES. It was just so heartbreaking seeing my favorite characters just go *poof* Seriously. There was a pain in my
chest. I felt like someone murdered my best friend.

Books have absolutely affected me and anyone who says reading sucks just hasn't done it right, or they haven't had the chance to meet their favorite book. Because when you do? The tears and the laughs and those moments where you just realize what the author was trying to do...oh God. I just can never keep my feelings in check.

It's so easy to call something your "favorite book" or your "new favorite book", but I think less than half of those claims are true. So here's my question--

What's your favorite book? Your number one, always can rely on, always there to comfort you, book?

http://pinterest.com/serinazhane/more-than-words-wow-words-of-wisdom/

Random Musings

To all you bloggers:

Does it ever get too much? I've now been blogging for over a year but I still feel like a newbie. And I'm wondering and asking all veteran bloggers--does it ever become too much stress or work? Because for me, it's hard juggling all these posts and blog tours, making sure everything is scheduled, that nothing is wrong, that there's no broken HTML, etc. It's hard and it takes up TONS of time. 

So I guess I'm just musing about the question of "Is it worth it?" Is blogging worth all the blood and sweat and, most importantly, time? 

Well here's my answer:

Absolutely. Blogging is worth everything. Honestly, I wonder how I ever survived without! I can't believe how bored I must have been. Hell, I didn't even read good books before I got introduced to Goodreads which I actually started using because of the blog!

The people too. I love the blogging community and even to the bloggers I've never even talked to--we're like a giant family. Mess with one of us and you mess with the whole bunch. And I love all my bloggy friends to bits of course! *Waves* Hey...

The blogosphere is just an amazing place to hang out and be yourself without worrying about people judging you on clothes and looks (because trust me, at least in my school, they do).

Not to mention all you guys, my viewers and followers! Whenever I get a comment I just want to hug you and blush. Because the fact that you read my post is amazing enough. That you took the time to comment is even more stunning and unbelievable!

And of course there are the perks, like sometimes getting inside information on some things, (for me) being less shy around authors, hosting blog tours, and getting ARCs and books! It's really amazing, actually. 

Yes, blogging is worth it. Every second of the work and sweat.

Metaphorically of course.

Thank God I lightened things up. I'm silly and sentimental things, when coming from me, tend to make ramble...and I'm doing that now aren't I.

Random Musings

TOPIC OF THE DAY-
Plagiarism.

We all know how wrong this is. I mean, with all the drama early last year (we all know it. I won't bother mentioning it!) I thought people'd finally learned a lesson...and then, this tweet pops up on my Twitter Timeline where one of my friends, Annabelle @ Sparkles and Lightning says that she's been plagiarized!

This is not okay. And I'm saying this to all of plagiarism.

No! Don't worry, it's not a giant blogger. I won't link to the website (though you probably will find it since a bunch of us are talking about this today, including Annabelle) since what she did is wrong, but I feel that doing that is like bullying. I'm not saying it is! But I've never been one to make someone feel bad--even when she really really REALLY should.

Because this blogger plagiarized at LEAST 2 of my favorite blogs: Sparkles and Lightning and Mundie Moms.

*listens to Eileen while typing this*

This just in, the plagiarizer just took down all plagiarized reviews.
But I'm still going to write this! Because honestly? Plagiarism is completely wrong and a bit pitiful. It's like saying you're not creative enough to come up with something on your own, so you have to take from others. And I'm just saying, plagiarism is always going to be found if someone does it. there are a thousand people in the blogosphere and they're going to one day stumble across some plagiarized work and they're going to recognize it. The fact that people think they can get away with it makes me want to slap them.

The fact that they did it makes me want to punch them.

It's SO NOT FAIR TO THE BLOGGERS WHO ACTUALLY WROTE THE REVIEWS.

Lesson? DON'T PLAGIARIZE. ITS WRONG. AND WE WILL FIND OUT. BECAUSE WE'RE EACH OTHERS' EYES AND EARS SO WE'LL KNOW IN 5 MINUTES OF DISCOVERY.

I just don't get the reason for this. If it was for the free books? Oh man, that is the WORST REASON EVER.

Rant OVER. I promise this time.

EDIT: THAT IS A LIE. I'm sorry! But update: we got an email from the coblogger of the plagiarizer and it wasn't apologetic AT ALL. I swear...it was all "You ruined my first 5 months of blogging" "I'm so awesome" "I forgive you in advance" ACK. WHAT IS THIS.

Other protesters:
http://eileenlisblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.auntiespinellireads.com/
http://bookhavenextraordinaire.blogspot.com/
http://sparkles-and-lightning.blogspot.com/

Random Musings: Reviews

It's been too long since I made one of these! YAY! So topic: Reviews.

So, if you've noticed, most of my reviews are 4 stars or up. I'm a pretty generous reader, I guess. Not very picky, and I'll read almost anything! So my ratings tend to be pretty nice. :D And my reasons for giving those stars are honest, you guys. (Yes I had to point that out. Some people thought I was just giving out stars because I got them from the pub or author. :( ) And the reason most books have 5 stars? I don't like writing negative reviews, DNF's, 1 stars etc. Apparently I'm also a pretty good blurb judge and only get books my favorite bloggers say are good or have good summaries. ^_^ And OKAY, MAYBE the covers have something to do with it. Hmph.

But yeah. I only review the books I enjoyed or if the ARC was sent from a publisher or author. They sent the book, they have a right to get an HONEST review from me! :D

Just thought I'd clear that up!

Random Musings: The Book Paparazzi

So I've been thinking lately: bloggers are like the book paparazzi. I mean, a cover is revealed: 10 minutes later at least 7 blogs have the cover on their blog and by the end of the day everyone's abuzz. Same with a title reveal, giveaway, and other book stuff. I feel like bloggers can literally sniff out bookish news.

Example:

Boundless cover

Everbound cover

Nightmare Affair giveaway

SPF9 giveaway

It's just amazing how fast news travels on the blogger/reader vine. So now I'm just rambling....

Hey that would make an awesome blog name: The Book Paparazzi. Any takers? Maybe I'll take it...

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An Anti-Twilight? Richelle Mead?

So it's been going around that Richelle Mead is the "anti-twilight" which may or may not true. You can draw your own conclusion.

But it might help to read this article the Sun Sentinel wrote that definitely helps put things in perspective. I'm really not a giant fan of Twilight, but LOVE Richelle's books. It's not hard to guess what I think. Well have fun!

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Random Musings

Is it just me or are there a lot of paranormal/dystopia going on? Immortal Rules, The Hunt, Darkness Before Dawn, Black City...they all sound original on their ways, but I was wondering: Has anyone else noticed this? I've read half of the ones I've named so I'm excited to read the other two, and yet is it funny that no one thought of this, then all at once we have 4 in one year?! And there's no way they stole ideas since it takes a while to get a manuscript into a book. As in, 2 years. Talk about coincidence! Is it because of Hunger Games and Twilight?

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Random Musings: Seeing a Book

Today while I was walking down the halls of my school, I saw someone reading Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa! If you dind't know already, the Iron Fey series is my absolute favorite series! So that one sight kept me smiling the entire day. It was wonderful seeing someone else enjoying the books I loved, especially my all-time favorites! Since I was at school, I couldn't take a picture, but if I could, I would've. I love seeing a book I've read in someone else's hands, just so I can know htat others around me are enjoying the same books as me.

Random Musings: ARCs and finished

So.while I trade for ARCs, I always feel hesitant. Why? Because I want that book in hardcover/finished copy! I have no idea why. Because I'm vain with my books? Because I hate that black square that ruins the cover? Because of the grammar mistakes? I don't know

Do any of you other bloggers feel the same way?

 

Random Musings: Soul Mates

An akward random musings that I thought of before. I know, it's actually kind of stupid...

Soul Mates: If a soul mate is the other half of your soul as many books say they are, then aren’t you falling in love with yourself, basically? So maybe in another life, but if before you’re born your soul is split, then wouldn’t one soul be split in two, then when reincarnated, those two souls split into two each? My opinion? That we decide who our soul mates are. We don’t control who we fall in love with; we never could. Yes, I do believe in soul mates, but not the theory stated above; I think, instead, that it’s our past lives, or perhaps our first life. (Yes, I’m a believer of reincarnation; books got to me.) Who we fall in love when we died, is who we would fall in love with now. I don’t know, some of you might think I’m crazy, but I just thought I’d post this. It’s been nagging me for days…

Random Musings On: Blogging

I've heard stories of bloggers who only review books to get free books from authors and publishers or get the privileges that we do. And that's just...no. Just no. Bloggers should be reviewing books o introduce readers to new books, to share our opinions, and to help our favorite authors ge the word out! Not to gain more books from publishers, NetGalley, authors, and blog trades! I'm telling you, if you just blog o get that stuff, you might as well just end your blogging days. People can tell when you actually care about reading and when you don't. You do not want to mess with angry readers. Why? Because readers have the best social networking around. And trust me, they will kill your blog. So when you actually take reviewing seriously and stop cheating readers, then go ahead and blog. I have no protests against that. Anyways, if you've read this entire things, thanks fo not getting bored and throwing our computer out the window! I do rant.

Random Musings on: Picking a Book

So, everyone is always saying "never judge a book by its cover" right? I do. The covers just catch my eye. For example, one of the covers that absolutely caught my eye in the first place was:

That's right, Wither! And when I read the blurb, I added to my cart in Amazon, and bought it! The cover intrigued me, why use that particular design, and why was there a bird in a cage right there? And then, when I started reading it, I found that the circles are showing you the important parts of the book: her head, because the reason she was chosen was because of her eyes, and her hair; her hand, or more specifically, her ring because of her marriage, the one thing she didn't want; and the bird, because she was trapped, nowhere to run. On the back cover, you see an hourglass there, circled. That one's pretty obvious: she's running out of time. Don't judge the book by its cover? Hah, it's the cover that shows you what the book's about. A few other books that show things from their covers are:

The cover of Matched. It hows you that Cassia's safe and sound in a bubble that's the Society, being hidden form the outside world. She's trying to break free, but can she do it? Will she hesitate?

The cover of Iron King. Meghan is staring straight at you as if she wants to tell you something but she can't, as if it's something she still doesn't quite understand. What is it, and will she ever?

The cover of The Pledge. Charlaina is shrouded by the words of the Pledge. Supposedly the words are trapping her in. She's hiding. From what? And her eyes are searching for someone. But who?

Random Musings of: Genres

So here's another random musing. And no, this is not a weekly thing. I post these when I suddenlly think about something.

I've been thinking, we all say that there are so many books with vampires and werewolves, but is that true? I mean, sure, there are a lot, butt has anyone else noticed the sudden onslaught of dystopian and original fantasy stories or is it just me? I mean, there's the Selection, Divergent, Shatter Me, Wither, and all of them. I don't know if it's just that I never noticed, or something. Hmmm...anyways, just thought I'd share that. Random Musing: OVER

Random Musings of: the Iron Fey

So I'm just randomly thinking how almost every Fiction Freak has that one series/book that we're addicted to. For some people it's Twilight (Ugh, shoot me. No offense to those who like it though, it's just my opinion), for some it's the Soul Screamers series. Others, it's the Hunger Games, Harry Potter. Mine? THE IRON FEY SERIES!!!!! WHOOO!!!!  If there's anything that has to do with the Iron Fey, I usually know it. Basically, I'm the Iron Fey Stalker. Yeah...I've read every character interview, every author interview, hell, I've read every REVIEW of the book! And I start to thinking why I love this book.

I mean, some of my friends thinks it's OK, but I'm addicted to it. Why? I have no clue. It just pulls me in, it makes me feel as if there really is something out there like the Iron Fey. It's about the ultimate sacrifice throught the entire book, a forbidden love with the complete opposite, and a love triangle with your best friend. I know that there are SUPPOSEDLY a lot of books like that, but this one just seems...different.

Random Musings: OVER