Friday, September 27, 2013

The Other Side of Me: Willy Wonka

 Okay. I know I'm late, but I honestly have a pretty good excuse this time. Besides other life things, I had a rather long eye appointment and I had to go to the city about an hour and a half from my home  for head shots/trying on costumes in the evening Tuesday. (Did I mention I was cast in A Christmas Carol? But more on that later...)

 Okay. So today is the second post in my The Other Side of Me series. I'm not promising that these will be weekly, cause I'm still trying to figure out that pesky blog schedule, but we'll see what happens.

 I left off last week talking about the choir I was in. I forgot to mention one thing. While in this choir, we traveled as a group to see The Wizard of Oz performed by Christian Youth Theater.  I was amazed by the talent and professionalism, and dared to dream that someday I could do CYT even though at this time it was impossible.

 Back to my group, and what Mrs. A had said when we first inquired about musical theater. Well, true to her word, around January, info went up about the show they were going to perform in the Spring: Willy Wonka. I was pretty familiar with the Willy Wonka storyline having seen the movies and whatnot. I looked at the roles, and since they said pick one to try for, I decided to try for Veruca Salt. I was thirteen going on fourteen, but they'd said I could try for a kid's or adult part. Even though that was the specific part I was auditioning for, I practiced other parts as well.

 Finally the audition day arrived. Guess what? I was sick. Or recovering. And thanks to my illness, my voice was in a terrible state. I went to the room with Mrs. A privately, and told her that my voice was messed up. She assured me that she already  knew what my voice sounded like, and I sang what I could of my audition. "You have a callback," she said. "It will be here, next week."

 I was so excited! I'd never heard of a callback before, unless you count maybe... the part in Hoodwinked where the schnitzel guy gets an acting callback?

 Anyway, the callback day came. I was so nervous. The idea of competing against others using simply my vocal and acting abilities which probably weren't at their peak completely intimidated me. There were about three other girls called back for the same Veruca Salt part. We all sang her song together, and then sang it alone. Unfortunately, I let my nerves get a hold of me, and was kind of shaky with my audition. After this, we read a few lines, and the callback was over. They told us when the cast list would be posted.

 Oh the wait was excruciating! I may have felt pretty bad about my callback, so I was very nervous about what might happen.

 The cast list was posted!

 I looked-- would I be portraying bratty rich girl Veruca?!?

 No.

 Mrs. Beauregarde - Bethany Baldwin

Was I disappointed? But of course. If you are hoping for something you're going to be disappointed if you don't get it! But my mindset... I don't know if I started it then, or when, but it is this. No matter what part you get, always do your best. Besides, I was a named character! That was something to be happy for!

 Mrs. Beauregarde was one of the characters I hadn't really researched (The mother of the rude, gum chewing Violet,) but I found myself becoming excited anyway. And in the end, I discovered that Mrs. Beauregarde was really the better part for me anyway.

I went to rehearsals, I read lines, worked on acting, etc. When I came into this show I had a shell. I was pretty shy around the other kids except my friend Charlotte who I had known before, and I wanted to do well, but I was a bit afraid to pop the lid off the box. But I did. For some reason, when I get on stage, I feel alive. I become a part of the story, not just an actor on the stage, but I am that person. And for your viewing *cough* pleasure, here are some photos of me as Mrs. Beauregarde.


Here's the top half of my costume. I believe this photo was taken before my first show.


  Full outfit. I should also mention that I got my braces off just in time for the show, so I was smiling proudly. :D


                   This is a photo inside the factory. I changed into this dress for the second act.



                                 In this room here... surveying the wonders of Wonka's creation.


                              About to take a hulking bite in the chocolate smelting room.



                                    Scolding/talking to my daughter outside the Wonka factory.


                                    Looking smug with my daughter during her interview.


                                             My "air guitar" picture as I call it. Who knows...


                                       The finale. Once again, who knows what I'm doing?


 I enjoyed being in my first theater show SOOOO much. Especially after waiting to long to do any sort of acting. I was a bit depressed that I would have to wait an entire year for another show! Which you will learn about next time. ;)

 What do you think?

~ a rambling author

Monday, September 23, 2013

Anomaly: A Book Review (Team Novel Teen)

 Hello my dears! You get a Monday post today because I'm on another Team Novel Teen book tour! Tomorrow, I'll probably post the next update in my The Other Side of Me series, as well as possibly have a poll. We'll see on the latter. For now, my review of Anomaly by Krista McGee
I received this book through Team Novel Teen for my honest review.
Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.
Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of emotions in the hope that war won’t threaten the world again.
Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her differences. But then her secret is discovered when she’s overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.
The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk—a scientist being groomed by The Ten—convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the Scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.
As her life ticks a way, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along.
Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out.

- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-teen/team-novel-teen-blog-tour-info/#sthash.4PSkxBzK.dpuf

From the back cover: Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.
Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of emotions in the hope that war won’t threaten the world again.

Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her differences. But then her secret is discovered when she’s overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.

The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk—a scientist being groomed by The Ten—convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the Scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.

As her life ticks a way, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along.
Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out.

My thoughts:

 This book. I mean wow. Dystopian has been a pretty common genre these last couple years, but has only pretty recently broken into Christian literature, and I'm so glad it has. I think I've technically read a couple of other Dystopian Christian... The Swipe series by Evan Angler (not sure if this would classify as Dystopian or Post Apocalyptic) and Captives by Jill Williamson. I enjoyed both of these.

 Anomaly, however, was a bit different. It was very interesting. The world destroyed? The only survivors living underground, and genetically modified people? Ooohhhh. This book hooks you from the start with the prologue, taking you through Thalli's thoughts before her inevitable death, and detailing how long she has left to live. But I'm not going to put any spoilers here!

 This book was mind bending. I love reading a good twisted book, where you never know what on earth is going to happen, and this book had plenty of twists for my brain. I was shocked several times by something I thought was happening, when it could be very different.

The characters were interested. Thalli was so special with her talent for music, something I can identify with being sort of a musician myself, and having an avid musician for a brother. I can understand the emotion brought through music. Rhen was perfect in her logical state, Berk was just darling, and John, a sweet, elderly Christian man, was wonderful to read about. This is not a book that will make you like the antagonist... or antagonists at all. In fact, I disliked them SO much. Which is a good thing.

 The plot was good, as evidenced by all the twists I talked about above, and there are so many hidden motives in it.

 I'm probably leaving something out that I'll want to say later, but... Read this book! If you're a fan of Dystopian, fantasy, etc. and you're looking for something with more of a faith filled message, this book is for you. Great read, took me only a few days when I had the opportunity to read it. :)

Get the book here

About the author:
When Krista McGee isn’t living in fictional worlds of her own creation, she lives in Tampa and spends her days as a wife, mom, teacher, and coffee snob. She is also the author of “Anomaly,” “First Date,” “Starring Me,” and “Right Where I Belong.” Learn more about Krista at www.kristamcgeebooks.com. - See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-teen/team-novel-teen-blog-tour-info/#sthash.7xmMQXxQ.dpuf

 When Krista McGee isn't living in fictional worlds of her own creation, she lives in Tampa and spends her days as a wife, mom, teacher and coffee snob. She is also the author of, "Anomaly," "First Date," "Starring Me," and "Right Where I Belong." Learn more about Krista at www.kristamcgeebooks.com.

When Krista McGee isn’t living in fictional worlds of her own creation, she lives in Tampa and spends her days as a wife, mom, teacher, and coffee snob. She is also the author of “Anomaly,” “First Date,” “Starring Me,” and “Right Where I Belong.” Learn more about Krista at www.kristamcgeebooks.com. - See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-teen/team-novel-teen-blog-tour-info/#sthash.7xmMQXxQ.dpuf







Other stops on the tour:
ADD Librarian • Audacious ReaderBlooming with Books • Bookworm Reading • Christian Book Review Blog • CTF Devourer • Jill WilliamsonKatie Clark WritesKatie McCurdy • The Life of a Teenage Writer • The Ramblings of a Young Author • Realm of HeartsShadow Writer World • Worthy2Read • Writing in Summertime

- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-teen/team-novel-teen-blog-tour-info/#sthash.7xmMQXxQ.dpuf
ADD Librarian • Audacious ReaderBlooming with Books • Bookworm Reading • Christian Book Review Blog • CTF Devourer • Jill WilliamsonKatie Clark WritesKatie McCurdy • The Life of a Teenage Writer • The Ramblings of a Young Author • Realm of HeartsShadow Writer World • Worthy2Read • Writing in Summertime

- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-teen/team-novel-teen-blog-tour-info/#sthash.7xmMQXxQ.dpuf
Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.
Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of emotions in the hope that war won’t threaten the world again.
Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her differences. But then her secret is discovered when she’s overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.
The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk—a scientist being groomed by The Ten—convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the Scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.
As her life ticks a way, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along.
Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out.

- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-teen/team-novel-teen-blog-tour-info/#sthash.4PSkxBzK.dpuf
Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.
Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of emotions in the hope that war won’t threaten the world again.
Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her differences. But then her secret is discovered when she’s overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.
The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk—a scientist being groomed by The Ten—convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the Scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.
As her life ticks a way, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along.
Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out.

- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-teen/team-novel-teen-blog-tour-info/#sthash.4PSkxBzK.dpuf
Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.
Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of emotions in the hope that war won’t threaten the world again.
Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her differences. But then her secret is discovered when she’s overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.
The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk—a scientist being groomed by The Ten—convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the Scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.
As her life ticks a way, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along.
Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out.

- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-teen/team-novel-teen-blog-tour-info/#sthash.4PSkxBzK.dpuf
Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.
Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of emotions in the hope that war won’t threaten the world again.
Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her differences. But then her secret is discovered when she’s overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.
The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk—a scientist being groomed by The Ten—convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the Scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.
As her life ticks a way, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along.
Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out.

- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-teen/team-novel-teen-blog-tour-info/#sthash.4PSkxBzK.dpuf
Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.
Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of emotions in the hope that war won’t threaten the world again.
Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her differences. But then her secret is discovered when she’s overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.
The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk—a scientist being groomed by The Ten—convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the Scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.
As her life ticks a way, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along.
Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out.

- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-teen/team-novel-teen-blog-tour-info/#sthash.4PSkxBzK.dpuf
Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.
Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of emotions in the hope that war won’t threaten the world again.
Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her differences. But then her secret is discovered when she’s overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.
The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk—a scientist being groomed by The Ten—convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the Scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.
As her life ticks a way, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along.
Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out.

- See more at: http://www.jillwilliamson.com/novel-teen/team-novel-teen-blog-tour-info/#sthash.4PSkxBzK.dpufADD LibrarianAudacious ReaderBlooming with BooksBookworm ReadingChristian Book Review BlogCTF DevourerJill WilliamsonKatie Clark WritesKatie McCurdyThe Life of a Teenage WriterThe Ramblings of a Young AuthorRealm of HeartsShadow Writer WorldWorthy2ReadWriting in SummertimeADD LibrarianAudacious ReaderBlooming with BooksBookworm ReadingChristian Book Review BlogCTF DevourerJill WilliamsonKatie Clark WritesKatie McCurdyThe Life of a Teenage WriterThe Ramblings of a Young AuthorRealm of HeartsShadow Writer WorldWorthy2ReadWriting in Summertime
ADD LibrarianAudacious ReaderBlooming with BooksBookworm ReadingChristian Book Review BlogCTF DevourerJill WilliamsonKatie Clark WritesKatie McCurdyThe Life of a Teenage WriterThe Ramblings of a Young AuthorRealm of HeartsShadow Writer WorldWorthy2ReadWriting in Summertime

 Have a lovely day!

~ a rambling author

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

The Other Side of Me: The Beginning

 Today I'm starting a series! Currently, it's tentatively called The Other Side of Me. I'm still trying to decide what day to post this series, as I'll be changing around my blog schedule very soon. The Other Side of Me will be about my other favorite hobby: Musical Theater. Sometimes with writing, theater, and various smaller hobbies, I tend to spread myself thin... right now with school and everything my only "hobbies" (though I view them as much more than that) are only writing and acting, along wth watching something now and again for relaxation. Here's a little background on how I got started, for today.

 Since I was a young girl, I wanted to be involved in acting in some form or other, but in my area I could never find anything. Finally, when I was about twelve or so, we heard about a home school acting group. We weren't sure how to get involved, but found out where it took place, and my mom drove me there. Unfortunately, the sign ups were over, but they promised to email us a few months later in January. January came. No email. My email could have been lost, or perhaps they merely forgot. Anyway, a few months passed, and I still wanted to act.

  I mentioned this desire to my piano teacher, who happened to know a woman who had helped put on a production of The Sound of Music. When my teacher wrote the woman's number on a sticky note, I excitedly showed it to my mom. Much to my disappointment at the time, my wise mother suggested we wait until September, since the woman was a teacher, and would most likely wait till school season.

 When September arrived, I brought it up again, and mom called the lady at last. Let's call her Mrs. A. (Love ya, Mrs. A!) Anyway, Mrs. A told mom that she was planning on doing Willy Wonka with director, Mrs. C in the spring. For now, however, she was starting a kids choir, and wondered if I would like to be involved. Since it was one step closer to my dream of acting. and I figured it could be fun, I said yes!

 One day every week, I went to choir practice, learning Christmas songs, and just having fun. We had a few small performances, but were working toward a Christmas concert to be held in a big rec center. I even had a small solo in the song Believe, which you may remember Josh Groban singing at the end of The Polar Express. My line was "There's no time to waste, there's so much to celebrate."

                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I even somehow got into the paper. Yes, this is back in my glasses and braces days on the left. :)



 Anyway, I think I've talked enough for today. This doesn't really talk all that much about theater, but this is what helped me get there. I hope you've enjoyed this somewhat different look into my life! 

 God bless!

~ a rambling author







Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Delay

 Due to some things that went on today... My official post will be up tomorrow. :)

Monday, September 16, 2013

Rachel Coker Birthday Giveaway!

 Hey readers! Head on over to Rachel Coker's website. She's giving away a grand total of eighteen books! Pretty awesome, right? Check it out!

~ a rambling author

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Burning Sky: A Book Review

 Hello all! Today, I'm reviewing Burning Sky by Lori Benton. I received this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review. 


From the back cover: “I remember the borders of our land, though I have been gone from them nearly half the moons of my life. But who there will remember me? What I have seen, what I have done, it has changed me."

 Abducted by Mohawk Indians at fourteen and renamed Burning Sky, Willa Obenchain is driven to return to her family’s New York frontier homestead after many years building a life with the People. At the boundary of her father’s property, Willa discovers a wounded Scotsman lying in her path. Feeling obliged to nurse his injuries, the two quickly find much has changed during her twelve-year absence—her childhood home is in disrepair, her missing parents are rumored to be Tories, and the young Richard Waring she once admired is now grown into a man twisted by the horrors of war and claiming ownership of the Obenchain land.

When her Mohawk brother arrives and questions her place in the white world, the cultural divide blurs Willa’s vision. Can she follow Tames-His-Horse back to the People now that she is no longer Burning Sky? And what about Neil MacGregor, the kind and loyal botanist who does not fit into in her plan for a solitary life, yet is now helping her revive her farm? In the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, strong feelings against “savages” abound in the nearby village of Shiloh, leaving Willa’s safety unsure.

Willa is a woman caught between two worlds. As tensions rise, challenging her shielded heart, the woman called Burning Sky must find a new courage--the courage to again risk embracing the blessings the Almighty wants to bestow. Is she brave enough to love again?

~

This book. What to say? This is the first book I've gotten from WaterBrook Multnomah for a while, and I chose it because the idea of a Mohawk captive returning home intrigued me. But it was so much more than that.

 The cover is beautiful. The depiction of green land, and a river cutting through it, with the fiery sky and a mysterious woman above it is breathtaking. The story is equally beautiful. Apparently, Lori Benton is an artist, and she is an artist of words as well. You can almost see her painting the words across the page, filling your mind with colors and description. 

 The description is awesome! (As stated!) Lori Benton blew me away with her attention to detail and historical accuracies. I still cannot believe she is a first time author. Seems crazy. You can tell she takes her writing serious and wants it to be the best she can make.

The characters! From Willa, who you might want to grab by the shoulders and shake a few times, to Neil MacGregor, the adorable, sweet, godly botanist Scotsman (one of my favorites), to two part Mohawk/part white settler children, the story will sweep you up with it's deep characters who all add something important to the tale. Other important characters are Francis, and Richard, who you will learn more about as you read.

This story has heart, and will touch you. Such sadness abounds in these pages, and it may make you a little teary eyed, but along with the grief, there is light, love, and joy! The continuing theme about the bruised reed shall He not break will give you hope.

I love stories about Native Americans, and find them so interesting. This has a large part to do with the fact that I have quite a bit of Cherokee blood in me from both sides of my family. It makes you think, what would life be like back in those days for you?

I recommend this book to any historical fiction lovers, or anyone who wants to give the genre a try, though I suggest the reader be at least fourteen due to themes discussed because of the horrors of war.

Pick up this book, and you will learn so much! Highly recommended.

Amazon link.

Also, I'm considering adding another day or two to my blogging schedule, and mixing things around. Something like... Tuesday: Book Reviews, Wednesday: Writing, Thursday: Life and drama. What do you think? Would you like to see more on the blog, with a more structured system? Let me know! (Also, these may not be the exact days, but I'll figure that out. :D)

~ a rambling author

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Daughter of Light Ebook Winner!

 Just on to announce the winner of Daughter of Light!

   Drum roll please!

 *DADADADADADADA*

 Heather Manning, congratulations! You are our winner! I'll send you an email to get all the info I need, and get you sent to the right place!

  Hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!

 ~ a rambling author

Thursday, September 5, 2013

ABC Reading Challenge - B - Before Midnight

 It's time for another special Thursday ABC Reading Challenge post! Today is the letter B for the book, Before Midnight by Cameron Dokey.

This book was part of a trilogy book given to me by my parents for Christmas that contained Before Midnight, Golden, and Wild Orchid. 

 I liked this book. I'm a fan of clean fairytale retelling, so I'm always eager to read a new one. This book was good. It was clean, had some interesting characters, and somewhat of a twist in the plot.

 My biggest complaint would be that Mrs. Dokey tends to write short, not with a lot of story/description, making this book only about 200 pages in length. But this is a nice story for a quick, relaxing read.


 Up next in my challenge should be the letter C, but I've already finished letter V- Viewers. We'll see if I decide to review that next, or keep to the "in order pattern."


 What about you? Are you taking part in the challenge? If so, how is it going? I'd have more read if it wasn't for my review books, and whatnot. But I'm enjoying reading through them as I can. Have you joined the challenge yet?

~ a rambling author

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Every Good Word {Link up!}

 So. I'm a bit late on this, but I decided to save it for my regular blogging day! (Speaking of which I'm considering adding another day to my schedule, but we'll see what happens.)

 This is the Every Good Word linkup! Every writer is tagged to answer twelve questions, so I've decided to join in and try it.
blog button                                                                                                                                                    

  1. What was your first-ever piece of writing? This is a hard one since I've been writing almost as long as I can remember. It was either a little Thanksgiving book based on one I had, or a little story called Princess Bethany. :P
  2. How old were you when you first began writing? I was about six years old when I started writing little stories, but who knows when I made them up in my head?
  3. Name two writing goals. One short term & one long term. Short term would be finishing my current projects, especially The Pauper's Masquerade which I want to finish this month. Long term would be to become published, and hopefully be able to share my stories with others. 
  4. Do you write fiction or non-fiction? Mainly fiction as far as writing books go. But I blog here, and at A Pinch of Classy, so I write some non-fiction as well.
  5. Bouncing off of question 4, what's your favorite genre to write in? I'd have to say... it's probably Christian spec fic. I love being able to use my imagination to create worlds, and characters, and strange, interesting situations. But I've written some suspense, and would love to try my hand at historical.
  6. One writing lesson you've learned since 2013 began. Don't procrastinate. I learned a harsh lesson by procrastinating typing up my handwritten novel, so now I have to re-write a bulk of the story because the large binder containing it went missing. This also applies to actually writing, because if you procrastinate, you'll never move forward. 
  7. Favorite author, off the top of your head! There are so many. I can't really name one. Francine Rivers, most definitely, Jill Williamson, and Wayne Thomas Batson? But there are so many.
  8. Three current favorite books. Uh... The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers, Band of Sisters by Cathy Gohlke, and either Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker, or Replication by Jill Williamson. 
  9. Biggest influence on your writing {person}: That's hard. Wayne Thomas Batson was the first Christian fantasy author I read and that really interested me. In the last year, though, through Go Teen Writers, Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson have really impacted me. Also, my family is supportive.
  10. What's your go-to writing music? I enjoy listening to instrumental music if I think of it. Haha. Two Steps From Hell is good. I need to discover more music! Today during school... not technically writing... but... I may write to it in the future, I listened to my friend Leah's original writing compositions.
  11. List three to five writing quirks of yours! Little habits, must-haves as you write, etc. Um. Word wars. They're a habit, but I don't always have it. Eating... I always seem to write when it's some kind of meal/snack time. :P One word sentences/sentence fragments that I think actually sound good. (Not all of my sentences are fragments! I avoid them except when they add to the story.) My grammar check hates me. Like... I can't breathe. Death. All around me.
  12. What, in three sentences or less, does your writing mean to you? My writing is one of the most important things in my life. It is a way of sharing a gift God gave me. It is a way for me to reach out to others, while enjoying myself.