  GIVEAWAY REQUIREMENTS 1. YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER OF EYO, 2. U.S. PARTICIPANTS ONLY |
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Fools for Books Giveaway Hop! (U.S. only)
Tgif #8
BOOK BLOGGER HOP AND FOLLOW ME FRIDAY! YAY!
WHAT IS THE BOOK THAT YOU REALLY DON'T WANT TO ADMIT TO LOVING?? |
Ok, here's the cheesiest answer ever - I absolutely love Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877 by Eric Foner as well as Highbrow/Lowbrow: The Emergence of Cultural Hierarchy in America by Lawrence Levine. Yeah, I majored in history and I'm a total dork, lol. I'll take this a step further since I'm also a movie buff and shamefully admit that Labyrinth, starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, is one of my all-time favorite movies. I really can't believe I just admitted one of my darkest secrets, hahaha. For those of you who have seen this movie, I swear, I am not crazy, just totally obsessed with David Bowie.
SINCE TODAY IS APRIL FOOL'S DAY IN THE USA, WHAT IS THE BEST PRANK YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED ON SOMEONE OR THAT SOMEONE HAS PLAYED ON YOU? |
Fun Question! This is another dorky answer - last year, the principal of the school where I was teaching announced at the end of the day that "due to a shortage of dairy products in Louisiana, we will no longer have pizza, ice cream, or grated cheese for the chili mac in the cafeteria." The chili mac was the highlight of everyone's week, and there was this roar of angry students and teachers coming from every classroom. Then she politely announced, "April Fool's." Trust me when I say that she was not well-liked by the students, parents or faculty, and after that little scare, I put her at the top of my hit list, lol. And karma can be a nastly little thing, because she was let go at the end of the year. Guess she'll never mess with anyone's chili mac again.
Thinking on Thursday #3
A: At the moment, I'm working on my very first urban fantasy novel, yay! The story will be set mainly in New Orleans, but some of the action will take place in the nearby River Parishes and possibly on the coast of Mississippi (Bay of St. Louis, Gulfport, & Bilouxi). I'm from Reserve, Louisiana which is a small town about halfway between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and I spent my wonderful undergraduate years in the city (sniffle sniffle, boy do I miss that place). I also have family in southern Mississipi. I definitely want to incorporate all of the places I know and love into my novel. New Orleans is one of my favorite places - the history of the city is absolutely amazing, and I have endless amounts of paranormal folklore to work with. It's one of the most beautiful, culturally rich places on the planet and the perfect setting for my story.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Writing on Wednesday #3
I always knew I was different, not just the "sort of odd" or "eccentric" kind of different, but different from the entire human population. I've always felt something inside of me, something special. Wait, special isn't the right word. Unique, that's it. If I was standing in a crowded room, I always stood out, even when I tried to blend in with the others. It was as if I had a "HERE I AM! LOOK AT ME!" sign permanently stuck to my back. But the weirdest thing was that I didn't stick out like a sore thumb, only certain people noticed my uniqueness, and after they knew what I was their only goal was to make me one of their own.
Little did they know that if they tried to possess me, I would actually be the one to possess them and take hold of them from the depths of their souls. Over the years I've discovered that vulnerable appearances can lure even the hardest of hearts. It is for this reason that I usually keep to myself and shy away from company. That is, I did... until I met Her. She had red hair and green eyes and dark skin and something about her, well, I don't know, her aura, called out to me.
It had been so long since I actually opened myself up to another person, let someone else in completely. I had lost so many friends, family, and lovers because of what I had become, and although I feared that I would take her life, some part of me needed her. I yearned for a friend, someone who could share my hopes and dreams, a shoulder to cry on when I couldn't get the images of the ones I had taken out of my head. I can't explain it, but I just knew she was what I had been searching for throughout my entire lonely existence.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Interview & Giveaway with Amy Plum
EMBRACE YOUR ODDITIES DELIGHTFULLY WELCOMES NOVELIST AMY PLUM, TO THE BLOG TO DISCUSS HER UPCOMING NOVEL, DIE FOR ME (Revenants #1).
(BTW, I'M ONE OF HER BIGGEST FANS!)
Don't forget to check out the sweet giveaway following the interview!
Embrace Your Oddities: Describe your feelings about the upcoming release of your very first published novel.
Amy Plum: I have been waiting for this for over a year now, and my emotions have done roller-coaster shaped swoops this whole time. Right now we’re at six weeks before release and the positive reviews are starting to roll in, so I’m feeling pretty good about it. Before there were any professional critiques and it was all one huge question mark, I was pretty darn nervous! I’m just waiting for my freak-out when I actually see DIE FOR ME on a shelf in a bookstore.
EYO: What inspired you to write Die for Me?
AP: I had just written a book in a completely different genre, and was ready for a brand new project. And since I had recently read Twilight and was swept away by the story (and pretty hooked on Edward, I will admit!), I thought I’d give YA a try. I wanted to create a love story in the same style, but with very different characters and in a setting that is as magical as they are.
EYO: The Revenants are unlike any other paranormal beings I have seen thus far. How did you come up with this unique group of characters?
AP: When I decided I wanted to write a YA paranormal book, I spent a few days trying to figure out the type of being I would write about. I actually sat down and made a list: ghosts, vampires, mummies, werewolves, angels, demons, and on to the diverse mythological beings. I thought about each one and what I could do with it, and it was almost like dating. I just waited for one to catch my eye and be crushworthy (Not in a makey-outie way, but in a “I could write a whole book about this and not get bored” way.)
None did. But I kept coming back to “gods” and “zombies” and finally decided to try to find a way to combine the two. I wasn’t even able to plan it. I just started writing, and worked the revenants out as I went along. It actually felt like they already existed, and I was just discovering them. I think it was Stephen King who refers to that process as excavating fossils. Well that’s totally how it worked for me.
EYO: Why did you choose Paris as the setting for Die for Me?
AP: Because I lived there for five years and am deeply and truly in love with the city. A big chunk of my heart is dedicated to it, and when I’m there I feel like I’m home. There is also the point that new writers are told to “write what they know”, and I do know Paris. But it was actually a guilty pleasure setting my story there because I could write about Paris ALL DAY LONG.
EYO: How many books are you anticipating for the Revenants series?
AP: I am anticipating three, although it seems one never knows nowadays!
EYO: I noticed that on your website there is a small portion of your story told from Vincent’s point of view. Do you plan to continue the book/series in this manner after you have completed it from Kate’s perspective?
AP: I plan on writing little tidbits for my characters from different perspectives, but just for my site. I haven’t planned a book from Vincent’s perspective, although it would be interesting because his writing style is so different from Kate’s. It would be fun to do spinoffs, or even back-in-time spinoffs about the former lives of the other revenants.
EYO: Would you consider writing an adult paranormal romance series in the future?
AP: I’m working on an idea for another YA paranormal series...I haven’t decided yet how
much romance will come into it. It definitely won’t be of the Kate and Vincent type – I don’t think I could top their romance! Same with an adult paranormal romance. Right now, I can only see doing this one romance and giving it my all.
EYO: Being a southern girl (like myself) and growing up in such a unique culture, would you ever consider writing a series set in the deep South?
AP: I have thought of doing a stand alone book, in the style of YaYa Sisterhood, but WAY darker.EYO: Have you decided on a title for the second book in the Revenants series, and what is your target date for its release?
AP: No – I didn’t actually choose the first title (I had called it SLEEPWALKING). And I’m ridiculously useless at thinking up titles. So I expect it’s my editor who is going to be the title-creator again!EYO: Who/What is your favorite…
author? AP: At the moment – Neil Gaiman
book? AP: A Winter’s Tale, Mark Helprin
actor/actress? AP: Colin Firth / Frances McDormand
movie? AP: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
band? AP: I don’t really follow bands – I just like individual songs. The last band-crush I had though was the Dandy Warhols.
song? AP: At the moment – Optimist, New Young Pony Club
NFL/College football teams? AP:I don’t know any NFL teams, but suppose I would be expected to support either Alabama or Auburn since I grew up there! (I don’t watch sports. Ever.)
color? AP: Blue
quote? AP: "Flowers lead to books, which lead to thinking and not thinking and then more flowers and music, music. Then many more flowers and many more books." Maira Kalman
EYO: If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
AP: Dreamer.
AP: Dream big. You are worthy.
MORE ABOUT DIE FOR ME
In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.
When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.
Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.
In this incandescent debut, newcomer Amy Plum has created a powerful paranormal mythology with immortal revenants. The Paris setting comes enchantingly alive as a relentless struggle between good and evil takes place in its streets. Rich with romance, atmosphere, and thrills, Die for Me will leave readers breathlessly awaiting its sequel. Amazon.com)
When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.
Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.
In this incandescent debut, newcomer Amy Plum has created a powerful paranormal mythology with immortal revenants. The Paris setting comes enchantingly alive as a relentless struggle between good and evil takes place in its streets. Rich with romance, atmosphere, and thrills, Die for Me will leave readers breathlessly awaiting its sequel. Amazon.com)
ABOUT AMY PLUM
Amy Plum grew up in Birmingham, Alabama before venturing further afield to Chicago, Paris, London and New York. An art historian by training, she finally traded a tiny apartment in Brooklyn for a rambling farmhouse in a village of 1300 people in the French countryside. She lives there with her French husband, two young children and big red dog Ella, and spends her time writing in a tiny ancient stone house in her garden. (from amyplumbooks.com)A special thanks to Amy for being so eager to discuss her novel (and her life) with me. She is a true inspiration and a beautiful person.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Movie Monday #3
This funny and uplifting romantic comedy features outstanding performances from Juliette Lewis (ENOUGH), Diane Keaton (HANGING UP, THE FIRST WIVES CLUB), and Tom Skerritt (CONTACT) in a great star-packed cast! Even though Carla (Lewis) has grown into a very capable young woman, her nervous mother (Keaton) still has a major meltdown when Carla announces she's in love for the first time! So as Carla and her new boyfriend (Giovanni Ribisi, GONE IN 60 SECONDS, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN) set out to experience all of life's great adventures, they're also out to prove that Carla has earned her independence! The latest big-screen favorite from Garry Marshall, the acclaimed director of PRETTY WOMAN and RUNAWAY BRIDE -- you're sure to cheer this feel-good treat!
I REALLY CONNECTED WITH THE CHARACTERS IN THIS MOVIE, MOSTLY BECAUSE MY FAMILY SITUATION IS VERY MUCH LIKE THE TATE'S. MY YOUNGER SISTER (SHE'S NOT SO YOUNG ANYMORE, TURNING 26 IN AUGUST) IS MILDLY MENTALLY RETARDED AND REMINDS ME SO MUCH OF CARLA. THROUGHOUT MOST OF HER LIFE, MY PARENTS TRIED TO PROTECT HER FROM THE WORLD, TERRIFIED THAT SOMETHING MIGHT HAPPEN TO HER IF THEY GAVE HER TOO MUCH FREEDOM. AND AS YOU WOULD EXPECT, IT PUT A LOT OF STRAIN ON THEIR RELATIONSHIP. I THINK MY DAD BLAMED HIMSELF FOR MY SISTER'S DISABILITY, AND OF COURSE IT WAS NOT HIS FAULT, NOT ANYONE'S FAULT - GOD JUST HAD A DIFFERENT PLAN FOR HER - SO HE MADE A PROMISE TO HIMSELF THAT HE WOULD ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF HER, ALWAYS PROTECT HER. BUT WHILE SHE WAS, AND STILL IS, VERY CHILDLIKE, SHE BEGAN TO WANT TO DO THINGS FOR HERSELF, WANTED TO BE MORE INDEPENDENT, AND THAT CAUSED A LOT OF PROBLEMS BETWEEN HER AND MY MOM. MY MOM FINALLY CONVINCED MY FATHER THAT THEY SHOULD AT LEAST TRY TO GIVE HER SOME FREEDOM, LET HER LEAD A SOMEWHAT NORMAL LIFE AS AN ADULT, SO HE AGREED TO BUILD HER A SMALL EFFICIENCY APARTMENT NEXT TO MY HOUSE.
HE FINALLY LET GO (A LITTLE), AND MY SISTER HAS BEEN LIVING ON HER OWN FOR ALMOST 4 YEARS NOW. SHE FINALLY HAS HER INDEPENDENCE, AND MY PARENTS FEEL SECURE KNOWING THAT SHE IS RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO ME SO I CAN HELP HER IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. SINCE MY SISTER MOVED OUT OF THEIR HOUSE, THEY HAVE BEEN SPENDING MUCH MORE TIME TOGETHER, GOING ON TRIPS, HAVING FUN, AND DOING ALL OF THE OTHER SORTS OF THINGS THAT PARENTS WITH GROWN CHILDREN SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO. DON'T GET ME WRONG, THIS DIDN'T SOLVE ALL OF OUR PROBLEMS, BUT IT DID BRING US ALL CLOSER TOGETHER - RATHER THAN ARGUING EVERY TIME WE ARE IN THE SAME ROOM, WE ENJOY EACH OTHER'S COMPANY AND CHERISH THE MOMENTS WE HAVE TOGETHER.
SO, I GUESS THAT'S WHY I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS MOVIE. THE FIRST TIME I WATCHED IT, I WAS AMAZED AT HOW MUCH CARLA'S FAMILY WAS LIKE MY OWN (EXCEPT THAT HER MOM WAS THE PROTECTOR AND HER DAD WANTED TO GIVE HER FREEDOM), AND IT MADE ME FEEL BETTER KNOWING THAT THERE WERE OTHER FAMILIES OUT THERE THAT KNEW EXACTLY WHAT WE HAD GONE THROUGH FOR SO LONG. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ANYONE WHO HAS, OR KNOWS SOMEONE WITH A MENTALLY CHALLENGED FAMILY MEMBER, SHOULD WATCH THIS MOVIE. AND IF YOU DON'T FALL INTO THAT CATEGORY, WATCH IT ANYWAY!
Friday, March 25, 2011
tgif #7!
This week's featured blogger is Rebecca from
Confessions of a Page Turner
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Giveaway Winner!
Review of River Marked by Patrica Briggs
BY PATRICIA BRIGGS
Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She's never known any others of her kind. Until now.
An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River-one that her father's people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help...
As much as it pains me to say this, I did not enjoy River Marked as much as I expected I would. I am a huge fan of Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series, but this book did not fully satisfy my craving for the suspense and romance that the previous books contained. But please understand that I have formed my opinions by looking at the book as a part of a series. It was extremely difficult for me to review River Marked as a stand-alone book, and I felt that comparing it to the others in the series would result in a more valuable review for those who have also read the other books.
I appreciate Briggs’s integration of Native American culture and folklore into this story, but I feel that it would have had a greater impact on me if she had narrowed the focus on this particular theme. There were just too many details, and I quickly lost interest in the theme. I loved the new characters, especially Coyote, but after a while they were buried beneath all of the folklore.
Stephan’s reappearance at the beginning of River Marked was extremely interesting and brought a lot of mystery and thrill to the pages but ended a bit too quickly. I also missed the excitement of the urban atmosphere and the other major characters and was a bit disappointed by the absence of Adam’s Pack, the Vampires, Jesse, Samuel, Bran, and Zee, among others. One of the things I love most about this series is the uniqueness of the characters Briggs created, and I feel that the story lost the zest that the other books contained.
I won’t spoil the story for those of you who have not yet read River Marked, but I will say that the first major event in the book was absolutely beautiful and warmed my heart. What started out as a friendly relationship between Mercy and Adam finally evolved into a pure, romance. Although I missed the steaminess of their relationship, I also appreciated that Brigg approached their relationship from a deeper, yet gentler angle.
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