Summertime Madness Book Tag

Alas…It already looks like summer is leaving us here in good old Canada. Today, it’s grey, damp and rainy. I won’t complain because we’ve had a lovely summer even if it only lasts two months here. Plus, I got tagged by Melissa Barker-Simpson for this lovely Summertime Book Tag and I can’t wait to share in. (thank you for thinking of me Melissa!)

Here are the questions (and none of them are crazy exam-like questions):

• Show a book with a summery cover.

(credit:goodreads.com)

And yes, I read this one and absolutely loved, loved it. Mary Balogh is amazing.

• Pick one fictional place that would be the perfect destination for a summer vacation!

I would love to visit England for the summer. I’ve been and it’s just beautiful, full of incredible culture and wonderful people. True, my hubby is British, so I’m a little biased. If I had to choose another destination, I’d love to see the East Coast of Canada. Halifax and Nova Scotia. They’re gorgeous places and I’ve never been.

• You’re about to go on a flight to your summer vacation. But you want to read a book that lasts for the whole flight, what novella do you choose?

Depends how long the flight is. If we’re talking only a couple of hours, then I’d reread a book. Right now I’m rereading the Archangel series by Nalini Singh. It’s one of those I keep reading over and over.

If the flight was transatlantic, about 6 or 8 hours, then I’d choose a new book. I’d like to take something I haven’t read yet. Right now I’m reading a Chaos novel by Kristen Ashley. It’s nice and thick, she’s a reliable author and I’d love to have a few hours to just read and read.

On a very long  flight, I’d love to take something out of genre that I would read. I like to read Jodi Picoult…Its not my usual thing but I like the way she writes. Or something completely different for me. Just take a chance and test something off the shelf. You never know what you’ll find!

Okay…one thing is obvious, I sure can ramble! Time to shorten these answers!

• You have a case of summertime sadness what happy book do you pick up to shine a smile on your face?

Anything by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I just finished one by her and she’s outstanding. Though, for honesty’s sake, I’d have to add that reading anything romance cheers me up.

• You’re sitting at the beach all alone…which fictional character would be your beach babe?

Ah….beach babe?…….Ah…….ahem….let’s see….ah….

• To match your ice cream you want an icy cool sidekick! Which fictional side kick do you pick?

Ah…side kick? I thought these questions were going to be easy!….ah….I’m going to choose my doggies…and thank Callum for the idea!

• Share the Summertime Happiness! Who do you TAG?

Oh…here we are! The end! Hm…who do I tag…hee hee…the power…hee hee. I choose….Infinitefreetime, aka Luther M. Siler. Ha!

 

BE PREPARED FOR ACTION! #MONDAYBLOG #1000SPEAK

Inspired by this post from Melissa Barker-Simpson, I thought I’d join in and add some beautiful quotes on compassion. Meanwhile, to find out more about the project, click here.

BE PREPARED FOR ACTION! #MONDAYBLOG #1000SPEAK

Inspired by this post from Melissa Barker-Simpson, I thought I’d join in and add some beautiful quotes on compassion. Meanwhile, to find out more about the project, click here.

BE PREPARED FOR ACTION! #MONDAYBLOG #1000SPEAK

Inspired by this post from Melissa Barker-Simpson, I thought I’d join in and add some beautiful quotes on compassion. Meanwhile, to find out more about the project, click here.

Posts I loved this week

This week was absolutely incredible in posts. I try to keep these posts manageable because there’s a limit to ridiculousness but these couldn’t be kept out, ridiculous length or not. Like teens say, they’re absolutely ‘Tha bomb’.

The 100 best websites for Writers is an awesome post that I immediately added to this list. A huge thank you to The Write Life for that great resource.

In April, there’s a great Blogging challenge to blog topics from A to Z. It’s awesome and not just because of the letters but because truly great posts appear. Check out the schedule for Sourcerer and a little intro on the challenge. This is going to be soooo good! I can’t wait.

I love If We were having Coffee posts. Just eat them up. I think they might have started off in Part Time Monster. They’re intimate and personal and I feel like I get a little update of the person and how they’re doing. Check out this one by Winter Bayne. Isn’t it lovely?

This week, Positive Writer posted the Top 50 Writing Blogs for 2015. A fantastic post you can check out here.

Okay, this one is a little self-serving but Just Gene’O came out with this wonderful new feature to share some blog love around. It’s just like him because he’s truly a very kind person. But don’t go too far. Check out this other post on the same blog with some very cool ideas and news coming up in this awesome blog!

If you’re looking for a little promo for your book, check out this post by Ch’kara Silverwolf. Isn’t that an awesome gesture of kindness? A huge thanks to her for that wonderful gift to all authors.

I found this post through Steve Vernon. He often reblogs awesome posts and this one is one of them. 6 Reasons why you should be reading books by Alana Munro. I had no idea reading was so beneficial!

If you’re trying to contact a literary agent but don’t want to go the traditional ‘query letter’ route, try this post on 4 different ways to do so from Writers In the Storm.

The 1000 Voices Speaking for Compassion is doing awesome. Check out the brand new blog at WordPress supporting this great project.

Natacha Guyot‘s debut post on Sourcerer was a thing of beauty with a wonderful message. Check it out here.

I’ve spoken about The Story Reading Ape before but this blog is amazing. Not only is it full of every resource an author could want (everything from places to get reviews, to covers, to editing help), it also has reviews of other books so you can find your next great read.

Okay, don’t miss this post. I absolutely loved it. It’s got humour that made me laugh, a beautiful story, pictures and fantastic writing all in one post. A big, huge thank you to Just Ponderin’ for this one…and…have you ever thought of writing a book?

For all those fans of Melissa Barker-Simpson (like me!) out there, here’s a very special bit of good news! She’s taking part in the A to Z challenge this April. Her writing is fresh, funny and so captivating. Those posts are going to be awesome!

Looking for a good book for February? Check out this post from the BookChick with all the upcoming releases in that month and covers to tempt your taste buds!

So true, Wise Ink has these 5 Myths about Self-Publishing.

On a completely different note, I loved this post by The Tiny Buddha, 10 Things to Stop Doing If You Want to Be Happy. So wise and true!

Melissa Barker-Simpson is looking for contributors to the Writing Room 101. Check out the post and see if you’re interested.

A beautifully written post on Feminism, Gene’O explains the whys and reasons in such a kind, fluid way that it reminded me of Emma Watson’s speech at the United Nations on the same topic. A huge thank you to Part Time Monster for that wonderful post.

The Story Reading Ape reblogged this great post with five videos of Real Editors giving Writing Advice. A great resource in an amazing blog.

Finally, a friendly quote from a famous doctor. 🙂

(credit:earlymoments.com)

BE PREPARED FOR ACTION! #MONDAYBLOG #1000SPEAK

Inspired by this post from Melissa Barker-Simpson, I thought I’d join in and add some beautiful quotes on compassion. Meanwhile, if you want to find out more about the project, click here.

Posts I loved this week

This was a phenomenal week online. Everywhere I looked there was another outstanding post. As a result, this post is a little on the long side. Don’t look at me. You guys are the ones who produced these amazing gems! 🙂

A Writer’s Path has a great post on what to do if you’re stuck (like me) and have trouble writing (or editing). I found this post (and blog) via Steve Vernon who reblogged it, so he deserves the credit because the post is awesome. Check out this Writer’s Toolbox and see why.

A wonderfully uplifting post, Think Positive reminded me of just how difficult writing is for everyone, including the Greats. A huge thank you to Callum Mclaughlin for that wonderful post!

Much is said about trolls online. Here’s a wonderful post with confessions from a former troll with tips on how to deal with them and maintain your serenity. Learn from one who has been there on the fantastic blog 99u.

A huge congrats to Natacha Guyot for the release of her book ‘A Galaxy of Possibilities – Representation and Storytelling in Star Wars’. Long awaited, it looks awesome!

A wonderful blog with great writing and beautiful initiatives, Part Time Monster is one of my favourite blogs for good reason. Check out this post and see why.

A very exciting blog, Sourcerer now has new contributors and features. I, for one, never miss a post on this blog. And while you’re there, check out this book review by  Rebecca Bradley. Its the first of a series. Isn’t it awesome?

Sick of hearing bad news? Try this incredible true story by Suzie81 Speaks. And while you’re there, check out these hilarious posts: How to know when you’re a teacher and 21 ways to annoy your teacher or these blogging tips. This blog is awesome!!

Writeonsisters has a great post with tips for Authors on their site. And while you’re there, check out another amazing post this time on editing. Another incredible site!!

This one is reading at its best. I found Compassion in Action from The Qwiet Muse via Sourcerer in Twitter and I can’t thank him enough. What a lovely post and a wonderful blog! I love this quote: “sometimes we choose what to write, sometimes we write what chooses us.” I will definitely follow this one!

If you’re wondering about joining #1000Speak, check out this incredible post on the subject by Drifting through My Open Mind. Beautifully written, it’s inspirational. A huge thank you to Drifting Through for that wonderful post! And that’s not all on this wonderful project, Melissa Barker-Simpson has started these Monday Posts that are an amazing way to lead up to Feb 20th. And EVEN more great news, check out the blog that was born out of this idea, #1000Speak for Compassion. What an amazing demonstration of the goodness in humanity!

A huge congratulations to Crystin Goodwin for that awesome cover for her second book, Fire Blessed. I’m so pumped for this book!

For a laugh and sheer enjoyment, try this post by Inside The Life Of Moi. I laugh so hard at the posts on this blog!

Finally, a little quote from someone you might recognize.

(credit: viacharacterblog.org)

Posts I loved this week

From exciting new announcements to awesome roundups, this week has everything! If you’re off, have a happy, restful holiday and if you’re around, we’ll be chatting soon! Thanks to everyone for creating awesome posts that enable me to write this one!

The top 11 posts from Infinitefreetime. Here’s the top 11 reasons why this blog has exploded onto the web.

Check out the new look for Sourcerer! Isn’t it awesome? Easy to navigate, accessible, neat and still has that awesome header. I love it! Plus, it has exciting new changes!!

If you’re considering querying agents, this post is for you. From Writers in the Storm, a nifty check list to help you prep that all-important letter.

If you’re into photography, That Montreal Girl is a great blog for you. Check out this beautiful shot in black and white.

For those indie authors considering putting their books on print, Musings and Marvels has some options for you that won’t break the bank.

New, exciting and upcoming, these books are getting released in the next few months. Book Chick with Kick has them organized by month with links and covers. A huge thank you to her for getting them all organized like that and sharing them with us!

A huge congratulations to David C. Cassidy, fantastic author, blogger and photographer to name a few, for his new release The Dark. So exciting and now available here.

Amos M. Carpenter hit it right on the head with this post about the holiday season. So true!

Finally, OMG! I’m so excited about this one. Melissa Barker-Simpson’s new announcement had me doing a little happy dance! How awesome is that!

(credit:quotesworthrepeating.com)

P.S. Did you find any awesome posts that I missed? Let me know!

Posts I loved this week

It’s the end of November and, like our American neighbours, I’m feeling incredibly grateful for everything I have, a job, a wonderful husband and two very silly and loving dogs. In that list, I also have the gift of a wonderful community of bloggers and writers who support and inspire me. Thank you so much for these wonderful posts!

Such a beautiful and uplifting post, I loved this one by Rachel Mankowitz. Dogs are such a gift…I just need to remember that when mine wake me up on the weekend. 🙂

Very cool announcement from Infinitefreetime about his books! All kinds of goodies in this one!

This one is a great post on how to build your book from Live to Write – Write to Live. It even includes tips with Scrivener (a favourite of mine).

A wonderful thank you from Melissa Barker-Simpson. It’s no surprise because she’s so kind, but did you know she’s an amazing author? I loved her books. Loved them!

This is what’s coming up on Sourcerer, point by point. This is one blog I never miss. And this post was no exception. Updates are so exciting!

Margarita Morris had this beautiful version of the very popular: If we were having coffee.

A very talented author, photographer and graphic designer, David C. Cassidy just revealed the cover for his next book The Dark. It looks absolutely awesome. Check it out here.

Part Time Monster had this great countdown of posts they’d like to write. Great ideas mixed into a great post, I absolutely loved it.

Finally, this wonderful post about self-care for writers from Writer Unboxed that had me reading it twice. It’s certainly advice I could use, so I thought I’d share it.

And just to make you smile,

Posts I loved this week

This week we got a ton of snow but a great set of posts to offset that weather. If I missed something that you found awesome, let me know!

I am in awe of Winter Bayne‘s workout plan. It’s incredibly dedicated (just like her) and thorough. My hat goes off to her.

A huge congrats to Natacha Guyot on her upcoming book! So exciting!

Looking for reviews for your book? Laekan Zea Kemp has accumulated a list of 555 reviewers for indie authors. You heard that right, 555! If you go to the site, give her a huge thanks for sharing that list!

Interesting Literarture had the top 10 poems everyone should read from T. S. Eliot. A fantastic read even for those of us (like me) who can only appreciate poems with mild understanding of their wonder.

Infinitefreetime’s post on his bathroom reno is hilarious. I remember him starting that project a year ago…So funny.

A very interesting post, Sequels I can’t Wait for, was an instant hit with me. I love reading about upcoming books. A huge thanks to My Friend The Writer for this post!

That Montreal Girl has a series of posts on how-to photography that blow my head off–She even has examples to show what she means! Check them out here or here.

False Awakening is on sale and if you haven’t got your copy of this awesome book, this is your chance. Check it out here on Callum McLaughlin.

Part Time Monster has a weekly post that counts down favourite things. It’s something I look forward to because I love countdowns. This week’s was particularly cute. Check it out here.

Writers in the Storm has this great post for writers who use Twitter. It has the 12 best Hashtags for writers.

If you’re looking for a neat blog to follow, check out this post by Just Gene’O where he explains what’s what in this awesome blog. Pretty neat. Just saying.

Very, very exciting, Melissa Barker-Simpson released her latest novel The Fifth Watcher. Have I mentioned how much I love her writing? Check it out here.

A great post for those trying to get an agent, this one has examples of successful queries and explains why they were successful. A huge thanks to Aussie Writers.

For the bloggers out there, three tips for getting your post noticed from Steve Vernon.

Finally, a little thought on writing.