Disney Themed Stained Glass

So I've been a little radio silent the last few days beccause I've been helping my hubby work on his business. But I figured I'd break this silence to share with you some awesome stained glass art I've been looking at. I'd kill to have collections of this stuff. Take a gander.

Disney Themed:

I love the Beauty and the Beast one. Which is your favorite?

Kissing Scene for Cupid's Literary Connection

Hello everyone! Welcome to the blog! Whether your a follower or jumping over from Cupid's Literary Connection for the Kissing Competition, I hope you enjoy this little excerpt from my YA fantasy GARDEN OF THORNS.

*Please know that I am an honorary mention only, as my entry #102 has been pushed through by one amazing bouncer*

The set-up: Rose has just escaped from being captured and fought her way back to the rebel camp. Rayce, the rebel leader who has always been there for her, awkwardly enters her tent and tells her that he was worried she might be dead and that made him realize just how important she is to him.
________________________

He rests his forehead on mine, placing a hand on either side of my face so that all I can see is the scar that mars his tanned skin and his eyes that appear almost black this close.

“Then I’m yours, Rose,” he says, his rough fingers trailing down my face to the hollow of my neck.

He’s giving himself to me, a possession I can’t place on my shelf next to my scissors or borrowed belt. Something I can’t lose. The most precious thing I’ve ever been offered. He deserves to hear it too for being everything I never even dreamed could be possible.

“And I’m yours,” I whisper, letting my fingers travel over the scratchy surface of his chin to trace the lines of his marking near his left eye.

My words earn me inches. He leans in, closing the space between us, sealing our words with something deeper than promises, stronger than steel. I tilt up my face, my own mouth tingling as I meet him inch by slow inch, breath by breath, heartbeat for heartbeat. Our mouths meet as lost and hesitant as he looked when he first walked in. But they keep working, finding their meaning in the words we spoke. He pulls me closer, his hands gripping the middle of my arms like I might pull away. I press in to his hard body, feel the way he doesn’t even have to move for me to fit him.

We fall deeper into each other, his hands finding their way to the hem of my tunic, sneaking up under it to press warmly against the small of my back. I nearly tip over as his mouth travels down the line of my jaw, planting kisses on skin I never even knew could feel warmth.

For once in my life I don’t measure time passing with the sound of our breathing. They aren’t any heartbeats ticking out seconds or stories to weave into the empty space. Right now there is just me and him. I am so whole I'm spilling over and Rayce’s lips catch every last drop.

________________________



So there is it! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Love to hear what you think and I look forward to reading some kissy scene from the other entries.

Thanks!

On Writing...Or Where I've Been

I realize it's been a few days since I've actually posted something. I had a few things ready to go (and I hope you are all enjoying these Marcus Finch clues!) but I wanted to do a quick post about where I have been.

Basically, I've been editing my newest novel and entering the query letter into a contest. I've been too anxious about the contest to do much of anything else besides refresh the screen and see if I made it into the next round.

Why am I telling you all this?

Well, two reasons.

The first is that I wrote a book that I am in love with. It's the best thing I've ever written and I really hope to be able to share it all with you one day.

The second reason is that a snippet will be appearing on the blog on Feb. 4th. Part of the contest I entered requested us to post a kissing scene up to be judged by a group of writers and the fellow contest entrants. I thought this was a super fun way to celebrate Valentine's Day so you'll see a snippet of my novel appear on the blog Feb. 4th.

I'm so proud and happy to tell you that my query and first 250 words passed through to the second round and this kissy snippet is just for fun.

But for those of you who have noticed an absence the last week, now you know why it's been that way!

An Awesome Gift Idea

I posted about my husband doing shadow boxes before on the blog when he first started out but I wanted to do another post now so you can see just how beautiful and versatile they are.

Basically what he does is takes an image, simplifies the style and then proceeds to cut that image out of paper card stock from scratch. All his computer mock-ups are free so you will get a pretty decent idea of how your box will look before he starts.

For a regular box (not too advanced in design) he is charging $45 plus shipping. This includes the frame.

For a premium box he is charging $60 plus shipping. Also includes the frame.

Here is his commission info so you can see how awesome they are and how exact the digital mock-ups are to the finished product:

Here are a few of my favorite boxes he's completed so far:

Bumblebee:

DJ Pon3:

Princess Celestia:

Princess Luna:

Twilight Sparkle:

Harry Potter:

He can pretty much do anything at this point. Maybe you are a Whovian like myself and want him to do an awesome Dalek or you love Supernatural and want one of the brothers leaning against their car. I'm still holding him to his promise to make me one of Toothless from How to Train You Dragon or perhaps you want a custom mockingjay from The Hunger Games. The possibilities are endless and it is sure to be something unique that no one else will have.

These all look even better in person with the definition popping off the wall. I highly suggest snatching up one for yourself and if you are feeling particularly generous, you might even want to get one for a friend. Bumblebee up there is going out as a Valentine's Day gift. That is one lucky guy!

Anyway, I wanted to update you all and hope you'll take a look around his gallery. I am so proud of him right now that I could burst!

WriteOnCon Midwinter Pitchfest!

I was approached by Carrie Harris about an awesome event that is going to be held in March called the Midwinter Pitchfest hosted by WriteOnCon. Not only does this sound like a great event to participate in but it is also really good timing for me since I just finished editing my WIP and will be hitting the querying circuits soon.

Here's more info on the event from the people at WriteOnCon:

We here at WriteOnCon have decided that we sleep too much. To rectify that, we're organizing a mid-winter "Luck 'O the Irish" pitch-fest, where agents, book bloggers, and authors will team up to read and vote for the best pitches of 2013.

You read that right! A pitch-fest! At WriteOnCon!

But you won't need a pot 'o gold--or a lucky leprechaun--to participate, because our goal is to make sure you're well prepared. After all, we have bonafide literary agents coming to this thing! Yes, they will be reading the pitches, and yes, they are looking to sign clients. It could be you!

Not a writer? WE STILL NEED YOU! We're recruiting book bloggers and readers to spread the word and to vote for their favorites. Advocate for the books you want to see published--contact us at writeoncon@gmail.com to become an official WOC 2013 Pitch-Fest Blogger. You'll even get a special button. Ooooo. Shiny buttons.

The details:
--Pitch-fest runs from March 18-22. Authors, book bloggers, readers, and our fabulous literary agents will be voting on the pitches. The favorites in each category will win prizes, including some great agent feedback or membership in the official WriteOnCon mentorship program!

--There will only be a limited number of pitches accepted. That number is unknown at this time, because it depends on how many agents attend. We're still recruiting agents and will let you know the final numbers as soon as we do! Pitches will be selected randomly, so it doesn’t matter what time zone you live in.

--The agents have selected their top three genres, and pitches will ONLY be accepted in those genres. Again, all genres are unknown at this time as we're still finalizing agents, but don't worry. We will make announcements about genres and numbers as things solidify (sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss a thing!). At this time, we are only focusing on the children's market, so you can know now that this pitch-fest will focus only on middle grade and young adult genres.

--We're announcing this now, before all details are finalized, because we're running a "perfect your pitch" workshop in February. This will take place in the WriteOnCon forums, and will work much the same as the query critique boards do during the annual WOC. You will post your pitch, and your peers will critique it. We will have posts from industry professionals on writing pitches and genre classification.

We're doing this for a good reason. We want your pitch to be as perfect as possible once the submission window hits in March. We will only be accepting your entry for the pitch-fest one time. We will not change your genre or edit your pitch after it has been submitted. This workshop during February is the time for you to fine-tune your pitch and get feedback about which genre your novel really belongs in.

--Only one pitch per person. Put forth your best work.

--Pitches should be for polished and query-ready novels only. That means if you haven't finished your novel yet, you shouldn't pitch. Still revising? Don't pitch. The agents attending are looking for material, and when they request, you want to be ready to send out your novel. We're announcing early to give you time to finish!

Dates to know:
February 18-March 10 - Forum peer pitch critiques (Carolin has the forum boards built! Check them out HERE)
March 11-13 - Submission of final pitches (this will be done through a Google form, NOT in the forum--details to come!)
March 14-17 - We build the boards in the forum (they will be hidden until March 18)
March 18-22 - Voting and commenting by literary agents, mentor authors, and book bloggers

We can't wait to see you at the Luck o' the Irish Pitch-Fest! Watch the WOC newsletter and site for more updates as we get closer to liftoff. Yeah, that was totally a mixed metaphor.
I know I'm going to be there! Will you?

Bout of Books 6.0 Wrap Up

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and runs through Sunday, January 13th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 6.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. -From the Bout of Books 6.0 team

This whole thing would have gone a lot better if I hadn't gotten sick during half of it. I did have a lot of fun when I could participate and the highlight for me was the Twitter chat I joined in with on Wednesday.

My total status are a bit sad but here they are:
Total pages: 276
Books finished: 1 (Beautiful Creatures)
Goals reached: 0

I'm okay with these stats since I was able to finished Beautiful Creatures and because I was sick most of the time. Usually when I'm sick, I don't read at all so getting even some reading in is an accomplishment for me.

Hope you all did better than I did and thanks for all the wishes to get better! I think I'm finally on the mend!

Bout of Books 6.0- Day 4

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and runs through Sunday, January 13th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 6.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. -From the Bout of Books 6.0 team

I finished Beautiful Creatures last night which really feels like an accomplishment since I've been sick. Hopefully I'll start Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes today but I'm not too sure.

Thursday

Pages read today: 115
Total number of pages read: 263
Total number of books I've read: 1
Books: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Bout of Book 6.0- Day 3

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and runs through Sunday, January 13th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 6.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. -From the Bout of Books 6.0 team

 Well, I didn't do any mini challenges yesterday but we are going to blame that on the fact that I am battling the plague. It's been going around my work and I've been doing my best to stay away but it just didn't seem to work. I did join in the fun Twitter chat last night and met some really cool Whovians. The adorable Gaby from Ella Bee Reads and Kimberly from The Broke and Bookish kept me entertained and shopping all night last night!

I even got a little reading done!

Wednesday

Pages read today: 42
Total number of pages read: 148
Total number of books I've read: (Still reading) 1
Books: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Bout of Books 6.0 Day 2

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and runs through Sunday, January 13th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 6.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. -From the Bout of Books 6.0 team

I decided to do the Guess the Cover mini-challenge today which means no challenge post. But I wanted to do a quick update for Day 2.

Tuesday

Pages read today: 66

Total number of pages read: 106
Total number of books I've read: (Still reading) 1
Books: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Bout of Books 6.0: Scientific Experiment

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and runs through Sunday, January 13th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 6.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. -From the Bout of Books 6.0 team

Today's mini challenge is called Scientific Experiment and it is hosted by The Bookish Barbies. The whole idea is that your a scientist and have figured out how to bring two characters back from novels for 30 days. You get to pick a boyfriend and a best friend from any novel you want. Here are my picks:

For Boyfriend:

Noah Shaw from The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin- Heck, I'd be happy to have Noah Shaw for twenty minutes. With his Biritsh accent, smoldering looks and wicked streak, he's pretty much the perfect fictional guy. He's always so sweet and I love how supportive he is of Mara. Bascially, it'd be really neat to pick his brain. We get a taste of the person he is underneath in The Evolution but I want more. Plus, I'd just want to hear him talk.

For Best Friend:

Tris from Divergent by Veronica Roth- I love how smart and brave Tris is. She isn't unnaturally brave either because oftentimes, the things she accomplishes terrifies her but she does then anyway. She interesting because she never does what I expect and I think that would make her an awesome friend!

Sidenote: I wonder if these two would get along with each other? They're very different but I get the feeling that Noah would love how teenie Tris was.
Which two characters would you choose to bring to life for 30 days?

My Update for the Day:

Monday

Pages read today: 40
Total number of pages read: 40
Total number of books I've read: (Still reading) 1
Books: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Bout of Books Read-a-thon 6.0 Goals

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and runs through Sunday, January 13th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 6.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. -From the Bout of Books 6.0 team


I just finished editing my WIP and as a reward to myself, I decided to sign up last minute for this read-a-thon! I've done them in the past and they are super fun so here goes nothing!

Books to read:

• Finish Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
• Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
• Otherborn by Anna Silver
• Liv and Roar by Veronica Rossi
• Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Goals:

• Finish two books
• Visit 5 blogs a day
• Participate in one mini-challenge a day
• Update everyday
• Write up reviews and HEEs for every book I finish

Updates:

Monday
Pages read today: 40
Total number of pages read: 40
Total number of books I've read: (Still reading) 1
Books: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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2013 Blogging Goals

horeb

Well folks, it's time to put another year to rest and with it, all the bad things. Now we are starting a new year (and one that is not filled with doomsday prophecies) so we need to have one only filled with good things. i figure in the spirit of new beginnings, I'm going to set my blogging goals here!

-I'm going to try to read 25 of my own books. I have so many that I buy that never get read so I'm going to really focus on that.

-I'm going to set my goal at 60 books this year. That isn't completely crazy for me like 100 and is a number I can probably manage.

-I'm going to update and actively participate in the challenges I signed up for.

-Write a Happily Ever Ending for every book in a series I read to get that list even bigger.

-Go through my reviews and attach a HEE link to all the books I've already written a Happily Ever Ending for.

-Have more author interviews. I used to do these a lot but as my schedule got fuller, I found it more difficult.

-Keep up on Saturday Discussions. I love these posts because it gives the blog a variety. I just need to keep up with them.

ScorpionEntity

-Not sweat when I don't blog. For a while I had to blog every single day or I felt like a bad blogger. I've learned to relax about that a little but I'm going to seriously try not to freak out if a day goes by and something new doesn't come up. I'm only one person.

-Visit and comment on more blogs. I've been getting better about this lately but I want to keep up the steam and try to comment on at least five blogs every day I post. It's so important to share the love.

-Keeping up with my emails and that means saying "no". I haven't quite figured out how to pass gracefully on an author's work yet but I need to learn. I think it's better to get an answer than to not receive one at all so I need to figure something out.

So there are my blogging goals. What do you hope to accomplish in 2013?

2012 End of the Year Survey

End of the Year Survey

BEST BOOKS IN 2012

1. Best book you read in 2012? (You can break it down by genre if you want.)

• Insurgent by Veronica Roth
• Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
• Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
• Defiance by C.J. Redwine

This is a tough question because I read some amazing novels this year but these are some that stick out from my list. Insurgent is definitely my favorite of the year though.

2. Book you were excited about & thought you were going to love but didn't?

I was very excited for The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda because it sounded like an awesome read. For me though, it was too slow and I couldn't connect very well with the characters.

3. Most surprising (in a good way) book of 2012?

The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke. I got this book and it was so small. I wasn't sure how it was going to have a lush world but then it so so did and wonderful characters to boot. I fell hard.

4. Book you recommended most to people in 2012?

Either Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi or Incarnate by Jodi Meadows. Everyone I know got an earful about both of these amazing novels.

5. Best series you discovered in 2012?

It's a four-way tie:

• Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
• Everneath by Brodi Ashton
• Incarnate by Jodi Meadows 
• Defiance by C.J. Redwine

I made this a tie because I'm dying for the sequels to all of these books and they all captured my mind in the way a good book does and stayed with me long after I finished reading them.

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2012?

I actually just did a Top Ten post on this which you can check out here. A few of them are Veronica Rossi, Jodi Meadows, Megan Miranda and Cassandra Rose Clarke.

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

Buffy the Vampire Slayer comics for sure. I never really understood how comics worked so reading them was a very different experience for me. I read them very slowly because I didn't want to miss any of the artwork. It is gorgeous!

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?

SUPER unfair question. I didn't read a lot of books this year but the ones I did were amazing and a half. I guess if I had to choose just one it would be Insurgent by Veronica Roth because I love that world and Tris and Four so stinking much.

9. Book you read in 2012 that you are most likely to re-read next year?

Probably Insurgent by Veronica Roth if the next novel comes out.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2012?

Probably either Incarnate by Jodi Meadows or Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. I think it'd be the first though. That butterfly mask is amazing!

11. Most memorable character in 2012?

I would say Tris or Four from Insurgent but I met them the year before. So let's say Perry from Under the Never Sky for being so dang amazing and having a really cool skill set. Also Ananna and Naji from The Assassin's Curse because they are both so unique.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2012?

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson hands down. That book was a visual feast of words.

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012?

Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake because it made me say goodbye to several of my favorite characters and the ending was the perfect amount of heartbreak.

14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read?

Switched by Amanda Hocking. I think her Wake series is better but I can't believe it took me this long to get acquainted with her writing.

15. Favorite passage/quote from a book you read in 2012?

The entirety of Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson. Visual feast guys. Just sayin'.

16. Shortest and longest book you read in 2012?

Shortest book was Dead to You by Lisa McMann.

Longest was Insurgent by Veronica Roth.

17. Book that had a scene in it that had you reeling and dying to talk to somebody about it? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc) Be careful of spoilers!

Probably the entirety of Insurgent by Veronica Roth.

18. Favorite relationship from a book you read in 2012? (be it romantic, friendship, etc).

Obviously this one is going to be Tris and Four from Insurgent. I also loved Perry and Aria from Under the Never Sky and Ana and Sam from Incarnate as well as Rachel and Logan from Defiance.

19. Favorite book you read in 2012 from an author you read previously.

Hah, this one shouldn't even be a question if you've been reading this whole thing, Definitely Insurgent by Veronica Roth and I'd like to add The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting.

20. Best book you read that you read based SOLELY on a recommendation from somebody else.

Hmm, not sure I did that this year which is a shame. Next year I'll have a few from KM over at One Page at a Time YA Reviews though!

BOOK BLOGGING/READING LIFE IN 2012

1. Favorite review that you wrote in 2012?

I think my favorite review is probably the one on Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson. It was such a beautifully written book and a little of that stuck with me while writing up the review.

2. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else's blog?

I thought a lot about KM's The Many Flavors of YA Boys even though I didn't comment on it. Mostly because I felt she captured every type and it made me question which flavor I liked. It effected the novel I was writing as well. It made me think about what I like and that reflected in my lead guy.

3. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc)?

Angela from Reading Angel, my bestie Ashley
and I

Definitely YAll Fest. I had such an amazing time meeting all the authors and getting to see quite a few book bloggers too. Not only did the entire atmosphere inspire me to finish the second re-write of my novel in a little over a month but I cherish the time I got to spend with Angela (and Duke) over at Reading Angel.

I also really enjoyed the Tahereh Mafi and Veronica Rossi book signing. Two of my favorite authors in one place at the same time? And they were both hilarious!

4. Best moment of book blogging in 2012?

YAllfest and hanging out with all the cool book nerds there. It was an amazing experience I don't think I'll ever forget.

5. Most popular post this year on your blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

Either my RIP to The Secret Circle post or my Note on Buffy and Spike's Relationship. Both of those posts got a lot of views this year. All of my Doctor Who posts are picking up steam as well.


6. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

Definitely my Happily Ever Endings posts. This year I've been seeing more and more people use them but a lot of my comments are talking about how they wished they knew about them sooner. Happily Ever Endings are summaries of what happened in the last half of books. That way when you get a novel that is part of a series in a year later, you can go back and refresh yourself as to what happen. These are super useful and it'd be awesome to get more people involved so we could cover even more books. 

7. Best bookish discovery (book related sites, book stores, etc)?

Maybe my Nook... I just got it two days ago so it's yet to be seen but just maybe...

8. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

No. How sad is that? This year though. This year I am totally going to do it!

LOOKING AHEAD...

1. One book that you didn't get to read in 2012, but will be your number one priority in 2013?

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. I promised KM I was going to read this series if she read Divergent by Veronica Roth so this book will get read!

2. Books you are most anticipating for 2013?

Hmm, pretty much all of the sequels... Everbound by Brodi Ashton, Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi, Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi as well as quite a few debuts.

3. One thing you hope to accomplish or do in your reading/blogging in 2013?

I hope to read at least 50 books this year. I had a major lull in the middle of this year and then I was very busy writing the last half of the year. I hope I can make a bit more time for reading again.

Merry Christmas!

Happy holidays!

Like most other blogs, I'll be taking the next few days to spend time with my family so don't be alarmed if you don't see anything new till the 26th or the 27th. I hope you all take this time to spend with your families and that everyone takes a moment to recognize how lucky they are.

I wanted to talk about how thankful I am to have all my friends and family and also how thankful I am to have found book blogging. Getting to know every single one of you has been a true pleasure. Making new friends, finding new favorite books and sharing my love of reading and writing with you has made this year and last year so special.

Hope you all have a happy holidays! I leave you with some nerdy Christmas trees:

Let's Talk About Riffle

A few months ago I got an email in my inbox asking me if I'd like to join up with Riffle. I went to look at the links they provided me and found out it's sort of like Goodreads and Shelfari but is directly linked to Facebook. On Riffle, you add all the books you've read or want to read and the stuff you recommend others to read. It also seems like you make lists though I really haven't dabbled into that much yet.

If people "like" what you've recommended then you gain influence. Anyway, I think this site is set up pretty cool because you get to pick an expertise. I choose YA and it links you up with others that chose that too.

Anyway, I've joined Riffle now and I wanted to know if any of you had also joined so that we can follow each other.

You can find me under Amber Johnston Mitchell or the email address potterhead22@yahoo.com.

Also, I have 15 invites so if you are a book blogger/author and want to be on Riffle, please let me know in the comments below and I'll invite you!

This begs another question too. What do you think of all these books sites popping up everywhere?

A Call for Beta Readers

So in late January or earlier February I will be finished with all my heavy edits on my current WIP and she will beautiful (dammit, she will!). I'm looking for a good group of beta readers that would be willing to read my novel in a two to three week time period and then answer a short survey I have put together. So far I have about five people but I wanted a few more (to have some cushion room in case some people don't get back to me).

If this is something you'd be interested in doing then I would love you to death. But to be more specific, if this is something you'd consider doing, please either comment below or email me.

My novel is called GARDEN OF THORNS and it is a YA fantasy which is going to come in around 80,000 to 90,000 words (depending on how edits go). It is the fifth novel I have written.

Thanks yall! And now I leave you with a kitty:

UPDATE: Between the blog and my Facebook account, the response to beta has been overwhelming and I couldn't feel more blessed. I have plenty of amazing people who have stepped up to read GARDEN OF THORNS and I'm so happy I feel like I'm going to pop. As such, I don't believe I need anymore. Thanks so much for your interest!

A Great Christmas Gift Idea

So recently, my husband decided he wanted to make a gift for one of our friends. He wanted to do something with My Little Pony for her because she loves it and we decided a shadowbox would be really cool. So he created one and it came out beautiful. Check it out:

 Sleepy Fluttershy

Here's the link

This one is 12"x16" and it turned out so beautiful. Well, a lot of people saw it and said they'd buy one so he decided to do several other designs sticking with the sleepy pony theme. While Fluttershy here isn't for sale, these currently are:

Sleepy Rarity & Spike

This is a 12"x12" in a white frame and made completely out of cardstock. He's selling it on Etsy here.

Sleepy Pinkie Pie

She is also 12"x12", comes in a white frame and is made out of cardstock. She's for sale here.

Sleepy Twilight Sparkle

Like the others, she's 12"x12", comes in a black frame and is made out of cardstock. She's for sale here.

Sleepy Rainbow Dash

Rainbow Dash is 12"x12", comes in a white frame and is made out of cardstock. She's for sale here.

Not only are these very classy pieces and an awesome way to show your fandom but they are so attractive in person. The way certain pieces pop and their simplistic design make them so beautiful. These would make great fan gifts but are also really cute for nurseries too.

But here's the best part: he can make them for book covers too. How awesome would a little 8"x10" Twilight or The Hunger Games book cover shadowbox look on your book case? Or how about some of the Divergent symbols or a few Mortal Instrument markings in a 12"x12" frame in your library? The way my husband makes them is by doing a mock up on the computer so before you pay, you'll get to see exactly what they look like and approve the design so you know what your money is buying. Here's a mock-up of a Twilight cover he could do:

Here is the link

Keep in mind that this would look even cooler as a shadowbox. And how smexy would it be on your bookshelf?

If you are looking for a really unique gift for a book lover or a MLP fan or a Harry Potter fan, these are absolutely perfect holiday gifts. Not only that but if you mention that you are coming to his Etsy page from my blog, he'll give you a 10% discount and if you order soon, you'll definitely get it before Christmas.

Got an idea for one but don't want to message him? Leave it in the comments below.