Dr. Stravagante’s Traveling Book Circus

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

2012-03-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

Hardcover: 313 pages

Publisher: Walden Pond Press (September 27, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN: 0062015052 (ISBN13: 9780062015051)

Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. They had been best friends since they were six, spending hot Minneapolis summers and cold Minneapolis winters together, dreaming of Hogwarts and Oz, superheroes and baseball. Now that they were eleven, it was weird for a boy and a girl to be best friends. But they couldn't help it - Hazel and Jack fit, in that way you only read about in books. And they didn't fit anywhere else.

And then, one day, it was over. Jack just stopped talking to Hazel. And while her mom tried to tell her that this sometimes happens to boys and girls at this age, Hazel had read enough stories to know that it's never that simple. And it turns out, she was right. Jack's heart had been frozen, and he was taken into the woods by a woman dressed in white to live in a palace made of ice. Now, it's up to Hazel to venture into the woods after him. Hazel finds, however, that these woods are nothing like what she's read about, and the Jack that Hazel went in to save isn't the same Jack that will emerge. Or even the same Hazel.

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen," Breadcrumbsis a story of the struggle to hold on, and the things we leave behind.

(Description from Goodreads)

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Breadcrumbs is a wonderful retelling of "The Snow Queen", a story of true friendship and extraordinary courage.

Hazel is different from the other girls at school. She believes in magic and fairy tales. "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

One day something terrible happened to her best friend, Jack. Jack's heart became frozen like a block of ice and the Snow Queen brought him to her own castle. Hazel is the only one that can save him, the only one willing to believe in the existence of the Snow Queen.

Hazel understands the real meaning of true friendship: sacrifice.

I love fairy tale retellings and Breadcrumbs is a magnificent example of a successful one.

I'm looking forward to reading more books from this author!

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You can read the first two chapters HERE

Leap into Books Giveaway Hop (Int)

2012-02-28T15:23:00.000-08:00

Hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and Jinky is Reading

Welcome to the Leap into Books Giveaway Hop!

The Blog Hop runs from February 29th to March 5th.

Winners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly.

The Prize is:

Breadcrumbs

by Anne Ursu

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen," Breadcrumbsis a story of the struggle to hold on, and the things we leave behind.

(Description from Goodreads)

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In comments leave me your name and email and you're entered!

The only requirement is that you follow the blog.

One extra entry if you spread the word (link in comments).

Another extra entry if you follow me on twitter (@hatshepsut0011).

This giveaway is open internationally!

Good luck!

Young Adult Paranormal Activity Giveaway Hop (Int)

2012-02-23T13:48:00.000-08:00

Hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and vvb32 reads.

The Blog Hop runs from February 24th to February 28th.

Winners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly.

Here you can win a YA Paranormal book up to 25 USD from The Book Depository.

In comments tell me 3 YA Paranormal books you would like to read (I will send you one of those 3, but I won't tell you which...who doesn't love surprises?!), along with your name, email and country (I'm just curious! :P).

The only requirement is that you follow the blog.

One extra entry if you spread the word (link in comments).

Another extra entry if you follow me on twitter (@hatshepsut0011)

This giveaway is open to any country that The Book Depository ships to.

Oh and don't forget to check out

Dark Divine Fan Talentmania - Epic Contest!

Good luck!

Dark Divine Fan Talentmania - Epic Contest!

2012-02-21T13:28:00.000-08:00

In anticipation for the upcoming release of THE SAVAGE GRACE--the third and final installment in the Dark Divine trilogy--Bree Despain and Egmont USA have organized the first ever Dark Divine Fan Fiction and Fan Art Competition.

This colored pencil drawing of Grace is my entry for the contest.

If you vote (for me! pretty please >_<...only if you like my drawing :) ) and spread the word about Dark Divine Fan Talentmania-- you will be entered to win some fabulous door prizes, including:

Signed books:

HOURGLASS by Myra McEntire

TRIS & IZZIE by Mette Ivie Harrison

THE MEPHISTO COVENANT by Trinity Faegen

EVERY OTHER DAY by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

THE BUTTERFLY CLUES by Kate Ellison

THE SAVAGE GRACE by Bree Despain

EVERNEATH by Brodi Ashton

TIGER'S VOYAGE by Colleen Houck

Dark Divine Jewelry from Infinite Jewelry Company

TSG nail polish

And it is international!!!

Click HERE for more information.

And then, if you want, click HERE to vote for me. :)

Wish me luck!

Free Read - Divergent by Veronica Roth

2012-02-20T10:16:00.000-08:00

Divergent

by Veronica Roth

In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

(Description from Goodreads)

Harper Teen is offering it free HERE.

Circus Galacticus by Deva Fagan

2012-02-15T07:06:00.000-08:00

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books (November 15, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN: 054758136X (ISBN13: 9780547581361)
Setting: Universe

Rebel. Champion gymnast. Intergalactic traveler?

Trix can deal with being an orphan charity case at a snotty boarding school. She can hold her own when everyone else tells her not to dream big dreams. She can even fight back against the mysterious stranger in a silver mask who tries to steal the meteorite her parents trusted her to protect.

But her life is about to change forever. The Circus Galacticus has come to town, bringing acts to amaze, delight, and terrify. And now the dazzling but enigmatic young Ringmaster has offered Trix the chance to be a part of it.

Soon Trix discovers an entire universe full of deadly enemies and potential friends, not to mention space leeches, ancient alien artifacts, and exploding chocolate desserts. And she just might unravel the secrets of her own past;if she can survive long enough.

(Description from Goodreads)

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Circus Galacticus is the story of a girl desperate to belong, a girl who dreams to travel the stars.

Trix’s parents were astronauts and she wanted to become one, too. She was only 8 years old when her parents died and left her a rock with mysterious powers, a rock that will lead Trix to her true destiny, to a new home....full of aliens! The Circus Galacticus.

This book is a fest of colour and sometimes it was like I could hear the music coming from the circus and actually be there with Trix and the Ringmaster. Circus Galacticus tells us that to be special we don't need superpowers and that diversity is a strength, not a weakness.

Deva Fagan created a charming story that "reminds people they can reach the stars and choose their own destinies".

To conclude with a quotation from the Circus Galacticus:

“Ladies and gentlemen! It has been our honor to entertain you. If you have learned one thing this night, let it be that anyone can reach the stars. Choose your own destiny, and the universe is yours.”

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You can read the first chapter HERE

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Meet some of the characters from Circus Galacticus!

Trix

Trix is an Earth-girl determined to follow the dreams of her astronaut parents and reach for the stars. But as an orphan charity case, she has to fight hard for that dream. When the Ringmaster offers her a place in the Circus Galacticus, she leaves Earth behind for a life of intergalactic adventure and danger, new friends, new enemies, and a chance to unlock the secrets of her own past.

The Ringmaster

The dangerously charming young leader of the Circus Galacticus. No one knows how he became the Ringmaster, or fully understands his mysterious bond with the Big Top. Or where he goes when he loses himself in the Restricted Area. Or just how often he visits the auto-salon to get his hair done. He offers Trix the chance to follow her dreams, but can she trust him not to shatter them?

Nola

As one of the Techs in the Circus Galacticus troupe, Nola uses her Tinker powers to interface with technology both to manage special effects during performances and to give her dorm room the latest updates. Loyal, steadfast and fun-loving, Nola helps introduce Trix to the mystifying, magical Big Top, the joys of alien soap operas, and the dangers that lurk in the depths of the recycling system.

Jom

One of the Clown corps of the Circus Galacticus, Jom’s greatest talent isn’t his occasionally embarrassing Tinker power, but rather his skill in the Big Top kitchens. Friendly and happy-go-lucky, he is one of Trix’s first allies among the troupe.

Sirra

Sirra is Etander’s twin sister, and the daughter of a wealthy and vastly powerful family that controls entire star systems. The twins left behind a life of luxury and security when Etander’s Tinker powers manifested, and they were forced to hide themselves among the fantastical freaks of the Circus Galacticus. Now Sirra uses her own gravity-bending powers to astonish patrons on the trapeze, one of the premier acts.

Etander

Etander is Sirra’s twin brother, and the son of a wealthy and vastly powerful family that controls entire star systems. The twins left behind a life of luxury and security when Etander’s Tinker powers manifested, and they were forced to hide themselves among the fantastical freaks of the Circus Galacticus. Though he assists Sirra in the trapeze act, he keeps his own powers hidden.

Theon

One of the Clown corps of the Circus Galacticus, Theon doesn’t mind taking charge or speaking her mind. She’s quick to stand up to a rival, but quicker still to stand by a friend. Her Tinker powers give her the ability to manipulate friction– and green hair!

Reaper

Reaper is a former member of the Circus Galacticus, who abandoned life on the Big Top to join the rebellious Outcasts in their fight against the Mandate, using any means necessary. He’s said to be the Ringmaster’s best friend, and his greatest rival.

Miss Three

An artificial intelligence originally designed by the Mandate, Miss Three was reprogrammed by the Ringmaster to serve as a teacher and chaperone to the members of the Circus Galacticus troupe. Severe and strict, she seems to turn up whenever someone is getting into trouble…

Nyl

Nyl is an agent of the Mandate, the ancient enemies of Tinkers like the members of the Circus Galacticus. And he’s determined to steal the treasure Trix’s parents gave her to keep safe. But his greatest weapon isn’t the powerful bolts of blue lightning he can conjure with a gesture– it’s the answers he can offer Trix about her own past.

Click HERE to see the full character art by Loraine Sammy

Free eBook - The Darkening Dream by Andy Gavin

2012-02-07T06:42:00.000-08:00

The Darkening Dream

by Andy Gavin

The Darkening Dream is the chilling new dark fantasy novel by Andy Gavin, creator of Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter.

Even as the modern world pushes the supernatural aside in favor of science and steel, the old ways remain. God, demon, monster, and sorcerer alike plot to regain what was theirs.

1913, Salem, Massachusetts – Sarah Engelmann’s life is full of friends, books, and avoiding the pressure to choose a husband, until an ominous vision and the haunting call of an otherworldly trumpet shake her. When she stumbles across a gruesome corpse, she fears that her vision was more of a premonition. And when she sees the murdered boy moving through the crowd at an amusement park, Sarah is thrust into a dark battle she does not understand.

With the help of Alex, an attractive Greek immigrant who knows a startling amount about the undead, Sarah sets out to uncover the truth. Their quest takes them to the factory mills of Salem, on a midnight boat ride to spy on an eerie coastal lair, and back, unexpectedly, to their own homes. What can Alex’s elderly, vampire-hunting grandfather and Sarah’s own rabbi father tell them? And what do Sarah’s continuing visions reveal?

No less than Gabriel’s Trumpet, the tool that will announce the End of Days, is at stake, and the forces that have banded to recover it include a 900 year-old vampire, a trio of disgruntled Egyptian gods, and a demon-loving Puritan minister. At the center of this swirling cast is Sarah, who must fight a millennia-old battle against unspeakable forces, knowing the ultimate prize might be herself.

(Description from Amazon.com)

Download your copy HERE

FREE for two days only on Amazon Kindle (February 7th to 8th)!

Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst

2012-02-07T05:09:00.000-08:00

Hardcover: 310 pages

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (October 12, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN: 1416986456 (ISBN13: 9781416986454)

Setting: Princeton, New Jersey (United States)

What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!

Lily's test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he's her guard. That's weird. But things get seriously strange when a gargoyle talks to her. He tells her that there are two Princetons—the ordinary one and a magical one—and the Key opens the gate between them. But there are more secrets that surround Lily. Worse secrets.

When Lily enters the magical Princeton, she uncovers old betrayals and new dangers, and a chance at her dream becomes a fight for her life. Soon Lily is caught in a power struggle between two worlds, with her family at its center. In a place where Knights slay monsters, boys are were-tigers, and dragons might be out for blood, Lily will need all of her ingenuity and courage—and a little magic—to unite the worlds and unlock the secrets of her past and her future.

(Description from Goodreads)

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If I could describe this book with only two words, they would be "treasure hunt". Lily Carter has to find the Ivy Key to be accepted to Princeton, but she doesn't know what it is and she has no idea where to find it. Magical creatures will help her in her test that is much more dangerous than what she thought. She will discover a magical world, meet her soul mate, uncover dark secrets and learn about her true identity.

Enchanted Ivy is a predictable but lovely book and, even though I knew what was going to happen, I was glued to the pages of this enchanting read.

You can read the first chapter HERE

Follower Love Giveaway Hop (Int)

2012-02-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

Hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and Rachael Renee Anderson.

The Blog Hop runs from February 7th to February 14th.

Winners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly.

Here you can win a book up to 25 USD from The Book Depository.

In comments tell me 3 books you would like to read (I will send you one of those 3, but I won't tell you which...who doesn't love surprises?!), along with your name, email and country (I'm just curious! :P).

The only requirement is that you follow the blog.

One extra entry if you spread the word (link in comments).

Another extra entry if you follow me on twitter (@hatshepsut0011)

This giveaway is open to any country that The Book Depository ships to.

Good luck!

Free eBook - Hollowland by Amanda Hocking

2012-01-30T08:33:00.000-08:00

Hollowland

by Amanda Hocking

"This is the way the world ends - not with a bang or a whimper, but with zombies breaking down the back door."

Nineteen-year-old Remy King is on a mission to get across the wasteland left of America, and nothing will stand in her way - not violent marauders, a spoiled rock star, or an army of flesh-eating zombies.

(Description from Goodreads)

Download your copy HERE

Austenland by Shannon Hale

2012-01-30T06:29:00.000-08:00

Hardcover: 208 pages

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA; First Edition edition (May 29, 2007)

Language: English

ISBN: 1596912855 (ISBN13: 9781596912854)

Series: Austenland #1

Setting: United Kingdom

Literary awards: Book Sense pick for June (2007),

Wall Street Journal "notable book" for summer (2007)

Jane Hayes is a seemingly normal young New Yorker, but she has a secret. Her obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, is ruining her love life: no real man can compare. But when a wealthy relative bequeaths her a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-crazed women, Jane's fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman suddenly become realer than she ever could have imagined.

Decked out in empire-waist gowns, Jane struggles to master Regency etiquette and flirts with gardeners and gentlemen;or maybe even, she suspects, with the actors who are playing them. It's all a game, Jane knows. And yet the longer she stays, the more her insecurities seem to fall away, and the more she wonders: Is she about to kick the Austen obsession for good, or could all her dreams actually culminate in a Mr. Darcy of her own?

(Description from Goodreads)

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Austenland is a page-turner. It is not a book I would define great, but it leaves a sweet feeling. This is one of those books you want to read when you feel down and need your mug of hot cocoa (or your cup of tea!).

Jane Hayes is in love with the character of Mr. Darcy. She knows that her quest to find a Mr. Darcy in real life is without hope. But one day she discovered her aunt left her a paid holiday at a private resort in England, Pembrook Park, a place for her to forget about the modern world and immerse herself in Jane Austen's world. Jane is convinced that this is the only way to be free of her obsession with Mr. Darcy and get on with her life. However life does not work out the way you expect. Sometimes it works out even better.

If you are in the mood for something light and sweet (and if you're obsessed with Mr. Darcy like Jane!), read Austenland.

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Also in the mood for a cup of tea with Mr. Darcy?

Mr. Darcy

Like the man himself, this elegant, dark tea, grown in rich soil, with a bold beginning yet a smooth finish has a complexity of character that will leave you wishing to know more.

Distinctive notes of leather, chestnut and plum in this well respected Da Hong Pao Oolong. Each steeping introduces you to more of it's character. Good for 6 steepings Gong Fu style or 3 British style.

(Jane Austen Tea Series)

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Austenland is getting made into a movie!

“Austenland” is produced by Stephenie Meyer ("The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1," "Breaking Dawn Part 2," "The Host") through Fickle Fish Films, the production company of Meyer and Meghan Hibbett, and Moxie Pictures’ Gina Mingacci. Executive Producers are Robert Fernandez and Dan Levinson of Moxie Pictures and co-producer is Jane Hooks (“Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, “Bronson”). Jared Hess("Napoleon Dynamite," "Nacho Libre," "Gentleman Broncos"), Meghan Hibbett, and author Shannon Hale are associate producers.

Jerusha Hess, co-writer of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre, adapted “Austenland” for the screen with Shannon Hale.

(Description from Fickle Fish Films)

The Cast

Jane - Keri Russell (“Felicity”, “Mission Impossible II”,“Waitress”)

Nobley - JJ Feild (“Captain America: The First Avenger)
Martin - Bret Mckenzie (the Emmy award-winning “Flight of the Conchords”)
Miss Charming - Jennifer Coolidge (“American Pie”, “Legally Blonde”)
Colonel Andrews - James Callis (“Battlestar Gallactica”, “Bridget Jones’ Diary”)
Mrs. Wattlesbrook - Jane Seymour (“Wedding Crashers”)
Mr. Wattlesbrook - Rupert Vansittart (“Braveheart”)

Austenland

Website Coming Soon

The Pirate Balthasar - Two Year Anniversary Game

2012-01-29T04:58:00.000-08:00

My awesome friend Deda is celebrating the Two Year Anniversary of Pirate Balthasar (don't know this fantastic pirate webcominc? Read my post about it HERE) with a fun game.

(from Deda's blog)

The pirate Balthasar will turn two at the end of the month.

I can believe it's already been so long, it feels like yesterday to me.

I will be releasing the second artbook for the anniversary but I was thinking we should play a little game too.

I was thinking about a fan art/fan fiction/graphic design/photography contest and the award would be an original drawing of your favorite characters in full colors that I will personally ship to you via snail mail!

What do you say? Are you in?

Deadline: Valentine's day

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Take a sneak peak at the reward!

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This drawing of Wilson Kane is my entry for the contest.

Wish me Luck!

And if you decide to participate let me know.

I would love to see your entries!

Free eBook - Shadow of the Sun by Laura Kreitzer

2012-01-28T09:22:00.000-08:00

Shadow of the Sun

by Laura Kreitzer

Gabriella's past is a mystery, but that never stopped her from achieving her goals. As a supernatural specialist, and far more intelligent than anyone her age, she has always been ignored by her peers. Because of the isolation she has always felt, she put her life and soul into her job. Being a supernatural specialist hasn't given her the divine intervention she always longed for, until one day a shipment arrives from Italy containing three dead bodies with an uncanny ability to regenerate. Gabriella is frightened and intrigued, but not as scared as she becomes when a dark creature attacks her.

As the bodies come back to life, the plot takes an unexpected twist that you won't see coming. The supernatural world only begins to unfold before her as angels appear, her dreams start to haunt her, and the very past she has forgotten comes back with startling clarity. Romance blooms, escape plans are made, an assassin is out to kill her, and death is only around the corner. But what is more terrifying than all of it is the fact she is the chosen one, the Illuminator, the one who will save them all.

(Description from Amazon.com)

Download your copy HERE

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore - Oscar-Nominated Short Film

2012-01-28T08:33:00.000-08:00

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

Nominated for Best Animated Short in 2011 Oscars

Inspired, in equal measures, by Hurricane Katrina, Buster Keaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a poignant, humorous allegory about the curative powers of story. Using a variety of techniques (miniatures, computer animation, 2D animation) award winning author/ illustrator William Joyce and Co-director Brandon Oldenburg present a hybrid style of animation that harkens back to silent films and MGM Technicolor musicals. Morris Lessmore is old fashioned and cutting edge at the same time.

"Morris" is one of five animated short films that will be considered for outstanding film achievements of 2011 in the 84th Academy Awards.

(Summary from IMDb)

A book adaption is expected to be released in late 2012. YAY!

Young Adult Giveaway Hop (Int)

2012-01-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and Down the Rabbit Hole

Welcome to the Young Adult Giveaway Hop!

The Blog Hop runs from January 27th to January 31st.

Winners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly.

The Prize is:

Harbinger

by Sara Wilson Etienne

Girl, Interrupted meets Beautiful Creatures in this fast-paced thriller

When sixteen-year-old Faye arrives at Holbrook Academy, she doesn't expect to find herself exactly where she needs to be. After years of strange waking visions and nightmares, her only comfort the bones of dead animals, Faye is afraid she's going crazy. Fast.

But her first night at Holbrook, she feels strangely connected to the school and the island it sits on, like she's come home. She's even made her first real friends, but odd things keep happening to them. Every morning they wake on the floors of their dorm rooms with their hands stained red.

Faye knows she's the reason, but what does it all mean? The handsome Kel tries to help her unravel the mystery, but Faye is certain she can't trust him; in fact, he may be trying to kill her - and the rest of the world too.

Rich, compelling writing will keep the pages turning in this riveting and tautly told psychological thriller.

(Description from Amazon.com)

and...

Planesrunner

by Ian McDonald

Multiple-award-winning author making his YA debut

There is not one you. There are many yous. There is not one world. There are many worlds. Ours is one of billions of parallel earths.

When Everett Singh's scientist father is kidnapped from the streets of London, he leaves young Everett a mysterious app on his computer. Suddenly, this teenager has become the owner of the most valuable object in the multiverse—the Infundibulum—the map of all the parallel earths, and there are dark forces in the Ten Known Worlds who will stop at nothing to get it. They've got power, authority, and the might of ten planets—some of them more technologically advanced than our Earth—at their fingertips. He's got wits, intelligence, and a knack for Indian cooking.

To keep the Infundibulum safe, Everett must trick his way through the Heisenberg Gate his dad helped build and go on the run in a parallel Earth. But to rescue his Dad from Charlotte Villiers and the sinister Order, this Planesrunner's going to need friends. Friends like Captain Anastasia Sixsmyth, her adopted daughter Sen, and the crew of the airship Everness.

Can they rescue Everett's father and get the Infundibulum to safety? The game is afoot!

(Description from Amazon.com)

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In comments leave me your name and email and you're entered!

The only requirement is that you follow the blog.

One extra entry if you spread the word (link in comments).

Another extra entry if you follow me on twitter (@hatshepsut0011).

This giveaway is open internationally!

Good luck!

Middle Grade March Madness Challenge 2012

2012-01-21T06:51:00.000-08:00

A Month-Long Middle Grade Book Reading Challenge

Hosted by The Non Reluctant Reader and Starry Sky Books

THE BORING STUFF

The last day to sign-up is March 7th.
You may sign-up if you have a blog, goodreads, amazon, library thing, or Barnes and Noble account where you post reviews.
Create a sign-up post that has in it: the challenge button and the level you hope to complete.

THE LEVELS

1. Citizen, Read 1-3 Books

2. Mayor, Read 4-8 Books

3. Congressman, Read 9-12 Books

4. President, 13+ Books

_______________________________________________________

I'm aiming for Congressman, as I own many interesting middle grade books I haven't read yet.

Young Adult Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop (Int)

2012-01-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

Hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and vvb32reads

Welcome to the Young Adult Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop!

The Blog Hop runs from January 6th to January 12th.

Winners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly.

The Prize is:

Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Letters

by Brian Froud

The Cottington Archive is pleased to announce that more information about Lady Cottingon has surfaced: a scrapbook compiled by the notorious fairy smasher herself of "actual" letters, Valentines, calling cards, and more that she received from luminaries Queen Victoria, Annie Oakley, Igor Stravinsky, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Andrew Lang, P.T. Barnum, Rudyard Kipling, Wendy Darling, Beatrix Potter, and more. All about fairies, these hilarious letters contain everything from wisdom to suggestions to chastisement. Lady Cottington has made notes in the margins not to mention smashed fairies throughout (will she EVER STOP this nasty habit?!). And the fairies!ah the fairies!they too have done their part, sprinkling magic and mayhem throughout. Lady Cottington's Correspondence, a facsimile reproduction of this original volume, combines the nutty artistry of the first two Lady Cottington books with the novelty components of Griffin & Sabine. Containing "actual" letters, invoices for "spiritual services," a fairy Valentine, an invitation from Alice Liddell to tea, and more, this newest, interactive addition to the Lady Cottington series is the most innovative to date. (Description from Amazon.com)

In comments leave me your name and email and you're entered!

The only requirement is that you follow the blog.

One extra entry if you spread the word (link in comments).

Another extra entry if you follow me on twitter (@hatshepsut0011).

This giveaway is open internationally!

Good luck!

Happy New Year 2012 Giveaway Hop (Int)

2011-12-29T14:13:00.000-08:00

Hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and Babs Book Bistro

The Blog Hop runs from December 30th to January 3rd.

Winners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly.

Here you can win a book up to 25 USD from The Book Depository.

The only requirement is that you follow the blog.

One extra entry if you spread the word (link in comments).

Another extra entry if you follow me on twitter (@hatshepsut0011)

This giveaway is open to any country that The Book Depository ships to.

Good luck!

Best of 2011 Giveaway Hop (Int)

2011-12-26T12:01:00.000-08:00

Hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer

Welcome to the Best of 2011 Giveaway Hop!

The Blog Hop runs from December 27th to December 31st

Winners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly.

The Prize is your choice of one of the Top 10 Books I've Read in 2011:

The Bird of the River by Kage Baker

The Fiddler's Gun by A. S. Peterson

The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle by Patrick Rothfuss, Nate Taylor

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

The Machineries of Joy by Ray Bradbury

Blueberry Girl by Neil Gaiman, Charles Vess

The Boneshaker by Kate Milford

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente

Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate) by Gail Carriger

In comments tell me which book you would like to win, along with your name and email.

The only requirement is that you follow the blog.
One extra entry if you spread the word (link in comments).
Another extra entry if you follow me on twitter (@hatshepsut0011)

This giveaway is open to any country that The Book Depository ships to.

Good luck!

Top 10 of 2011: Top 10 Books Read in 2011

2011-12-26T05:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome to……..

Top 10: A Week of Looking Back….

………and Looking Forward.

Hosted by Jamie and Patricia from Two Chicks on Books, Rachel from Fiktshun,
Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic and Lisa from A Life Bound By Books.

Today's Top 10 is Top 10 Books I've Read in 2011.

Here's my list, in no particular order.

The Bird of the River

by Kage Baker

The Fiddler's Gun

by A. S. Peterson

The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle: The Thing Beneath the Bed

by Patrick Rothfuss, Nate Taylor

The Forgotten Garden

by Kate Morton

The Machineries of Joy

by Ray Bradbury

Blueberry Girl

by Neil Gaiman, Charles Vess

The Boneshaker

by Kate Milford

A Game of Thrones

by George R. R. Martin

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

by Catherynne M. Valente, Ana Juan

10.

Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate)

by Gail Carriger

Mid-Winters Eve Blog Hop (Int)

2011-12-20T12:55:00.000-08:00

Hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and Oasis For YA

Welcome to the Mid-Winters Eve Blog Hop!

The Blog Hop runs from December 21st to December 27th

Winners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly.

The Prize is:

The Thorn and the Blossom:

A Two-Sided Love Story

by Theodora Goss

In comments leave me your name and email and you're entered!

The only requirement is that you follow the blog.

One extra entry if you spread the word (link in comments).

Another extra entry if you follow me on twitter (@hatshepsut0011).

This giveaway is open internationally!

Good luck!

Gift Card Giveaway Hop (Int)

2011-12-08T13:59:00.001-08:00

Hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and Attack of the Book

The Blog Hop runs from December 9th to December 13th.

Winners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly.

Here you can win a book up to 25 USD from The Book Depository.

The only requirement is that you follow the blog.

One extra entry if you spread the word (link in comments).

Another extra entry if you follow me on twitter (@hatshepsut0011)

This giveaway is open to any country that The Book Depository ships to.

Good luck!

Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop (Int)

2011-12-01T12:39:00.001-08:00

Hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and Kid Lit Frenzy

Welcome to the Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop!

The Blog Hop runs from December 2nd to December 6th

Winners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly.
The Prize is:

Circus by Ana Juan

and ...

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

by Catherynne M. Valente and Ana Juan (illustrator)

In comments leave me your name and email and you're entered!

The only requirement is that you follow the blog.

This giveaway is open internationally!

Good luck!

Gratitude Giveaways Hop (Int)

2011-11-16T12:21:00.001-08:00

Hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and All-Consuming Books

Welcome to the Gratitude Giveaways Hop! The Blog Hop runs from November 17th to November 27thWinners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly.
The Prize is:

Circus Galacticus by Deva Fagan
I already read Circus Galacticus and it is spectacular! You'll be able to read my review pretty soon. ;)

In comments leave me your name and email and you're entered!

The only requirement is that you follow the blog.

This giveaway is open to any country that The Book Depository ships to.

Good luck!

---------------------

The Hunger Games - I am a Panem citizen! + Movie Trailer

2011-11-08T05:45:00.000-08:00

I just discovered this fun website where you can become a Panem citizen and get your District Identification!

I'm in District 6. Let me know what you got! :)

--------------------------------------------------

And here it is the awesome movie trailer!

I can't wait!

I Write Like

2011-10-29T05:36:00.000-07:00

The website I Write Like "checks which famous writer you write like with a statistical analysis tool, which analyzes your word choice and writing style and compares them with those of the famous writers."

I used several texts and I got two results.

The result I got with my old texts is....

I write like
H. P. Lovecraft

I Write Like by Mémoires, journal software. Analyze your writing!

The result I got with my new texts is...

I write like
P. G. Wodehouse

I Write Like by Mémoires, journal software. Analyze your writing!

P. G. Wodehouse... I like!

Let me know your results in the comments!

Summer Giveaway Hop (Int)

2011-07-31T20:49:00.000-07:00

Hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and Bookhounds

Welcome to the Summer Giveaway Hop! The Blog Hop runs from August 1st to August 7th. Winners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly. Here you can win a steampunk book up to 10 USD from The Book Depository.In comments tell me 3 steampunk books you would like to read (I will send you one of those 3, but I won't tell you which...who doesn't love surprises?!), along with your name, email and country (I'm just curious! :P). The only requirement is that you follow the blog. One extra entry if you spread the word (link in comments). This giveaway is open to any country that The Book Depository ships to. Good luck! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per i miei followers italiani ho deciso di mettere in palio il libro Soulless di Gail Carriger.

Per partecipare a questo giveaway dovete:

1) essere FOLLOWER del blog

2) lasciare un commento indicando il vostro indirizzo mail

Per dei punti extra:

1) pubblicizzare il giveaway su facebook/twitter/blog (lasciandomi il link nei commenti)

2) seguitemi su twitter (@hatshepsut0011) (lasciate il vostro twitter name nei commenti)

Il giveaway durerà fino al 7 Agosto.

Buona Fortuna!

UK & EU Summer Hop

2011-07-31T20:01:00.000-07:00

Hosted by UK & EU Summer Hop blog

Welcome to the UK & EU Summer Hop! The Blog Hop runs from August 1st to August 8th. Winners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly. Here you can win a romance book up to 10 USD from The Book Depository.In comments tell me 3 books you would like to read (I will send you one of those 3, but I won't tell you which...who doesn't love surprises?!), along with your name, email and country (I'm just curious! :P). The only requirement is that you follow the blog. One extra entry if you spread the word (link in comments). This giveaway is open to any country that The Book Depository ships to. Good luck! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per i miei followers italiani ho deciso di mettere in palio ben 10 romance a sorpresa. Tutti i libri sono usati e per la maggior parte come nuovi.

Per partecipare a questo giveaway dovete:

1) essere FOLLOWER del blog

2) lasciare un commento indicando il vostro indirizzo mail

Per dei punti extra:

1) pubblicizzare il giveaway su facebook/twitter/blog (lasciandomi il link nei commenti)

2) seguitemi su twitter (@hatshepsut0011) (lasciate il vostro twitter name nei commenti)

Il giveaway durerà fino all'8 Agosto.

Buona Fortuna!

In My Mailbox (3)

2011-07-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we share what we got during the week.

Bought (this month):

Il Lamento delle Terre Perdute. Vol. 1: Sioban

By Dufaux; Rosinski Grzegorz

Lo Scorpione. Vol. 1: Il Marchio del Diavolo

By Desberg Stephen; Marini Enrico

Lo Scorpione. Vol. 2: Il Diavolo in Vaticano

By Desberg Stephen; Marini Enrico

Kill the Granny - Comedy Collection

By Francesca Mengozzi; Giovanni Marcora; Onibak; Francesca Morici; Ciro Cangialosi; Eliza; Morena Forza; Eloisa Scichilone; Simone Altimani; Niccolò Storai; Laura Spianelli; Simone Delladio

Chobin. Il Principe Stellare

By Shotaro Ishinomori

Le Rêve du papillon, Tome 2 : Stupides! Stupides espions!

By Richard Marazano; Yin Luo

Starcrossed

By Josephine Angelini

Magic Slays

By Ilona Andrews

Ventriloquism

By Catherynne Valente, Rima Staines

2500 anni: Le Grandi Battaglie nelle Marche

By Paolo Pierpaoli

Won:

Enclave

By Ann Aguirre

Thanks Lisa! Thanks Ann!

Divergent

By Veronica Roth

Thanks Natasha!

Radiance

By Alyson Noel

Thanks Megan!

My Jane Austen Summer

By Cindy Jones

Thanks Maria Grazia! Thanks Cindy!

Android Karenina

By Leo Tolstoy; Ben Winters

Thanks Velvet!

What did you get?

BlogFest 2011 (Int)

2011-07-15T05:20:00.000-07:00

Hosted by A Journey of Books

Welcome to the BlogFest (#46 Dr. Stravagante)!

The Blog Hop runs from July 15th to July 17th.

Winners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly.

This time I want to share with you my passion for manga and drama by offering you a special prize pack:

Nodame Cantabile 1

Japanese Drama NODAME CANTABILE - DVD with English subs

and.....

NODAME CANTABILE: Piano Pattern Cosplay Bag

In comments tell me if you watch Japanese/Korean/Taiwanese drama, along with your name, email and country (I'm just curious! :P).

The only requirement is that you follow the blog.
One extra entry if you spread the word (link in comments).
Another extra entry if you follow me on twitter (@hatshepsut0011)

This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.

Good luck!

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Il premio per i miei followers italiani è lo stesso, ma ovviamente il primo numero di Nodame Cantabile sarà in italiano.

Per partecipare a questo giveaway dovete:

1) essere FOLLOWER del blog
2) lasciare un commento facendomi sapere se guardate drama giapponesi, coreani o taiwanesi.

Per dei punti extra:
1) pubblicizzare il giveaway su facebook/twitter/blog (lasciandomi il link nei commenti)
2) seguitemi su twitter (@hatshepsut0011) (lasciate il vostro twitter name nei commenti)

Il giveaway durerà fino al 17 Luglio.

Buona Fortuna!

-------------------------------------------------------

Visit these next stops:

47 Dream For Your Life
48 Edgy Inspirational Romance
49 Em Woods - Gay Erotic Romance Author
50 Escape Velocity
51 Fade Into Fantasy

Complete HOP list

A Lot of Winners!!!

2011-07-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

My Freedom Giveaway Hop Winner is.......... Laura!

My Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop Winner is..........Rebekka!

Le vincitrici di Cuore Nero sono..........Francesca (copia autografata) e Serena!

----

My June Contest Winner is..........Karina!

Congrats!!!

Complimenti!!!

All winners have been notified by email.

Tutti i vincitori sono stati contattati tramite email.

Coming soon! Bookie Brunch

2011-07-07T05:38:00.000-07:00

Coming soon: Bookie Brunch
Founder: Sasha Soren, author of Random Magic

Come join the discussion!
* Every Sunday*

What’s Bookie Brunch all about?: Bookie Brunch is a weekly

meet-up, held every Sunday, where book bloggers can have a cup of tea

and chat about a particular bookie question of interest.

The discussion is open from Sunday through Wednesday, and you’re

welcome to drop by any time to add your opinion or read what other

people have to say.

This discussion is open as well to general readers or bloggers in a

different field, authors, publishers and publicists.

Courtesy guidelines: All thoughtful comments will be considered

and probably get a response from fellow bloggers. In fact, you’re

encouraged to talk about it and share viewpoints or include links to

relevant materials. We’d like everyone to have a nice time. Differing

viewpoints are just fine, even if strongly expressed, but inflammatory

or off-topic comments will be removed.

Contact Bookie Brunch

Be a guest at an upcoming brunch: @StoryWings

Bring goodies for a giveaway: @StoryWings

Suggest a question: @LiederMadchen

Browse Bookie Brunch discussions (after July 2011, archive): The Fluidity of Time

Find Bookie Brunch

You’re invited! Feel free to join us every Sunday for great
company, fun discussions, and occasional goodie giveaways. Some
upcoming dates are listed below, it’ll be great to see you there.
Calling all bookies - grab a seat and let’s talk books.

Upcoming Bookie Brunches in July 2011:

We’ll be talking about e-readers vs. print editions, fantasy vs.

realism in books, characters vs. plot, and lots of other cool and

bookish questions.

Sunday, July 10

Host: Songs and Stories (@LiederMadchen)

Sunday, July 17

Host: Moonlight Gleam’s Bookshelf (@MoonlightGleams)

Sunday, July 24

Host: This Miss Loves To Read (@MissIrenne)

Sunday, July 31

Host: Beyond Strange New Words (@StrangeNewWords)

More Bookie Brunches: Every Sunday, July 2011 through December 2011:

Upcoming dates on the schedule - Coming soon

Would you like to be a guest on an upcoming brunch, bring a giveaway,

or send a question? Feel free! Please leave your info below, and then

contact the Bookie Bruncher who can help get you set up:

Contact Bookie Brunch

Be a guest at an upcoming brunch: @StoryWings
Bring goodies for a giveaway: @StoryWings
Suggest a question: @LiederMadchen

The first Bookie Brunch is open for a delicious discussion on July 10,
at Songs and Stories.

I’m going to be a guest at an upcoming Bookie Brunch on the 17th of July,
feel free to drop by.

See you there!

Freedom Giveaway Hop (Int)

2011-06-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and Simply Stacie

Welcome to the Freedom Giveaway Hop!
The Blog Hop runs from July 1st to July 7th.

Winners will be drawn via random.org and notified promptly.

The Prize is your choice of one of these books:

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

Magic Bites by Kate Daniels

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

The Bride by Julie Garwood

The Bride and the Beast by Teresa Medeiros

Touch of Enchantment by Teresa Medeiros

On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle

Walking in Pimlico by Ann Featherstone

Mind Games by Carolyn Crane

Soulless by Gail Carriger

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams

In comments tell me which book you would like to win, along with your name, email and country (I'm just curious! :P).

The only requirement is that you follow the blog.
One extra entry if you spread the word (link in comments).
Another extra entry if you follow me on twitter (@hatshepsut0011)

This giveaway is open to any country that The Book Depository ships to.

Good luck!

---------------------------------------

Da questo giveaway hop non voglio più lasciare fuori i miei follower italiani che non leggono in inglese e perciò ho deciso di mettere in palio i seguenti libri:

L'anello di ferro di Ornella Albanese

Un cuore nelle tenebre di Roberta Ciuffi

Per partecipare a questo giveaway dovete:

1) essere FOLLOWER del blog

2) lasciare un commento indicando il libro che volete vincere e il vostro indirizzo mail

Per dei punti extra:

1) pubblicizzare il giveaway su facebook/twitter/blog (lasciandomi il link nei commenti)

2) seguitemi su twitter (@hatshepsut0011) (lasciate il vostro twitter name nei commenti)

Il giveaway durerà fino al 7 Luglio.

Buona Fortuna!

Author Interview with Laura Bickle / Alayna Williams

2011-06-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

My first interview and with one of my favourite UF authors!

Today I am happy to welcome to Dr. Stravagante’s Traveling Book Circus Laura Bickle / Alayna Williams author of the Anya Kalinczyk series (Embers and Sparks) and the Oracle series (Dark Oracle and Rogue Oracle).

1) Hi, Alayna! Thank you for being with us today! Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm a bit of an odd duck. My background is in information technology, criminology, and library science. I live in the Midwest, where my husband and I are owned by four semi-reformed feral cats. My hobbies include astronomy and belly dancing...I do neither one well, but I enjoy them.

2) When did you realize you wanted to be an author?

I'm still pinching myself! I've always been scrawling stories, every since I've been old enough to hold a crayon. It still seems a bit surreal to be able to see my work in print. It was a long road, but I'm thrilled to be on it. I'm excited that other people want to read what I've written...it's the best feeling in the world.

3) When you set out to write a story, do you approach it as an architect (planning everything out in advance) or as a gardener (planting a seed and allowing it to grow as it will)?

I love the analogy! I guess I'm mostly an architect, but I leave room for growth. I begin with a high-level outline. A skeleton or scaffolding. As I work through the manuscript, it becomes more detailed. Flesh gets added to the bones. There are ideas that need to be reiterated, loops that need to be closed, threads to tie up. It eventually breaks into a scene-by-scene outline.

The scene-by-scene outline allows me to easily create a timeline (another frequent editorial request). I find that I'm less tempted to try to pack a superhuman number of events into my heroine's day if I have a visual representation of how much stuff I'm trying to cram between sunrise and sunset.

That's not to say that I have no serendipities, no flow. I do chase ideas down rabbit holes and find my own little synchronicities. The outline is not sacred - it's meant to be torn apart and reconstructed.

4) You write under two different pen names: Laura Bickle (the Anya Kalinczyk urban fantasy series) and Alayna Williams (the Oracle urban fantasy series). Please tell us a bit about each series.

My Laura Bickle books, EMBERS and SPARKS, are best described as "Ghostbusters in Detroit with dragons and arson." They follow the adventures of Anya Kalinczyk, who's an arson investigator and psychic medium. She spends her days working with as an arson investigator and her nights exterminating malicious spirits with an eccentric group of ghost hunters. She's joined by her faithful familiar, a feral fire salamander named Sparky.

My Alayna Williams books, DARK ORACLE and ROGUE ORACLE, are about a criminal profiler, Tara Sheridan, who uses Tarot cards to solve crimes. These books are a mashup of science and magic - similar to Fringe and the X-Files. Tara's a reluctant member of an ancient society of oracles tracing their lineage back to the Oracle of Delphi. In ROGUE ORACLE, Tara and her skeptic partner Harry Li are on the trail of a Chernobyl survivor who's selling nuclear secrets on the international black market.

5) Why do you write under two different names?

My editor recommended that I use a different pseudonym for the ORACLE books. My first book, EMBERS, came out in April, 2010. DARK ORACLE was scheduled for June of that year. We thought it would be confusing for readers to have two UF series going on under the same name, with alternating release dates. For that purpose, it made sense to create "Alayna." In that sense, it was a branding decision.

Both series are urban fantasy. But a little different. The Anya books are very much gritty urban fantasy, while the Oracle books border on science fiction.

6) How do you get inspiration while writing a book? And why Oracles?

I've always been intrigued by the idea of a hidden supernatural world existing beneath our own. Urban Fantasy allows me to explore the "what if's": What if a criminal profiler turned to Tarot card divination? What if the Oracle of Delphi survived into the modern day...and what would they have been up to? What if the future could be told through the use of magic...and how would we try to change what we saw?

7) When did you become interested in Tarot cards? Do you use Tarot cards?

I read cards for myself for fun and use them for story prompts. The ORACLE books were written with a deck at hand. Whenever I got stuck on a character or plot point, I'd pick a card. Some of the spreads I used made their way into the final version of the book. It was a fun way to visually outline a story, since there's a Hero's Journey already included in the cards.

8) Have you ever had your fortune told? If you have, what was it like?

I go to the local Renaissance Festival every year and get my Tarot cards read by the same card reader. It's a lot of fun...I'm usually full of turkey leg and cheesecake on a stick by that time. My costume is usually a bit muddy from sitting too close at the Mud Show, and we sit in a sunshine-y nook to peer at the cards.

9) Favorite myths? Who is your favorite myth character and why?

Fire salamanders! Salamanders haven't gotten much press since Paracelus' time as elemental spirits, but I'm fascinated by the idea that they might be magical familiars.

I've been slightly obsessed with amphibious salamanders since I was a kid and would find them under rocks in clear streams. I can see why people thought they were mysterious creatures.

10) What new book or story are you working on?

I'm working on a couple of fantasy projects. Like my other books, they involve female protagonists. Somehow, my heroines always wind up with pets...be they cats, salamanders, or other familiars.

I can’t wait to know more! Thank you for answering my questions!

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La mia prima intervista e con una delle mie autrici preferite di UF!

Oggi sono lieta di dare il benvenuto nel Dr. Stravagante’s Traveling Book Circus a Laura Bickle / Alayna Williams, autrice della serie di Anya Kalinczyk (Embers e Sparks) e della serie de l’Oracolo (Dark Oracle and Rogue Oracle).

1) Ciao, Alayna! Grazie per essere con noi oggi! Parlaci un po’ di te.

Sono un tipo abbastanza eccentrico. La mia formazione è nell’informatica, nella criminologia e nelle scienze bibliotecarie. Vivo nel Midwest, dove io e mio marito siamo di proprietà di quattro gatti selvatici semi-riformati. I miei hobby sono l'astronomia e la danza del ventre ... non riesco bene in nessuno dei due, ma mi piacciono ugualmente.

2) Quando hai capito che volevi diventare una scrittrice?

Mi sto ancora dando dei pizzicotti! Ho sempre scarabocchiato storie fin da quando ero abbastanza grande da tenere in mano una matita. Sembra ancora un pò surreale poter vedere il mio lavoro pubblicato. È stata una strada lunga, ma sono entusiasta di averla imboccata. Sono emozionata che altre persone vogliano leggere quello che ho scritto ... è la migliore sensazione del mondo.

3) Quando ti proponi di scrivere una storia, il tuo approccio è quello di un architetto (che progetta tutto in anticipo) o di un giardiniere (che pianta un seme e gli consente di crescere in libertà)?

Mi piace l'analogia! Credo di essere soprattutto un architetto, ma lascio spazio per la crescita. Comincio con una struttura di alto livello. Uno scheletro o impalcatura. Mentre lavoro sul manoscritto, diventa più dettagliato. La carne viene aggiunta alle ossa. Ci sono idee che devono essere ribadite, cicli che devono essere chiusi, trame da collegare. Alla fine si rompe in uno schema scena per scena.

Lo schema scena per scena mi permette di creare facilmente una linea del tempo (un'altra richiesta editoriale frequente). Ho constatato che, se ho una rappresentazione visiva di quante cose sto cercando di stipare tra l'alba e il tramonto, sono meno tentata di provare a caricare le giornate della mia eroina con una serie sovrumana di eventi.

Questo non vuol dire che non ho colpi di genio, nessun flusso. Inseguo le idee fin nelle tane dei conigli e trovo le mie piccole sincronicità. Lo schema non è sacro - è destinato ad essere distrutto e ricostruito.

4) Scrivi utilizzando due nom de plum differenti: Laura Bickle (per la serie urban fantasy di Anya Kalinczyk) e Alayna Williams (per la serie urban fantasy de l'Oracolo). Dicci qualcosa di entrambe queste serie.

I libri che scrivo sotto lo pseudonimo di Laura Bickle, EMBERS e SPARKS, sono meglio descritti come "Ghostbusters a Detroit con draghi e incendi." Seguono le avventure di Anya Kalinczyk, che è una investigatrice di incendi dolosi e sensitiva. Trascorre le sue giornate lavorando come investigatrice di incendi dolosi e le sue notti sterminando spiriti maligni con un eccentrico gruppo di cacciatori di fantasmi. È affiancata dal suo fedele demone domestico, una salamandra pezzata selvatica di nome Sparky.

I libri che scrivo sotto lo pseudonimo di Alayna Williams, DARK ORACLE e ROGUE ORACLE, trattano di una criminal profiler, Tara Sheridan, che utilizza i Tarocchi per risolvere i crimini. Questi libri sono un miscuglio di scienza e magia – simili a Fringe e X-Files. Tara è un riluttante membro di un'antica società di oracoli che tracciano il loro lignaggio fino all'Oracolo di Delfi. In ROGUE ORACLE, Tara e il suo scettico partner Harry Li sono sulle tracce di un sopravvissuto di Chernobyl che sta vendendo segreti nucleari sul mercato nero internazionale.

5) Perché scrivi sotto due nomi differenti?

Il mio editore mi ha consigliato di utilizzare uno pseudonimo diverso per la serie de L’Oracolo. Il mio primo libro, EMBERS, è uscito nel mese di aprile, 2010. DARK ORACLE era previsto per giugno dello stesso anno. Abbiamo pensato che sarebbe stato fonte di confusione per i lettori avere due serie UF succedersi sotto lo stesso nome, con date di uscita alternate. A tal fine aveva un senso creare "Alayna".

In questo senso, è stata una decisione di marca.

Entrambe le serie sono urban fantasy, ma un pò diverse. I libri di Anya sono un urban fantasy crudamente realistico, mentre i libri de l’Oracolo confinano con la fantascienza.

6) Come ottieni l'ispirazione durante la scrittura di un libro? E perché gli Oracoli?

Sono sempre stata affascinato dall'idea di un mondo soprannaturale nascosto esistente al di sotto del nostro. L’Urban Fantasy mi permette di esplorare i "che sarebbe successo se": che sarebbe successo se una criminal profiler si rivolgesse alla divinazione tramite lettura dei Tarocchi? Che sarebbe successo se l'Oracolo di Delfi fosse sopravvissuto fino ai giorni nostri ... e cosa avrebbero fatto? Che sarebbe successo se il futuro potesse essere rivelato attraverso l'uso della magia ... e come cercheremmo di cambiare quello che abbiamo visto?

7) Quando hai iniziato ad interessarti di Tarocchi? Utilizzi i Tarocchi?

Leggo le carte per me per divertimento e le uso per nuovi spunti. I libri de l’Oracolo sono stati scritti con un mazzo a portata di mano. Ogni volta che mi bloccavo su un personaggio o su un punto della storia, pescavo una carta. Alcuni dei metodi di lettura che ho usato si sono fatti strada nella versione finale del libro. È stato un modo divertente per delineare visivamente una storia, dal momento che c'è un Viaggio dell’Eroe già incluso nelle carte.

8) Ti sei mai fatta prevedere il futuro? Se si, come è stato?

Vado al Festival del Rinascimento locale ogni anno e mi faccio leggere i Tarocchi dalla stessa indovina. È molto divertente ... sono di solito piena di coscia di tacchino e cheesecake su un bastoncino a quel punto. Il mio costume è di solito un pò fangoso essendo seduta troppo vicino allo Spettacolo di Fango, e ci sediamo in un angolo soleggiato per scrutare le carte.

9) Miti preferiti? Chi è il tuo personaggio mitologico preferito e perché?

Le salamandre pezzate! Le salamandre non hanno ottenuto molta pubblicità dai tempi di Paracelus come spiriti elementali, ma mi affascina l'idea che potrebbero essere demoni domestici magici.

Sono stata leggermente ossessionata dalle salamandre da quando ero bambina e mi capitava di trovarle sotto le rocce nei corsi d'acqua limpidi. Posso capire perché la gente pensava che fossero creature misteriose.

10) Su quale nuovo libro o storia stai lavorando?

Sto lavorando su un paio di progetti fantasy. Come i miei altri libri, coinvolgono protagoniste femminili. In qualche modo le mie eroine finiscono sempre con degli animali ... che si tratti di gatti, salamandre o altri demoni domestici.

Non vedo l'ora di saperne di più! Grazie per aver risposto alle mie domande!

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You can win a copy of Dark Oracle HERE

Potete vincere una copia di Dark Oracle QUI

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More info on her urban fantasy and general nerdiness is here: http://www.salamanderstales.com/

Laura/ Alayna’s blogs

http://www.salamanderstales.blogspot.com and http://delphisdaughters.blogspot.com

She’s a proud member of Word Whores.

She’s at Facebook, and Fangs, Fur, and Fey.

And Twitter...@Laura_Bickle

Sparky the fire salamander from EMBERS and SPARKS has his own Twitter account, @SparkySalamandr