Big hugs and love to you all for joining me in my celebration of 100+ followers.
I was scared when I came up with the idea that it was dumb, but once again your support amazes me in happy ways that usually only chocolate can help.
Okay, better stop gushing before I cry.
Plus I know you are itching to know who won. I used the Random.Org number generator thingy to pick the winners. The paper-hat-pulling combo was too much for my brain on a Bank Holiday Monday. :)
Monday.
The winner of the hardback UK covers of The Forest of Hands and Teeth and The Dead-Tossed Waves is....
Jen Daiker
Wednesday.
I made a slight change to this but I know you'll love it. I am having a happy time in Waterstones bookshop and there is 3 for 2 (I'm such a sucker for an offer, twice in the same week folks!). There were two books I wanted but I couldn't see a third (believe me it is a rare occurrence). Being the soft person that I am, I sacrificed my third book to get another copy of Shiver.
Shiver (copy 1) winner: Stina Lindenblatt
Beautiful Creatures winner: Jaydee Morgan
Shiver (copy 2) winner: Renae Mercado
Friday.
The prize packages of Hex Hall, notebook and chocolate or The Book Of A Thousand Days, notebook and chocolate.
Hex Hall winner: Jemi Fraser
The Book Of A Thousand Days winner: Shannon McMahon
So my week of win is over *sniff.* I honestly wish I could have given everyone who entered a copy of the book they wanted. You are all that awesome and appreciated.
Winners please email me at isabellamorgan2010(at)googlemail(dot)com and I can sort out getting your goodies posted.
Monday, 31 May 2010
Saturday, 29 May 2010
The cinema is like a book.
Going to the cinema is like reading a book.
Stick with me because I'm heading somewhere with this.
Anyway...
Act one: The journey begins.
So we have our main characters - two girls out for fun and entertainment.
Main character arrives at the friend's house. We have to wait for friend's fiancee to get home from work and her toddler to come home from the Grandparents. Both arrive. Little niece sees me and does not want Auntie to go. She wraps her arms around MC legs. MC and friend experience pangs of guilt as she waves us goodbye on the steps.
Arrive at cinema. We have hopes, dreams, apprehension and a goal (watching the film).
The first ticket machine doesn't work. Hurdle to the goal. We try another. No joy. Frustration is abound. The third works. Phew.
Act Two: The tension rises.
Our heroines hit the snack stand. The queue is long and a back-and-forth conversation of "what shall we get?" ensues. We edge closer to being served and still haven't reached a decision. Tension rises. Will our epic journey be defeated by lack of snacks?
No. A fantastic popcorn and 2 drink deal saves the day. Plus we reach a chocolate/Skittles combination and pay.
We head into the cinema and go to find our seats. Seats chosen, we settle in to watch the film.
The various cast of characters appears around us:
The people who sit texting on their phone throughout the movie. Bright distracting light.
The ones behind who give a running commentary. I don't mind talking during a film but isn't it politer to whisper?
The "shush" people. Gotta love the guts there.
And the other minor characters who we don't give names or identities.
The trailers start. We have a lull in the action to catch our breath.
Act Three: Heading to a climax.
Then the film and the story which leads us to our dramatic conclusion.
Our main characters are drawn into the world, snacking on popcorn, slurping drinks and watching the feisty Northern lass and her street dance crew hoping to achieve their dreams. We share their all is lost moment, where the heroine thinks nothing can save her. We hold our breath for the finale and resolution.
Resolution: The satisfying conclusion.
Order is restored. The lights come up and our tow characters leave the cinema chatting happily with a plan to repeat the process with Sex and the City 2.
See. I told you it was like a book.
Stick with me because I'm heading somewhere with this.
Anyway...
Act one: The journey begins.
So we have our main characters - two girls out for fun and entertainment.
Main character arrives at the friend's house. We have to wait for friend's fiancee to get home from work and her toddler to come home from the Grandparents. Both arrive. Little niece sees me and does not want Auntie to go. She wraps her arms around MC legs. MC and friend experience pangs of guilt as she waves us goodbye on the steps.
Arrive at cinema. We have hopes, dreams, apprehension and a goal (watching the film).
The first ticket machine doesn't work. Hurdle to the goal. We try another. No joy. Frustration is abound. The third works. Phew.
Act Two: The tension rises.
Our heroines hit the snack stand. The queue is long and a back-and-forth conversation of "what shall we get?" ensues. We edge closer to being served and still haven't reached a decision. Tension rises. Will our epic journey be defeated by lack of snacks?
No. A fantastic popcorn and 2 drink deal saves the day. Plus we reach a chocolate/Skittles combination and pay.
We head into the cinema and go to find our seats. Seats chosen, we settle in to watch the film.
The various cast of characters appears around us:
The people who sit texting on their phone throughout the movie. Bright distracting light.
The ones behind who give a running commentary. I don't mind talking during a film but isn't it politer to whisper?
The "shush" people. Gotta love the guts there.
And the other minor characters who we don't give names or identities.
The trailers start. We have a lull in the action to catch our breath.
Act Three: Heading to a climax.
Then the film and the story which leads us to our dramatic conclusion.
Our main characters are drawn into the world, snacking on popcorn, slurping drinks and watching the feisty Northern lass and her street dance crew hoping to achieve their dreams. We share their all is lost moment, where the heroine thinks nothing can save her. We hold our breath for the finale and resolution.
Resolution: The satisfying conclusion.
Order is restored. The lights come up and our tow characters leave the cinema chatting happily with a plan to repeat the process with Sex and the City 2.
See. I told you it was like a book.
I read. You read. We all read. How do I read?
So I was reading The Story Siren and Renae had this fantastic post on reader habits from a questionnaire on StoryWings.
It sounded so fun I knew I had to play. :)
Do you snack while you read? If so, favourite reading snack:
I don't tend to snack while I read. Okay, sometimes if I'm in on my own (and I have to finish the book) then I eat my dinner reading, but I like to be really careful. I hate messy books.
What is your favourite drink while reading?
Tea. I'm such a typical Brit. :)
Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?
Are you crazy? If it is a non-fiction/study book or something then yes. Would I write in a novel? No way.
How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Laying the book flat open?
I'm a bookmark or scrap of paper kind of a girl. I can't do the dog-ear thing. *shudders.*
Fiction, non-fiction, or both?
It depends on my mood. I'm big on fiction at the moment.
Are you a person who tends to read to the end of a chapter, or can you stop anywhere?
I prefer to read until the end of a chapter.
Are you the type of person to throw a book across the room or on the floor if the author irritates you?
No. But I have the unfortunate habit of dropping other things on a regular basis. :)
If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop and look it up right away?
Not usually. I may note it and look it up later, but I tend to carry on reading.
What are you currently reading?
Blood Promise by Richelle Mead.
What is the last book you bought?
It was 3 for 2 at the bookstore, so I couldn't resist: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce, Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles and Waves by Sharon Dogar.
Are you the type of person that reads one book at a time, or can you read more than one?
I try and read one at a time, but I can read more than one. If I'm really enjoying a book or series - like the Vampire Academy one I'm reading at the moment - then I read one at a time.
Do you have a favourite time/place to read?
I read anytime I can. I like to read before I go to sleep. So I guess my favourite place is to read on my bed.
Do you prefer series books or stand alones?
I'm in series mode at the moment but it wasn't a conscious choice. It just so happens that the books I've bought have been series ones.
Is there a specific book or author you find yourself recommending over and over?
I recommend most books I read but mainly Maggie Stiefvater, Richelle Mead, Suzanne Collins. There are loads more though.
How do you organise your books? (by genre, title, author's last name, etc.)
My books are arranged in series order. I'm not into alphabetising or anything like that, but I like to keep them in size order. I can't stand a tall book next to a little one and then another tall one. Okay I'm a freak. :)
Want to play? Feel free to take the questions and post on your blog, leave me a link here, then check out Storywings and post your answers there as well.
It sounded so fun I knew I had to play. :)
Do you snack while you read? If so, favourite reading snack:
I don't tend to snack while I read. Okay, sometimes if I'm in on my own (and I have to finish the book) then I eat my dinner reading, but I like to be really careful. I hate messy books.
What is your favourite drink while reading?
Tea. I'm such a typical Brit. :)
Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?
Are you crazy? If it is a non-fiction/study book or something then yes. Would I write in a novel? No way.
How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Laying the book flat open?
I'm a bookmark or scrap of paper kind of a girl. I can't do the dog-ear thing. *shudders.*
Fiction, non-fiction, or both?
It depends on my mood. I'm big on fiction at the moment.
Are you a person who tends to read to the end of a chapter, or can you stop anywhere?
I prefer to read until the end of a chapter.
Are you the type of person to throw a book across the room or on the floor if the author irritates you?
No. But I have the unfortunate habit of dropping other things on a regular basis. :)
If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop and look it up right away?
Not usually. I may note it and look it up later, but I tend to carry on reading.
What are you currently reading?
Blood Promise by Richelle Mead.
What is the last book you bought?
It was 3 for 2 at the bookstore, so I couldn't resist: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce, Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles and Waves by Sharon Dogar.
Are you the type of person that reads one book at a time, or can you read more than one?
I try and read one at a time, but I can read more than one. If I'm really enjoying a book or series - like the Vampire Academy one I'm reading at the moment - then I read one at a time.
Do you have a favourite time/place to read?
I read anytime I can. I like to read before I go to sleep. So I guess my favourite place is to read on my bed.
Do you prefer series books or stand alones?
I'm in series mode at the moment but it wasn't a conscious choice. It just so happens that the books I've bought have been series ones.
Is there a specific book or author you find yourself recommending over and over?
I recommend most books I read but mainly Maggie Stiefvater, Richelle Mead, Suzanne Collins. There are loads more though.
How do you organise your books? (by genre, title, author's last name, etc.)
My books are arranged in series order. I'm not into alphabetising or anything like that, but I like to keep them in size order. I can't stand a tall book next to a little one and then another tall one. Okay I'm a freak. :)
Want to play? Feel free to take the questions and post on your blog, leave me a link here, then check out Storywings and post your answers there as well.
Friday, 28 May 2010
Week of win: Friday Prizes.
I have to say a huge thanks again to everyone for making me squee with happiness at my first contest. So, in celebration of my 100+ followers, here are the lovelies on offer today.
Either the U.K. paperback of Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins or The Book Of A Thousand Days by Shannon Hale.
And that's not all.
You also get a handy A5 notebook from my favourite stationary shop Paperchase. The perfect size for popping in your bag for those 'flashes of inspiration' moments.
And (even though I keep wanting to eat them myself) a yummy box of mini chocolate Melts from Thorntons.
And, for the fun, here is today's Mad Lib.
Either the U.K. paperback of Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins or The Book Of A Thousand Days by Shannon Hale.
And that's not all.
You also get a handy A5 notebook from my favourite stationary shop Paperchase. The perfect size for popping in your bag for those 'flashes of inspiration' moments.
And (even though I keep wanting to eat them myself) a yummy box of mini chocolate Melts from Thorntons.
And, for the fun, here is today's Mad Lib.
I ________because I wanted__________. Then the _______ _________ and I cried.
Time to make me smile (and maybe a cup of tea, nose snort) and be in awe at your genius. :)
And don't forget to let me know your book preference. I loved them both so please don't ask me to choose. It's too hard. :)
Although I did read Hex Hall in two days if that helps.
Prizes will be drawn on Monday 31st of May. There is still time to enter for Monday and Wednesday's selection of book-goodness if you haven't already.
Happy Friday. :)
Thursday, 27 May 2010
So much to see. So much to win.
There are some awesome giveaways happening throughout the blogosphere. So I wanted to take a moment to highlight a few.
Elana is hosting a week of awesome prize packages to celebrate her book deal.
YA Highway is giving away 3 days of prizes to celebrate their one-year anniversary. Today it is agent/writer critiques.
The Misadventures In Candyland is having a contest too, a creative one. So if you want to write your very own Candyland-esque blog post, then check it out. The prizes? Query critiques by Elana Johnson, books and Starbucks gift cards.
And don't forget little old me. I will be posting the next prize in my week of win tomorrow, but don't forget you can still enter for Monday and Wednesday's prizes too.
Elana is hosting a week of awesome prize packages to celebrate her book deal.
YA Highway is giving away 3 days of prizes to celebrate their one-year anniversary. Today it is agent/writer critiques.
The Misadventures In Candyland is having a contest too, a creative one. So if you want to write your very own Candyland-esque blog post, then check it out. The prizes? Query critiques by Elana Johnson, books and Starbucks gift cards.
And don't forget little old me. I will be posting the next prize in my week of win tomorrow, but don't forget you can still enter for Monday and Wednesday's prizes too.
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Week of win: Wednesday Prizes.
First I want to say a big thank you to everyone for making my first contest so much fun.
But enough of that. It's time to announce my week of win Wednesday prize.
And there will be two winners. Yup two. :)
But enough of that. It's time to announce my week of win Wednesday prize.
And there will be two winners. Yup two. :)
So here are the beautiful books up for grabs today:
The U.K. paperback of Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl.
The U.K. paperback of Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater.
Let me know in the comments which book you would prefer. Oh, and if you already have these (and if your name is drawn on Monday) I will be giving a random mystery prize.
Hint: It may, or may not, be something write-esq and some form of chocolate. Yum.
And now the fun of Mad Libs:
_________ things and _________ make me _________.
And now the fun of Mad Libs:
_________ things and _________ make me _________.
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
What's in a word?
How awesome was Mad Libs yesterday?
Yup, I had happy times last night reading your comments (and an almost tea, nose snorting incident that I won't talk about. heehee).
If you haven't commented to win my spectacular hardcover U.K copies of both Carrie Ryan books, please do. I am drawing the winners for all of this weeks prizes on Monday 31st.
On to today.
Kids are sponges. Seriously, they are pint-sized sponges with super hearing.
Yesterday I had dinner with friend and Goddaughter. Goddaughter was doing everything possible to avoid eating her pasta.
My friend put it on her plate. Goddaughter threw it on the floor. Smiled.
Friend: *whispers to me* "Ooh, little sod."
Goddaughter: "Sod!"
Me: "Did she just say sod?"
Goddaughter: "Sod. Sod. Sod."
Me: *laughing hysterically*
Friend: "Don't make a big deal out of it, or she'll say it even more."
Me: *stifles the laugh, but chuckles on the inside*
G.daughter: *smiles*
Now sod is one of those British terms when someone is being a pain. It's technically not swearing, but it's not a word my friend wants the little one to learn. Or me really.
No matter how funny she looked while doing it.
The thing is, Goddaughter doesn't know what the word means. To us, it means something. To her 'sod' is just a word.
So I thought about words. More specifically the power of words.
We are taught what certain words mean from birth. Some words are good, some are 'naughty' and are supposed to stick with them. We say one that's bad, we get told off.
But a child developing language skills doesn't have a yardstick. To a toddler, it's just a word, waiting for the meaning to be discovered.
Just like books.
We write the words down on the page, hoping for our readers to discover their meaning. How they interpret that meaning will be different depending on what they have been taught.
To some it will be bad. To some good. To others, who knows. That's what I love about language. It's flexibility.
So in the end I am left to wonder if there is any real right or wrong within words?
Yup, I had happy times last night reading your comments (and an almost tea, nose snorting incident that I won't talk about. heehee).
If you haven't commented to win my spectacular hardcover U.K copies of both Carrie Ryan books, please do. I am drawing the winners for all of this weeks prizes on Monday 31st.
On to today.
Kids are sponges. Seriously, they are pint-sized sponges with super hearing.
Yesterday I had dinner with friend and Goddaughter. Goddaughter was doing everything possible to avoid eating her pasta.
My friend put it on her plate. Goddaughter threw it on the floor. Smiled.
Friend: *whispers to me* "Ooh, little sod."
Goddaughter: "Sod!"
Me: "Did she just say sod?"
Goddaughter: "Sod. Sod. Sod."
Me: *laughing hysterically*
Friend: "Don't make a big deal out of it, or she'll say it even more."
Me: *stifles the laugh, but chuckles on the inside*
G.daughter: *smiles*
Now sod is one of those British terms when someone is being a pain. It's technically not swearing, but it's not a word my friend wants the little one to learn. Or me really.
No matter how funny she looked while doing it.
The thing is, Goddaughter doesn't know what the word means. To us, it means something. To her 'sod' is just a word.
So I thought about words. More specifically the power of words.
We are taught what certain words mean from birth. Some words are good, some are 'naughty' and are supposed to stick with them. We say one that's bad, we get told off.
But a child developing language skills doesn't have a yardstick. To a toddler, it's just a word, waiting for the meaning to be discovered.
Just like books.
We write the words down on the page, hoping for our readers to discover their meaning. How they interpret that meaning will be different depending on what they have been taught.
To some it will be bad. To some good. To others, who knows. That's what I love about language. It's flexibility.
So in the end I am left to wonder if there is any real right or wrong within words?
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