Made me smile...

I need teacups scattered around my house filled with miniature classic novels.




Toms made of book quotes? Okay, that's kind of awesome.


Thanks pinterest!

Creative Musings

Every writer has a unique method for they how receive, record, and develop their own inspiration. So just for fun, I’d thought I’d give you a glimpse of some of the writing habits that I do whenever I’m struck with an idea.

When I'm developing a story, I love writing in a notebook. Writing on a laptop is fine, but there’s something special about recording my thoughts with my favorite pen in one of my notebooks. You can see my striking collection of writing notebooks in this picture. I have my everyday-use ones, my tiny traveling one, and the ones that have been with me since the very beginning—they’re so very loyal. One of them even has a sketch of Julia from when I was in Jr. High (Although the picture only gives more evidence to the fact that I have absolutely no drawing skills).



The picture below may look like a scene from a scary movie, but it’s actually the result of my creative musings. Whenever I’m in the shower, ideas and characters develop in my head and I have to hurry and take notes before I forget. I end up jotting the ideas on my shower wall. Sometimes my husband will add in his own comments to my notes afterwards, which always throws me off when they appear the next day in the steam.



And lastly I thought I give a little acknowledgment to my writing buddies. They’ve stuck with me through it all, giving me so much inspiration. They may be a little demanding at times, but they’re my biggest fans. And they’re always there. Literally. They follow me around everywhere. I can't escape them...



What are your writing rituals? Do you have a favorite writing pen, notebook, or companion?

The Shapeshifter's Secret Blog Tour Announced

Wahoo!

March Hunger Games Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to Diana and My Reading Addiction for winning The March Hunger Games Giveaway!



Thanks everyone for participating!

Some of the best (and most strange) things that I love about books

Reading and being around books is such a positive experience for me. I'm the kind of person who kept my English college text books instead of selling them back at the end of the semester like most students. I just couldn't give them up--I had to start collecting for my future library.

I remember going to bookstores with my mom when I was younger, and spending hours finding and reading new novels. It was so amusing to sort through books, discover new authors, and continually build my passion for reading. I still feel that way. So I thought I would share some of the things that I love about books (physical books only. As in tangible, hold-in-your-hand, really there. Sorry e-books).

I love the sight of books piled high on shelves. Remember that castle library from Beauty and the Beast? It was a massive ballroom with shelves that went on for several levels, graced by thousands of books. (Sigh, I would LOVE to have that in my home). But seriously, the image of so much knowledge, power, and beauty piled upon shelves just fills me with enthusiasm.


Finishing a novel is also one of the best feelings to me. I love closing the cover, taking a deep breath, and realizing that I’ve accomplished something. I’ve discovered a new story, explored new places, and I know that I’ve grown and learned more with every passing paragraph. It’s a small achievement, but I’m moving forward. Then, when I’m done, I’m hungry for more adventures, more worlds, more plots.


I love smelling book pages--I know it’s weird, and probably not something to share publicly. But I love the scent of fresh parchment! I’m sure it triggers something in my mind, probably memories of reading Harry Potter for hours on end. And I’ll be honest, if you hand me a new novel--I’m going to open it up in the middle, stop whatever I’m doing, and smell the pages. And then you’ll probably laugh.


What are some of your experiences with novels, books, or bookstores? Do you have any interesting rituals with buying or reading novels?


On a Random Note: Yes, it's true. Apparently they make a book smell spray for that reader who can't enjoy reading their e-book without the real smell.

March Hunger Games Giveaway

As you all know the cinematic release of The Hunger Games is coming out this month. I love the novel, I love movies, so I'm rather ecstatic (and still contemplating dressing up on opening night). In honor of this, I will be giving away copies of The Hunger Games novel by Suzanne Collins.




If you’d like to win a copy of The Hunger Games, just follow my blog and leave a comment below (make sure to leave your email address with it). I’ll use www.random.org and choose a winner on March 16. Good luck!

“May the odds be ever in your favor!”
― Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games



Random note: Did you know they sell Hunger Games nail polish?!

(This contest is open to all those living in continental USA)

Inspiration and a little photography

Sometimes I just need a few motivational quotes. If you've been needing a little bit of writing inspiration, hopefully these lovely words will help! And because I also love beautiful, mystical, magical photography-- you get some of that in this post too. Enjoy.

We were born to succeed, not to fail. -- Henry David Thoreau



I Dwell in possibility. --Emily Dickinson



The best way out is always through.
--Robert Frost




Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
--Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken



I just write what I wanted to write. I write what amuses me. It's totally for myself.
--J. K. Rowling



Little by little, one travels far.
--J. R. R. Tolkien



Thank you, come again.