The Shapeshifter's Secret Blog Tour Announced

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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.

XANADU

My mother-in-law took me to go see the play Xanadu this week for my birthday, and I absolutely loved it. (Compliments of Hale Center Theater in Orem).

I grew up watching Xanadu because my parents loved it in the 80's. And honestly, what's not to like? Leg warmers, electric bands, olivia newton john--Xanadu has it all.

I once watched a Friend's episode where Phoebe (the strange one) walks by the television, glances at it and screams "Oh! Oh! Xanadu!" Then you see Olivia dancing on the television in 80's clothes. That scene always cracks me up because it describes how people feel about Xanadu. Either you love it or hate it (Or the rare case where you haven't seen it). If you do love it, you really think it's amazing--Like how Phoebe got so excited that it was on.

I always loved the scene in Xanadu where the two male characters have different visions for a themed roller rink. Sonny Malone imagines a rockin' 80's theme with crazy dancers, and Gene Kelly has a vision of a classy 1940's club. By the end of scene something magical happens (I know that was terribly cheesy of me), and I love how it meshes together.

I know this is a random post, but it's my birthday this week and I feel that if I'm ever going to plug Xanadu, this is the week!

I posted that clip from Xanadu below (sorry about any questionable dancing, I want them to remake this movie and make it squeaky clean haha). But I hope you enjoy it and maybe even pull out your leg warmers this week (I know you have some).

What are your favorite childhood movies?

http://youtu.be/Ts9GdyGD5e4

(Copy and Paste this URL. Youtube wouldn't let me put it on my blog).

HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO(INE)

I’ve been thinking lately about woman heroines. What makes a female character/hero memorable? Relatable? Worth reading about?

I’ve heard a lot of readers complain about woman characters that are too “damsel in distress.” I can see where they’re coming from, there’s nothing worse than a female protagonist who won’t fight in intense situations. You have to wonder, are they afraid of ruining their hair? Breaking a nail? Getting their shoes dirty?

I always hated that scene in The Princess Bride when Westly was being attacked by the huge rat and Princess Buttercup just stood there looking slightly worried. I remember watching it with my sister and yelling “Help him out! Grab his sword!”



But on the opposite end of the spectrum I can’t relate with a superhero woman who is so tough that she has no depth. She always wear shiny spandex, can run and jump form buildings in stiletto boots, but because she’s so tough (and to run in stilettos, you must be though), it’s like she doesn’t have room for weaknesses and emotions.

I think a heroine needs to be realistic as well. She needs to have dimension, have feelings, off days, and imperfections. But she also needs to be strong, brave, and able to do incredible things when she’s faced with danger. I would have loved Princess Buttercup if she would have instantly grabbed Westly’s sword and fought the rat (even if she was in a long ball gown).

A great Heroine can be strong, brave, and amazing at fighting, as long as she still has feelings and emotions that female readers can relate too. Also, I like a heroine who is a smidge bit rebellious—not so rebellious that she becomes a villain, but enough that she doesn’t just accept everything she’s told. I think Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice is a great example.



Who are your favorite heroines in literature? Or which movie heroines do you root for? (P.S. I’m really sorry if Princess Buttercup is your favorite and I just ruined that for you).