Review Day: Shaping Destiny

It's Review Day!!!!!!

Today's novel is something a little different, but in the best way possible.

Title: Shaping Destiny
Author: Destiny Allison
Rating: 5 stars

(description from Amazon)
Powerful. Deeply honest. Intensely personal. This book will change the way you think about art and understand yourself.

Shaping Destiny is about the conflicts between who we were taught to be and who we actually are. It drives to the heart of what it means to be a woman and an artist while it reveals the sources of art that lie hidden in one’s own personal experience.

This powerful and compelling narrative illuminates the creative process, shows us new ways of looking at and talking about art, and demonstrates how making art helps us discover our humanity and determine our lives. (end)

Shaping Destiny is a beautifully written novel about the journey Destiny Allison took to learn who she was as a person, mother, artist, friend and woman.  This unique novel was written with such passion, skill and finesse that I from the very first paragraph I was drawn in and couldn't put it down.  Destiny writing style is absolutely flawless and incredible.  She paints a picture in your mind so vivid you feel as if it is your life.  The entire journey I was taken on really hit home, being that I am a young woman, and showed me that if I find something I am passionate about I too can become the person I aspire to be.

Destiny Allison mixed the art and becoming a woman perfectly.  She showed us how passion drives us, how woman are who they want to be and really drove home what shapes our lives.  Men, don't think you can't read this novel and learn a thing of two.  The life lessons can still be understood and the story is phenomenal!  The most impressive part about this novel is how she manages to teach and entertain in a way that isn't Chicken Soup for the Soul-ish, very obvious *life lessons* that make you feel like a bad person.  The one thing I wish I could have from this book...is more!  I hope that Destiny Allison continues writing and producing literary gems like this one.  I am your new and loyal fan!!

Purchase a copy of Shaping Destiny from Amazon, or Barnes & Noble..  Happy Review Day!!

Authors Not-So-Anonymous Week #25

Welcome everyone to the twenty-fifth Authors Not-So-Anonymous weekly meeting!! This weekly series is about authors from Twitter and Facebook!  This week, I would like to introduce Jason Scott (JScott or JS) Sharp into Authors Not-So-Anonymous!

Jason Scott Sharp is a college adviser and author of contemporary horror, suspense, mystery or adult contemporary.  He has a degree in psychology, and is currently working on a Bachelor's degree in English.  Jason is married with two dogs, incredibly shy, and he's an amateur card magician (The Ambitious Card is his favorite trick).  Jason is an incredible person and author.  I have had the pleasure of becoming friends with him via Twitter over the last few months.  He's a blast to talk to and always up for creating a story on the spot (ask him about The Hole, it's hilarious).  I highly recommend reading any of his short stories as well.  After reading "Not Even There", I was hooked on his writing style and characters.

He has self-published three short stories all of which have dark themes.  "I have been writing since I was about 3 or 4. I used to write stories about something scary, on lined paper, then try to sell them to my parents.  They were my first readers.  I distinctly remember a story about a headless biker lopping folks heads off."  I wonder how much his parents would buy his stories for?  A cookie or maybe just to get him to brush his teeth? heh.

"I have been writing off and on for many years, but I never did anything with it.  I sent much of my work to Ellery Queen and Twilight Zone magazine (way back in the day) but never had any success.  I did write a couple of non-fiction books about some life experiences that I had and I still give one of those books away to people who need it."  Jason's writing inspiration comes from many different places, but the most influential person in his life is his wife.  "My drive to write comes from thinking about my wife.  She has always been supportive.  She is always ready to give me some positive thoughts about my ability to achieve.  I love her so much."  D'awwww!! So cute, and sweet, and makes you want to watch rom-coms all day.
 
"For some reason, the darker aspects of life are a major inspiration for my writing.  Someone said, “you should write about water” and I wrote “Not Even There."  I was walking through the store one day, during Halloween, and I saw those little fake blackbird decorations.  Suddenly two ideas came together and I had the story “Three Blackbirds."  My mind always goes that way.  I have always hated being truly scared (by actual life events), so it is a truly great source of story-telling power for me."  Some of Jason's favorite authors are Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Edgar Allen Poe, and Anton Chekhov, but he loves to explore books and read anything that he can.

Not Even There
My rating: 5 stars
Roger met Libby for the first time and would do anything to be with her. She's beautiful and popular. He and his best friend are not. Quite the opposite. But then his friend tells him a secret and Roger's whole life goes into a tailspin that he may never get out of.

It could be a matter of life and death. (end)

(mini review)
This short story will keep you on edge.  The characters, plot and tone are well written and make you wish it was a full length novel.  Jason did an incredible job with this short story, especially in only 5,000 words!

Follow JS Sharp on Twitter.  Have an author to nominate?  Send me a message via Twitter, Facebook or leave a comment with the author(s) name and contact information.  I'd love to add new members!  Happy Reading!

idream Invitation!!

I have a new site for you!!  I was recently contacted by the site administrators to be a book critic on a site called "idream - Book Critic Review".  This site is like metacritic.com, except with books.  Basically, critics (reviewers) read books, rate them, write a 150+ word review, the reviews are then compiled for each book and averaged.  A happy face cloud is given to books that idream recommends (high ratings), but a sad face cloud is given to books idream does not recommend (too low of ratings).

Overview of the book, the average score, and a little about the author.

Reviews can be rated on how good they are.

The site is an amazing and innovative way to see what books are worth your time.  Idream also hosts giveaways on their site.  The giveaways are amazing.  Some of my favorite novels are being given away too! Another amazing perk of the giveaways - anyone can start one.  Author friends...I'm talking to you!  That's exposure for your novels, for free!  The giveaways have best selling novels, Indies, most print but a couple ebook copies too! yay!  To enter, just sign up for the site and then click on "giveaways" and choose one that is current.  If it is not taking any more entries, the blue "enter me " button will not appear.

The site has an incredible list of genres.  You can look up almost every type of book, fiction and non-fiction, to see in-depth reviews and ratings.  I spent hours on here just searching the first few days...it's addicting!!

You now have exclusive access to the beta version of the site.  The official site will not launch for a few more weeks, so this beta version is still being tweeked and perfected BUT it is pretty amazing already. 

To enter the site click here. The access code is discover_books.  Feel free to share this code.  This site is by invitation only!


I'm quite addicted to this site already, and judging by the shear number of people entering giveaways and reading the reviews...I have a feeling this is going to be a fast growing new site!  Happy idream day!

Review Day and Blog Tour: Adam Orser

Welcome to the Adam Orser: The Chronicles of Evolution Blog Tour and book review!!!

Adam Orser: The Chronicles of Evolution - Description:
Adam Orser seems to be a regular guy, leading a fairly successful life in Toronto as a psychologist with a loving girlfriend, Jazmin.

But there is nothing ordinary about Adam.

Fate interrupts his planned marriage proposal, and a serious car accident thrusts him into a metaphysical reality behind a deep coma that holds his physical body in check. Through an advanced system of training and evolution created by the celestial realm, Adam is called to a dangerous mission with profound implications for the world he knows, and life and death consequences for one missing nine-year old girl, who is no ordinary kidnapped child. Fantastical forces are at work on both sides of the veil between the world we recognize and those yet to be discovered.

Destiny compels Adam to freely choose the part he will play in a no-limits competition between good and evil. Questions of existence, causality, and truth converge as Adam struggles to find his way back to Jazmin and a life that will never be the same. (end)

Before reading my review, please head over to the tour's site and read a few of the other reviews.  I have a very different opinion on this book than the majority of the reviewers, however I don't feel like you should veto this book completely.  Alright...here we go!!

 

Title: Adam Orser: The Chronicles of Evolution

Author: Daniel Armand

Rating: Inconclusive

First off, I was extremely excited to read this book.  Based on the book blurb, it sounds incredible and something right up my alley; however, for the first time in years I was unable to finish a novel.  I wasn't even able to get past the first four chapters.  I read, re-read, and even asked a friend to try reading and explaining the first four chapters...but it just wasn't getting across to me.  Numerous aspects about this novel did not set well with me, and I believe that it came down to the semi-confusing writing style over the subject matter.

The characters were the only part that made sense.  The beginning is trying to take you in so many different directions at once, it's hard to figure out what in the world is going on.  There were a few scenes that reminded me of Fight Club (the movie) and made me laugh a little, but then something weird would happen that I just couldn't explain or figure out.

I dreaded reading this book because of the confusion it caused me.  BUT from what I understand, after reading several other reviews, it does get better.  I just wasn't able to hang on long enough this time (very very rare for me).  Please, give this book a chance and read the other reviews.  I can't tell you if I'd recommend it or not, because that wouldn't be a fair assessment.  I ask you to not judge this book solely on my review, but also on the other reviews.

About the Author:

Daniel Armand lives in Toronto, Ontario. His inspiration behind Adam Orser: Chronicles of Evolution originated during the summer of 1983, after a near death encounter offered an incredible insight into the obscured aspects of life, love, and the progression of the human spirit.

Daniel is currently working on the next novel of the Adam Orser saga. "I truly hope this novel will help inspire readers all over the globe, to embrace their spirituality. It is through clarity of mind and understanding that we may one day 'bloom' into harmony and unlock our limitless potential."

Purchase this book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.  The paperback edition will be available from Two Harbors Press on April 2, 2012; search based on ISBN: 9781937928100.  Happy Blog Tour Day!!

Authors Not-So-Anonymous Week #24

Welcome everyone to the twenty-fourth Authors Not-So-Anonymous weekly meeting!! This weekly series is about authors from Twitter and Facebook!  This week, I would like to introduce Robert Zimmermann into Authors Not-So-Anonymous!

Robert Zimmermann is a poet, blogger and hangman genius.  His poetry is marketed towards adults, but could benefit a few *mature* teens.  The content leans towards adult though.  Rob began writing in the eleventh grade (2004)... "I’ve continued to fill notebook after notebook for the rest of high school and a little bit my first few years of college.  Over time, though, my output rate slowed and quality seemed to become more important for me.  It was around this time that I finished up my Associates Degree in Humanities and decided to go to another college to get my Bachelors in Creative Writing.  Even though I didn’t write many poems during this time, I feel that what I did write are the best pieces of my life.  My writing was drastically helped by my schooling and I work toward bettering myself with each line that goes on the paper."  

His writing inspiration comes mostly from life, but also from a few poets and past professors.  Rob's blog, A Life Among the Pages, also contains book reviews.  These reviews change his favorite book list drastically on a weekly basis.  "A few have stood out over others at times for various reasons, but at the end of the day it’s the experience of reading that is all that matters to me."

Rob's poetry can be found on his blog and on Albany Poets.com.  I highly recommend checking them out!  He's working on a collection of poetry right now. 

Here's a little message from Rob: 

"Although my writing might not be the cheeriest thing to read, I’m a pretty interesting guy in real life. It’s not an act either. Life is fun and should be treated as such. If you get to know me, you’ll see what I’m talking about. I enjoy trying to brighten everyone’s day and getting to know people. I’m a bit of a loner at times, but that’s because being so awesome and social can wipe a person out."

"If that’s not enough, I have a really cute dog!  He won’t let me forget to tell everyone about him.  He ran out of the woods last August and I gave him a safe and loving home to live in.  I’ve always wanted to have a dog and I couldn’t ask for a better friend than the one I have now." (awww!! Such a happy story!) 

Follow Rob on Twitter, Facebook, and on his blog A Life Among the Pages.  Have an author to nominate?  Send me a message via Twitter or leave a comment with the author(s) name and Twitter name.  I'd love to add new members!  Happy Reading!

Getting Crafty: Bookmarks

Book readers, this one is for you! (You know, the people who don't use eReaders.)

I've been extra crafty lately...so I thought I would share what I've been up to.  Below are three different bookmarks I have been LOVING for print books!

Do you remember the beaded animal craze in the 90s?  No? (I feel old)...my oh so clever little sister decided to take that concept and turn it into a bookmark.  She said - "If someone tries to remove my bookmark, the snake will bite them.  Plus it's creeping on everyone, so they won't touch my book in the first place."  I laughed so hard that I made two of them for myself.

Lil' sister's book snake

We used mini beads, a very thin string and large paperback books for measuring.  I made one orange with cream eyes (creeepppyyy) and the other light blue with light purple eyes.  Here is a basic tutorial, but obviously we used much smaller beads, oodles more, and no keychain ring.  This craft was fun, easy, and cost us less than $10.00 for a 4 pound bag of beads and 4 different huge balls of thread at Micheal's.

Book snakes lead into another bookmark craft...  The Book Thong (hehe).

Made by FaveCrafts

Click here for a full tutorial on how to do this exact one.  The beads are easy to find at craft stores.  Watch for clearance beads to bring the price down too!

Here's one that can be done at home using scrap paper, cards, cardstock, folders, glitter, mis-paired or odd ball buttons, googly eyes....all the crazy stuff that is always left over after a craft!  I did this craft after watching the video by EasyDIY on YouTube.  There are TONS of versions of this bookmark out there, so get creative!!  You can make this without the teeth and eyes for just a simple bookmark too.

Go check it out!  Jess did an outstanding job of showing you how to make them.

What kind of bookmarks do you prefer?  And please, don't tell me you like to "dog ear" the upper corners...  Anyways... If you make any of these bookmarks, please send me a picture!!  I'd love to see!  Happy Bookmark Day!

Quick Tip: Book Length

Today's Quick Tip is about book length.  Different publishers, companies, authors, etc. have varying opinions about how many words a book should be, which can cause some confusion when you're looking for a book based on length.  Here are the *rules of thumb* when it comes to book lengths.

Short Story ~1,000-7,500 words (shortest length)  VERY quick read

Novellette ~7,500-20,000 words (second shortest length) Quick read, but not too quick.

Novella ~20,000 - 50,000 words (middle length) Perfect for a weekend trip.

Novel ~ 50,000 -110,000 words (average length) Plan to invest some time in this depending on how fast you read.

Epics, Sequels and anything incredibly long ~ 110,000+ words (longest length)  Often some of the best books, definitely not something you pick up and plan to read in just a couple days.

It's hard to designate a page length to these book lengths since everyone uses different font sizes, types, paper size, headings, etc.  When you're searching for a book based on length, look for books that are similar to something you have already read and liked or pick the length you have the time to read.  Don't start an epic when you only have the time for a novella.  Happy Quick Tip day!

Authors Not-So-Anonymous Week #23

Welcome everyone to the twenty-third Authors Not-So-Anonymous weekly meeting!! This weekly series is about authors from Twitter and Facebook!  This week, I would like to introduce Tim Miller into Authors Not-So-Anonymous!

Tim Miller is an Indie author and works for corporate America to pay the bills.  He is scared of clowns and snakes, and promises to run like a little girl if ever there is one.He began writing when he was a little boy, with stories for his friends that he kept in a notebook.  Then, in the late 1990s, he began writing seriously.  His writing inspiration comes from the world famous wrestler, Stone Cold Steve Austin.

"My biggest inspiration is former WWE Wrestler, Stone Cold Steve Austin.  For him, he had a unique style when he first got into wrestling.  People told him it wouldn't work, he was too raw, too abrasive, he needed to fluff his act up like the other wrestlers.  He didn't listen, and though he struggled early on and was even fired from WCW, he stayed true to himself and went on to become a legend.  This is my inspiration.  I have a short, fast paced writing style and my subject matter uses a lot of religious imagery and symbolism, surrounded by darkness and violence.  People tell me this is too intense, I should write for the market instead, write stuff that is popular now.  I'd rather blaze my own trail than copy what is already done.  It might take me longer, but I feel once it breaks loose, there is no stopping it."  Indie writers have the ability to write whatever they choose, and this is why they are so remarkable.

Tim's all time favorite novel is The Stand by Stephen King.  A few other of his favorites/memorable novels include The Breath of God by Jeffery Small and the Laura Caxton series by David Wellington.  Tim is currently working on book 2 in the Pastor Charlie series.  Book 1 can be found here.

(description from Amazon)

Charlie Sims is not your typical preacher. God has called him to rid the world of sinners. One corpse at a time, he carries out his brutally selfless work until a more powerful preacher appears who will change his life forever. A battle ensues for the fate of mankind.

Charlie's devout beliefs are shaken as he finds himself hurtled into a battle for the end of the world where nothing is what it seems. A violent tale filled with death and chaos, the lines between good and evil are blurred and eventually demolished. (end)

The Hand Of God (Pastor Charlie book 1) can be purchased on Amazon here.  Follow Tim Miller on Twitter.  Have an author to nominate?  Send me a message via Twitter or leave a comment with the author(s) name and Twitter name.  I'd love to add new members!  Happy Reading!

Aristeia Blog Tour: Part 2!

Welcome back to part 2 of the Aristeia Blog Tour!!!  I have a very special treat today.  I invited miss Saracasi, a main character from Aristeria, to join me today.  Lets see what she has to say!

Saracasi, where did your name come from? Your name is gorgeous!

Thank you.  My name stems from the ancient Cait, forebears to my Ocait clan. The ancient name Sarcasitori meant "feared hunter". But I doubt my parents thought about that when they picked it. They just liked the name. 

 

You're a pretty strong willed young-lady, how old are you?

27 galactic standard years.  That's about 25.65 of your Terran years.  Though, by Braz's year, I'm almost 29.

 

What do you think of your brother, Maarkean? Do you think he really believes you are a traitor?

My brother is...complicated. I love him without question, don't get me wrong there.  But he's very stubborn sometimes.  He's served the Alliance without question most of his life but he's not stupid.  He has to be aware of the things they've done.   Does he think me a traitor?  No, I don't think so, not really.  Part of him I'm sure does. But he couldn't really, otherwise I don't think he would have gotten me off of Braz.

 

Do you think your loyalties will change, now that you have been branded a traitor?

Loyalty to what? The Alliance. I wasn't actually a model citizen before. Kind of why I'm wanted as a traitor. I don't see my attitude toward them improving any time soon.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Jilberry Tarts.  They're just so delicious, the way the tartness of the berry juice mixes with the sugar.  They're terrible for me though so in away it's good I don't get to have them very often.  Not a lot of jilberry trees off of Braz, though I'm sure some have been exported.

 

Do you have any bad habits?

My brother would say I have a habit of getting myself into trouble. I'm not sure I'd say that's really a bad habit though.

 

What is your favorite memory?

The day my brother came home from the war. I was only 5 when he enlisted.  We saw him off and on for the next two years while he trained, but he shipped off to the front when I was 7.  We didn't see him again for four years.  My parents were so happy when he returned.  He proposed to Eyris right on the spot. 

.  What is your most treasured possession?

I don't really have one.  When we fled Braz, I didn't exactly get a chance to pack. I guess I'd have to say my brother's ship, Cutty Sark. She's been my home for the last few years.

 

Do you have any hobbies?

I enjoy tinkering with the ship.  She doesn't get a lot of formal maintenance work, mostly just me.  But when something isn't broken, I like to see if there's anything I can improve.  Maarkean didn't like it at first, but I managed to squeeze a little bit more speed out of the hyperdrive without blowing us up, he stopped complaining. 

 

If you could get a tattoo, what would it be and why?

I'd never get a tattoo.  To mar my body with one beyond my clan's screfa tattoo on my face would be disrespectful to the clan.

 

Tell me about your parents...what are they like? when did you see them last?

My parents were wonderful but they died 14 years ago....14 years...its been more years since they died than I was alive when it happened...I'd rather not talk about that anymore.

 

Have you ever had a pet?

No. Pets are not unheard of on Braz, but it's not really as common as it is among you Terrans. 

 

Thank you, Saracasi for joining us today!  It has been so much fun learning more about you!

Thank you too, for having me.

 

Don't forget about all of the contests being held during the tour!  You can find the first book, Aristeia: Revolutionary Right on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Kobo in ebook, paperback and hardback.  Happy Blog Tour Day!!

Spectral Review and Blog Tour!

Welcome to the Spectral Blog Tour!!  Today, I bring you a review of Spectral by Shannon Duffy.  The cover art and banner for Spectral are stunning and spot on!  Shannon and the cover artist did an incredible job of depicting miss Jewel and what I envisioned her to look like.

(book description)
Convinced she’s a part of the witness protection program, sixteen-year-old Jewel Rose is shuffled around the globe with her family like a pack of traveling gypsies. After arriving at lucky home twenty-seven, she stumbles upon a mysterious boy with magical powers claiming to be her guardian . . . and warning of imminent danger. Despite the obvious sparks between them, Jewel discovers a relationship is forbidden, and the more she learns about dark, brooding Roman, she begins to question who she can even believe — the family who raised her, or the supposed sworn protector who claims they’ve been lying to her all along.

As she struggles to uncover who her family has really been running from, she is forced to hide her birthmark that reveals who she is. With new realities surfacing, unexplained powers appearing, and two tempting boys vying for her heart, Jewel battles to learn who she can trust in an ever growing sea of lies, hoping she’ll make it through her.

My Rating: 4 stars

The novel starts off as if it's just going to be about a family in the witness protection program, but being told from the point-of-view of a sixteen year-old girl.  Then, the first twist hits.  Jewel is born a Spectral, but doesn't know it.  Jewel is really the one all the terrible people are after, yet her parents won't tell her that.  When she moves to the newest city, she meets Roman and learns all about her real life, her heritage and what she is truly is meant to be.  When she turns seventeen, her entire life will change...

Spectral is a very well crafted and put together novel.  It flows easily, uses vivid imagery, and believable characters to hook you in.  The overall plot will keep you on your toes, with twists turning up every time you think you know what will happen next.  Shannon created a world that was realistic, yet made me question everything that has ever been said.  I loved the characters, especially Roman, Jewel and Taylor.  Each character was someone I wanted to know, but yet I feared them all at the same time.  This novel has just the right level of suspense, paranormal/witchcraft, and romance mixed together.  It is very well balanced and never feels too unrealistic.  The ending filled left me with mixed emotions, I didn't want the book to end yet I was glad it ended.  The only downfall of this novel is that it is a little bit slow and feels too long.

Shannon Duffy writes young adult and middle grade fiction. She grew up on the beautiful east coast of Canada and now lives in Ontario, Canada. She is the mom of one boy, Gabriel, her angel. She loves writing, reading, working out, soccer, and the sport of champions-shopping. She is the author of the young adult paranormal romance, SPECTRAL. Her upcoming middle grade fantasy novel, GABRIEL STONE AND THE DIVINITY OF VALTA is scheduled for a January 2013 release.

If you would like to purchase a copy of Spectral, you have several options:

• Amazon Kindle
• Barnes&Noble Nook
• Google
• Smashwords
• PDF

Click on any of the links above to be taken to the site to purchase the ebook.  Spectral is only available in ebook format.  Follow Shannon Duffy and Spectral on the Spectral Blog, Spectral on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Shannon's website, Goodreads, and Shannon's blog.  Happy Blog Tour Day!

Authors Not-So-Anonymous Week #22

Welcome everyone to the twenty-second Authors Not-So-Anonymous weekly meeting!! This weekly series is about authors from Twitter and Facebook!  This week, I would like to introduce Deanna Julbe into Authors Not-So-Anonymous!

Deanna Julbe is a poetry and aspiring children's author.  She began writing at the young age of 13 by keeping a journal of poems.  Her book, Speak Your Heart, is a collection of the poems from her journal.  Deanna's favorite books include The Wager by Tony Forgione, A Death That Lingers by Kaylie Newell, and The Panama Girl (Novelette series) By Bonita Mariano.

"My sister would write these beautiful poems and I loved how I felt when I read them. I wanted to make other people feel this way. That same year I moved to Florida with my parents and younger brother. Moving to what seemed like the country compared to my hometown in Queens, NY. Poetry became my escape from reality and my only means of survival in my teenage eyes. Writing poetry then became more than just writing my emotions. I use my poetry to touch hearts, inspire emotions and to make people feel like they are not alone. My readers can connect with more than one of my poems in some way."

"I love writing and I enjoy bringing a personal touch to anything I can with my poetry. It’s easy to forget how much sentiment can change the duration of our relationships. I want to make an impression on your heart. So as always I say “Stay blessed and inspired” and never be afraid when you Speak Your Heart."

(description from Deanna's website)
Original poems comprise the heart of Speak Your Heart. This wonderful compilation includes poetry both happy and sad, but nonetheless, all the poems are inspiring.

Deanna M. Julbe speaks from her heart and hopes others will also be so inspired. She includes poems from her teen years, love poems and inspirational poems to name a few. “I hope they inspire you to speak your heart.”  She adds, “Poetry is raw emotion, words that you may never say out loud or share.” Be thankful she has chosen to share and advises everyone to Speak Your Heart.

Purchase a copy of Speak Your Heart on Amazon, Barnes&Noble or ,to get a signed copy, on Deanna's website.  Have an author to nominate?  Send me a message via Twitter or leave a comment with the author(s) name and Twitter name.  I'd love to add new members!  Happy Reading!

It's here!!!!!!!!!

It's FINALLY time to pre-order!!! oh, I guess I should tell you what I'm so excited about...heh.

Photo from Amazon.com

Well....If you've been keeping up with the book-news with Dean Koontz (or if you read my Something Odd post), you know that books 5 and 6 plus three novellas are due out this year in the Odd Thomas series.  YAY!!!!!  And if you know anything about me, then you might know this is one of my favorite series.

Guess what!?  Pre-orders for Odd Apocalypse: book 6 have begun AND the release date is July 31, 2012 on Amazon for hardcover, large print paperback, and ebook.  I can't wait!!  I've pre-ordered my hardcover (yes, I want this one in print) copy and already started counting down the days until it will arrive.

I have a countdown going on the very bottom of the page for the release of Odd Apocalypse! (yes, I'm that excited!)

Photo from Amazon.com

To hold us over, Koontz will also release three novellas that will begin on June 11!!!!  Odd Interlude part 1, part 2 and part 3 are only sold as ebooks on Amazon!  They are priced at $1.99, super cheap for a best seller's novella!!  I highly recommend picking them up.

Here's a trailer for the books!

What are you waiting for?!  Go pre-order your copies of Odd Interlude parts 1-3 AND Odd Apocalypse right now!  Happy Oddie Day!

Top 10 FAQs: Kindle and Nook

I get asked quite frequently a ton of questions, from normal to obscure, about Nook and Kindle.  I want to answer your questions the best I can so I read all the time about new technology, new devices, etc.  So...here are the top ten most asked questions for Kindle and Nook.

1.  I bought a Nook, and my friends thought I bought a Kindle so they got me an Amazon gift card (or bought me a Kindle ebook) can I still use it on my Nook?

• For the average user, no.  If you are tech savvy, or feel very very comfortable with conversion software you can change any ebook from one type to another, BUT I do not recommend it if you are not familiar with the software already.  I also do not recommend hacking your device to get the Kindle or Nook app on there unless you are willing to void the warranty.

2.  I have a Kindle, and my friend has a Nook... can we share ebooks?

• Yes and No. No - The devices require two different file formats for the ebooks and will not allow you to read the ebooks on either device.  BUT you can get the free app versions of either Nook or Kindle and borrow the ebooks that way, the apps just won't be on your spiffy little eReader.

3.  Are Kindle and Nook really that different?

• Yes. In so many ways.

4.   Can I use a Nook case (or Kindle case) for me Kindle (or Nook)?

• Yes, BUT they aren't the same shape or size so it will not completely fit.  I only recommend doing this if you are purchasing the sleeves/roos that you just slide the device into it and then take it out to read.  If you buy a fitted case, the device will not fit properly and can be damaged.

5.  Who really has a larger ebook library, Amazon or B&N?

• Amazon. By over a million ebooks.

6.  Are the e-ink pearl screens actually anti-glare or is that just another marketing lie?  I have very sensitive eyes...Will it hurt my eyes?

• They really are anti-glare!  These screens will not hurt your eyes or put strain on your eyes at all.  These screens are specifically designed to look like a book so you can read for hours without feeling any eye strain.

7.  These devices sound amazing, but don't you miss holding a *real* book?

•  Not at all.  It's actually less comfortable to hold a print book.

8.   Ebooks are the same price...so why should I pay for a device then pay for all the books when I could just buy the print versions for cheaper?

• Ebooks, except some bestsellers, are cheaper than your average paper/hardback book.  The average ebook is $5, the average print book is $10+ brand new.  You can borrow ebooks just like you would a print book too!  If you read all the time, you know how heavy books can be.  The device never changes weight even when you add over 100 books to.  If you finish a book, you can start another one immediately without all that extra weight of carrying around more than one.

9.   I have a smart-phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, handheld gaming device, iPod/MP3 player, etc.  I like devices... Should I get an eReader too?

• Not necessarily.  If you use your laptop, tablet, smart-phone or desktop all the time just get one of the free reading apps instead.  The apps have most (not all) of the benefits of an eReader without adding another expensive device to carry around.

10.   Which device is really better? Kindle or Nook?

• Ahh...the ultimate question.  That is a personal preference.  I prefer Kindle over Nook (except in the Tablet world so far).

These are just the top 10 FAQs...There are soooo many more!  Have a Kindle or Nook question?  Leave a comment, tweet me, or ask on Facebook!  Happy FAQ day!