Author Guest Post: The Writer's Voice

The Writers Voice 

Where you get to know the people behind the pages 

(Please stop by and follow us at http://ourbooksourvoice.blogspot.com) 

This is Emma Michaels, the author of 'The Thirteenth Chime’ and
'Anasazi' and I am taking over! Don’t worry, it is only for one post. To
introduce you to the team of amazing authors who are a part of a new
blog called, ‘The Writers Voice’. A blog run by 11 authors and dedicated
to letting you get to know each of us and the authors we feature! Here
is a glimpse at a few of our perspectives by seeing our answers to:

What's your writing routine? 

Do you write in the mornings, nights, daily, or when the mood strikes you?

 

“When I am in the middle of a project I tend to write daily and with a strict word count goal per day. I don't mind writing something and going back and rewriting but I do mind not getting to express myself for a day when I have an entire novel in my heart waiting to burst out onto the page. I do give myself space between projects or for editing though, of course it only lasts so longer before I can't stand it and want to get back to the next project!”

-Emma Michaels

 

“I don't really have a routine (wish I had tough). Most of the time I only get to write at night because I live in a city and it's very noisy, think lots of traffic, neighbors from hell. I prefer Bank holidays when it's relatively quiet outside and I get to start writing in the morning with an hourly target of around five hundred words, but most of the time I do other things during the day and retreat to my dark abode aka working space at nightfall to meet my daily target of 2,000 words.”

-Jayde Scott

“When my ‘muse’ is thriving I write at night once my family settled and the world is resting. That time of day is silent and there are no distractions from the story that I have been daydreaming about all day long.”

-Jamie Magee

“I write whenever I can, morning, afternoon, night. I take my lap-top on the road and if I have time to kill, I'll write anywhere. If I waited for a certain mood than I probably wouldn't write much. It's more of a discipline; though once I get started my creativity just starts a flowin‘.”

-Victoria Simcox

“Mostly I write 9-5 like any other working day but if I’m struck with an idea I just have to get down I have seen myself typing away til the wee hours in the morning.”

-Samantha Young

"I get up every morning at six and work till the kids wake up at 7:30 or so. And then my daughter goes to preschool from nine to noon and I work as much as I can then. And if I still have any energy left, sometimes I’ll work for another hour after the kids go to bed."

-Keary Taylor

Oh yeah, did I mention we have amazing guest authors? 

Here is a sneak peak of a few of the interviews we have planned for the future:

“I'm an early bird. I've always written best early in the morning.”

-Inara Scott










"I prefer to be alone in the house - my husband and son have no idea how distracting they are. I like to write in silence and enjoy writing in middle of the night."

-Devyn Dawson

"I don't have a set time expect in the car on the way to work (don't worry, I car pool!). I carry a notebook and pencil and write whenever and wherever I can, even on my breaks at work if I can squeeze it in. Daily goals help keep me on track."

-Heather McCorkle

I hope you will join us at The Writers Voice and hear more from our team and other writers from around the web! 

http://OurBooksOurVoice.blogspot.com

“The Writers Voice: Where you get to know the people behind the pages”

My Guest Post and giveaway!

Hi guys,

Just wanted to let you know that I did a guest post over at The Book Addicted Girl, blog. Stop by and say hi if you have some time and enter our giveaway for a chance to win :)

Hope you guys are having a fabulous Monday.

Guest Post: Blogger interview with Michelle

Hello my fellow blog readers :)

Meet Michelle-

Today I have the honor of having her stop by for a short, but fun Blogger interview. She blogs over at Oh! For the love of books! I love getting to know new bloggers, and interviewing them is a great way to know more about the person behind the blog.

Michelle's reviews are totally different from any ther reviews I've read.... She keeps them short, fun and straight to the point. I love having little book conversations with her, she cracks me up :) Sooo, if you have some spare time, head on over to her blog. Trust me when I say; you won't regret it ;)

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

By day, I'm an English teacher. By night, I read, watch movies, and write whatever I'm feeling. I am what you call a nerd. I really want to be a published author one day and really have been putting forth a lot of energy toward that lately.

Why did you decide to start a book blog? What inspired you?

Well, when I started my blog, I had no direction. But then I found a few book blogs and I thought "Hey, I like that. I could do that" and so I did it. Now it's a full fledged addiction!

If you could meet any author, dead or alive, who would it be? Why?

Currently? At this moment? Oh God....um? Cassandra Clare! Final Answer. I really like the mortal instrument and infernal devices series.

What’s your all-time favorite read?

It's the English teacher in me: To Kill a Mockingbird

What books do you currently have in you “To Be Read” pile?

Matched, Wither, MockingJay, and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. There are more but those are my top four right now.

What do you hope to accomplish with your book blog beyond sharing your love of books?

To meet people like you!!! I swear, I love talking to you and you live in California! But I want to gain some knowledge about the writing, book, and publishing worlds. I want to network with other book readers and manuscript writers!

Lets talk boys! :) Do you have any literary crushes?

Do I ever? I'm in love with Dimitri from the Vampire Academies. Will from Clockwork Angel. Jace from the Mortal Instrument series. Peeta from Hunger Games. I am kinda of a floozy with my love for fictional characters. I can't help it.

Is there any city/country you’d like to visit? Why?

GREECE! I love the history of the place and I think it would be really cool to stand in a place with that much history!!

What things do you enjoy doing, besides reading?

I am an avid nature person, so long walks and just being outside is great.. I love to garden and getting my hands dirty. I love anything to do with dance. I like to dance. I like to watch. I love to hang out with Fergie and Mia (my dogs). Any of these things, make me super happy!

Finish this sentence "I can't live without..."

reading, writing, family, fergie and mia.

THANKS for stopping by, Michelle! You seriously have no idea how much I enjoy our endless chats on books :) Your the BEST!

Happy Friday everyone!

Guest Post: Blogger interview with Tessa

 

Hello my fellow blog readers,

Today I have the honor of having Tessa, from The Bookshelf of T.B, stop by for a Blogger interview. I love getting to know new bloggers, and interviewing them is a great way to know more about the person behind the blog. If you have some spare time, head on over to her blog. Her reviews are most helpful and always spoiler free. She may be a young blogger, but this girl can write! Well ladies (& gents) I introduce to you- Tessa!

Tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi! My name is Tessa, and I'm an eighth grader in middle school! I love to read and run, both which I pursue with a passion. Some fun facts about me are:
-Teal is my favorite color
-I love cookies n' cream ice cream
-I'm the youngest
-I never, ever thought that I would start a blog, but I did!
-I want to be a news anchor on Good Morning America when I am older, and an author of YA books

How long have you been blogging and what inspired you to start your blog?
I have been blogging since August 1, 2010, so for seven months now. Surprisingly, my grandpa was the one who planted the idea of starting a blog inside my head. I was over at his house, and we had been talking about how I wanted to get serious about writing, as I want to be an author when I am older. He suggested that I start a blog. When I got home and told my parents about the idea, they were all for it! I was so amazed that they had said yes, but I wasn't one to argue. My parents have supported me since the beginning, and they are always there when I need them. I'm so glad I joined the blogging world, all thanks to my grandpa!

I love reading your reviews, and I know they are always spoiler free (something I find super hard!). Do you find it hard to write a review without giving "too much" away?
Aww, thanks! Yes, it's always a challenge to not give too much away, because I really don't want to spoil the book for the reader. I also want them to be intrigued and left wanting more. I try to use the book jacket as a guide, but in the end, I want my summary to be original and captivating. The hardest part is writing the first paragraph, because that is where I really want to get the reader hooked.

Being a true teenager (not an oldie, like me)- do you think that gives you an advantage or possibly a disadvantage when it comes to blogging and/or reviewing?
Well, I think I see things from a different perspective. Being a teenager, when I read a book, I pick up on different aspects of the story compared to an adult. Also, I'm still a young teen so I always enjoy reading the reviews of adults and older teenagers. When it comes to blogging I definitely think this gives me a disadvantage. Many would think that I have a ton of time to blog and write reviews, but I don't. Time is always slipping away from me. I have to go to school, do homework, and I have many extracurricular activities that I participate in such as running. I don't know how I have time for everything, but somehow it works out.

What meme's do you enjoy? Do you participate in any?
I actually don't participate in any memes, though I do enjoy reading them on other blogs. Some of the memes I'm not that interested in, but others such as In My Mailbox Monday, or Teaser Tuesday do look fun. The only problem is, I don't have too much time to incorporate those into my blog, and I feel like if I participate in too many, that it will take away from my blog itself and the review side of it.

Who is your favorite author?
This is a tough one. I don't think I really have a favorite author, but I do have many that I enjoy immensely. To name a few, Suzanne Collins, Markus Zusak, Scott Westerfeld, James Dashner, Nancy Farmer, J.K. Rowling, and Neal Shusterman. However, it's not only an author's writing that I enjoy, but it is so much fun to talk to and get to know authors. Many of them are so humble, and they truly do inspire me. Authors such as Eden Unger Bowditch, Terry Lynn Johnson, and Richard Harland are amazingly supportive and they're the best!

What things do you enjoy doing, besides reading?
I love to run! I'm more of a distance runner, although I do enjoy sprinting. I've only been running for two years, but I hope to continue on my track-and-field team and cross country team in high school as well. I also enjoy baking and cooking. Whenever a get-together comes around at our house, I always volunteer to make some delicious food!

Do you only read YA? Any other genre you enjoy?
I primarily read young adult, but I also enjoy middle grade books. I think this is because I was so passionate about reading, even when I was younger, that I don't want to stop reading the types of books that enjoyed as a kid. Many middle grade books are so wonderful, that I don't think that they should be forgotten! My absolute favorite genre would have to be dystopian though.

What do you hope to accomplish with your book blog beyond sharing your love of books?
I would really like to promote good literature, and all kinds of books for young readers. I really want my blog to help me with my writing as well, as it is such an important thing to me. I guess I want my blog to represent me, and to thrive!


Once again, Thanks so much for stopping by, Tessa. Your the Best! Btw, I'm super jealous of your baking skills. I tried making a fancy dish the other day and I failed miserably... but I'll be sure to keep practicing ;) And to all my blogging buddies,  if you think you'd in interested in answering some of my questions, just let me know! I love having guest bloggers stop by! Have a great Saturday :)

Guest Post: Blogger Interview with Lulu, The Bookworm

Hello my fellow blog readers, *waves*

I know I’ve been MIA lately, work has really been kicking my butt, but I’m going to try my absolute best to post everyday. Believe it or not that was one of my New Year’s resolutions “to keep my blog updated”… lets see if I can work justice :)haha!

So a couple days ago I did a fun interview with Lulu over at her blog, The Bookworm is here! Today I have the privilege of having Lulu stop by here at the Lovely Getaway. Lulu and I go back to last October. We both started our blogs around the same time and have helped each other out since then. GET TO KNOW HER! She’s super nice, smart and funny :) Thanks so much for agreeing to guest post, Lulu. You’re the BEST! And if anyone else out there wouldn’t mind answering a few of my questions, let me know! I’d love to get to know all you bloggers out there! So, without any further rambling on my behalf- I give you Lulu, The Bookworm.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Sometimes the easiest questions are the hardest for me. lol. Well, I am fifteen and live in a small town in British Columbia, Canada. My hobbies include piano, reading, blogging, soccer, baking, photography, and gymnastics. I am a sucker for romance novels and movies, I am deathly afraid of clowns, I love the outdoors, and I am a bit shy :p I also am an aunt to 3 nieces and 4 nephews! I'm pretty easy going and I love to meet new people!

Why did you decide to start a book blog? What inspired you?
Well, one day I was looking for a description of a book, and you know how the internet is right? One click then another and another leads you all over the place. I ended up at Random Buzzers (a site for book lovers) and made a profile. Then sent out some friend requests, among them was Amanda from Amanda's Writings. I looked at her profile and low and behold she had a book blog. I asked myself, what is that? So I checked it out and liked what I saw. I really thought it would be fun so I started one of my own! Now we email and help each other out a lot! I am so glad I started one... you meet so many awesome people and get to share your thoughts about books! How awesome is that? So, in short... saw a blog, wanted one, got one, now I'm here :) And couldn't be happier!

If you could meet any author, dead or alive, who would it be? Why?  
Instead of my original answer change it to: I would love to meet Janette Rallison. She sounds like the funniest, upbeat, genuine author... It would be the biggest honour. Some of her books are; My Fair Godmother, My Double Life,  and Just One Wish. One day I checked out her blog.... It was so hilarious! I always end up laughing at all her posts. Here's the link if anyone is interested:

http://janette-rallison.blogspot.com/ Really, I advise you to check it out :)

What’s your all-time favourite read?
Ahhh I dread questions like this because I have so many! Well, one that I really enjoyed was Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen. But then there's others like Girl Stolen, Prom and Prejudice, Matched.... list just goes on. Some people have that one all time favorite, I wish I did but I read so many good books its hard to decide. Sorry :(

What books do you currently have in you “To Be Read” pile?
I have Across the Universe by Beth Revis, Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly, A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan, and I still have to finish up Matched by Ally Condie.

Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re reading?
Must haves, hmm. I don't know if this classifies as a must have but I like to always have an open, fresh mind before and during reading. I like to have a drink of some sort beside me and a quiet room so I can get lost in the story. I hope that counts!

Lets talk boys! :) Do you have any literary crushes?
Haha never had to answer this one before. Ok, well really any of the main guy characters in a book are good choices for me (since they're usually smart, witty, handsome etc.)! Particularly, I liked Ky in Matched (even Xander is good), Elder in Across the Universe, Will Darcy from Prom and Prejudice, Dash from Dash and Lily's Book of Dares.... All of those I would consider my crushes :)

Is there any city/country you’d like to visit? Why?
YES! I would love to visit Greece, Alaska, or Ireland. Greece because of the landmarks and culture, Alaska because of the outdoor ruggedness and wildlife, and Ireland because there is so much green! (My favourite colour is green). Anyways, anything would be a step up for me, I've never left my province!

Finish this sentence "I can't live without..."
Books! lol. I can't live without my family, books, sports, oh and cupcakes!

Once again, Thanks so much for stopping by, Lulu. Hope you all have a great and happy Thrusday!

Short but FUN interview!

Hey guys,

Just wanted to let you all know that I did a short but fun interview with Lulu over at her blog, The Book Worm is Here!

Stop by and let me know what you think :) If you really wanna be extra nice, you should give Lulu a Follow. She does awesome, in-debt reviews... and the best part is that they are spoiler-free! Check it out if you have some time. 

In the mean time I am working on some reviews, reading, working, trying to balance a loving boyfriend and a crazy Mexican family.... can you say fun?! Booo! Oh well, that's Life :) Thanks again for this quick-escape interview, Lulu!

Guest Post: Laura Kreitzer on human trafficking

Hello Literary-Folk!


My name is Laura Kreitzer, and I’m the author of the Timeless Series and the Summer Chronicles. This week I would like to alert everyone on a colossal crisis that’s gone unnoticed in the world: human trafficking. That’s why I’ve asked hundreds of blogs to be involved with spreading the word on this issue that’s become close to my heart.

As an author, and someone whose life is put in the spotlight, I keep most people at a distance. Only a handful of my friends know the whole me and the events from my past. But this week I’d like to share with you a part of myself that the outside world doesn’t see (and a part of me I don’t like to share). I was emotionally abused for five years by someone I thought loved me, my mind beaten into submission. Though the turmoil I went through doesn’t penetrate as deep as someone forced into slavery on the worldwide market for human trafficking, I can sadly relate in some ways: imprisoned, my life dictated down to what I wore, ate, where I went, whom I spoke to, where I worked, when I slept, bending to his every whim. He did not sway, even when I cried through some of the more traumatic things he had me do. I was a slave in my own home. In my desperation for freedom, I held out a gun and asked him to just end my suffering. I was desperate.

I can’t even imagine how many women (and men) in the world are in a similar situation. What’s even worse, I had it mild compared to the children that are sold for labor or sex. Surprisingly, the good ol’ U.S.A. is reported to be the host to two million slaves. Did you know this? Because I certainly did not; not until I was preparing to write my newest novel: Phantom Universe. The main character, Summer Waverly, was stolen as a child and sold as a slave to the captain of a modern-day pirate ship. From a loved child who only knew “time-out” as punishment, to being whipped into silence was something I knew nothing about. So I researched deeply into human trafficking and the psychological effects of torture of various types that one would endure in these circumstances. I felt shaken at my findings and knew I had to tell Summer’s story. (Read a sneak peek here.)
A storm began to brew in my mind; transforming, morphing, twisting, and expanding into this massive, black cloud. I had to bring this tragic atrocity to the forefront. My own emotional experiences, mixed with the research I did on human trafficking, made me feel an intense connection with Summer, and to all women who’ve been through this kind of brutality. The cloud ruptured and rained all over my computer one day. It took one month to write Phantom Universe, the first in the Summer Chronicles. I was so consumed by the story that I wrote nearly nonstop, only breaking for necessary tasks like eating, showering, and occasionally—very occasionally—sleeping.

Though the book I’ve written would be classified as Science Fiction, or as I’d like to call it, Dystopian, the emotions and psychological aspects are not Science Fiction—they're real. Reviewers have said many amazing things about Summer, this character who is so real in my mind and who I cried along with as the words poured from my soul onto my screen.

“I admired Summer's strength and ability to adapt,” says CiCi’s Theories. “I felt tied to her emotions,” Jennifer Murgia, author or Angel Star admits. And Tahlia Newland, author of Lethal Inheritance, remarks, “Summer is strong and smart in mind [. . .]”

Through her overwhelmingly horrendous past, Summer goes on more than just a physical journey in Phantom Universe, she goes on a psychological one as well; growing beyond her mute state to persevere and survive in a new world beyond the whip she’s so frightened of.

Now that the release date is here, I’m excited and terrified to share this story with everyone. I’m emotionally tied in every way to the words I’ve written, because they’re more than words. More than just a story on a page. Beyond the fictional aspects, there’s a real issue that needs to be addressed: human trafficking must be stopped. We shouldn’t sit idly by while this continues to plague us. Our world’s children—our nation’s children—are being affected. It’s time we take action!

Earlier this month Phantom Universe hit Barnes and Noble’s top 100 Best Selling list. I’ve decided to donate 10% of my sales from Phantom Universe, until the end of February, to the DNA Foundation.

“DNA hopes to help abolish modern day slavery, deter perpetrators, and free the many innocent and exploited victims. We are committed to forcing sex slavery out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

Freedom is a basic human right and slavery is one of the greatest threats to that freedom. No one has the right to enslave another person.”

—From DNA Foundation’s Website

I ask that you spread the word to everyone you know. Look around on the DNA Foundation website and find a way to get involved in ending human trafficking. Take action today. Everyone has a voice—you have a voice. Will you have the courage to use it?