Monday Maunder: March 19, 2012

How can it be Monday already?  I swear that I was just writing one of these yesterday, but apparently it has been a week and I may need to seriously consider a time-turner to make last week much more productive!

ON READING

Reading this week has been fairly slow, but I did get through one book:  The Game by Diana Wynne Jones (reading for DWJ in March at We Be Reading).  It was a good book filled with a great combination of fantasy and mythology, but that is all I will say for now!  I will save the rest for the review!

Since then, I have picked up Ridley Pearson's Kingdom Keepers.  His latest in the series (#5) will be released in the next couple of weeks, so I thought I had better start it!!

I also picked up Fables #4 at the library this weekend, so I hope to finish that one as well!  Speaking of this graphic novel, I was reviewing my list of books completed this year so far and discovered that the majority of them have been graphic novels!  Who knew that I would fall for the genre so hard!!

ON WRITING

I have been writing a bit, but obviously nothing that has been published here!  My husband has been in need of our one working computer these last weeks, so all my writing has been done by hand in my journals.  However, I do have good news on this front, but I will save it for the On Life section!

ON LIFE

A couple of exciting pieces of news this week!  First and foremost, we finally got a new computer after seven years!!!  I am so excited about this, though it will not be completely available until probably this weekend.  We need to have wireless installed as well as a Microsoft package.  What exactly does this mean for Tif Talks Books?  It means that I will have no excuse for writing (or the lack thereof) because a computer will always be available for writing!  I can finally get all these reviews typed up that I've been writing by hand!

Secondly, one of the most exciting pieces of all . . . Armchair BEA is coming back!!  In 2010, a group of us founded this event on the fly and last year, we had more than 500 participants from around the world AND were voted the Best Book Blogging Event during Book Blogger Appreciation Week (BBAW).  The organizers (including your's truly!) have already begun detailed planning for Armchair 2012 and I think it is going to be even bigger and better than last year!  Mark your calendars and be sure to subscribe to the website, follow us on Twitter, and/or like the *NEW* Facebook page to stay up-to-date on all the latest Armchair news!

Wishing you all the best this week!  While I work on trying to get my reviews typed up and scheduled this week, tell me what's on your reading and writing agenda!  Maybe it will help to motivate me!!

Monday Maunder: March 13, 2012

And, I'm back!!!!

(I know that it is not Monday, but let's pretend anyways!  You know how much I like to do that!)

ON READING

This week has not permitted a lot of reading time, but the weekend thankfully did!  I was able to finish Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare, and it only left me wanting so much more!  I love this series and I must know when the next one will be coming out!  I cannot wait to gush about this one very soon!

After completing Clockwork Prince, I picked up The Game by Diana Wynne Jones for We Be Reading's DWJ in March.  I'm not far in at that moment, but since it is not a long book, I expect to finish it pretty quickly.  Who knows what will be up after that!

ON WRITING

Due to the chaotic week, I did not get much writing done, but it was not a complete wash.  I did get a number of reviews written and one event write-up.  In the next couple of days, I will be writing up even more and hope to dive back into my personal writing.

Something to be looking forward to . . . I was able to attend the event with Lauren Oliver (yeah!!) and I even went to see Lisa See last night!!  I've got loads of good stuff to share with you in the coming weeks!

ON LIFE

This last week was the BIG event for my son's school!  I am so excited to announce that it was a huge hit and my initial numbers are currently estimating a total of 450 in attendance!  Wow!  The night flew by with only minimal issues and most importantly, I survived!!  :)

Over the last couple of days, I have taken off of work to work on updating our bathroom.  This means removing wallpaper, replacing a shower door with a shower curtain, and painting.  I can thankfully report that my husband and I survived the task and we only had a few disagreements during the project!  

Now that those two big projects have passed, I am hoping to concentrate on my reading and writing more than ever.  I even have a little project on the radar that is a first for me, and I'm hoping to share the news very soon.  

Before I sign off for the night and attempt to finish catching up on emails, I want to remind you of the 25% discount at Gone Reading.  Simply use the code TIFTALKSBOOKS25 on anything but the bookends, and help to spread the literary love across the world!

Tell me:  What has been on your reading, writing, and life agenda these days?  Let's catch up!

Monday Maunder: March 5, 2012

Happy Monday!

ON READING

I have not been able to get a lot of reading in this week, but I sure wish that I had!  I have continued reading Clockwork Prince and I could really got lost in this one!!  I'm hoping I will finally get to finish it this week, but my availability will be limited until the weekend.

I can tell you that I picked up The Game by Diana Wynne Jones at the library today in honor of We Be Reading's DWJ in March!  I have really been wanting to read more DWJ since finishing Dogsbody and can't wait for this one.  I was actually hoping to start the Chrestomanci series, but those were sadly not available at this time.

I have not mentioned Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone reading with my son recently, so I thought I would drop a quick line here.  We just finished reading the chapter with the troll take-down and my son's interest definitely piqued here!  We don't read it every night, so it is taking us a while to get through it.  I will continue to keep you all posted when we do finally finish it!

ON WRITING

Writing has been poor this last week, and I have no idea where it will go this week.  I am hoping to participate in Share a Story, Shape a Future this week as I have in past years, but only time will tell.  This is the BIG week (see On Life!), and since I am not superwoman, we will see what all I really can get accomplished!  Wish me luck!

ON LIFE

Friday marks the day for the BIG event that I have been planning for my son's school!  I am so excited to finally see it come to fruition, and I will be even more happy when it is all done!  I know that it will be a blast for the children, but I am tired of begging for volunteers and will be glad when I don't have to do that anymore!

In other personal news, I am hoping to attend an author event this week with Lauren Oliver, author of Delirium.  I am really, really hoping that all works out with this one!

And, last but not least, I also have my next weigh-in this week for my Biggest Loser Challenge!  I am excited to see where my loss will be at that time.  I know I have continued to lose as I have moved down one pants size in the last couple of weeks.  This just makes me smile!

How does your first full week of March look for you?  Any great reads or events that you have planned?

Bone: The Second Trilogy by Jeff Smith

I met the three Bones - Phoney, Smiley, and Fone - in the first trilogy by creator Jeff Smith.  In the second trilogy, their adventures continue with even more mystery and trouble.

In The Dragonslayer, times are becoming more and more dangerous for the villagers, and Phoney Bone believes it is the perfect time to capitalize.  Playing off the fear of those around him, he claims to be a slayer of dragons.  However, when the pivotal time comes for slaying, Phoney's scheme is exposed.

The next in Smith's series is Rock Jaw:  Master of the Eastern Border.  In this tale, we focus more on Fone and Smiley's trials and trails to return a baby rat creature and stay safe during a very dark time.  They meet Rock Jaw and must think quick as to consider him a friend or foe on multiple occasions, with the ultimate goal of reuniting with their friends.

Old Man's Cave is where the ultimate action begins.  All paths begin to reunite, only to be separated again in the struggle to find the truth and who to trust.

This second trilogy only left me wanting more.  I want to know if all characters will survive.  I want to know the truth behind the dragons and the story of the fallen royalty.  I want to know how the battle will end and if good will rise.  And I can only fulfill these desires by completing the story in the third and final trilogy.  These three Bones, the good and the trouble, have grown on me and I'm off to discover their destiny!

For fans of Bone, have you discovered their destiny?  Are you a fan of their adventures?

Monday Maunder: February 27, 2012

It is no longer Monday in my time zone and I really should be in bed.  Let's get to this!

ON READING

I finished reading Fables #3:  Storybook Love this past week and started reading Clockwork Prince.  I am not really reading much these days, but I could really use a day devoted to uninterrupted reading.  Would it be bad to call in sick?!?  Reading really could help my mental health these days!

ON WRITING

I did get some writing done this past week!  Not much, but a bit!  The writing included some reviews that I will be typing up and scheduling right here.  I also did a bit of other personal writing as well.  This has been better than previous weeks, so I will take it with no complaints at this point!

ON LIFE

I am now less than two weeks out from the big event that I am planning at my son's school, and it is that reason that I am up way too late as I try to organize volunteers for more than 100 volunteer shifts that I still have yet to fill.  Be keeping your fingers crossed for me that I do not lose my mind before the big day!  And, refer back to my On Reading section about taking a mental health day!  I will need one soon!

Two little pieces of excitement this week . . . I am now at 12 pounds lost!  And, I decided to drastically cut my hair this past weekend.  I'm talking 11 inches of drastically cut, most of which was donated to Locks of Love.  It will take some getting used to, but so far, I really am liking it!

Tell Me:  How do you keep your sanity in the weeks of chaos?  What are you reading this week (because I may live vicariously through you at this point!)?

The Penguin Lady by Carol Cole

Meet Penelope Parker.  Penelope loves black and white, living and breathing these colors.  For her next birthday, what better gift can she receive than a penguin.  Penguins are soon arriving from all over the world, cooling in the attic, swimming in the back pond, and tracking muddy footprints all over the kitchen.  What is Penelope supposed to do when too many penguins move in?

In Cole's children's book, we get practice counting, learn about a multitude of penguins, and that is just from the story; the resources at the end of the book contain so much more!  My personal favorite 'extra' is the map of where the different species can be found, including both the cold and the warm climates.  My children loved seeing the different kinds of penguins in the illustrations, from those common Emperor Penguins to those with more flair (and my daughter's personal favorite), the Royal Penguins.  In fact, the book continues to be requested on a daily basis, and my daughter could not contain her excitement when she was able to share her new favorite story with her preschool class during a special penguin unit!

I look forward to exploring the other resources in the book as well as those online in the weeks to come.  It will be the perfect pairing with a trip to Penguin Cove at our local zoo this spring!

You too can meet Penelope the Penguin Lady right this very minute over at Sylvan Dell Publishing.  A FREE e-version is available through Wednesday, February 29, 2012.

Which penguin is your personal favorite?

Special thanks to Sylvan Dell Publishing for a complimentary review copy of The Penguin Lady by Carol A. Cole!

Walrus Report: The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

Today, I was over at the Walrus Publishing site sharing one of my recent reads of a local author:  The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox.  Imagine being a preschool teacher with a bit of a Type A personality, then having your life turned upside down when your Harley grandmother re-enters your life and a nasty ol' demon appears on your toilet!  This was such a fun, witty read, but you must click on over to find out more details on what I thought!

Have you read the Demon Slayer series yet?  Would you choose a life of slaying demons or lassoing preschoolers?

Bone: The First Trilogy by Jeff Smith

In Jeff Smith's graphic novel series, we follow the adventures of the Bones:  (1) Phoncible Bone (aka Phoney Bone):  The rich one that is always cooking up a scheme for more cash.  (2) Smiley Bone:  The one with a smile always on his face, but not the smartest of the bunch.  (3) Fone Bone:  The most practical and most genuine of the bunch.

We first meet the three in Out From Boneville, where they were run out of Boneville thanks to one of Phoney's latest schemes (or rather, scams).  Due to an attack of locusts, the three become separated.  We follow Fone Bone as he searches for his cousins, Phoney and Smiley, braves a long winter, and meets new friends.  His new friends help to reunite the Bones, but they have some unfinished business that must be attended to before returning home.

In The Great Cow Race, we learn more about Fone Bone's new friends, Thorn and Grandma Ben as they prepare for the cow race that takes place every spring.  Phoney, unable to pass on the opportunity for another scheme, begins taking bets on the race with the hopes of winning big with Smiley's help.  Trouble arises when Lucius (another new friend) discovers Phoney's plan and the cow race is interrupted by the horrible rat creatures.  Everyone must take cover as they discover that more trouble is brewing than they originally planned.

In Eyes of the Storm, the rat creatures break out in record numbers, the truth behind Thorn and Grandma Ben begins to come out, and the Bones become more deeply involved than ever before.  Phoney is now not just causing the trouble, but all three Bones are now trying to survive along with their friends.

I have seen much chatter about Smith's Bone series, but have only recently picked it up.  It took me a bit to get into the series myself, even reading the first novel twice; however, it now has me hooked for two reasons:  Fone Bone and the mystery behind the dragon.  Fone Bone is one of those characters you can fall in love with.  He is the good guy, making choices for reasons he believes is right, and is truly genuine.  Despite his company in Phoney, he provides a balance to the story that is perfect.  The dragon, on the other hand, provides the mystery.  He does not show up often, bringing an element of suspense and intrigue to the story that runs much deeper than originally meets the eye.

Bone is a series that has action, adventure, a bit of fantasy, and characters you love and love to hate.  Each novel leaves you hanging, leaving me diving into the second trilogy as quickly as I can!

Have you met the Bones?  What do you think?

Monday Maunder: February 20, 2012

I've got lots to share this week, so let's get to it!

ON READING

I had a WONDERFUL reading weekend!  In fact, it was just what I needed!  I discover that when I don't read a lot, my life feels more stressed.  Thankfully, I'm feeling okay after a crazy day, and I attribute that to my weekend reading!  Let me just list the books I finished this weekend . . .

The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

Locke & Key #1:  Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill

Locke & Key #2:  Head Games by Joe Hill

Bone #7:  Ghost Circles by Jeff Smith

Bone #8:  Treasure Hunters by Jeff Smith

Bone #9:  Crown of Horns by Jeff Smith

Yes, most of these were graphic novels, but they were good graphic novels and I now feel accomplished and more on track for my reading goals for the year.  Doesn't that mean something?!?

I am going to read Fables #3:  Storybook Love tonight and should FINALLY be starting Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare tomorrow!  So excited for that one!

ON WRITING

After reading ON READING, you know that I at least have a number of reviews to get written!  And, that doesn't cover all of it.  For those who are long-time followers, you may remember a couple of years ago that I announced that I would no longer be accepting books for review.  Since then, I have been reading books that have been gifted to me, bought at bookstores (mostly local independents!), or those that have been on my shelf for way too many years.  I have loved every minute of this decision, particularly being able to read whatever I want, whenever I want.  However, there was one publishing company that I was missing and I have decided to do another round of reviews for them over the next couple of weeks .... Sylvan Dell Publishing.  I love how educational these children's books can be and the resources that they so willingly share, both in the books and on their website.  I cannot wait to share their latest with you!

On the personal writing front ... I feel like I am getting back into the groove of things.  I actually did some writing this last week, though it was only reviews.  I gotta start somewhere and at this point, any writing is better than none!

ON LIFE

Overall, this past week was good!  I had a great reading weekend, filled with lots of relaxation.  No complaints there!  I had even planned a special day with my kids thanks to the President's Day holiday ... the morning at the theater seeing the new release, The Secret Life of Arietty based upon one of my favorite childhood books, The Borrowers by Mary Norton.  Unfortunately, my daughter woke up sick and all plans had to be canceled.  Instead, I decided to just hang out at home, watch movies with my son, and read more while she slept the day away.  I still think I will take the kids to that movie though.  I am really excited to see that one!

Before I sign off for the night, I do want to share one more thing with you!  Do you remember a guest post a while back from Gone Reading?  If not, you need to click on over and check it out, then head over to browse their site for wonderful book-ish gifts!  They have graciously given the readers of Tif Talks Books a special coupon good for 25% off any purchase (except the bookends).  Just use this code before March 16, 2012:  TIFTALKSBOOKS25.

Signing off to read for now!  Until then, share your reading and writing from this past week!  Were you also able to get in a little extra reading this weekend?

{RNW} Writing Prompts

It has been a couple of weeks since I last posted Ramblings of a Night Writer {RNW}.  Sadly, in that time, I have not really gotten a lot of writing done.  I am hoping to change that with some time spent over the weekend getting back into the habit.  As I think about the habit of daily writing, I also begin to think that I do not have to be writing on the same thing every single night.  Maybe I will write on this idea that has been prodding me for almost a year.  Maybe I will write a book review or two.  Maybe I will do a bit of journaling or even a bit of free writing.  In these latter ideas, I began to wonder where you all turn for exercising your writing mind and hand.  Do you subscribe to specific writing blogs?  Do you turn to the daily news or events from your own personal day?  Do you begin with one simple word or phrase and just wait to see where that takes you?

I have a couple of blogs that I subscribe to in feed reader or via email that I like to follow.  Sometimes I use the ideas and sometimes I just store them away for possible future use.

• Tink's Place features a weekly Flash Fiction Challenge, featuring an image or piece of art to get the creative juices flowing.  People can link up and share their own work through this challenge, but I personally love to just store the images that draw me in in some way.  It is also fun to see how people interpret and where they take their stories with the same beginning.
• Mama's Losing It features a Weekly Writer's Workshop, emailing you a list of possible writing prompts every Tuesday.  You can link up on Thursdays, but once again, I just simply store these, tucked away for a day that I have nothing to write.  Some of the prompts really resonate with me and others do not.

I consider both of these places as cash in my savings account.  When I'm feeling empty, I have no excuse of places to turn to work through that dry spell.  That means ... I have no excuse not to write every single day!

Tell Me:  Do you have resources or places you turn to help you get through the blocks or achieve your daily writing goals?  If so, please share them!  That savings account can never have enough in it!