GrowingUp YA

Blogspiration: My Heart.

2013-02-17T01:08:00.002-05:00

Warning: This is a complicated blog post!

Hello again!

It's been way too long so I'll get right to it

It's obvious that I've been more than just a tad M.I.A these past couple of months. I haven't been able to dedicate as much time as I have wanted on the blog and I just wanted to fill you in on the future of GrowingUp YA.

These past couple of months have been very hectic and exciting! Lots of new and amazing changes were thrown my way and I've been running at full speed ever since. It took me a while to understand that as much as I want to, I really couldn't do it all. I wasn't able to keep up with the blog and more specifically, the Blogspiration meme.

Guys, when you can't find the time to draft one blog post a week, you know there's something wrong. I had to take a step back and really think things through.

It's probably one of the hardest blogging decisions I'll ever have to make, but I've decided to lay Blogspiration to rest :(

Words could never begin to describe how much this meme and every single person who participated in it has meant to me. Your words of inspiration have moved me beyond words and that's something that I will take with me forever. It's been an indescribable journey and I'll never forget it.

These posts brought a lot of us together and I will fight my hardest to make sure it stays that way. Thank you for your kind words, immense support and most importantly, your friendship.

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for making this everything I hoped it would be!!!

(via Pinterest)

Now on to the complicated bit...

While Blogspiration is just one part of the journey, I have thought long and hard about the blog as a whole. And I think I have finally made my decision...

Stay tuned.

As always,
Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Blogspiration (49): Uncertainty + Bob

2012-12-16T21:43:00.000-05:00

It's been really tough for me to blog these past couple of weeks. I feel awful and there isn't a day that I don't think about my blog, my books and all of you.

There have been TONS of huge changes in my life and I am still trying to figure out where this blog fits in with all that.
The future of this blog will be figured out within the next couple of days and I still don't know what's going to happen.

Until then, I am all about some Blogspiration. And Bob Marley's oh so wise words...

(Via Pinterest)

Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Blogspiration (47): How You Treat Me

2012-12-02T23:51:00.000-05:00

Funny enough...

Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Blogspiration (46): You're Wrong

2012-11-25T02:37:00.001-05:00

Because I'm sure we've all been here...

(Via Darling It's True)

Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Angelfall E-Book Giveaway WINNER!!

2012-11-20T15:39:00.003-05:00

Woo-hoo!!!
The Winner of Angelfall e-Book Giveaway is...

Babalisme

Congratulations!!!!

I just sent you an email with instructions on how to claim your prize!

Remember you have 24 hours to reply!!

* Winner chosen through Random.org

Blogspiration (45): Come and Go

2012-11-18T00:17:00.000-05:00

Now more than ever, I believe that certain people come into our lives when we most need them.

I also believe that, sadly enough, those people aren't meant to be in our lives forever. Not in a bad way. It's just that we live, we laugh and we move on.

Via Darling It's True

It also helps to remember that these odd shifts and transitions usually make room for new friends and experiences.

Exciting times are ahead...

Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Quintana of Charyn Blog Tour: The Dream Cast + Giveaway

2012-11-11T22:06:00.000-05:00

Hello, everyone!!

*waves*

As part of the Quintana of Charyn Blog Tour hosted by the lovely folks at 132 Minutes, I'm sharing my Lumatere Chronicles dream cast!! You know...the one that's been living in my head ever since I picked up the books :)

I hope you enjoy!!

-----

FINNIKIN

Jensen Ackles

Just look at that face! He's so serious, and dreamy. He'd probably be really good with a sword, too!

ISABOE

Mila Kunis

I think Mila is gorgeous and would make a great Isaboe! She's strong and fiery!

FROI

Jason Momoa

I've always pictured Froi to be very exotic looking. I think a young Jason Momoa would be PERFECT!

QUINTANA

Milla Jovovich

The Quintana in my head was always a non-traditional beauty. Feral and beautiful. A young Milla would definitely do her justice!

TREVANION

Joe Manganiello

*drools*

I can't even. Joe Mangawhatever is a good-looking guy! The scruff and buff would make him perfect for the leader of the king's guard!

BEATRIS

Famke Janssen

Lady Beatris was always a tough one for me. She's known to be very warm and welcoming and I can definitely see that in Famke.

LUCIAN of the MONTS

Kit Harrington

I guess it's because Kit Harrington wears a furry coat in Game of Thrones and Lucian is always freezing up on the mountains...

-----

So...who would your dream cast consist of??

Also, don't forget to enter to win the entire Lumatere Chronicles trilogy below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blogspiration (44): Cray-Cray

2012-11-11T20:50:00.000-05:00

Sorry this Blogspiration post is a little tardy to the party. I've been crazy busy this week and I seriously hate neglecting the blog.

Le sigh.

Fear not. The crazy has been interspersed with very happy moments. Especially this past week!!

Anyhoo, I came across this picture on Pinterest (website of my soul) and I thought I would share it. I can't help but smile everytime I see it.

So here's to a fabulous week!! May it be filled with happiness and even a tad of crazy...

Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Blogspiration (43): FAITH & fear

2012-11-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

I know these past couple of Blogspiration posts have been super elusive, but I don't really know when or how to start.

There's a lot going on and most of it is being left up to faith.

I am working on that bit...

Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

THE BOY RECESSION

2012-11-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Synopsis (Goodreads): It's all about supply and demand when a high school deals with the sudden exodus of male students.

The boy recession has hit Julius P. Heil High, and the remaining boys find that their stock is on the rise: With little competition, even the most unlikely guys have a good chance at making the team and getting the girl. Guitar-strumming, class-skipping Hunter Fahrenbach never wanted to be a hot commodity, but the popular girls can't help but notice his unconventional good looks. With a little work, he might even by boyfriend material.

But for down-to-earth Kelly Robbins, the boy recession is causing all sorts of problems. She has secretly liked her good friend Hunter for a while now, but how can she stand out in a crowd of overzealous Spandexers?

As if dating wasn't hard enough without a four-to-one ratio!

-----

The Boy Recession by Flynn Meany is the very definition of a light-hearted and fun read. I will also go ahead and describe it as a laugh-out-loud, full-of-shenanigans, sort of a book.

The subject matter isn't heavy and one of the main reasons why I enjoyed this novel was because I went to school in Wisconsin. Random. I know. It made the story seriously entertaining and I even got to pick up on a lot of Midwestern references. It brought back things like Culvers, and custard and...yes, even the kids from Whitefish Bay. That being said, this story obviously isn't for everyone.

While this book is fun, it's not meant for YA readers today. It's meant to be a light, quick, non-attachment-forming book and I would recommend it to tween/early teen readers. I think it worked for me because Kelly and her friends reminded me of my friends in High School. Especially the things we would do and say. Not to mention the slew of entertaining and off-beat characters. That was definitely me, so I could relate.

Like I said, this book probably isn't for everyone. BUT, if you're looking for an in-between-novels sort of book, The Boy Recession may just fit the bill. Otherwise, you may want to look elsewhere for your contemporary fix.

**A huge Thank You to Little, Brown for the Reviewer's Copy!!**

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

2012-10-31T13:30:00.002-04:00

Via Pinterest

HAPPY

HALLOWEEN!!

Remember, don't take candy from strangers...unless they look like Gabriel Merrick :)

Quintana of Charyn Blog Tour

2012-10-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

Surprise, Surprise!

Although not really...

I just wanted to let you know that I will be participating in 132 Minutes' Quintana of Charyn Blog Tour on November 9th with my very own Quintana Dream Cast post!

So make sure you drop by these fabulous sites and pay your respects to the goddess herself, Melina Marchetta ;)

-----

November 1

132 Minutes - Book Chat

Joie de Lire - Excerpt

November 2

Bookittyblog - Review

A Girl Books and Other Things - Top Five

November 3

Carina's Books - Review

Whole Lotta Mama! -

November 4

WinterHaven Books - Review + Giveaway

We Fancy Books - Excerpt

November 5

Joyous Reads - Shelf Envy
Love is not a triangle - Review

November 6

Collections - Fanart

The Ink Spills - Review

November 7
A Book and a Short Latte - Series Cast

The Readers Den - Excerpt + Giveaway

November 8

The Fairytale Nerd -

VeganYANerds -

November 9

GrowingUp YA - Dream Cast
132 Minutes - Wrap-up Post

-----

See you then!!

Blogspiration (42): Free As A Bird (Almost)

2012-10-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling like an (almost) free bird...

Via Pinterest

Details to come...

Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Author Interview: Susan Ee

2012-10-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hey guys!!

I was lucky enough to nab an interview with the incredible Susan Ee, author of Angelfall. So here she is, without further ado...

-----

Twook It! (Tweet Your Book): Describe Angelfall in 140 characters or less. Go!

When Angels of the Apocalypse descend to destroy the modern world, one 17-year old girl will dare to stand against them: meet Penryn.

Angelfall is such an amazing book! I'm curious, where did the inspiration for this novel come from? Why make these angels so cold and heartless?

I've been fascinated with angels for a long time. In the bible, classic angels are associated with destroying entire cities and turning people into salt. In Revelations, they are the harbingers and quite likely the executioners of doom. And yet we portray them as cute little cherubs or beings who bend over backwards to make us happy. Like unicorns and vampires, they must have an amazing public relations department.

I figured it was time time to clear the PR fog and see what happens when we unleash them on the world.

I really admire that you don't hold back with your writing. Were some of the darker scenes in Angelfall (I am thinking of one in particular, towards the end of the book) difficult to write?

Strangely, the darker scenes were the easiest to write. I would only write them if I was compelled to do it—if I could come up with a reason why I shouldn't write it, then I'd drop the scene because I prefer to write happier scenes. The darker parts in the book are there because I was compelled to write them as what really happened with Penryn.

If you were an angel, what kind would you be? (ex. Harbinger of death and destruction? Cherub Angel of Rainbows and Butterflies?)

I think I'd be the scribe who went with the warrior angels on their war campaigns to write down what happened. The warriors would protect me so that even if it was a complete massacre, I could go back and tell everyone what happened.

Name 5 items in your Apocalypse survival kit.

Aside from the obvious stuff like water, food, first aid, soap and flashlight:

- Camouflaged blanket to hide under in case an angel flies by

- Feathers and bullets to trade as currency

- Walkie talkies to communicate with loved ones and warn each other about nearby street gangs and angels

- Good running shoes

- Chocolate

If you could have dinner/drinks with ONE fictional character, who would it be and why?

I'd love to have dinner with Raffe for so many reasons. :) If I catch him in the right mood, maybe he'd tell me some stories of what it was like during those long, lonely years when he was hunting nephilim.

**Pardon the interruption, but can I get in on this dinner? That is all...**

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Keep writing. Push your boundaries. Play with writing exercises. And let go of your control. It's not your brain that comes up with the good stuff. Let go of your control and allow your subconscious/muse/dreamself to do the hard work. Write for yourself--if you love it, someone else probably will too.

What are you currently working on? Anything you can share about Book 2 in the Angelfall series? What can we expect? (We want more, Susan!! MORE!!!

I'm working on book 2 of the Penryn & the End of Days series where we'll discover more about the angels. We'll also get more clues about the apocalyptic invasion and the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Bonus Question: If I ask nicely, may I please have Raffe all to myself? I am sure Penryn will be happier without him :) *puppy dog eyes* Pleeaasseee?

The twins, Dee-Dum, would like to set up a mud fight extravaganza involving nuns, librarians, you and Penryn to see who gets Raffe. Of course, they haven't told Raffe about this yet…

----

Author crushing on Susan Ee? Yeah, join the club!

Seriously, HUGE thanks to Susan for taking the time to answer these questions!!

Still haven't read Angelfall? I won't judge you.

Just so long as you enter to win your very own copy NOW!!

ENTER HERE

ANGELFALL + Book Giveaway

2012-10-23T23:07:00.000-04:00

Synopsis (Goodreads): It’s been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back. Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels’ stronghold in San Francisco where she’ll risk everything to rescue her sister and he’ll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

-----

Okay. Someone needs to hold me back because my fangirling is about to reach some totally unacceptable proportions. I'm thinking of bypassing the squee and heading straight for some pelvic thrust action.

Hey! Just don't say I didn't warn you...

Angelfall by Susan Ee is the very definition of raw and gritty, post-apocalyptic dystopia and I can't even begin to piece the awe this book has left me in. For starters, Ee (pronounced like the letter "E") creates a dark, dark world where nothing is safe from the doom and destruction of heaven's angels. But don't get it twisted, these celestial beings are nothing like the cherubs we've come to love. Nope! These angels are cold, arrogant, and pretty hell-bent on wreaking havoc on Earth. And just when you think it's bad, things most certainly take a turn for the worse.

Enter Penryn. Our novel's fierce, and insanely bad-ass protagonist. Struggling to survive this hell on Earth, she's suddenly caught in the midst of a mysterious war and, because the girl can't catch a break, we'll go a head and throw a sexy, wingless angel into the mix.

*insert inappropriate Raffe thoughts here*

Now, I hate giving away details in my reviews, and I won't start now, but you need to know that this story is delicately wrapped in mystery. Um...an insanely addictive mystery that kept me going and will leave you absolutely breathless.

In the time I spent reading this novel, I lived and breathed Susan's words. It became more than just a story. I was there, with Penryn, struggling for survival and I would have been willing to explore Ee's post-apocalyptic world if everyone wasn't bat-shit crazy and the city wasn't completely over-run with self-absorbed angels.

Then again, I might have been willing to take a chance...if only for Raffe.

*more inappropriate thoughts*

Cold and enigmatic, Raffe was like a black hole. You didn't know where he was going to lead but you were more than willing to throw yourself into it. You know, for...uh...research purposes? I'll tell you now that while he's not the most likeable character (please see my description of Ee's angels), he's definitely the kind of character who will prove you wrong.

I guess by now you can kind of tell that this novel is a roller coaster of emotions and nothing will be able to prepare you for the flurry. I wanted to laugh, cry, scream and (oh god) cringe at the more graphic scenes. Ee definitely wasn't afraid to take it a step too far, but she made it work! Her world-building and storytelling were fantastic in the best, most disturbing way possible. Angelfall was absolute perfection.

Check it! I'm biting my nails and staring at the clock until the next novel in the Penryn and the End of Days series is released. Mark my words, Susan Ee is sure to be the next big thing!!

-----

ANGELFALL GIVEAWAY TIME:

Want to read this book yourself? Sure you do!

I'm giving away an e-book copy of Angelfall to ONE lucky reader!

To enter, leave your name and email address below

Open Internationally!!
Contest Ends on November 14th, 2012

Blogspiration (41): They Just Happen

2012-10-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to find an image, a quote, a something that really captures what these past couple of weeks have had in store for me. Guys, it's been a roller coaster of emotions, to say the least.

Fast forward to the present and I am happy to report that major (and wonderfully exciting) changes are a-comin' and things are working out.

I guess you can't really mess with fate too much, can you?

Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

ENTICE Book Giveaway WINNER!!

2012-10-16T09:21:00.001-04:00

Woo-hoo!!!
The Winner of ENTICE Giveaway is...

SoMuchToWriteSoLittleTime

Congratulations, Shar!!

I just sent you an email with instructions on how to claim your prize!

Remember you have 24 hours to reply!!

* Winner chosen through Random.org

Blogspiration (40): Happy/Sad

2012-10-14T23:19:00.001-04:00

Dearest friends,

Pardon my absence but these past couple of months have been very...um...long. Not entirely bad and not entirely excellent, just an interesting mix of both.

This past weekend, however, has left me on Cloud Nine. I was fortunate enough to be a part of a very special event in New York City and I got the chance to meet a lot of really amazing, interesting and talented individuals.

Anyhoo, it got me to thinking. You know, about life and the ups and downs that come along with it.

Yes, I am (way) beyond thrilled at this very moment but I know (for a fact) that it won't last forever. Sadness is inevitable but I'm learning that it also helps me appreciate the happier moments in life.

Now I don't mean for this to be a depressing post. On the contrary, I hope it serves to remind us to appreciate and enjoy those wonderfully memorable times.

I also hope that what I am trying to say makes sense. It's late and I am not quite sure I can articulate this as well as I can so easily wrap my mind around it :/

Anyhoo, I ran into this great quote on Pinterest (HOLLA!) and I think it sums it up quite nicely (and simply).

(Via Pinterest)

So here's to all the happy moments. May we forever keep them in our hearts so that they may fill us with joy and laughter (and that sort of awkward/awesome embarrassment) whenever we need it most!

Also, I've missed you guys like CRAZY!!!

Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Blogspiration 38: I DID IT!!!

2012-09-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

Learning to drive was on my To-Do list for 2012 and I am happy I get to cross that off because...

via Pinterest

I am officially a licensed driver!!!!!!

*happy dance*

*pelvic thrusts*

I even passed on my first try! My parents were thrown for a loop because they didn't even know I was taking lessons. Anyhoo, I get that everyone outside of NYC drives, but this is kind of a big deal for me. I take the subway everywhere but now I have the option of borrowing my father's car and going wherever I want!!

Oh yeah!!

Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Blogspiration (37): No Words...

2012-09-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

ENTICE + Book Giveaway

2012-09-20T11:20:00.000-04:00

Synopsis (Goodreads): Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengeance of exiled angels. Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever.

The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed.

-----

I clearly haven't fangirled enough this year because the book gods have descended and presented me with Jessica Shirvington's Entice.

Okay, the book gods AND the lovely people over at Sourcebooks.

Now as you may already know, I tend to be a bit hesitant with angel books. Yes, the mythology is fascinating and there's so much that can be done with it, but let's be real. Not everyone can pull it off. I've read my fair share of not-so-great angel books and I am here to tell you the Jessica Shirvington is the obvious exception. She manages to stay true to the mythos while keeping the real heart of the story grounded in reality. Not to mention she's still able to keep her characters exciting and fresh!

Violet, for example, is still a fantastic female heroine. Yeah, she's made bad choices *cough* Phoenix *cough*, some she may regret for a lifetime *cough* still Phoenix *cough*, but she's so determined make the most of it, no matter how difficult that may be. And trust, it is very difficult. Especially considering she has to deal with Lincoln who can be incredibly frustrating at times. I had to keep reminding myself that there was more to him than the hard shell he uses to distance himself from the world.

Look hard enough and you'll find a boy, head over heels in love with the one person he can't have. That kinda sucks, doesn't it? So no, I didn't agree with his actions but I learned to understand them as the book progressed. He even made up for it about halfway through the novel. Everything comes to light as the story unravels...

Oh, but let's not forget to mention the other boy/demon angel with a claim to Violet's heart, Phoenix. Forget my lust-filled obsession! That's all in the past and this is post-Embrace Kristin talking! The sexy mood-swings that attracted me to Phoenix in the first novel have made way for some really heavy feelings. Some really heavy feelings of dislike.

I hate him, I hate him, I hate him!...but I won't spoil why.

Despite my distaste for Phoenix, I was completely enthralled by the novel's romance which was definitely upped a bit. Um...more alike A LOT! *wipes drool* While this is the part of my review when I start gushing and flailing hysterically, I am going to take a (mature) step back and admire what Shirvington did with the novel's love story because it's not your typical triangle. There's quite obviously a good and a bad choice, but Shirvington explores that feeling of indescribable attraction to the bad boy. You know he's not good for you, yet there's this spark, this endless supply of chemistry that you just can't seem to get out of your system. There came a point where I all but made-out with this book.

Wait.

I take that back. *blushes* There was that one scene...

*regains composure*

Er...so yes. As I lay there in my bed, finished book clutched to my chest, contemplating whether to ever leave my home again, I thought to myself, "Hm...I wonder if the tears and anguish of readers keep their authors young!?" If so, Jessica Shirvington will live FOREVER because I don't know what I am going to do until Emblaze is released here in the States! The next installment promises to be anything but boring or repetitive and I. CAN. NOT. WAIT.

Maybe a certain blogger BFF *cough* Sarah *cough*can hook a sistah up?! Pleeeaaasseeee?

-------

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

I'm giving away a copy of ENTICE to one very lucky reader!!

To enter, just leave your name and email address in the comments section below. This giveaway ends Thursday, October 4rd at 11:59pm!!
US & Canada ONLY :(

So what are you waiting for??

ENTER NOW!

SPARK Giveaway Winner!!!

2012-09-17T11:12:00.003-04:00

Woo-hoo!!!
The Winner of SPARK Giveaway is...

Shar Simms

Congratulations, Shar!!

I just sent you an email with instructions on how to claim your prize!

Remember you have 24 hours to reply!!

* Winner chosen through Random.org

Blogspiration (36): Words To Live By

2012-09-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

Blogspiration is a new weekly meme hosted by GrowingUpYA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING.

I've seen this image all around the web, but its message never hit me until now.

I want to be great and so uniquely me.

Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Blogspiration (35): Disney's NEWSIES

2012-09-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Blogspiration is a new weekly meme hosted by GrowingUpYA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING.

As a proud New Yorker I've always been inspired by Broadway musicals. This past week I was able to see Disney's NEWSIES and it Blew. Me. Away.

The story, the music, the choreography, the freakin' TALENT!! I left the theater with joy in my heart and a crazy desire to sing my lungs out.

I did not.

There's enough crazy in NYC without me adding to it.

This week I hope that each and every one of you is given the opportunity to do or see something that fills you with much happiness.

Spread that love around!!

Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Blogspiration (34): Hate Consumes

2012-09-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

Blogspiration is a new weekly meme hosted by GrowingUpYA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING.

I know this is a cheesy image, especially because that's Will Smith's face back there, but the words carry such a powerful message that I couldn't help but share it with all of you

There's always going to be an asshole in the bunch. Don't let them consume your thoughts. If you do, the only person you'll be hurting is yourself.

Happy Sunday :)

-----

Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!