Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes

Chosen at Nightfall is HERE!!!

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

It's here! It's here! Chosen at Nightfall is finally here, everyone! And to celebrate, here's some information to get everyone geared up for the final volume in Kylie Galen's story.

When Kylie Galen entered Shadow Falls Camp, she left her old life behind forever and discovered a world more magical than she ever imagined. A place where you’re two best friends can be a witch and a vampire…and where love doesn’t happen the way you’d expect.

When Kylie’s most powerful enemy returns to destroy her once and for all, there’s only one way to stop him—to step into her full powers and make a stunning transformation that will amaze everyone around her. But her journey won’t be complete until she makes one final choice…which guy to love. Should she choose to the werewolf who broke her heart but will give anything to win her back, or the half-fae who ran from their attraction before they had a chance? Everything she’s learned at Shadow Falls has been preparing her for this moment—when her fate will be revealed and her heart claimed forever.

And next, here are 13 things that happen in Chosen at Nightfall!

In Chosen at Nightfall Kylie. . .

1. …nearly kills Lucas twice.

2. …has another boy become interested in her.

3. …acquires another stalker.

4. …is accused of having an affair with an older man.

5. …has an unwanted guest crawl over a bathroom stall when she’s trying to pee.

6. …gets kissed by two guys.

7. …finally makes a choice of which boy she loves.

8. …is forced to kill someone to save someone she loves

9. …tells a human that she’s a supernatural.

10. Discovers someone isn’t who they say they are.

11. …gets caught buying pregnancy tests for someone.

12. …Has another guy paying a pint of blood to spend an hour with her.

13. …gets read the riot act by Burnett.

And that's not all, everyone. The amazing CC Hunter is holding a HUUUUUUGE giveaway on her blog and I kid you not, y'all won't believe what all she's giving away. So be sure to check it out HERE!

Last but not least, definitely check out the book trailer for Chosen at Nightfall.

Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Title: Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Pages: 387
Genre: YA Science Fiction/Fairytale Dystopia
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Obtained: Bought (at signing)
Summary: Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl...

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.

What I Liked: 1) Cinder was quite the unique heroine that fell into the category of having to rescue herself rather than wait to be rescued. Readers cannot help feeling for her situation at home as well as the warring emotions after meeting and helping Prince Kaito. 2) New Beijing. When the setting seems to have a life of its own, you know you have a great story. 3) Peony and Iko were fascinating supporting characters, and I can understand Cinder's attachment to them by the end of the book. 4) The villains delivered a performance worthy of invoking my wrath. Both Adri and Queen Levana deserved to be backhanded many times over, and I applaud Meyer for creating such villains that make me want to punch something.

What I Didn't Like: I can't really think of anything off-hand, though I admit it would have been nice to see more of New Beijing. I do look forward to seeing more of Meyer's futuristic Earth in the next titles.

Overall: Readers who enjoy a retold and updated fairy tale will certainly find similarities in Cinder while also getting to know this new world and spin on the girl who lost her "shoe" following the ball.

Wandering the Archive

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Deep within the archives of a home library, there lurks title upon title of books accrued over half (or more) a lifetime. Nobody knows just why a bookshelf grows out of proportion or why it needs to be expanded except... the bibliophile. And even then, she might have forgotten the reason somewhere along the way. But now, thanks to the intrepid explorer (my beau), these titles will slowly be unearthed and examined here for any who dare to wander into... DJL's personal archive.

What is it?

Star Wars: Darth Maul - Shadow Hunter by Michael Reaves (2001)

For the infamous, power-hungry Sith, beholden to the dark side, the time has come to rise again.

After years of waiting in the shadows, Darth Sidious is taking the first step in his master plan to bring the Republic to its knees. Key to his scheme are the Neimoidians of the Trade Federation. Then one of his Neimoidian contacts disappears, and Sidious does not need his Force-honed instincts to suspect betrayal. He orders his apprentice, Darth Maul, to hunt the traitor down.

But he is too late. The secret has already passed into the hands of information broker Lorn Pavan, which places him right at the top of Darth Maul's hit list. Then, in the labyrinthine alleyways and sewers of Coruscant, capital city of the Republic, Lorn crosses paths with Darsha Assant, a Jedi Padawan on a mission to earn her Knighthood. Now the future of the Republic depends on Darsha and Lorn. But how can an untried Jedi and an ordinary man, stranger to the powerful ways of the Force, hope to triumph over one of the deadliest killers in the galaxy?

Where did it come from?

I picked up this copy at a Bookstop.
(If you remember this bookstore, I'll not feel so old!)

Why did it get picked up?

First off, I blame a college friend for "turning me over to the dark side." And secondly, I was disappointed in how little screen-time Darth Maul was given in Phantom Menace, so it was fascinating to see his character further developed by Reaves.

When was it read?

On my Tropical Ecology class trip to Belize in 2002, I read it in one night (because of pseudo-scorpions found on my window making me unable to sleep). Shadow Hunter kept me awake and alert more than the arachnids did.

To whom should it be recommended?

Science fiction readers and Star Wars fans who seek more story development of their favorite characters.

Will it be kept?

Keep it I should. *ahem* I've kept it this long, and I see no reason to give it up. ^_^

Bloglovin!

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 01:03:00 +0000

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

In light of the imminent disappearance of Google Reader, I have hopped on board the Bloglovin wagon! It's pretty nifty, so have a look at it yourself as an option for Google Reader. ^_^

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Recommend The Most

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list will be posted by one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish. Everyone is welcome to join, just make sure to link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so everyone can check out other blogger lists. Have fun!

Top Ten Books I Recommend The Most

(Best part about being a librarian!)

1) The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

2) The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

3) Shadow Falls Series by C.C. Hunter

4) Dust City by Robert Paul Weston

5) The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

6) Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

7) Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan & Rachel Cohn

8) Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

9) Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell

10) The Color Trilogy by Kim Dong Hwa

2nd Annual Lunar Love Giveaway Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

And the winner is...

Julia Rain Wellman!

Congratulations, Julia!

Thank you for participating, everyone!

Wandering the Archive

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

What is it?

Mercenaries by Angela Knight (2005)

Trinity Yeager would rather die than be auctioned off as a bride to the freaks on Rapture's Colony. There is an alternative: Join Nathan August's star-hopping team of mercenary soldiers. The captain has one condition--that Trinity prove her resilience as the one-night plaything for him and his first officer, Sebastian Cole. Trinity not only sees Nathan's bet. She raises it...

From galactic dens of depravity to far-reaching planets of dominant females and strapping male slaves to the violent shadows of an unknown off-world, Trinity joins forces with Nathan and Sebastian to risk flesh and blood, and to push the boundaries of erotic adventure in order to protect, honor, and serve--in the name of duty.

Where did it come from?

This book came from the Recycled Bookstore in Denton.

Why did it get picked up?

Angela Knight was one of the first romance authors whose works I'd read. I thought this one would be fairly interesting since it was composed of 3 novellas taking place in a science fiction setting.

When was it read?

Either in 2006 or 2007, though I'm not sure of the exact time.

To whom should it be recommended?

Readers who enjoy romance with adventure... and a wee bit of domineering. (If you're looking for an alternative to Fifty Shades of Grey, I recommend this one.)

Will it be kept?

Yes, as it is my one remaining Angela Knight title in my collection (even if my beau does tease me now).

Shadow Falls: The Beginning

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Have you heard about Kylie Galen? How about Shadow Falls, the camp for supernaturals and paranormals of all types? If you haven't, then here's your chance to get into the story from the very beginning.

You'll get...

..and...

...in this neat little package!

While I love and adore the splendid natural beauty of the first two books, this is a great opportunity to take advantage of and get two books for the price of one! Pretty sweet deal, right?

So if you know someone who loves supernaturals or if you've been dying to get into the Shadow Falls series, now's your chance to get the first two books!

Shadow Falls by C.C. Hunter

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Lunar Love Giveaway Hop!

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Lunar Love Giveaway Hop

March 8th through 13th

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Bookworm Lisa

I'm giving away a paperback copy of Marissa Meyer's Cinder in celebration of lunar love (though readers shouldn't love the Lunars represented here!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out all the other blogs participating in the hop!

Top Ten Tuesday: Series I'd Like to Start But Haven't Yet

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Top Ten Series I'd Like to Start But Haven't Yet

While there's a lot, I'm going to list those that have been on my TBR list the longest time.

1) The Darkest Powers by Kelley Armstrong

2) Legacy of Tril by Heather Brewer

3) Medusa Girls by Tera Lynn Childs

4) All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness

5) Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

6) Newsoul by Jodi Meadows

7) The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

8) Royal House of Shadows

9) Healer Trilogy by Maria V. Snyder

10) Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan

Wandering the Archive

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:00:00 +0000

What is it?

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff (1982)

The Wisdom of Pooh.

Is there such a thing as a Western Taoist? Benjamin Hoff says there is, and this Taoist's favorite food is honey. Through brilliant and witty dialogue with the beloved Pooh-bear and his companions, the author of this smash bestseller explains with ease and aplomb that rather than being a distant and mysterious concept, Taoism is as near and practical to us as our morning breakfast bowl.

Romp through the enchanting world of Winnie-the-Pooh while soaking up invaluable lessons on simplicity and natural living.

Where did it come from?

Ironically, this book came from a guy I dated while in library school. Since he couldn't find any new copies (so he claimed), he gave me his (slightly beaten-up) copy.

Why did it get picked up?

I had told said guy about my grad school profession and that while I was interested in Eastern philosophy (such as Taoism), I'd never read one of the most widely-known books on relating Eastern philosophy to Western culture. It was nice of him to give me his copy.

When was it read?

While I haven't read The Tao of Pooh in its entirety, I have read various passages that I felt related to what challenges were going on in my life at the time. I did obtain it in 2007.

To whom should it be recommended?

Anyone interested in philosophy or who appreciated A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh series.

Will it be kept?

Yes, because I want to read it completely, and it will be nice to have such a book on hand.

Stacking the Shelves (14)

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 14:00:00 +0000

We are all book lovers and the need to share our enthusiasm is sometimes overwhelming. Stacking the Shelves, created and hosted at Tynga's Reviews, is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course ebooks!

Gifted:

The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron (Signed)

Rock On ARC by Denise Vega

Monument 14 ARC by Emmy Laybourne

Beneath a Meth Moon ARC by Jacqueline Woodson

Whispers at Moonrise ARC by C.C. Hunter

All of these and an awesome wolf bookmark came from
Marla at Starting the Next Chapter. Thanks, Marla!

Won:

Seraphina ARC by Rachel Hartman (From Marla)

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (From Courtney at Fuzzy. Coffee. Books. and signed!)

Bought:

Cinder by Marissa Meyer (Signed!)
The Arcived by Victoria Schwab

Big stack but I received all of these over quite a few weeks. ^_^

Reader's Advisory: The Big Question

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Earlier this week, I had a library patron ask for a particular title, but then she asked me what my favorite book was. I said that was a hard question, and she then rephrased it to who my favorite author was. Also a hard question, but I told her a few of my favorites and Maggie Stiefvater caught her attention. She asked if there was a book by Maggie that I would recommend to her, and I immediately suggested The Scorpio Races since it is a standalone and a great book (in my humble opinion). The patron was amazed by the brief description I gave of the story, and she took one of our copies, thanking me for making her day.

While this is a good example of reader's advisory, I wanted to discuss the idea of reader's advisory in an unfamiliar area. One of the main reasons I am a blogger is to stay in the know about various titles, but what happens if a patron is looking for a book suggestion in a genre I'm not familiar? I do try to read in different genres so I can offer advice when patrons ask, but there are times I'm just at a loss on what to tell the patron. Case in point, a patron came in and asked for a book suggestion. I immediately pointed out the new bookshelves which had a copy of Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo front and center. However, the patron said, "Oh, I don't like fantasy" at which point, I asked what genres she did enjoy. Needless to say, the patron was not very forthcoming in what type of book(s) she wanted. This might have been a specialized case, but they do happen on occasion.

Sometimes, I also find myself recommending books that I have heard good reviews but haven't had the chance to read it myself. I usually prefer to recommend titles I've read, but there's only so much I can offer that others have yet to read as well. When that happens, I will inform the patron that while I haven't read it, I have heard friends speak well of the title in question. My main question is would you (a librarian) recommend only books that you have read or would you suggest unread titles that are within the same genre as what the patron is asking for? And would you (a patron) prefer recommendations read by the librarian you're asking for book suggestions?

How do you handle reader's advisory?

Wandering the Archive

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Deep within the archives of my home library, there lurks title upon title of books accrued over half (or more) a lifetime. Nobody knows just why a bookshelf grows out of proportion or why it needs to be expanded except... the bibliophile. And even then, she might have forgotten the reason somewhere along the way. But now, these titles will slowly be unearthed and displayed here for any who dare to wander into... DJL's personal archive.

Okay, now that the dramatics are finished, I wanted to start something new in which I basically look through my home library, select a title at random (hopefully older titles I've had for awhile), and then ultimately answer why I currently have it in my library. I've wanted to find something different to post about regarding books, and while I'm sure there are other bloggers who likely have such a post already in place, I will simply call mine "Wandering the Archive." On to today's selection!

What is it?

The Nymph King by Gena Showalter (2007)

Females young and old, beautiful and plain crave Valerian's touch. None can resist his blatant sensuality and potent allure... until he steals Shaye Holling from a Florida beach and holds her prisoner in his underwater kingdom.

The cynical Shaye wants nothing to do with the mighty warlord, but she's inexplicably drawn to him. For underneath the warrior's arrogant beauty lies a complex and powerful man. A man whose caress is like fire...

Now Valerian must fight for the privilege of claiming her as his own. Because there's one thing Shaye doesn't know... That when a nymph discovers his true mate, she's his for life.

Where did I obtain it?

I bought this copy from a Borders in North Texas. How I miss having Borders!

Why did I pick it up?

The cover, such a shallow answer, but it's true. It's such a gorgeous shade of blue, and Valerian (if that IS him on the cover) isn't that bad on the eyes. But the story also intrigued me, which is why I bought it.

When did I read it?

I think in 2007 while I was in library school. Once I started reading I couldn't stop.

Who would I recommend reading it?

Anyone who enjoys paranormal romances or ocean-themed stories. Ironically, I really enjoyed the side-story romance more than the main story between Valerian and Shaye. It's not that their story was boring, I just knew it was a matter of getting past their unresolved tension. Joachim, Brenna, and Shivawn's story was much more intriguing, most likely from the triangle, and the outcome was amazing.

Will I keep it?

Most definitely. It's my first Gena Showalter book and one of the best paranormal romance novels I've read.

Librarian MIA

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Dear readers,

My apologies for not having posted anything in the past week. I received some rather shocking family news and my mind has been on my parents, particularly my dad, for almost the past two weeks. I did go see them last weekend, which helped ease my mind, but I haven't been able to get back into the blogging swing just yet. I'm hoping to get back into the swing within the next week or so, but until then, I do appreciate your patience while I get myself together.

Happy reading.

A Day in the Life of a Reference Librarian

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Some days are calmer than others (as are some weeks at times), but yesterday seemed to move in a tornado formation while at work leaving me utterly exhausted after getting home. I'm sure the rest of the week will be smooth-sailing from here.

9:00 am - Programming Meeting/Brainstorming session with Adult Services, representative of Youth Services, representative of Circulation, and Branch Manager. Happy to report we're pretty set with ideas for the rest of the year.
10:00 am - Prep computer lab for Library Orientation.
10:30 am - Present Library Orientation to attendees regarding services for our community and to the students of the university campus.
11:30 am - Coffee Break, though I was unable to sit with said coffee as my fellow Supervising Librarian needed to speak with me about our audiovisual materials order.
12:00 pm - Reference Desk in which I observe one of my library assistants in her customer service and offer assistance where needed.
1:00 pm - Lunch with beau.
2:00 pm - Impromptu meeting with Colleague regarding a matter that occurred earlier in the week. The matter was resolved on Monday, and I explained the situation to my Colleague.
3:00 pm - Reference Desk in which we assist several college students with a project to locate full-text, scholarly articles regarding human development and social patterns.
4:00 pm - Revise reference and information desk schedule for following week. (It will be rather gnarly.)
4:30 pm - Snack Break and conversation with Academic Librarian regarding next week's schedule and events.
5:00 pm - Reference Desk in which I did a reader's advisory for a student who had checked out a book I'd recommended to her before though she had been unable to read it due to time constraints. Makes me happy when they return for the same book when they do have time to read. ^_^
5:30 pm - Begin closing procedures in which Desk Partner and I informed two young students of other study areas for after the library closes at 6:00 pm. Some have difficulty paying attention to the closing announcements and choose to pack up their belongs at 5 minutes til closing. And be advised, if a reference question is asked after the final closing announcement, we will give the short answer and recommend coming to the library the following day for a more detailed answer. ^_^
6:05 pm - Close the library after a patron with several children finishes checking out materials.

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Bookish Memories

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Top Ten (Seven) Best Bookish Memories

1) Meeting Maggie Stiefvater with my boyfriend

While I was able to meet Maggie 3 times in 2012, the best time was when my beau was with me to meet her, too. We both loved Shiver, so it meant a lot for both of us to see her (and yes, my gosh, that pic was priceless).

2) Attending my first author event in Houston - Mary Lindsey's signing for Shattered Souls

I have to say, if it wasn't for Christin from Portrait of a Book, I wouldn't have even known about any local bookish events going on just in my backyard (okay, not THAT close but still closer than I thought). Plus, Mary is such a dear lady, I'm happy to have the chance to see her at other bookish events.

3) Reading Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder in one night

This was my first time reading a book in a single night, and I will still say I'm thrilled Karen recommended it to me (though it was more like she shoved it into my hands and said, "READ IT." lol).

4) Attending TLA 2012

Although it was only for one day, I still had a great time at my first library conference. I'm looking forward to hopefully attending the full conference this year, so look out, Karen! ;D

5) Visiting Blue Willow Bookshop and Murder by the Books for the first time

I didn't even realize how many indie bookstores we have here, but I'm happy to finally have learned about them. Each one is a special store where the staff are friendly and willing to help you find just what you're looking for in the way of books or bookish memorabilia.

6) Attending the Austin Teen Book Festival for the first time

You never realize just how many lives authors touch until you've been to a book festival. It's intense but so worth it to be around fellow readers and the authors they love and adore.

7) Working in the library system I used to attend as a child

This one was a blessing and a nice way of coming full circle as I've pretty much returned to the same area I grew up. Only now I'm the one behind the reference desk helping patrons of all ages.

Silver-White Book Blast

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Silver-White by Shawn Underhill

“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep.”

~ Robert Frost

*Evie’s family has been holding out on her …

Big time.

On an unexpected visit to her grandparents’ house in New Hampshire’s secluded North Woods, the sixteen-year-old literally runs into the truth of the long-hidden family secrets, and finds herself thrust without warning into the clandestine world of the Great North Pack—a wild and exhilarating world of rugged beauty, heart-pounding adventures, and long nights running under a sea of stars … but as she’s set to discover, a world also fraught with potential dangers lurking in the shadows.

Praise

"Simply put, this book was amazing. I've read more fantasy novels than than I can count, but this one is certainly one of the best. The heroine isn't some wishy-washy pansy that screams at everything, and the focus of the story isn't on some unbelievably beautiful teenage girl who suddenly becomes the biggest, baddest member of her species falling in love with some big, bad, sexy member of her newfound species. It's about a girl becoming something she never knew existed, finding her place within the pack family she values more than ever before, and an age-old feud that threatens everything she loves." ~Morgan

Purchase ~ just .99 cents

Amazon Kindle

Author Shawn Underhill

Shawn is a part-time writer from New Hampshire, where he spends his free time hiking in the mountains, camping, racing dirt bikes, or anything else that keeps him outdoors. Dogs are his very favorite people. He is also the author of the novel All Things Different.

Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

BookBlast $100 Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 2/13/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special Edition Black & White Cover Reveal + Guest Post!

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +0000

I'm very happy to be a part of the Blog Tour for the special edition cover reveal for Karen Schreck's novel, While He Was Away! Take a look below, everyone!

One year--he'll be gone for one year and then we'll be together again and everything will be back to the way it shoulder be.

The day David left, I felt like my heart was breaking. Sure, any long-distance relationship is tough, but David was going to war--to fight, to protect, to put his life in danger. We can get through this, though. We'll talk, we'll email, we won't let anything come between us.

I can be an army girlfriend for one year. But will my sweet, soulful, funny David be the same person when he comes home? Will I? And what if he doesn't come home at all?

And now, I give you a guest post from author Karen Schreck on how to find inspiration!

***

How Inspiration Can Come From Anywhere:

Even a Trip to the Grocery Store and a Handful of Long-Lost Photographs

By Karen Schreck

I sometimes wonder what my mother would say if she knew that her story—one of the saddest, sweetest love stories I’ve ever heard—was retold in a new way in my young adult novel, While He Was Away.

Now Sourcebooks Fire is sharing the story yet again, in a second, exclusive edition, released nation-wide at Walmart. The fact that Sourcebooks believed enough in While He Was Away to bring it to life the first time felt like a much-needed confirmation of years of hard work. The fact that they are standing behind my book again in this way . . . well, it feels like a miracle. I’m truly grateful.

I wonder what my mother would say to this incredible news? I like to think she would be grateful too. I like to think she would be happy. She wanted her story heard after all. So much so that it was one of the last things she told me, just before she died.

One rainy night when I was fourteen, right before cancer left her to ill to talk, let alone drive a car, my mother said, “Come with me. We’re going shopping.” We drove to the little local market and wandered up and down the aisles, as she threw in a can of tuna, some dishwashing soap, and other little things we didn’t need. We paid for these little things. She looked anxious and tired, still she hadn’t said a thing; we hadn’t spoken a word.

It was only when we were parked in our driveway again that my mother said, “I was married once before when I was very young. He died a hero in WWII.”

And that was that. Soon after, she died.

I thought about my mother’s mysterious love story for many years. I talked to relatives, found long-lost photographs. The story took seed in me. It flowered into a novel about a young women whose boyfriend leaves for the Iraq War. In her loneliness, she seeks out a grandmother she’s never met, whose first husband died in WWII. She seeks out a character inspired by mother.

A late night drive, a few words spoken in the dark. Even things as simple as this can inspire a novel.

Stacking the Shelves (13): Touch of Ever Rose

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Won:

Everbound by Brodi Ashton (from Courtney at Fuzzy. Coffee. Books.)

I won Courtney's Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaway, and this is my first of TWELVE books, yowza! Thank you, Courtney! :)

Bought:

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder (Finally have the first of her new fantasy series!)

Dragon Rose by Christine Pope (Can't wait to read this spin on Beauty and the Beast!)
Thanks to my beau's Amazon Prime account, these arrived quite quickly!

What did you stack on your shelves this week?

Waiting on Wednesday: Awaken

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's "Waiting On" Wednesday selection is:

Awaken (Abandon #3)

By Meg Cabot

Publish date: May 7th by Point

From Goodreads~

Death has her in his clutches. She doesn't want him to let go.

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera knew by accepting the love of John Hayden, she'd be forced to live forever in the one place she's always dreaded most: the Underworld. The sacrifice seemed worth it, though, because it meant she could be with the boy she loves.

But now her happiness—and safety—are threatened, all because the Furies have discovered that John has broken one of their strictest rules: He revived a human soul.

If the balance between life and death isn't fixed, both the Underworld and Pierce's home back on earth will be wiped away. But there's only one way to restore order. Someone has to die.

Why am I waiting on this one? It's been an amazing ride with Pierce and John, and I aim to see it through to the end... *gulps* even if that end means someone's death. I'll be sad to see the story end, but I MUST know what happens. May can't get here soon enough!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Stacking the Shelves (12): 2008 Movie Tie-In

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Bought:

Krabat by Otfried Preußler, Anthea Bell (translator)

Everyone, I'm so excited to finally get a copy of the book! The movie was fascinating, so I'm hoping the book will be very promising, too. Take a look at the trailer below to see what I mean. ^_^

(Obtained from meininki's YouTube page.)

Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

And the winner is...

Carrie L!

The winner has been confirmed. Thank you all for participating!

Top Ten Tuesday: 2013 Debuts I’m Looking Forward To

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Top Ten (Or Seven) 2013 Debuts I'm Looking Forward To

(Goes to show I need to pay more attention to debuts!)

1) Splintered by A.G. Howard - I haven't seen much in regards to Alice in Wonderland as far as reboots, but this one sounds like a great story!

2) Prophecy by Ellen Oh - So many people have enjoyed this one, plus it's based on Korean mythology.

3) Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black - This sounds like a spooky story filled with intrigue and dancing.

4) Ink by Amanda Sun - Japanese setting and the idea of inked drawings coming to life make this a must-read on my list.

5) The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd - I remember reading The Island of Dr. Moreau and the twist involved, so I'm very curious to see what Shepherd has in store for Moreau's daughter.

6) Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield - Songs from chantresses bring magic into the world? What a wonderful idea!

7) Solstice by P.J. Hoover - I cannot wait to read this lovely Texas author's story revolving around gods and monsters and a secret kept from the heroine.

Looking forward to seeing all the debuts on everyone's lists!

Stacking the Shelves (11)

noreply@blogger.com (DJL) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Bought:

Celtic Snowflake Book
I commissioned this book from an artist on Deviant Art after seeing the original she created for her parents. It was just too beautiful and i just love snowflakes. I can't wait to bring it to the next book event!

Gifted:

The Last Unicorn Deluxe Graphic Novel by Peter S. Beagle & Renae DeLiz (Signed thanks to my Dad & Mom!)

Defiance by C.J. Redwine (Thanks to Beth, my awesome former roomie!)

Signed:

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A small stack but one filled with lots of care! What did you receive this week? ^_^