Monday Memes

MONDAY

December is being hosted by Lady Q from Let Them Read Books

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia of The Printed Page and is now on tour.

According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.”
Before I share my mailbox with you, I would like to give a big Thank You to Lady Q who is graciously hosting Mailbox Monday for the month of December.  This past week was a slow one for my mail carrier and am pretty sure she was happy about it lol.

Monday 11/29/10

From The Hachette Book Club

Hosted by Java from Never Growing Old

"Meet Me On Monday!"
From Java:
Blogging is a funny thing...we tell our most intimate thoughts for all to read and yet most of the time I find myself sitting and wondering, "who is this person!?" I know them...but yet I don't know them! I want to know who the person is behind all those words so I thought of a great way for all of us to "meet" each other!

Questions:

1. What is your favorite kind of cheese?

Mozzarella, BUT like all foods, there is never

 just one  favorite for me.  American, cheddar

provolone are some others I enjoy.

2. What size is your bed?

Queen

3. What is your most overused phrase?

It would be "Really?"

4. Green or purple grapes?

and seedless

5. Shower, morning or night?

Night...this way I have extra time in the morning



Still Partying!!!!

The party is still going on!!!  They are having sooo much fun that

author Graham Parke is extending the Birthday Bash!!!

From Mr. Parke's site:

“Instead of heading for the big mental breakdown,

I decided to have a little one every Tuesday evening.”
-- Gomez Porter

You are cordially invited to Gomez' online after party. It starts right now and runs till December 10th. You'll receive:
*'Activated Carbon' exclusive short story collection
*Making of Gomez: behind the scenes eBook
*A kindle will be raffled off. Extra prizes for those who bring friends.
Simply purchase your copy of "No Hope for Gomez!" from Amazon and forward your receipt to nohopeforgomez@gmail.com before December 11.
Stop by his place and tell him CMash Loves To Read sent you!!!

Slapdash Sunday Topic: Time

SUNDAY

Hosted by Kayla at The Eclectic Element Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week 'leftovers.' Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn't worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?
That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!

TODAY'S TOPIC:  ALLOCATING TIME

It has been a busy past 2 days and have not been on the computer much nor have I read, which means I am, once again, behind.  It started Friday when hubby and I drove the 1+ hour drive to see the doctor for my post op visit (got very little bit  reading done because hubby was in a talkative mood), x-rays then waited 2 hours (got a bit of reading done then) to see the surgeon.

The doc has revoked his mandates.  I am now able to drive short distances and to attempt minor household chores (wish this restriction had stayed in place lol).  I admit that I got spoiled by not having to do housework and could spend the majority of my time blogging and reading.

And yesterday, hubby and I spent the whole day moving and settling my mom and sister into a new assisted living facility.   I am the latter part of the baby booming era and the sole person responsible for them both.

Which takes me to today's topic.  I know how much time it takes to keep up my blog,  check my google reader for all current news and events, visit other blogs and read from my tbr requests pile .  Today I will try to catch up with my blog to-dos, drafting posts and giveaways, hopefully posting another one and try to get some reading in.  I also feel that I might have missed out on things since I haven't even checked my google reader in the past couple of days. 

I am wondering....how do you allocate your time to do everything?  Do you have a routine as to how much time goes into blogging, reading, chores?   Do you do find that there is a "good time" to be on the computer for not missing out on "specials" or "giveaways" when the call goes out for reviews?  Do you blog in between doing chores?  What is your schedule or do you even have one?
So........let's have a Slapdash Share.....how do you do it all?  Am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this topic!!!





A Bit Of Me

SATURDAY

Hosted by Danielle at There's A Book

From Danielle's blog:
We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.

This week's question:  What is your favorite cookie?

Oh...that Danielle...what a silly, silly girl!!!!!

She did ask for favorite? Favorite?  As in just one?

 

I have not yet met a cookie that I didn't like!!!!

Friday Memes

FRIDAY

Hosted by An Island Life

From An Island Life:
  In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
  If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My Questions:

Have you signed up for any 2011 Blog Challenges?

Approximately how many?

My Answer:

Yes and approximately 10...? more to come

Hosted by Java from Never Growing OldToday's Friday Follow has been postponed.  Just received word that Java was rushed to the ER.  Please keep her in your prayers.

Hosted by Jennifer from CRAZY FOR BOOKS

  In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!

  The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!!
  Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
  If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!
This week's question:
This week's question comes from Marce who blogs at Tea Time With Marce:

"What very popular and hyped book in the blogosphere did you NOT enjoy and how did you feel about posting your review?"
My answer:
I won't read a book just because of the "hype", I read books that I think may interest me.  However, there was one time, that a book was on a virtual tour by a known author, and I had also  received a copy to review.  It was The Hypnotist by M.J.Rose.  There were mixed reviews from around bloggy land both good and bad.  It really bothered me at the time, because I was second guessing myself, as to how come I couldn't even get beyond 100 pages and some bloggy peers loved it.  For me it was a DNF.  But then you can't please everyone all of the time!!

Thursday Memes (1 of 2)

THURSDAY

http://btt2.wordpress.com

Today's Question:

How about First Editions? Are they something special? Or “just another book” to you?


My Answer:
For me, just another book.  I would think to readers that collect historical novels, that would be improtant.  But since, that genre isn't even one I would consider reading, First Editions, don't tempt me.

Hosted by Lori from Dollycas's Thoughts

From Lori's site:
  It struck me recently how much time I spend on this computer every day, blogging, chatting or playing games on Facebook, emailing friends and relatives, making cards and calendars, etc. etc. etc.
  We depend on each other for book reviews, giveaways, encouragement, friendship, but how well do we really know each other?

WEEK 14 QUESTIONS

1. What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who do not tell the truth.

2. Do you shop online?

Absolutely, Yes.  Especially over the past few years with all the problems

I have with my back.  It is difficult me to walk  and/or stand for long periods of time

3. Have you ever traveled by train?

Yes..when I was a child and remember having my book with me then too.

2011 Challenges (2 of 2)

Geeeez, I sure wish they would make the font larger in the phone book, don't you agree?  I have been sitting here trying to find the local number for Challenges Anon...............oh well....since I can't seem to find the phone number, I might as well add a few more challenges  lol.  And since I have admitted to senior moments and CRS....I vaguely remember saying I wouldn't be signing up for so many in 2011......I'm bad..........With the following, I am up to 10.  I am so addicted to books and challenges!!!!

I will be keeping track of my progress with these challenges, and the earlier ones I signed up for, by meters on my sidebar and books will be listed under my Challenges Tab at the top of my blog.

I participated in this one for 2010 and was one of the few that I completed, so am signing up for 2011.

Hosted by Carolyn from Book Chick City  

Sign Up

• To sign up you MUST make a post on your blog about participating in the challenge - you then use the URL of the post to sign up to the challenge by adding it to Mr Linky below. DO NOT just add your blog URL - this will be deleted. Also please be aware that unless you show you are joining the challenge with a participation post your ARC will not be sent.

• You must add the button to your sidebar - make sure that it links back to this post so others can join the challenge if they wish. Easiest way to do this is to copy and paste the code displayed above!

• Courtesy of publisher SIMON & SCHUSTER UK, all participants of this challenge will receive a free ARC of The Survivor by Sean Slater to start you off on your challenge! Once you have made your participation post and signed up for the challenge, email me with your full name, address, post URL and your entry number from the participants list below (so I can verify) and I will pass on your details. This is INTERNATIONAL!

Other Details

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011

• Rules: To read TWELVE (12) mystery & suspense novels in 2011 (12 is the minimum but you can read more if you wish!)

• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

• You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.

• At the beginning of Jan 2011, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews. There will be a monthly prize too courtesy of the lovely Simon & Schuster - you must be signed up to the challenge and add the link to your review to be entered into the monthly prize draw.

To Claim ARC

 Hosted by Marce from Tea Time With Marce  

I Want More Book Challenge 2011:Have you read a book and at the end said you must read another by this author but haven't?  Then this Challenge is for you, what are you waiting for.  :-)  There are so many amazing authors but sometimes we get caught up in reading all the new we forget about the authors that have already impressed, excited us, gave us what all readers want, a great read, that wow moment, so this Challenge is to show all the authors that have pleased us already how thankful we are by reading more of their literary works.

Details:*  Challenge Dates: January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011
*  All Genres are Welcome
*  This challenge does NOT include Series, only stand alone
*  See Levels below, you can change at any time if increasing, you cannot decrease once signed up.
*  All forms of books will count - eBooks, Audiobooks, etc
*  You do not have to list the chosen books ahead of time and your choices can crossover into other challenges you have joined.
* If you participate in this challenge please signup below.  Either post and link back here with your direct link to your intro challenge post or put Challenge Button on sidebar linking back here please.  In your post give us an idea of what authors impressed you so now You Want More.
*  Monthly Giveaways - More details to follow soon

Level of Participation
Waited to long:   2 - 4 books (I have picked this level)
Give me more:    5 - 8 books
Never to much:   9 - 12 books

The Review Post for links will go up on Jan 1, 2011
I Want More Books from the following authors:
01.  Pamela Samuels-Young
02.  Nancy Thayer
03.  Chevy Stevens
04.  ?

Hosted by Sheila from Book Journey   

This Challenge starts January 1, 2011 – December 31st 2011.  The Challenge consists of reading at least one book that covers each of the 50 states of America and you can add as many other countries as you like.

So how do you decide what state a book is categorized under?

1.  In a fiction read it would be the State or Country that the book spends the most time in.  (Ie. If your main character is from Wisconsin but the book is all about his/her time in college in California – the books should categorize under California….)

2.  Non fiction reads categorize  in whatever State or Country it is about (Ie…. a book about fly fishing in Colorado is a Colorado point, and a book about women in Afghanistan is an Afghanistan point.

How to get started

Set up a map under Google Maps.  It is easy to do!  Every time you read a book in 2011, upload a cover picture to Picasa Web Albums (there may be other sites to use, feel free to use what works best for you).

Questions?

Do you have to have a blog to participate? No.  You can do everything on the map above without linking the book to a review.

Do I have to have my post up by January 1st, 2011? No, but I would think you would want to get started right away at the beginning of the year.  However, you will be able to sign up throughout January as well.

How will people see my map? There are a couple of possibilities.  On your original challenge post you should have a link to your map.  You could also put it on your side bar to draw interest to it (see mine on my left side bar)

Once you are ready and have your map set up please create a blog post (those who have blogs) using the Challenge picture of the map I provided above as well as link to this post so others may join in.  Then come back and link that post here to Mr Linky so I as well as other participants know that you are participating and we can pop in throughout the year to check out your map and how we are all doing.

This is actually a fun and easy challenge as all books you read qualify and it will be fun to see where you generally read books from as well as searching out books to fill in areas that you need.

For those who have covered the 50 states by the end of 2011, they will go into a drawing for a $50 gift card to Barnes and Noble or to Amazon.  **  All other areas beyond the 50 states are bonus points and we will have a drawing using random.org for those who read 10 or more books throughout 2011 in that category.

You can see my map I worked on in 2010 here to see what the map looks like and how the pictures link to the reviews.  (If you zoom in you will see the individual areas I read in and clicking on the blue pins will show you what book it was and clicking on the picture will take you to the post!

Hosted by The Ladybug Reads 

2011 E-Book Reading Challenge

This challenge was previously hosted by Alaine at Queen of Happy Endings. When she started looking for new homes for the 2011 challenges, I jumped at the chance to host this one. Since getting a Kobo eReader this past year, I've started reading more e-books. Since e-readers are now available internationally, a lot more people are going to be reading books in digital format. So why not challenge yourself and read even more?

Challenge Guidelines:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.
2. There are four levels:
-- Curious – Read 3 e-books.
-- Fascinated – Read 6 e-books.  (Have chosen this level)
-- Addicted – Read 12 e-books.
-- Obsessed – Read 20 e-books.
3. Any genre counts.
4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.
5. Challenge begins January 1, 2011 and lasts until December 31, 2011.
6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post about the E-Book Reading Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can find join in and read your reviews and post.

And the winners are........

..............for SCORPIONS by Noah Feldman



Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

5    4    7

Timestamp: 2010-12-01 23:32:17 UTC

Kelsey said... 5  Would love to read this! Enter me please! Thanks! I don't really follow politics closely.

Hott Books - Gina said... 4  Your button is SO on my blog...oh, I guess I need to leave my email...oops!

Bev Hankins said... 7  This looks really good! Sign me up!

Congratulations Winners!!!!

An email has been sent and winners have 48 hours to respond with their information or another winner will be chosen.

Guest Author and International Giveaway (posting 1 of 2)

Today, on behalf of Phenix & Phenix Publicity, I have the honor to introduce an inspirational author to you, as he tells us about his debut book.  Please help me welcome Lenny Emanuelli to my blog.

Lenny Emanuelli
Inspiration behind At the Crossroads of Terror
By Lenny Emanuelli

   My first novel, At the Crossroads of Terror, came from a lifetime of personal experiences and interests. The original inspiration came from the touching true story a survivor of sexual assault shared with me. Before writing this novel, I was a songwriter and musician. I always tried to write songs with lyrics that would touch the listener's heart, and this woman’s ordeal deeply touched mine. Included in my novel almost

verbatim, her unbelievable story is one I will never forget.

   Her personal experience stirred my memory and brought me back to a night in the 1970s when I witnessed a horrific sexual assault. Leaving a NYC disco in the early morning hours with a band mate, we came across a young lady being violently assaulted by a gang of thugs. We managed tostop the attack by frightening them off and getting her help. I will never forget her mental and physical appearance after that attack—the look on her face was dreadful.

   These emotional stories inspired me to research true crimes of gang violence and capture them in the details of my novel. I decided to donate a portion of the profits to an organization helping such victims, which led me to RAINN (www.rainn.org).

   My book is fiction, a story I made up somewhere between a childhood fear and a winter’s nightmare. However, the violence described is real and occurs somewhere in the United States every two minutes. I hope At the Crossroads of Terror brings to the forefront some of the real life violence that takes place in every American city today and reminds us that we, as a civilized nation, have the means to put an end to it.

About the book

A suspense thriller that tackles the gritty reality of sexual assault, At The Crossroads of Terror follows an average Joe wrongly accused of murder and a street reporter, who team up to prove his innocence and

become immersed in the dangerous underworld of organized crime. The back of the book includes helpful prevention tips and a list of help hotlines for sexual assault victims. Visit http://lennyemanuelli.net for more information.

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO

THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE

DISCLAIMER / RULES

Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners via publisher,

agent and/or author. This blog hoststhe giveaway on behalf of the above.

No items that I receiveare ever sold...they are kept by me,

or given to family and/or friends.

Winner will be chosen via Random.Org.  Winners will be notified via

email.   Winners must respond with 48 hours (2 days)

I am not responsiblefor lost or damaged products

(books/products are shipped from agents.

I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries if
rules of giveaway are not followed.

W.W.W. Wednesdays (post 2 of 3)

WEDNESDAY

 

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading 
Miz B has suspended this blog hop meme.

However, I had already drafted this post before the announcement
and thought I would post it to share with anyone that stops by.

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

You are invited to a Birthday Bash (3 of 3)

And now a word from GRAHAM PARKE, Author and Birthday Guy!!!!

“It's the age-old tale:

Boy meets girl.

Boy stalks girl.

Girl already has a stalker.

Boy becomes her stalker-stalker.”

It's hard to believe, but it's been a year since I handed in the final proofs. To celebrate this, and the fact that Gomez just became a finalist in 2010's Best Book Awards, I decided to throw Gomez a birthday party (or a BirdDay party, as we say in the Netherlands). As I’ve had a debilitating fear of throwing parties and no-one showing up since early childhood, I’d be more than delighted if you could come! (Read more about the book here. )

Of course, with every cool international party comes a gift bag. Here's just some of the stuff attendants will get:

*'Unspent time' exclusive short story collection

*No Hope for Gomez: The Lost Chapters

*Making of Gomez: behind the scenes eBook

*Signed, hi-res poster + bookplate

(These are all exclusive items and will not be available again.)

Additionally, several lucky attendants will win a Kindle or an iPod!

You can bring as many friends as you like, just don't bring your crazy uncle who drinks too much and then tries to get me to go to the attic with him to see something wonderful. I've fallen for that before and I don't mind telling you, I came away very disappointed!

Find out how to attend HERE.  And don't forget to say you heard it from CMash Loves To Read!!!