Posts in the Meme Category at Savvy Verse & Wit, Page 66

Weekly Geeks #26–Blog Hopping

November 28, 2008 by Serena

What was this week’s Weekly Geeks assignment? You guessed it, get out there on the Internet and blog hop among those bloggers you have not visited.

Here’s the guidelines:

1. Using the WeeklyGeeks category here in my blog, find 5 Weekly Geeks you don’t know. The easiest way is probably to look at the Mr Linkies in my weekly Saturday posts.

2. Visit each of your 5 new blogpals and snoop around their blogs to find at least one thing you have in common.

3. In your blog, write a post, linking to your 5 new blogpals, about what you have in common with them.

4. Come back and sign Mr Linky.

5. As you run across other Weekly Geek posts (or deliberately seek them out) if you see anyone mentioned who has something in common with you, pay them a visit.

So which 5 bloggers did I visit and what did I find in common with them?

1. Worducopia and I share a love of Christopher Moore it seems. I was reading a Weekly Geeks post about the author for challenge about our favorite authors, check it out here. I love how the post highlighted his goofiness.

2. Lous_Pages reads and reviews vampire books, which I adore for the most part, but I also noticed in the favorite books widget for Good Reads, Lous Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald is listed, which is a book that I enjoyed greatly.

3. Belle of the Books and I appear to have the same thoughts on the Twilight movie; it wasn’t our favorite, but it didn’t totally disappoint.

4. Words ‘n Wags is another NaNoWriMo participant this year, though I have failed miserably this year in nearing the 50K word count. This blog isn’t all about writing and reading, however. I love the little posts about her dogs. Can I just say that I love my dog and I love people who love dogs or love their dogs as much as I love mine. 🙂 In this case, maybe the love of dogs plays a role in the title of the blog?!

5. Sophisticated Dorkiness drew my attention because 1. I’m a self-proclaimed dork, 2. the title is perfect and I love it. Check out the little drawing based upon a piece of literature. The story it is based upon is one of my favorites.

As an aside, I received my “Secret Santa” gift today in the mail for the Book Bloggers Gift Exchange, but I will not open it. I try to keep my cool and open these gifts on the actual holiday.

Filed Under: weeklygeeks

Weekly Geeks #25–Book Buying Tips for the Holidays

November 26, 2008 by Serena

Ok, these virtual book tours are kicking my butt, so I’m a bit behind on Weekly Geeks and number of other holiday posts I had planned.

Weekly Geeks #25:

1. Think about the books that you and people in your life love. It’s best to use more obscure books, because we’ve all heard plenty about the more popular ones.

2. Come up with categories, based on relationship, personality, or whatever else you like. I think this is easier to do once you have your books in mind; you can then just assign categories to those books.

3. Post your own gift giving guide! Add short blurbs about the books, just enough so that your readers can determine if it’d be a good gift for people on their list. Don’t forget to come back and sign Mr Linky.

4. Visit other Weekly Geeks, and if you like their guides, maybe add links to the bottom of your own.

I had planned on doing this on time, but tours got in the way, so here’s a short list, which I hope will also help those pledging to buy books for the holidays.

For the consummate Vampire fan:

1. Vampires and Vampirism: Legends from Around the World by Dudley Wright

This book takes a look at the legends of vampirism and vampires and can be used as a guide for those just getting started in the genre because of the Twilight phenomenon or simply because they are interested in learning more.

2. The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice

This is the second book in the Vampire Chronicles series, but it’s focus on Lestat, rather than the saga that everyone has seen in the Interview with a Vampire movie starring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, provides the reader with an in-depth examination of Lestat’s motivations and evolution as a vampire. I loved this book.

Check out Jackie’s Fantasy and Vampire list.

For the Poets and Writers on your list:

1. The Poetry Home Repair Manual by Ted Kooser

This book provides poets who are just starting out with some tricks of the trade in repairing or fixing their poems, molding them into the best pieces they can be.

2. The 3 A.M. Epiphany by Brian Kiteley

This is my favorite all-time writer’s block breaker, particularly for writers who are working on certain projects and need little nudge in the right direction. I have gotten more than I bargained for when I purchased this book. It’s kept me writing even at times when the muse was silent.

Audio Books for those who Don’t Read! (DID I just Write that?):

1. Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore

2. Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

3. Rose Red by Stephen King

4. A Soldier’s Promise by Daniel Hendrix

5. Beach House by James Patterson

6. Honeymoon by James Patterson

7. You’ve Been Warned by James Patterson

My Favorites from my 2008 Reviews: (Click on titles for my reviews)

1. Testimony by Anita Shreve

2. Cold Rock River by J.L. Miles

3. Off the Menu by Christine Son

4. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson

5. The House on Tradd Street by Karen White

6. Black Flies by Shannon Burke

7. Hip Hop Speaks to Children edited by Nikki Giovanni

8. The Host by Stephenie Meyer

9. Mrs. Lieutenant: A Sharon Gold Novel by Phyllis Zimbler Miller

10. The Lost Diary of Don Juan by Douglas Abrams

***Reminder***

Don’t forget my contest for the writing guide Grit for the Oyster. You have two chances to enter: the review and the guest post

Deadline is December 1, Midnight EST.

Filed Under: weeklygeeks

Mailbox Monday #5

November 24, 2008 by Serena

Welcome to another edition of my Mailbox Monday, which is sponsored by Marcia at The Printed Page! I swear I will have a free Monday sometime soon, but for now, I’m posting these on Sunday nights.

What did I get in my mailbox, you’ll be surprised!

1. A box of Spooktacular books, which I won at Words to Mouth and Hatchette Group; I think one of the books that was supposed to be in the box is still on back order–Possibly When Ghosts Speak by Mary Ann Winkowski

The 13 Best Horror Stories of All Time, edited by Leslie Pockell
The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent
Isolation by Travis Thrasher
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
The Monsters by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler
Ghostly Encounters by Frances Kermeen
The Myrtles Plantation by Frances Kermeen
Dracula by Bram Stoker (Can you believe I didn’t own this yet?!)
The Terror by Dan Simmons

2. Breathing Out the Ghost by Kirk Curnutt (from the author for his TLC Book Tours).

3. The Memorist by MJ Rose (from the author)

Filed Under: mailbox monday

Mailbox Monday #4

November 17, 2008 by Serena

Marcia at the Printed Page hosts Mailbox Monday, and maybe one of these days I will have a Monday free to post it on. No such luck again this week, but I am posting it in the evening today, so that’s close…right?!

So here goes the list, though it’s not that much this week:

1. Cross Country by James Patterson from Miriam Parker at Hatchette Group! (Yes, this is one of those special books that will be in Mom’s hands before mine, and she will be sharing her thoughts with you, here on the blog!

2. The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks (also from Miriam Parker at Hatchette Group!) And you know who will be guest reviewing this one?! You got it: my mom. She’s in love with Patterson and Sparks’ novels. I just couldn’t deny her the pleasure.

3. Mrs. Lieutenant: A Sharon Gold Novel (from Phyllis Zimbler Miller); I’ve already reviewed this one, but I won it in a contest unknowingly and Phyllis was nice enough to autograph it for my mom. We’ll probably get her take on this one too.

4. Roosevelt’s Secret War by Joseph Persico, which I bought at Borders this weekend while shopping for Anna’s birthday! It’s her birthday today, so go wish her a happy one at Diary of an Eccentric.

5. Third Rail: The Poetry of Rock and Roll edited by Jonathan Wells, which I also bought at Borders, though in the bargain bin! $2 find. This book has poems by one of my favorite poets: Yusef Komunyakaa.

6. Gargoyle 53, which is a poetry journal. I’m not sure why I got this in the mail because I haven’t subscribed, unless it is the long awaited free subscription from the D.C. conference earlier this year.

7. Open Slowly by Dayle Furlong, which I borrowed from Anna at Diary of an Eccentric (keep an eye out because I think she has a review of this coming up soon).

Filed Under: mailbox monday

Bookworm Award, Who Me?!

November 16, 2008 by Serena

Dar at Peeking Between the Pages gave me this award! And Luanne at A Bookworm’s World!

The closest book to me right now is Scattered Leaves by Richard Roach, which will appear on Savvy Verse & Wit tomorrow for its tour date.

My instructions:

Open the closest book to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment, to page 56. Write out the fifth sentence, as well as two to five sentences following there.

From Richard Roach’s Novel:

“After I finished and the marks of the autopsy were completely hidden, it was time to call the florist. Thank God, he didn’t give me a hard time. He said he would send roses and lilies; they were her favorite.

Next, I called the office. Betty answered the phone, and I said, ‘Hey there. What’s happening?'”

Five people I’m tagging are:

1. Jeannie at I Like to Be Here When I Can
2. Shana at Literarily
3. Anna at Diary of an Eccentric
4. Natasha at Maw Books
5. Lenore at Presenting Lenore

Filed Under: meme

Let’s Do the iTunes Shuffle

November 15, 2008 by Serena

1. Put Your iTunes, Windows Media Player, Winamp, etc on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Put the artist after a dash following the song name.
5. Put any comments in brackets.
6. Tag some lucky people to spread the disease.

Here’s my results:

How would you describe yourself? Don’t Make Me Come to Vegas by Tori Amos (Hmm, not sure I know how I feel about this selection, though Tori is one of my favorites.)

How do you feel today? Horses by Tori Amos (I see a shuffle pattern emerging…is the shuffle broken??)

What is your life’s purpose? The Most Wonderful Day of the Year by Burl Ives (Instrumental)

What is your motto? Schwere Traume by Sarah Brightman

What do you think about very often? Nothin But a Good Time by Poison

What is your life story? Summer of 69 (o god help me…)

What do you want to be when you grow up? Here’s No Why by Smashing Pumpkins

What will you dance to at your wedding? 4 Degrees by Tool (If I had my way, possibly, but since the wedding was about 6 years ago and it was not even in the same genre of music…No)

What will they play at your funeral? Wandrin’ Around by Carbon Leaf (That would be fantastic…keep that in mind people!)

What is your hobby/interest? Everlong by Foo Fighters

If you could do anything right now, what would it be? Bawitdaba by Kid Rock

What do you want most of all? I’m Going Slightly Mad by Queen (What on earth does this say…that I want to be nuts…I’m there already! LOL)

What is your greatest fear? Saying Goodbye to a Friend by Suzy Bogguss (Yes, this would be a fear!)

What is your darkest secret? Creep acoustic by Radiohead (O My)

What is your favorite thing in the world? Sistamamalover by Lenny Kravitz (of all the songs it could choose, it chooses this one! 🙂 Aw, Lenny!)

If you could have one wish, what would you wish for? Dr. Lee, PhD by The Beastie Boys (Hmm, a song I don’t listen to often.)

What is your theme song? I Just Want You by Ozzy Ozbourne (O yeah, you knew he would come up…how ironic that it would be this, my favorite song and one I was talking about with Anna today!)

The next time you hear this song (aside from now, that is), you must dance: Hey Baby by No Doubt (I’ll only dance if Anna and her hubby join me and mine!)

What will you post this as? Since I’ve Been Lovin’ You by Led Zepplin

I tag the following:

1. Anna of Diary of an Eccentric
2. Dar of Peeking Between the Pages
3. Shana at Literarily
4. Suey of It’s All About Books
5. Alyce of At Home With Books
6. Iliana of BookGirl’s Nightstand

That’s it, unless anyone else wants to join in…Now get to it.

Filed Under: meme

Weekly Geeks #24–Favorite Author

November 13, 2008 by Serena

This week’s Weekly Geeks challenge to share fun facts about our favorite authors. Here’s the details of the challenge:

1. Choose a writer you like.

2. Using resources such as Wikipedia, the author’s website, whatever you can find, make a list of interesting facts about the author.

3. Post your fun facts list in your blog, maybe with a photo of the writer, a collage of his or her books, whatever you want.

4. Come sign the Mr Linky below with the url to your fun facts post.

5. As you run into (or deliberately seek out) other Weekly Geeks’ lists, add links to your post for authors you like or authors you think your readers are interested in.

So who did I choose? Do you need to ask? Here she is: Anita Shreve

Here’s some interesting facts about her:

1. She was born in Dedham, Mass., so if you’ve ever wondered why many of her novels are set in New England, there’s one big reason.

2. She received the O. Henry Prize for a short story in 1976

3. She taught high school English, creative writing at Amherst College, and worked as a journalist in Nairobi and Kenya.

4. She has adored Eugene O’Neill’s work and Ethan Frome.

5. In 1998 she won the PEN/L. L. Winship Award and the New England Book Award, just before Oprah’s Book Club picked up her novel, The Pilot’s Wife.

Check out her books here.

Which author did you pick for this week’s challenge?

*****

As an aside, I wanted to share with you want my BBAW winner had to say about her first issue of Poetry magazine:

Serena,
I just wanted to let you know that I received my first copy of Poetry magazine (and I have already read it cover to cover). Again, thank you so much, it was a perfect prize and one that I will continue to enjoy.

Isn’t that just wonderful? Now you know that it isn’t just me who enjoys that magazine…don’t you think you should subscribe? Here’s the link for their holiday special–Buy one gift subscription and get a second one free! Perfect gift for the holidays!

Filed Under: weeklygeeks

My Third Mailbox Monday & More

November 10, 2008 by Serena

Welcome to my third addition of Mailbox Monday sponsored by Marcia at The Printed Page. I must be on a roll. Somehow I have been inspired to keep a list of these books that make their way to my house during the week.

I’m happy to share with you the latest arrivals:

1. Against Medical Advice by James Patterson and Hal Friedman (Thanks to Miriam Parker at Hatchette Group)–Look forward to a guest review from my mother.

2. Testimony by Anita Shreve (Thanks to Miriam Parker at Hatchette Group)–Check back here for a giveaway with a unique twist.

3. Secret Love Poems by Arlene Ang (Sent to me from the poet and her friend Valerie Fox) I can’t tell you how excited I am that Arlene entrusted me with this volume to review here on the blog. I’m really excited about it.

4. Bundles of Letters by Arlene Ang and Valerie Fox (Sent to me by Arlene Ang and Valerie Fox) I’m looking forward to reviewing this one as well. You know I love poets!

5. The Rorscharch Factory by Valerie Fox (Sent by Valerie Fox)

6. Be Still and Know; Reflections from Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh (sent to me out of the kindness of Jeannie’s heart. Jeannie has a great blog, I Like to Be Here When I Can. You all should go pay her a visit! This book has been on my Amazon wish list forever. Jeannie, this is my BIG THANK YOU!)

7. Little Stories by Jeff Roberts (From the author and Bostick Communications)

What cool books did you get in your mailbox?

*****

It’s that time of year again! Where book bloggers give out of the kindness of their hearts.

Check out the Book Blogger Gift Exchange Details here. You have until Nov. 18 to get your information in. I can’t wait to see who will be my next “victim.”

Filed Under: mailbox monday

My Second Mailbox Monday

November 3, 2008 by Serena

Mailbox Monday is sponsored by The Printed Page’s Marcia. Boy, do I have a big list this week!

1. My spoils are still coming in from BBAW
I received Fixing Hell by Col. (Ret.) Larry C. James

2. From Iliana at Bookgirl’s Nightstand
I received Society of S by Susan Hubbard

3. From Borders and Amazon.com I purchased Vampires & Vampirism by Montague Summers and one by Dudley Wright as part of my novel research for NaNoWriMo

4. From Pump Up Your Book Promotion Grit for Oyster by Suzanne Woods Fisher, Debora M. Coty, Faith Tibbetts McDonald, and Joanna Bloss

5. From TLC Book Tours, I received You Lost Him at Hello by Jess McCann

6. I also received a box of election books from Trish at Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin’?
Here’s the contents of that box:

1. Mike’s Election Guide By Michael Moore
It’s a great year to be an American and a voter. Don’t miss out on MIKE’S ELECTION GUIDE – the indispensable book that belongs in every American’s back pocket this season.
– Also available as audio book
ISBN: 9780446546270

2. The Preacher and the Presidents By Nancy Gibbs
Also by Michael Duffy. Reveals how the world’s most powerful men and world’s most famous evangelist, Billy Graham, knit faith and politics together.
– Also available as audio book
ISBN: 9781599951041

3. Hard Call By John McCain
In Hard Call, acclaimed authors John McCain and Mark Salter describe the anatomy of great decisions in history by telling the remarkable stories of men and women who have exemplified composure, wisdom, and intellect in the face of life’s toughest decisions.
– Also available as audio book
ISBN: 9780446699112

4. The American Journey of Barack Obama By The Editors of Life Magazine
Covers the candidate Barack Obama from his childhood and adolescence to his time as editor of The Harvard Law Review and his Chicago activist years, culminating with the excitement and fervor of the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention.
ISBN: 9780316045605

5. Goodnight Bush By Erich Origen
Also by Gan Golan. A hilarious and poignant visual requiem for the Bush administration.
ISBN: 9780316040419

6. Takeover By Charlie Savage
Takeover tells the story of how a group of true believers, led by VP Cheney, set out to establish near-monarchical executive powers that, in the words of one conservative critic, “will lie around like a loaded weapon” for any future president.
ISBN: 9780316118057

7. Her Way By Jeff Gerth
Also by Don Van Natta Jr. The first truly balanced investigation into the life and career of Hillary Rodham Clinton, Jeff Gerth and Don Van Natta Jr.’s masterful biography.
– Also available as audio book
ISBN: 9780316017435

8. Dream in Color By Congresswoman Linda Sánchez
Also by Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. Often considered Congress’s Odd Couple, these warm witty sisters are not only perfect role models for young Latinas in the US, but for all young women looking to break out and create a brighter future for themselves.
ISBN: 9780446508049

9. From Hope to Higher Ground By Mike Huckabee
In his insightful and plainspoken manner, Mike Huckabee carries hope to Americans and provides practical solutions to current problems in our nation.
ISBN: 9781599951553

10. The Revolution By Ron Paul
In this book, Texas congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paul provides answers to questions that few even dare to ask.
ISBN: 9780446537513
– Also available as audio book

11. What You Should Know About Politics . . . But Don’t
A Nonpartisan Guide to the Issues
Jessamyn Conrad
The first and only issue-based nonpartisan guide to contemporary American politics.

What did you get in your mailbox?

Filed Under: mailbox monday

Sunday’s 7 Random Bookish Things Tag

November 2, 2008 by Serena

Wendi over at Wendi’s Book Corner tagged me for the 7 Random Bookish Things Tag. So first I will give you the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you, and post the rules on your blog
2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs
4. Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog!

Seven Bookish Things About Me:

1. I read almost all of my text books in college completely, even though some of them were very painful; The most memorable of the ones I didn’t read was “The Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad; Anna at Diary of an Eccentric thought that if we read it out loud we could get through it together–no such luck.

2. I recently discovered Christopher Moore and just love his books. I’m on a mission to read them all.

3. One of my deepest obsessions is with The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux and all of its incarnations–movies and book spinoffs alike.

4. I really enjoy audio books on that early morning commute with my husband, especially books that have us laughing at 5 AM.

5. I became a book reviewed by chance and find myself more engrossed than ever; now if only I could get paid to do what I love.

6. I collect writing books that provide inspiration and guidance in the hope that I’ve missed something when tackling the novel, but I’m beginning to think the books are not going to help me much if I don’t sit down and write something.

7. I love to make sure my books look well read, though not on the first read and not if I plan on giving them away as prizes on my blog…and especially if I borrow them from Anna or anyone else.

Ok, Who am I tagging? Here’s the list of seven:

1. Anna at Diary of an Eccentric
2. Marvin at Free Spirit
3. Shana at Literarily
4. Naida at The Bookworm
5. Dar at Peeking Between the Pages
6. Rachel at Bitten by Books
7. Janel of Janel’s Jumble

Also, here are some reminders about the latest Savvy Verse & Wit Contests:
(Deadlines are Nov. 5)

1. Win a copy of Black Flies by Shannon Burke

2. Win a copy of Life After Genius by M. Ann Jacoby

3. Win a copy of Lydia Bennet’s Story by Jane Odiwe

Stay Tuned Tomorrow for my Interview with Nikki Giovanni, author and editor of Hip Hop Speaks to Children.

Filed Under: meme

Vampire Thursday

October 31, 2008 by Serena

My Friend Amy has declared this Vampire Thursday! How did she know that vampires are my favorite topic and often a subject of my short stories and novels. . . at least since I started watching Blood Ties and Moonlight, which have sadly come to an end.

Moonlight is coming out on DVD in January 2009, and you can be sure that it is on the top of my list. Want to see why? Here’s a couple of yummy photos of the lead Vamp–Alex O’Loughlin, who portrays Mick St. John, a private investigator.

This is a behind the scenes photo I found of Alex O’Loughlin online. He’s a hot Aussie! I do have another image from the show where he is vamped out. Yeah, you have to love a hot looking vampire.

Ok, so why are all the vampires on these television shows so hot? I guess when you are turned you are no longer ugly or average. Things certainly improve when you become a vampire.

As for my other vampire television show, Blood Ties, which is based upon a vampire series by Tanya Huff, the DVD release date is unknown. I hope the powers that be will release this other show as well. I do have a few images to share with you. Check out the lead vamp–Kyle Schmid, who portrays Henry Fitzroy, the bastard son of Henry VIII. Vicki Nelson, Christina Cox, is a private investigator with a degenerative eye disease, and Henry Fitzroy is a graphic novelist at least in the present day.

Have you had enough of my vampire television shows yet? I could go on and on…Another of my favorites is Forever Knight, with a lead vampire cop, Nick Knight, who only worked the graveyard shift and fell in love with the coroner.

Check out the video from the show.

I hope you enjoyed my vampire post today; I figured that many other bloggers would be talking books. One of my favorite vampire shows is based on a set of books, that counts right?! Have a great Halloween everyone!

Don’t forget:

1 copy of Black Flies by Shannon Burke; Deadline is Nov. 5–check out my review.

2 copies (one for a U.S./Canada and one for an international winner) of Life After Genius by M. Ann Jacoby; Deadline is Nov. 5, check out the review and interview in the contest link.

2 copies (one for U.S./Canada and one for an international winner) of Lydia Bennet’s Story by Jane Odiwe, check out the post for the contest and a guest post from Jane Odiwe tomorrow, Oct. 31; Happy Halloween. Deadline for that contest is Nov. 7.

Filed Under: meme

My First Mailbox Monday

October 27, 2008 by Serena

Mailbox Monday, sponsored by The Printed Page, is something I’ve seen floating around the blogosphere for some time, but since I am less organized than other book reviewers, I often forget to write down what books I got that week and where they came from. This week, I made a concerted effort!

Here are the fruits of my labor:

1.
(I won this at A Patchwork of Books)

2. From the author Jane Pupek (Thanks, Jane!)

3. Scattered Leaves by Richard Roach from the author for a Pump Up Your Book Promotion Blog tour in November.

***Another giveaway from Savvy Verse & Wit. Win a copy of The Safety of Secrets by Delaune Michel! Go here, follow the rules, and enter.

FYI Readers:

On Oct. 28, I’ll host an interview with Shannon Burke, author of Black Flies and Safelight, as well as a giveaway for Black Flies.

M. Ann Jacoby, the author of Life After Genius, will be touring Savvy Verse & Wit on Oct. 29, stay tuned for the review, interview, and giveaway!

Filed Under: mailbox monday

Weekly Geeks #26–Blog Hopping

Weekly Geeks #25–Book Buying Tips for the Holidays

Mailbox Monday #5

Mailbox Monday #4

Bookworm Award, Who Me?!

Let’s Do the iTunes Shuffle

Weekly Geeks #24–Favorite Author

My Third Mailbox Monday & More

My Second Mailbox Monday

Sunday’s 7 Random Bookish Things Tag

Vampire Thursday

My First Mailbox Monday

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