Review: Little Library Mouse by Stephanie Lisa Tara

You know I don't accept poem books.  But I love children's books and I love to READ!  That is enough for me to pick this book.

Author: Stephanie Lisa Tara

Release Date: January 28th 2013

Source: Bought

Genre: Poem, Children's
Buy: Amazon

At closing time a key locks the library, and unlocks the dreams of a little mouse who waits in the shadows. Skipping, sliding, down the pages of books--he steps inside magical stories, inviting readers to come along for the ride.

Witty verse and verse and fantastical illustrations celebrate the joys of reading in this tale with innovative charm.

REVIEW

So, what will you do, if someone gives you a key to the library and you own it for the rest of the night?  More than what you will do, how will you feel?  I know I will just be the happiest person in the world.  A library, people - for you alone for the next 12 or so hours..  That will be so amazing.

This book is about a mouse after the working hours of the library.  Remember, this mouse loves books - well, not to eat but to read.  It loves that the books takes it different places and gives the opportunity to learn many things.  It loves that it can be any character or thing in the book and can live in a completely different world.  It ends with an invitation for us to join..

Its fun to read this short children's poem book.  The illustrations are colorful and will be liked by kids.  For book lovers, this would be absolutely relatable.

Enjoyed this one!  Recommended for kids who can understand short verses.

10 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer

- Guest Post by Lee Evans

Experienced writers can provide insight into how to improve writing skills. These 10 tips for becoming a better writer have worked for some of the most famous authors of our day. Writers have their own style and work methods, but one or more of these writing tips may help increase the quality of a writer’s work.

1. Be aware of the pace of the story. A slow story that drifts in many irrelevant directions or crawls when it could run is likely to bore the reader. James Patterson says that he imagines he is telling the story to someone sitting across from him and he doesn’t want the person to get up until it’s finished.

2. Always be reading. Stephen King says that there are two things that a writer must do: read a lot and write a lot. Writers may have a favorite author to read before they start writing for the day. I find that Ray Bradbury is my favorite to read before writing. When I taste the descriptions and unique phrases that he used, I am inspired to create rather than regurgitate the cliché.

3. Find your flow. Authors often have a routine that they follow before writing. The routine may be indulging in a rich food, watching a video clip, reading an excerpt from a book, or experiencing a particular smell. The eighteenth century poet, Friedrich von Schiller, kept rotten apples in his desk, because he said the smell inspired his writing. Courting the muse is a highly personal process. Every writer must find what practice works best for them.

4. Test your dialogue. Often, writers have difficulty creating dialogue that sounds natural. Steinbeck suggested that writers should read their dialogue aloud as it is being written so that it has the sound of speech.

5. Be passionate about your subject. The art of writing needs passion to breathe and reflect the writers’ souls or it falls flat. If the writer doesn’t care about the work, why should the reader?

6. Keep writing. There is no such thing as failing to be a writer. Ray Bradbury said it like this, “You fail only if you stop writing.” Writers grow and develop their skills. Bad writing means the writer needs to change something and learn from mistakes. There’s no reason to quit writing.

7. Use the appropriate tools. Microsoft Word is excellent for writing. The spell check is a godsend even for experienced writers. However, some writers find that they prefer to write on a typewriter or with a pencil and paper first. Poets often find it best to write in pen before sitting down to the computer. Writers need to consider the pros and cons of different writing instruments and decide which tools are most helpful for them.

8. Show. Don’t tell. As common as that piece of writing advice is, the words are worth repeating. “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on the broken glass,” said Anton Checkhov, a Russian author and playwright of the late nineteenth century.

9. Find encouragement. Writing can be a lonely, never-ending process. When you get fan mail from a reader, hold onto it. Read it when you become discouraged. Sidney Sheldon said, “The part of my writing I find the most rewarding is when people write to me or speak to me in public to tell me how his or her life has been changed by my books.” If you don’t have anything in print yet, consider sharing some work on the Internet to have that kind of feedback available.

10. Find what works for you. G. K. Chesterton, English poet and writer, said, “I owe my success to having listened respectfully to the very best advice, and then going away and doing the exact opposite.” A writer can get stuck in a trap of researching how to write rather than actually writing. Many writers impose boundaries on themselves and their writing based on what they’ve been told by others. If you’re not going to find your own voice and your own methods, the writing is going to be a mere imitation.

Buy now @ Amazon

Genre – NonFiction / Job Hunting 

Rating – PG

More details about the author & the book

5 STAR Review: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan - It will amaze you!

There are some books I can never forget.  There are some books I think of reading all the time, because they are my favorites and bought it as soon as its released..yet, there is so less time, and there are so many books to read.  When finally you get to read those books, its fireworks!  The Mark of Athena is marked with excitement and fun throughtout - a real page turner!

Series: Heroes of Olympus #3

Author: Rick Riordan

Publisher: Hyperion Book

Release Date: October 2nd 2012

Source: Bought

Genre: Fantasy, Young-adult

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close—the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare....

REVIEW

So, at last I was able to continue with one of my favorite series.  And it sure doesn't disappoint me.  There may be some spoilers from the first two books, so read it at your own risk.

The novel begins with all the seven demigods getting united and Annabeth falling over Percy to hug him (AWWW!!).  So, just when everthing seems to be good (in demigod standards), Leo fires the Roman camp with his Argo II ship.  You guessed it right..Leo was possessed by one of the Gaea's demons to start a war between Greek and Roman camps.  The team fly from there and go in search of Nico, Hazel's brother and the son of Pluto.  Nico will die, Gaea will wake up and Rome will be destroyed - all in another five days.  So, the 7 demigods have the world to save and the journey begins...

Along with all the destroying Rome drama, Annabeth has her own problem.  Athena has given her a coin and ask her to follow "The Mark of Athena".

Jason: Son of the sky god.  Although it is a great responsibility and awesome power to control the skies and winds, from the start, I can't like Jason.  Maybe he is lacking in the humor department or maybe I always compare him with Percy, I am not sure, but Jason is not my favorite character.  But he is good and loyal.  He was made to lie down for most of the adventure. (Bad luck, mate!)

Piper: Love this girl - charming, pretty and daughter of Aphrodite.  With her charmspeaking skills, she saves Jason's skin more than once.  Jealous of Jason's other friends and trying some new ideas to escape the dangers, this girl is just not pretty, but she has got brains.

Leo: Of course, I love Leo - captain of Argo II and son of Hephaestus - funny, trying to impress girls and save himself and his friends by what he knows.  He is kind of cute and I always imagine Leo with that baby face, that you can't resist.  With his own insecurities and doubts, he still tries to be for his friends.  Leo is the only one with no love interest as of now.

Frank: Somehow related to Neptune, Frank has a shape changing ability that is very scary and useful for the team.  But the guy has a serious fate.  His life depends on a piece of wood.  Frank will live until the piece of wood is there.  So, naturally, Frank fears Leo who can wield fire naturally.  Also, being Hazel's boyfriend and seeing Hazel with Leo most of the times makes the big guy sad and jealous.  But its kind of cute, that he understand their relationship (um..its somewhat complicated - you should read the book), once he befriends Leo.

Hazel: Daughter of Pluto and sister to Nico.  This girl has suffered a lot.  Now, that she is in a relationship with Frank, at least things should have turned good.  But being a demigod and especially one of the demigod from the Great Prophecy can be tough.

Annabeth: Well, the character that I not only love, but adore and admire.  Being the daughter of Athena, Annabeth is brainy (duh! You know that already!) and smart..well, smart enough to have Percy on leash. :)  The scene where Annabeth falls over Percy and threatens him is kinda cute for a child of Athena, what with the wisdom and all.  The trick at the end totally made me clap hands for her.

Percy: Well, I still swoon whenever Percy shows up.  Being the son of Poseidon (you should have known that by now), Percy is amazing, funny and well, absolutely lovable.  The adventures of Percy is endless, so you read that in the book.  The romance part is new..and I love that Percy too.  The initial scene when they described Percy from Annebeth's point of view, I was grinning like a fool..

Percy smiled at her—that sarcastic, troublemaker smile that had annoyed her for years but eventually had become endearing. His sea-green eyes were as gorgeous as she remembered. His dark hair was swept to one side, like he’d just come from a walk on the beach. He looked even better than he had six months ago—tanner and taller, leaner and more muscular.

CLIMAX: The end didn't bother me much.  Actually, much to my surprise, I was expecting this end.  You will know what I mean, when you read the book.  Well, its the only possibility, after Nico's disclosure about the Doors of Death.

Well, I loved everything about this novel - not just because I am a fan of Percy Jackson series.  Fans of Percy Jackson will definitely love the adventure and the characters.  Those readers who are new to Rick Riordan or Percy Jackson or The Heroes of Olympus series, if you are a fantasy lover, you definitely should start reading Percy Jackson series.  It will amaze you.

Good bye Seaweed brain, until we meet again!

SERIES ORDER

1.  The Lost Hero

2.  The Son of Neptune

3.  The Mark of Athena

4.  The House of Hades - Expected publication 2013

The Books that have Changed My Life

- Guest Post by Erin Cawood

I have made many great books in my life, but these are the books which have had a lasting effect on me as person and a writer.

Baby Come Back by Erica Spindler

Link to book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Baby-Come-Silhouette-Special-Edition/dp/0373099037

Link to image http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51cCIZOcUSL.Image._AA300_.jpg

This is the very first adult romance novel I read. I was about to turn fourteen and remember being swept away in this all-consuming story of adults with unhealed hurt and unforgotten love, teens discovering love for the first time. Alice and Hayes have stayed with me for … seventeen years… Okay, now I feel old! I remember blushing at the intimate scenes, being heartbroken when everything fell apart and a rush of joy at the end and… Oh! That epilogue! I think it’s safe to say without discovering romance in these pages I wouldn’t be a romance writer.

The Gift by Danielle Steele

Link to book http://daniellesteel.com/blog/the-gift/

Link to image http://daniellesteel.com/wp-content/themes/danielle-steel/images/uk-covers/the-gift.jpg

Maribeth and Tommy are possibly my favourite characters of all time. My eldest sister lent me her copy of The Gift on a train ride when I was fourteen. It opens with a tragedy for Tommy and I was lost in the 50’s as Steele swept me into Maribeth story. She’s abandoned by her family for something we shrug at today. I own three copies of this book and their romance and their journey will forever hold a special place in my heart. I finished reading The Gift and I knew I was going to be a published author. It was my calling.

Angels by Marian Keyes

Link to book http://www.mariankeyes.com/Books/Angels

Link to image http://www.mariankeyes.com/site/MAKE/UploadedResources/angels_book_thumb_3D.png

In my teenage years I wrote novellas along the same lines of Harlequin Series Romance. Then I discovered Angels by Marian Keyes. Maggie Walsh’s story was fresh and funny, but she dealt with real life. She tipped her life upside down and handled something as serious as her husband’s affair by running off to the land of make believe, Los Angeles… And the ending! Oh it completely took me by surprise but I loved it. I love Marian Keyes. I was a little late catching on to chick-lit but it completely transformed my writing style and it wasn’t long after reading Angels I began writing my first novel.

Family Magic by Patti Larsen

Link to book http://www.pattilarsen.com/portfolio-view/family-magic/

Link to image http://pattilarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/FamilyMagic275.jpg

About eighteen months ago I was asked to review a book. I opened the first page and I can’t tell you how much I dreaded reading this book. I’m thirty and a strictly romance kind of girl. It was young adult paranormal and it’s written in first person… ah, I can’t stand first person! But … I LOVED IT! I couldn’t put it down and now I’m completely swept up in Sydlynn Hayle’s world that I spend hours speculating about what’s going to happen in the next books. So these days I read anything that captures my attention. It doesn’t matter what genre because you just don’t know what amazing books your missing if you have a genre prejudice and as for first person…? Tainted Love is written in first person. Family Magic changed me as a reader and a writer.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Link to book http://pattilarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/FamilyMagic275.jpg

Link to image http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2B1AiqA5QL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU02_.jpg

I don’t know what to tell you about Lou and Will from Jojo Moyes’s Me Before You except it’s been a year since I read this book and I’m still reeling from their story. I downloaded the sample on my phone and was swept away. So I bought the book and continued reading Lou’s struggle outside her comfort zone with Will who’s in a life he doesn’t want. My battery died on my phone while I was walking through town, still reading, so I walked into the nearest book store and bought the book again! I didn’t take my head out of it until I finished. I’ve never cried reading a book, but I sobbed through the last chapters. Me Before You taught me it’s okay to take a sensitive subject such as assisted suicide and take your readers on an emotional journey of a lifetime. It’s okay to break the rules for the sake of writing a better story. It’s okay to make your readers cry.

Tainted Love by Erin Cawood

Link to book http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009VI9RMO

I know, it seems a little corny to put my own book on this list but before I wrote Tainted Love I knew very little about the world of Domestic Abuse. I was researching for another storyline in the Valentina Secrets series and although I knew Faith’s story, I shied away from writing it because at the end of the day we’re told to write what you know and to be honest, I didn’t think I could. But Faith, bless her, eventually she took over my fingers and wrote her story herself, haha!

Once Tainted Love was released readers began telling me they identified with Faith and could relate to her story. I began to see how prevalent domestic abuse still is in today’s society and just because we don’t talk about it, it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Advocating for victims and survivors, and raising awareness of domestic abuse is something that is close to my heart. I donate 50% of the royalties I receive from the Valentina Secrets Series to charities supporting victims of domestic abuse and it’s all down to Faith McKenzie. She has changed the very core of who I am.

Buy Now @ Amazon & Amazon UK

Genre – Women’s Fiction / Contemporary Romance

Rating – PG13

More details about the author & the book

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