Friday Fives: Five Book or Movie Worlds I'd Love To Live In

Wow, it's been quite awhile since I've done a Friday Fives posting (um, August? Yikes) - but I had a little free time to write and thought this one looked like fun!

Today's topic: What are the FIVE (book or movie) worlds you would love to live in?

1. From the amazing imagination of the woman who started it all: J.K. Rowling and the world of Harry Potter.

Who didn't read those books or watch the movies and dream about what it would be like to fly on a broom and chase the golden snitch or wave a wand and change into an entirely different person? 

2. The creative genius of my all-time most favorite author: Roald Dahl.

For years when I was little, I imagined what it would be like to cross through the old wraught iron gates and into everything that was so amazing about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

3. Avatar and the world of Pandora.

I loved how everything was so luminescent - and to fly on one of those winged creatures would be so cool (I must have a thing about being able to fly...)!

4. Star Wars.

Oh, I wore my hair in side buns like the best of them (but was never in love with my own brother). And show me one person that can't swing an imaginary light saber without making that "wohhhhhhh" noise. You know you have the app on your phone, admit it.

5. The Matrix.

Who doesn't look bad-ass in all black leather (okay, that's a rhetorical question)? And to be able to bend like that? Yup, sold.

So - what worlds would love to live in if you could?

Happy Friday everyone!

RTW #102: Best Book(s) for October

Similar to Friday Fives, Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ hosted by the fabulous ladies over at YA Highway. Each Wednesday, they post a weekly writing - or reading - related question, and I'll blog about my answer here!

And this week's topic:

What was the best book you read in October?

October has been an awfully quiet month for me in the blog-o-sphere, mostly because I've been crazy-busy doing major revisions on my current manuscript, for an amazing agent (one that shall remane nameless at the moment, but believe me, he's nothing but pure awesome!). It's been a tad bit hectic, but in the end, I know it will so be worth it.

But that also means it may stay a little quiet around these here parts for awhile. I'm still here, it's just my head is buried behind my computer screen, revising away!

I was also fortunate to spend the first part of the month, down in Cabo San Lucas with my husband, for our anniversary. We did absolutely nothing but lay in the sun, eat amazing food, go to the spa (ahhhhhh...), lay in the sun some more, and of course, read. 

Which leads us to today's RTW - what was my favorite book this month? Well, I've got two:

LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR by Stephanie Perkins

Sequel to ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Lola (huh, that sounded so much better in my head). In fact, it actually was my very first eBook purchase for my iPad. Still not sure if I'm convinced about reading on an e-reader but Lola on the other hand, did not disappoint! 

Goodreads Summary:

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. 

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

THE POWER OF SIX by Pitticus Lore

Sequel to I AM NUMBER FOUR - this was also a highly anticipated title for me. I really enjoyed the first book in the Lorien Legacy series and this second installment, was equally entertaining.

Goodreads Summary:

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us. 

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together? 

They caught Number One in Malaysia. 
Number Two in England. 
And Number Three in Kenya. 
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed. 

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive. 

And I'm ready to fight.

_________________

So with that, what great books did you read this October? Would love to add some new titles to my TBR pile!

Banned Books Week Hop: And The Winners Are...

Thanks for being a part of such a fantastic book hop! Wonderful to see how many people out there are passionate about banned books (or, just really want free stuff...) - I hope you all continue to support the idea of allowing all books a rightful home on the shelves and leaving the decision to choose up to everyone!

Random.org has selected my three winners and they are:

1st Place: Yen
Prize: Yen gets to pick from either $20 in banned / challenged books from The Book Deposity prize or the $15 Amazon gift certificate.

2nd Place: Donna Smith (The Happy Booker)
Prize: Doninique will choose second, after Yen.

3rd Place: Antane Armstrong
Prize: Will receive whichever prize remains, after the first two have selected.

Please email me at elschneider@hotmail.com on which prize you've selected. As well, if you've selected to receive the $20 in banned / challenged books from The Book Depository, please send along your top 5 book choices (just in case a title isn't available), your full name and mailing address.

Thanks again to everyone who stopped by to support such a great cause!

Giveaway: Banned Books Week (International Giveaway)

As posted on the American Library Associations website, Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read, and the importance of the First Amendment - something that is all too near and dear to my heart.

The list of banned books is long - and grows longer every year. And we all know some of the classics on it:

• THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK by Anne Frank: Challenged in the Culpeper County, VA. public schools because it was believed to include sexual material and homosexual themes.
• THE CATCHER IN THE RYE by J.D. Salinger: Challenged (but retained) in the Martin County, Florida school district because of a parent's concern over inappropriate language.
• SLAUGHTERHOUSE-FIVE by Kurt Vonnegut: Challenged in Republic, MO. schools because it was considered "soft-pornography" and contained "glorified drinking, cursing, and premarital sex."

But in recent years, several new books (and many of my favorites!) have been challenged:

THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins: The Goffstown, N.H. school board challenged this title last year, because a parent claimed it gave her eleven-year-old nightmares and could numb other students to the effects of violence.

TWENTY BOY SUMMER by Sarah Ockler: Challenged in the Republic, MO. school district for the exact same reasons they challenged SLAUGHTERHOUSE-FIVE. 

THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART TIME INDIAN by Sherman Alexie: National Book Award Winnter, banned in Stockton, MO. school district last year because of violence, language, and some sexual content.

In an effort to recognize Banned Books week, the lovely ladies over at I Read Banned Books and I Am A Reader, Not A Writer are hosting a Banned Books Giveaway Hop, which I've decided to particpate in this year!

The giveaway will run from Saturday, September 24th - Saturday, October 1st and I'll be announcing my winners on Sunday, October 2nd.

________________________________________

And what's up for grabs? I'll be giving away 3 prizes!

#1 and #2: TWO lucky winners will receive:

$20 in banned or challenged books from The Book Depository. Each of the two winners will select $20 worth of books off the banned or challenged lists - you can find some of the titles here, here, here, and here.

 

#3: One lucky winner will receive:

A $15 Amazon.com gift card to use towards a banned or challenged book.

A few housekeeping rules:

PLEASE be honest with the boxes you're checking! Don't check BOTH the old and new follower boxes - you're either one or the other! And if you check that you've left a comment - then do so! You won't get extra points by checking boxes that aren't accurate!

1. Giveaway is International. Note: Giveaway is open to anywhere the Book Depository or Amazon ships to. It is your responsibility to make sure the Book Depository or Amazon ships to your country.
2. Winners must be 13 years or older (sorry, can't be getting into trouble with any parents!).
3. You need to be a follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect to enter this contest.
4. Only ONE entry per person (please don't use alternative email addresses to enter!).
5. Fill out the form to be officially entered!
6. Winners will be chosen via Random.org on Sunday, October 2, 2011 and announced here on my blog.
7. For old followers, max number of entries is 10 (that means you follow me on Twitter, too!). For new followers (welcome!), max number of entries is 8.
8. Winners will be ranked in first, second, and third place - first place winner will have their choice of which prize they want, then second place, then third will get whichever prize is left.

And don't forget: Please visit I Read Banned Books and I Am A Reader, Not A Writer to see all 257 participants - there are tons of great prizes up for grabs!!

RTW #96: Going Undercover

Similar to Friday Fives, Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ hosted by the fabulous ladies over at YA Highway. Each Wednesday, they post a weekly writing - or reading - related question, and I'll blog about my answer here!

And this week's topic:

What are your all-time favorite book covers?

So, so, many wonderful book covers out there, ranging from beautiful scenery images, to a little bit creepy. Either way, a good cover evokes emotion - and often times, get's a potential reader to buy it in the first place.

Have you ever bought a book simply based on the cover - and was it just as good...or better?

Here are a few of my favorites, although I'm sure I've missed several!

1. The Wolves of Mercy Falls Series (SHIVER, LINGER, and FOREVER) by Maggie Stiefvater 

Loved the simplicity and color on all 3 covers.

2. The Mortal Instruments Series (CITY OF BONES, CITY OF ASHES, CITY OF GLASS, and CITY OF FALLEN ANGELS) by Cassandra Clare

Tons of hidden detail on each cover, that ties into the story.

3. THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH by Carrie Ryan

This cover was for the second publication of the book and I think it's much stronger than the first (even though the title is strong enough to pull you in on it's own!).

 4. BAD TASTE IN BOYS by Carrie Harris

This one is in my TBR pile, but I love the cover!

5. TWENTY BOY SUMMER by Sarah Ockler

Such a beautiful tie-in to a lovely story.

First Campaigner Challenge: Flash Fiction

It's time for our first Campaigner Challenge! And what's on the docket you might ask? Well, Rachel has come up with a doozy:

Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem - but the kicker is, the story must begin with the words, “The door swung open” (these four words will be included in the word count).

And for an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: "the door swung shut." (also included in the word count)

For those who want an even greater challenge, make your story 200 words EXACTLY!

Entries in the First Campaigner Challenge will close on Friday, September 9th (at 11.59pm EDT).

______________________

Yikes. I've never done flash fiction before, and with good reason. I mean, I only get 200 words? Come on! I'm lucky to tell a whole story in 80,000 words, let alone, 200.

This should be interesting. 

So, without further adieu, here's the 200 words (yes, I hit 200 on the dot) I conjured up this morning:

DAMN YANKEE (Post #54 in the Challenge)

The door swung open. And practically whacked me on the ass in the process, as I knelt, scrubbing the floor clean of muddy boot prints. I rolled my eyes for what seemed like the millionth time, as I slung the wet rag over the rim of the bucket, rung my hands dry on the folds of my dress, and stood.

That damn door and its stupid lock. Why be called a lock if you weren’t gonna do your job?

Then again, I was the one that pretty much blew it clear off when I was aiming for his head, but missed. And instead, all I’ve got is splintered shards of wood and a gaping hole, a metal concoction of a lock hanging on for dear life, and a door that won’t stay closed.

Damn Yankee.

If it were his way, we’d be hitched with four kids and I’d be barefoot in the kitchen, cleanin’ somethin’. And then I realized as I looked down at my feet: I was barefoot in the kitchen, cleanin’.

With a curse and a final glare, I gave it a swift kick - and finally, it did what it was supposed to.

The door swung shut.

_____________________

To read all of the other submits in the first Campaigner Challenge (and believe me, they're amazing!), head on over to Rach Writes to check them out!