Showing posts with label blogging friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging friends. Show all posts

November 1, 2009

Saturday Spotlight and a Giveaway!



Shhhh.... I know! I know! It's "technically" Sunday.  But, I figured that since we turned back the clocks, maybe, just maybe, I could get away with it!  Sneaky... huh?

Well here we are again! Finally! A new Sunday...um, SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT!  And look who we have instore for you this week!

And what shall we call you?  Ya' know...what's your name? I like to surround myself with a glamour of mystery... ;)

*Nods head*  That's why you're here...right?  You're surrounding yourself with glamour! *giggles* Get it! Get it? Me.... Me... *ha ha ha*  Glam...o..ur...  Ok... Next!


Alias? Zombie Girrrl! I'd been known as "21," but adopted the new moniker from Taschima of Bloody Bookaholic after I left a rather lengthy and passionate rant on the many uses of zombies in literature. She kinda gave me my online identity.

Very chic! Spooky! I likey!

Your blog name? Crackin' Spines & Takin' Names. I changed it for Zombie Appreciation Week, though, to Crackin' Spines & Takin' Brains. Me so clever. =9

Oh... that YOU are!  *wink*
Crackin' Spines? *giggles*   Get it?  Crack...   *ahem*

And where can we find this FABU Blog? http://crackinspines.blogspot.com/

Well? Go take a peek...  Yeah! I'll Wait!

Alright. They're back! How about a "Quickie Bio"?  I’ve always felt that biographies were for successful people, but I’ll give it a shot anyway!

I’m a military brat, so I’ve moved around a lot, and have the bragging right of having lived on all three coasts. I didn’t get into reading until my early teens, mostly because I didn’t like sitting still (still don’t), but now I love “traveling” with books. That sounds lame, but that’s how it is! Books feed my imagination and fuel my daydreams. Also, they’re the only friends that never get left behind (bar some disastrous packing accident). They’ve always been the first things out of the box, and I never travel without four or five of them.

Why did you start your blog? I started my blog after seeing how many new books my friends were finding through fellow bloggers, I wanted in! I came for the books, but I stay for the people! I’ve met a ton of nice people, and there’s always something going on!

Amen to that!

What is your favorite genre and/or genres? It’d be quicker to tell you what I don’t like!

*Well by all means then...it is YOUR show, right?* SPILL IT!

 I like fiction and non-fiction (LOVE reading about the 1918 flu pandemic!), but I basically only read YA fiction because it’s easier to avoid smut (I hate smut!). I love supernatural, paranormal, and fantasy; although I do like the occasional contemporary fiction too, like An Abundance of Katherines.

Who is your favorite author? Ooh, hard! I have a favorite author for every genre, subgenre, and day of the week! Tamora Pierce is my fallback, though. Her Tortall books never disappoint, and I’ve been reading her stuff faithfully since I was thirteen. Her sheroes (Literally she-heroes, her word, not mine. “Heroine” is too druggy, even with the extra e.)  kick butt!

"Butt" Kicking is ALWAYS Good...  Did you say 13?

What is your favorite book of all time? That is probably the hardest question ever conceived by man.  *Note: I am a Woman * Fiction would be World War Z by Max Brooks. Non-fiction, Flu by Gina Kolata. YA fiction… that’s too hard to answer. There’s so much good stuff! Too much! No, wait, there’s no such thing as too many good books!

Describe your review system: My review system is highly scientific. I read a book, decide how much danger I’d risk to get at that book, then I assign it a rating from 1 to 5 zombies. I really admire people who can break a book down to its constituent parts and rate every individual aspect of a book, but I haven’t been able to come up with my own detailed system, so for now, zombies it is!

And Zombies...Rock!

How is your blog unique from other blogs? Well, it’s the only place in the known universe where you can read what I think about books. Haha. One thing that sets me apart from other bloggers is my footnotes. I include my deeper or unrelated thoughts on things in footnotes at the end of most posts. It works out for me because my mind tends to wander, which leads to rambling and a lack of clarity. Plus, they’re fun to do!

How do you market your blog? I haven't really marketed my blog, per se. I've posted a link to it on my Shelfari page and linked my IMM posts on The Story Siren, but this is the first actual promotion I’ve ever done. I’ve been a bit of a chicken-butt in that department.

tsk tsk... "chicken butt" (Note: Lots of  "butt" and "zombie" talk) ..

Can you give us three tips about content? Be honest. Be kind. Be yourself! You can give a poor review without tearing the book or writer down, and the most interesting blogs are the ones where you really get a feel for what the blogger is like through their writing.

Great Advice!

Can you give three tips about blog promotion? Look out for blogs that promote their fellows and inquire into being included, don’t snag people’s email addresses for the purpose of advertising (very poor internetiquette), and be patient.

Patience is a Virtue...

Thank you for being here Zombie Girl! Oh and Guess what "Chicken Butt"?  I love you and your blog!  *giggles*  (I crack myself up)!

OK! Now that you've got to know Zombie Girl, she's been kind enough to offer a really Awesome Giveaway!  Are you ready?!? 

I knew you were!

GIVEAWAY!

Top 5 Recommended Reads Contest!


The winner will choose one of ZG's Top 5 Recommended Reads for their prize (all paperback)!

The choices are:

World War Z by Max Brooks
Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
Terrier by Tamora Pierce
The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
Den of Shadows Quartet (Yes, all 4 books [in one]!) by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

ZG's RULES:

To enter just leave a comment telling me what which book you’d like to win and answer me this: What is your top reading recommendation? (This question is entirely self-serving as I’m always on the lookout for new reading material.)

Don’t forget your email address! US mailing addresses only, please (sorry, globies, I can’t afford the shipping right now!)

MY RULES!

Blogger Blogs, You MUST Be A Google Friend Connect Follower
For This Giveaway, That means on BOTH Blogs to be Entered!
How do you do this? You click the FOLLOW Button up in
The Top Corner and PLEASE Make Sure Your Settings Are Public!

If you are from another type of blog, please let me know HOW you are following!

How Do you Win? It's Simple!

All Entries MUST be in By Midnight November 21st! (EST)
Winner Drawn on or about the 22nd!

Extra Entries


You MUST be a FOLLOWER with GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT on Both Blogs
or the following will Not Count! Also, If you do not include an Email Address, I have
to pick another winner. I can't chase email addresses any longer.

I Recommend Following On Twitter -It's NOT Required But I do Contests,
and Giveaways there as well! Currently, I'm doing a giveaway for a
$50.00 Barnes & Noble Gift Card there! You can still get in on that!
I'll tell you how in another post! But, if you follow on Twitter, I bet
you'll find out MUCH sooner!

Plus, there are Major Announcements made on Twitter and not Here!

My NEXT post will be about how to win either a Kindle, Nook or Sony E-Reader!
That's YOUR Choice! Well...The Winner's Choice and That Will Be ONE of You!

The Choice Is Yours!

+2 If you Subscribe by Mail
+2 If you Subscribe via Google Reader
+3 If you Rate Me On Blogged (see bottom of blog)
+5 If you TWEET About This Giveaway (Leave Link Please)
+10 If you Follow Me on TWITTER! (Leave @TwitterName)
+15 If you blog about this Giveaway in it's own post (Link)
+20 If you Put My Button On Your Blog and Link Back

Separate your entries one per post! (either each or just +5 for example)

(+25 for each and every NEW follower you bring me)
They just have to mention it in their post!
You will BOTH Get the Points!

As Always, Good Luck and HAVE FUN!!


** If YOU Would LIKE To Be FEATURED Please Hitt "Contact Me" **

OR

** Send Me An Email At IAmHiMaintenance{at}aol{dot}com **

and Preach to the Princess!!







Kisses & Toodles!!

September 30, 2009

And the Winners Are...



I have more WINNERS for you!  I NEVER Get Tired of Announcing Winners!  So, these FIVE Lucky Readers Won a Copy of "TALL, DARK AND FANGSOME".  This post was courtesy of Hachette Book Group, Cheryl (at Cheryl's Book Nook) and Me!  I had a wonderful time hosting Cheryl for the Saturday Spotlight and if you're interested, just drop me a quick message and I'll get back to you ASAP!

And the Winners Are...

Red Headed BookChild
BettyCD

Sam
April

Jo

I've e-mailed these five lovely ladies and they have 48 hours to get back to me! ALL Prizes were claimed last round! Great job!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

KISSES ~ XXX

September 26, 2009

Saturday Spotlight




These weeks just seem to be flying by!  It's already the end of September and the very first day of BANNED BOOKS WEEK! (Which I will be celebrating in a BIG Way) While I wish there wasn't a need for this week, I fully enjoy participating and showing my love for books banned or not!  I hope you'll each do something special for this very important week! 

I'm going to put BBW on hold for just a moment to introduce this weeks SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT. Who do I have for you this week? Read on and find out!

Will you PLEASE state your name "Just for the Record"?  Reggie

Your Online Alias?  ReggieWrites

Reggie, What did you Name Your Blog?  The Undercover Book Lover (Not Really)

And Where Can We Find "The Undercover Book Lover (Not Really) Online? *Pssst...We need the URL..*     http://theundercoverbooklover.blogspot.com

Go ahead...Go Look! It's a really great blog. Promise, I'll wait! (*Crosses Fingers Behind Her Back*)

Can you give us a quick bio about yourself?
Well, as many people know, I LOVE to read. Reading is basically my life. I also love to write and debate. I'm currently writing a novel titled "Maybe It's Fate". What not many people know about me is that I can do a split. It's one of my random talents. haha!

You're Right Reggie! I had NO idea! I'm totally picturing it and I now see you in a WHOLE different Light! (*giggles*)

Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog at the beginning of July 2009. So I'm still pretty new! Blogging opens up a completely different way for hunting for books. I LOVE it!

I have to agree fully! Another thing that you'll all agree with is that while Reggie's blog is NEW, it's a great addition to the book blogging community and there are some wonderful reviews to be found over at "The Undercover Book Lover (Not Really)".


What is your favorite genre and/or genres?
My favorite genres are YA and Adult fiction (not erotica). I love authors like Lisa Schroeder, Tom Clancy, and John Grisham.


Who is your favorite author?
Currently, my favorite author is Lisa Schroeder...but it changes almost every week because there are so many talented authors out there.


What's your favorite book of all time?
I hate this question...haha. Because I can only pick one. But today, I would have to say my favorite book is I Heart You, You Haunt Me. This book is so touching and poignant.

Name & describe your blog features:
Currently, since I'm pretty new, my blog features are:
Secret Agent Uncovered: Author Interviews - this is where I interview authors every week.

Blogger Undercover - this feature is solely focused on helping out bloggers by exposing their blogs more. I love helping fellow book lovers!

The Weekly Pen - this is where I post a few poems, short stories, or articles written by me.

Post-its - this is my favorite feature! I post up quotes from books that make me smile or that are noteworthy.

Right now, these are my only features. But soon (in the next few weeks), I'm going to be adding contests, and IMMs to my features.

I LOVE the current features and I'll be looking for your new additions!

Describe your review system:
This is the most difficult question. It gets a little bit complicated here. My review system is very complicated. Anyway here it goes:

Originality: /10
Ending: /10
Characters: /10
Plot: /10
My reaction/enjoyment: /10
Theme: /10
Imagery: /10
Setting: /5
Voice: /5
Style: /5
Tone: /5
Cover: /10
Total Score: /100

A+ = 95-100
A- = 90-94
A- = 85-89
B+ = 80-84
B = 75-79
B- = 70-74
C+ = 65-69
C = 60-64
C- = 55-59
D+ = 50-54
D = 45-49
D- = 40-44

I'm not going to add an 'F' to the list because no author ever deserves an 'F'.

As you can see, it's kind of a grading format so that people are able to know which books they might like, based on their preferences. For instance, if characters are more important to a reader than the plot, they can pick a book with the highest character rating.

How is your blog unique from other blogs?
My blog is unique because of the feature titles and the review system. I don't wanna copy other blogger's titles for their features, so I make up my own. It has to be related with my blog name: The Undercover Book Lover (Not Really).
As for the review system, I've never seen a more complicated one than mine...hehe

I LOVE that you make up your own ideas! When I first Started Park-Avenue Princess here on Blogger almost two years ago, I wanted everything to be centered around my title as well. I try to keep it the same to this day. (ie... Royal Reviews, My Rating Scale with Tiaras, and the photos that I use) So, I fully understand and can appreciate ALL of your hard work!

How about sharing a few marketing ideas?
Asking fellow bloggers for help is a good technique. Everyone is extremely nice...Like Amy over here! Thanks Amy!

You're MORE than Welcome Reggie! Anytime... *smiles*

Can you give us 3 tips about content?
1. Be an honest reviewer. Say what's on your mind. Just because other reviewers think it's a good book, doesn't mean you have to also!
2. Have FUN! If you don't like blogging, then don't start a blog. You have to enjoy it in order to do well consistently.
3. Have substance in your reviews. Reviews without substance are not so nice. It's less helpful to other readers.

THREE Tips to Live By!

Can you give us 3 tips about blog promotion?
1. Don't be afraid to contact other bloggers...some of them are sure to help!
2. Comment! Commenting not only helps your blog, but other bloggers out there always welcome comments!
3. Author Interviews. Try contacting different authors...ask them for reviews to post on your blog. Some of them will surely oblige!

Thank You Reggie! It's been a PLEASURE having you here at Park-Avenue Princess! Enjoy the Spotlight! You Deserve it!

I've got WINNERS coming up!!

x0xx - KISSES

July 16, 2009

ROYAL GIVEAWAY (*not to be missed*)


So, I've been meeting a LOT of new people and been on SO many new blogs lately that it's hard for me to keep count! I LOVE my book bloggers and can't wait to show them a little appreciation.

OK...here's the deal so far. And this is just a sneak peek...the post will go up before the end of the weekend with ALL the details. Park-Avenue Princess would like to have some more "FOLLOWERS" following publicly on her BLOG and on TWITTER...both buttons are on the side along with a "subscribe" button for email! If you do all three you will get more entries to this contest and if you pass along the word by blogging or tweeting that is going to be two more entries (Plus THREE for each blog post and tweet) also, if someone new comes in and says that YOU sent them that is going to be a (Plus as well) I'm going to add this up for you and make it easier. The winner will be posted on the last Friday of the month. Which is the last day in July!

So, basically, all you have to do is follow...

What do you win?? That's going to be determined by the number of "followers" that I get. And the winner will be drawn randomly (But your name can be put in countless times). This may be a little confusing right now, but I will make it MUCH easier (PROMISE)in my next post about this....

The winner will get a bracelet like the one pictured below made out of genuine vintage typewriter keys. I own two of these and I've bought one as a gift as well. They are gorgeous and very well made! Lizzy Bleu is a very talented girl! You'll love her etsy shop! Actually, I think I am going to do something with Lizzy Bleu like this monthly as well she has an absolutely adorable etsy shop! If you get a free moment you should check it out...very cool! Anyway, these bracelets and things usually cost about $35.00) Now, if I reach 200 followers, I will also add a gift certificate from your favorite book store to buy what you'd like...I don't know how much that certificate will be yet, but I'll let you know. The amount will go up as I get followers...(every 50 after that) so at 250 the certificate goes up and then at 300 the certificate goes up and then 350 followers (I'm sure you get the point) I'm thinking it could go up to as much as a One Hundred Dollar Gift Certificate (that I will purchase myself...depending on the followers) But, I have to start it off lower...make sense? (God, I hope so...lol) and that is PLUS Lizzy Bleu's Bracelet and then a special gift from her shop for the winner as well if a LARGE number of followers is reached. I am even thinking about having a runner-up unless YOU all think there should be just ONE winner that takes ALL!

Here's a sample of the bracelet:

Photobucket

I'm looking for your voice in this one ladies and gentlemen (Speaking of the guys...you don't have to take a bracelet...she has very cute cuff links as well...or whatever else may catch your eye)!

So let me know what you think! OH and if you are already a follower and you comment on the post where I tell you too...you get PLUS 10 just for already being here! OK? So, if you get in BEFORE the post that's PLUS 10...(so, what are you waiting for??)

***ONE LAST THING...I NEED SOMEONES HELP WITH A "STICKY POST" ? How do I do it? I need to keep the contest on top until the end of the month once it's fully decided and posted! (And we all know I am SO NOT COMPUTER SAVVY! : )

That's all for now! Happy Reading!!

KISSES ~ XXX

THE PRINCESS

July 15, 2009

Humane Award for MY BLOG!


I am SO excited I can hardly speak! (And for those of you that "know me" you know how unbelieveable that is!) Anyway, I was awarded The Humane Award by J.Kaye of J.Kaye's Book Blog - "Where Reading Takes Priority"!

Now let me just explain what this award is for. (as stated on J. Kaye's Blog)

The Humane Award is to honor certain bloggers that are kindhearted individuals. They regularly take part in my blog and always leave the sweetest comments. If it wasn't for them, my site would just be an ordinary book review blog. Their blogs are also amazing and are tastefully done on a daily basis. This award is to thank them for their growing friendships through the blog world.

I LOVE all of my "Followers" and hope to have more in the near future! But, if I have to go by comments alone, I am going to have to pass this award on to:

J. Kaye ~ J.Kaye's Book Blog

Trish ~ Hey Lady! Whatcha' Readin'?

Natasha ~ Maw Books Blog

Cheryl ~ Cheryl's Book Nook

Madeleine ~ Madeleine's Book Blog

Sheila ~ BookJourney

Wendy ~ Musing's Of A Bookish Kitty

Nymeth ~ Things Mean A Lot

And there really Are SO SO many more! Thank you all for making my blog grow a little bit each day! I appreciate it more than words can say!

That's All For Now! Keep on Reading!

KISSES ~ XXX

THE PRINCESS