It Don't Come Easy

(Yup- Ringo Starr!)

So, in an effort to keep this blog humming along despite the fact that the brain juices are running low (see post below), I came across this cool, book-related meme today over at Magical Musings and figured I'd play along! And, hopefully, you'll decide to play along too because that would make it even cooler!

So, here are my picks-- be sure to leave yours in the comments!

- What book(s) made you a better writer?

STORY by Robert Mckee changed my life. Took me from unpublished to published. SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder is one I turn to again and again--the Beat Sheet is insanely useful!

-What book(s) made you cry?

The first book to ever make my cry was CHARLOTTE'S WEB--I sobbed like a baby! After that, I seem to remember shedding a tear or two over BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA and THE LOVELY BONES. I know there are others, I can be quite the cry baby, but those are the ones that spring to mind.

-What book(s) made you laugh until you were in tears?

I will never forget reading David Sedaris's ME TALK PRETTY ONE DAY on a flight from NYC to LA. I was practically falling out of my seat laughing, luckily the seat next to me was empty! Chrisitopher Moore and Nick Hornby always inspire these kinds of hysterics as well!

What book(s) made you feel like you could conquer the world?

Well, I don't know if they made me feel like a world beater, but Judy Blume's books helped me through a tough adolescence--they made me feel more equipped to handle my problems. She is a huge inspiration to me!

What book(s) have you read three times or more?

WUTHERING HEIGHTS, DEENIE, CATCHER IN THE RYE, FRANNY AND ZOEY, REBECCA, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S . . .

What book(s) kept you up all night reading?

Hmm, off the top of my head, Elizabeth Scott's LIVING DEAD GIRL- spare, haunting, and I couldn't put it down! Oh, and last night I skipped watching TV (my afterwork treat!), so I could finish Rebecca Stead's WHEN YOU REACH ME--wonderful!

What book(s) do you want to read again?

I want to read THE LOVELY BONES again before the movie comes out, I'd like to read Paul Coelho's THE ALCHEMIST again- a truly lovely tale . . . oh, there's lots of books I'd read again and again, but there are also lots I still need to read for the first time around!

Okay, now it's your turn!! Sing it out in the comments!

Have a great day everyone!

A

xoxo

Romance Diva

Just a reminder, I'll be over at the Romance Divas today, tomorrow, and Saturday, chatting, hanging out, and answering questions on writing paranormal YA, alongside some very amazing authors, like:

Cassandra Clare, Christopher Golden, Rosemary Clement Moore, Lucienne Diver, Rachel Caine, and Jeff Mariotte.  

The workshop is free, all you have to do is register and click HERE!

Also, I'm blogging over at Magical Musings today about inspiration, so why not drop by and tell me what inspires you??? Just. Click. HERE!

Hope to see you there!!

A

Tumbling Dice

Just got home from a long weekend in Las Vegas to celebrate my husbands b-day, which translated to long afternoons spent by the pool, elaborate meals (my hubbies a foodie!), and very little gambling (I'd much rather shop, it's a sure thing!). Only to come home to stacks of mail, piles of laundry, and dust bunnies that have been busily multiplying while we were gone . . . in other words--REALITY!!!

Though thankfully, it's not all about housekeeping duties as there's some exciting stuff brewing this week, stuff like:

Starting tomorrow, Thursday May 28 through Saturday, May 30, I'll be over at the Romance Divas discussing the ins and outs of writing YA Paranormal fiction along with amazing authors: Cassandra Clare, Rachel Caine, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Lucienne Diver, Christopher Golden, and Jeff Mariotte, so feel free to drop by, say hello, ask a question, or just hang out and chat-- you can find us all HERE.

On Friday, I'll be giving a talk at a local middle school--it's a closed event, but I still thought I'd mention it because I can't wait!!

And on Sunday, if you're in the Laguna Beach area, don't forget to stop by Laguna Beach Books where I'll be talking and signing as part of the "An Afternoon with 6 YA & MG Authors" from 1 - 2:30 PM (details on the sidebar at right!) there will be books, authors, cupcakes, and hopefully YOU!!

Oh, and as a reminder, this Sunday is the very last day to bid on the hot-off-the-press signed copy of BLUE MOON I'm auctioning on behalf of Brenda Novak's diabetes fund raiser!! To place your bid, click HERE!

And speaking of BLUE MOON,  I just learned Romantic Times Magazine gave it 4 stars!!! I haven't received my copy yet so I can't quote from the actual review, but as soon as it arrives, I'll post it here!

Oh, and one last thing--tomorrow (Thursday) I'll be blogging about "inspiration" over at Magical Musings --a blog so great if you're not reading it, all I can say is: Why???-- So come join me by clicking HERE!

Okay, that's it on my end--have a good day everyone!

A

:-D