Rainy Day Ramblings

Tell Me Something Tuesday #214: Series to Continue

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

 

This week’s discussion topic:

 

What Series that you started in 2019 will you continue in 2020?

 

We are in December, that means it is time to start doing my end of the year posts. I like this time of year as I get to go through all the books I read this past year and reflect on the great reads, the disappointments, and the new series I tried that I want to continue. 

Here are the series I read that I liked enough to want to carry on with in 2020.

 

Consortium Rebellion by Jesse Mihalik:

Mihalik’s first book: Polaris Rising landed on shelves in February. I started reading all these stellar reviews, so I took a chance, and I was rewarded. This is a space soap opera with one fierce kick butt heroine and a male lead you won’t soon forget. Think lots of space action, political drama, thrilling action and a searing romance. The second book, Aurora Blazing, released in October and it was just as satisfying. I can’t wait for more in 2020.

 

The Blood of Stars by Elizabeth Lim:

Spin the Dawn is a book that grabbed my attention and kept me enthralled throughout. I loved this imaginative story with its unique world building, bold characters, captivating story lines, magic and a lovely romance. It has been a long time since I read and loved a YA fantasy, so I was thrilled to find this gem. If you want a terrific read, look no further, this is one to grab! I can’t wait to continue the story in 2020.

 

 

The Aurora Cycle by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman

These two authors write some amazing stuff and I was more than eager to start their new series. Aurora Rising was a book that completely hooked me from the opening chapters. I loved the action, the characters and the chemistry between the crew. I thought there were some brilliant twists and development, and I thought the non stop action was fantastic. I am looking forward to more of this rag tag crew and world in the next book.

 

The Curse Breakers by Brigid Kemmerer: 

A Curse So Dark and Lonely is a modern day Beauty and the Beast retelling worth checking out. I loved the characters, the world building and the refashioning of an old classic. Retellings are hit and miss for me, but I felt like this one was refreshing and original. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy fairy tale retellings. I am anxious to follow up on Gray in the next book.

 

A rather short list this year. I think I read more stand alones and continued series or read authors that have worked for me in the past. I didn’t find myself starting too many new series. At least I was lucky enough to find a few worth following up on in 2020.

 

What about you all, what series intrigued you enough to continue next year?

 

 

Next week’s TMST:

Picks for Winter 2020. 

Tell Me Something Tuesday #211: Six Dinner Guests

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating. 

Here is the question of the week:

If you hosted a dinner for authors who are the six authors you would invite (alive or deceased)?

 

I read a book last year based on this premise, except it wasn’t authors who attended the dinner. Anyway, I liked the idea so I thought I would use it as a TMST question. 

Here are the authors I would want at my dinner, and imagine what a fascinating conversation we would have!

First the deceased authors:

J. R. R. Tolkien: I read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Ring Trilogy when I was in sixth grade, then I reread it as an adult when the movies came out. Tolkien’s world building is some of the best ever written. He even wrote his own languages for  many of his characters. His fantastic stories have enchanted generations. I would ask so many things.

 

Natalie Babbitt: I fell in love with Mrs. Babbitt’s books in elementary school. I thought The Devil’s Storybook was hilarious. Then in fifth grade, I was obsessed with Tuck Everlasting. I read that book four or five times. The first paragraph is amazing. If I could sit down with Mrs. Babbitt, I would ask her why did Winnie decide not to drink the water and why didn’t she ever look for Jessie? 

Margaret Mitchell: Ms. Mitchell only wrote one book in her lifetime but it remains one of the most read and beloved books. I can’t even tell you how many times I have read Gone With The Wind. Of course, if I sat down with Ms. Mitchell, I would ask did Scarlet get Rhett back?

 

Now for the living:

Ilona Andrews: This is a writer duo, but since they write under one name, I am going to consider it as one author ( I know cheating). The Andrews husband and wife duo is responsible for many fantastic books. I loved The Kate Daniels Series, and I didn’t think they could top that series, but I was wrong. The Hidden Legacy series is just as entertaining. I am not sure where I would start with my questions for these two, but I guarantee, I have plenty!

Beverly Cleary: Mrs. Cleary lives right here in Oregon. She is still living, and she is 103. That’s right, 103 years old! Mrs. Cleary wrote so many books that I read and reread and loved as a kid. I was especially fond of her Ramona Quimby books. I would love to meet this living legend and learn about her career. 

Stephen King: I couldn’t have my dinner without Mr. King. He remains one of my all time favorite authors. He continues to impress and entertain me with his books. I have been a “ Constant Reader” of Mr. King for thirty years now, and I don’t plan on stopping. I have hundreds of questions to ask Mr. King, first and foremost would be was there a real life inspiration behind The Body novella which was made into the movie Stand By Me? 

 

An interesting dinner party don’t you think? I thin the conversation would be educational, inspiring and unforgettable!

What about you all, who would you have at your dinner?

Next week’s TMST:

Thanksgiving post: What are you thankful for this year?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #210: Favorite Genres

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

Here is the question of the week:

What are your favorite book genres?

 

I can honestly say that since I started blogging, my reading taste has changed, but one thing that still remains rather constant is the types of genres I prefer. Here are some of my favorite genres:

 

Urban Fantasy: 

I think the UF category remains my favorite/ constant go to genre. Most of my favorite series are from this category from Charley Davidson, Iron Druid, Kate Daniels and The Hollows. I think what draws me back to the UF genre time and time again are the outstanding characters and the paranormal elements. I am always on the hunt for an excellent new UF series. 

Paranormal Romance:

I can’t seem to get enough of the paranormal characters. One that features an excellent romance is even better. I love reading about vamps, shapeshifters and all kinds of characters with magical gifts who manage to fall in love.

Horror:

I cut my teeth on Stephen King when I was a teenager. I devoured his epic It when I was fifteen years old. I am a constant reader of Stephen King, but I also love many other horror books. I love a good scare. 

 

Thrillers:

The thriller genre is one I enjoy, but it can be hit or miss for me. I love a good psychological thriller that plays with my head, but I hate it when the thriller strays into the unbelievable realm. Still a solid thriller is addictive and they tend to keep me up past my bedtime. 

 

Contemporary Romance:

I love a cute contemporary romance, one that is fun and flirty and doesn’t rely on heavy drama and angst. This is another category that is hit or miss because too often I fall into a cute little romance only to be hit with a lot of unnecessary drama. I keep reading them, and I am always optimistic when I pick up a contemporary romance. 

Humor/Comedy: 

There are not enough laugh out loud books in my opinion. I adore a good book that makes me giggle and snort with laughter. I am always up for a good laugh. So if you know some excellent humorous reads, send them my way.

 

These are my tried and true go to categories. What are your favorite genres?

Next week’s TMST:

If you hosted a dinner for authors who are the six authors you would invite (alive or deceased)?

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday #209: Favorite Thing About Halloween

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating. 

This week’s scintillating topic:

What is your favorite thing about Halloween?

 

In all honesty, I think that Halloween has become my favorite season of the year. I love that is no stress, you don't have to worry about gifts and meals and all that. It is just simple, good scary fun. I love that I can relive a bit of my childhood every year when Halloween comes around. My kids and I decorate the house each year with plenty of fun Halloween decorations. I love fun Halloween decorations. They put you in the spirit. 

I also love pumpkin patches, trick treating and the cooler weather, and I have to be honest, I still like some of the candy.  

I think what I love most about Halloween is all the scary books and movies that come out in time for Halloween. 

I don’t go for the super scary or gory horror movies, but I do love a good Halloween flick. Something that is a little creepy or paranormal that might make you hesitate to turn out the lights. 

Now that I have kids, I also enjoy the more family friendly Halloween shows and movies. 

You also can’t go wrong with a scary book this time of year. I picked out some great ones for my Fall reading this year. I hope you caught the reviews for some of them. 

So for me, there is so much to love about Halloween, but my favorite part are the scary books and movies. 

 

What about you all, what do yo love about Halloween?

Next week’s TMST:

What are your favorite book genres?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #208: Haunted House One Night for Cash?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating. 

 

Here is what we are pondering this week:

Would you spend a full night inside of a haunted house if someone paid you?

Last week, it was all about the Zombie Apocalypse. Yikes! I hope that never happens.... this week, I am pondering staying the night in a haunted house. 

Part of me has always been curious about ghosts and haunted houses. Growing up, I used to love to watch shows that featured real life hauntings. I remember the first haunted house I heard about that caught my attention was the Amityville Horror. This famous haunting took place in 1975, and then it gained public attention when the couple published a book in the late seventies. I was a very young girl in the late seventies, but I vividly remember hearing my mom and grandma discussing it on the phone. Super creepy stuff. It is still under debate whether it happened or not, but either way, it is scary. 

 

Fast forward to an adult, I have seen numerous shows on haunted houses, and some of them are evil and downright scary. Shivers..... 

So the question is, would I stay in one of these homes for money? 

Hmmm.....I would have to think long and hard. 

First: My decision would be based on how much. If it is a sizable amount, I would definitely consider it. 

 

Second: Would I have to spend the night alone? Yikes. That is super scary to think about. If I had to be all alone in a super creepy house, I don’t know if I could do it. If I had someone with me, I would feel a whole lot better.

Third: The house itself. If the house I stayed in was associated with demons and super scary entities that might attach onto me and follow me after I left, I don’t think I would be down with that. I wouldn’t want to attract any negative energy that could haunt me for years. 

Fourth: Could I be harmed? Some of these haunted houses claim to have ghosts or entities that might physically harm someone. If I could get hurt, I don’t think so. I could possibly end up spending all the money I earned on medical bills. 

Fifth: Severe psychological impact. I would have to strongly consider whether staying in a dangerous haunted house would cause me to develop PTSD or something along those lines. Again, paying for therapy afterwards wouldn’t be worth the money. 

 

So you can see, I have a rather large list of cons. After listing all my reasons for not staying in a haunted house, I would have to ask for a considerable amount of money, a couple million dollars at least. 

I think if I were to stay in a haunted house that I would pick one with a friendly ghost. I don’t need the trauma. As it stands, I don’t think I will be staying in a haunted house any time soon. 

What about you all?

Next week’s TMST:

What is your favorite thing about Halloween?

Tell Me Something #207: Zombie Apocalypse

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating. 

Here is out too scary to want to think about topic:

Zombie Apocalypse: What would you do?

We have all seen the movies and read the books. We know the horrors that await the population if a zombie virus suddenly spreads. In weeks, the majority of the population would be shambling, mindless creatures in search of brains.....Shudders....

Okay, deep breaths... what would I do?? I hope that a zombie apocalypse never happens, but if one does, I would do my best to get out of the city and head to the rural countryside. Preferably, I would head to Idaho and hole up in a house somewhere in the country. Why Idaho?? Well, I grew up in Idaho, and there is a large population of Mormons in Idaho. Mormons believe in having a two year food supply in their home. So, if I am lucky, I could find a house out in the middle of nowhere, I can think of plenty of homes like this in rural Idaho. Then just hope that when I break in, that two year food supply is in tact. 

If I am lucky enough to make it to Idaho, and I find a house with an ample amount of food storage, I would then hole up. 

Now, I wouldn’t just go inside, bolt the doors and hope for the best. No, I would then set up all kinds of booby traps around the property. Anything, I can do to prevent them from getting into my hidey hole. I would think, though, that being out in the middle of nowhere, would be a good deterrent. Zombies aren’t going to shamble across miles and miles of empty countryside, especially if brains are few and far between. 

(Click on photo for credits)

I would hope that if I were lucky enough to make it to rural Idaho and find a house with a large food supply, that if I waited it out over a period of a couple of years, the zombies would eventually die out. 

I mean how long can a zombie exist without brains? You would think that at some point they would fall down and turn to dust or eat one another. 

 

Who knows because most zombie novels don’t get that far. Anyway.... that is what I would do. However, the likelihood of making it from Portland, Oregon to Idaho would be a tall task. I would have to hope that the zombie apocalypse breaks out while I am visiting. Better yet, let’s just put this in our It’s Never Going to Happen File.....

Or maybe I better read up on what to do by reading this handy guide:

 

Now it’s your turn. What would you do in the event of a zombie apocalypse?

Next week’s question:

Would you spend a full night inside of a haunted house if someone paid you?

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday# 206: Changing Halloween???!

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your link to your post in the comments. 

 

This week it is a controversial topic:

How do you feel about the proposal being pushed to change Halloween to always be on the last Saturday of October instead of the 31st?

 

In the past few weeks, there has been a large petition being pushed in the United States by corporate sponsors and parents.  The idea is to change Halloween from the traditional date of October 31st to the last Saturday in the month. Supposedly it is going to make the holiday safer. You can read about it here. 

I am not on board with changing the date. Halloween is a long tradition that goes back to pagan times. Why mess with the date to make it so companies can make more money? Halloween comes one time a year, and children have been trick or treating and participating in all the fun that Halloween brings for decades without issues. So why ruin a good thing? 

The people pushing the petition make arguments such as it is safer and such, but I don’t believe that. 

When you deal with Halloween on a Saturday versus a weeknight you have to factor in the rise in drunk driving incidents. Most people have to work the morning after Halloween, so they aren’t likely to be attending Halloween parties where they might partake of too many drinks and then hit the road, perhaps inadvertently hitting a trick or treater who is out later than normal because there is no school the next morning. Let’s face it the weekend is a time for people to party and have a drink or two, so that means trick or treating could become more dangerous. 

When there isn’t school or work the next morning, kids will be inclined to stay out later than they would on a school night, so that increases the risk of danger as the hour grows later. In my neighborhood, most houses stop handing out candy between 8-8:30 as it is time to get school kids to bed. That is a safe time to end the holiday, usually before the revelers are out and about.

Vandalism would likely go up too with teenagers out later on a Saturday Halloween night as they don’t have to get up early for school. That means more time to be out causing havoc. 

Finally, you aren’t going to get everyone to agree on the date, you will still have people who want to honor the old traditional date, so it would create confusion. 

These are just a few reasons why I think moving Halloween to be constantly on Saturday would be a idea. I am a traditionalist and I say leave it alone!

What about you all? Weight in!

Here is next week’s TMST:

Zombie Apocalypse: What would you do?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #205: Spooky Reads for Fall

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your link to your post in the comments. If you want the upcoming TMST questions, send me an email. 

 

Here is the subject for this week’s conversation:

What are some spooky books you would like to read this Fall?

 

I love October as I love all things Halloween. I adore the spooky decorations, and I especially love all the creepy books and movies that come out this time of year. I am always ready to load up books that are scary. 

Here are some of the books I am looking forward to reading this October:

The Legend of Decimus Croome: A Halloween Carol by Kevin Purdy: This book caught my eye as it is a retelling of Christmas Carol, but with a Halloween twist. I couldn’t resist! 

The Dark Side by Danielle Steele: Admittedly Steele used to be known for her romances, she is branching out. This is a psychological thriller about the dark side of mother hood. Sounds scary!

The Furies by Katie Lowe: This is from the description: “This page-turning, harrowing debut is the story of a girl trying to fit in, whose obsessive new friends and desperation to belong leads her to places she’d never imagined…dark, dangerous, and possibly even violent.” A boarding school book with a dark history, sounds like an eerie read for sure! 

The Institute by Stephen King: You can’t go wrong with a Stephen King book if you want to good scare. This one is about kids battling evil. A boy is kidnapped in the middle of the night taken to an institute with other kids with special abilities. That sounds a little unnerving, don't you think?

A House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig: This is about twelve sisters who are under a family curse. The girls begin mysteriously dying one by one. The remaining girls are haunted by their ghosts. This one has a creepy atmosphere and a gothic feel. 

Heartwood Box by Ann Aguirre: A girl goes to live with her great aunt in the woods. Her great aunt still leaves out food for her missing husband of twenty years. Then there are lights in the woods and mysterious letters.... Another creepy atmospheric tale. 

These are my upcoming picks to read during the Fall/ Halloween season that might make me pause to turn off the lights. What do you think? What scary books are you planning on reading?

Next week’s TMST:

How do you feel about the proposal being pushed to change Halloween to always be on the last Saturday of October instead of the 31st?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #204: Relieving Blogging Stress

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

Here is what we are talking about this week:

What do you do to relax and relieve blogging stress?

 

Life gets busy and sometimes things happen that prevent us from getting everything done. That leads to added stress. I know we all go through times when we feel stressed. Here are some strategies I have learned to that have helped me when I feel overloaded, especially when it comes to blogging:

• Blog for you: I can't stress this enough. I have said this time and time again over the last few years. If you are blogging for tours, authors, promoters, publicist etc. you are doing yourself a disservice. You need to read what makes you happy, and forget about trying to keep up with all the posts others want you to do. I know first hand how stressful it is to get all those guest posts and tour posts up on time. Cut out the pressure posts such as guest posts and tour posts, and keep it simple. 
• Cut back: If you are feeling like the blog is taking over your life, it is time to cut back. I used to spend hours every day reading blogs and leaving comments, prepping posts, keeping up with social media and then trying to read. It got to the point where I was spending four to five hours a day on blogging, and that didn't include reading. I realized that it was time to make some changes. I cut out tours and guest posts, trying to keep up with those posts and get everything prepped is a lot of work, so eliminating them made it much easier as I am not worried about deadlines. Set aside a certain amount of time each day for the blog, and then put it away until tomorrow. Don't waste time on social media and so forth once your blogging day is done.Don't let your blog overwhelm your life. Do it and forget it. 
• Get a step ahead: Speaking of life getting crazy, it is so much easier when things get hectic to be able to not have to worry about the blog. Taking my own good advice, this past year, I have been reading what I want and cutting back. That has allowed me to blog ahead. Blogging ahead makes it so much easier for me to relax during the summer while I am busy with my kids, vacations and company. If you can give yourself a buffer, you will feel so much less stress, and if you can’t blog ahead don’t sweat it, do what you can.  
• Don't procrastinate: I think we all struggle with this, but again, if you want things to be easier, do what you can today, and not wait until tomorrow. I am in the habit of writing up my reviews immediately after finishing the book. I never let my reviews pile up, that is just my personal motto. It also makes it easier to recall details if you write up reviews as soon as possible. I know life gets hectic, but the more you can do now, it will be easier in the long run.
• Take a vacation: If things get to be too much, take a break. Your readers and followers will understand. We all know how busy life can be, and if you are finding yourself unable to keep up, take a mini break. It is, of course, best to do a post on your blog stating you are taking a small break so your readers will know what happened. If your blog has long, unexplained hiatuses you will lose followers. Hopefully once you have had a break, you will come back energized and recharged. 
• Remember the blog is a hobby and that it should be fun. Read what you enjoy and that way you won't lose your enthusiasm. You are more likely to get through books quickly when you are loving what you read.  Have fun and don't let your blog run your life. 
• Incorporate other hobbies. I know that for a long time, the blog and reading were the only thing I did in my free time. Talk about burn out. These days, I am doing more things that I love such as cross stitching. I can stitch and listen to audiobooks so I am blending two hobbies. You can also bake or walk or whatever and listen to an audiobook. Do what makes you happy besides blogging and reading. 

I can't stress enough how important it is to have fun while blogging. If it is a chore, you won’t want to do it. Keep it fun and simple.

So tell me what do you do to alleviate blogging stress?

Next week will be all about the Halloween reads:

What are some spooky books you would like to read this Fall?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #203: Writing the Not So Positive Reviews

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

Here is the hot topic of the week:

How do you handle writing reviews for books that you didn’t love?

One of the hardest parts of blogging for me is writing a negative or not so positive review. It isn't exactly because I am at a loss for words, lots of times, I am brimming with things to say about what didn't work for me. However, there is a fine line between being nasty and overcritical as opposed to being constructive. I personally believe in trying to provide feedback that will help readers decide whether the issues that bothered me will be a problem for them. I also believe in giving the author helpful suggestions for ways to improve their work. For me, I would much rather read a review that is constructive and helpful as opposed to those that seek to completely defile the book. All those one star reviews on Goodreads full of gifs and pictures are the ones I stay far away from. 

Those of you familiar with my blog and reviews know that I always write my review in a two part format, I start the review by listing all the positive aspects of the book. Even if the book wasn't a good fit for me, I can always find at least two or three nice things to say. 

 

Remember if you can't say something nice, perhaps it is better to not say anything at all. There have been a few times when a book didn’t work at all for me, and I struggled to find positive things to say, so that is when I opted out of doing a review. If I can’t think of anything nice to say, time to move on and keep my mouth shut. 

 

Okay that being said, let’s get back to writing those not so flattering reviews:

Once I have mapped out all the things I liked about the book, I move to the section where I discuss the portions of the book that I didn't enjoy. 

Lots of times there are questions or things that I felt needed more development, so I lay that all out. 

Did the book have a cliffhanger? A love triangle? These are always two big problems that many readers seem to have with the book. 

Was the plot well developed? Were there plot holes? If I had issues with the story, or if I find plot holes, I explain how I felt, and how it could be better. 

How was the world building? I am a stickler for world building, and if it doesn't work, I discuss what I thought was weak and how to improve it. 

Finally, once I have laid out all the good and not so good points in my review, I end it with a conclusion that highlights what I said in my review, so if you are pressed for time and just want to read the highlights, you can skip to the final paragraph.

My tried and true method of writing the positive along with the things that need improvement and listing why things did or did not work for me, hasn't let me down yet. I feel this is the best way to help potential readers and the author. 

It is never easy to write a not so flattering in review, but if you are polite and professional in doing so, you will find it isn't such a bad experience. 

How do you handle writing reviews for those books you didn’t love?

Next week's TMST question:

What do you do to relax and relieve blogging stress?