Sophia Rose's Blog, page 5

Sophia's Sofa Chats- A Visit With Rita

I have another guest dropping by today, folks. Rita is a friend I met through GoodReads over the last year and we soon learned that we share a love of Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell which, incidentally, is how she came up with the name of her book review blog, From Pemberley to Milton. Love it!

Rita's bookshelf on her blog

What a gorgeous sunny spring day here in Southeast Michigan! We’ll have our chat on the cushy chairs on the back porch. It’s early afternoon so I think I’ll put out an array of sandwiches, fruit, and mini cream puffs. Do you think that sounds good?
And there’s the knock, right on time…

Bem vinda, Rita! (Did I get that right? My grandfather spoke Portuguese, but I’m sadly, monolingual.)

Hi Sophia, your Portuguese is perfect ;) Thanks for having me here today, I’m very happy to visit your lovely house.

Yes, indeed, your visit has been much anticipated. You’ve come from quite far. What’s the spring like in Portugal? Have you gotten out to do any spring activities?
The weather in Portugal is truly amazing! It’s never too cold or too warm. Spring took a little longer to get here this year, but now that I’ve started to see the first signs of it, I’ve started doing one of my favorite things: sit in a coffee shop in front of the ocean while reading a book, that’s my favorite spring activity.

Oh, now that is good that you enjoy sitting out with a nice view because we’re going outside to my best view when I’m reading. Hope you don’t mind. Your visit gave me the added incentive needed to make my flower beds more presentable. Do you do any gardening or growing of plants?
I wish I could do some gardening! I live in an apartment and there isn’t much space to grow anything, but one of my dreams (along with having a library) is to buy a house with some space where I can grow some flowers and vegetables. Until then, I keep dreaming…

Oh yes, I had to get creative with the leafy friends when I was apartment living.

Here I have a little something in case you enjoy a light spread of food while we chat.
Would you care for tea, coffee, or juice?
Coffee please! That’s my one and only addiction! I can’t resist the smell and taste of coffee.
On a regular day I would have drunk 3 already, but today this will be my first, so I really appreciate it ;)
You know, I often think I wouldn’t adapt to regency because I love coffee but I hate tea (I know…shame on me). Er, um, I’m not a fan of tea or coffee so I’d really not be a welcome sight to Regency hostesses. *said in an aside*
But go on, I don’t won’t to interrupt your line of thought. Yes, let’s do move on before the tomato throwing starts.

So, Rita, I know you love to read and particularly fan fiction for Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell’s stories. But what made you choose to start blogging about books? How long have you been a blogger?
As almost every story, that is a long story, but I’ll try to sum it up.
When I discovered JAFF, back in 2010, I started reading so much that at a certain point I didn’t know which books I had read, who were the really good authors, etc. Everything was very blurry because the characters were the same, some premises were similar and so on. Also, after reading over 30 books, I realized there were some genres I preferred to others.
So, I decided to organize the books I had read by genre to help me be more thorough in my amazon research when looking for new purchases. I also started writing reviews to remember what I had read and which authors I liked the most.
Yep, I’m tracking with you there. That was one of my reasons for writing review, too.
At that point, those reviews were just for myself, I was still a long way from thinking I could ever become a blogger, until one day while talking to a co-worker about this, and complaining I could not find a place on line with a list of JAFF books per genre that would help restrict Amazon’s research (no matter how many times I googled it, I could never find an updated list, nor did I find any of the amazing blogs that are now on my favorites page…don’t ask me how, but it’s true), he suggested I did it myself.
And so, I created a blog with the list of books I’ve read organized per genre and author. A few days later I started posting the reviews I had already written, and I was so welcomed by the community I never stopped until today. It was 9 months ago, and I hope I can still go on, even if sometimes it’s really hard to coordinate this with my day time work.
Those clever co-workers. They’re good for something, right?

What is the best thing about being a blogger? Is there something you struggle with or want to learn still when it comes to blogging?
The best thing about being a blogger is to have the opportunity to talk to other readers and authors. To be able to discuss the books I’m reading with people who share the same love for JAFF than me and who know these books and can talk with me about them, share their opinions and suggest other books and authors.
I’ve learned so much in the last months, and met so many amazing people that I can truly say the best thing about blogging is the people I meet along the way. I used to think I was alone in this, and that few people read JAFF, but now I know I am part of a huge, amazing community with wonderful people such as yourself Sophia. Ahhhh, right back atcha, lady! :)

What I struggle with is the IT part of it. I have to confess, I suck when it comes to technology, so most of the time I waste a lot of time just trying to understand how to do something on the website. I’m an old fashioned kind of girl who still prefers letters to e-mails and likes to send postcards to her friends whenever she travels, so all this technology tires me a bit.
Oh hey, ditto. I am the opposite of tech savvy. You’re off to a good start though.

With fan fiction, there are a variety of plot types. I personally don’t have a preference, but what about you? Are you a fan of variations, sequels, retellings? Only historicals or will you read moderns?
When I started reading fan fiction I had a very rigid vision of it. I only read “clean”, close to canon regency variations. I wasn’t too fond of sequels, modernizations didn’t appeal to me and if I saw a review stating the book was not “clean” I would probably not buy it.
But now I realize that, just like Elizabeth, I was being prejudiced and I overlooked many good books because of it. I’ve read some modernizations that I really loved, and they opened my eyes, so now I read a bit of everything. :)
But I’m still partial to variations in regency era. They are definitely my favorites because I believe they are the ones which transmit the greatest intensity between Darcy and Elizabeth and I love an intense and emotional book.


But if you’re not reading fan faction, what other types of writing to you enjoy? Is there a genre that you can’t stand or have no interest in?
I used to read a lot of different books, but since I started the blog I hardly have time to read all the JAFF books I want to read, let along other types of literature. But I do miss other types of literature, so I’m trying hard to read at least 2 or 3 non JAFF books per year. Last year I manage to read Haruki Murakami and David Duchovny, but this year it’s been only JAFF.

I enjoy the South American magical realism very much.
I remember loving Luis Sepúlveda, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Isabel Allende with all my heart, but some of my favorites are The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, Blindness by José Saramago, North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (obviously) and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.
Dumas and Bronte, le sigh....
There isn’t a specific genre I can’t stand because I like reading many different things, but there are some authors I particularly dislike such as Kafka or Virgílio Ferreira.
You've mentioned quite a few authors that I need to investigate. :)

As you can see, I enjoy gardening (yep, in virtual world, I can look like the best gardener in the world. In real life? Not so much, but I do try).
What is something you enjoy doing besides reading?
I am a woman of many hobbies; I’ve collected postcards, coins, I love the theatre…but apart from reading, my biggest passion is traveling. I love traveling! I love researching for places to visit, to organize the whole trip, including transportation, hotels, points of interest and then to actually go to a different place, see new landscapes, meet new people, know new cultures and habits. Everything about traveling is appealing for me and I can talk about this for days! My husband says that even before going on a trip, I’m already planning the next one, and I think it drives him a bit crazy, but in the end he enjoys these trips…well, except maybe that time when we spent 18 hours on a regional train going from Xi’an to Xangai. Oh, yikes, that would put a damper on the fun. Haha!

Rita at Big Sur, California
Hsst, my dad's side of the family is from this area of Central California. So neat that you got to see it.


Knowing you're a travel bug, I do have to go there with the questions. Where have you been outside Portugal? And for those of us who have never been to Portugal, what is a must see site if we ever come to Portugal?
You can tell right? I think I’ve been to over 20 countries apart from Portugal. I’ve been mainly to European countries due to the proximity, but I’ve also been to Cuba, China, Turkey, Israel and the USA.
My favorite trip so far, was the road trip I did with my husband last year on the West Coast of the USA. That was a dream trip for both of us, and we are eager to go back because even though we’ve been to 4 different states, there was so much left to see and to enjoy! I spend God knows how many hours planning it, but it was worth it… I’ll never forget the indescribable landscapes, the people, the feelings it brought on me and…I Hop (gotta love the American breakfast…and all the other food).
Bless you dear lady, I am an IHoP fan as well.
Unfortunately I spent so much time abroad I think I have neglected Portugal in the last couple of years, but I’m trying to mend that.
Portugal is a wonderful country to visit, did you know Portugal is the country in Europe with the oldest established borders? That’s right, we are basically the oldest country in Europe as were established in 1139 and our final borders have remained the same since 1297, so you can imagine that our country is full of history, with plenty of castles, palaces and old towns to visit. But we are also a very sunny country with a lot of beaches and mountains.
See! That's the sort of information I find fascinating. Thanks!

Lisbon

The must visit city in Portugal is Lisbon, and I’ll be happy to make a plan for anyone who wants to come. Just let me know and I’ll be your guide while you’re in Portugal ;)

And finally, if I were new to your blog, what are some of the features I should look to enjoy? Anything new coming up on From Pemberley to Milton to which I can look forward?
Well, I mainly post reviews, guest posts and interviews in From Pemberley to Milton, but I like to think that the blog might still be useful in its initial purpose: to allow readers to see an organized list of fan fiction per genre. Also, I’m very happy to have not only information on JAFF but also North and South fan fiction, which I also love.
I’m currently working on a blog button (actually, a friend of a friend is, because you know me…technology is definitely not my thing), and once I have it, I hope to start having some additional buttons and lists. I would like, for example, to finally publish a list of my favorite books. :)

I would also like to develop 2 other projects: to start hosting fellow readers with their own guest posts as part of a specific event (Any volunteers? My idea is to promote discussion and give everyone a chance to share their opinion and insights on the topics they are very knowledgeable and fond of ), and putting together my love for traveling and my love for Jane Austen by posting a Jane Austen Tour by Rita. What do you think? Sounds interesting? Yes, this is fantastic!

Uff…I’ve talked too much, no? Sorry…I can be boring sometimes, ask my husband…he knows.


Rita being boring getting her kicks on Route 66, USA *that was said with tongue firmly planted in cheek. Ha! This gal is not boring and I'm thinking her husband would agree. ;)


Sofa Starter Questions:
Brooding hero or Flirty hero?
Brooding! No seconds thoughts on that ;)
Paper or Electronic book?
That’s a hard one…Do I have to choose?
Appetizer or Dessert?
Dessert…
Spa Day or Road Trip?
Road Trip! Every day *smiles big for the camera*
Caroline Bingley or Mrs. Norris?
Caroline
Museum or Sports Arena?
Another hard one…I love both…But If I have to choose…Museum

Ahhh, thanks for being a fantastic guest, Rita. I enjoy having you stop by for a visit. Have a safe trip back and keep us posted on what's coming up for your next traveling adventure and we look forward to the unveiling of that new blog badge. :)

Here’s where people can find Rita on the internet:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rita.s.deodato
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritadeodato/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RitaDeodato
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4...
Blog: https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...

SunKissed Hits the Highway

Last summer's short story anthology release, Sun-Kissed: Effusions of Summer has taken to the road and will visit each contributing author. Authors will hang out with Sun-Kissed, jot a message and an autograph, slip in a local souvenir and send Sun-Kissed on its way to the next stop.

At the end of the trail, some lucky reader will be the winner of all that traveling goodness. If you want it to be you, head on over to Meryton Press, read through the post, and follow the rafflecopter link.
http://merytonpress.com/skroadtrip/

Happy Trails, dear friends!

Sophia's Sofa Chats- A Visit With Claudine

My first guest has been a GoodReads friend for nearly two years now. We encountered each other over our mutual appreciation for all things Jane Austen. Claudine is an active supporter of Austen and Jane Austen Fan Fiction (JAFF) stories and writers. Her thoughts on books are insightful and she gives great recommendations. I was tickled to death when last year saw the launch of her blog, Just Jane 1813 where she talks books, authors, and all things Jane Austen.
Ope, there she is now, right on time…

Howdy, Claudine!

Thank you for inviting me here today. Your place is so lovely and it feels so inviting. I have to thank you for your lovely comments about my blog, because people like you have been a tremendous support to me along the way. I also want to thank you for all that you do for Austenesque lovers, such as myself. Your Austenesque group on Goodreads has been such a delightful way to connect with readers who love Jane Austen.

Ahhh, my pleasure! Love the camaraderie of the group, too.

Come on in and make yourself comfortable. It’s a bit nippy here still in Southeast Michigan, but oh so green and the flowers are in riotous bloom. We’ll sit here by the window and appreciate it all. What’s spring like for you in your neck of the woods?

It’s been really chilly in my neck of the woods. I got in my car several days ago at 7:00 am to head to work, and the car thermostat said it was 25 degrees outside here on Long Island. Springtime weather in NY has become less predictable in recent years.

Can I offer you some tea? Coffee? Hot Cocoa? And surely you can’t pass up my latest batch of raspberry thumbprint cookies? Or I do have the back up blonde brownie stash just in case I murdered the cookies which I can do once in a while when I get lost in a book…

I’d love a nice steamy cup of coffee and a nibble, or so of one of those blondies. They are a guilty pleasure of mine.

Fantastic choice! No worries about the ‘guilt’ just enjoy the ‘pleasure’. I waved the magic calorie wand over everything before you came. We’re all good here.

I was just telling the folks about your love for Jane Austen and JAFF and how you have taken the initiative to start your own blog, Just Jane 1813.
You get this question a lot, I’m sure, but where and when did your Austen love begin? And when and how did you discover JAFF?

My love for Jane Austen began nearly twenty years ago, when I came across the title of “Pride and Prejudice” in Anna Quindlen’s book, “How Reading Changed My Life.”
She has these wonderful lists towards the back of her book, and “Pride and Prejudice” was listed first on her list titled Ten Book’s I’d Save in a Fire (If I Could Only Save Ten)

Therefore, in 1999, I was twenty-nine years old when I read the most memorable opening line in the history of literature and fell head over heels in love with the arrogant, but loyal Mr. Darcy and the feisty, but compassionate, Elizabeth Bennet. As an avid reader, I immediately followed “Pride and Prejudice” by reading all of Austen’s novels; yet, “Pride and Prejudice” always remained as my personal favorite. There’s never been another story for me that has captured my heart, my soul and my mind in the very same manner.

Flash forward to 2011, when I saw “Death Comes to Pemberley” by P.D. James at my local Costco. I had never seen another book related to “Pride and Prejudice” and I enjoyed it. Costco? Really? That’s where I encountered my first JAFF story, too. But ahem, sorry to interrupt. However, I was very busy pursuing my studies and working full-time, so I never ventured further to see if there were other books similar to Ms. James’ book, so I remained completely oblivious to the existence of the JAFF community until I accidently stumbled upon a list of recommended JAFF titles on Pinterest.

I selected “Unequal Affections” by Lara S. Ormiston as my next JAFF read, and I have been “beyond hooked” on JAFF ever since this time.

Pretty sure it’s a safe bet that you swoon over a good romance.
If I say ‘forced marriage trope’, does that cause your heart to go pitter pat or do you get stirred up over an entirely different trope- enemies to lovers? Love triangle? Forbidden love? Second chance? Friends to lovers?

I have learned that the text structure doesn’t matter as much to me when I look for my next JAFF read. For me, I am most attracted to reading JAFF stories with great characterizations, an interesting mixture of internal and external angst that’s all within a well-written storyline. The other non-negotiable for me is that I love stories where Darcy and Elizabeth spend a lot of time in each other’s company. Perhaps that’s because in canon, they spend so little time together in each other’s company and I find the connections between them to be quite mesmerizing.

Got a recommendation from your favorites’ shelf for the forced marriage trope or one of the others?

Back in the day, when I was a teacher, my students would tell me that I had too many favorite books and songs to name just a few. I feel the same way about JAFF. For readers who want to see me favorites, they can browse my (https://www.goodreads.com/review/list... ) virtual shelves.

With Fan Fiction there are some regular types that the reader can expect.
When it comes to types, does a variation do it for you best or is it a retelling or sequel? What type is your least favorite?

After reading nearly 200 JAFF stories, I can honestly say I don’t have a favorite type. I initially started looking to read more JAFF sequels when I began this journey; however, I have read so many great sequels, variations and retellings, that I can no longer claim one type of story solely as my favorite type.

If you can’t read Jane Austen or JAFF, what are some of the other books you pick up?

Why wouldn’t I be able to read Jane Austen or JAFF? LOL!!

I have been an avid reader my whole life. The very first series I ever read, Laura Ingalls Wilders’ “Little House” series, sits right in front of me in my office each day, as a reminder of my tremendous love of reading and the power of a memorable series of books. I read cookbooks, magazines, websites, professional resources, research articles, and nearly anything that speaks to my interests. I was a big fan of Jodi Picoult’s books for a long time, and I met her a few times, but there isn’t an author of fiction who communicates to me the way that Austen does through her prose, so when I am not reading JAFF, I read from a variety of authors and genres.

Because I’m nosey, just how many books are sitting on your TBR Pile right now? No judgment here, ‘kay because I have enough to bury me alive between virtual and real shelves.

Only 440... I thought it was a larger number, but that’s where I am right now.
Oh, not bad. You’re doing great staying on top of that thing. It’s the group challenge, right? Haha!

When you’re not reading, what’s something else you enjoy doing?

I love to be creative and I love history, so I have spent a lot of time scrapbooking my children’s’ lives. I’ve made so many types of scrapbook albums and pages, it’s something I love to do that I also find very meaningful in the overall scheme of our lives.

I also love to cook, entertain family and friends, and most of all, I love to spend time with my four children, except when I am trying to get them to do something they don’t want to do, such as their homework, wink, wink!

In the real world, what do people think of your love of books?

Many people think that I am a bit too obsessed with books. I have always been the type of person who brings a book everywhere with me, even to go to the movies, so I can read before the movie begins. Every time I see a bookstore, I have to go inside of it. When I travel, I pack bags filled with books, magazines, articles, etc. Even my mom, who has known me the longest from anyone else, thinks I am too consumed with reading. Now that I read mainly JAFF, she recently asked me, “You read all these books and they all have same characters?” Therefore, having all of these amazing friends on Goodreads has connected me with so many people I can connect with through JAFF and it’s really hanged my life in so many wonderful ways!

Do you have a particular reader pet peeve? Personally, I hate it when someone walks up to me while I’m reading and says ‘hey you’re not doing anything…’


The only thing I can’t tolerate is when people don’t take good care of books. I’m typically so obsessed with keeping my books in good condition, I can’t fathom how some other people don’t feel the same need to preserve the quality of the books that they read.


Now reviewing…what made you start writing them? And what made you decide to carry that over into blogging?

When I discovered JAFF, it was as if I died and went to heaven. I couldn’t believe that there were so many fabulous stories in the world who were writing such memorable stories based on Austen’s characters! As I became happily immersed in JAFF, I felt tremendous gratitude to the authors who took the time and energies to write these stories that have made me so very happy. When I learned how important reviews are to an author’s livelihood, I wanted to give back in a way that mattered to their success, and I felt writing reviews was a way that I could do this for them.

The idea for blogging evolved from my own love of blogs, I have followed many blogs over the years, and yet, I never felt I had an inspiration to write my own blog that would keep me inspired and enthusiastic for the long haul, until I started reading JAFF. First, when I started reading JAFF, I found the JAFF world very challenging to navigate. Who were the authors, where were all of the JAFF books located, especially the kinds I wanted to read? So, eventually I created a blog to help others navigate the JAFF world and to give back to the authors in some small way, for all they have given to people like me through their stories.


How did you come to calling your blog Just Jane 1813 and what decided you on the scope of your blog content (or are you still expanding on that)?


I really wanted a catchy, memorable “brand” name, knowing that anything too long may not be easily remembered. Do you remember on the show “Will and Grace,” when Jack would say “Just Jack?” Well, that seemed like the perfect way to convey my blog’s vision and the addition of 1813 is in honor of the publication date of Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”

Clever! Now I get it.

My vision for Just Jane 1813 is evolving; I didn’t know I’d love blogging as much as I do! Therefore, I am creating my vision for my blog throughout this first year, with the hopes that by the end of year one, my blog will look and feel the way I want it to for the next several years.


Now that you have several blog posts and events under your belt, do you have a favorite yet?

Thank you for asking me this question. I am still establishing my blog and my vision for its potential. Therefore, I don’t have any favorites yet, since I have found myself relishing this whole experience.

If I were someone new to Just Jane 1813, what could I expect to find when I visit your blog? Love the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the little extras you add to your reviews like the linked articles, play lists, and Pinterest Boards. Regular features? Special posts?

I am thrilled that you’ve noticed the little touches I’ve added to make Just Jane 1813 a little bit more than a typical reading experience for my readers. I am very responsive to the creative aspects of blogging and hope to expand my creativity as my technology skills develop over time. I can’t help but ponder what Jane would think about our tech-savvy world today!

The vision of Just Jane 1813 is to create a modern JAFF community based on stories, author interviews, and various works of art that are inspired by the compelling vision Jane Austen had regarding our relationships with each other, especially her ideas about womanhood and woman’s roles within society. That’s why I love to include JASNA and other related articles on my blog, as well as special Pinterest boards and playlists. They help to inform my readers about Austen and the Regency era, while immersing them in other pleasurable activities, such as web-browsing and listening to music related to Jane Austen and the lovely JAFF stories being published in recent years.

I also want blog visitors to know that Just Jane 1813 is still a work-in-progress and that I am open to hearing their feedback about what they enjoy on the blog and where I can improve the blog. I also have a blog redesign scheduled in the next several months, where I will have a new structure to my home page and the overall blog, including gorgeous graphics that speak to my vision for Just Jane 1813.

Anything new coming up on Just Jane 1813 you want to share about?

This year, I have been working very hard on a yearlong group read of “Pride and Prejudice” titled “We Still Need Her.” This past Sunday, April 17, 2016, Meryton Press author, Karen Cox, hosted chapter 18, which is the pivotal chapter containing the events of the Netherfield Ball. Karen did a wonderful job bringing her wit and her insights to this post where she describes why this chapter reads like a sit-com titled “Everyone Loves Elizabeth.” I’d love for readers to jump in and enjoy this chapter and consider joining this informal group. Readers can join us at https://justjane1813.com/category/jus... and have their share in the conversation.

Next month, I am hosting my fifth blog event. I don’t have a name for it yet, but I will be reviewing and highlighting JAFF that’s based on all of Austen’s major works, except for “Pride and Prejudice” because I wanted to give my readers some exposure to some different kinds of JAFF, since I focus a lot of my posts on JAFF based on “Pride and Prejudice.” I’m hoping readers enjoy this event, as I will be offering a variety of posts throughout this event, including a review of the new Jane Austen adaptation, “Love and Friendship.”

I’m also very interested in hearing what readers want to see more of on my blog, so if there are suggestions for me from your readers, I hope people feel free to make suggestions on this post.


Sofa Starter Questions:
Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
Dog-ear or bookmark? Dog-ear
Clutter Queen or Organized to the hilt? Organized to the hilt!
Live to eat or eat to live? Live to eat
Hike or Dance? Hike
Introvert or Extrovert? Extrovert
Willoughby or Crawford? Always Willoughby… I have a strange weakness for him that I can’t really articulate.

And, I guess I should let her get back to real life. Thanks so much for stopping by Claudine! I’ll bundle up some of these cookies for you to take home with you.


Here’s where you can find Claudine when she’s not hanging out on GoodReads:
Blog: https://justjane1813.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/JustJane1813

Twitter: https://twitter.com/justjane1813

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...

Unveiling a New Series of Blog Posts- Sophia's Sofa Chats

I have decided to do a bit of something new for some of my blog posts. So voila, I have for you Sophia's Sofa Chats coming soon to a couch near you.

Much in the spirit of having a friend or two drop in for a visit to my home, I will be hosting the occasional GoodReads friend at my GoodReads’ blog.

Each of these guests have graciously volunteered to allow me a chance to interview them. Hopefully, it will be a lively time for you to get to know some of the authors, bloggers/reviewers, and readers I have friended through GoodReads and discover something about their book-related hobbies and work.

Stop by to make the acquaintance of my guests and feel free to toss in your own questions or fun comments. More the merrier.

Upcoming Sofa Chats:
April 22nd with Claudine the hostess of Just Jane1813, a book review blog

May 6th with Rita the hostess of From Pemberley to Milton, a book review blog

June 3rd with Ceri the hostess of Babblings of a Book Worm, a book review blog

Take Control of Your TBR Pile Readathon

This readathon hosted by one of my book buddies through her blog seems just the thing. Thank you Kimberly for hosting this shindig.

I'm marking it. March 12th. I will finish a book off my vast and scary high TBR Pile. Yep. GOAL: One Book.

Will it be one of these? Feel free to influence me. Choosing the book is probably the hardest part for me. ;)



And if you want to join the fun, you don't have to be a blogger and can use any social media account including here at GoodReads.
http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/20...

An Austen Lover's Reader Problems

An Austenesque Lover’s Reader Problems is a reprisal of a post I did for Meryton Press in December.



From time to time, being a lover of all things Jane Austen can cause some minor difficulties in life. Let me explain what I mean. I’ve listed a few as examples that I've encountered over the years and okay, I might have stretched a few of these to be entertaining.

Problem #1 The Lone Austen lover for miles around.
On the job, I’ve discovered that quoting Jane or sharing my raptures over the book that kept me up until two in the morning gain me really odd looks and people who hang a louie for the closest door.
At home, there is the embarrassed tribe member who shoves my pile of lovelies from Meryton Press under the precarious stack of mags and papers on the coffee table when his friends come by. “And if you love me, don’t talk to my friend about Jane Austen even if there is a question of favorite books which there won’t be if you don’t bring it up.” And to make the agitated one happy I so do swear. Sigh…literary heathens! And this is why I have my on-line support group of other Austen lovers.

Problem #2 Scheduling Family Trips. (This is an exaggeration as my family trips are sacrosanct -LOL)
How is it that the tribe doesn’t get the need to consult the calendar for the regional Jane Austen conventions before purchasing plane tickets to the other side of the country? I ask you? So what if it was the deal of the century and I agreed to the trek for the annual family campout a year ago? JASNA hasn’t been in my neck of the woods for five years. Okay, but at least I’m reading Sunkissed: Effusions of Summer in my beach chair by a breathtaking mountain lake. There are small compensations.

Problem #3 Finding the privacy to read.
Did you know, I can do all my chores without a single person wishing to interact with me? However, the moment I park it in the lounger to read the latest, I get the ‘where is my… or you gotta hear this…’. I really need to work on my stink eye expression because it doesn’t even make the joe interrupting the good part pause for a second thought about the danger to his life if he doesn’t walk away now.

Problem #4 Wishlist Choice Overload.
I have a gift card. Hip hip hoorah and doing the Snoopy Dance! I now have to decide which book/s from my twenty page Amazon wishlist that I’ll be purchasing. Do I get that latest that my GoodReads buddies are all raving over? You know that Then Comes Winter one? Or maybe… But what about… Oh man, I’m starting to crack under the strain. It’s been an hour. For the love of Dove Dark Chocolate, I just need to make a choice. Eenie, Meenie, Minie…

Problem #5 Reading in public places.
I am a compulsive reader. Yep. No cure and trust me it’s been tried. I have a book tucked along for the ride no matter where I’m going. And, see, this leads to issues because I’m a very interactive reader. I laugh, snort, sigh, snarl, groan, bawl, mutter, and make faces that probably would scare the chainsaw guy in that horror show. It definitely has an effect on the folks at the dental office. I had this young buffed dude just get up and move across the room while never taking his eyes off me. How rude! I wasn’t going to do him violence and I certainly wasn’t going to hurt my precious Kindle. Yeesh, Wickham would bring out that response in most readers. This is why I make an effort to choose my public reading book wisely.

Now, tell me I’m not alone on this sort of thing. What type of reader issues have you encountered as an Austen lover or a reader in general?

Then Comes Winter Goes on a World Tour

Then Comes Winter is on the move. This book, featuring 12 holiday themed short stories, is traveling from author to author through the US, Canada, Romania, back to the US, and it's final destination is to be determined based on who wins this unique book and package of souvenirs gathered from each stop.

Each author will take Then Comes Winter (TCW)on a visit around her home town, take some pics, sign TCW, and add a special souvenir or card. When the journey is complete, a winner will be chosen and TCW will arrive at its final destination, a well-traveled book.

So far, TCW has been to Washington State and crossed the border to stop in British Columbia. Next stop, Alberta. Want to see where TCW has visited? Go to the Meryton Press post and check it out. Here's the link: http://merytonpress.com/a-then-comes-...
Enter the giveaway through the link provided on the page. Come back often and enter while continuing to follow TCW's progress.

I can't wait for TCW to come to Michigan. :)

We're Going to Party Like Its...1816??? You bet!

You are cordially invited...


A merry week of celebrating the launch of Meryton Press's short story holiday anthology "Then Comes Winter" with the authors.
Where: On the facebook page created for the event.
What: Games, meet & greets, giveaways.
When: 8 a.m. PST (That's 11 a.m. EST) Who: Authors: Lory Lilian, Beau North, Suzan Lauder, Linda Gonschior, Natalie Richards, Sophia Rose, Brooke West, Melanie Stanford, Denise Stout, Anngela Schroeder, Maureen Lee, and Erin Lopez.

Monday:
Christina Boyd 11am EST, 8am PST
Maureen Lee 5pm EST, 2pm PST
Karen Cox 7-8pm EST, 4-5pm PST

Tuesday:
Denise Stout 11am-12pm EST, 8-9am PST
Brooke n Beau 7-8pm EST, 4-5pm PST
Natalie Richards 8-9pm EST, 5-6pm PST

Wednesday:
Melanie Stanford 11am-12pm EST, 8-9am PST
Michaela Robertson 2-3pm EST; 11am-12pm PST
Sophia Rose, 9-10pm EST, 6pm-7pm PST

Thursday:
Linda Gonschior 11am-12pm EST, 8-9am PST
Erin Lopez 5-7pm EST, 2-4pm PST
Anngela Schroeder, 8-10pm EST, 5-7pm PST

Friday:
Suzan Lauder 11am-12pm EST, 8-9am PST
Lory Lilian 4-5pm EST, 1-2pm, PST
Sophia Rose, 9-10pm EST, 6-7pm PST

******************************
I'm hosting a couple slots and I've been busy conjuring up fun and quirky Northanger Abbey New Year's themed activities from my own short story in the group. And relax, there will not be a pop quiz on your knowledge of Northanger Abbey though feel free to trot out your favorite scenes and quotes and pictures. And definitely show some comment love to win some fab prizes. Seriously. Fab prizes. Go to the page and check out the early previews pics of the 'gotta have that' prizes. :)

Here's the link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/10636...

Just for kicks! Let's see if you know this Northanger Abbey trivia bit:
Who said, “The person, be it gentlemen or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.”

Then Comes Winter Is Live on Amazon

I'm excited to share that Then Comes Winter Kindle edition is live and ready for your one-clicking pleasure!
http://www.amazon.com/Then-Comes-Wint...

Then Comes Winter Cover Reveal

Howdy, All!

I'm very excited to share the cover of the new winter holiday anthology that features my short story, 'North for the New Year'. Pretty snazzy, right? This cute couple could be my own pair of characters in their sweet sleigh ride scene.



The release is for early December and there will be a fun blog tour and a Facebook release party with games and of course prizes. Dates coming soon!!!