Michelle Zink's Blog, page 39

Mystery Monday

Last week I told you that I was going to retire the Anonymous Prophecy Reader feature in order to try something new. I'm sorry to see the feature end, but I reserve the right to bring it back in the future if the interest is there.

For now, though, I'm going to be posting a topic of mystery every Monday. I'm completely fascinated with all things unexplained. Maybe it's because so much of our world HAS been explained. I love knowing that there's still so much to figure out, so much that hasn't been quantified. It's why I love writing in the supernatural/paranormal genre and why even the adult thriller I'm working on has an element of the unexplained. I think it will be fun to post these topics as they come up, so every Monday, I'm going to post a video, link to a news article, new discovery, photos, etc. that will remind us all how much we still have to learn and explore.

This week's Mysterious Monday is about the Bermuda Triangle. I've always been fascinated with it, though when I was young I thought ANYONE who stepped foot inside it would be snatched away without warning. In fact, when my dad went on a cruise to Bermuda when I was about twelve and told me they would be passing through the Triangle, I spent an entire week certain that he was gone forever.

Still, even as an adult it's fascinating. Lost ships and planes, screwy signals, strange and unexplained sightings… sounds like a mystery to me.

Friday Poll – Teens, Parents, and Sex

I read this interesting editorial this week from the New York Times about the differences between Danish parents and American parents when it comes to sexual honesty.

Basically, the writer of the article interviewed people from Denmark and America to take their temperature on the subject of how open teens could be with their parents about their sexual lives. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Danish teens by and large had very open relationships with their parents in which sex was discussed throughout adolescence. In many cases, their boyfriends/girlfriends were even allowed to spend the night while the parents were in residence.

In contrast, the American teens had very private sexual lives and often didn't share any of the details with their parents for fear their parents would disapprove. I wasn't at all surprised to find that these teens actually expressed sadness over their forced secrecy and a desire to share that part of their lives with their parents without fear of reprisal. Saddest of all (to me), were the teens who said things like, "I feel like I have to pretend to be a different person around my parents."

I have very strong opinions on this subject matter, but I don't want to poison the well, so to speak.

I'll just let you weigh in with the Friday Poll!

View Poll

Thursday Night Write – Open Mic 7/28/2011

[image error]Welcome to another edition of Thursday Night Write. After last week's prompt, this week is Open Mic, which means you can post a 300-word excerpt of your original short story, poem, song, or novel for comment. Don't forget to comment at least one other post if you decide to play. Writers of all ages and experience are welcome!

Just a quick reminder that the Ipod Touch Giveaway ends tomorrow at Midnight EST. I'm giving away tons of amazing stuff, including free books, girly stuff like body spray and nail polish, tote bags, etc. And there are SO many ways to enter!

Also, T-minus 6 days until the official release of Circle of Fire, the third and final book in the Prophecy of the Sisters Trilogy. Ahem. SO EXCITED.

Song of the Week – Sorrow

This one comes all the way from Jenny in the UK, one of my very favorite readers. I always listen when Jenny gives me a music recommendations because we are fellow lovers of the band Brand New.

If you know me, you know that I ADORE Brand New. They really are my all-time favorite band. So when Jenny recommended The National, I went right to Youtube.

And found THIS! Isn't it amazing?! I'm in love with this guy's voice, and the lyrics are incredible.

Hope you guys enjoy it as much as I do.

 

 

Diversity, True Love, and a Speck of Dust

[image error]This week marks the last of our Anonymous Prophecy Readers. I've SO enjoyed getting to know those of you who have submitted interviews. You have continually renewed my faith and belief in the next generation. The Anonymous Reader feature has been part of my blog for almost two years. I'll truly miss it!

But with every goodbye, comes a new hello, and I've decided to try something new on Mondays.

I think you'll all like it! But it's a surprise, so check back next Monday for the big feature reveal.

In the meantime, meet The Ocean Has Her Heart!

And for the record, you guys have mine.

JUST THE FACTS

Interview Code Name (you choose!); The Ocean Has Her Heart

Current country of residence; Canada.

Male or female? Female

Age; 20

ABOUT THE BOOKS

How many books, on average, do you read a month? Between four and eight, but if I'm in school then they're usually for lit. classes.

Favorite kind of book and why; Fantasy, historical fiction and maybe a splash of science fiction, because they allow me to escape for a bit into a different world.

Name the single most important factor in your decision to purchase a book; Sometimes it's the cover that catches my eyes, or the author. If I like the summary then I'll read the first few pages and see if they suck me in.

What makes you feel like you're reading or have read a truly amazing book? When I can disappear into the story and feel like no time has passed. If I can pick a book up, read it again and find things I missed the first time around, then I know it will stay a favourite.

How important is a friend's recommendation in your decision to purchase a book?? It depends on the friend. I've learned over the years who has similar tastes as me and I tend to trust their recommendations more than others.

Thing you'd like to see more or less of in the YA genre; What happened to diversity? I was walking around the teen section of Chapters last week and it felt like everything on the shelves was either super-natural fiction along the lines of Twilight or drama based Gossip Girl style books. So I guess I'd like to see less of the same thing.

What's your biggest pet peeve in a book? My biggest pet peeve is definitely wimpy hero/heroine who doesn't act on their feelings or constantly needs help to do so. Anyone who knows me has heard my rant about Romeo (or any character based on him). Yes, he's romantic, but he spends far too much time bemoaning his situation and waiting for someone to fix it for him.

Paperback or hardcover? Paperback – I hate cracking the spines on hardcovers!

Series or stand-alone? Both! Although I seem to own a lot of series.

ALL ABOUT YOU

If you had a life philosophy or motto, what would it be? I'm going to share one of my favourite quotes for this one. "Always carry on your person two pieces of paper, one in each pocket. On the first write 'I am a speck of dust' and on the other 'the world was created for me.'" It's from a show called 'Everyday Rapture' and I like that it reminds me to keep things in perspective, but that anything is possible if you work for it. (LOVE IT!)

Are your parents divorced? Nope, but my dad is in the military so he spends quite a bit of time away from home.

Do you feel that being a teenager is difficult? If so, why? I think that there are moments when it feels like you are completely alone and no one understands what you are going through, but when you look back on it later you realize that maybe it wasn't so bad.

List some of your hobbies. I dance (it pretty much takes up my life outside of school), and I'm an avid theatre fan. I go through spurts of writing and I've been known to bake a mean apple crisp (or so my roommates tell me).  (YUM!)

Why do you think teenagers feel the need to label one another? I think people in general like labels because it makes it easier for them to compartmentalize and dismiss people instead of digging deeper and getting to know them.

Favorite color? Ooo don't make me pick! Blue or green, but as a kid everything I owned was purple.

Is there anything in your past that makes you sad or angry? If so, are you willing to share it here?? Sure, but I try not to dwell too much on the past.

What is your passion? I'd have to say my love for dance. It took me a while to figure out that it was something I could explore and be proud of, but I'm really happy to say that in the fall I'll be starting a teacher training program so I can share my passion with other people.

Do you feel the need to pretend to be someone you're not? If so, why? When I was in junior high and high school I had this idea that if I could dress "the right way" or do the "right" things, then a certain group of people would like me. Eventually I realized that the people I was trying to impress weren't worth it, but there are still days where I'm not completely comfortable in my own skin. (Me, too, hon.)

What kinds of things do you think about when you're all alone? Whatever is going on in my life at the time and the future…I shouldn't be left alone with my thoughts too long.

How do you keep your bed? Covered in pillows? Made perfect every morning? a mess of tangled sheets? During the day it's covered in pillows, but at night it's just me and my fuzzy duvet.

Do you ever feel the need to be invisible? If so, why? Invisible is my default mode at parties or whenever I'm in an uncomfortable situation. I clam right up and fade slowly into the background.

Do you believe that you will ever find the type of love in books and movies? I don't believe that any relationship is as perfect as fiction can make them out to be, but I do think true love exists and I have some wonder examples of it in my life.

Do you like school? Why or why not? Now I do! I like it when what I'm studying interests me or is well-taught, but I've had my fair share of snooze worthy classes.

Do you believe that education is important? I think it is important, because it opens doors for us and makes us explore things we might not otherwise have thought about. That being said, I think that education beyond high should be a choice.

Are the cliques you read about or see on TV present in your school? They are to an extent, but the lines aren't as clearly defined as fiction makes out to be. I know my school never had the stereotypical jocks and cheerleaders sort of situation, but there is always some kind of hierarchy.

Do you ever feel awkward and uncomfortable? Sure, especially when I'm put on the spot or have to be the center of attention, but I've gotten over my fear of public speaking, so I'll take it.

Favorite animal? I like cats, but I'm allergic to them (Dear Mother Nature, what gives?). I like dogs as well, as long as they're not too jumpy.

Have you ever been mean to someone? If so, why? How did it make you feel afterward? I have two younger siblings, so naturally we don't always get along, but I have a terribly guilty conscience, so I always apologize.

Do you regret any of the choices you've made? If so, are you willing to share them here? There were a few things I regretted not doing when I was younger, but I've been trying in the past year to change that.

Do you wonder or worry about what other people think about you? Be honest! Of course! Once I get to know someone or a group of people, then I don't care, but the rest of the time I really need to work on turning off the voices inside my head ;)

Weekly Roundup 7/24/2011

I'm not gonna lie; this has been a tough week. Between the official announcement of the Borders closing, the tragedy in Norway, the untimely death of Amy Winehouse, and the other bed news, it's one of those weeks when I've had to make a point to look around and see good things.

They are, of course, there. And you are all among the very best of them. You have no idea how much your emails and companionship online brighten my days.

Here's the roundup for this week plus updates on contests and giveaways;

The Song of the Week was Losing Your Memory by Ryan Star.

Wednesday I said a very sad goodbye to my favorite Borders store.

I gave you an ice cold prompt for Thursday Night Write to try and counteract the ridiculously hot weather we've all been having in the Northeast.

The Friday Poll linked to an interesting article about managing Millennials (people aged 18-30) and asked what you think is most important in a career.

And yesterday, on the heels of news about Norway and Amy Winehouse, I asked if we all might love each other better and accept each other more. I guess only time will tell, but I do hope the answer is, "Yes."

I also want to draw your attention to two contests open right now. The first is through Goodreads for finished copies of Circle of Fire. There will be five winners, so head on over and enter if you haven't already!

The Ipod Touch giveaway to celebrate the release of Circle of Fire is still open with tons of chances to win not only the Ipod Touch, but free books, Bath and Body Works body spray, nail polish, a summer tote bag, etc. But hurry! The contest ends soon!

On another note, I'm getting TONS of requests for ARCs of A TEMPTATION OF ANGELS after a very early round of bound galley's went out last week. I'm not sure yet how the requests for ARCs will be handled, but I'm looking into it and will get back to you. Either I'll ask you to let me know if you'd like one for review on your blog or I'll get permission for you to email my publicist directly.

Stay tuned!

 

I Am You, You Are Me

I was saddened today to hear of Amy Winehouse's passing. Not because I was a huge fan of her music. If I'm being honest, I didn't listen to it much. It's not that I didn't like it. From what I'd heard, she had an incredible voice. I just never got around to really listening.

But even to me, it was obvious that she was a very lost soul. As a mother, I wanted to wrap her in my arms, put her to bed, and love her back on track.

I'm sorry no one was able to reach her through the disease of her addiction. I feel sure there were many people who loved her and tried.

But sadder, even, than her passing is the response I've seen from so many people. Things like "Why are we mourning this loser?" and (from a teeenager), "LOL @ Amy Winehouse".

To say I'm disgusted is an understatement.

What is wrong with us? Are we so inured to the suffering of others that we can't feel empathy and sadness at the loss of someone – anyone – so young? Someone who was so lost, she couldn't be reached despite a world of love and support and admiration? Are we so desperate to feel better about ourselves and our own lives that we must tear others down to feel a moment's satisfaction.? That we must pick and pick and pick away at them even as they barely manage to step through this life – and even when they become unable to do so a moment longer?

If so, than I guess we're the ones who have lost our way.

There are also those who feel that it's wrong somehow to mourn the passing of Amy while Norway is mourning the loss of so many innocent victims. To them I would say that I mourn all. There is love and compassion in my heart for all. It isn't a contest to determine which is the more tragic situation.

The world is full of tragedy, the vast majority of which we never even have the chance to stop and take notice.

Today we can stop and take notice. We can be sorry and sad that a talented 27-year-old woman would be so full of heartache and despair, so in the grips of addiction, that she died alone well before her time.

We can be sorry and sad that 80+ plus people, many of them innocent children, are dead because of the extreme views of one disturbed individual.

And we can be sorry for the tragedy that befalls so many on an everyday basis – all the people who are lost in every way in this world.

Most of all, I'm sorry and sad for the people whose hearts have become so hardened that they have lost the undeniable truth of the life we live – we are all connected. We all suffer, fail, fall down, have shortcomings, disappoint the people closest to us, hurt, bleed.

But the vast majority of us also TRY. We try to love and believe and offer a hand and a hug to those who need it. In short, most of us are doing our very best, even when it seems to others – and often ourselves – that we are failing miserably.

Today, my wish for the world is that we will all try to love each other more and better. That we will try to look upon people not with judgment, but with compassion and empathy. Because you are me and I am you.

There isn't much that separates us after all.

Weekly round up tomorrow. Just can't do it tonight.

Friday Poll – Making a Living in the 21st Century

I was intrigued this week by this article on CNN about Millennials, aka Gen-Yers, aka people 18-30.

Apparently, the younger generation is looking to mix thing up a little in the career department by seeking jobs that allow them fun and flexibility rather than the security of previous generations.

As someone who routinely counsels young people to follow their dreams and focus on a life path that will make them fulfilled and happy, I think this is wonderful news. But I'm curious about you guys. Gen-Y or not, what do YOU think is most important in a career?

Weigh in with the Friday Poll!

 

View Poll

Thursday Night Write 7/21/2011

[image error]Before we get to Thursday Night Write, a quick reminder that you can still enter to win the Ipod Touch plus assorted awesomeness. I've got some amazing entries, with many of my readers referring TONS of people to me through Facebook and Twitter, thereby upping their number of entries considerably. You can do it, too! Even if you're not in the market for an Ipod Touch, it would make a really great gift for almost anyone.

And now, it's time for Thursday Night Write! I toyed with the idea of doing a summer-related prompt since it's freaking 95 degrees here with a heat index of a 105, but who needs THAT? What we need is something COLD.

So your prompt is at left. Same rules as always; give yourself no more than 30 minutes to write – with NO DISTRACTIONS – anything that comes to mind when you look at this picture. Then post 500 words or less of it for comment, making sure to leave a comment for at least one other entry if you post one of your own.Writers of all ages and levels of experience are welcome to join in!

Don't be intimidated! It's fun, and since I've been distracted lately I thought maybe everyone else could use some help shaking stuff loose in the writing brain, too.

Saying Goodbye

I've been trying to articulate my feelings about the impending closure of Borders ever since the announcement was made a couple of days ago.

First, let me say that I've never understood the polarity in the publishing community over chain bookstores. As an avid reader and a writer, there has been a place in my life for ALL stores, online and otherwise. I've used Amazon when I needed something quickly or something obscure, Indies when I'm near one for the uniquely personal atmosphere and customer service (when I'm on tour, I stock up at Indies!), and Borders and Barnes & Noble in between.

But Borders in Middletown, New York was my hometown bookstore. We may be only an hour-and-a-half from Manhattan, but we might as well be on the moon for all the access we have to great bookstores. There is one B&N in Newburgh (about 45 minutes from here) and a great indie called Oblong Books and Music in Rhinebeck, New York (at least an hour from where I live).

That is, quite literally, it.

My Borders was twenty minutes away and in the local mall which made it convenient on a number of levels. If I had to drop the kids off somewhere and had time to kill, I could go in, get a coffee, browse, and usually buy an armful of books. Pretty much any time we were in the mall and had time before or after a movie, we ended up in Borders. This was the store I sat in before I was published. The one I would walk through, looking at the books on the shelves and dreaming of a day when I might have one there, too. It was a refuge and a haven. Whatever else was going on in my life, the atmosphere there was largely unchanged in every good way. The staff are some of the most wonderful, passionate booksellers I have ever met. The fact that they happened to be employed by a "chain" didn't make any difference in their level of book enthusiasm as far as I could tell. They allowed me space to host a teen book club and were always happy to spend time telling me what was selling and what wasn't.

I will miss the people every bit as much as the store itself.

But in truth, I'm not surprised that Borders is closing. I do hope B&N has a different fate, but I'm not optimistic. Not because of B&N but because of US.

We vote with our money, you see. It's something I've been telling my kids since they were old enough to earn a .50 per week allowance.

You vote with your money.

If you don't want to perpetuate something, don't buy it. If you do, you're sending a message that THIS is what you want.

Not long ago my son – who happens to work at Borders – was doing his stint as cashier during his shift. A very unpleasant woman came to his station to purchase books, complaining the whole time about how they were "so expensive" at Borders and how she could get "everything cheaper at XYZ Mega Retailer." My son tried to hold his tongue, but with the writing on the wall about the Borders closing and everything that had happened, he just couldn't.

So he politely mentioned that XYZ Mega Retailer was probably able to offer everything cheaper because of their unfair labor practices and the fact that they buy so much of their product from foreign manufacturers.

Now I don't want to get into a debate about XYZ Retailer here (my son was disciplined for his comment and took his punishment like a man). That's not the point of this post. The point is what the woman said in response, which was, "Look at me. I. Don't. Care. I don't care about anything except the money I can save myself."

And therein lies the problem. Too many people just don't care. So many, that they outweigh those of us who DO. And they're going to not care us right out of all the beautiful, graceful things that make this life wonderful. If it's one thing our children need to know it's this;

The things we do – and buy – have ramifications for the world we live in. The way we behave and the things on which we place importance shape the future of our world and society as a whole.

It's easy to feel like we can't – AREN'T – making a difference. But we do. One by one, WE DO.

It is sometimes a sacrifice to buy organic food and books in bookstores, to skip a commercially "big" movie in favor of an Indie, but every time we do, we're sending a message that THIS is what we want. And every time we don't, we're saying that we just don't care. That we won't miss these things when they're gone.

I will miss them. And I will miss Borders and all of the wonderful people who work there. I will miss the smell of coffee and the tactile feel of books in my hands, the ability to browse and look before I buy, to feel the heft of a book in my hand when I leave the store. I will miss the ability to wander into a completely new section, something unexpected that reminds me why books are so magical and why they open up any and all worlds to us.

I will make the trek to B&N or Oblong as often as possible, but the truth is, most days I won't get there. I will be too busy hauling kids, meeting deadlines, and just trying to manage the many responsibilities that make up my everyday life. I will still buy books, but without my local store, more and more of that buying will have to be done online out of sheer necessity, and I won't have the impulse purchases that so often resulted from my browsing. I will miss it all.

But I will keep voting with my money wherever possible, and I hope you will, too. Because when you get right down to it, we're all on the same side. We're all lovers of words and books.

And it's really very simple; If we want to keep our brick and mortar stores in business, we have to buy books there. If we don't, they'll be gone forever.