Michelle Zink's Blog, page 51

Thursday Night Write – 2/3/2011

[image error]When I was a kid living with my dad, we used to spend summers on our boat, first in Lake Powell and later in the San Juan Islands. I loved the San Juans so much. They were beautiful and wild, more like a wilderness getaway in the middle of the ocean than a tropical paradise. The water was so green. And cold! Though that didn't stop my half-brother and I from seeing how long we could stay in (this, despite the little jellyfish kept us company in droves).

Orcas Island was my favorite, and in particular the Moran House seen here. Built between 1906-1909 by Seattle mayor and shipbuilder Robert Moran, it came into view long before one reached the actual island. It spoke of days gone by when the wealthy would Summer in locales like this one, taking walks along the craggy shore and walking beneath the covered porticos.

I haven't been there in years, but all of this snow and winter has made me think of it again. I thought it would be a good prompt for toninght's Thursday Night Write.

But first, a quick reminder about my Valentine's Day Take Care of Yourself Giveaway. It's one my favorite no-strings-attached (i.e. no book promotion required) giveaways. Enter to win a little Treat Yourself care package complete with fuzzy sock, chocolates, and other assorted goodies!

Prompts are a great way to let your mind go and get the creative juices flowing, and the rules for TNW with a prompt are easy! Give yourself no more than 30 minutes to write whatever comes to mind when you look at the photo posted here. Then, post no more than 500 words of it for comment, remembering to comment at least one other entry. You can post your piece anytime between now and Sunday night at midnight EST, though the earlier you post, the more comments you'll likely get. Writers of all ages and levels of experience are welcome.

Most importantly, have funnn!

The Take Care of Yourself Giveaway!

February is a mixed bag, isn't it?

First of all, we're in the middle of Winter. And if you're Winter is anything like ours this year, it's getting pretty old.

Then, you have Valentine's Day, which can be angst-producing all by itself. Sure, it's great if you're part of a couple, but if you're not, it can be a drag.

But you know what? It doesn't HAVE to be!

I think it's important not to rely on other people for the feel-good moments in your life (and as a single mom, I know whereof I speak). Who says you need a partner to treat yourself?

YOU DON'T!

And you know what, learning to take care of YOURSELF, to pamper yourself now and then and treat yourself kindly, is one of the MOST important things in the world. Especially for girls who tend to be both instinctively nurturing toward others and also conditioned to put others first, it can be easier said than done to put ourselves first.

So my first giveaway of the year is a Valentines Day Take Care of Yourself Giveaway!

It includes;

[image error]Bath & Body Works Fuzzy Socks

Bath & Body Works Body Spray

Bath & Body Works Lip Balm

A Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Candle

Box of Lindt Chocolate Truffles

Box of Sweethearts Candy Hearts

A Postcard with a Personal Message from Moi

And you can still enter if you're a dude, because I'm SURE there is a woman in your life (girlfriend, mother, sister, friend) who would LOVE to receive this pack of goodies!

I have TWO of these prize packs to giveaway! Here are the rules;

Share in the comment section of this post your favorite way of taking care of yourself, treating yourself, or otherwise being good to yourself for one entry.

Get an additional  entry each for posting a link to the contest on Twitter or Facebook (limit two extra entries, one for each).

This gives you a total of three possible entries for this contest and they're TOTALLY EASY! Plus, you're spreading the love by giving everyone a chance to treat themselves to something nice right when we could all use it.

This contest is open to International contestants and runs from NOW to midnight EST on Tuesday February 8th (with any luck, the winners will get back to me quickly and will receive their goodies before Valentine's Day)! Winner will be chosen by Random Number Generator and will be announced on February 9th, 2011.

And don't forget everyone has a chance to win my Reader of the Month contest for February (and every month). All you have to do to qualify is register for the Forum!

Song of the Week – Light from Darkness

I'm super excited to announce the Song of the Week as Light from Darkness by City of the Fallen. You guys know how much I love epic, score-like music, and this one definitely fits the bill.

Thanks to Mitch for turning us all onto it!

On another note, I'm pleased to announce Elly as January's Reader of the Month. Elly is a regular on the Forums and an avid Prophecy supporter. She'll be receiving a $25 bookstore gift card to the store (online or otherwise – just let me know where you want it from, Elly!) of her choice, plus some fuzzy socks and Secret Wonderland body spray from Bath & Body Works and a Guardian of the Gate post card with a personal message from moi.

Congrats, Elly! Please send your mailing address to prophecypress@aol.com and we'll get everything out to you.

Here's how we chose a winner; We took all of the Forum members who were most active (there were five this month) and put their names into hat. Then, I had Caroline draw a name at random. Elly was the winner, but with only five names in there, four other people had very good odds of winning. February's Reader of the Month will be chosen the same way, so don't forget to register for the Forums and drop in from time to time. Each winner will be taken out of the running for three months, but being a finalist doesn't preclude you from being a finalist the next month.

Tomorrow I'll announce my February Giveaway. I promise the entry requirement will be super easy!

Until then, enjoy Light from Darkness…

Being Ditched, Finding Yourself, and Following Your Dreams

[image error]This promises to be a busy week here on the site! Tomorrow I'll announce January's Reader of the Month, and Wednesday will mark the kick-off of my February giveaway and the countdown to the Circle of Fire release. You guys know how much I love giving stuff away, so get ready!

In the meantime, I've partnered with Heather Zahn Gardner to bring you some beautiful photographs that will be used in the Circle of Fire trailer. You can get a sneak peek and keep up on Heather's progress by visiting her at Fire and Ice. I'm super excited and even more excited to unveil Kenneth's Circle of Fire theme. It's hard to choose a favorite, but I can hear his growth as a composer in it and it's just as beautiful as the Prophecy and Guardian music.

So sit back and enjoy this peaceful Monday with this week's Anonymous Teen Reader, Crystal, because the rest of the week's going to be cuh-razy!

And if you'd like to be featured as an Anonymous Teen Reader, just send an email to prophecypress@aol.com with "Anonymous Teen Reader" in the subject line.

JUST THE FACTS

Interview Code Name (you choose!); Crystal

Current country of residence; United States

Male or female? Female

Age; 19

ABOUT THE BOOKS

How many books, on average, do you read a month? Well, I'm pretty busy with college life so I don't get to read much but I do try to read at least two.

Favorite kind of book and why; Anything that deals with the paranormal and romance. I find it very interesting and help me escape the reality of my life once in awhile.

Name the single most important factor in your decision to purchase a book; Price definitely since I'm always on a budget.

What makes you feel like you're reading or have read a truly amazing book? If I cant put the book down! I remember reading a V.C Andrew book and I could not stop reading it! I finish it within a day. It was the same with Prophecy of the Sisters. (

How important is a friend's recommendation in your decision to purchase a book? To tell you the truth some of my friends are not readers so if they say a book is good then it is good!

Thing you'd like to see more or less of in the YA genre; I don't really care as long it is something I can enjoy.

What's your biggest pet peeve in a book? I do not really have one.. the only thing is if the ending ends badly or abruptly.

Paperback or hardcover? Paperback

Series or stand-alone? It does not matter.

ALL ABOUT YOU

If you had a life philosophy or motto, what would it be? Follow your dreams and live your life happily.

Are your parents divorced? Yes. I'm currently living with my mother and little brother.

Do you feel that being a teenager is difficult? If so, why? Yes, cause it is during these years that we are trying to find who we are and also feeling all the pressure your family give you.

List some of your hobbies. Writing, singing, making videos, photography, drawing

Why do you think teenagers feel the need to label one another? I feel the reason teenagers need to label each other because it makes themselves feel good.

Favorite color? Light green or purple… can't really decide.

Is there anything in your past that makes you sad or angry? If so, are you willing to share it here? Omg! Tons! I remember one time my ex best friend ditch me for a guy who was my best friends boyfriend and when I tried reaching her she wouldn't answer.

What is your passion? Music and writing!

Do you feel the need to pretend to be someone you're not? If so, why? Sometimes because my family is not as accepting of my personality as my friends.

What kinds of things do you think about when you're all alone? My future and school.

How do you keep your bed? Covered in pillows? Made perfect every morning? A mess of tangled sheets? A mess of tangled sheets

Do you ever feel the need to be invisible? If so, why? Yes, because my family and friends can be very embarrassing….

Do you believe that you will ever find the type of love you read about and see in books and movies? No, cause I personally don't believe in those kinds of love.

Do you like school? Why or why not? Yes! It keeps me busy and something to do.

Do you believe that education is important? Yes.

Are the cliques you read about or see on TV present in your school? Well, not as much in my college but definitely in my high school and middle school.

Do you ever feel awkward and uncomfortable? Of course.

Favorite animal? Wolf

Have you ever been mean to someone? If so, why? How do you feel about it now? Yeah, tons of people because some of the people I hang around are not decent people to be with. I tend to not dwell in my past actions… I learn to accept it and move on.

Do you regret any of the choices you've made? If so, are you willing to share them here? Yes and the biggest regret I have is not spending more time with my grandfather before he died.

Do they wonder or worry about what other people think about you? Be honest! To tell you the truth only when I'm with adults… not as much as when I'm with teenagers.

Things I Love – Gorgeous, Vintage Jewelry

[image error]This week I love this Czech pendant from Zephyr Vintage for the simple fact that it's gorgeous.

It makes me think of something Dimitri would give to Lia. I can see him putting it around her neck…

Zephyr Vintage has some incredible vintage jewelry. You guys should definitely check it out!

Friday Poll; Women and Competition

[image error]I've been thinking about girls and women lately. About how odd it is that we're more inclined to fear and criticize each other than to help each other.

Well, I guess it's not that odd if you look at it from an evolutionary standpoint.

We've had to compete with one another for food, men, and jobs forever.

But still… aren't we past all that now? In an age when we can get all the food we need at the grocery store, men are optional, and there is no longer a limit on the jobs that are available for women, why does it sometimes seem that we're still willing to throw a sister under the bus just to get a leg up? That we secretly rejoice when one of our peers is knocked down by life (I admit to feeling this way when the person seems particularly deserving of the slap-down)?

There was a time (eons ago, but still!) when women WERE sisters. When they banded together to help each other, provide each other solace, and guid each other through the confusing and treacherous moments of life (one of my favorite books that illustrates this is The Red Tent by Anita Diamant).

Have we lost all of that? I'm not pointing fingers. When I was younger, I had my own competitive streak. But I've become more Zen about it (and everything else) as I've gotten older. I really feel that connection to my peers now. I understand my responsibility to help them where I can and to provide them with love and sisterhood when they need it.

Then again, I am decidedly hippy-dippy on the subject of universal love being the healer of all things.

What about you guys? Do you feel competative with your fellow women? Or do you see them as sisters in this journey called life?

Weigh in with the Friday Poll!

View Poll

Thursday Night Write – Open Mic 1/26/2011

[image error]I don't know about you guys, but this week has been looong. You'd think all the weather delays, early dismissals, and snow closings would make everything go faster.

IT DOESN'T!

I feel like January has been three months long.

Anyway, I'm hard at work on my sekrit project and waiting for edits on the Spring 2012 book. I'm SO excited about it and am really looking forward to unveiling the title, cover, etc. over the coming months. I'm also working with Heather Zahn Gardner of Fire and Ice photos to bring you some beautiful images for the Circle of Fire trailer. I'm sure we'll be able to give you guys some teasers along the way! Heather's work is just gorgeous. Go take a look and give her a little love!

And don't forget that January's Reader of the Month will be announced next week. The winner will receive a $25 bookstore gift card and some other goodies, but you MUST be registered on the Forums to win.

And now, it's time for Open Mic! Post your short story, poem, song, or novel excerpt of 300 words or less for comment, and don't forget to comment at least one other entry if you leave a post of your own. Writers of all ages and experience are welcome!

Reader of the Month

Only FIVE more days until our first Reader of the Month is announced.

Just sayin'.

And don't forget that you must be registered on the Forums to win the $25 bookstore gift certificate and any other goodies I decide to throw in. Other than that, there's nothing you have to do. I'm just gonna pick someone!

Ah, the power! THE POWER! Mwah-ha-ha-ha!

:D

Song of the Week – Chevaliers de Sangreal

This is my little nod to Hans Zimmer for the well-deserved nomination for the Inception score (even though he was *cough*robbed*cough* on the Director front). This one isn't from Inception. It's from The DaVinci Code and was nominated for Song of the Week by Laura. It's incredible. It just builds and builds and builds. I think it's safe to say that Zimmer is one of the finest and most original film composers of our time.

LOVE. IT.

And keep those song nominations coming! Just send yours to prophecypress@aol.com with "Song of the Week" in the subject line.

Red, Hurting Others, and Losing Control

[image error]

I've spent this past week working on my top sekrit project and planning all kinds of wonderful things for you guys.

Yes! YOU!

That's because we're almost to the six month mark until the Circle of Fire release. And you know how I LOVE keeping you involved as we ramp up to a new book!

*cough*swag*cough*

I have tons of giveaways planned (including my famous no-strings-attached Prophecy Superfan giveaway), website upgrades and additions (including a place for your fanart), contests (one of which will be a Prophecy fanfic contest and a chance to have your story posted here), trailers, a free short story from Alice's point-of-view, Kenneth's Circle of Fire score reveal, and tons of other awesome stuff.

The first giveaway will be announced February 1st. You all KNOW I give good swag, so stay tuned. This is going to be funnnn!

In the meantime, I'm pleased to introduce this week's Anonymous Teen Reader, Blizzard. You'll probably notice that these are last year's questions. That's just because they were sent to Blizzard before we moved to the new ones. It'll be a nice little blast from the past until next week when we return to the new format.

And remember; if YOU want to be an Anonymous Teen Reader, send an email to prophecypress@aol.com with "Anonymous Teen Reader" in the subject line. It's that easy!

JUST THE FACTS

Interview Code Name (you choose!);

BlizzardCurrent country of residence;

United StatesMale or female?

FemaleAge;

16

ABOUT THE BOOKS

How many books, on average, do you read a month?

It really depends. Lately, I've been reading six or more but it's usually between three and four because I like to take my time.Favorite kind of book and why;

I love fantasy. I like escaping to a bigger, new, impossible world where everything I ever dreamed of and want to believe in is real and more mysterious than I could ever imagine.Name the single most important factor in your decision to purchase a book;

If I've heard goods things about it. Usually, I'm pretty good at picking out books that I like just from the synopsis but I also make sure to read some reviews to get a good sense of how I'll like it. If more than five reviewers didn't like it, then chances are, I probably won't either. (Five! You're a tough cookie!)What makes you feel like you're reading or have read a truly amazing book?

If a book can make me laugh, or cry, or lose myself, for hours in the pages, then I know that it is a truly amazing book.How important is a friend's recommendation in your decision to purchase a book?

As of late, it's becoming more and more important. My friend L is really getting into YA (Yay!) and reads everyday now, and each time we hang out, we always either talk about the books we've read or want to read, or go to the bookstore and point at books we want to read.Thing you'd like to see more or less of in the YA genre;

I really would love to see more sci-fi. For some reason, I feel like I never, ever see any YA science fiction and that's such a shame. I'm a really nerdy girl who loves space and aliens and those kind of things and to see more books based around those sorts of things would be great.What's your biggest pet peeve in a book?

I absolutely hate when the main character, if it's a girl, can't fight for herself. I just think, "Why are you even the MC if you can't defend yourself in a simple situation?" It gets annoying for the guy to have to swoop in every two pages to save the girl from something that's just… stupid, that other girls would be perfectly capable of escaping alone. I understanding being defenseless occasionally (we all are) but there's a point where it just becomes ridiculous.Paperback or hardcover?

I like hardcovers better, because they look cooler and more organized on my book shelf. They're more expensive, yes, but they're also going to last longer and take a better beating. Just kidding, I don't beat my books up at all. :)Series or stand-alone?

Lately, I've been reading a lot of stand-alones but I don't mind series at all. In fact, the majority of the books I own are a part of a series.

ALL ABOUT YOU

What music do you most often listen to?

I love rock and alternative music. Occassionally, I like a pop or dance song but I prefer alternative because I can better relate to the lyrics and those songs usually give me inspiration in my writing.Name your favorite band;

Breaking Benjamin and Red. Those two bands would be the only ones I'd ever listen to if I didn't feel like my friends would think I was stranger than I already am.Best movie of all time?

The Breakfast Club!Without naming names, tell us a little about your group of friends;

It's really small actually. I mean, very small. My closest friend is L; she knows more about me than anyone, even my own family. We've known each other since we were babies but we weren't always close, and even now we're not really "best" friends but we're close enough that we can trust each other with our secrets. Now, my best friend would have to be C. He's a better brother to me than my real one and he never fails to make my day better when I need it. He makes sure I know he's there for me and I love that about him. I couldn't ask for a better guy friend.What's your biggest concern about the world right now and/or the people in it?

How people can hurt others, whether physically or emotionally, without any thought to it, whether the person is a stranger or a family member. Like the shooting in Arizona… that's a good example. It's ridiculous and scary. Someone gives you a million dollars, no strings attached. What do you do with it?

First, I would run out and immediately buy my dream car, a brand-new Mitsubishi Eclipse. Then I'd modify it a bit, you know, new rims, window tinting, new sound system, etc. :) Can you tell I'm a car girl? Then I'd donate some to my favorite charities and keep the rest to support my family.You can live for one year in any place in the world. Where do you go and why?

New York City! If there was ever one place I've dreamed about, it's NYC. I've never been there but have wanted to go for as long as I can remember. To me, it's a city of magic and mystery and adventure, and being able to live there for one year would absolutely complete my life. Plus, it would definitely be nice to research for my novel, which takes place in Manhattan. :)Have you ever "Hidden" someone on your Facebook feed? If so, why?

Just spam-ridden fan pages. If I really didn't like a person that much, I'd more likely just delete them off my friend list than hide them.Do you get along with your family? Either way, tell us why.

My mom is the best mom in the world, or at least in my world. She's done so much for my brother and I and I really couldn't ever express how appreciative I am to have her. Even though I say a lot of things I don't mean when we get into fights, I could never, ever hate her. My brother isn't really all that great of a guy, which is why I think I look to C for that. We were getting along nicely for a few months but his attitude is quickly returning unfortunately.What is one thing most people don't know about you?

I'm a very paranoid person. It may just be because of some things that have been happening to me over the last year but I'm always looking over my shoulder and watching myself more closely than is probably necessary. I'm also always uptight about little things that wouldn't bother most people. I hate it but I'm working on it.Name your biggest secret fear.

Losing control. Of my car. Of myself. Of everything, really. I have this recurring nightmare that I lose control of my car and end up paralyzed.Name something you like about yourself.

I like that I'm not one of those "normal" teenagers. I don't go out and party, drink, smoke, and whatever. I don't disobey my mom. I don't sneak out. I read, write, and work hard in school. I don't want things handed to me; it makes me feel utterly lazy and undeserving when someone gives me something that I didn't pay for.What one thing would you like to know about other teens?

How on earth do you live such disorganized lives? And how can you stand living in a completely messy room?!