Katherine Pine's Blog, page 2

On My Bookshelf

I probably shouldn't be reading. I'm so close to being done with Book 2 in the fallen angels series that it is getting painful. Don't get me wrong–I still have some work to do–but the end is so close that I feel like I should have finished it already. Anyways, despite this I've started looking at a few of the books I downloaded over the summer.

The good news? So far, they've all been really good. And yes, that is the bad news too, because it's kind of difficult to focus on your own work when you're in the middle of a great story. So, what I've started doing is "rewarding" myself with these books. Every time I finish my goal for the day, I let myself read a chapter. So far it's been working, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit irritated as well, because I don't want to stop reading these books.

So (alright, I just became aware of the fact that I've started a startling number of sentences with "so", but I'm not going to fix it because I need to get back to work right after this update!), for those of you who are wondering what these fabulous ebooks are, here's the list:

The Understorey (The Leaving Series) by Fisher Amelie

I'll be honest, the prologue (or should I say the prelude to the prologue?) kind of turned me off. Fellow readers, if the first, you know, 3 paragraphs or so of a book doesn't hook you, that doesn't automatically mean the book is bad. Alright, it could, but in this case it just meant that I was being ridiculous. Why? Who knows. Maybe I was jealous of Amelie's gorgeous cover, or her awesome name. In any event, MJ recommended it to me in the comments of my other indie book post a few weeks ago, so I decided to give it another shot. I am so glad I did. This book is incredibly hard to put down, and sometimes the characters feel so real it's almost scary. Everything–the writing, the character development, the plot–feels natural and effortless. But don't take my word for it–check out the 13 or so 5-star reviews on Amazon. Oh, and that prologue that initially threw me off? I am now SO WORRIED about what is going to happen next even though nothing too bad has happened yet just because of it…and that's what I call great writing

Deep Blue Secret (The Water Keepers, Book 1) by Christie Anderson

Somehow, I came across this blog post by Anderson and found it so honest and inspiring that I picked up her book. I'm so glad I did–so incredibly glad that I don't even mind that I've used the word "so" again–because this book is just lovely. The writing is evocative and thoughtful, and the mysterious romance between the leads is elegantly executed. Sometimes you just get a feeling deep in your bones that a book is going to be amazing, and I'm definitely feeling that now.

In the Cold Light of Tomorrow by K. A. McDicken

This one isn't a ya book. I met Kath through twitter and liked her immediately, and no, not because she said she enjoyed my book. Kath is generous with her time, kind and considerate to everyone, funny, and tough. If you don't believe me, check out her blog! Anyways, I've been looking forward to reading her book for a while, and I've  finally started. It's a fast-paced, thought-provoking, murder mystery, post-apocalyptic novel about human (and animal!) mutant survivors–and no, it's not like X-men. I don't have anything against X-men, but this book is pretty different. The mutants feel very real, and Kath's world building is just fantastic.

Ain't No Sunshine by Leslie DuBois

Get ready for your heart to break. This book is intense. Really, really intense. The story takes place in the south during the 1960′s, and focuses on the forbidden love between of Stephen, a white boy, and his best friend, the African American girl who lives next door who has always been there for him. Their love is beautiful and sweet, and exists in a world where everything is against them. These two must face racism, abuse, murder charges, and a devastating family secret. I haven't reached the end, and I'm praying that they make it.

Providence by Jamie McGuire

I'm thinking of making an "Recommended Angel" list soon, and so far it looks like Providence is going to secure a spot on it, which really shouldn't be surprising considering it's by the same person who brought us Beautiful Disaster.

Bright Young Things with Bonus Material by Anna Godbersen

This one isn't an indie book. The description describes it as Gossip Girl meets The Great Gatsby, and I think that's pretty accurate. It's also pretty amazing that I picked up the book after it was compared to those two stories. I have pretty ambivalent feelings towards Gossip Girl (I'm familiar with it but wasn't really intrigued enough to read the books or seen the TV show), and my hatred of The Great Gatsby is legendary. But all of that doesn't matter. What does matter is that this book is beautifully written and completely seductive. Do yourself a favor and read the first paragraph, sigh because it's amazing, read it again, and then go ahead and download the book from Amazon because….RIGHT NOW IT'S FREE!!!

So that's the end of my list. Think I'm reading enough books at once?

Also, I want to take a moment to thank MJ and aricmitchell for recommending so many great books. I'm looking forward to going through all of them once I finish these.

Katherine’s AGT Top 10

Well, we’re almost at the end of the season, and it’s been a good one. Even though many of the acts America voted into the top 10 weren’t my absolute favorites, I am still looking forward to watching the finals next week on Hulu. However, the following are the acts I’d most like to see again.  A quick note about my picks: I’m only picking one act from each group (one dancer, one singer, one comedian, etc.) Why? Because I think that variety is part of what makes the show so much fun to watch!

1. Zuma Zuma

In my opinion, Zuma Zuma was the best dance group in the entire competition, period. They were also the best acrobatic group. The best trick group. The best pole dancers. The best…well, you get the idea. Their choreography was always interesting, and I was very aware as I watched them that if something went wrong they could end up seriously injured or dead. So why did they go home??? WHY????? I don’t know, but I was so sad to see them leave. I truly think they should have been given a Vegas show.

2. The Kenetic King

Watching the Kenetic King preform was one of the most suspenseful experiences I’ve ever had watching TV, which is funny once you learn what he does. He bombed during his first live show in LA. Oh, it was so sad, and though I hoped people would vote him through so he could get a second chance, he ended up going home. Luckily Piers brought him back and he rocked it. I would’ve “woohoo-ed” so hard if you’d one, Kenetic King!

3. Geechy Guy

Alright, I loved J. Chris Newberg, and his Roast of Piers Morgan during the Wildcard show was one of the better roasts I’ve seen and made me laugh so hard that my eyes started tearing up (seriously, how could people vote him off after that?). Still, Geechy Guy was my favorite comic on the show. How can you not love someone with “so many jokes it’s not even funny?” I was sad to see you leave, Geechy Guy. I would have loved it if you’d won the whole thing.

4. Echo of Animal Gardens

Alright everyone, it’s a parrot that tells jokes and sings better than at least half of the other singers in the competition. How did Echo not go through? And why was Echo never brought back? The cute factor there was through the roof, and I, for one, would love to see an animal win the AGT

5. Landon Swank

I just love watching magic tricks. I actually thought that all of the magicians on AGT did a wonderful job this year, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say my favorite was Landon Swank. He always preformed interesting (and sometimes intense) illusions, and didn’t distract the audience with a sparkles, dancing ladies, and other gimmicky stuff. He also built his own props, which I think helped make his magic unique. I am so happy that he made the top 10 and hope that he gets into the top 5.

6. Smage Brothers Riding Shows

Alright, they brought their grandma to LA so they could jump over her with motorbikes. I’m not kidding. These guys are just crazy, and totally deserved to make the top 10…which they did! Yay! I’m cheering for you guys to get into the top 5!

7. Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

Landau is my favorite singer in the entire competition. Usually. Sometimes my favorite is Lys Agnes. Maybe she should be there instead of…damn, it’s hard to pick one singer! Though there are a ton of good ones in the top 10, these two are my favorites. Lys Agnes has a haunting, rich and unique voice, and Landau is just fun to watch. He’s this really down-to-earth, soft spoken guy who washes cars and can sing like Frank Sinatra. I normally don’t root for the singers in AGT, simply because there are already so many competitions that cater to them (like American Idol or The Voice), but I can honestly say that I would be happy to see Lys or Landau win. Good thing they’re both in the top 10!

8. Charles Peachock

I’ve never seen anyone play piano by juggling. Yes, he dropped one of the swords during his Wildcard performance, but it didn’t ruin the act for me. I mean, he’d just juggled a flaming chainsaw and was balancing swords on his face. Peachock made juggling beautiful, dangerous and artistic, and I was so sad to see him go.

9. Professor Splash

There were many awesome danger acts this season, but I think the most iconic performer was Professor Splash. It was so gut-wrenching to see an older man being hoisted 30+ feet in the air and dive into a kiddie pool or a pool of fire. Professor Splash has dedicated his entire life to diving. I know he had more in store for us and would liked to have seen it.

10. Captain and Maybelle

America just doesn’t like sideshow or circus acts, which is too bad because they are some of my favorites. Yes, it is sometimes difficult to watch Captain and Maybelle perform, but you can’t deny that they are unique. I mean, I’ve never seen a guy swing pots form his eyelids before. What else can I say? They were a superb act and I wish they’d remained in the competition.

And of course, the Honerable Mentions:

Summerwind Skippers (my second favorite dance group this year that dances with jump ropes); Yellow Design Stunt Team (an awesome group of older guys that do bike tricks); Frank Miles (a “danger act” that never failed to get my heart racing); Steven Retchless (a male pole dancer who could really dance); Miami Allstars (my third favorite dance act that actually did make it to the finals!); Lys Agnes (also in the finals); and, of course, the comedian J. Chris Newberg.

So, those are my picks. Who do you think I’m crazy for not including?

Katherine's AGT Top 10

Well, we're almost at the end of the season, and it's been a good one. Even though many of the acts America voted into the top 10 weren't my absolute favorites, I am still looking forward to watching the finals next week on Hulu. However, the following are the acts I'd most like to see again.  A quick note about my picks: I'm only picking one act from each group (one dancer, one singer, one comedian, etc.) Why? Because I think that variety is part of what makes the show so much fun to watch!

1. Zuma Zuma

In my opinion, Zuma Zuma was the best dance group in the entire competition, period. They were also the best acrobatic group. The best trick group. The best pole dancers. The best…well, you get the idea. Their choreography was always interesting, and I was very aware as I watched them that if something went wrong they could end up seriously injured or dead. So why did they go home??? WHY????? I don't know, but I was so sad to see them leave. I truly think they should have been given a Vegas show.

2. The Kenetic King

Watching the Kenetic King preform was one of the most suspenseful experiences I've ever had watching TV, which is funny once you learn what he does. He bombed during his first live show in LA. Oh, it was so sad, and though I hoped people would vote him through so he could get a second chance, he ended up going home. Luckily Piers brought him back and he rocked it. I would've "woohoo-ed" so hard if you'd one, Kenetic King!

3. Geechy Guy

Alright, I loved J. Chris Newberg, and his Roast of Piers Morgan during the Wildcard show was one of the better roasts I've seen and made me laugh so hard that my eyes started tearing up (seriously, how could people vote him off after that?). Still, Geechy Guy was my favorite comic on the show. How can you not love someone with "so many jokes it's not even funny?" I was sad to see you leave, Geechy Guy. I would have loved it if you'd won the whole thing.

4. Echo of Animal Gardens

Alright everyone, it's a parrot that tells jokes and sings better than at least half of the other singers in the competition. How did Echo not go through? And why was Echo never brought back? The cute factor there was through the roof, and I, for one, would love to see an animal win the AGT

5. Landon Swank

I just love watching magic tricks. I actually thought that all of the magicians on AGT did a wonderful job this year, but I'd be lying if I didn't say my favorite was Landon Swank. He always preformed interesting (and sometimes intense) illusions, and didn't distract the audience with a sparkles, dancing ladies, and other gimmicky stuff. He also built his own props, which I think helped make his magic unique. I am so happy that he made the top 10 and hope that he gets into the top 5.

6. Smage Brothers Riding Shows

Alright, they brought their grandma to LA so they could jump over her with motorbikes. I'm not kidding. These guys are just crazy, and totally deserved to make the top 10…which they did! Yay! I'm cheering for you guys to get into the top 5!

7. Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

Landau is my favorite singer in the entire competition. Usually. Sometimes my favorite is Lys Agnes. Maybe she should be there instead of…damn, it's hard to pick one singer! Though there are a ton of good ones in the top 10, these two are my favorites. Lys Agnes has a haunting, rich and unique voice, and Landau is just fun to watch. He's this really down-to-earth, soft spoken guy who washes cars and can sing like Frank Sinatra. I normally don't root for the singers in AGT, simply because there are already so many competitions that cater to them (like American Idol or The Voice), but I can honestly say that I would be happy to see Lys or Landau win. Good thing they're both in the top 10!

8. Charles Peachock

I've never seen anyone play piano by juggling. Yes, he dropped one of the swords during his Wildcard performance, but it didn't ruin the act for me. I mean, he'd just juggled a flaming chainsaw and was balancing swords on his face. Peachock made juggling beautiful, dangerous and artistic, and I was so sad to see him go.

9. Professor Splash

There were many awesome danger acts this season, but I think the most iconic performer was Professor Splash. It was so gut-wrenching to see an older man being hoisted 30+ feet in the air and dive into a kiddie pool or a pool of fire. Professor Splash has dedicated his entire life to diving. I know he had more in store for us and would liked to have seen it.

10. Captain and Maybelle

America just doesn't like sideshow or circus acts, which is too bad because they are some of my favorites. Yes, it is sometimes difficult to watch Captain and Maybelle perform, but you can't deny that they are unique. I mean, I've never seen a guy swing pots form his eyelids before. What else can I say? They were a superb act and I wish they'd remained in the competition.

And of course, the Honerable Mentions:

Summerwind Skippers (my second favorite dance group this year that dances with jump ropes); Yellow Design Stunt Team (an awesome group of older guys that do bike tricks); Frank Miles (a "danger act" that never failed to get my heart racing); Steven Retchless (a male pole dancer who could really dance); Miami Allstars (my third favorite dance act that actually did make it to the finals!); Lys Agnes (also in the finals); and, of course, the comedian J. Chris Newberg.

So, those are my picks. Who do you think I'm crazy for not including?

Fallen Angels Book 2

Alright, it's time to talk about the second book in the series. (Actually, it's probably past time–for the last month or so, the top search term for my site has been "when does Book 2 come out?") The good news is the second book has been written. Right now I'm in the process of editing it, which means I'm about half way done with everything and should be able to release the book this fall. While I'd love to get it up by September, I think the book will probably be out sometime in October or November.

I don't have a title for it yet. The title always comes last–and by last I mean it comes not only after I've finished editing and proofreading the book, but after I've made the cover and written the blurb, too. I'm really bad at thinking up titles. (I'm also not too hot with blurbs, but that's a different post). My sister came up with After Eden and…I'm not sharing the titles I came up with. I will say, however, that everyone had one of those fake "oh, that's nice," looks on their faces when I showed them my list of possibilities. Well, everyone except my mom, who just told me they all sucked. (Thanks mom).

Anyways, I want to end this post by thanking everyone who has read the book. After Eden has done so much better than I thought it would (especially after only a few months!), and it's all thanks to you.

Awesome indie YA Paranromal Romance novels I’ve read recently

A Job From Hell (Ancient Legends)

It’s not a big secret that I love Jayde Scott’s A Job From Hell. There are a lot of vampire romances out there, but unfortunately there aren’t a lot of vampire romances like this one. It has a smart, resourceful, and complex heroine that is a little bit bad, and a seriously sexy vampire hero that is unlike any of the other vampire heros out there. Part of what makes this book so unique is Scott’s fast-paced, intricate plot, but I think her characters steal the show–especially a young lady that will star in her next novel in Scott’s “Ancient Legends” series, Beezelbub Girl.

Gravity (The Gravity Series)

Abigail Boyd’s Gravity really got under my skin. Part of this is due to the plot–I love ghost stories, complex supernatural mysteries, and books that deal frankly and beautifully with different kinds of love. The heroine in this story must face a lot of tragedy–the disappearance of her best friend, her strained relationship with her mother, and her attraction to the new, mysterious boy at school. This set-up is familiar to any reader of ya paranormal romance, but Boyd slowly turns the story into something more. It is eerie, surprising, and suspenseful. I don’t want to say anymore because I don’t want to give away any of Gravity’s secrets!

Destiny Binds (Timber Wolves)

Oh boy, where do I start? I fell in love with this book. Tammy Blackwell’s Destiny Binds has a love triangle (check), werewolves (check), and a seemingly average high school girl that is introduced to a fantasy world and may just be more than what she seems (double check). I’ve read this story before, right? So why do I love it so much? Well, Blackwell takes the tropes and stereotypes us ya paranormal romance readers love and somehow makes them unique, fresh, and real. While I read it, I felt like I was rediscovering the thrill I got when I read my first ever ya paranormal romance. The dialogue is realistic and funny, the writing feels effortless and fresh, and the story is…well just read it and see!

Starcrossed: Perigee – A paranormal romance trilogy

The word that comes to mind when I think of Tracy Lee Campbell’s Starcrossed is “solid”: fantastic writing; a fresh take on familiar genre tropes; a slow, realistic, emotionally-charged romance; complex, likeable characters; a fully realized and interesting setting; and an original, great story. Starcrossed is a wonderful blend of science fiction and fantasy with a unique “supernatural” creature that will steal your heart. Highly recommended!

Wayward (The Witch Wars Saga)

Ashley Girardi’s Wayward is incredible. Think Gossip Girl with bike races, the mafia with superpowers, and a seriously dark and frightening underworld. The heroine is the only person in her powerful family who was born without magic. Or at least it seemed that way. When she discovers she has a rare type of magic, she starts to attract the attention of dangerous people, and has to make a devastating choice. While there is a romance in this story, it takes a backseat to the action and heroine’s character development. I thought this was a fast-paced and unique urban fantasy, and a wonderful coming of age story.

The best part about this list? They are all the first books in a series, so there is more fun to come! I’ve already got my copy of Beezlebub Girl, the second in Jayde Scott’s “Ancient Legends” series, and am looking forward to the release of Abigail Boyd’s second “Gravity” book later on this summer. Now please excuse me, there are many, many more ya paranormal romances in my TBR pile that I’ve heard great things about and can’t wait to read!

Awesome indie YA Paranromal Romance novels I've read recently

A Job From Hell (Ancient Legends)

It's not a big secret that I love Jayde Scott's A Job From Hell. There are a lot of vampire romances out there, but unfortunately there aren't a lot of vampire romances like this one. It has a smart, resourceful, and complex heroine that is a little bit bad, and a seriously sexy vampire hero that is unlike any of the other vampire heros out there. Part of what makes this book so unique is Scott's fast-paced, intricate plot, but I think her characters steal the show–especially a young lady that will star in her next novel in Scott's "Ancient Legends" series, Beezelbub Girl.

Gravity (The Gravity Series)

Abigail Boyd's Gravity really got under my skin. Part of this is due to the plot–I love ghost stories, complex supernatural mysteries, and books that deal frankly and beautifully with different kinds of love. The heroine in this story must face a lot of tragedy–the disappearance of her best friend, her strained relationship with her mother, and her attraction to the new, mysterious boy at school. This set-up is familiar to any reader of ya paranormal romance, but Boyd slowly turns the story into something more. It is eerie, surprising, and suspenseful. I don't want to say anymore because I don't want to give away any of Gravity's secrets!

Destiny Binds (Timber Wolves)

Oh boy, where do I start? I fell in love with this book. Tammy Blackwell's Destiny Binds has a love triangle (check), werewolves (check), and a seemingly average high school girl that is introduced to a fantasy world and may just be more than what she seems (double check). I've read this story before, right? So why do I love it so much? Well, Blackwell takes the tropes and stereotypes us ya paranormal romance readers love and somehow makes them unique, fresh, and real. While I read it, I felt like I was rediscovering the thrill I got when I read my first ever ya paranormal romance. The dialogue is realistic and funny, the writing feels effortless and fresh, and the story is…well just read it and see!

Starcrossed: Perigee – A paranormal romance trilogy

The word that comes to mind when I think of Tracy Lee Campbell's Starcrossed is "solid": fantastic writing; a fresh take on familiar genre tropes; a slow, realistic, emotionally-charged romance; complex, likeable characters; a fully realized and interesting setting; and an original, great story. Starcrossed is a wonderful blend of science fiction and fantasy with a unique "supernatural" creature that will steal your heart. Highly recommended!

Wayward (The Witch Wars Saga)

Ashley Girardi's Wayward is incredible. Think Gossip Girl with bike races, the mafia with superpowers, and a seriously dark and frightening underworld. The heroine is the only person in her powerful family who was born without magic. Or at least it seemed that way. When she discovers she has a rare type of magic, she starts to attract the attention of dangerous people, and has to make a devastating choice. While there is a romance in this story, it takes a backseat to the action and heroine's character development. I thought this was a fast-paced and unique urban fantasy, and a wonderful coming of age story.

The best part about this list? They are all the first books in a series, so there is more fun to come! I've already got my copy of Beezlebub Girl, the second in Jayde Scott's "Ancient Legends" series, and am looking forward to the release of Abigail Boyd's second "Gravity" book later on this summer. Now please excuse me, there are many, many more ya paranormal romances in my TBR pile that I've heard great things about and can't wait to read!

They didn’t make it to Vegas, but they’re still winners in my heart

I started watching America’s Got Talent last year, and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Looking back, maybe I shouldn’t have been so surprised. I love crazy, obscure variety shows, and I love seeing people who have unusual talents perform. As an aside, I’d like the show a lot more if they downplayed the competition aspect and showed more of the acts and spent less time on Howie annoying Piers, bios of select contestants, and making fun of people who are tone deaf…but I digress. Even with these annoying “personal touches” (hehe, doesn’t saying that just make me sound evil?), I still find a lot to like about the show.

However, this year (like last year) the judges send home people that I thought should have gone to the next round. Now that the preliminaries are over, I’d like to take a moment to remember the acts I wish I could see more of. Here they are–the rejects who should SO have not been rejected. (I’m sure I’m missing a few, but I don’t want to re-watch all the shows ) So here are my favorite rejected acts that made a lasting impression on me:

(Honorable Mention) Paper Horn Man

I thought Paper Horn Man had a nice, blues-y voice, and I loved how he made his own paper horns. It was really obvious that he was having a good time on stage, and his enthusiasm was infectious. Was it a little funny and train-wreck-y? Yeah, but it also had a lot of soul and was really sweet. I can definitely see why it didn’t go through, but I liked it. It’s not my favorite on my list, but I think it deserves to be mentioned.

#5 The Female Hardcore Singer

I’ve listened to quite a few female hardcore singers and this chick was pretty damn good (as in, a lot better than many professional female hardcore singers). Why did she get buzzed, then? Well, I think it has something to do with the fact that she auditioned for AGT. This just wasn’t the right venue, and it’s too bad, because screaming like that is difficult and I think that her voice deserves to be showcased with the other singers in the competition. Anyways, she comes in at around 4:30 on the clip.

#4 The Female Sword Eater

Being one of the few female sword eaters in the world is a pretty big accomplishment. What I really loved about this act, though, was how authentic it felt. She looks and acts exactly the way I’d imagine a female sword eater from an old time-y carnival. I was a little irritated at the end when they insinuated she was too creepy. She’s a female sword eater! Being a little bit different is part of the charm. Oh well, this is one of the few times where I was actually happy they highlighted the act.

#3 Typewriter Orchestra

The clip for these guys is sandwiched in between an eating act called “The Cannon” and a parrot act that unfortunately didn’t go as planned, which makes me a little sad since I thought these guys were original and interesting. I really, really wish they’d shown more of them. It wasn’t noise–it was intricate “drumming” with typewriters. I enjoyed the rhythms and the variety of sounds they were able to come up with…or at least I enjoyed what I could hear over the buzzer and the booing crowd. AGT probably wasn’t the best venue for such an act, but I still wish it had gone better for them.

#2 ROBO (Robot Comedian)

I know, I know. I sent out a tweet about this, but it needs to be said again–WHY did they get rid of Robot Comedian? His jokes were offbeat and seriously funny. They were kind of bad, but that just made them even more hilarious in my opinion.

And my favorite act that got rejected is…..

#1 Joseph Ravens “Is My Liver Showing?”

One of the funniest things I’ve seen on TV. Joseph Ravens is a performance artist and…well…this act was brilliant. I think you just have to see it for yourself!

There are, of course, a lot of acts that I loved that are going through, but I’m going to miss these guys. I might make another post after the Vegas show about the acts that I wish made it to the big stage. Last year a lot of the people I liked ended up going home or getting voted off early. There are way too many singers!

They didn't make it to Vegas, but they're still winners in my heart

I started watching America's Got Talent last year, and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Looking back, maybe I shouldn't have been so surprised. I love crazy, obscure variety shows, and I love seeing people who have unusual talents perform. As an aside, I'd like the show a lot more if they downplayed the competition aspect and showed more of the acts and spent less time on Howie annoying Piers, bios of select contestants, and making fun of people who are tone deaf…but I digress. Even with these annoying "personal touches" (hehe, doesn't saying that just make me sound evil?), I still find a lot to like about the show.

However, this year (like last year) the judges send home people that I thought should have gone to the next round. Now that the preliminaries are over, I'd like to take a moment to remember the acts I wish I could see more of. Here they are–the rejects who should SO have not been rejected. (I'm sure I'm missing a few, but I don't want to re-watch all the shows ) So here are my favorite rejected acts that made a lasting impression on me:

(Honorable Mention) Paper Horn Man

I thought Paper Horn Man had a nice, blues-y voice, and I loved how he made his own paper horns. It was really obvious that he was having a good time on stage, and his enthusiasm was infectious. Was it a little funny and train-wreck-y? Yeah, but it also had a lot of soul and was really sweet. I can definitely see why it didn't go through, but I liked it. It's not my favorite on my list, but I think it deserves to be mentioned.

#5 The Female Hardcore Singer

I've listened to quite a few female hardcore singers and this chick was pretty damn good (as in, a lot better than many professional female hardcore singers). Why did she get buzzed, then? Well, I think it has something to do with the fact that she auditioned for AGT. This just wasn't the right venue, and it's too bad, because screaming like that is difficult and I think that her voice deserves to be showcased with the other singers in the competition. Anyways, she comes in at around 4:30 on the clip.

#4 The Female Sword Eater

Being one of the few female sword eaters in the world is a pretty big accomplishment. What I really loved about this act, though, was how authentic it felt. She looks and acts exactly the way I'd imagine a female sword eater from an old time-y carnival. I was a little irritated at the end when they insinuated she was too creepy. She's a female sword eater! Being a little bit different is part of the charm. Oh well, this is one of the few times where I was actually happy they highlighted the act.

#3 Typewriter Orchestra

The clip for these guys is sandwiched in between an eating act called "The Cannon" and a parrot act that unfortunately didn't go as planned, which makes me a little sad since I thought these guys were original and interesting. I really, really wish they'd shown more of them. It wasn't noise–it was intricate "drumming" with typewriters. I enjoyed the rhythms and the variety of sounds they were able to come up with…or at least I enjoyed what I could hear over the buzzer and the booing crowd. AGT probably wasn't the best venue for such an act, but I still wish it had gone better for them.

#2 ROBO (Robot Comedian)

I know, I know. I sent out a tweet about this, but it needs to be said again–WHY did they get rid of Robot Comedian? His jokes were offbeat and seriously funny. They were kind of bad, but that just made them even more hilarious in my opinion.

And my favorite act that got rejected is…..

#1 Joseph Ravens "Is My Liver Showing?"

One of the funniest things I've seen on TV. Joseph Ravens is a performance artist and…well…this act was brilliant. I think you just have to see it for yourself!

There are, of course, a lot of acts that I loved that are going through, but I'm going to miss these guys. I might make another post after the Vegas show about the acts that I wish made it to the big stage. Last year a lot of the people I liked ended up going home or getting voted off early. There are way too many singers!

Read & review After Eden for FREE for a chance to win a Kindle!

This post should have gone up a while ago, but I was first really busy and then really sick. Still not feeling too well, and am a bit overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I have to do still, but I'm slowly getting through it all.

But none of that is all that important, or at least it isn't important to those of you who are reading this post. You want the free book and the chance to Kindle, right? Well, you're in luck, because I'm talking about that next. 17 self-published authors (including myself) are sponsoring a kindle giveaway contest (details can be found here). There are many different ways to enter the contest, and each way gives you a certain # of tickets. However, participants can get a many tickets by reading and reviewing our sponsored books, and one of those books is After Eden.

We called this event "Indiependence Day" because it is a celebration of our ability to write and share the stories that we love. It's pretty special to me personally because I don't think After Eden would have been picked up by a big or a small publisher. I don't think this because it isn't good–if I didn't think it was great I wouldn't have published it!–I just doubt a publisher would have considered a slow, sweet and twisted romance between two seriously psychologically scarred people and their random and bizarre shenanigans marketable.

However, Amazon's self-publishing program for the kindle has allowed me to share this book with readers around the world. This book is very close to my heart, and I really can't tell you how happy it makes me to know that it's out there and being read. If you've already bought the book, a thousand thank-yous for taking a chance on a new author! I really hope you liked it, and if you want, you are welcome to enter the contest for a free Kindle by signing up on the Indiependence Day webpage and writing a review for After Eden (and/or any of the other books by participating authors).

For those who haven't read After Eden yet and would like to, you can download the book from Smashwords for free from here. The coupon code is: RP47Q . This is a 100% off coupon code that you enter at checkout, and it will be available until July 4th, 2011. July 4th is also the last day of the Indiependence Day contest.

**As an aside, all reviews should be honest. If you loved my book and want to give it 5/5 stars, great! However, if you hated it and think it deserves only 1/5 stars, that is fine too. I won't be angry, and you will still be able to enter the contest regardless of what ranking you give my (and the other author's) book(s).**

A perfect day (not) in the sun

Today is the perfect day to garden. The sky is completely grey–when you look up you don't see clouds, sky or sun. It's cool but not cold, and I feel comfortable trouncing around in a long-sleeved t-shirt, some 3/4 pants, and my neon pink work gloves.

I usually start gardening just before the sun sets because I don't like digging in the heat (crazy, I know). Today, however, I was able to start working when I got up and I'm looking forward to getting a bit more work done this afternoon. I have to replant one of two blueberry bushes because, a few days ago, I planted them way too close to each other (and no, I'm not going to say how close, because it's kind of embarrassing). The bushes really are beautiful, though, and covered with flowers that look like little porcelain bells.

But the replanting will have to wait. Right now it's time to rest and get some writing done. I'm making Brown Rice Green Tea (the kettle should start wailing in a few min), and nibbling on brown rice crackers.

When I checked my email about ten min ago, I noticed that Megan from The Book Addicted Girl posted her wonderful review for After Eden on her blog and, even better, she is giving it away to her readers! The free download coupon will be available for one week from Smashwords, so if you want to read After Eden for free (and I know that a couple of you do since one of the top searches that leads people to this site is "Where can I read After Eden by Katherine Pine for free?"), check out her review and get your free download coupon here.