Meradeth Houston's Blog, page 97
February 16, 2012
Winner!!
Before I announce the winner, I just want to say a big hello to everyone who has joined me here at my blog. I hope that you'll come back often to see what's going on. I'll be doing plenty of more giveaways in the near future as my book gets closer to coming out :) Also, the answers that everyone left for the most romantic cities and places were wonderful. I had a blast reading them! Thanks for joining in for all who participated.
So, without more of my blabbering, a giant congrats and $10 to Amazon goes to:
MELANIE FOWLER!!
Shoot me an email Melanie, and I'll get that off to you!
Hope everyone has a wonderful Thursday!!
So, without more of my blabbering, a giant congrats and $10 to Amazon goes to:
MELANIE FOWLER!!
Shoot me an email Melanie, and I'll get that off to you!
Hope everyone has a wonderful Thursday!!
February 14, 2012
Most Romantic City?
So, because it's Valentine's Day, I am going to share my answer to the most romantic city. I have LOVED the answers I've gotten in my previous post--there are so many wonderful ones! Everyone has a different take on which cities are romantic (though Paris has gotten quite a few votes), and why. I especially like the 'why' because I've loved everyone's stories :) Ahh, it's awesome.
I'm guessing most everyone's thinking I'm going to say Barcelona's the most romantic, right? I mean, I've manage to catch how much PDA here? (New pic included from the other day--I really need to stop taking these, but if I have my camera in hand, I just can't help snapping a quick shot! And this couple was kissing for-eh-ver!) Anyhow, I do think Barcelona's very romantic. It has so much history and charm! But when I think about the place I find the most romantic, another city came to mind that I wanted to share with you all:
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It has gotten sooo touristy lately that I'm almost tempted to pick another city, but I guess PV has a place in my heart that can't be replaced, even though there are throngs of people wandering around in the quaint cobblestone streets, and they even have a Costco there now. But, still, there are parts of PV that are just so pretty. And getting to sing Mana songs with a crowd on New Years was pretty dang cool. I've only gotten to go once with my husband, but I do think it's a wonderful, romantic spot. I mean, look at this:
Pretty right? (I'm not at home, so I don't have any of my own pics, alas!) And the beach and warm sand--love it! Add to that whales in the Bay de Banderas, and tasty food, well, it's a great spot.
Please, don't forget to enter and tell me where in the world you find the most romantic!
I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!!
I'm guessing most everyone's thinking I'm going to say Barcelona's the most romantic, right? I mean, I've manage to catch how much PDA here? (New pic included from the other day--I really need to stop taking these, but if I have my camera in hand, I just can't help snapping a quick shot! And this couple was kissing for-eh-ver!) Anyhow, I do think Barcelona's very romantic. It has so much history and charm! But when I think about the place I find the most romantic, another city came to mind that I wanted to share with you all:Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It has gotten sooo touristy lately that I'm almost tempted to pick another city, but I guess PV has a place in my heart that can't be replaced, even though there are throngs of people wandering around in the quaint cobblestone streets, and they even have a Costco there now. But, still, there are parts of PV that are just so pretty. And getting to sing Mana songs with a crowd on New Years was pretty dang cool. I've only gotten to go once with my husband, but I do think it's a wonderful, romantic spot. I mean, look at this:
Pretty right? (I'm not at home, so I don't have any of my own pics, alas!) And the beach and warm sand--love it! Add to that whales in the Bay de Banderas, and tasty food, well, it's a great spot.Please, don't forget to enter and tell me where in the world you find the most romantic!
I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!!
February 13, 2012
After Reading: Angel Fire
by L.A. Weatherly
Only Willow has the power to defeat the malevolent Church of Angels, and they will stop at nothing to destroy her. Willow isn't alone, though. She has Alex by her side – a trained Angel Killer and her one true love. But nothing can change the fact that Willow's a half-angel, and when Alex joins forces with a group of AKs, she's treated with mistrust and suspicion. She's never felt more alone…until she meets Seb. He's been searching for Willow his whole life – because Seb is a half-angel too.
I reviewed Angel Burn, the first book in the trilogy, here. Okay, right off the bat, this book was an excellent sequel, in my opinion. I've had my share of let-downs for the second book, but this one wasn't one of those instances, and kept up the pace and tone set in book one. I'll admit, I was a little wary of reading it for another reason, though--it's set in el DF (Mexico City). I've spent a lot of time in that city, and while it's not one of my favorite places exactly (it's insanely huge, complicated, and don't even get me started on the traffic!) there are elements that are very near and dear to my heart. So I was a little worried Weatherly wasn't going to do the city justice. Quite the contrary, actually! She did a great job portraying the place, which pleased me (I only had a few quibbles, like it is ALWAYS raining in DF, almost at least once a day!). Anyhow, other than that, Seb's character was spot-on, and as always, Alex was awesome, sizzling, and so perfect for Willow. I can't wait for the next one!
Only Willow has the power to defeat the malevolent Church of Angels, and they will stop at nothing to destroy her. Willow isn't alone, though. She has Alex by her side – a trained Angel Killer and her one true love. But nothing can change the fact that Willow's a half-angel, and when Alex joins forces with a group of AKs, she's treated with mistrust and suspicion. She's never felt more alone…until she meets Seb. He's been searching for Willow his whole life – because Seb is a half-angel too. I reviewed Angel Burn, the first book in the trilogy, here. Okay, right off the bat, this book was an excellent sequel, in my opinion. I've had my share of let-downs for the second book, but this one wasn't one of those instances, and kept up the pace and tone set in book one. I'll admit, I was a little wary of reading it for another reason, though--it's set in el DF (Mexico City). I've spent a lot of time in that city, and while it's not one of my favorite places exactly (it's insanely huge, complicated, and don't even get me started on the traffic!) there are elements that are very near and dear to my heart. So I was a little worried Weatherly wasn't going to do the city justice. Quite the contrary, actually! She did a great job portraying the place, which pleased me (I only had a few quibbles, like it is ALWAYS raining in DF, almost at least once a day!). Anyhow, other than that, Seb's character was spot-on, and as always, Alex was awesome, sizzling, and so perfect for Willow. I can't wait for the next one!
February 12, 2012
Sunday is for Photos! x2
This week has been another full one here in Barcelona. This weekend was the festival for Saint Laia (I have no idea who she was--anyone have a clue?), and I really enjoyed watching the dancing, the giant people costumes, and the castellers. Here are a few pics to see what I've been up to!
Some of the "giants" that danced in the square.
This isn't a great pic, but I had to share it because of what it depicts--last night while we were out listening to some live music in the square, several older people started doing this dance. And then more and more people joined in until there were 30+ people (all of them older) doing this little jig-like dance. It was awesome!
Fierce! With those seagulls, especially :)
Okay, so my anthropologist side had to take a picture with the mammoth. Some girls kept laughing about the "elephant" and my inner professor was like "It's NOT an elephant!" I managed to not say that aloud, though :)
More giant dancers.
Castellers! This really doesn't do the whole thing justice--it's really a giant tower of people, 6 or more layers up. It's incredible!
You know this makes you want to visit Barcelona :)I hope everyone else has had a wonderful weekend! And if you haven't had a chance, do go enter my contest! It's easy-peasy to enter, and $10 to Amazon is on the line :)
Some of the "giants" that danced in the square.
This isn't a great pic, but I had to share it because of what it depicts--last night while we were out listening to some live music in the square, several older people started doing this dance. And then more and more people joined in until there were 30+ people (all of them older) doing this little jig-like dance. It was awesome!
Fierce! With those seagulls, especially :)
Okay, so my anthropologist side had to take a picture with the mammoth. Some girls kept laughing about the "elephant" and my inner professor was like "It's NOT an elephant!" I managed to not say that aloud, though :)
More giant dancers.
Castellers! This really doesn't do the whole thing justice--it's really a giant tower of people, 6 or more layers up. It's incredible!
You know this makes you want to visit Barcelona :)I hope everyone else has had a wonderful weekend! And if you haven't had a chance, do go enter my contest! It's easy-peasy to enter, and $10 to Amazon is on the line :)
February 10, 2012
Country Mouse in the Big City
I should have titled this post "How where you live influences your writing" but that's so much more boring :) Anyhow, the topic in general has been lurking in my mind during the past week: how being from a small town in rural California (yeah, there is such a thing as rural CA), has influenced where I set my books. As I wander around this city, I find myself thinking about how different it is to live where there's always stores open (especially late, like they are here), there's a metro that can take you anywhere quickly and cheaply, there are tourists lurking around, and well, it's busy! Growing up in the country, things were quiet--and very, very different. And this has been a big influence on my stories.
Now, don't get me wrong--I have put my characters into cities vastly different places from some little town (in centuries way different from this one), but the bulk of what I write isn't set in NYC, or even San Francisco which I know quite well. I just don't feel as comfortable, and don't have the ability to layer in as much detail as I normally like. I'm sure there are authors out there who manage this much better than I do :)
So, here's what I'm wondering: have you noticed that you tend to use settings that are more familiar to you in your stories? Or do you enjoy a setting that is totally different than what's outside your door?
Now, don't get me wrong--I have put my characters into cities vastly different places from some little town (in centuries way different from this one), but the bulk of what I write isn't set in NYC, or even San Francisco which I know quite well. I just don't feel as comfortable, and don't have the ability to layer in as much detail as I normally like. I'm sure there are authors out there who manage this much better than I do :)
So, here's what I'm wondering: have you noticed that you tend to use settings that are more familiar to you in your stories? Or do you enjoy a setting that is totally different than what's outside your door?
February 8, 2012
Pitch Contest
There is a really wonderful pitch contest going on, with the awesome editors Shelly Watters, Cassandra Marshall, and Brenda Drake. My entry is posted here, if you want to take a peek at what was said!This is my entry for those so inclined to see what I'm working on :)
Name: Meradeth Title: Shadows
Genre: YA sci-fi
Word count: 86,000
Pitch:
Step one: figure out what the oily shadows creatures Leah sees actually are. Step two: figure out why they murdered her family. Step three: figure out how to kill them all.
Excerpt:
The dark rind of dried blood wasn't coming out from under my fingernails no matter how hard I scrubbed. I finally grabbed a paper towel and turned off the faucet, giving up. I used the same towel to push open the graffiti-coated door. A quick glance around the parking lot, thankfully empty, left me breathing easier.
The wooden dowel the gas-station owner used to keep any non-customers from using his bathroom was shoved into my back pocket, and I stepped inside the convenience store to return it. The man behind the counter was reading a magazine with some stacked girl posing on the front in a way that amplified her 'assets.' I dropped the key on the counter and muttered, "In your dreams," as I walked away. The clerk didn't look up.
An electronic chime sounded as the front door opened and I glanced up just in time to avoid slamming into the cop sauntering into the store.
Also, please, go enter the giveaway here!
February 7, 2012
A Little Giveaway!
Hi everyone! I'm super excited to have hit 90 followers--thanks to everyone who has joined me in my little world here :) So, in time for Valentine's, and for a little fun, I'm going to do a giveaway. Does that sound okay to everyone? How about $10 to Amazon? I imagine that might perk you up a little! I'll send an electronic gift card to the winner, to be spent on anything they'd like.
So, here's the deal. My utterly wonderful critique partner (whom I could not write without) gave me a fun idea: Colors Like Memories (my book, due out in May) deals with a little bit of romance. Okay, more than a little :) My poor star-crossed couple spent centuries living in many different places around the world. You may have noticed that my husband and I are currently doing a little extended-tour of Spain and Japan. Here's what I'd like to know: what city do you think is the most romantic? Why? Do tell me!
Okay, I'm trying out rafflecopter here for the first time, and praying it works!
(Please be sure to follow my blog to enter--not because I want to bribe you into following me, but because it makes it a whole lot easier to contact you if you win!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway.
So, here's the deal. My utterly wonderful critique partner (whom I could not write without) gave me a fun idea: Colors Like Memories (my book, due out in May) deals with a little bit of romance. Okay, more than a little :) My poor star-crossed couple spent centuries living in many different places around the world. You may have noticed that my husband and I are currently doing a little extended-tour of Spain and Japan. Here's what I'd like to know: what city do you think is the most romantic? Why? Do tell me!
Okay, I'm trying out rafflecopter here for the first time, and praying it works!
(Please be sure to follow my blog to enter--not because I want to bribe you into following me, but because it makes it a whole lot easier to contact you if you win!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway.
