Tabitha Vohn's Blog, page 10
May 3, 2015
New Giveaway for Tomorrow Is A Long Time...
http://tometender.blogspot.com/2015/0...
Thanks to Dianne from Tome Tender for her flattering review and for facilitating this giveaway.
Check it out if you're interested in a free copy!
Thanks to Dianne from Tome Tender for her flattering review and for facilitating this giveaway.
Check it out if you're interested in a free copy!
May 1, 2015
Which Table Did You Sit At?
My students are currently working on a multi-cultural project, and one of the essays that they’re reading has to do with segregation at the school lunch table. Not just segregation between races, but between all of those ubiquitous clique- clichés: the jocks, the metal heads, the nerds (The Breakfast Club lives on) etc.
I thought back to my own high school experience, wondering if I would still choose to sit at the same “table” today. But the interesting thing about my high school (which was a home-school setting for grades 9-10, a private school setting for grades 11-12) table was that, ironically, there wasn’t much of a choice. It was either me, my mom and two brothers conversing about our day before facing the dreaded Becca Math books in the afternoon or, later, it was me and my eighteen (yes, that was our entire class of ’99) fellow classmates sandwiched in at the only class table in the cafeteria.
Despite the laughable Saved By The Bell setting of my high school, I like the fact that it forced me to interact with people who I wouldn’t necessarily have hung out with if given a choice. If it would have been up to me, I would have surrounded myself with the type of kids that I gravitated towards during my last stint at public school, mostly artists and would-be 90’s hippies who listened to Nirvana and wore lots of tie-dye and sunflower babydoll dresses. But they were nowhere to be found, and my private school cafeteria table forced me to hang with the sporty kids, the goof-offs, the uber-conservative, straight-A kids. I think the experience contributed to what makes me a good teacher. I’d like to think that I’m able to see past the stereotypes that are so persuasive in life and truly appreciate the individual for who he/she is. It was good to be thrust from that comfort zone early in life; it made the road ahead a bit less bumpy.
So…what table were you at? If given the choice, would you still sit there today?
I thought back to my own high school experience, wondering if I would still choose to sit at the same “table” today. But the interesting thing about my high school (which was a home-school setting for grades 9-10, a private school setting for grades 11-12) table was that, ironically, there wasn’t much of a choice. It was either me, my mom and two brothers conversing about our day before facing the dreaded Becca Math books in the afternoon or, later, it was me and my eighteen (yes, that was our entire class of ’99) fellow classmates sandwiched in at the only class table in the cafeteria.
Despite the laughable Saved By The Bell setting of my high school, I like the fact that it forced me to interact with people who I wouldn’t necessarily have hung out with if given a choice. If it would have been up to me, I would have surrounded myself with the type of kids that I gravitated towards during my last stint at public school, mostly artists and would-be 90’s hippies who listened to Nirvana and wore lots of tie-dye and sunflower babydoll dresses. But they were nowhere to be found, and my private school cafeteria table forced me to hang with the sporty kids, the goof-offs, the uber-conservative, straight-A kids. I think the experience contributed to what makes me a good teacher. I’d like to think that I’m able to see past the stereotypes that are so persuasive in life and truly appreciate the individual for who he/she is. It was good to be thrust from that comfort zone early in life; it made the road ahead a bit less bumpy.
So…what table were you at? If given the choice, would you still sit there today?
April 8, 2015
5 Atypical Romance Books That Will Make You Say “Ah” and “Ah-Hah”
If someone were to look at my “Read” list on Goodreads or ask what some of my most beloved books are, they would probably label me a Romance reader, and I would probably baulk at the label. Don’t get me wrong-I love a good love story; in fact, I’d go as far as to say that almost all great literature includes romantic relationships in one way or another. But the label of Romance (especially as a genre) immediately calls to mind dimestore paperbacks with entangled watercolor lovers on the covers, all heaving bodices and chest measurements of epic proportions, and stories of little to no purpose other than to entertain.
Nothing wrong with that, if that’s your thing. But I’m drawn to good love stories which are also life stories: ones that consider (in context) the importance of romantic relationships in a person’s life and expose the complexities and universal struggles of humans, life, and this thing called love. Ones in which the quality of writing is as important as the entertainment value of the story. Ones that leaves you with an “ah-hah” moment, not just the “ah” moment.
That being said, here are my top five choices of “Romance” stories that will satisfy your craving for a great love story and also nourish you with lyrical writing and a deeper meaning.
#1 Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. No writer has put into words what it truly means to love someone as well as Bronte. I suppose I love this novel because it gives us the un-sugar coated definition of soul mates. Love if fickle. Love does not always make the right decision. Love doesn’t mean that I necessarily want you; it does, however, mean that I need you. Bronte also provides a brilliant contrast between three couples who do everything wrong and one couple that-however flawed-manages to get it right.
#2 The Lover by Marguerite Duras. What Nabokov dabbled with in Lolita, Duras gets right. This story (adapted from the author’s own experiences) tells of a young French girl who has a forbidden affair with an older Chinese man. Told with eloquent, fluid prose, Duras not only approaches the affair with transparency and non-bias, but also examines the destructive influences of dysfunctional families and the ways in which they influence an individual’s choices in life.
#3 The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter. All the princess fairy tales you know and love are given a fresh set of teeth. Known for her exquisite Gothic prose and her underlying feminist themes, Carter’s collection will make you see the Grimm tales in a new light, and while they may be unsettling at times or harsh in their dark beauty, they are nothing if not thought-provoking.
#4 The Silver Metal Lover by Tanith Lee. I stumbled upon this book while doing one of my fruitless key-word searches, trying to overcome those genre stereotypes and find a good love/life story. Although labeled as science-fiction, The Silver Metal Lover isn’t all aliens, spaceships, or dystopia. Rather, it envisions a world in which artificial intelligence is crafted into the perfect lover and sold at a price. Jane, a 16 year-old girl, finds first love with one of these robotic men. What follows is a delicate, touching story that will make you question the nature of love and its boundaries.
#5 Wasteland by Francesca Lia Block. This novel is, by far, the quintessential atypical love story. In fact (get ready to cringe) it’s a story about a brother and sister; still a very controversial topic, even in the land where 50 Shades currently reigns supreme. However, I include the book on this list because it takes a moral issue which I have a very clear opinion of and it caused me to challenge that opinion; not necessarily to change my view, but to see the issue in a more compassionate light. Plus, Lia Block’s writing is pure poetry; it’s a Sundance film in prose form. I’d recommend all her novels, as they will surely tug at your heartstrings with their desperate searches for love in all its forms.
Nothing wrong with that, if that’s your thing. But I’m drawn to good love stories which are also life stories: ones that consider (in context) the importance of romantic relationships in a person’s life and expose the complexities and universal struggles of humans, life, and this thing called love. Ones in which the quality of writing is as important as the entertainment value of the story. Ones that leaves you with an “ah-hah” moment, not just the “ah” moment.
That being said, here are my top five choices of “Romance” stories that will satisfy your craving for a great love story and also nourish you with lyrical writing and a deeper meaning.
#1 Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. No writer has put into words what it truly means to love someone as well as Bronte. I suppose I love this novel because it gives us the un-sugar coated definition of soul mates. Love if fickle. Love does not always make the right decision. Love doesn’t mean that I necessarily want you; it does, however, mean that I need you. Bronte also provides a brilliant contrast between three couples who do everything wrong and one couple that-however flawed-manages to get it right.
#2 The Lover by Marguerite Duras. What Nabokov dabbled with in Lolita, Duras gets right. This story (adapted from the author’s own experiences) tells of a young French girl who has a forbidden affair with an older Chinese man. Told with eloquent, fluid prose, Duras not only approaches the affair with transparency and non-bias, but also examines the destructive influences of dysfunctional families and the ways in which they influence an individual’s choices in life.
#3 The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter. All the princess fairy tales you know and love are given a fresh set of teeth. Known for her exquisite Gothic prose and her underlying feminist themes, Carter’s collection will make you see the Grimm tales in a new light, and while they may be unsettling at times or harsh in their dark beauty, they are nothing if not thought-provoking.
#4 The Silver Metal Lover by Tanith Lee. I stumbled upon this book while doing one of my fruitless key-word searches, trying to overcome those genre stereotypes and find a good love/life story. Although labeled as science-fiction, The Silver Metal Lover isn’t all aliens, spaceships, or dystopia. Rather, it envisions a world in which artificial intelligence is crafted into the perfect lover and sold at a price. Jane, a 16 year-old girl, finds first love with one of these robotic men. What follows is a delicate, touching story that will make you question the nature of love and its boundaries.
#5 Wasteland by Francesca Lia Block. This novel is, by far, the quintessential atypical love story. In fact (get ready to cringe) it’s a story about a brother and sister; still a very controversial topic, even in the land where 50 Shades currently reigns supreme. However, I include the book on this list because it takes a moral issue which I have a very clear opinion of and it caused me to challenge that opinion; not necessarily to change my view, but to see the issue in a more compassionate light. Plus, Lia Block’s writing is pure poetry; it’s a Sundance film in prose form. I’d recommend all her novels, as they will surely tug at your heartstrings with their desperate searches for love in all its forms.
February 26, 2015
Stories of Duskland Interveiw & Review!
http://storiesofduskland.tumblr.com/
Thanks to Isis Sousa for being awesome, for reading my book, and for asking fun questions ;0)
Thanks to Isis Sousa for being awesome, for reading my book, and for asking fun questions ;0)
February 4, 2015
New Interview, Review, and Giveaway for "Tomorrow"
http://kookiekrysp.com/interview-give...
Krystle @kookiekrysp asks the coolest questions.
Hear my ravings about the actor(s) who inspired Cal in my latest story, my thoughts on writing, life, etc. and read a lovely review by a reader/blogger who totally got what I was attempting with "Tomorrow" (Yay! It's so freaking rewarding when someone gets it :0)
Oh, and win one of 20 free e-copies so you can see for yourself if it lives up to the hype.
P.S. Thanks to Krystle for her lovely comments!
Krystle @kookiekrysp asks the coolest questions.
Hear my ravings about the actor(s) who inspired Cal in my latest story, my thoughts on writing, life, etc. and read a lovely review by a reader/blogger who totally got what I was attempting with "Tomorrow" (Yay! It's so freaking rewarding when someone gets it :0)
Oh, and win one of 20 free e-copies so you can see for yourself if it lives up to the hype.
P.S. Thanks to Krystle for her lovely comments!
January 26, 2015
Making It As Easy As Possible...
In a shameless ploy to self-market (smiles, winks), a free ecopy of Tomorrow is open to anyone willing to read it and offer an honest review. Contact me through Making Connections on Goodreads;https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/.... And find other new indie authors there as well. Happy reading!!
January 1, 2015
I "heart" Bios!
It all started one winter when my husband asked me to sit in a cold, drafty hunting cabin with him. I piled old blankets on top of myself, stared out into the snow-covered pines, and opened my copy of Get Happy, a biography of Judy Garland. It was one of the most euphoric reading experiences, both because of the picturesque yet rustic scene that I found myself in and because of the wondrous opportunity of peaking into the life of such a beloved entertainer and the times she lived in.
Since then, I've made it my winter tradition to read biographies about fascinating people. Granted, most of them are artists (musicians and actors primarily), but I relish in the opportunity to peak "behind the curtain" and catch a glimpse of what their lives were like. Mostly I am surprised by the hard, sorrowful life most celebrities lead, but more so I drink in all of the stories of eras gone by, major historical events witnessed firsthand, etc.
So, in honor of my winter tradition, I am currently reading the memoir of probably my most beloved musician of all time, Joan Baez, whose haunting, resplendent voice and commitment to non-violence continue to both inspire and comfort me.
Here are some other terrific biographies/memoirs of people I love that I recommend:
Read more@http://tabithavohn.com/2015/01/i-hear...
Since then, I've made it my winter tradition to read biographies about fascinating people. Granted, most of them are artists (musicians and actors primarily), but I relish in the opportunity to peak "behind the curtain" and catch a glimpse of what their lives were like. Mostly I am surprised by the hard, sorrowful life most celebrities lead, but more so I drink in all of the stories of eras gone by, major historical events witnessed firsthand, etc.
So, in honor of my winter tradition, I am currently reading the memoir of probably my most beloved musician of all time, Joan Baez, whose haunting, resplendent voice and commitment to non-violence continue to both inspire and comfort me.
Here are some other terrific biographies/memoirs of people I love that I recommend:
Read more@http://tabithavohn.com/2015/01/i-hear...
December 1, 2014
New Author Interview on PebbleInTheStillWaters
Thanks to Jaideep for inviting me to do this interview. He asks to neatest questions!
Check it out@http://pebbleinthestillwaters.blogspo...
Check it out@http://pebbleinthestillwaters.blogspo...
November 24, 2014
Giveaway for Tomorrow...
Hey Readers,
I'm doing another giveaway of a free ebook for Tomorrow, courtesy of Books Direct. You can find it at http://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com.... Happy Reading!
I'm doing another giveaway of a free ebook for Tomorrow, courtesy of Books Direct. You can find it at http://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com.... Happy Reading!
Getting Real...
Let's be honest readers,
I'm new at this. I'm a complete do-it-myself-er when it comes to self publishing (with a little gracious help on the editing side from some awesome pro bono first-readers). And...I'm virtually unknown. That being said, I love to write. It's like a delicious drug with only pleasing side effects. Every time a reader discovers my work and enjoys it, it's an extra rush.
So, for as long as I indie-publish, I plan on making my novels available for 99 cents on Kindle, in hopes that you will take a chance on me and the stories I have to share.
I'd love to hear your feedback (good or bad) if you read my latest, Tomorrow Is A Long Time (available now on Kindle for 99 cents), or my previous works. Happy reading and thanks in advance for taking a look :0)
I'm new at this. I'm a complete do-it-myself-er when it comes to self publishing (with a little gracious help on the editing side from some awesome pro bono first-readers). And...I'm virtually unknown. That being said, I love to write. It's like a delicious drug with only pleasing side effects. Every time a reader discovers my work and enjoys it, it's an extra rush.
So, for as long as I indie-publish, I plan on making my novels available for 99 cents on Kindle, in hopes that you will take a chance on me and the stories I have to share.
I'd love to hear your feedback (good or bad) if you read my latest, Tomorrow Is A Long Time (available now on Kindle for 99 cents), or my previous works. Happy reading and thanks in advance for taking a look :0)
