**Winter Reading Challenge - 1/6/15 - 31/8/15**

[Elaine]

Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I read the same book for two different categories or do they all have to be different?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I read the same book for two different categories or do they all have to be different?"

All different Elaine:)

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon]

Here are my books for the challenge. Can't wait to start! :-)

W. What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler
I. Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch
N. Night Embrace by Sherrilyn Kenyon
T. The Twilight Before Christmas by Christine Feehan
E. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
R. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

New Release (published July)
A Matter of Time by Lisa M. Basso

YA by an Australian Author
One True Thing by Nicole Hayes

Australian Indie Author
Dollhouse by Anya Allyn

From Owned TBR
Speculative Fiction: Clariel by Garth Nix
Historical Fiction: Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
Mystery: The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great list Nikk!

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I read the same book for two different categories or do they all have to be different?"

All di..."

Okay. Thanks Brenda.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I read the same book for two different categories or do they all have to be diff..."

You're welcome:) Can't wait to see your choices Elaine!

[Lynxie]

Nikk wrote: "Here are my books for the challenge. Can't wait to start! :-)

W. What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler
I. [bookcover:Ice Like Fire|174042..."


I don't think Kate Morton is Indie Nikk... Pan is Pan McMillan...

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon]

lynxxie, it was on the aus nz indie list at no 142 at the top of this thread though that's where i found it

[Lynxie]

Nikk wrote: "lynxxie, it was on the aus nz indie list at no 142 at the top of this thread though that's where i found it"

As I mentioned in message 12, you need to look at the publisher of the book, not rely on the book being in the indie lists... people can put whatever they want in those lists really.

I wouldn't call Kate Morton indie.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

She is on the list though Lynxie, so not Nikk's fault! For those of us who don't know who are Indie authors, it makes it hard! Unless she originally published it independently I agree though...she's not an Indie author:)

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon]

grr and i was so excited when i found it on the list as i had been looking at it earlier in the day. oh well back to the drawing board :-(

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Nikk wrote: "grr and i was so excited when i found it on the list as i had been looking at it earlier in the day. oh well back to the drawing board :-("

Nikk Katie W. Stewart is an Aussie Indie author and Treespeaker is brilliant if that helps :)

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon]

Thanks Brenda, I have found a new chiuce though and edited my original post. The book i chose was originally published with create space so i think i should be fine this time :-P

also as i already borrowed the forgotten garden from the library, i am going to read it anyway as well :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Nikk wrote: "Thanks Brenda, I have found a new chiuce though and edited my original post. The book i chose was originally published with create space so i think i should be fine this time :-P

also as i alre..."

No problems Nikk..glad you got it sorted :)

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I read the same book for two different categories or do they all ..."

Thanks Brenda. I'm struggling a bit with some of the categories. I don't know any indie authors and as I don't have an e-reader I may struggle to find a book for this one. If I find an author that I can download from the library then I might be able to read it on my laptop. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

[Carolyn]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Thanks Brenda! There's a few there that have been screaming out at me :[]
Lol, you can go back to your book now ;)

Just included:
The Red Cardigan byJ.C. Burke
[book..."


I agree with Brenda, you'd like [book:Stardust|16793] Jools. It's a lovely fairy story and it's definitely not a brick!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I read the same book for two different categories ..."

I'll see if any of our more knowledgeable members might be able to help you Elaine - Lynxie??

[Lynxie]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I read the same book for two different categories ..."

Elaine, you might find your local library could stock some local author's books. Failing that, perhaps you could try and find something similar to an Indie author's book you like the sound of?

OR

Perhaps try and find someone who originally published as an indie? And has since been published traditionally...

If all else fails, you could just try your hand at a new author, even if they're traditionally published. :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I read the same book for two different categories ..."

Our own Dale Harcombe is an Indie author (I think) and you could pick up Streets on a Map: Journey Through Changes from the library (I did!)

[Elaine]

Lynxie wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I read the same book for two differ..."

Thanks Brenda and Lynxie. I'm actually going through your list at the moment Lynxie, hoping to find something that appeals to me but there are so many!!!

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I read the same book for two differ..."

Oh that's perfect Brenda. I'll have a look as I've not come across any of Dale's books and I have noticed that many of you here have read them and reviewed them quite favourably. Thank you. :)

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Carolyn wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Thanks Brenda! There's a few there that have been screaming out a....

I agree with Brenda, you'd like Stardust Jools. It's a lovely fairy story and it's definitely not a brick!
"

Ooh great! ...sounds like my kinda book, and I already have it on my kindle too :D

[Sharon]

My list for this challenge:

1. Spell it out:

W: Wife on the Run by Fiona Higgins
I: Intensive Care by Nicki Edwards
N: Nest by Inga Simpson
T: Tell the Truth by Katherine Howell
E: Echoes of Daniel by Bronwyn Parry
R: Rose River by Margareta Osborn

2. New Release:
Hush, Little Bird by Nicole Trope

3. Young Adult: Cooper Bartholomew Is Dead by Rebecca James

4. Aussie Indie Author: Encore by Margaret Lynette Sharp

5.a) Spec fiction (June) The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

5. b) Mystery (July) Thornwood House by Anna Romer

5. c) Historical (August) The Blue Mile by Kim Kelly

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I read the same book..."

You're welcome! That's a particularly good one...and not very long either:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Thanks Brenda! There's a few there that have been screaming out a....

I agree with Brenda, you'd like Stardust Jools. It's a lovely fairy story and it'..."

I know that's how I discovered it Jools;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sharon wrote: "My list for this challenge:

1. Spell it out:

W: Wife on the Run by Fiona Higgins
I: Intensive Care by [auth..."

Brilliant list Sharon! And all Aussies too...well done:)

[Lynxie]

Elaine wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I read the same book..."

I couldn't believe I'd read almost 200 indies either. It's a little crazy :) Happy hunting

[Trevor]

Do either Safe in His Arms by Renae Kaye or Tigerland by Sean Kennedy count as Aussie independent?

[Elaine]

Lynxie wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I rea..."

So Lynxie I've been trawling through your very extensive list and wow you certainly have read quite a few. There's a few there that I really like the sound of but I either can't get them from the library or they're just too expensive to buy. Not sure what I'm going to do for this part of the challenge.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Do either Safe in His Arms by Renae Kaye or Tigerland by Sean Kennedy count as Aussie independent?"

I just looked up the publisher Trevor and they are fairly big, based in the US. Both authors are Aussie, yes, but I'm not sure if they'd be classed as Indies..

Lynxie might be able to help on this one again:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgo..."

Don't stress about it anymore Elaine...you have over three months until the end and something may come up before then:) Just sort the rest of your list:)

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challen..."

Thanks Brenda. That's what I'm doing now. I wonder doSharon Robards books count as Indie books? I will leave it for now and keep an eye out at what others are reading for this category.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've d..."

Yes she does Elaine:)

[Trevor]

Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Do either Safe in His Arms by Renae Kaye or Tigerland by Sean Kennedy count as Aussie independent?"

I just looked u..."

Ok, how about Text Publishing or Giramondo are either of these classified as independent publishers?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Do either Safe in His Arms by Renae Kaye or Tigerland by Sean Kennedy count as Aussie independent?"

..."

Giramondo looks like it is Trevor. http://spunc.com.au/ind-pub-conference ... Text isn't I know, but you should be able to find something from Giramondo:) Good luck!

[Elaine]

Here's my first attempt at a list....subject to change of course.

1. Spell it out,
W- The Wonder Lover , if I can get it on time or What Came Before

I- I Saw A Man
N- Nine Days

T- To Kill a Mockingbird

E- An Echo in the Bone

R- Red Queen

2. New Release- Salt Creek

3. Aussie YA- Obernewtyn

4. Aussie Indie Author- A Woman Transported (August)

5. Owned TBR- Speculative- The Twelve

Historical-A God in Ruins

Mystery- Big Little Lies

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well picked Elaine! Some good choices there:)

[Lynxie]

Trevor wrote: "Do either Safe in His Arms by Renae Kaye or Tigerland by Sean Kennedy count as Aussie independent?"

That's a tough one Trevor. They don't seem to be affiliated with any of the traditional publishers, but as Brenda said, they're quite large. I'm inclined to say they wouldn't pass as indie.

If you like that genre, I've read Ann Somerville's Unnatural Selection trilogy. A great Aussie indie author.

[Lynxie]

Elaine wrote: "Here's my first attempt at a list....subject to change of course.

1. Spell it out,
W- The Wonder Lover , if I can get it on time or [book:What..."

A great looking list Elaine. I'll see if I can rustle up something that could work for your Aussie indie.

[Jenn]

My list.......

1. Spell it out..

W - Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer★★★★

I - I'll Be Slaying You by Cynthia Eden★★★

N - Nightshade by Andrea Cremer★★★★

T - Torrent by Gemma James★★

E - Eternal Flame by Cynthia Eden★★★

R - Riverboat Point by Tricia Stringer

2. Winter New Release
Dead Ice by Laurell K. Hamilton★★★★

3. Young Adult by Aussie Author
Ashling by Isobelle Carmody★★★★

4. Aussie Indie author
Raw by bella aurora★★★★

5. June - speculative fiction
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood★★★

July - Mystery
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter★★★★

August - Historical fiction
Caradoc of the North Wind by Allan Frewin Jones★★★★

[Nina]

W= Words of bow by Andreas Karkavitsas
I=ILIADA BY HOMER been reading alot of Ancient writings lately.Finding the myths again.

N=The Name of the Rose, Umberto Eco, i actuaaly have 5 copies of this book. I bought them in different times of my life. Dont know why. When i used to travel i didnt take books with me(havent travelled for some years now), i used to buy books from the places i was visiting, reading them on the bus or on the beach. Even if i had the books at home, it didnt bother me.Just feeling like reading them again.

T=The Tuesday Club Murders by Agatha Christie. What can i say. I love Agatha. Love her, she rests my mind and she is so smart in her writing. Amazing writter and i must say so unfairly judged whereas the quality i mean of her writing and stories,i am addicted to her.

E= Eros, Eros, Eros, by Elytis. He has written some fantastic love poems. Yet people focus more on his historic writings.

R= Religion and future oredictions By Holy Paisios. Yes, i believe in God and very much so. God has been present in my life and i read everything about Him.

I tried to post things i havee recently read again and remain a favourite of mine. Slowly getting back to reading after everything that has happened in my life.
I wanted to say again i love this place. So many things to discover.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jennifer wrote: "My list.......

1. Spell it out..

W - Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

I - I'll Be Slaying You by Cynthia Eden

N - [book:Nightshade|1033..."

Excellent list Jennifer :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Nina wrote: "W= Words of bow by Andreas Karkavitsas
I=ILIADA BY HOMER been reading alot of Ancient writings lately.Finding the myths again.

N=The Name of the Rose, Umberto Eco, i actuaaly have 5 copies of this..."

Glad you can join us with this one Nina:) And a good start on your list!

If you could please edit your post to link the books for us - (top of comment box, "add book/author" go from there) that would be great. Then you can link the rest of your choices underneath :) Any questions don't hesitate!

[Kerri]

I'll join in :)



W Whisper or Wonder
I Into the Darkest Corner or Invisible
N Never Let Me Go or The Night Circus
T To the Edge of Shadows or Tell the Wolves I'm Home
E Euphoria or Every Secret Thing
R Revival or , Relentless

New Release - TBA

YA - On the Jellicoe Road or Jasper Jones

Aussie Indie - The Stone Gate

Speculative - The Bone Clocks or The Girl with All the Gifts

Historical - The Ship of Brides
Mystery - Still Life

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kerri wrote: "I'll join in :)



W Whisper or Wonder
I Into the Darkest Corner or Invisible
N The Nightingale or [book:The Night Ci..."

Great start Kerri! I've enjoyed a couple of your choices and have a couple to read myself :)

[Trevor]

Lynxie wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Do either Safe in His Arms by Renae Kaye or Tigerland by Sean Kennedy count as Aussie independent?"

That's a tough ..."

Thanks, I'll have a look on Smashwords, I'm sure I'll find something there.

[Steve]

I am in! Now that I'm back in Vancouver Airport, waiting for a flight to L.A. I've finished off my list.

1a. Spell it Out (W): ★★★★☆ ;
1b. Spell it Out (I): ★★★★☆ ;
1c. Spell it Out (N): ★★☆☆☆ ;
1d. Spell it Out (T): ★★★★★ ;
1e. Spell it Out (E): ★★★☆☆ ;
1f. Spell it Out (R): ★★★☆☆ ;
2. New Release: (August 11) ★★★★★ ; (June 1)
3. International Children's Day: ★★☆☆☆ ;
4. Aussie Indie Author: ★★★★☆ ;
5a. Mystery: ★★★★★ ;
5b. Speculative: ★★★★★ ;
5c. Historical: ★★★☆☆ ;

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Excellent Steve :) Have fun choosing!

[Carolyn]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Hey Brenda cause it's been a while since I've done any challenges, I've forgotten. Can I read the same book for two different categories ..."

If you don't mind reading on your laptop maybe you could wait and see if any giveaways by Indie authors come up during winter. There's a good chance something you'd like to read will come up over the 3 months of the challenge.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

***Another Aussie Indie author for all of you struggling or just wishing for another author to read - Rachel Amphlett is Indie; AND she has two of her books reduced (if you read ebooks!) - check out the free/low priced kindle thread - I just added them there:)

She also has her books out in paper books too;)