What, exactly, qualifies as saying you've "been" somewhere? And by "been," I mean experienced. Because let's face it, when someone says, "Oh, I've been to Ohio/Ottawa/Outer space," the assumption is they've actually had a meaningful experience in the place, explored, learned something firsthand while they were there. But increasingly, I hear people touting long lists of places they've "been," that in reality are places they passed through, "experienced" as layovers, or were connect-the-dots on a road trip to somewhere else.
Example: when Bear and I were in England last year, we took a day trip to Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor. There was a pretentious Australian couple on the trip with us, going on and on about what all they'd been doing, and I heard the girl say, "Oh yeah, we did London one day last week."
Um... what? You "did" London—one of the coolest, oldest, most culturally rich cities in the world—in a day? I always wonder what exactly they "did," though I have a feeling it was something like this: take famous red double decker bus tour, see major sites from bus, get dinner, go back to hotel, leave the next morning.
I mean, really. On the way to and from England, Bear and I spent 5 hours in Helsinki International Airport, but is it realistic to say I've "been" to Finland? Sure I have technically, and sure I learned a few things (such as: Bear must have Scandinavian blood in him—every single airport worker in Helsinki looked like him—over 6 feet, blond, blue-eyed, even the same type of nose. It was freaky. I'm sure this isn't representative of the whole country, but those were the people working in the airport, no lie.), but c'mon.
So again, what qualifies as having "been" somewhere? It's a hard thing to define. To illustrate, let's go back to my day trip: I would say I've "been" to Stonehenge. There's not a whole lot to do there, and I spent 45 minutes walking the perimeter of it pondering the huge stones, who put them there, how they relate to the stars, etc. And I'd say I've "been" to Windsor, because I saw basically everything a tourist could see at Windsor (though I would love to go back someday and see it all much. more. slowly. Seriously, you're talking to someone who spent an entire hour in ONE room at the British Museum studying medieval artifacts).
But Bath? We spent a little over an hour there. All we got to do was walk around and pop into a couple shops. Beautiful, beautiful Bath. Would I say I've "been" there? Well, obviously I've technically been there. But have I truly experienced it? No. If you asked me about Bath, I would tell you something along the lines of: I only got to spend an hour or so there but I really liked what I saw and I'd like to go back one day. I would not say, "Oh yeah, I've been to Bath it's so wonderful you really must go some day blah blah blah."
I'm not trying to be all lawyer-y. Obviously, if you've been somewhere, you've been somewhere. But when you present an experience as something it's not to garner impressed looks or to achieve a higher opinion from others, it boils down to is misrepresentation, which is annoying.
I'm not saying you need to bold-italics-underline experience every single place you go, or that you can't learn things by passing through. I mean, I've never done more than stop in Connecticut a few times, but I can tell you it's the land of CVS and Dunkin' Donuts, not 7-11 and Krispy Kreme country like here in the South.
All I'm saying is, people look kinda silly ticking off this long list of cool and exotic places they've "been," only to eventually reveal that the majority of said places were experienced via gas station, airport terminal, or car. It was fun to play, 'How many states have you been to?' in 4th grade and count up all the places you'd driven through on the way to Aunt Sally or Grandma Jones' house.
But as an adult? Just be honest. No one cares one way or the other how much you've traveled. And if you frame it truthfully, people will be interested in hearing your story, whether it's a weird cashier at a gas fill-up in middle of nowhere Arizona or a grand adventure in a distant land.
So what do you think? Have you noticed people doing this? Does it bother you? Or am I just crazy and splitting hairs? ;)
PS - the winner of my YA prize pack is Meredith! Congrats, Meredith! I will be emailing you!
Showing posts with label contest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contest. Show all posts
June 27, 2011
June 09, 2011
Changing philosophies on blogging, reading, and writing
This is a bit of a long (okay, long) post. I hope you'll read it all, but if not, I've broken it down a little so you can read what you want to read.
Writing blogs
Like everything in life, there's a progression to blogging. I used to have so much to say, but as this blog has gotten older, I've covered so many topics, to the point I feel I have less to say, and thus, am doing a disservice to my followers by trying to maintain a semblance of a 'blogging schedule.'
I'm tired of feeling guilty because I don't post 3-5 times a week on this blog like clockwork. Which isn't to say I don't absolutely love those type of blogs, because I do. But I don't love them because they post 3-5 times a week like clockwork—I love them because they have something interesting to say 3-5 times a week like clockwork. Good examples of this type of blog are Kiersten White's and Natalie Whipple's. Both of them, I'm sure, would also tell you how hard they work to be as interesting as they are as often as they are.
Because let's face it: no one's life is always interesting. I'm pretty sure even the president has days where he sits in boring meetings and signs boring paperwork and reads boring briefs. And maybe it's important work, but it's boring.
The rules, the experts, say set a schedule and stick to it. And in an ideal world, I would post interesting, funny, thought-provoking posts every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, like I used to (I hope the posts were interesting, anyway).
But. Where I am now in life, blogging—or trying to blog, anyway—when I have nothing interesting to say is draining me, taking vital time and creative energy away from my writing. When I try to force it, my blog ends up resembling one of those cheap Easter baskets you get at Wal-Mart: there's a few cool things in the basket, but the majority of it is candy nobody eats and toys that break within 5 seconds of being opened.
Filler, in other words. I don't want my blog to be a few great posts strewn amongst bloggity filler.
So where does that leave me? Hopefully somewhere close to StephaniePerkinsland.
You see, Stephanie Perkins, awesome author of ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS, does not blog regularly. Sometimes no blog for a month. Sometimes a couple in one week. But every time I open my blog feed and see a post from Stephanie, I get excited. Her posts are always interesting, informative, entertaining, poignant, funny, silly, cool, and sometimes all of the above. So regardless of whether I 'hear from' her for a month or a week, I stay subscribed to her blog, stay interested in her, because she blogs when she can be interesting.
So from now on, THE TABBY CATT is scheduleless. I worry about this a little. But I also know it's what is best. You might hear from me a couple times a week and then not at all for a few weeks. The only rule I'm giving myself is not to let 2 weeks go by without blogging because... well, I'm afraid I'm probably not as interesting as Stephanie Perkins, so maybe her rule-breaking awesomeness won't apply quite as well to me. However, what I can promise you is you'll be getting interesting Abby, not Abby scrambling to find something interesting to say. And no filler.
Reading and commenting
You have to be careful that in blogging, you don't lose yourself in the contests, the cliques, the memes, the following just to follow, the reading just to read, the commenting just to comment. When I comment on someone's blog, I want to be thoughtful. Occasionally I get comments on my blog that I know are perfunctory—the well, I haven't commented on that blog in a while, better do it or they'll stop commenting on mine type comments. I know I'm guilty of this sometimes, too. Those types of comments, though, we all know them when we see them. And they don't put a smile on your face, or offer insight, or do anything really except add a +1 to the number of comments at the bottom or the top of your blog post.
I don't need those, and I don't want to write them. So last week I went through and pared my blog feed down to my favorite 50 or so blogs. That's a lot to keep up on, but I also got rid of a lot—a lot of blogs that are good, quality, interesting blogs. But you just can't read them all. When I open my Blogger feed, I want to be excited about what's there, not overwhelmed! I don't want to go... oh, gosh, I took a few days off and now I have to slog through 37 blog posts. After reading 20 or 30 blogs, none of the posts are going to interest you.
Reading diversely
I came into the YA game less than 2 years ago, so I've spent the better part of the last 2 years 'catching up' on the multitude of YA out there. In fact, 35 of the 62 books I've read since 2009 were YA, and since January, 11 of the 15 books I've read are YA. I just finished FLY AWAY HOME by Jennifer Weiner. That book came out almost a year ago, but I just got around to reading it because I'd been trying to stay up on YA. I shouldn't be putting one of my top 3 favorite authors to the side to read ARCs that I probably wouldn't have picked up in a store, except for the fact they are YA and I feel like I have to read every YA book I can get my hands on in order to stay up on the market.
We talk a lot in the YA community about diversity. I think that should extend to the books we read, too. Not just one genre, not just one market, not just one age group. I read adult books long before I was an adult, so why should I only read teen books now that I'm an adult? I want to read Tony Blair's autobiography and Jeanette Walls' "non-fiction novel," and EAT PRAY LOVE and AN AMERICAN WIFE.
So I'm going to. I put a lot of pressure on myself to do the 'right' thing, and it doesn't help that there's a lot of experts out there telling us what we must do—many qualified, but plenty not. But you know what? From now on, I'm going to do what works best for me. I'm going to treat YA books like any other type of book—if it looks interesting to me, I'll read it. I'm not going to allow myself to get caught up in the 'oh-this-is-the-next-big-thing-you-must-read-it' buzz. If it doesn't interest me, I'm sure someone else will love it, but I've got shelf after shelf of books that I hand-picked waiting to be read.
So what?
Please don't take any of this as a judgment against anyone. If you want to read only YA, knock yourself out. It won't affect me, and I won't mind. Boiling it down, I basically have just been thinking a lot, have rewritten the philosophies that I've developed regarding writing blogs, reading blogs, and reading books over the past few years. I just thought I'd let you know... in case anyone else felt the same way. :)
The good part
As a reward for getting all the way to the bottom of this long, winding, and occasionally whiny post, I'd like to say thank you. I'm clearing out my bookshelves again (so many new books just keep coming!) and giving away a gently used set of YA (and one MG) books:
The usual rules apply: comment to enter, must be a follower, extra entries for tweeting/putting it on your sidebar. No links necessary, I trust you. ;) US & Canada only this time. (:()
Giveaway ends 6/23.
Thank you all for being such awesome followers. Blogging and being part of the YA writing community has had a very positive effect on my writing, my confidence in my abilities, and my life in general. Please know that.
Writing blogs
Like everything in life, there's a progression to blogging. I used to have so much to say, but as this blog has gotten older, I've covered so many topics, to the point I feel I have less to say, and thus, am doing a disservice to my followers by trying to maintain a semblance of a 'blogging schedule.'
I'm tired of feeling guilty because I don't post 3-5 times a week on this blog like clockwork. Which isn't to say I don't absolutely love those type of blogs, because I do. But I don't love them because they post 3-5 times a week like clockwork—I love them because they have something interesting to say 3-5 times a week like clockwork. Good examples of this type of blog are Kiersten White's and Natalie Whipple's. Both of them, I'm sure, would also tell you how hard they work to be as interesting as they are as often as they are.
Because let's face it: no one's life is always interesting. I'm pretty sure even the president has days where he sits in boring meetings and signs boring paperwork and reads boring briefs. And maybe it's important work, but it's boring.
The rules, the experts, say set a schedule and stick to it. And in an ideal world, I would post interesting, funny, thought-provoking posts every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, like I used to (I hope the posts were interesting, anyway).
But. Where I am now in life, blogging—or trying to blog, anyway—when I have nothing interesting to say is draining me, taking vital time and creative energy away from my writing. When I try to force it, my blog ends up resembling one of those cheap Easter baskets you get at Wal-Mart: there's a few cool things in the basket, but the majority of it is candy nobody eats and toys that break within 5 seconds of being opened.
Filler, in other words. I don't want my blog to be a few great posts strewn amongst bloggity filler.
So where does that leave me? Hopefully somewhere close to StephaniePerkinsland.
You see, Stephanie Perkins, awesome author of ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS, does not blog regularly. Sometimes no blog for a month. Sometimes a couple in one week. But every time I open my blog feed and see a post from Stephanie, I get excited. Her posts are always interesting, informative, entertaining, poignant, funny, silly, cool, and sometimes all of the above. So regardless of whether I 'hear from' her for a month or a week, I stay subscribed to her blog, stay interested in her, because she blogs when she can be interesting.
So from now on, THE TABBY CATT is scheduleless. I worry about this a little. But I also know it's what is best. You might hear from me a couple times a week and then not at all for a few weeks. The only rule I'm giving myself is not to let 2 weeks go by without blogging because... well, I'm afraid I'm probably not as interesting as Stephanie Perkins, so maybe her rule-breaking awesomeness won't apply quite as well to me. However, what I can promise you is you'll be getting interesting Abby, not Abby scrambling to find something interesting to say. And no filler.
Reading and commenting
You have to be careful that in blogging, you don't lose yourself in the contests, the cliques, the memes, the following just to follow, the reading just to read, the commenting just to comment. When I comment on someone's blog, I want to be thoughtful. Occasionally I get comments on my blog that I know are perfunctory—the well, I haven't commented on that blog in a while, better do it or they'll stop commenting on mine type comments. I know I'm guilty of this sometimes, too. Those types of comments, though, we all know them when we see them. And they don't put a smile on your face, or offer insight, or do anything really except add a +1 to the number of comments at the bottom or the top of your blog post.
I don't need those, and I don't want to write them. So last week I went through and pared my blog feed down to my favorite 50 or so blogs. That's a lot to keep up on, but I also got rid of a lot—a lot of blogs that are good, quality, interesting blogs. But you just can't read them all. When I open my Blogger feed, I want to be excited about what's there, not overwhelmed! I don't want to go... oh, gosh, I took a few days off and now I have to slog through 37 blog posts. After reading 20 or 30 blogs, none of the posts are going to interest you.
Reading diversely
I came into the YA game less than 2 years ago, so I've spent the better part of the last 2 years 'catching up' on the multitude of YA out there. In fact, 35 of the 62 books I've read since 2009 were YA, and since January, 11 of the 15 books I've read are YA. I just finished FLY AWAY HOME by Jennifer Weiner. That book came out almost a year ago, but I just got around to reading it because I'd been trying to stay up on YA. I shouldn't be putting one of my top 3 favorite authors to the side to read ARCs that I probably wouldn't have picked up in a store, except for the fact they are YA and I feel like I have to read every YA book I can get my hands on in order to stay up on the market.
We talk a lot in the YA community about diversity. I think that should extend to the books we read, too. Not just one genre, not just one market, not just one age group. I read adult books long before I was an adult, so why should I only read teen books now that I'm an adult? I want to read Tony Blair's autobiography and Jeanette Walls' "non-fiction novel," and EAT PRAY LOVE and AN AMERICAN WIFE.
So I'm going to. I put a lot of pressure on myself to do the 'right' thing, and it doesn't help that there's a lot of experts out there telling us what we must do—many qualified, but plenty not. But you know what? From now on, I'm going to do what works best for me. I'm going to treat YA books like any other type of book—if it looks interesting to me, I'll read it. I'm not going to allow myself to get caught up in the 'oh-this-is-the-next-big-thing-you-must-read-it' buzz. If it doesn't interest me, I'm sure someone else will love it, but I've got shelf after shelf of books that I hand-picked waiting to be read.
So what?
Please don't take any of this as a judgment against anyone. If you want to read only YA, knock yourself out. It won't affect me, and I won't mind. Boiling it down, I basically have just been thinking a lot, have rewritten the philosophies that I've developed regarding writing blogs, reading blogs, and reading books over the past few years. I just thought I'd let you know... in case anyone else felt the same way. :)
The good part
As a reward for getting all the way to the bottom of this long, winding, and occasionally whiny post, I'd like to say thank you. I'm clearing out my bookshelves again (so many new books just keep coming!) and giving away a gently used set of YA (and one MG) books:
The usual rules apply: comment to enter, must be a follower, extra entries for tweeting/putting it on your sidebar. No links necessary, I trust you. ;) US & Canada only this time. (:()
Giveaway ends 6/23.
Thank you all for being such awesome followers. Blogging and being part of the YA writing community has had a very positive effect on my writing, my confidence in my abilities, and my life in general. Please know that.
May 16, 2011
Help Write Now is back up (and a POSSESSION winner)
Blogger Failapalooza has been (mostly) worked out, with blog posts and (some) comments restored, which means Help Write Now is back up and running. So if you intended to bid on mine and my friend and fellow author, Sarah Enni's auction, which includes a full YA manuscript critique from each of us, plus 3 ARCs from BEA/ALA, click here.
PLUS, Sarah will chat with the winner of our auction to find out which upcoming releases they are most excited about so she can try to secure those ARCs.
Sarah's feedback on PRODIGAL MAGGIE was detailed, thorough, and thoughtful, and she also made a point of telling me what she loved about Maggie's story. I like to think I am a very thorough beta reader (fast, too!), so between those prizes, and the fact the money supports the victims of the deadly storms that gripped the South last month, it's an auction worth bidding on!
Our auction now runs through Wednesday, May 18th at 10pm CST.
Alllllllso,
The winner of an ARC of Elana Johnson's debut YA novel, POSSESSION, is Valerie, who recommended I read CLOCKWORK PRINCE.
Valerie, I certainly will be! I devoured an ARC of CLOCKWORK ANGEL last year, and you can bet I'll be reading CLOCKWORK PRINCE and CLOCKWORK PRINCESS.
On another note, I know posts have been a little light lately. They will continue to be light for another week or two as I take care of MAGGIE stuff. :( but also :)
Happy Monday, don't forget to bid, and hope y'all have an awesome week!
PLUS, Sarah will chat with the winner of our auction to find out which upcoming releases they are most excited about so she can try to secure those ARCs.
Sarah's feedback on PRODIGAL MAGGIE was detailed, thorough, and thoughtful, and she also made a point of telling me what she loved about Maggie's story. I like to think I am a very thorough beta reader (fast, too!), so between those prizes, and the fact the money supports the victims of the deadly storms that gripped the South last month, it's an auction worth bidding on!
Our auction now runs through Wednesday, May 18th at 10pm CST.
Alllllllso,
The winner of an ARC of Elana Johnson's debut YA novel, POSSESSION, is Valerie, who recommended I read CLOCKWORK PRINCE.
Valerie, I certainly will be! I devoured an ARC of CLOCKWORK ANGEL last year, and you can bet I'll be reading CLOCKWORK PRINCE and CLOCKWORK PRINCESS.
On another note, I know posts have been a little light lately. They will continue to be light for another week or two as I take care of MAGGIE stuff. :( but also :)
Happy Monday, don't forget to bid, and hope y'all have an awesome week!
May 02, 2011
Winner, lunch, & who wants an ARC of POSSESSION?!
Happy Monday! Many great things are going on right now, so I'm excited to serve up several awesome items on the bloggy menu:
Numero uno
The winner of a signed copy of Christina Mandelski's THE SWEETEST THING is...
Kathryn Packer Roberts, who loves angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream.
(Me, too, Kathryn! Me, too!)
Numero dos
I had lunch (pizza, at that!) with fellow YA authors Pam Harris and Marquita Hockaday on Saturday, and wow are they awesome. So grateful they live nearby, and can't wait to get together with them again!
Numero tres
Who wants to win an ARC of Elana Johnson's POSSESSION?
From Amazon.com:
Vi knows the Rule: Girls don’t walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn…and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi’s future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.
But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they’re set on convincing Vi to become one of them….starting by brainwashed Zenn. Vi can’t leave Zenn in the Thinkers’ hands, but she’s wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous: everything Zenn’s not. Vi can’t quite trust Jag and can’t quite resist him, but she also can’t give up on Zenn.
This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.
To enter, follow this blog and leave a comment telling me the one book I MUST read in 2011. You may also tweet/post this contest on your sidebar for an additional entry. If you'd like to spread the word, here is a ready-made tweet for your convenience:
Numero uno
The winner of a signed copy of Christina Mandelski's THE SWEETEST THING is...
Kathryn Packer Roberts, who loves angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream.
(Me, too, Kathryn! Me, too!)
Numero dos
I had lunch (pizza, at that!) with fellow YA authors Pam Harris and Marquita Hockaday on Saturday, and wow are they awesome. So grateful they live nearby, and can't wait to get together with them again!
Numero tres
Who wants to win an ARC of Elana Johnson's POSSESSION?
From Amazon.com:
Vi knows the Rule: Girls don’t walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn…and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi’s future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.
But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they’re set on convincing Vi to become one of them….starting by brainwashed Zenn. Vi can’t leave Zenn in the Thinkers’ hands, but she’s wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous: everything Zenn’s not. Vi can’t quite trust Jag and can’t quite resist him, but she also can’t give up on Zenn.
This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.
To enter, follow this blog and leave a comment telling me the one book I MUST read in 2011. You may also tweet/post this contest on your sidebar for an additional entry. If you'd like to spread the word, here is a ready-made tweet for your convenience:
Dying to read @elanaj's POSSESSION? @thetabbycatt is sharing the love & giving away her ARC of POSSESSION: http://tinyurl.com/5r9jpdoContest ends Saturday, May 14th.
April 21, 2011
Author interview (and giveaway!): Christina Mandelski
Description from Amazon.com:
In the world of Sheridan Wells, life is perfect when she's decorating a cake. Unfortunately everything else is a complete mess: her mom ran off years ago, her dad is more interested in his restaurant, and the idea of a boyfriend is laughable.
But Sheridan is convinced finding her mom will solve all her problems - only her dad's about to get a cooking show in New York, which means her dream of a perfect family will be dashed.
(Click for my review of THE SWEETEST THING.)
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| Source |
(ok, now that's HARD!)
Cake decorating teen deals with family, friends and first love.
What have been the highest and lowest points on your path to publication?
Of course, the lowest point is when you start wondering if it will ever happen. I had those moments, but wouldn't allow myself to obsess over that possibility. It's easy to obsess yourself into giving up. For the most part, though, if I really looked I could see constant improvement. My rejection letters went from form letter, to one hand-written line on a form letter to a letter written just for me with some good feedback. Until one day the letter wasn't a rejection letter, it was a "please send more" letter. That was the highest point.
If THE SWEETEST THING were a movie, who would you cast as Sheridan? What about her best friend (and maybe more), Jack? Her dad? Nanny?
I love the actress Hailee Steinfeld (me, too!) who was nominated for an Oscar for True Grit. I can see her pulling off Sheridan's extreme confidence as well as her totally vulnerable underbelly. Her dad would be Jon Hamm, from Mad Men. Looove him. Nanny I always pictured as Kathy Bates, and Jack would probably be someone like a young Jake Gyllenhaal (love him too!).
Sheridan's grandmother, Nanny, is full of colorful, colloquial phrases. Being from the South, I recognized many of them. Did you make any of Nanny's crazy phrases up? Which is your favorite?
Ha! I really enjoyed writing those. Some I made up (jumpier than a frog on fire), some I researched. Busier than a moth in a mitten was one of my favorites. I didn't make that one up.
There is a plot thread about Sheridan's developing faith - something not often explored in YA. What were the challenges in writing about religion?
It was important to me to include some aspect of faith in this book, it's part of my background and a mainstay in my life. Many young adult books stay away from issues of faith. And I think that's okay, but I also think that young adulthood is when we start asking the big questions like Who is God and what does He want with me? So that's why Sheridan is questioning and searching in the book; I wanted to make her real.
What is your writing routine like? Any odd quirks?
During the school year I sit at the computer for the majority of the day, whether I'm writing, revising, or doing promotional things like this interview. It's my job and I treat it like one. Though, honestly I usually wear pretty non-professional clothes, and sometimes I forget to brush my hair, lol. My oddest quirk, which really isn't that odd, is that I go to Facebook for coffee breaks. When I worked in the real world, I loved to socialize with co-workers, but now I'm here by myself with the cat (though he is a good companion, if a bit lethargic). So when I'm ready for a break I run to Facebook for a little virtual social interaction.
Favorite YA book?
Ah, that's tough. Really, there are too many to mention. I just finished a book called Prisoners in the Palace, about the maid of young Princess Victoria (just before she becomes queen). I adore historical fiction! But I so admire writers who can capture my attention in a genre I don't usually read. Like Suzanne Collins and the Hunger Games. I'm not a big reader of dystopian, but I loved those books.
Favorite non-YA book?
My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird. It's so timeless and beautifully written. More recently I really enjoyed The Help.
Can you tell us anything about upcoming/future projects?
I'm working on another contemporary YA novel with a slight paranormal twist. It's been lots of fun so far.
And finally, give us 5 fun, random facts about yourself:
1. I'm addicted to key lime pie.
2. I never miss an episode of Top Chef. Or if I do I get really cranky.
3. I played the flute for seven years though I have absolutely no ear for music.
4. I would love to be able to sing beautifully (see #3)
5. If I had a good book and a big umbrella, I could sit on the beach all day.
Thank you so much, Christina! (And PRISONERS IN THE PALACE is now on my TBR list!)
The giveaway
Christina has generously agreed to provide a signed copy of THE SWEETEST THING to one winner.
To enter, follow this blog and leave a comment telling me your favorite type of cake (or other treat, if you can't eat/don't like cake). You may also tweet or post this contest on your sidebar for an additional entry. Here is a ready-made tweet for your convenience:
Love contemp YA & cake? @thetabbycatt is giving away a signed copy of Christina Mandelski's THE SWEETEST THING! http://tinyurl.com/3bbbofvContest ends Saturday, April 30. US addresses only.
(Sorry int'l friends, we'll have another int'l contest soon!)
April 14, 2011
Pitch contest @ YAtopia
YAtopia is hosting another pitch contest, this time judged by Natalie Fischer of Bradford Literary Agency.
The contest is open until they receive 150 entries or until April 21, whichever comes first.
To enter, go here.
I've finally got a good pitch down for MAGGIE, so wish me luck! And let me know if you decide to enter, too!
The contest is open until they receive 150 entries or until April 21, whichever comes first.
To enter, go here.
I've finally got a good pitch down for MAGGIE, so wish me luck! And let me know if you decide to enter, too!
April 09, 2011
200 Followers Contest Winner!
Thank you again to each of my 200+ followers for reading THE TABBY CATT. I have some awesome plans for the next few months (including at least one ARC giveaway... eek!), so be sure to stick around!
The winner of my 200 Followers contest is...
Milena March, who requested BIRD BY BIRD by Anne Lamott. Now, I did say novel, but since this is an instructional writing book, I'm going to make the exception! Milena, I will be emailing you for your address.
Hope everyone's having a great weekend!
The winner of my 200 Followers contest is...
Milena March, who requested BIRD BY BIRD by Anne Lamott. Now, I did say novel, but since this is an instructional writing book, I'm going to make the exception! Milena, I will be emailing you for your address.
Hope everyone's having a great weekend!
March 29, 2011
200 Followers Contest
Since I've hit 200 followers, I thought I would say thank you with a contest. :)
☆ Must be a follower.
☆ Contest ends Friday, April 8th.
☆ Open international to any countries The Book Depository ships to.
☆ You may receive 1 additional entry by tweeting OR adding the contest to your sidebar. No links necessary, but do let me know you get an extra entry in your comment.
☆ Be sure to include your email address if it's not listed on your profile.
☆ If you would like to spread the word (I kindly thank you in advance!), below is a ready-made tweet:
- To enter, go to BookDepository.com
- Pick any novel you'd like to have (no box sets, coffee table books, etc.)
- Paste the novel's Book Depository URL into a comment.
- Voila! You're entered!
☆ Must be a follower.
☆ Contest ends Friday, April 8th.
☆ Open international to any countries The Book Depository ships to.
☆ You may receive 1 additional entry by tweeting OR adding the contest to your sidebar. No links necessary, but do let me know you get an extra entry in your comment.
☆ Be sure to include your email address if it's not listed on your profile.
☆ If you would like to spread the word (I kindly thank you in advance!), below is a ready-made tweet:
To celebrate 200 followers @thetabbycatt is giving away a book of your choice! Open internationally! http://tinyurl.com/4o7f5s9Thank you to all my wonderful followers, and good luck!
February 12, 2011
Winner winner chicken dinner
Ah, a Saturday post. These don't happen very often, but I have a full schedule already planned next week, so...
I'm learning that the more laidback the contest, the more fun I (and you!) have with it, so expect more of my upcoming contests to be in this vein (though I am toying with the idea of a writing contest in the near future, too.)
Without further adieu (and I completely had to look up how to spell that)!
The winner of the box of books is
The author swag winners are
Congratulations all!
Winners, email your mailing address to abby@abbystevens.com by Wednesday, 2/16 or I will be forced to pick a new winner (sad face).
Thank you to everyone who tweeted, posted links on your sidebar, and otherwise spread the word. It is deeply appreciated!
Also, what kind of prize do you think would be worth the work involved in a writing contest (a short piece, under 1,000 words)?
Also, what kind of prize do you think would be worth the work involved in a writing contest (a short piece, under 1,000 words)?
February 01, 2011
I have too many books! (CONTEST)
Like most readers, I have a finite amount of space to dedicate to books.
Like most writers, I have waaaaay too many books.
Therefore, I've decided to purge all the doubles I've won in contests, books I enjoyed but probably won't read again (which isn't a knock at any of these books. I have so much to read, I only reread my very favorites), etc. Some books are going to my local VA, some I'm giving to family, and some are going to YOU, my readers!
That's right, one lucky follower will win an entire BOX of (lightly loved) books!
TITHE by Holly Black
DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver (ARC)
FALLEN by Lauren Kate
EVERMORE by Alyson Noel
THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins
SEA by Heidi R. Kling
CRANK by Ellen Hopkins
GLASS by Ellen Hopkins
EDIT: Since I've hit 150 followers, I'll also throw in some signed author swag I've been saving! (The winner of the books will get one signed item from Leah Clifford and Bree Despain, and the rest will go to other winners.)
THE RULES:
☆ To enter, leave me a comment.
☆ Must be a follower.
☆ Contest ends Friday, February 11th.
☆ Box of books US only. International entries welcome for author swag.
☆ You may receive 1 additional entry by tweeting OR adding the contest to your sidebar. No links necessary, but do let me know you get an extra entry in your comment.
☆ If you would like to spread the word, below is a ready-made tweet for you:
ALSO, I am hosting a blogfest on February 8th. Check it out and sign up if you're interested in participating (and participants, feel free to grab this button for your blog)!
Like most writers, I have waaaaay too many books.
Therefore, I've decided to purge all the doubles I've won in contests, books I enjoyed but probably won't read again (which isn't a knock at any of these books. I have so much to read, I only reread my very favorites), etc. Some books are going to my local VA, some I'm giving to family, and some are going to YOU, my readers!
That's right, one lucky follower will win an entire BOX of (lightly loved) books!
DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver (ARC)
FALLEN by Lauren Kate
EVERMORE by Alyson Noel
THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins
SEA by Heidi R. Kling
CRANK by Ellen Hopkins
GLASS by Ellen Hopkins
EDIT: Since I've hit 150 followers, I'll also throw in some signed author swag I've been saving! (The winner of the books will get one signed item from Leah Clifford and Bree Despain, and the rest will go to other winners.)
THE RULES:
☆ To enter, leave me a comment.
☆ Must be a follower.
☆ Contest ends Friday, February 11th.
☆ Box of books US only. International entries welcome for author swag.
☆ You may receive 1 additional entry by tweeting OR adding the contest to your sidebar. No links necessary, but do let me know you get an extra entry in your comment.
☆ If you would like to spread the word, below is a ready-made tweet for you:
To make room on her shelves, @thetabbycatt is giving away a whole box of YA books (plus signed swag)! http://tinyurl.com/6yhspz9
ALSO, I am hosting a blogfest on February 8th. Check it out and sign up if you're interested in participating (and participants, feel free to grab this button for your blog)!
December 06, 2010
DING DING DING
Before I announce the winners, I'd like to say thank you to everyone who entered! It's hard to believe it's been over a year since I started this blog. Blogging has brought me much joy, as well as allowed me to flex my writing muscles for some purpose other than my novel. I've met amazing, like-minded people and gained knowledge of the publishing industry that I never would've been exposed to otherwise. Thank you all!
*NOW*
Announcing the winners of my Blogoversary/100 Followers contest
(chosen via random.org):
The Jackson:
HOLLY DODSON!
The Maggie:
WHERESMYPENCIL!
The Jen:
RACHEL BATEMAN!
The Japanese Pens:
SARAH ENNI!
Winners, email me at abby@abbystevens.com with your address and I will get those prize packs out to you!
Also, check out Jessica Byam's blog for a Q&A with me as part of her Before They Were Published interview series.
*NOW*
Announcing the winners of my Blogoversary/100 Followers contest
(chosen via random.org):
The Jackson:
HOLLY DODSON!
The Maggie:
WHERESMYPENCIL!
The Jen:
RACHEL BATEMAN!
The Japanese Pens:
SARAH ENNI!
Winners, email me at abby@abbystevens.com with your address and I will get those prize packs out to you!
Also, check out Jessica Byam's blog for a Q&A with me as part of her Before They Were Published interview series.
November 30, 2010
My very first interview!
So my break is officially over.
I had a great time doing nothing (actually, I had a lot to do, but it wasn't writing-related), but now I'm back at it. I have an ARC to finish by tomorrow, and a crit partner's manuscript to dive into, plus another crit partner's manuscript will be ready for beta-ing soon, and... well, a Catt's work is never done! ;)
In other news, Katelyn at The Bookshelf Sophisticate has my very first blog interview up. If you do check it out, take a look around Katelyn's lovely blog while you're there!
I've extended the Blogoversary/100 Followers Contest through Saturday, December 4, so if you haven't entered, be sure to do so! All it takes to enter is being my follower and commenting on the contest's post.
Stephanie Perkins' debut novel, ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS, seems to be popping up in stores early. I've been following Steph's blog for over a year now, and I'm so excited to get my hands on this book. It's a contemporary love story set in Paris, not the Harlequin romance the title might suggest, and it's getting phenomenal reviews. If you've read it already, let me know what you thought (but no spoilers, please!).
I had a great time doing nothing (actually, I had a lot to do, but it wasn't writing-related), but now I'm back at it. I have an ARC to finish by tomorrow, and a crit partner's manuscript to dive into, plus another crit partner's manuscript will be ready for beta-ing soon, and... well, a Catt's work is never done! ;)
In other news, Katelyn at The Bookshelf Sophisticate has my very first blog interview up. If you do check it out, take a look around Katelyn's lovely blog while you're there!
I've extended the Blogoversary/100 Followers Contest through Saturday, December 4, so if you haven't entered, be sure to do so! All it takes to enter is being my follower and commenting on the contest's post.
Stephanie Perkins' debut novel, ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS, seems to be popping up in stores early. I've been following Steph's blog for over a year now, and I'm so excited to get my hands on this book. It's a contemporary love story set in Paris, not the Harlequin romance the title might suggest, and it's getting phenomenal reviews. If you've read it already, let me know what you thought (but no spoilers, please!).
November 16, 2010
Blogoversary/100 Followers Giveaway!
Today marks THE TABBY CATT's 1 year blogoversary, and I recently hit 100 followers, so you know what that means:
May-juh giveaway time! (Imagine that in Posh's voice.)
THE PRIZE PACKS (click the title to learn about each book)
→ The Maggie:
SHIVER (paperback)
and a signed copy of LINGER (hardback), both by Maggie Stiefvater.
→ The Jen:
PLUS JAPANESE PENS (to be drawn from someone who enters this giveaway AND follows me on Twitter)
→ Five (5) brand new, still-in-the-package, double-ended Zebra markers (one end fine point, the other marker tip) in dark blue, purple, orange, pink, and light blue, sent to me straight from Japan by my sister-in-law. Perfect for hand-edits!
TO ENTER
→ Be a follower of this blog
→ Leave a comment telling me which prize pack you'd prefer (you must pick!)
→ Follow me on Twitter @thetabbycatt for 1 extra entry. Leave your Twitter handle in your comment so I can say hello!
For simplicity's sake, tweeting, blogging, blog rolls, etc. will not gain you additional entries, but I will be very, very grateful for anyone willing to help me spread the word!
If you are willing to spread the word, here is a ready-made tweet, just copy and paste:
THE FINE PRINT
→ Open to US residents only (Sorry!)
→ Contest ends December 1 at midnight EST
→ One winner will be picked for each prize pack and another for the Japanese pens (4 winners total)
→ Winners will be picked randomly and announced shortly after December 1
May-juh giveaway time! (Imagine that in Posh's voice.)
THE PRIZE PACKS (click the title to learn about each book)
SHIVER (paperback)
and a signed copy of LINGER (hardback), both by Maggie Stiefvater.
IN HER SHOES (paperback)
and a signed copy of FLY AWAY HOME (hardback), both by Jennifer Weiner
→ The Jackson:
AS YOU WISH (paperback)
and an autographed copy of SISTERS RED (hardback), both by Jackson Pearce
PLUS JAPANESE PENS (to be drawn from someone who enters this giveaway AND follows me on Twitter)
TO ENTER
→ Be a follower of this blog
→ Leave a comment telling me which prize pack you'd prefer (you must pick!)
→ Follow me on Twitter @thetabbycatt for 1 extra entry. Leave your Twitter handle in your comment so I can say hello!
For simplicity's sake, tweeting, blogging, blog rolls, etc. will not gain you additional entries, but I will be very, very grateful for anyone willing to help me spread the word!
If you are willing to spread the word, here is a ready-made tweet, just copy and paste:
RT @thetabbycatt Win signed books by @mstiefvater, @jenniferweiner, and @jacksonpearce + more! http://tinyurl.com/3yr9xwl
THE FINE PRINT
→ Open to US residents only (Sorry!)
→ Contest ends December 1 at midnight EST
→ One winner will be picked for each prize pack and another for the Japanese pens (4 winners total)
→ Winners will be picked randomly and announced shortly after December 1
November 15, 2010
Harry Potter and 1 year!
Exciting things are afoot this week.
Tune in tomorrow to celebrate along with me, as well as to get the details for my (rather awesome) blogoversary giveaway!
Do you already have your tickets for HP7? When will you be seeing it? (I won't be able to see it until Friday evening!)
October 18, 2010
Feedback!
I am rapidly approaching both the 100 follower mark and my 1 year blogoversary (I really love that word, btw), and you know what that means, right?!
BIG-TIME PRIZES!
So I have a few questions for you, my friendly readers:
Feel free to get specific in the comments!
*I asked these questions on Twitter a while back, but I'd like more feedback. Feel free to vote even if you answered on Twitter.
BIG-TIME PRIZES!
So I have a few questions for you, my friendly readers:
Feel free to get specific in the comments!
*I asked these questions on Twitter a while back, but I'd like more feedback. Feel free to vote even if you answered on Twitter.
June 14, 2010
When things go great
Yay for Monday! Last month I won Kathleen Ortiz's May Grab Bag Giveaway. The package came today, and here's what I received:
INTERTWINED by Gena Showalter
MY ROTTEN LIFE: NATHAN ABERCROMBIE, ACCIDENTAL ZOMBIE by David Lubar
NIGHTSHADE (ARC) by Andrea Cremer
and a gracious note informing me that my additional prize was a query critique by K.Ortizzle herself!
I can't wait to dig into the books (especially NIGHTSHADE) and the fact I will be able to get a query critique from an agent I plan to query has me practically bouncing off the walls! Thank you to everyone who helped me win this contest. If ever you need the favor returned, you know how to reach me.
Talk about a great start to the week!
What things have gone great for you lately?
June 01, 2010
WINNERS!
The grand prize winner of THE PINK CARNATION OF HANDS AND TEETH giveaway is:
*DUM DUM DUM*
(I realized one of the winners showed in my Blogger preview and just had to come here and add some suspense because, you know, where's the fun in seeing the winner right on your Blogger Dashboard...)
LYDIA KANG, who won a signed copy of THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE PINK CARNATION!
And though I didn't hit 100 Followers, I'm selecting a second grand-prize winner as well:
SHWETA, who won a signed copy of THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH!
The winners of the query critique* by me, Blue Lipstick Samurai, Heidi Rebecca, and Molly Brewer are:
CONGRATS to the winners!
Book winners, email me your address to thetabbycatt[at]gmail[dot]com and I'll get the books out to you ASAP. Query winners, email me for instructions.
Also - I will be out of town this week and may not have internet access. I have posts scheduled, but if you don't hear from me otherwise, you know why.
*DUM DUM DUM*
(I realized one of the winners showed in my Blogger preview and just had to come here and add some suspense because, you know, where's the fun in seeing the winner right on your Blogger Dashboard...)
LYDIA KANG, who won a signed copy of THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE PINK CARNATION!
And though I didn't hit 100 Followers, I'm selecting a second grand-prize winner as well:
SHWETA, who won a signed copy of THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH!
The winners of the query critique* by me, Blue Lipstick Samurai, Heidi Rebecca, and Molly Brewer are:
CONGRATS to the winners!
Book winners, email me your address to thetabbycatt[at]gmail[dot]com and I'll get the books out to you ASAP. Query winners, email me for instructions.
Also - I will be out of town this week and may not have internet access. I have posts scheduled, but if you don't hear from me otherwise, you know why.
*If you do not have a query to critique, you may gift it to someone else or we can discuss other options (though I can't make any guarantees beyond the query critique).
May 26, 2010
YA Highway's 1st blogoversary
Since there was no RTW question posed by YA Highway this week, Holly Dodson posed her own. I won't be participating today because I'm writing blogs for when I'm out of town next week, but if you'd like to join in the fun, head over to Holly's blog.
And don't forget you only have until Monday to enter to win a signed copy of Carrie Ryan's THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH or Lauren Willig's THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE PINK CARNATION!
May 19, 2010
Help me win KOrtizzle's May Grab Bag Extravaganza!
I don't usually post 2 blogs in one day, but it's for good reason this time.
I'm a little late to the game considering Kathleen Ortiz's May Grab Bag Giveaway ends Friday (5/21), but the prizes for Kathleen's contest are too amazing not to at least try for them:
3 random YA or MG books from her stockpile (including possible ARCs!), plus an additional prize that will be either:
Amazing, right?
The reason I want to win this contest so badly (besides the insanely awesome other prizes) is for the chance to win a query critique from Kathleen, because I plan to query her by the beginning of fall. If she could look at my query now and give me notes to improve it, that'll make my chances in a few months all the greater.
So hop on over to Kathleen's blog and enter, and don't forget to tell her (and me in the comments below) that I referred you! It will give each of us 2 extra points towards the contest!
I'm a little late to the game considering Kathleen Ortiz's May Grab Bag Giveaway ends Friday (5/21), but the prizes for Kathleen's contest are too amazing not to at least try for them:
3 random YA or MG books from her stockpile (including possible ARCs!), plus an additional prize that will be either:
- a bookstore gift card
- a note for a query critique
- a note for a synopsis critique
- a note for a first chapter critique
- or an extra book.
Does it bother anyone else that this guy has stains on his shirt?
Amazing, right?
The reason I want to win this contest so badly (besides the insanely awesome other prizes) is for the chance to win a query critique from Kathleen, because I plan to query her by the beginning of fall. If she could look at my query now and give me notes to improve it, that'll make my chances in a few months all the greater.
So hop on over to Kathleen's blog and enter, and don't forget to tell her (and me in the comments below) that I referred you! It will give each of us 2 extra points towards the contest!
May 17, 2010
The Pink Carnation of Hands and Teeth (CONTEST! SIGNED BOOKS!)
To celebrate 50 Followers, I'm hosting a contest!
THE RULES:
To enter, all you have to do is be a Follower (click 'Follow' on the Google Friend Connect gadget at right → and sign in with your Google, Twitter, Yahoo, AIM, Netlog or OpenID account to Follow me if you aren't already) and fill out the form below. The contest will run from today until May 31 at midnight EST. Winner(s) announced June 1.
EDIT: Contest is open internationally.
THE PRIZES:
The grand prize winner will receive their choice of either book. Two additional winners will receive a query critique by moi, Blue Lipstick Samurai, Heidi Rebecca, and Molly Brewer.
THE RULES:
To enter, all you have to do is be a Follower (click 'Follow' on the Google Friend Connect gadget at right → and sign in with your Google, Twitter, Yahoo, AIM, Netlog or OpenID account to Follow me if you aren't already) and fill out the form below. The contest will run from today until May 31 at midnight EST. Winner(s) announced June 1.
EDIT: Contest is open internationally.
THE PRIZES:
A signed (via bookplate) copy of Lauren Willig's THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE PINK CARNATION
From the back flap - Nothing goes right for Eloise. The one day she wears her new suede boots, it rans cats and dogs. When the subway stops short, she's always the one thrown into some stranger's lap. Plus, she's had more than her share of misfortune in the way of love. In fact, after she realizes romantic heroes are a thing of the past, she decides it's time for a fresh start.
Setting off for England, Eloise is determined to finish her dissertation on that dashing pair of spies, the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian. But what she discovers is something the finest historians have missed: the secret history of the Pink Carnation - the most elusive spy of all time. As she works to unmask this obscure spy, Eloise stumbles across answers to all kinds of questions. How did the Pink Carnation save England from Napoleon? What became of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian? And will Eloise Kelly escape her bad luck and find a living, breathing hero all her own?
A signed copy of Carrie Ryan's THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH
From the back flap - In Mary's world, there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent.
And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.
But slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness.
Now she must choose between her village and her future, between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded by so much death?
The grand prize winner will receive their choice of either book. Two additional winners will receive a query critique by moi, Blue Lipstick Samurai, Heidi Rebecca, and Molly Brewer.
*If I hit 100 Followers by contest's end, I will select a second grand prize winner, who will win whichever book the first grand prize winner doesn't choose.
You may earn extra entries by:
✓Following me on Twitter
✓Tweeting this contest (if you don't know how to get the URL for a Tweet, click here)
✓Blogging this contest/adding contest to your sidebar
Good luck!
[EDIT - contest is now closed!]
[EDIT - contest is now closed!]
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