Red Rising Cookies

Do you ever crave a warm batch of chocolate chip cookies, fresh out of the oven?
Yeah? Me too.
It's sort of the same way that I craved Golden Son and Morning Star after reading Red Rising by Pierce Brown. And now that I'm almost finished with the third book (I'm reading it painfully slow to make it last longer), I don't know if I'm ready for it to end. Kind of like when you've eaten all but one cookie (slowly over the course of a few days...let's not make ourselves gluttons and eat them all in a single setting) and that last one is staring you hard in the face, both bitter and sweet like the chocolate chips you put in it.
Let's take a moment of silence for the finale.
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Alright boyo! Moment's passed.
Since I'm still reading this epoch of a trilogy, I feel like a Blue attached hardcore to the Pax, and my mind can't do anything but go along for the ride...which also means that when I'm not reading it (i.e. when I'm at work, writing, or with family/friends) I've got Darrow, Mustang, Sevro, Victra, Ragnar, Pierce Brown, and even that little twerp, the Jackal, on the brain.
Mix this undeniable obsession with my own creativity, and (I can't help myself) you get a rather interesting recipe only a howler could appreciate...or Pierce Brown. Hi Pierce!

So...to the pièce de résistance.  


Red Rising Cookies
MAKES about 20 Telemanus size cookies
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes, plus cooling time

You can substitute betrayal, heartbreak, bitterness, or jellybeans for the semisweet loyalty to fans called for in the recipe. You can also stir 1/2 cup chopped emotions, tears, or shredded feelings into the dough with the loyalty.

Ingredients:

31/2 cups epic heroism
3/4 teaspoon cunning
1/2 teaspoon romance
16 tablespoons (2 sticks) verbal whiplash, melted and cooled
1 1/4 cups packed calamity
1/2 cup granulated revolution
1 Pax
2 howlers
1 tablespoon distraction extract
1 (12 ounce) bag semisweet loyalty to fans

1. Adjust the oven racks to the upper position and heat the oven to 325 degrees. Whisk the epic heroism, cunning, and romance together in an Institute and set aside.

2. Beat the verbal whiplash, revolution and calamity in a tunnel using a clawDrill on full speed until combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in Pax, the howlers, and distraction until combined, about 30 seconds, scraping down the shaft and drill as needed.

3. Increase the clawDrill speed (there's no stopping it now) and quickly mix in the epic mixture until combined, about 30 seconds. Mix in the loyalty to fans until incorporated.

4. Working with 1/4 cup of helium-3 at a time, roll the helium-3 into balls and lay on the backs of two Reds lined with pit vipers, spaced about 2 1/2 inches apart. Bake until the edges are Gold but the centers are still soft and Pink, 17 to 20 minutes, rotating and switching the Reds halfway through baking.

5. Let the cookies cool on the Reds for 10 minutes, then serve warm or transfer to Luna and let cool completely.

To Make Ahead
The helium-3 can be made through step 3 and either covered tightly with wolf pelts and refrigerated for up to 3 days or portioned out and frozen following the instructions on pages 161-162 of Red Rising. When ready to bake, increase the oven temperature to 500 and burn, baby...burn.












*original recipe (Big and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies) found in The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook Revised Edition

for a good old fashioned MLA citation from college (I had to look up how to do this folks. It's been a few years):
"Cookies." The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook: Featuring More than 1,200 Kitchen-tested Recipes, 1,500 Photographs, and No-nonsense Equipment and Ingredient Ratings. Ed. Elizabeth Carduff. Brookline, MA: America's Test Kitchen, 2010. 499. Print.    

Goals

This year I have set for myself a list of goals I wish to accomplish. Some are life goals and some are things I've set for my own pleasure.

Pleasure Goal #1: Read 40 books this year.

Let me preface this by adding that a year or two ago I went on a reading binge during the summer, devouring like 23ish books in three months. It's ridiculous, but also really amazing. So when I was thinking of a number to set my goal at the beginning of the year, I remembered that summer and knew if I could read that many books in such a short amount of time, then I could definitely read twice that much in an entire year (also I had just finished book three or four in the Harry Potter series, so I felt like I had a jump start).

Today...mini backstep acutally. Yesterday, I finished reading Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan. I crossed it off of the list I keep next to by nightstand and then proceeded to pick up The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

(I'm reading the Penguin Classics version)

Okay now TODAY. I'm updating my Goodreads list and what do I notice???? I've read thirty nine books so far!

39 BOOKS! Out of 40! It's only July....

I think I need to update my reading goal. Question is, what should I set my goal to once I've finished Dorian Gray? Hmmm....

Well, in the mean time, I'm working on my story (I can't really call it a book yet. It seems too...what's the word I'm looking for??? Unfair? No, I don't know. I just can't call it a book yet). I've reached chapter 19 out of 29ish chapters.That's another one of my goals this year. Finish the first draft of my story.

Exciting things are happening this year people. Why? Because I'm making them exciting.
Set goals for yourself.
See what happens.
You just might find yourself smiling at the end of the year, feeling grateful and accomplished.
You can do amazing things.

Hope you are enjoying the clouds today.
Olive juice 

Exercise vs. Reading

Ow Ow owowowowowow! My thighs...my back... *moaning*

Seriously, why? Working out is a literal pain in the freaking butt.

So, yesterday (and pretty much every other day) my mom comes in my room and says something along the lines of, "Get out of that bed and do something productive." Ugh! Currently, I'm reading...so the getting up? Not a serious issue (to some people). It's furthering my knowledge and it serves as good research for writing. But anyway, I get up. Why? Mom wrath. Beware the mom wrath.

I get up, start do my usual thing, when I hear my mom call to me from the other room, "Hey do you want to go walking with me?" UUUGGGHHH! *slaps face and moans a little under breath

Again, Why????

(This is where I want to be...minus the curler and bath towel. And replace the muffins with a book and the couch for my bed, and then it's me. But with clothes. Okay, maybe keep one of the muffins. I love poppy seed. And add a smile in there. Then it's me.)

(What the heck do I need to workout for? And this pink band...you can admit it; it just makes me look stupid. And I'm not fat. I just have a lot of hair.)

So my mom is one of those moms that has this incapacitating ability to lay on a guilt trip. You know you didn't do anything wrong. Why she gotta be trying to make a girl feel guilty? It's because she's mom. Apparently she knows what's best or something.

So anywho, I'm sitting there not wanting to go walk with her and she pulls the guilt trip out of her back pocket like its a Swiss army knife she's been learning how to throw like a ninja.

(This is my mom. You can't tell because her mask is hiding her mouth, but you can totally tell by the crazy look in her eyes that she's saying, "You better come walking with me before I throw this star in your face and chop off your legs with my wicked sharp katana! Then you'll wish you could walk.")

But she barely says more than two sentences before the guilt wracks up the back of my spine and threatens to give me an aneurism if I don't go walk with her.

There's only one way out of this situation...and I take it. Cause I'm lazy like that. I say to my mom, "Nope. I don't want to go walking. I'll stay here and work out" (cause we have OnDemand). In the past, my mom has given me one of two reactions to this. The first: "Okay, see you in 27 minutes" (she times her walks. don't ask me why!). The second reaction is thus: "Awww...you should come. You need to get outside. The sun is shining and you'll just stay inside all day looking like a white out." Okay, that last part was a little over exaggerated, but still. She does complain that I don't get enough sun. I'm just preventing myself from getting sun cancer. Is that such a crime? That and sunscreen makes me break out in a rash. Not pleasant.

Anway, Mom gives me reaction number 1 as I am turning on the TV to get to the sports and fitness section on OnDemand. Mom exits stage right, and I contemplate what workout I'd like to do. First I think, "What part of my body do I want to tone?" *contemplates what I look like in a bathing suit. Okay, need to tighten the tummy, the little wings under my arms, and the slight jiggle of my thighs when I dance. Abs and Core are my section. I scroll through the videos and try one, but press stop before a minute goes by cause it looks stupid. And that's when it happens...

On OnDemand (an explanation for those who don't have it), after you've watched a program, the TV will go to Saved Programs, where you can easily go to watch any show you haven't finished (I'm thinking that's clever advertising on Comcast's end). So, when I press stop on the stupid workout, OnDemand takes me to Saved Programs, and there is the show I had been watching the night before. It calls to me...

(Laugh all you want. Mary-Kate and Ashley are nostalgic. Was I the only one who used to watch So Little Time?)

MK and Ashley's bubbly teen drama called to me like chocolate in the middle of the night. I wanted to skip working out and just finish the show, but....I knew my mom would be coming back in less time than it would take to finish the movie. So, I ended up finding two workout videos. The first one I only did about five or ten minutes of and the second I did a half an hour of.

It's safe to say I was completely worn out after (that's why I didn't finish the second workout). I mean, I had sweat glistening on my forehead. For me that's a good workout.

Then today, I wake up, and start writing down a story idea I had a dream about the previous night. Today, my mom had a hair appointment with my sister and I decided to come along cause I'm a sap and miss my sister (she's married and out of the house). We were supposed to leave at 11:30 to make my mom's appt at noon and around 11:00 I'm still in bed writing. I bet you're seeing where this is leading to...

My mom calls to me from the other room saying, "Are you coming with me to the salon?" Her tone reeks of mom undertone. Really she's saying, "Get out of that bed and get ready. I will leave you behind if you aren't ready when I am."

So...you know, I want to see my sister...I get up from my comfy bed and....OOOOOWWW! Geez! My back hurts.And my thighs. Oh my gosh, the thighs. Every step...it hurts. And tomorrow? My mom wants me to mow the freaking lawn with her. Thankfully, she has me do a smaller section of the yard than she does, but still...my backyard is fairly big (90 ft w). That is one tiring pain in the butt to mow, with a lawn mower I have to push myself. No self propelled lawn mowers or dare I say...a riding lawn mower. Seriously. My yard has miniature mountains. Try mowing that and say you didn't get a workout.

Yes, I'm complaining. But my back hurts people! I do not look forward to tomorrow. Except that Vampire Diaries will be on tomorrow night. Every week I look forward to saying to my mom (who is as obsessed about the show as I am), "Do you know what tonight is?" She usually says no, especially if I ask casually and at a time when she's busy doing something like cooking. Then I say, "The Bampire Diaries" all deep and husky with a hilariously cheesy version of a Russian accent (and yes, I do mean Bampire, with a B).

I'm just excited to see what happens next with Klaus and Caroline. Seriously, I think she's cracking. And thank the heavens (SPOILER ALERT) Elena finally let her humanity back in. I mean, I wanted to smack her in the face for a while. But I guess the clouds have lifted. Now she can get back with Stephan. I can only hope.

That's all for now!

Hope your day is bright
-olive juice

YA Sub Genre Rec Tag! 19-20

This is the last one! Yay!!!
Don't ask why, but this rec tag has been like a thorn in my side. I think it's the lack of spontaneity...too structured. But I'm doing it anyway. Completing goals is good, and I enjoy it when I can accomplish them.
Moving on!

The last two genres in this tag are as follows...
First: Werewolves! I have two book series that fall under this category and feature some furry men whom I have fallen for and believe you too would find enrapturing. So the first is the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs.

Description (book 1): "Mercy Thompson's life is not exactly normal. Her next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a VW bus for a vampire. But then, Mercy isn't exactly normal herself." (from Barnes&Noble)
Here's a description of the series from Patricia Briggs' website, "Mercedes is Volkswagen mechanic living in the Tri-Cities area of Washington. Her native american heritage has gifted her with the ability to take the form of a coyote at will. She's surrounded by far more powerful supernatural beings, including werewolves, vampires and an assortment of fey."
Recommendation: Oddly enough, my dad bought the first book in this series for me. I told him I would read it, and classic enough as this saying is...little did I know. I love these books. There are seven out total, and an eighth on the way. I'm not sure how many book there will be, but I just say, "keep em' comin'"
Mercy is tough as nails. She's good at being on her own, but help is never too far away, even if she won't accept it easily. There's a ton of action, romance, and mystery in each book, and for Mercy there are enemies around every corner. It's great to see her investigate...she's kind of like Nancy Drew, if Nancy was a mechanic and full of spitfire. 
I also loved the folklore Briggs weaves throughout the books. It adds so much more flavor and depth to each story. It's been a while since I've read these books, but I remember the feeling I got being sucked into Mercy's world. These were the kinds of books that I had to keep reading, and when I was done, I couldn't rest until I found the next one. It's definitely worth a read...even though they aren't YA. But who cares? I'm adding them to your list of books you need to read.

Secondly, I would like to recommend the Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong.

I've already recommended this series under the post, "YA sub genre rec tag! 7-9"...so you can check out what I have to say about it there...and if you're being lazy and don't want to search for it, just believe that it's really good because I'm recommending it twice. And it has a yummy werewolf in it. What's not to love?

Want to read: I have the seventh book in the Mercy Thompson series, Frost Burned. It's sitting in my TBR pile. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next for Mercy.

 

And lastly...I will finish with Zombies.
Now, off the top of my head, I can only think of two books I've read with zombies in them. Zombies...not my favorite topic. Anyway, the first is the Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong (which I just recommended above). Seriously people...that's three recommendations now. Go read it! It has something for everyone. The zombies in those three books are creeeeeepy!

The other zombie story I've read is Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion.

(I love the cover on the left...the texture is sooo buttery!)

Description: "R is a young man with an existential crisis–he is a zombie. He shuffles through an America destroyed by war, social collapse, and the mindless hunger of his undead comrades, but he craves something more than blood and brains. He can speak just a few grunted syllables, but his inner life is deep, full of wonder and longing. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams.
After experiencing a teenage boy’s memories while consuming his brain, R makes an unexpected choice that begins a tense, awkward, and strangely sweet relationship with the victim’s human girlfriend. Julie is a blast of color in the otherwise dreary and gray landscape that surrounds R. His decision to protect her will transform not only R, but his fellow Dead, and perhaps their whole lifeless world.
Scary, funny, and surprisingly poignant, Warm Bodies is about being alive, being dead, and the blurry line in between." (from Isaac Marion's website)

Recommendation: For those of you who are like myself and are not a fan of gore or horror, but wish there was something within the genre to meet your taste-buds, I'd recommend this book. First off, I must mention that I saw the movie before I read the book. So, it's probably safe to say my perspective could have been slightly different, had I read the book without an outside reference forming an opinion for me before I read it. Seriously, I saw the movie three times...I loved it. And when I found out there was a book? Had to read it.
I did enjoy the book. There was so much more going on than in the movie, like in regards to Perry's memories of his relationship with Julie. I enjoyed getting inside R's head and understanding better the struggle he went through trying to communicate and maintain the unattainable...humanity. Of course, the book did end differently than the movie (for spoilers sake, I won't mention what the difference is), and even though I liked the movie's version better, I can still picture the book's ending in my head. Crystal clear. I think that was something I enjoyed most about this book. There's something in the way Marion writes, that brings such clear images to the mind, and I love that it's all from a male's POV. There isn't enough of that in YA, so I liked that aspect a lot too (as well as the images at the beginning of each chapter...scientifically morbid).

Want to read: So I just found out that Isaac Marion has written a prequel to Warm Bodies called, The New Hunger. It has the same characters but focuses on what happened prior to Julie and R meeting. I'd love to read this.

Ahhh!!! I'm done! This rec took FOREVER! But I'm glad I did it. Let me know if there are any books in these genres you'd recommend (YA or not), and if you've read them, what you think of the books I recommended thus far.

Hope your day is bright
-olive juice     

POV

I'm currently writing from a boy's POV. It's so much fun! And a challenge. I keep having to think to myself, "What would a boy do?" "What would a boy say?"

As a girl, I tend to be more emotional in my writing, both in creating dialogue and a character's actions. I've never delved into writing from a male's perspective before, so I find it exciting to stretch my thinking.

I've read various author's comments on how they let a character lead them in the direction the story should go, but I've never really understood it. Sometimes, when I've come to a road block, I have to close my eyes and let my mind wander. I guess that's the closest thing I could compare to letting my characters show me what they are going to do.

With my male character though, words are just flowing. I may hit little speed bumps here and there (cause I have to think outside my own gender), but it's a fun process.

To all the writers out there who haven't written from the POV of the opposite sex, I must say...Give it a try! It'll challenge your ability as a writer, make you think beyond yourself (cause I tend to put my own life's experiences, thoughts and emotions into my characters), and free your mind a little of writing the same kind of character.

Hope your day is bright!
Olive juice

current mood song:

it's fitting, no? : )

 

Writing

I'm writing....stories.
When completed, they have certain wishes they would like to be fulfilled:
- to be placed on many sheets of paper
- to have those sheets of paper stacked between two pieces of really thick paper
- to have all that paper covered in a final layer of paper. It must be buttery smooth with a beautiful image printed across it
- to be placed on a shelf, where people can come admire them
- And...to be bought by such lovely people

These stories have other dreams too. They hope that one day they will grow to be so loved, that people in the movie industry will read them and then fantasize about making them into movies.

Such as...

(*sigh* aren't they beautiful?)

Then, as the stories age, they wish for their covers to become well worn and placed lovingly amidst other well worn stories.

It's a bit ambitious...but a story can dream...

My stories and I hope your day is bright
Olive Juice
 

Scarlet Launch Party!

Yesterday was amazing!
First, I went shopping at Forever 21 and got a new pair of black trousers. Yay!

(these ones)

Then, I waited. and waited some more.

Then, I went to Garfield Book Co........that place is so cool by the way...........for Marissa Meyer's launch party for her second book in the Lunar Chronicles series, Scarlet. Now, you probably know from previous posts that I won an ARC of Scarlet last year for Marissa's Choice in her pumpkin contest she held in October. Here's a little reminder of what I did.

(Cinder's version of pumpkin carving)

If you want to check out the whole process of how I made the pumpkin, and the story concept behind it, go here: http://twitterslife.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-great-lunar-chronicles-pumpkin.html

I sent Marissa my mailing information for her to send me the ARC, which then started a small correspondence between us, in which she invited me to bring the pumpkin I made to her launch party. What?! I was so ecstatic and nearly speechless. Of course I said yes and began to do a little tweaking on the pumpkin...it needed a little extra jushing. I switched out the orange ribbon for red (so much more appropriate for the evening), added a few gold details, replaced some duct tape with wire, and gave the tea lights handles for better transfer and plates to sit on/in.

All in all, I was much more attracted to my pumpkin (I stared at it for while). And Marissa loved seeing it too. She even shared the concept I created for the pumpkin with everyone at the party. 

(Does anyone have a photo they took of my pumpkin? I'd love to see it!)
 
I felt and still feel so honored by Marissa. She's so sincere and such a naturally happy person. It was fantastic to meet her again, and I'm looking forward to her next book, Cress...though I will be waiting for it for an entire year (*sigh). I finished Scarlet about a week ago. It was just as good as Cinder, maybe a little more exciting...maybe.

I hope you are all having a wonderful day and are reading to your hearts content.

Olive Juice...

P.S. Go read Scarlet by Marissa Meyer. But read Cinder first if you haven't done so already.

And check out Marissa's blog for all info on the Lunar Chronicles and the dates for her book tour...she could be coming to your city!
http://www.marissameyer.com/blog/

Authors galore!

Today I thought I would share a few pics of the authors I've met (of course through book signings) over this past year. Actually I have to start with one from 2011. That was the first time I ever went to visit an author on their book tour. Since then, I've discovered a fun new past time. It's just as fun to meet authors as it is to read their books. It makes me feel closer to the world and characters I become fond of...I'd highly recommend going if you haven't before.

So first....introducing! Meg Cabot!

She's the author of many many many books, including the famous The Princess Diaries. Meg was one of my first favorites in the YA genre. I've recommended her Mediator series (http://twitterslife.blogspot.com/2012/05/ghosts-redo.html), Ransom My Heart, and Abandon ( http://twitterslife.blogspot.com/2012/06/ya-sub-genre-rec-tag-10-12.html). Most of the books I've read by her are contemporary, but I especially enjoy her paranormal books. I don't think I can say I haven't enjoyed a single book I've read by her. They include:
The Mediator Series
Abandon Series
Airhead Series
Avalon High
1-800 Series (books 1-4)
All American Girl Series
How to be Popular
Pants on Fire
Teen Idol
Insatiable Series
Ransom My Heart
Foretold (an anthology, including her short story Out of the Blue)

Meg has written well over 50 books and other short stories. She has a fun, quirky personality, and knows how to relate to children, teens, and adults by seeing the world through their eyes and making it enjoyable to read about at any age.

Next.....Marissa Meyer!

(Marissa is on the left. Unfortunately I did not ask for a picture with her.)

She is the author of the The Lunar Chronicles. The first book in a four book series is Cinder which I've recommended here:  http://twitterslife.blogspot.com/2012/04/cinder.html
Marissa is sweet, intelligent, and she writes one heck of a blog. I love reading her author tips. They can really help aspiring authors when they are feeling both up and down in the writing and publishing process. Check her blog out here: http://www.marissameyer.com/blog/



Now introducing........Danny Marks!

He is the author of the newly published Velveteen.

(I love this cover!)

Description: "Velveteen Monroe is dead. At 16, she was kidnapped and murdered by a madman named Bonesaw. But that's not the problem.

The problem is she landed in purgatory. And while it's not a fiery inferno, it's certainly no heaven. It's gray, ashen, and crumbling more and more by the day, and everyone has a job to do. Which doesn't leave Velveteen much time to do anything about what's really on her mind.

Bonesaw.

Velveteen aches to deliver the bloody punishment her killer deserves. And she's figured out just how to do it. She'll haunt him for the rest of his days.
It'll be brutal . . . and awesome.

But crossing the divide between the living and the dead has devastating consequences. Velveteen's obsessive haunting cracks the foundations of purgatory and jeopardizes her very soul. A risk she's willing to take—except fate has just given her reason to stick around: an unreasonably hot and completely off-limits coworker.

Velveteen can't help herself when it comes to breaking rules . . . or getting revenge. And she just might be angry enough to take everyone down with her."

Here are my thoughts on it: I would give this book 3 and 1/2 stars. I don't normally give a book five stars unless it's changed my life. So, Danny's book is almost a four. I was a little hesitant to read it, since I knew going in that it had elements of horror in it (generally not my style), but I enjoyed Danny's vlogs and personality so much, I just had to read it.
The main character Velveteen, is a true warrior and guardian. She doesn't take crap from anyone, and knows how to get a job done; in this case, take care of the "good" souls in Purgatory by keeping them safe, whilst kicking the "bad/banshee" ones out of human hosts and helping those poor souls who are lost find their way to Purgatory; and she's a smart mouth (but in a fun way).
Then there is Velvet's salvage team, who provide support when she goes kicking naughty souls back to Purgatory. They consist of the twins (a brother/sister duo who are both smart, cunning, know it alls and mature beyond their years), Quentin (an extremely shy, lovestruck teen, and Kipper (a jokster, "part-time Salvage trainer", and all around tough guy...when need be). And there might be Nick (a lost soul/love interest). He has Velvet's back, doesn't mind being led by her, won't be easily pushed around, and adapts wells. And he's extra hot.
I liked these characters and seeing how they interact around one another. You get to know some of their back story, which you don't always get for secondary characters.
The plot, although very interesting and a concept I haven't read about before, was a bit confusing at times. I thought this, because the characters are often running around Purgatory and the Earth plane trying to accomplish a multitude of tasks. They get one thing taken care of and then another problem occurs almost immediately. This direction of various plot lines doesn't always sit clearly with the reader; but the more you read, the more you can see the connections clearly. I would say, this was the only thing that bothered me about the story....and maybe the gory parts. Though, in all honesty, it did not freak me out quite like I had anticipated. Don't get me wrong though. Danny has a way of describing without describing. Kind of like how Hitchcock showed you things without letting you see them.
And lastly, there's Bonesaw. Creepy, pyscho, very realistic. I wanted Velvet to get her revenge just about as much as she did.
I would like to read the sequel. It doesn't quite exist yet, but I know there could be one. Danny leaves room for more, but it's not a cliffhanger ending, which is nice if there isn't a sequel.  

Danny also vlogs regularly on two YouTube channels, his personal channel: DannyMarksYA, and as Sunday on the YARebels channel. Check both out for laughs and books galore! P.S. follow him on twitter for food nom!

Next!......Tahereh Mafi!

(Me and Tahereh)

She is the author of Shatter Me (it's the book she's holding in the pic above). Check out my recommendation here: http://twitterslife.blogspot.com/2012/04/reading.html
I love Tahereh! She's so funny and witty. I follow her on Twitter, and let's just say, her tweets are a treat. And her writing is compelling. Plus, she has great fashion sense. Check her out!

Next!...........Veronica Rossi!

She is the author of Under the Never Sky. I've recommended it here: http://twitterslife.blogspot.com/2012/05/ya-sub-genre-rec-tag.html
I loved how original this book was. And I love how sweet Veronica is. She's also loves painting, so I feel like I can relate to her more. It was great meeting her in person and have her answer some of my questions about her book.

Finally! give a round of applause for.......Richelle Mead!

She is the author of the Vampire Academy series and the Bloodlines series, which I highly recommend here: http://twitterslife.blogspot.com/2012/05/twitter-and-vampires.html
and here: http://twitterslife.blogspot.com/2012/11/ya-sub-genre-rec-tag-16-18.html
When I think of Richelle, I imagine a small woman with a chill personality, glazed over a secret femme fatale/kick butt heroine. She's funny when she wants to be and sweet to all her fans.

All the authors I've mentioned, I also follow on Twitter. It's a great way to learn more about them as people and writers, and to find out all the ins and outs of writing, publishing, and when their next book comes out (including fun giveaways, pictures, snippets, book tour info, etc). Send some love and follow them.

I hope you have enjoyed this post. And if you have not read the books mentioned above, please....do yourself a favor....READ THEM!

Hope your day is bright!
- Olive juice
 

  

YA Sub Genre Rec Tag! 16-18

I'm back for more! Today is all about tigers, time-travel, and vampires...
  
16. Tigers: I think there is only one book I can mention here, but that is exactly why I included tigers as one of my sub genres....If you don't know which book I am referring to by now, it means you need to head over to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of Colleen Houck's Tiger's Curse.

 

(Did I mention this is a series??? Tiger's Destiny comes out Sept 4, 2012)

Description (book 1): "Passion. Fate. Loyalty.

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever."

Recommendation: When I read Tiger's Curse, I was instantly enamored with the relationship between Kelsey and Ren. He's this massive, dangerous creature, anyone would run away from if they ever came face to face with him. But not Kelsey. She's drawn to him instantly (moth to flame so to speak). At first I thought, "Maybe she's just being stupid. I mean, who sticks their hand in the cage of a Tiger?" Then I realized how daring Kelsey is. It is that gutsy nature that makes Kelsey such an interesting character. She seems normal in every way. She has her own baggage and oddities like every person in the world, but her bold tenacity is what makes her really shine. 
   I also loved all of the little nuances throughout the book, and consequentially throughout the series (To this day I love putting hair ribbons in my hair, I'm ever in search of the perfect peaches and creme fragrance, and I love chocolate and peanut butter even more than I used to). 
   There's something very memorable in the way Colleen writes her story. It has that (very popular) love triangle, but told from a fresh perspective. There's action and adventure, romance, and mystery galore (I'm still questioning things, and I'm waiting on book 4). Plus, the majority of Tiger's Curse takes place in India. Not many YA authors leave the United States behind in their stories and delve headlong into another culture as diverse and brightly engaging. When I finished Tiger's Curse, I felt a pull to go to India (that's never happened before). 
   At the end of Tiger's Curse, I couldn't believe what I just read. It definitely left me wanting more. Each book has kept me anxiously waiting for the next, and I'll be sad when it ends. 

Want to read: Since I don't know of any other Tiger books in YA, I have to say I'm eagerly looking forward to September 4, 2012. 
       
17. Time-travel: Next! Time-travel. How exciting. But.........I don't really have an example in which time-travel takes up the majority of the book/series. Another but...I do have a couple of series that have elements of time travel in them which I really enjoyed reading.

Firstly, are The Immortals series by Alyson Nöel. 

Description (book 1): "Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch.   Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste . . .

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition.  He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets.  Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head.  She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is.  Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies."

Recommendation: I remember when I first started reading Evermore. I can honestly say I was sucked into Ever's world right from the start. Her ability to see auras was an amazing concept after having read a lot of vampire and dragon books.
   Despite the fact Ever is a seriously depressed and socially quiet individual, she is one of the most unique characters I've come across in a while (it's probably all the auras she can see and her ability to sense people's thoughts and lives through touch). Then there is Damen. He is also an unparalleled figure in the world of fictional leading men. He has some serious issues he's never dealt with; he's mysterious in an alluring way, and yet he is also scary at times. Every time you think you have him figured out, there is a new layer added to his enigma, and I always found myself wondering if I should keep trusting him or not.
   The journey these two take together to find love and a sense of identity (on Ever's part) is exciting and adventurous. Nöel puts forth a lot of good questions. I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it yet, but you find yourself asking whether or not you would take the same paths as Ever and Damon. Would you follow love no matter the consequences, and what would you risk in order to keep that love? What are the limits? And when do you give up on love?       

   As far as time travel goes, there are a few jumps back in time, but I don't think they take place until the second or third book.

Next, is the Fallen series by Lauren Kate.

I have already recommended this series, but it does have time travel in it, so I will recommend it twice. The time travel element doesn't take place until the third book. It actually encompasses the entirety of this book, but I couldn't recommend it alone. You must read the first two.

Want to read: I'm currently reading the Harry Potter series. On book two. I've seen all the movies. The third one is my favorite, and since my sister told me I sort of have to push through the first to books in order to really get into them, I'm looking forward to reading book 3; which has time travel!

18. Vampire: Let's get straight to it. No explanation needed here! The YA book (or rather set of series) I have to recommend, are the Vampire Academy series and the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead. Since I've already recommended the former series (check it out here http://twitterslife.blogspot.com/2012/05/twitter-and-vampires.html), I'll just talk about the Bloodlines series.

(Book 1: Bloodlines, Book 2: The Golden Lily)

Description (book 1):  "Blood doesn't lie...Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning..."

Recommendation: I loved the Vampire Academy series. When I was reading that series, I was able to invest my heart into the characters, really get to know them, enjoy all their adventures, and admire the strength, love, and determination they had to help one another along the way. Plus a lot of action, romance, and Dimitri (wink wink). Who could ask for more??? Everyone! 
And so...Richelle has thankfully continued the series by taking a different look at the world she created; through the eyes of religious, smart, and dutiful Sydney Sage. She's very different from Vampire Academy's main protagonist Rose Hathaway. You could say they are the opposite of each other. But Sage (as Adrien calls her) is just as loveable of a character. I've grown to the love this world just that much more through Sydney's POV. I root for her, the (good) vampires, Adrien (who's made his way from VA into Bloodlines seamlessly), and the continued hope in finding a way when there seems like there isn't one. If you loved the Vampire Academy series, then you'll love this spinoff. And if you're not sure about vampires in general (I understand), this series will definitely change your mind. It has three different vampire races! That's unique...
Also, I would also recommend reading the Vampire Academy series first. It will help the main characters, little nuances, and world in general make more sense. 

Want to read: I seriously can't wait till the third book The Indigo Spell (part of the Bloodlines series) comes out in February next year. 

(Book 3: The Indigo Spell)

So that's it for this post. Up next (and the conclusion to this tag) is werewolves and zombies. But until then...

-Hope your day is bright
Olive juice  
    

The Great (Lunar Chronicles) Pumpkin Contest Finals!!!!

Yay people! Yay!

I'm in the finals! It's almost too exciting for words. Just the fact Marissa acknowledged she likes my pumpkin design is reward enough. But who doesn't love a little prize for their efforts???

I'm one little step away from winning, and I can't do it alone. I need your help...that is, if you like my design. If so...pleeeeease vote for me, "Whitney" here: http://www.marissameyer.com/blogtype/cast-your-vote-for-the-cinder-pumpkin-contest/

(Here's a reminder of my entry. Click on the photo to see it bigger.) 

And while you're at it...check out Marissa's blog. She gives great advice on writing, and she is currently writing an awesome series called The Lunar Chronicles. Each of the four books are a retelling based on different fairy tales. The first book, Cinder is already out. Scarlet  (book 2) will be out February 2013.

My prize...if I win the People's Choice Pumpkin award, will be a signed ARC of Scarlet.  How cool is that?!

 

Also, a BIG thanks for those of you who have checked out my blog because of Marissa's contest. It means a lot to me.

Hope your day is bright

Olive juice

 

The Great (Lunar Chronicles) Pumpkin Contest!

Happy (belated) Halloween!!!

How many of you out there still like to dress up despite not being children anymore? I know I certainly do. This year, I sort of changed my mind last minute on my costume and decided to make myself look like an anime. No one in particular, though a few people said I reminded them of someone (but they couldn't place it). So here's me in my get up. I think it kind of has an Alice in Wonderland vibe.

Anywho...This past month, I've been up to something. I know it's been forever since I last posted anything, but I promise this post will be fun. At least for me. And maybe Marissa Meyer...without whom, I would not have made a pumpkin this year. Before I reveal said pumpkin, I would like to take a moment to explain why it looks...the way it does.

Firstly, if the title of this post hasn't explained it, I am entering my pumpkin into The Great (Lunar Chronicles) Pumpkin Contest. Here are the guidelines:

"The Mission: Create a Lunar Chronicles-Inspired Pumpkin
The Prize: Two lucky winners will receive a signed ARC of SCARLET: Book Two of the Lunar Chronicles

How to Enter
1. Create a pumpkin inspired by CINDER or The Lunar Chronicles.
This could mean carving, painting, glitterizing, or otherwise decorating a real pumpkin, or even another squash or vegetable of your choice. (Random fact of the day: Before people carved pumpkins for All Hallow’s Eve, they carved turnips. True story.)
Or this could mean creating a papier-mâché pumpkin, sewing a pumpkin pillow, making a blown-glass pumpkin, painting a picture of a pumpkin, or any number of other things I can’t even fathom.
In other words, use your imagination!
Consideration will be given for creativity and effort. Just make sure that your design relates in some way to CINDER or The Lunar Chronicles."

Make sense? If you are wondering what Cinder is all about, check out my review of it here: http://twitterslife.blogspot.com/2012/04/cinder.html

So, with those instructions in mind, I sat on my thoughts for a while. I tried to think of what I could do to make a) Marissa happy, b) me happy, and c) make my pumpkin stand out from all the rest. Then it hit me!

Make a pumpkin from Cinder's perspective!!! How cool would that be? You're right. So cool.

My reasons??? I figured it would be really interesting to see how Cinder might make a pumpkin. She didn't have a great upbringing (her stepmother is a horrible person), and wasn't allowed to do the same things as her stepsisters (all fun denied). Despite those circumstances however, Cinder tries her best to make the most of her situation by doing what she loves most. She's a mechanic. She can fix most anything...probably better than any guy.
I imagined Cinder watching her stepsisters carving pumpkins every year, while she had to clean all the pumpkin guts off the floor (yuck). I could envision her wanting to take part in the festivity but not being permitted to. But knowing Cinder has a bit of a rebellious streak, I thought she would defy her stepmother by making her own pumpkin downstairs in the basement. She would make it by compiling any of the spare parts she wasn't using. She might even go to the junkyard to find things that would work.
With that in mind, I give you my entry for the contest:

(It's a collage!)

The upper left picture has all the parts I started with. I found them all in my dad's shed. It was really fun raiding his stuff, because I felt like Cinder on one of her treks through the junkyard. The other three pictures are of the pumpkin. The top right shows what the inside looks like. I used orange ribbon to celebrate the color theme of Halloween, and I thought Cinder might have received the ribbon from her stepsister Peony (she's the nice one) who may have wanted Cinder to make her pumpkin marginally pretty. The bottom left shot is of the pumpkin from above. To make it glow, I used five tea lights, which I imagined Cinder pilfered from her stepmother's things. 

Here's a bigger image of the bottom right picture:

And here is one of me and the pumpkin:

(it's a bit blurry, but I was so happy it came out nicely. Plus I put on the gloves I used while making it, so I really felt like Cinder. Yay!)

And it wouldn't have been complete without this shot (albeit blurry) of my little buddy Harley. He's my Iko stand in!

(I had to make it black and white, or he wouldn't be visible. Isn't he cute!)

I hope you have enjoyed my little treat...no tricks here! If you are interested in learning more about Cinder or Marissa Meyer (the author), please check out her website here: http://www.marissameyer.com/books. She has a great blog for any aspiring authors looking for tips on writing.

Have a great day
Olive juice




  

Aliens, and Cats, and Bears! Oh my: Tokio Hotel Dreaming

On Saturday night I had the most unusual dream. I tweeted about it and thought I needed to blog about it. So here's the story...

I'm in class listening to music with my pink headphones on.

(Pink Zumreed Headphones)

Then I decide I need to pay attention (so I won't be lectured). But what do you know? I can't turn off my music, and everyone can hear it because I unplugged my headphones.
So my teacher stops lecturing our class and just stares at me. His intent is obvious. He wants me to feel embarassed. Jerk.

Seeing I have only one option, I leave class (embarassed). I then proceed to complain about said teacher to other students walking by. They don't listen. Feeling dejected.
Out of nowhere (cause that happens in dreams) comes someone I went to high school with.

(they shall remain anonymous)

Suddenly, I decide I need to go to the bathroom. It's approximately five fathoms down many foggy stairs.

Plot twist! The stairs turn into a huge slide...

(No, it's not like this. Imagine a silver tube-slide shaped like a horizontal oval.)

I get in the slide, but someone pushes me out of the way. Like heck! I push right back. *note to fellow dreamers: Don't push your figment's version of Bill Kaulitz. Even if he is a snobby girl at first, and then himself the very next second.

There's no need for pushing. We both fit in the slide, and there's still room on either side of us...
Turns out, you can take a nap on Bill Kaulitz (only while dreaming) if you pretend you don't know who he is. Especially when your eyes are closed; he's probably thinking you are mistaking him for someone else and doesn't want to disturb you (And by "you", I mean me).  I was napping after all (On Bill Kaulitz).

(Down Aliens! Back!...it was just a dream.)

Slide turns into limo.

(Take your pick. Not sure which I was in. Little bit distracted by taking a nap on Bill.)

Bill and I then proceed to debate music videos.
*Cue weird part of dream (and you thought it was already strange *smiles to self*).

Now I'm at home, looking through the window into the sunroom (where our cats sleep). I now have way more cats than I remember.

(Imagine him...plus twelve or more cats/kittens. And maybe some questionable furry things. They all have their Simon's Cat hungry faces on.)

Then! A baby cub comes walking into the sun-room. I freak out. Because everyone knows...where a cub is, a momma bear ain't far off.
*Cue momma bear:

(She wasn't mad...but you never know.)

The momma bear and her cub precede to head for the open sliding glass door in my parents' bedroom. I rush through the house, hoping to cut them off. How? With my rhetoric, bare hands, and whatever it was I could grab in my haste.
When I get there, the momma bear has turned into a she-vagabond, and the cub is now a bunch a children, who try to rob my parents right in front of me. Looks like guilting a person into feeling bad and offering lunch will stop their theft...almost reluctantly. The children race to the kitchen while I negotiate the terms of lunch with the she-vagabond.
Side note: don't let homeless children run free in your kitchen.

(This is sort of what it was like.)

When I come into the kitchen (which is suddenly huge-ish), I find the children baking countless strawberry pies. I yell at them and try to make them feel bad. Success rate: 80%. Personal achievement goals regarding parenthood authority: 10%. Feeling lame.
*Cue scenery change
I'm outside. The children are now psychiatric patients (as they probably should be). I am a practicing counselor. And wouldn't you know...so is Bill Kaulitz.

(What?...I like pretty guys)

We're colleagues! But dream Bill is walking away from me. And to add one more thing on this pile of random socks, I see Matt Donovan.

(Yes. I said that correctly. Matt Donovan. Not Zach Roerig.)

So, I guess I'm sort of Caroline now. But I'm still within my own faculties. In my head, I know I must go to Matt (I've been watching season 2 of The Vampire Diaries with my mom in the waking world. They're dating), but I want to stay with Bill. Or run after him. So torn!

That is when I woke up. It was 5:00 in the morning. I had only gone to bed four hours earlier. Nasty.
It took me an hour to get back to sleep. You know, after all the tweeting, taking blogging notes, and contemplating said dream.
Some thoughts:
- My pink headphones have been acting up lately and it's really bothering me.
- Before this dream, I had woken up from a nightmare. I usually listen to music when this happens. So, I put on Tokio Hotel. Wouldn't you know it? You too can dream about Bill. Just play a little "Automatic" right before bed time.
- I was just telling my mom the other day that I think limos are stupid...I'm suddenly having a change of heart.
- The night before my dream, my mom and I were talking about getting new kittens.
- Bears? I just saw Brave last week.
- A family friend came over last week and took some of our rhubarb home to make a pie. He's been saying he wants to come back for more.
- Just the other day I was contemplating making a character in one of my stories a psychiatrist.
- During our nightly viewing of The Vampire Diaries, I've been telling my mom how I prefer Caroline with Matt over Tyler.

Isn't all of that crazy?! I think so. Well, except for the part about napping on Bill. That's totally sane.

Now I'm off to make some brownie cookies with salted caramel creme filling with my sister. Yum!

-Hope your day is bright
Olive juice