Dreaming Anastasia Blog Tour

Read my review of Dreaming Anastasia at http://www.yabookscentral.com/cfusion/index.cfm?fuseAction=books.review&review_id=19652. Thanks, all!

Teens Read Too <http://www.teensreadtoo.com/DreamingAnastasia.html> (8/17)

Through the Wardrobe<http://kidswriterjfox.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-launch-dreaming-anastasia.html> (8/29)

Class of 2k9 <http://community.livejournal.com/classof2k9/33404.html> (8/29)

Story Siren <http://www.thestorysiren.com/> (8/31)

EVEREAD <http://everead.blogspot.com/> (9/1)

The Book Resort <http://www.thebookresort.blogspot.com/> (9/1)

Marta's Meanderings <http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com/> (9/2)

Babbling About Books <http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/> (9/3)

A Passion for Books<http://casey62588.blogspot.com/2009/08/waiting-on-wednesday-4.html> (9/3)

Day by Day Writer <http://daybydaywriter.wordpress.com/> (9/4)

Neverending Shelf <http://neverendingshelf.blogspot.com/> (9/5)

YA Books Central <http://yabookscentral.blogspot.com/> (9/6)

Dolce Bellezza <http://dolcebellezza.blogspot.com/> (9/7)

Books & Literature for Teens <http://booksandliteratureforteens.blogspot.com/> (9/7)

Shelf Elf <http://shelfelf.wordpress.com/> (9/8)

The Shady Glade <http://theshadyglade.blogspot.com/> (9/8)

Debbie's World of Books<http://debbiesworldofbooks.com/2009/08/25/dreaming-anastasia-by-joy-preble/> (9/9)Bookalicio.us <http://bookalicio.us/> (9/9)

Ultimate Book Hound <http://ultimatebookhound.blogspot.com/> (9/10)

Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf <http://laurenscrammedbookshelf.blogspot.com/> (9/10)

Sarah's Random Musings <http://sarahbear9789.blogspot.com/> (9/11)

Cindy's Love of Books <http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com/> (9/12)

Presenting Lenore <http://presentinglenore.blogspot.com/> (9/12)

Always Riddikulus <http://alwaysriddikulus.blogspot.com/> (9/12)

Jenn's Bookshelf <http://jennsbookshelf.blogspot.com/> (9/13)

Carol's Corner <http://carolwscorner.blogspot.com/> (9/13)

A High & Hidden Place <http://www.capriciousreader.com/> (9/14)

Looking Glass Review <http://www.lookingglassreview.com/> (9/14)

Karin's Book Nook <http://karinlibrarian.wordpress.com/> (9/14)

Shooting Stars Magazine <http://www.shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com/> (9/15)

Library Lounge Lizard <http://www.libraryloungelizard.com/> (9/15)

Book Journey <http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/> (9/16)

The Book Pixie <http://thebookpixie.blogspot.com/> (9/16)

The Compulsive Reader <http://www.thecompulsivereader.blogspot.com/> (9/17)

Bildungsroman <http://slayground.livejournal.com/> (9/17)

Booking Mama <http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/> (9/18)

BriMeetsBooks.com <http://bribookblog.blogspot.com/> (9/18)

The Written World <http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/> (9/19)

Hope's Bookshelf <http://www.princess2293.blogspot.com/> (9/19)

Book Nut <http://melissasbookreviews.blogspot.com/> (9/20)

Hope is the Word <http://hopeistheword.wordpress.com/> (9/20)

Zoe's Book Reviews <http://booksaregolden.blogspot.com/> (9/21)

Homespun Light <http://homespunlight.blogspot.com/> (9/21)

Teen Scene magazine <http://www.teenscenemag.com/> (9/21)

Galleysmith <http://www.galleysmith.com/> (9/22)

Once Upon a Bookshelf <http://books.moonsoar.com/> (9/22)

Café of Dreams <http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com/> (9/23)

My Friend Amy <http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/> (9/23; 9pm EST author chat)

The Brain Lair <http://brainlair.blogspot.com/> (9/24)

Ms. Bookish <http://msbookish.com/> (9/24)

Lori Calabrese Writes <http://loricalabrese.blogspot.com/> (9/25)

Mrs. Magoo Reads <http://www.mrsmagooreads.com/> (9/25)

Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm <http://fayeflamereviews.blogspot.com/> (9/26)

Fantasy Book Critic <http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/> (9/26)

Into the Wardrobe <http://www.peteredmundlucy7.blogspot.com/> (9/27)

In the Pages <http://inthepages.blogspot.com/> (9/27)

Beth Fish Reads <http://bfishreads.blogspot.com/> (9/28)

Reverie Book Reviews <http://reveriemedia.blogspot.com/> (9/28)

BookLoons.com <http://bookloons.com/> (9/28)

YABC Teen Reviewer

Hello, all! I have some news. I'm going to be the new Teen Reviewer for YA Books Central! I haven't decided yet if I'm going to remove this blog and stick to YABC, or if I'll just manage both and use the reviews for that site on this blog as well. I guess we'll find out eventually! I'm currently waiting for an email from the website giving me instructions, etc, on my new position, so in the meantime, keep checking in!

Fairies vs Demons Contest!

There is a war coming... and the Dark will collide with the Light.The authors of Prophecy of the Sisters and Eyes Like Stars are gathering their magical armies for a battle to end all battles. Which side will prevail: the glittering, vicious rambunctiousness of the fairies, or the insidious malevolent evil of the demons?

How To Fight:

Show us your best fairy/demon warrior costume and weapons. Hint: the fairies would have armor-of-random-bits and probably fling pies, while demons... well... they would be fiercely Otherworldly and probably fling spears and sweep you away with their Fallen Angel wings.Or gather your own armies and reenact the Famous Battle Of Black Forest Cake with Legos, or Barbies, or stuffed animals, or sock puppets...Entries can be photo essays (up to five pictures with captions) or a video (up to two minutes.)Send photos as attachments. Upload videos to YouTube and send us a link. Email all entries to Fairies+Demons@theatre-illuminata.com.
Contest is open to ages 13 and up (You'll need a parent or guardian to send in your entry if you're too young)

Contest closes August 8th!

And The Fiercest (or Most Glittery) Among Ye Shall Take The Prize:
A panel of great and terrible judges will select one grand prize winner to receive items plundered from both fairy and demon realms, known far and wide as the Secret Treasure of the Amazon, long-hidden on Thomas Milthorpe’s library bookshelf in the Théâtre Illuminata Properties Department.

Treasures of the Fairy Realm:

Pop Rocks
Card of assorted goth/punk/pirate buttons
Black vinyl fairy notebook
Braided "Cobalt Flame" synthetic hairband
Backstage Pass bracelets
Pink sequined train case
Ice-cream scented pencils
Glitter eyeshadow
DVD of Romeo + Juliet
Cupcake lip gloss
Purple "star" fingernail polish
Candy apple-scented bath salts
Ice Cream Bubbles

Treasures of the Demon Realm:

Demon skull t-shirt
Red comb-in hair dye
Red metallic nail polish
$15 iTunes gift card
$25 Hot Topic gift card
Dragon notebook
The Exorcism of Emily Rose DVD
Signed Prophecy mini-poster
Demon angel necklace
Rose pin (it smells like a rose, too!)
Do You Hear Them Too? pin
Prophecy locker magnet
Red bouncy ball
Jorgumand bracelet
Rock the Arts Kazoo
Fun Dip
Candy necklace
Airhead
Cotton Candy



The Grand Prize winner and selected runners-up will receive STAR-CROSSED PROPHECY posters, composited by the talented Vania of Vania's Life Captures, and signed by Demon Master Michelle Zink and Fairy-Herder Lisa Mantchev.

ARM YOURSELVES!

For only one side can prevail!


Bonus Drawing:

Win a $25 gift certificate at your choice of Amazon or B&N. All you have to do is spread the glittering word about the contest for your chance(s) to win!
3 Entries for blogging about the contest and linking to the contest
2 Entries for posting the contest badge (below) on your blog
1 Entry for linking on Facebook, Twitter, or other Social Media Outlets (one entry for each outlet)

In order for your efforts to count, please email the URL for your effort to fairies.and.demons@gmail.com

The code for the badge can be found here:
http://test.theatre-illuminata.com/callboard/features/notes/cb_contest3/contest3.html

Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton

"No." I slammed my hands into the stone. It stung, but not enough. "No!" I smashed my fist into the floor. My whole arm tingled and went numb. "NO!" I pounded my fist into the rock over and over until they bled. Pain was sharp, real, mine. I screamed, "Get out of my mind! You bitch!"

I crouched on the floor, panting, cradling my hands against my stomach. My pulse was jumping in my throat. I couldn't breathe past it. Anger washed through me, clean and sharp-edged. It chased the last shadow of Nikolaos's mind away.

I glared up at her. Anger, and behind that terror. Nikolaos had washed over my mind like the ocean in a seashell, filled me up and emptied me out. She might have to drive me crazy to break me, but she could do it if she wanted to. And there wasn't a damn thing I could do to stop her.

Anita Blake would love to have a normal life. Ignorance, as they say, is bliss. It's hard to have a normal life, however, when you raise zombies for a living, help solve supernatural murders, and execute vamipres on the side. Despite her busy schedule, Anita is perfectly content with her life. That is, until a series of vampire killings brings her to the Master of the City. Nikolaos is cruel and powerful beyond imagining, forever trapped in the body of a child. Now Anita must find what is killing the master vampires to save her life, along with that of her friends. What could make matters worse? Jean-Claude, a handsome and alluring master vampire, marking her as his human servant, and Edward, killer extraordinaire, arriving on her doorstep, determined to get information about where the Master of the City is hiding, even if he has to torture her to find out. It seems wherever Anita turns she has enemies. Can she fight them off on her own? She must, or everyone around her will suffer. Anita must fight for her life, and her very soul.

Guilty Pleasures is an extraordinary first novel of the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter collection, unlike any other vampire series I have read. Laurell K. Hamilton will delve into your mind and completely change the way you see the world of the supernatural. Zombies, vampires, lycanthropes, ghosts, ghouls, and witches; sexual tension, odd friendships, gut-wrenching terror, and intriguing mystery; the Anita Blake series covers virtually everything, and each book will have you salivating for the next. The most recent addition to the series is Skin Trade, released June 2nd, and is book number 17. In the summer of 2010, the Anita Blake saga becomes a movie series on IFC.

Intrigued? You should be.

The Book Is Always Better

The book is always better. A fact that is once again proven with the most recent Harry Potter movie. For the entirety of the movie I found myself whispering to the person sitting next to me (luckily a friend, or I might have gotten hit in the face) about every important detail they left out and all of the nonsense that they added and changed. Now, I know that it is impossible for the movie to be exactly like the book; change is most definitely necessary. However, when they fail to inform the audience about many important factors that are need-to-know for the upcoming Deathly Hallows movies, it makes me wonder just how disappointing the next two are going to be. I'm crossing my fingers and toes that, because they're making two movies for the last book, they'll have PLENTY of room to fit in all the information that they so haphazardly did not explain, or altogether left out.

Due to the sad fact that I went to the midnight showing with a car of people who have not read the books, I'm full to BURSTING with unvented....annoyance, I guess is the best word right now. If anyone has seen the movie and read the books, PLEASE feel free to leave a comment or contact me on myspace at www.myspace.com/fairynne. Even if you haven't read the books, I'm always interested to hear what YOU thought of the movie. So hit me up! Comments are greatly appreciated, but I'm not averse to new friends on myspace.

Also, if you are reading this and you know of a movie you'd like to promote, let me know about it and I'll write a review and post it! I'll also give credit to your blog or site for bringing the movie to my attention. This works with books, too, so don't be shy!

Tenth Grade Bleeds

Let's recap some of the school years, shall we? Eighth Grade: Bites. Ninth Grade: Slays. At least, it tries its best. And sure, biting and slaying are bad enough, but when one is bitten or in the process of being slayed, they tend to bleed. And Tenth Grade, my friends, Bleeds profusely.

The council had been clear: "Bring us Vladimir Tod and your reward will be immeasurable." They never mentioned in what condition to bring him in, had barely stressed that he should be living. Little did they know, Ignatius didn't require payment. Causing the boy's suffering--and perhaps even his death, he thought with a pleasant shiver--would be reward enough.

Meet Vladimir Tod, your average, socially awkward teenager. He's always hungry, has an amazing best friend, a beautiful girlfriend, and lives with his loving aunt. The hidden downside? His hunger is for blood, his best friend is his human slave, a frightening side of him desires to eat his girlfriend (literally), and he's a half vampire. After surviving two painful attempts at murder, Vlad is facing the fact that he may always be fighting to survive. But first thing's first: surviving highschool. With Henry hiding something from him, Eddie Poe trying to expose him for what he truly is, and having to suffer through Health Class, highschool is definitely still hell. But what is a schoolyear for Vladimir Tod without a psycho stalker trying to kill him? Incomplete.

With the third volume of The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod series, Tenth Grade Bleeds, Heather Brewer once again amazes us with her ability to keep hearts racing and readers guessing. The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod is a saga that can not only be related to the lives of many teenagers, but also give them hope. Heather is a woman who knows full well how tough the lives of highschoolers can be, especially with bullying, and she captures that perfectly within Vlad, with a little extra gore. Although aimed at teens, this is a series that people of any age group can enjoy. It is terrifying, heart breaking, and witty, guaranteed to leave you thirsty for the next volume. Heather's first two novels are Eighth Grade Bites and Ninth Grade Slays.

Vladimir Tod is the ideal friend, boyfriend, and dorky highschool companion, just with a couple of fangs attatched.

Prophecy of the Sisters

'“Have you been waiting long?”
I shake my head. “Waiting is made easy in a place like this. A place that reminds me of you while I wait.”
He tips his head, taking a finger and tracing my face from the loose curls at my temple, down the angular jut of my cheekbone, across the curve of my jaw. “Everything reminds me of you…”'

Lia Milthorpe has been content with her life, for the most part. Her mother died when she was a child, so she doesn't remember much of her. She has grown up in ninteenth century, England, with her twin sister Alice, her younger brother Henry, and her doting, scholarly father, Thomas Milthorpe. Everything changes, however, when Thomas dies and a strange symbol begins to emerge on Lia's wrist. Fearing what others might say, Lia hides her mark and begins to search for answers. What she finds, however, is a terrifying evil that threatens to consume her. An evil that her sister serves with pride. Does Lia have the strength to fight the ancient evil within, as well as her own flesh and blood?

The Prophecy of the Sisters is a tragic story of betrayal, magic, loss, and love. It is a tale of good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, and the incredible journey of four young girls locked in an ageless battle to defend humankind. Michelle Zink brings something new to the table, something that will leave readers screaming for book two. Lovers of gothic fantasy will not be disappointed in the slightest, and those looking for romance are sure to get their fair share. Prophecy of the Sisters had me riveted to one spot, immovable for six hours until I had finally finished. The mysteries and riddles are sure to keep clever minds churning, while the twists and romance are sure to stop the heart. Michelle has created a classic tale of ancient evil and endless good, and she has done so with a skillful grace. Prophecy of the Sisters is her first novel, and will be released in August, 2009.

Do you have what it takes to unlock the prophecy?

Let's see you prove it. *wink*

Swoon

Edward Cullen, beware! Sin has come to town, and he's stealing all your fangirls.

"Love at first sight must be glorious. I wouldn't know, since at first there was no sight. Smell, yeah--the tangy, salty scent of horses. Plenty of other sensations too. But I'll get to that. The point I want to make up front is that by the time I laid eyes on Sinclair Youngblood Powers--in the flesh, that is--I was already in love with him. Nothing could change that. Not even the fact that he was dead."

Candice Moskow is resigned to her new life in the dull little town of Swoon, Connecticut, where nothing ever happens and all the teenagers are cookie-cutter preps. A much different life from her old New York City one, but she can cope. Everything and everyone is normal in Swoon. At least, until her perfect cousin Pen falls from at tree and her soul intertwines with that of a ghost. His name? Sinclair Youngblood Powers. His mission? Revenge. Dice has long known that she was psychic. Seeing the dead or visions every once in awhile? No big deal. Giving a ghost who is bent on bringing her town to ruins his own body and falling in love with him? Not so good. Dice is the only one who knows his secret, and everyone, including herself and her cousin Pen, is in love with him. How do you go about destroying the love of your life?

Nina Malkin has brought to life a captivating story that is designed to seduce and entrap its readers. Sparkle in the sunlight, he does not, but Sin can charm his way into any heart. What I particularly love about Swoon is Sin's character. Nina has done an amazing job in facing her readers with the true, cruel spirit within Sin, and managing to make them fall for him nevertheless. Swoon is full of mystery, surprises, and romance, with a plot that is sure to keep readers up until the wee hours of the morning to reach the last page. From fights with friends, to parties where things don't quite go according to plan, Swoon has situations that many teens could relate to, with a little added flare. Lovers of the supernatural will devour this book, and fanatics of romance will fall under its spell.

So what are you waiting for? Sin has come to a town near you. Prepare to Swoon.

About This Blog

It recently occured to me that I haven't even explained exactly what this blog is about! (First of all, let me inform you that I am very new to the world of blogging, so you'll just have bare with me most of the time.) My goal for this blog is to give artists of any sort a place to show off their art! Whether it's books, painting, writing, drawing, photography, graphic design, or any other sort of art.

I am a book fiend, so I'll be posting a lot about books I've read or authors I like, and I'll occasionally hold contests! Fun, right? If there is anyone who would like me to advertise their books, just let me know! I'll also post anyone's work and a link back to their website or page, should they ask me to. I want to give people a chance to show off their creativity. I believe it's very important for people to express themselves, and creativity is one of the best ways to let yourself show.

So get to work, people! Get those creative juices flowing and SHOW OFF.
;D

Word Ninjas, Ink

*mysterious swishing noise*


*flash of silver*


*DEATH*


If we didn't love you, you'd be headless on the floor right now, because THE WORD NINJAS are coming to a town near you. Or adjacent to you. Ok, maybe not YOUR town, but a nearby metropolitan area.


DUHN DUHN DUUUUUUUUHN.

*crickets*


Did we not explain who the Word Ninjas are?


..Word Ninjas, Ink...
What it is: a collaboration between authors and online bloggers/reviewers designed to foster communication, information sharing, and fun in an effort to spread the word about upcoming releases in the YA market.


Who we are:


Word Ninjas, Ink. is comprised of two ninja-factions:


The Word Ninja Authors is a panel of authors whose novels launch this year and also blog on the Word Ninja website. At the moment, authors include Lisa Mantchev, Michelle Zink, Sarah Ockler, C. Lee McKenzie, Jon Skovron, and Cindy Pon.


The Word Ninja Street Team is a group of online reviewers/bloggers who will work closely with one to two authors a month as their books launch. Street Team members will also have the opportunity to blog on the Word Ninja website.


Long-term vision: We would like to see Word Ninjas grow into a comprehensive organization that not only assists authors with their launches but fosters supportive communication and relationships between authors, online bloggers, and the reading community. Ultimately, we would like to develop a philanthropic platform that would allow us to give back to the reading community in a meaningful way.


..Are you interested in joining the Word Ninja Street Team?..


What's in it for you: promotional swag that you can keep or use as giveways on your blog, a monthly giveaway/contest just for you, improved relationships with authors and booksellers, inside information, increased exposure for your blog, and most of all, fun! And crazy!


What's in it for us: regional, on-the-ground support for launches, improved distribution of promotional materials, better relationships with reviewers/bloggers (you!), and of course, more fun!


Still interested? Shoot us a message that includes your blog URL, general geographical information (city/state) and your age. If you are under 18, you'll need permission from a parent or guardian!


..Add us!..



www.myspace.com/thewordninjas
http://community.livejournal.com/thewordninjas
http://twitter.com/thewordninjas

The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley

Kat's true identity is a secret, even from her. All she has ever known are Grace and Anna and their small village. Kat wants more - more than hours spent embroidering finery for wealthy ladies and more than Christian, the gentle young farmer courting her.
But there are wolves outside, Grace warns Waiting, with their eyes glowing in the dark . . . and Grace has given Kat safety and a home when no one else would.
Then a stranger appears in their cottage, bringing the mystery of Kat's birth with her. In one night, Kat's destiny finds her: She will leave. She will journey to London, and her skill with the needle will attract the notice of the magnificant Queen Elizabeth - and of the wolves of the court. She will discover what Grace would never tell her.
E v e r y t h i n g w i l l u n r a v e l .

The Stolen One is the second novel of the amazing Suzanne Crowley. Her first novel was THE VERY ORDERED EXISTENCE OF Merilee Marvelous, published in 2007 by Greenwillow Books. Not only an author, Suzanne is an artist and a mother of three living in a small Texas town.

I highly encourage anyone and everyone to get their hands on a copy of The Stolen One on it's release date of June 30th, 2009. Keep an eye out, book lovers! This novel is sure to please.

Visit Suzanne Crowley at her website (www.suzannecrowley.com), or add her on myspace (www.myspace.com/suzannecrowley).

Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

On the day of her first betrothal meeting--and rejection--Ai Ling discovers a power welling deep within her. She can reach into other people's spirits, hear their thoughts, see their dreams...and that's just the beginning.

Ai Ling has been marked by the immortals; her destiny lies in the emperor's palace, where a terrible evil has lived, stealing souls, for centuries. She must conquer this enemy and rescue her captive father, while mythical demons track her every step. And then she meets Chen Yong, a young man with a quest of his own, whose fate is intertwined with hers. Here is a heart-stopping, breathtaking tale for fans of action, fantasy, and romance--of anything with the making of legend.

Cindy is holding a contest to celebrate her release, and the grand prize will be an original framed brushpainting with a signed copy of her book OR a $100 gift card to the bookstore of your choice along with a signed copy of her book.

She's not sure yet which painting will be the grand prize, but below are a few samples of her fabulous brush art...







Visit Cindy's blog (www.cindypon.com/blog) for contest details. And people, buy the book! It's an adventure you'd hate to miss.


Book Trailer!

Fun With Art!

Art is a wonderous thing! Now advertising authors on SHOES. xD I really had fun with this project. Not to mention that I get to advertise a great person every time I wear them.

Now for those of you who don't know yet, Lisa Mantchev is a wonderful author. She has written many short stories for magazines such as Weird Tales, Clarksworld, and Fantasy. Her first novel comes out in June of 2008, and is called EYES LIKE STARS (review below). Her works are for lovers of the strange, eccentric, and mystical. If you would like to read some of her stories you can view them on her website at www.lisamantchev.com. She also has a myspace, facebook, LiveJournal, and twitter, so hit her up!

My EYES LIKE STARS Review

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, the Théâtre Illuminata thanks you for your patronage and bids you welcome. Please put your hands together for their debut performance, EYES LIKE STARS!

All her world's a stage. She is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater. She's not an orphan, but she has no parents. She knows every part, but has no lines of her own. Until now.

Meet Beatrice Shakespeare Smith. Her disastrous reputation precedes her throughout the Théâtre Illuminata, a magical place where the characters from every play ever written can come alive. Bertie has lived in the Théâtre for as long as she can remember and couldn't possibly imagine living anywhere else, but soon she may not have a choice. Bertie must prove her worth in the theater or be kicked out forever, at the very moment it needs her most.

This beautifully written work of art has come from the talented, charming, and slightly eccentric upcoming author Lisa Mantchev. EYES LIKE STARS captured my interest at first sight. I know that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but I was enchanted. The picture of blue-haired girl with fairies zooming around her appealed to my punk, fantasy-loving nature. Finally having my own copy, my fingers were itching with anticipation as I lifted the cover. With the very first sentence, EYES LIKE STARS stole my heart. The mental image of tiny fairies with wings zooming around on wires was the icing on the cupcake for me; it casts Mustardseed, Cobweb, Moth, and Peaseblossom from A Midsummer Night's Dream in a whole new light.

This novel is witty and entertaining in its colorful pirate-and-fairy language, obsession with sweets, a heart-pounding tango scene that left me speechless, and a plot that will have you riveted in your seat until you have finished. Not only will you love the charismatic dialogue, but also the enchanting cast of characters. From our leading lady and her merry band of psychotic fairies, to the sexy Ariel (an elemental from The Tempest), and the handsome Nate (a swash-buckling pirate from The Little Mermaid), who compete for Bertie's affection.

With its many twists and turns, EYES LIKE STARS is sure to give its audience a performance they will never forget.

My Daemon Quiz got me perfectly. Odd

Your result for The Golden Compass Daemon Test...

Multi-Faceted Soul

In a way, you are a truly balanced person. You have a good sense of self, but you have periods of worry and self doubt. You don't like to be alone a lot, but you don't like being constantly surrounded, either. You can be shy in some situations and bold in others. You can tell people how you feel, but you don't wear your heart on your sleeve. You aren't "TOO" anything: You aren't too shy, you aren't too aggressive, you aren't too extroverted, you aren't too introverted. However at any one time you can be any combination of these things.

You tend to adapt yourself to match the situations in which you find yourself. You may be quiet and sensitive with some people, or joking and loud with others. These are all facets of your personality. People tend to perceive you as they want to perceive you. They may even tend to idealize you a bit. Then, when you do something that doesn't fit their concept of who you are (like have an outburst of anger, or a fit of shyness, or make an insensitive joke)they can be shocked and surprised. Does anyone know the real you?

Your daemon would represent your multi-faceted and ever-changing personality, as well as people's tendency to idealize you. He or she would get angry when you did not, be calm and poised when you felt ruffled and anxious, and always be the voice of emotion and reason in your ear.

Suggested forms:
Swan, Elephant, Koala, Panda, Chameleon, Wolf.

Take The Golden Compass Daemon Test at HelloQuizzy

Night Dance

The night is glowing brightly.The light dances across my skin like water, liquid and soothing. The breeze is swaying gently and the trees whisper softly, sending joyous dreams to the sleeping world. The night's music becons me, guiding my every step. One, two, three, One, two three. Like a dancer I weave through the wood. My eyes are blind, my feet are sure, and my ears guide my way. All I know is the dance. Will it end with the dawn? Don't think of the end, merely dance along. Heart pounding the beat, One, two, three, One, two three, I allow my feet to obey the Night Song's commands. The dance may end with the coming of the the sun, yet never shall I cease to smile, For although the dance was not long lived, it was beautiful nonetheless. The night is growing brighter and it slowly fades to day. I no longer dance, but the beat goes on, One, two, three, One, two, three, and a new dancer takes my place.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

I saw WICKED on Friday! It was the most amazing experience of my life. I actually cried during Defying Gravity. I only wish I could go one more time before it ends in January. The lighting, effects, costumes, acting, and songs were all amazing. The story was heart-breakingly amazing. And I could really relate to Elphaba a LOT of the time. Kind of scary, actually. For those of you who have not seen it yet, you have no idea what you are missing. It is beautiful, enchanting, and wicked. Never before have I fallen in love with a musical as much as this one. It was absolutely phenomenal. I HIGHLY suggest you get tickets before it's over. You won't regret it.

That was the highlight of my weekend. The rest has been pretty amazing, too. A friend that joined the army is back for 24 days, and I threw him a party last night. It was great to have everyone together again. Too bad it's only for 24 days.

I hope you all are having an amazing weekend, and I REALLY hope that you get a chance to see Wicked. You will most assuredly fall in love.

New Idea

So I'm thinking about doing a joint project with a friend of mine. A new story. She's going to write from the point of view of one person, and I'm going to write the point of view of another. Not only do we both get to write a magnificent and fun-filled story AND it will make the characters completely different people. There are times when it's hard to keep one person's characteristics from bleeding into another person. Hopefully the both of us writing this will keep that from happening. I'm just hoping it doesn't effect our friendship in any way. I know that working with a friend, whether at a job or on a project, can cause a rift in their relationship, but I'm hoping that our friendship is strong enough to withstand it. Nevertheless, if the occasion arises that I can see or feel that rift beginning I'll step back and let her take over the project. I'm just really excited because I really want to take my love of the Arts and portray it in this book; let it guide my character. I hope all turns out well. Fingers crossed, lucky socks on, penny in my shoe, all that jazz. Wish me luck! May the Good People, spirits, and music guide my way.

Madwoman Crossing

Comedy=tragedy+distance. Roses wilt and die. A smile can change the world. Anyone wanna be mine? Violet=purple, so why are they blue? Sing forever, music is life. All the world's a stage. Elvis:dead or alive? Does tomorrow ever come? E=MC². Every rose has its thorn. L is for the way you Look at me. Stirred, not shaken. Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire. Life is a rollar-coaster; you're bound to get sick. Liars are the world's best actors. I'm not gonna write you a love song; maybe a poem, though. Love love MYV. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. I see a red door and I want it painted black. Psychosocial. For a dreamer night's the only time of day. What goes up must come down. Don't get mad, get glad (and possibly even). Good comedy defies Newtons Laws of Motion. In the morning, I'm making waffles. Somewhere over the rainbow blue birds fly. A plague on both your houses. Shakespeare will live forever. I did NOT have sexual relations with that woman. Oops, I did it again. To be or not to be, that is the question. Hello, Dolly. Lord what fools these mortals be. And so, goodnight unto you all.

On Meeting Pixies and Extremely Talented Writers

(actual date written: November 19, 2008)

Imagine that you are a highschool student who enjoys writing and the Arts more than anything in this world. One day as you are walking down the hallway of your school you see a paper on a teacher's door. Normally you wouldn't be interested, but this paper is different from the others you've seen. The words Creative Writing Festival are written beautifully at the top, and below is a form explaining about the festival and how to sign up. Your eyes skim for the due date, and your heart skips a beat when finally find what you are looking for: your works and the form must be submitted the next day. You scramble for your works, the principal's permission, and quickly submitt them. The next thing you know, you're by yourself in this HUGE university, trying to find out which workshops you're taking and looking for someone that you could possibly befriend. During your second session poetry class, you're in luck! You run into two insane pixies that actually seem to want to hang out with you! Sure, they're insane, loud, and at times quite scary, but that's what keeps the day interesting. The knots in your stomach slowly begin to unwind. Perhaps this won't be so bad, after all.

Okay, so they weren't actual PIXIES. But they might as well have been! Those two girls were undeniably insane, and unbelievably fun to be with. Yes, that's my story. Well, the intro to my story. Today was my wonderful day at The University of Whitewater, and it blew my mind. The people there were all absolutely brilliant. At a glace many of them seems so different. Some of the people there you would have NEVER expected to be poets, and they were. So many different kinds of people, all united in their love of words. Going to the Open Mic sessions and listening to people sing, slam, recite poetry was one of the greatest moments of my life. Everyone was SO talented, and watching them put voice to their passion took my breath away. One of those men sang a beautiful song that he had written himself and acompanied himself on the acoustic guitar. If that boy isn't famous one day, I shall eat my shoes. Okay, I know this isn't much of a story. More like me rambling about something that most people probably don't care about. But I am too exhausted to care about either of those points right now. I'm simply content on the fact that today was a supremely beautiful day, and I will not allow anything to ruin it.
For those of you that DO love to write, I really suggest that you try something like this. Look around in your area and see if there are any places offering a Creative Writing workshop of some sort. I promise that you will not regret it. There are also other universities that do Theater workshops (which I am going to on Friday) that are EXTREMELY fun to be at. I really hope that all of you look into one or the other. Not only do you get out of school, but you also get to meet amazing people and have a blast.

I hope I never forget the people I met today. They were all amazing and extremely talented, and I hope that I see some of them when I return next year. (And hopefully I'll work up the guts to do Open Mic next time!)