Liebster Blogger Award

I was nominated, not once, but twice, for the Liebster blog award! So I will post one on this blog, and one on my other blog at http://karensdifferentcorners.wordpress.com/

Thank you Vanessa. Sorry it has taken me sooo long to get it posted.
Find Vanessa here; 
http://vanessawesterwriter.blogspot.com

Okay here are the rules!

*Post 11 random facts about oneself and answer the 11 questions asked by the person who nominated you.
*Pass the award onto 11 other blogs.
*Write 11 NEW questions directed towards YOUR nominees.
*Paste the award picture into your blog.

Okay, Eleven random facts about me.

1. I drive an 83 Suburban that can seat 9 people, but most of the time, I'm the only one in it!
2. My favorite song is "Here I go Again" by Whitesnake
3. My favorite singer is Ozzy!
4. I got to meet Ozzy at a book signing and have attended 6 Ozzfests
5. I'm a procrastinator.
6. I'm a perfectionist at times. (At least my son says I am, but I don't believe him)
7. I like helping others, even if they are my competitors.
8. I hate clutter
9. I'm addicted to Doublemint gum and coffee
10. I love everything vanilla. Candles, fragrance, bath products, etc.
11. I love to eat, like to cook, and hate cleaning up!

Eleven questions Vanessa asked.

1. At what age did you have your first kiss? 

1. thirteen

1. Do you remember who it was with ?

1. His name was Ray

1. When did you first get hurt by love and how? 

1. I was 15 and his family moved to Washington. I cried for weeks!

1. What is your favourite book? 

1. Cell by Stephen King

1. What is the best film you have ever seen, and why?

1. Shrek, because I like big green ogres. 

1. What is your favourite treat?

1. Bordeaux and butterscotch squares from See's candies

1. What languages can you speak?

1. English and a little Spanish

1. When on holiday, what do you love to do?

1. I love to go camping, especially near the water.

1. How many shoes do you own?

1. 3 pairs of sandals, 2 pairs of sneakers, and 1 pair of Ugg boots. Good thing you didn't ask about  socks or I'd be counting all day. I'm a socks person.

1. What makes you smile the most? 

1. people 

1. Name your favourite animal.

1. dogs

Okay, nine blogs I’m passing this on to.  I ran out of ideas! Haha!
http://blog.pauldorset.com/

http://twdittmer.wordpress.com/

http://dianadouglas.wordpress.com/

http://getbetweenthebookends.blogspot.com/

http://marciaarichards.com/her-blog

http://tashaseegmiller.blogspot.com/

http://www.theredheadriter.com/

http://hadeshellhounds.blogspot.com/

http://dianamurdock.wordpress.com/


Note to bloggers; I know how busy everyone is, especially at this time of year, so it is totally up to you if you want to participate, or you can put it aside and then post about it in the new year.
And now eleven questions! Are you ready to be in the hot seat? I’ll try not to make you squirm or think too hard. 

1. If you wrote a bucket list, what would be the #1 thing on it?
2. Favorite sport? To play? To watch?
3. If you were going on your first date, what would you do to impress her/him?
4. Dancing or bowling?
5. If you could blink your eyes and be anywhere right this minute, where would you be?
6. Favorite holiday?
7. Are you an only child? Or first, middle, or baby in the family?
8. Do you have a favorite color?
9. What is your favorite word or expression, that you use most often? Could you base a short story on it?
10. What color are your eyes?
11. Do you have a favorite song?

Blog Tour and Interview with S. M. Boyce

Today, I want to welcome S.M. Boyce. She is touring around the web, via blogs, promoting her newest novel, "Treason" And has granted us an interview, giving us a peek into her creative mind.
Welcome S.M. it is wonderful to have you here. I know you have been busy with this tour, so we will get straight to the questions.

 Many people don’t like the name they were given at birth. Do you like your given name? If not, what would you rather have been named?
   I didn’t like my name when I was a kid, but I’m a fan now. I used to want to go by my middle name (Michelle) so people would call me Mickey. I’m still not even sure why.

Do you write under your given name or a pseudonym?
   Pseudonym—S.M. Boyce.
Is there a routine you go through before you begin writing?
   I usually listen to the song that most reminds me of the book I’m about to write. It’s my meditation of sorts. I get into the book’s voice this way, and it’s a trigger that can fuel me no matter how I’m feeling.
Is there anyone you admire?
   I admire Neil Gaiman for all he’s managed to do in his career and for the way he still engages with fans, even though he’s busy. He’s actually tweeted me before, which I never thought would happen—it’s like the man doesn’t sleep.
What do you like to read?
   Fantasy and paranormal anything, as long as it has strong characters and a solid plot with no logic holes. I need a character’s motivation to be real or I won’t buy into a story.
Do you have a favorite author?
   Neil Gaiman, for his urban fantasy work; J.R.R. Tolkien for inpsirng me with his Lord of the Rings series; and J.K. Rowling for letting me grow up with Harry Potter.
Does it have to be quiet when you write or do you like background noise? TV, music, etc.
   I  like cinematic music, usually, or a fan if I really need to focus.
Beach or mountains?
   Mountains. I burn way too easily to ever enjoy the beach.
What inspires you?
   Everything. There’s so much wonder in the world, I can’t help but be in constant awe. I keep a pinterest board of my favorite swipes (ideas) if you want to have a look.
Favorite snack food?
   Twizzlers. They’re so bad for me…but they taste soooo good.
Doesn’t matter who we are, man, woman, child, all of us get freaked out by something. Spiders, mice, snakes, bugs, geese, etc. What freaks you out?
   Cotton near my nails. I feel like they’re about to fall off whenever it gets close.
What is the most unusual job you’ve ever had?
   Haha! This is an awesome question. Strangest job was right out of high school, working for a jeweler who ran her shop out of her basement. She sent people the wrong orders and got annoyed when they complained. I lasted two days.
I read on another blog, that a writer was working on 10 novels at once. Confusing! Do you work on one or multiple novels at a time?
   I haven’t yet, but I actually am about to get started. The trick with this, I think, is to write one and shift to the other while your editors are going through the first. But 10 novels? That seems a little ridiculous. I don’t know how anyone could manage that many novels and not forget important details/character motivations.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
    Wire wrap pendants. I’ve actually gotten pretty good. It’s such a relaxing hobby (usually) and I love that I can create something when I finish. My recent pendants are actually inspired by the Grimoire Trilogy, so I put them for sale on my site. You’re welcome to take a look because I’d love to hear what you think.
And last question…Do you have anything new coming out that you’d like to share with us?
   Sure thing. Heritage, the last in the Grimoire Trilogy, comes out next Fall. I’m making great progress on it, and that should be right on time. Each year after, I’ll release a novel with the backstory on side characters like Stone, Deidre, and the first Vagabond. Down the line, I even plan to release a print copy of the free online encyclopedia of the world. So follow my blog and stay tuned!
I’m also going to release the first book in a new series next fall, just before Heritage. If you’d like to get updates on this new series, make sure you follow my bookworms-only blog  or sign up for ARCs of all my future works


Author Homepage:

Author Facebook Page

Author Twitter Page

Amazon Link

GoodReads Link

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get Cozy and Read Gift Basket

Here is a great gift idea giving comfort to those who love to read. We all need some down time and what better way to relax then with a good book and some comforting foods, drinks, and scents.

You can use a traditional holiday basket, a tote bag, or find a container that can be used over and over.

 There are so many choices and so many different uses. You can find some unique baskets and containers at your local 99 cent store.

This is one that I designed and will fill with lots of goodies for my mail carrier. Shhh...Don't tell her. Hopefully she isn't reading my blog!

Now for suggestions to fill it up!
Hot cocoa or spiced apple cider mix.
Flavored teas and coffees.
Candy
Cookies
A candle
Slipper socks
and don't forget a great book or two, or three, or....
Anthologies and short story collections put together by different authors are great! Especially if you aren't sure what genre your recipient reads.
Here's three that I recommend

"A Festive Feast" 12 authors. 12 stories. and all proceeds go to cancer research. Find it here
http://www.amazon.com/Festive-Feast-Collection-Stories-Volume/dp/1481158260/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_4

"Out of Darkness" http://www.amazon.com/Out-Darkness-Collection-Short-Stories/dp/1480149675

And "Catch Her in The Rye" and you can find it here;
http://www.amazon.com/Catch-Her-Rye-Selected-Stories/dp/1461110890

And then if they like romance :-)
"The Good Dr. Grant" is a sweet, sexy, fun, and flirty romance!
Find it here http://www.amazon.com/The-Good-Grant-karen-einsel/dp/1477409025/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

"Kyle & Kelly" http://www.amazon.com/Kyle-Kelly-Perfect-Party-Planner/dp/1469903008

And last but not least; Support small businesses and hand crafters by visiting and shopping from all the stores at Etsy. Where you can find homemade candy, bath products, candles, and even beautiful jewelry! Find Etsy here; http://www.etsy.com/

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas!