Category: Sunday’s Shining Star

Sunday’s Shining Star

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

Photobucket

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

We haven’t traveled in a while, so I thought we might take a little trip.  Plus the guys, Jeff (Lori’s hubby aka Dollycas’s Thoughts) and my hubby, Steve, have had the past few Sundays off playing golf so they should be well rested to carry our luggage.  And btw…they are both telling us that they had the better golf score….. like Lori and I aren’t going to talk…..Men!!!! lol

Today we are going to Canada to visit with our Shining Star.   I really hope everyone is enjoying this event as much as I am, I truly can’t wait to draft up my posts to read the bloggers answers and get to know someone just a little bit better.  And I have to tell you, I didn’t know what I was going to find out with this blogger!!!  Her sense of humor is one of a kind….you will see what I mean……so let’s get right to it…..today’s guest and Shining Star is PK from AISLE B.

*When and why did you start blogging?
I jumped into the ocean of review blogging due to an ultimatum from Mrs Q Book Addict: my nebulous blog birth without an epidural was on April 7 2010. 6 hours of labour… sweating words over the keyboards.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
love of venturing into the aisles at the library and bookstores made me think… hey aisle b… aisle b for books!
aisle b = my love for words. my motto being “Words are my PASSION… so READ IT!”

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
fascination for Mailbox Monday / In My Mailbox & Teaser Tuesdays are fave memes. aisle b runs the gamut of reads since I don’t discriminate against words of creativity.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
got words – > will read it. mysteries, thrillers, Ya, guilty pleasures… historical romance… yes love men in kilts and Scottish brogue but please no Fabio. long fangs without glitter and lupine feasts are intriguing as well.

*How often do you post?
5 – 6 times depending on whether hubby lets me out for good behaviour from Tibetan yurt.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
people and exchanging incredible experiences via our readings. by far the most infectious part of blogging is the people you meet & develop “soul reads” lasting bonds. can’t beat that!

*What are some of the negatives?
stalkers, red eyes from reading, and overpile of review books. alright my husband is my stalker who constantly hounds me to get off the PC!

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
more GIVEAWAYS… the feeling you get when you get to say … “And the winner is….” Right-o nothing beats that for me.

India Black is my latest “gotta share that love” shout out.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
grab the passion of books and run with it. have fun and don’t get bogged down by the enormity of deadlines. live laugh and READ!

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
the texture of design coupled with intelligent writing… bam-o consider me a new found follower. crave to widen my world by expanding the reading radar through the help of fellow bloggers.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
pet peeves… comments that have no reflection or connection to articles posted by blogger… take the time to really read and appreciate what is being said.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
1) vertically challenged… ahem… height 4 foot 10 inches… and that’s with heels!

2) run in the basement from wall to wall… too cheap to buy a treadmill… which reminds me I’ve been slacking from my run… hence unable to get into my jeans!

3) love love love love FOOD! see connection to running in the basement (read above)

4) Blockbuster renews my Platinum membership every year free of charge… spend way too much on rentals…clerks have offered to set up a cot for me since this is my second home after Indigo.

5) Coverholic…. step 1 admit your addiction… step 2 control the lust that takes over me as I look at the cover… step 3 buy IT just for the COVER!

6) Able to understand Ewok talk since it has traces of Tibetan interlaced with other foreign languages. impressive n’est pas.

7) able to avoid projectile vomit due to years of mothering sick children. trust me it’s an important parenting skill you MUST Learn. otherwise eau de puke will be your new scent.

*Any other info you would like to share.
my scorpian style gets me in more trouble than i care to divulge… on that note “i plead the fifth!”

PK, thank you for being my guest today and sharing a bit of you with all of us.  Didn’t I tell you about her sense of humor?  I always know when I see a comment or an email from PK, I know a chuckle will soon follow.  However, she is also a very caring and genuine person.  She’ll remember bit of info from months ago and inquire if things are OK.  And then use her humor and philosophy to help the situation.  A fun, dedicated, family oriented, yes short, but all around truly nice person.  A very kind and funny Shining Star!!!!

Sunday’s Shining Star

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

Photobucket

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

We haven’t traveled in a while, so I thought we might take a little trip.  Plus the guys, Jeff (Lori’s hubby aka Dollycas’s Thoughts) and my hubby, Steve, have had the past few Sundays off playing golf so they should be well rested to carry our luggage.  And btw…they are both telling us that they had the better golf score….. like Lori and I aren’t going to talk…..Men!!!! lol

Today we are going to Canada to visit with our Shining Star.   I really hope everyone is enjoying this event as much as I am, I truly can’t wait to draft up my posts to read the bloggers answers and get to know someone just a little bit better.  And I have to tell you, I didn’t know what I was going to find out with this blogger!!!  Her sense of humor is one of a kind….you will see what I mean……so let’s get right to it…..today’s guest and Shining Star is PK from AISLE B.

*When and why did you start blogging?
I jumped into the ocean of review blogging due to an ultimatum from Mrs Q Book Addict: my nebulous blog birth without an epidural was on April 7 2010. 6 hours of labour… sweating words over the keyboards.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
love of venturing into the aisles at the library and bookstores made me think… hey aisle b… aisle b for books!
aisle b = my love for words. my motto being “Words are my PASSION… so READ IT!”

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
fascination for Mailbox Monday / In My Mailbox & Teaser Tuesdays are fave memes. aisle b runs the gamut of reads since I don’t discriminate against words of creativity.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
got words – > will read it. mysteries, thrillers, Ya, guilty pleasures… historical romance… yes love men in kilts and Scottish brogue but please no Fabio. long fangs without glitter and lupine feasts are intriguing as well.

*How often do you post?
5 – 6 times depending on whether hubby lets me out for good behaviour from Tibetan yurt.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
people and exchanging incredible experiences via our readings. by far the most infectious part of blogging is the people you meet & develop “soul reads” lasting bonds. can’t beat that!

*What are some of the negatives?
stalkers, red eyes from reading, and overpile of review books. alright my husband is my stalker who constantly hounds me to get off the PC!

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
more GIVEAWAYS… the feeling you get when you get to say … “And the winner is….” Right-o nothing beats that for me.

India Black is my latest “gotta share that love” shout out.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
grab the passion of books and run with it. have fun and don’t get bogged down by the enormity of deadlines. live laugh and READ!

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
the texture of design coupled with intelligent writing… bam-o consider me a new found follower. crave to widen my world by expanding the reading radar through the help of fellow bloggers.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
pet peeves… comments that have no reflection or connection to articles posted by blogger… take the time to really read and appreciate what is being said.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
1) vertically challenged… ahem… height 4 foot 10 inches… and that’s with heels!

2) run in the basement from wall to wall… too cheap to buy a treadmill… which reminds me I’ve been slacking from my run… hence unable to get into my jeans!

3) love love love love FOOD! see connection to running in the basement (read above)

4) Blockbuster renews my Platinum membership every year free of charge… spend way too much on rentals…clerks have offered to set up a cot for me since this is my second home after Indigo.

5) Coverholic…. step 1 admit your addiction… step 2 control the lust that takes over me as I look at the cover… step 3 buy IT just for the COVER!

6) Able to understand Ewok talk since it has traces of Tibetan interlaced with other foreign languages. impressive n’est pas.

7) able to avoid projectile vomit due to years of mothering sick children. trust me it’s an important parenting skill you MUST Learn. otherwise eau de puke will be your new scent.

*Any other info you would like to share.
my scorpian style gets me in more trouble than i care to divulge… on that note “i plead the fifth!”

PK, thank you for being my guest today and sharing a bit of you with all of us.  Didn’t I tell you about her sense of humor?  I always know when I see a comment or an email from PK, I know a chuckle will soon follow.  However, she is also a very caring and genuine person.  She’ll remember bit of info from months ago and inquire if things are OK.  And then use her humor and philosophy to help the situation.  A fun, dedicated, family oriented, yes short, but all around truly nice person.  A very kind and funny Shining Star!!!!

Sunday’s Shining Star

To all those Dads out there, I wish you a very Happy Father’s Day!!!  And for those Dads who have passed, I think I can speak for many since I fall into this category, even though you aren’t here to celebrate, we celebrate today with the memories we hold dear in our hearts. 
HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

Photobucket

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Ladies, we are on our own today.  Seeing that it is Father’s Day, Jeff and Steve (Lori aka Dollycas’s Thoughts hubby and mine) have requested today off….Men!!  Any excuse not to attend our “gab sessions” lol.

I am quite excited about today’s guest.  She is a relatively new blogger but it seems like she has been at it for years.  I will be very surprised if you haven’t seen her around bloggyland, because it appears she does a lot of visiting.  I can’t wait to get to know her better, I hope you do too.  Today’s guest is MARY ANN from TRIBUTE BOOKS MAMA

*When and why did you start blogging?
I started blogging in October 2010 in order to help my daughter promote her business, Tribute Books (http://www.tribute-books.com).

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
Answered in question 1

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
The main content of my blog is reviews of books, movies and tv shows.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Historical fiction, paranormal & young adult

*How often do you post?
I post everyday.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Being in touch with other bloggers.

BWS tips button

*What are some of the negatives?
Having a lot of people enter my book giveaways – I’d like to have more than 4 or 5 people enter them on a regular basis.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
(1) My book review of Laney: The Brookhaven Vampires
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2011/01/giveaway-laney-brookehaven-vampires-by.html

(2) My movie review of The King’s Speech
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2011/01/kings-speech-movie.html

(3) My tv show review of Dexter
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2010/12/dexter.html

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Keep doing it as often as you can. Stick with it!

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Quality content and frequent updates. GIveaways are a plus too.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
Leaving a copy/paste repetitive comment during a blog hop. I’m guilty of it too from time to time.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
1. My favorite book is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I gave my childhood copy from the 1950s to my daughter when she was a girl.

2. No movie made me laugh harder in a public theater than Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson in Anger Management.

3. My favorite Broadway play of all-time is Les Miserables. I saw it in 1996 with fourth row orchestra seats with Ricky Martin as Marius.

4. I am a Vera Bradley fanatic. I must have close to 10 purses in the Betsy style.

5. I like to watch QVC although it gets my credit card in trouble. Lisa Robertson is my favorite host.

6. I like Philosophy skin care/bath products. Cinnamon Buns 3-in-1 shower creme is the best.

7. I am thankful I was able to buy myself a new car this year – a white 2010 Chevy Cobalt.

Thank you Mary Ann for being my guest today and sharing a little bit of yourself with all of us.  As all of you can see she is a very proud and dedicated Mother in assisting her daughter, Nicole, with her business.  And as passionate as she is about books, she is with movies and TV.  I am not a big TV watcher, but at times may turn into American Idol or shows of that nature.  If I miss a show, I know where to get the scoop!!!  Passing her copy of Little Women to her daughter!!!  That surely makes her a Shining Star!!!!  Congratulations and Good Luck with your new car!!!!!

Sunday’s Shining Star

To all those Dads out there, I wish you a very Happy Father’s Day!!!  And for those Dads who have passed, I think I can speak for many since I fall into this category, even though you aren’t here to celebrate, we celebrate today with the memories we hold dear in our hearts. 
HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

Photobucket

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Ladies, we are on our own today.  Seeing that it is Father’s Day, Jeff and Steve (Lori aka Dollycas’s Thoughts hubby and mine) have requested today off….Men!!  Any excuse not to attend our “gab sessions” lol.

I am quite excited about today’s guest.  She is a relatively new blogger but it seems like she has been at it for years.  I will be very surprised if you haven’t seen her around bloggyland, because it appears she does a lot of visiting.  I can’t wait to get to know her better, I hope you do too.  Today’s guest is MARY ANN from TRIBUTE BOOKS MAMA

*When and why did you start blogging?
I started blogging in October 2010 in order to help my daughter promote her business, Tribute Books (http://www.tribute-books.com).

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
Answered in question 1

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
The main content of my blog is reviews of books, movies and tv shows.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Historical fiction, paranormal & young adult

*How often do you post?
I post everyday.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Being in touch with other bloggers.

BWS tips button

*What are some of the negatives?
Having a lot of people enter my book giveaways – I’d like to have more than 4 or 5 people enter them on a regular basis.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
(1) My book review of Laney: The Brookhaven Vampires
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2011/01/giveaway-laney-brookehaven-vampires-by.html

(2) My movie review of The King’s Speech
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2011/01/kings-speech-movie.html

(3) My tv show review of Dexter
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2010/12/dexter.html

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Keep doing it as often as you can. Stick with it!

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Quality content and frequent updates. GIveaways are a plus too.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
Leaving a copy/paste repetitive comment during a blog hop. I’m guilty of it too from time to time.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
1. My favorite book is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I gave my childhood copy from the 1950s to my daughter when she was a girl.

2. No movie made me laugh harder in a public theater than Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson in Anger Management.

3. My favorite Broadway play of all-time is Les Miserables. I saw it in 1996 with fourth row orchestra seats with Ricky Martin as Marius.

4. I am a Vera Bradley fanatic. I must have close to 10 purses in the Betsy style.

5. I like to watch QVC although it gets my credit card in trouble. Lisa Robertson is my favorite host.

6. I like Philosophy skin care/bath products. Cinnamon Buns 3-in-1 shower creme is the best.

7. I am thankful I was able to buy myself a new car this year – a white 2010 Chevy Cobalt.

Thank you Mary Ann for being my guest today and sharing a little bit of yourself with all of us.  As all of you can see she is a very proud and dedicated Mother in assisting her daughter, Nicole, with her business.  And as passionate as she is about books, she is with movies and TV.  I am not a big TV watcher, but at times may turn into American Idol or shows of that nature.  If I miss a show, I know where to get the scoop!!!  Passing her copy of Little Women to her daughter!!!  That surely makes her a Shining Star!!!!  Congratulations and Good Luck with your new car!!!!!

Sunday’s Shining Star

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.
Photobucket

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

OK..now I know I’m not imagining it.  Jeff and Steve are being too accommodating…getting the dessert here on time and making sure we have enough to drink on these warm days and then rushing out to play golf.  I think they really enjoy our “Sunday Shining Star “gab sessions” lol.

And now to our Star, not only is our guest a blogger but an author, so we have a lot to talk about.  We met through the Friday Blog Hop and I for one, am really excited to get to know her.  I hope you are too.  Today’s Shining Star is BRENDA from FICTION WITH A PURPOSE

*When and why did you start blogging?
I actually started blogging in 2008 as one of the pages on my website – www.brendayoungerman.com – and I did it because my publisher told me it was a good idea to blog. But I felt like I was writing my journal on line and I had absolutely NO followers. So in March 2010 my blogspot blog was born. And again it was out of necessity and I really had NO idea what I was doing.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
The name of my blog “Fiction with a Purpose” is what I write – I write novels that tell stories of everyday life – sometimes the subject matter is not all that pleasant but in a fictional setting it makes it easier to digest. I want my readers to go along on the ride – or journey- and when the book is over I want the story to stay with them for a day or two (or more) and have them look at things around them a little differently than when they picked up my book.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Wow! That is tough. It depends on the day – I post book reviews and I have a weekly hop called Pondering with a Purpose – where I give a prompt and hope people will grab it and hop along (Thursdays) – I just started a new feature on Tuesdays called Spotlight on Tuesdays where I introduce another blogger that I have found interesting. I try to write a Musings on Mondays, and I hop with the Friday book blogger hop, and Wednesdays I hop with a really good friend of mine for a Weekly WOW 100 words to discuss what I am currently reading and on Saturdays I do a Saturday Shop Hop to discuss my various business ventures and then of course I blog any other time I want to during the week to discuss my books or other books.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Right now I read mostly the books that are sent to me to review – my preferred reading is thriller, mystery, crime, romance, etc

*How often do you post?
I try to post at least 5 times a week on my blog…I am an active author and try to devote at least an hour a day to writing….and I have a full time job. If I could I would spend the entire day on the blog and visiting other sites…BUT there are only so many hours in a day!

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
I love meeting new people and seeing how creative they can be on their sites. And it is so much fun to realize that we can be communicating with people all over the world and not even know it. We are chatting and blogging and not even know where someone is from. That, to me, is amazing! I love writing everyday when it isn’t in one of my books.

*What are some of the negatives?

I don’t really like getting 0 comments and it is frustrating when I follow other hops and the owners of those hops don’t follow mine. Sometimes it is frustrating on blogger itself, I feel like a dinosaur when I see other sites and they are SO creative and then I look at mine and seems so ordinary.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
My Thursday – Pondering with a Purpose has to be my favorite post. I set up a prompt and then write to it, and hope that others will join along and write to the prompt as well. I have a linky at the bottom and hope someday that there will be a long list of followers and we can all see what the prompt brings in.


Mondays Musings – I started that a while ago when I wanted to journal my experiences from the weekends. Now I do it as a regular post and I know I have a lot people that have come to expect it.


Tuesday’s Spotlight – this is actually a new post for me. I just started it a couple of weeks ago. I decided I wanted to turn the spot light on all of the really nice people I have met on the blogger circuit. Who knows, maybe one of these days the spotlight will be turned on you!

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Stay true to yourself and write what you want to write. Make sure when you set up your site that the writing is visible. Don’t make the background so dark that the letters are impossible to read. Be gracious and thank people for their comments.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
First I have to ‘feel comfortable’ on their site, easy to read and comment on.

Second, I look around at their postings and have to like their writings and what they have said, and third I normally listen to my gut.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
I have a really hard time with blogs that are written by 2 people. I feel like blogging should be one person behind a computer – not two. Also, I will immediately close a blog if it opens with music.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
I believe all things happen for a reason

I don’t believe in coincidences

I think we should all treat another person better than we wish to be treated

I sleep with my dog

My characters speak to me and write their own stories

I truly believe one day one of my books will make it to the best sellers lists

I believe you get back more than you give – and giving is twice as good as receiving

*Any other info you would like to share.
Thank you for introducing my to your followers! This is a really great thing you are doing….if anyone is interested in finding out more about Fiction with a Purpose – you can check out my website: http://brendayoungerman.com — and you are always welcome on my blog: http://brendayoungerman.blogspot.com

Brenda, thank you for being my guest today and sharing a little bit of you with us.  As I said I found Brenda’s blog through the Friday Book Blog Hop and instantly became a follower.  I sent off a Shining Star questionnaire because I wanted to get to know her, I put her info on my spread sheet and she accepted….YES!!!!   She returns the questionnaire and I put it into my folder.  I revisit her site on another Friday but Senior Moment Kicks In!!!!!,  I check my spreadsheet, don’t see her blog (because I had only put in her name, not her blog the first time I entered her ino) and send off another questionnaire.  She graciously emails me and tells me that she has already sent it back.  I guess my senior moments are now turning into senior days lol.

I really enjoyed getting to know Brenda.  I think she has given some great advice for blogging and bloggers alike, and find her thoughts on life inspirational.  I hope she doesn’t mind, but, she does have another site that I would like to share with you.  Her official Author site:  http://sbpra.com/brendayoungerman/.  I have read the synopsis of her book, Disrupted Lives, and have put it on my personal tbr list.  It sounds like a great read and I can’t wait to pick it up.  She is also doing a Book Blog Tour, check out the details HERE, to see if you are interested and can participate.

Between her blog and her writing, I think Brenda is a Shining Star!!  And, I think I can speak for all of us, we hope that your book Disrupted Lives and all your future books, will be Best Sellers!!!!!



Sunday’s Shining Star

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.
Photobucket

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

OK..now I know I’m not imagining it.  Jeff and Steve are being too accommodating…getting the dessert here on time and making sure we have enough to drink on these warm days and then rushing out to play golf.  I think they really enjoy our “Sunday Shining Star “gab sessions” lol.

And now to our Star, not only is our guest a blogger but an author, so we have a lot to talk about.  We met through the Friday Blog Hop and I for one, am really excited to get to know her.  I hope you are too.  Today’s Shining Star is BRENDA from FICTION WITH A PURPOSE

*When and why did you start blogging?
I actually started blogging in 2008 as one of the pages on my website – www.brendayoungerman.com – and I did it because my publisher told me it was a good idea to blog. But I felt like I was writing my journal on line and I had absolutely NO followers. So in March 2010 my blogspot blog was born. And again it was out of necessity and I really had NO idea what I was doing.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
The name of my blog “Fiction with a Purpose” is what I write – I write novels that tell stories of everyday life – sometimes the subject matter is not all that pleasant but in a fictional setting it makes it easier to digest. I want my readers to go along on the ride – or journey- and when the book is over I want the story to stay with them for a day or two (or more) and have them look at things around them a little differently than when they picked up my book.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Wow! That is tough. It depends on the day – I post book reviews and I have a weekly hop called Pondering with a Purpose – where I give a prompt and hope people will grab it and hop along (Thursdays) – I just started a new feature on Tuesdays called Spotlight on Tuesdays where I introduce another blogger that I have found interesting. I try to write a Musings on Mondays, and I hop with the Friday book blogger hop, and Wednesdays I hop with a really good friend of mine for a Weekly WOW 100 words to discuss what I am currently reading and on Saturdays I do a Saturday Shop Hop to discuss my various business ventures and then of course I blog any other time I want to during the week to discuss my books or other books.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Right now I read mostly the books that are sent to me to review – my preferred reading is thriller, mystery, crime, romance, etc

*How often do you post?
I try to post at least 5 times a week on my blog…I am an active author and try to devote at least an hour a day to writing….and I have a full time job. If I could I would spend the entire day on the blog and visiting other sites…BUT there are only so many hours in a day!

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
I love meeting new people and seeing how creative they can be on their sites. And it is so much fun to realize that we can be communicating with people all over the world and not even know it. We are chatting and blogging and not even know where someone is from. That, to me, is amazing! I love writing everyday when it isn’t in one of my books.

*What are some of the negatives?

I don’t really like getting 0 comments and it is frustrating when I follow other hops and the owners of those hops don’t follow mine. Sometimes it is frustrating on blogger itself, I feel like a dinosaur when I see other sites and they are SO creative and then I look at mine and seems so ordinary.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
My Thursday – Pondering with a Purpose has to be my favorite post. I set up a prompt and then write to it, and hope that others will join along and write to the prompt as well. I have a linky at the bottom and hope someday that there will be a long list of followers and we can all see what the prompt brings in.


Mondays Musings – I started that a while ago when I wanted to journal my experiences from the weekends. Now I do it as a regular post and I know I have a lot people that have come to expect it.


Tuesday’s Spotlight – this is actually a new post for me. I just started it a couple of weeks ago. I decided I wanted to turn the spot light on all of the really nice people I have met on the blogger circuit. Who knows, maybe one of these days the spotlight will be turned on you!

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Stay true to yourself and write what you want to write. Make sure when you set up your site that the writing is visible. Don’t make the background so dark that the letters are impossible to read. Be gracious and thank people for their comments.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
First I have to ‘feel comfortable’ on their site, easy to read and comment on.

Second, I look around at their postings and have to like their writings and what they have said, and third I normally listen to my gut.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
I have a really hard time with blogs that are written by 2 people. I feel like blogging should be one person behind a computer – not two. Also, I will immediately close a blog if it opens with music.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
I believe all things happen for a reason

I don’t believe in coincidences

I think we should all treat another person better than we wish to be treated

I sleep with my dog

My characters speak to me and write their own stories

I truly believe one day one of my books will make it to the best sellers lists

I believe you get back more than you give – and giving is twice as good as receiving

*Any other info you would like to share.
Thank you for introducing my to your followers! This is a really great thing you are doing….if anyone is interested in finding out more about Fiction with a Purpose – you can check out my website: http://brendayoungerman.com — and you are always welcome on my blog: http://brendayoungerman.blogspot.com

Brenda, thank you for being my guest today and sharing a little bit of you with us.  As I said I found Brenda’s blog through the Friday Book Blog Hop and instantly became a follower.  I sent off a Shining Star questionnaire because I wanted to get to know her, I put her info on my spread sheet and she accepted….YES!!!!   She returns the questionnaire and I put it into my folder.  I revisit her site on another Friday but Senior Moment Kicks In!!!!!,  I check my spreadsheet, don’t see her blog (because I had only put in her name, not her blog the first time I entered her ino) and send off another questionnaire.  She graciously emails me and tells me that she has already sent it back.  I guess my senior moments are now turning into senior days lol.

I really enjoyed getting to know Brenda.  I think she has given some great advice for blogging and bloggers alike, and find her thoughts on life inspirational.  I hope she doesn’t mind, but, she does have another site that I would like to share with you.  Her official Author site:  http://sbpra.com/brendayoungerman/.  I have read the synopsis of her book, Disrupted Lives, and have put it on my personal tbr list.  It sounds like a great read and I can’t wait to pick it up.  She is also doing a Book Blog Tour, check out the details HERE, to see if you are interested and can participate.

Between her blog and her writing, I think Brenda is a Shining Star!!  And, I think I can speak for all of us, we hope that your book Disrupted Lives and all your future books, will be Best Sellers!!!!!



Sunday’s Shining Star

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

Photobucket

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Before we meet and greet today’s guest, I have a question.  Is it only me or has everyone else noticed that the boys. (ok…men…Jeff and  Steve…Lori and my hubby) seem to be behaving lately now that the weather is getting nicer and they are golfing while we get together on Sundays?  Thought so..lol. 

Now back today’s guest.  I participate in a weekly meme on Saturdays called A Bit Of Me, where each week Danielle asks a question to get to know bloggers a little bit better.  Well today, we are going to get to know Danielle.  Today our Shining Star is DANIELLE from THERE’S A BOOK.

When and why did you start blogging?
My first book review was posted in November of 2009, with my son also reviewing the book (I’ve Seen Santa! by David Bedford). When I initially started my primary focus was to help readers, and parents especially, find books they would love. I found that trying to pick up books for my son when he was very little to be incredibly challenging and quite expensive. We lived in a small town at the time and our library definitely left something to be desired. Because I knew I couldn’t be alone in this struggle I decided to start sharing the books my children loved and the reasons why they did in the hope that I could help other readers (young & old) find just the right book for them.

How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
My byline for my blog is “Because sometimes there’s a book that can transform a child’s world.” When I started looking into blog names I came up with this with the help of my mom and “There’s A Book” popped out!

What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Primarily book reviews, author interviews and giveaways. I also provide book news pieces and other random bits I hear through the grape vine.

Of books, what genres do you mostly read?
My primary focus is Children’s books including Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle Grade and Young Adult books. I do also read a large amount of Women’s Fiction/Chick Lit for the other site I review for, Chick Lit Reviews (http://chicklitreviews.com)

How often do you post?
It varies, but at least once a day sometimes as many as three times daily depending on what’s going on in the book world.

What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Absolutely, without any doubt, the community of book bloggers. I’ve never met a more generous group of people. Not only with the books they have, but there time, energy and general love & concern for others. It’s fantastic and I’m happy to be a part of it.

Outside of the community factor, I’d have to say books in general. Before I was a book blogger I had no idea about the number of books there really were out there and the variety I could expose my children to. Not just because of review copies, but from getting to know publishers by looking through catalogs and reading other blogs I’ve discovered new books that I’ve fallen in love with because of being a book blogger. It’s wonderful!

What are some of the negatives?
Being overwhelmed. I have a hard time saying no. Also feeling as though I need to get through every single book that comes through my door and post a review for it. I’ll be the first to admit, I stay up way too late reading and answering emails, because I love it. But sometimes I need to remember to take a step back and enjoy what I really love about blogging and reading.

Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?

– My new Author Interview feature “20 Questions with Turkeybird” we recently interviewed Jon Scieszka and this was quite literally a dream come true. “20 Questions with Jon Scieszka”
– The post where I share a little bit about my son’s struggles and why he was already a voracious reader by 18 months old. A Sticky Situation – Using Activity and Sticker Books
– Lastly, the new “Read-to-Me Picture Book Reading Challenge” I started this year. I couldn’t find much out there for picture book reading challenges and I wanted to encourage reading in the home with little ones. So, I started one up this year and it’s been a huge success!

Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Breathe. Relax. Enjoy. Stop worrying about getting ARC’s, they’ll come and then you may change your tune. Get to know more book bloggers. Be involved and enjoy the activities that are put together. There’s a lot of fun to be had and it will not only take you to new friends you never knew you could have, but it will also bring people back to you.

What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Someone who interacts with me on a fairly regular basis and a pretty regular stream of content. I’m absolutely not going to fault someone for taking a few days off, it’s a blog not a career for goodness sakes, but at the same time I want something to look forward to when I return to their site. I also quite often need nudging to get out and about by way of a comment here and there on my own site. Leave a comment on my site and you’re almost guaranteed a visit from me plus more in the future. 🙂

Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
I cannot stand auto-play music, period. This will have me close a tab in a browser quicker than anything else. Outside of that, not really. I guess I’m not a huge fan of people who are overly negative or use foul language in their posts, but I don’t really see that a whole lot.

Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
I’m the mom to two fun and incredibly energetic reading kiddos which I’ve nicknamed the Turkeybird and Littlebug.

My hubby and I, before getting married, spent two years apart and wrote only snail mail letters to each other while serving missions for our church.

I’m a classically trained professional flutist.

Currently I have 3 books I’m completing that will be published soon, one Middle Grade and two Young Adult.

And I absolutely love to travel! Which is obvious since I’ve now lived in nearly a dozen states and have never spent time in any military service nor has my family.

Any other info you would like to share.
I also review at Chick Lit Reviews and am one of the Co-Founders of Armchair BEA!

Thank you so much Cheryl! I’m honored to be featured and so grateful you asked me (even if it took me some time to get it to you)!

Danielle, thank you for being my guest today and sharing “A Bit Of You” with us.  I found that this was truly a treat.  I can’t even find the words to express the respect, awe and amazement I have for Danielle after learning so much about her.  Her devotion, talent and energy definitely makes her a SHINING STAR!!! 

Sunday’s Shining Star

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

Photobucket

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Before we meet and greet today’s guest, I have a question.  Is it only me or has everyone else noticed that the boys. (ok…men…Jeff and  Steve…Lori and my hubby) seem to be behaving lately now that the weather is getting nicer and they are golfing while we get together on Sundays?  Thought so..lol. 

Now back today’s guest.  I participate in a weekly meme on Saturdays called A Bit Of Me, where each week Danielle asks a question to get to know bloggers a little bit better.  Well today, we are going to get to know Danielle.  Today our Shining Star is DANIELLE from THERE’S A BOOK.

When and why did you start blogging?
My first book review was posted in November of 2009, with my son also reviewing the book (I’ve Seen Santa! by David Bedford). When I initially started my primary focus was to help readers, and parents especially, find books they would love. I found that trying to pick up books for my son when he was very little to be incredibly challenging and quite expensive. We lived in a small town at the time and our library definitely left something to be desired. Because I knew I couldn’t be alone in this struggle I decided to start sharing the books my children loved and the reasons why they did in the hope that I could help other readers (young & old) find just the right book for them.

How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
My byline for my blog is “Because sometimes there’s a book that can transform a child’s world.” When I started looking into blog names I came up with this with the help of my mom and “There’s A Book” popped out!

What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Primarily book reviews, author interviews and giveaways. I also provide book news pieces and other random bits I hear through the grape vine.

Of books, what genres do you mostly read?
My primary focus is Children’s books including Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle Grade and Young Adult books. I do also read a large amount of Women’s Fiction/Chick Lit for the other site I review for, Chick Lit Reviews (http://chicklitreviews.com)

How often do you post?
It varies, but at least once a day sometimes as many as three times daily depending on what’s going on in the book world.

What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Absolutely, without any doubt, the community of book bloggers. I’ve never met a more generous group of people. Not only with the books they have, but there time, energy and general love & concern for others. It’s fantastic and I’m happy to be a part of it.

Outside of the community factor, I’d have to say books in general. Before I was a book blogger I had no idea about the number of books there really were out there and the variety I could expose my children to. Not just because of review copies, but from getting to know publishers by looking through catalogs and reading other blogs I’ve discovered new books that I’ve fallen in love with because of being a book blogger. It’s wonderful!

What are some of the negatives?
Being overwhelmed. I have a hard time saying no. Also feeling as though I need to get through every single book that comes through my door and post a review for it. I’ll be the first to admit, I stay up way too late reading and answering emails, because I love it. But sometimes I need to remember to take a step back and enjoy what I really love about blogging and reading.

Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?

– My new Author Interview feature “20 Questions with Turkeybird” we recently interviewed Jon Scieszka and this was quite literally a dream come true. “20 Questions with Jon Scieszka”
– The post where I share a little bit about my son’s struggles and why he was already a voracious reader by 18 months old. A Sticky Situation – Using Activity and Sticker Books
– Lastly, the new “Read-to-Me Picture Book Reading Challenge” I started this year. I couldn’t find much out there for picture book reading challenges and I wanted to encourage reading in the home with little ones. So, I started one up this year and it’s been a huge success!

Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Breathe. Relax. Enjoy. Stop worrying about getting ARC’s, they’ll come and then you may change your tune. Get to know more book bloggers. Be involved and enjoy the activities that are put together. There’s a lot of fun to be had and it will not only take you to new friends you never knew you could have, but it will also bring people back to you.

What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Someone who interacts with me on a fairly regular basis and a pretty regular stream of content. I’m absolutely not going to fault someone for taking a few days off, it’s a blog not a career for goodness sakes, but at the same time I want something to look forward to when I return to their site. I also quite often need nudging to get out and about by way of a comment here and there on my own site. Leave a comment on my site and you’re almost guaranteed a visit from me plus more in the future. 🙂

Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
I cannot stand auto-play music, period. This will have me close a tab in a browser quicker than anything else. Outside of that, not really. I guess I’m not a huge fan of people who are overly negative or use foul language in their posts, but I don’t really see that a whole lot.

Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
I’m the mom to two fun and incredibly energetic reading kiddos which I’ve nicknamed the Turkeybird and Littlebug.

My hubby and I, before getting married, spent two years apart and wrote only snail mail letters to each other while serving missions for our church.

I’m a classically trained professional flutist.

Currently I have 3 books I’m completing that will be published soon, one Middle Grade and two Young Adult.

And I absolutely love to travel! Which is obvious since I’ve now lived in nearly a dozen states and have never spent time in any military service nor has my family.

Any other info you would like to share.
I also review at Chick Lit Reviews and am one of the Co-Founders of Armchair BEA!

Thank you so much Cheryl! I’m honored to be featured and so grateful you asked me (even if it took me some time to get it to you)!

Danielle, thank you for being my guest today and sharing “A Bit Of You” with us.  I found that this was truly a treat.  I can’t even find the words to express the respect, awe and amazement I have for Danielle after learning so much about her.  Her devotion, talent and energy definitely makes her a SHINING STAR!!!