Happy Halloween!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!















And a huge thank you to everyone who participated in A Very Faery Interview. I had a lot of fun, and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. Taking a haitus from interviews for now, but hopefully I can start them again sometime in the future.

In other news, tomorrow is the first official day of NaNo Wrimo. If, like me, you have signed up for this month long fiasco, let me start by saying AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

No, bad writer! I meant to say, WE CAN DO IT! It can be done. This is my second NaNo and I have proof that a book can be written in a mere 30 days. Let me throw an even more encouraging thought out there: The book that I wrote for my last NaNo Wrimo went on to be published. So, who knows what you might do this November? And just think, by this time NEXT month, you will have a finished book.

That said, the number of blog posts might dwindle dramatically in the next 30 days, as every drop of creative juice in my brain will be sucked out by NaNo. At the end of the day, I might not have the creative energy to write a greeting card. So if I'm a bit MIA next month, just wait until November is done and I promise I'll be back.

That's it for me! By this time tomorrow I'll be NaNoing. Good luck to everyone out there, and have a safe and happy Halloween.

Julie

NaNo Wrimo and unicorns

Well, I did it. I signed up for NaNo this November. I don't know why this fills me with a looming sense of dread; I did NaNo a couple years back and got a published book out of it, so that alone should tell me I might be onto something. I suppose its because I went all official and signed up on NaNo's official website. The other time I just picked the month of September and did my own personal little NaNo month, where the only ones who knew were my agent and husband. Being an official participant is so much more ... official. I'm being pressured to perform by thousands of other Wrimos who are writing their novels and doing so much better than me, ahhhhhhh!

I know, I know. It shouldn't be any different than before. Perhaps its the amount of NaNo talk on Twitter thats getting me all aflutter. Perhaps I should stop playing around online and just focus on my writing. Perhaps I shouldn't listen to the Twitter talk and lock myself away in a safe isolated bubble until Christmas.

And perhaps unicorns will burst in my door, wave their magic horns, and complete my novel for me.

Limmerick Wednesday (and a bad puppy)

Look what I found under my coffee table today.














Yes, that is toilet paper, and yes, that is my soon-to-be-dead papillon Stitch, who looks completely unconcerned to be caught IN THE ACT, with a camera!

Arg. Bad puppy.

Anyway, moving on. I'm changing the post title from Waiting on Wednesday, to Limmerick Wednesday, because it seems more appropriate. Also, the voices inside my head told me to.

Ahem. Today's pick:

Fallen by Lauren Kate



















Luce lives at the Sword and Cross,
a school for the troubled and lost.
When she catches the eye
of a mysterious guy,
she could never imagine the cost.

Really looking forward to this one. It looks so dark! And I love dark.

And so do the voices in my head, shhhhhhhh! :P

Teaser Tuesday

Dum dum dummmmmm, another Teaser Tuesday is upon us. No requests this week, so I get to choose what teaser to post. Hmmmm, the options. Think I'll go with: this one ...

A girl's face hovered over mine, blond hair brushing my cheeks, wide green eyes both anxious and curious. Her skin was the color of summer grass, and tiny scales gleamed silver around her neck. She grinned, and her teeth flashed as sharp and pointed as an eel's.




















Eh heh heh. Okay, that's this week's Teaser. Now its your turn.

A Very Faery Interview with Ravenous Reader

Ravenous Reader Interview
Another Very Faery Interview (getting tired of them yet?), this time with the hungry Ravenous Reader from A Lush Budget Production. Okay, guys, you know the drill: the characters from THE IRON KING—Meghan, Ash, and Puck—will ask the questions, and hopefully not scare our poor blogger to death. Okay, you three, its all yours.

Meghan: Okay, here we go. So Nancy, inquiring minds want to know: how did you get into blogging, and why? How long have you been at it, and is there anything you wished you did differently when you started?

RR: Hiya! *waves hello* Before I get started I wanted to say thank you, for wanting to interview little ole’ me  I began blogging a few years ago and on occasion I would review some of the books that I would read. My BFF knew that I read a lot of books and asked me if I had a book that my twelve-year-old godchild might enjoy. The only YA books that I had read at the time were those of the Twilight Saga. I gave her my books and within a few days she had read them all and wanted more. I really had no idea where to go from there so I went to many bookstores and began checking out YA book blogs and review sites for some guidance. I soon had a plethora of books of which I began to read for my own enjoyment. That interest combined with my blogging was the jumping off point for me to begin my YA book blog. And so I created A Lush Budget Production: Tales of a Ravenous Reader blog and now I am here  Meeting wonderful authors and readers alike. I totally love it.

As for doing things differently, I totally cringe at some of my earlier posts but think it is all part of the growing process. I constantly evolve and change things, trying to find a balance that pleases me and those that visit my blog. It has been an interesting ride and I hope to keep changing and getting better as time passes.

Puck: Ravenous Reader, huh? So, what would you do if all your books suddenly attacked and tried to eat you? (Not that I’d have anything to do with it.) Would you spare them because they were books, or would you torch them all?

RR: Yikes!! I would probably run screaming and try to figure out a way to save myself and my books. While the temptation to destroy them would be strong I could never cause them any harm. I adore my books to much. I treat them like my they’re my babies. So no roasting parties with my beloved books.

Ash: I sense a theme in eating coming up. *Shakes head* Anyway, what are some of your favorite books and authors? What kind of book do you prefer; fantasy, contemporary, ect.?

RR: Where do I begin? I have so many books that I love. I am a big paranormal/fantasy fan but in the last few months I have developed an appreciation for contemporary novels. I am a huge sucker for an amazing story that has a romantic edge to it, ahhh romance.
My favorite reads, hmmm…boy this is going to be hard I will give my top five in each and in no particular order.
Authors: J.R. Ward, Kristin Cashore, Melissa Marr, Libba Bray and Suzanne Collins
Books: The Hunger Games, Graceling, City of Glass, New Moon and Rebel Angels



Meghan: Do you have any pets? And if you don’t, what kind of pet do you wish you had?

RR: I have quite a few pets, first of my precious Pomeranian named Liberty, she was born on 9/11. Then I have 3 Cats named Smokey, Ash and Tazzy. Last but not least a white dove named Blanca

Puck: Haha, hey Ash, you’re a kitty cat.

Ash: *Ignores*

Puck: What’s your favorite reading snack? Also, if you suddenly had to eat ONE THING for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

RR: My favorite reading snack is TWERPS a fabulous candy of yumminess that is being discontinued.  Thank goodness that my absolute favorite food that I could eat for the rest of my life is Pizza. I love the stuff and it is not going anywhere except my tummy.


Ash: If you could learn anything you wanted—a skill, a language, a particular secret—what would it be?

RR: I wish that I could speak any language so that I could be able to communicate with anyone. My job requires me to interact with some people that do not speak English and I would love to assist them better. I also think this gift would greatly help me when I would travel. I would never have to rely on someone else to assist me.


Meghan: Tell us something about yourself that no one else knows.

RR: That you can open any book that I have read and get a glimpse into my life. I always leave the receipt inside the book and then any event that I attended during the course of reading that book. i.e. movie tickets, book marks, BART pass, playbill are all safely tucked inside. They why’s about this custom I have truly no idea, but it gives me a sense of comfort when I re-open a book and can see a bit of a memory coming back to me.

Puck: Okay! There are three doors. Behind door number one is a man-eating unicorn. Behind door number two is a starving werewolf. Behind door number three is a swarm of hungry Cornish pixies. You have to pick a door to open, but you get to choose any weapon you want. Sooooo … which door do you open, and what will you take into battle?

RR: Yowza! This question is a doozie. What door to choose? A Unicorn, werewolf and pixies and they all seem hungry. Not a very promising scenario, but I think I might go for the man-eating unicorn behind door number one because I am a woman and thus the Unicorn would not have any interest in eating me. Right??? *fingers crossed* As for a weapon, I believe that I would want a shield that was strong enough to block any horned attacks in case my theory of man-eating and not woman-eating unicorns proved incorrect.


Ash: You’re facing a Zombie Apocalypse. The undead are beating down your doors and you must flee to safety, but can only take three things with you. What are they?

RR: Having just seen Zombieland I would want to have
1) My favorite pair of Nike shoes (CARDIO)
2) A loaded gun (don’t forget the double tap) not that I condone the use of guns, but when you are being hunted by flesh eating humans your priorities and ideals kinds change, ya know.
3) Twinkies. I love my sugar and I would need to keep up my strength.


Author: Thank you, Ravenous Reader, for being here today. You’ve been a great sport. Is there anything you would like to ask Meghan, Ash, or Puck?

RR: Well thank you for having me over. I have truly enjoyed the experience. Before I go I would like to know if any of you know how to cast a spell that would suck a character right out of my TV set? I seem to have a mad crush on Damon Salvatore from the Vampire Diaries. I know it is dangerous considering what an evil fanger he is but if he could learn to play nice I think I could bring him home to meet the rents 

Puck: Ooooh, I’ve never thought of that before. I wonder …

Author: Don’t EVEN think about it, Puck.

Thanks for the interview! 
*curtsies* Thank you!!

I, ninja

If you didn't know, I am a ninja.




















No, really, I am. Don't believe me? Here are the reasons why.

1. I'm half-Japanese
2. I know how to say "I'll kill you!" in Japanese.
3. I own several katana. (And some ninja stars.)
4. I'm a huge fan of Naruto, and I think Sasuke is way sexy.
5. I can turn into a log.

So, anyway, the point of this post is to say that Liyana is holding an awesome ninja contest on her blog, and giving away cool ninja merchandise.

http://liveandbreathesmexily.blogspot.com/2009/10/are-you-ninja-in-training.html

So if you fancy yourself a ninja-in-training, hop on over and enter.

Oh, and by the way, ninjas are WAY cooler than pirates!

















*Turns into a log*

Borderlands review

This is my rant where I sing the praises of a video game instead of a book. Because, while I love books in all their bookish glory, there's something so fulfilling about actually getting to control the protaganist's actions. Therefore, when said hero acts like a twit or gets his/herself into trouble, you can at least try to rectify the situation, instead of screaming "Don't do that, you moron!" at the pages of a book, as if the hero will suddenly hear the voice of God shrieking at them from somewhere overhead and do something sensible. I realize this is why I became an author: I might have a bit of a god complex and it frustrates me to no end when I can't reach into the pages of the book and give the protaganist a good smack upside the head for being stupid.

Anyway, moving on. This week's game of choice: Borderlands.












Borderlands is a first person shooter that combines the elements of an RPG. Think Fallout 3 meets Oblivion. I could go on about the cool cell-shaded technology and the leveling system and the online four person storymode, but all you need to know is that the game kicks @$$. There's no complex plot, no having to rescue your sibling/child/significant other, no having to save a kingdom from an evil demon sorceror. Here is the extent of the plot: you're a fortune hunter; kill stuff, get loot, level up. And there's something thrown in about some lost alien technology and a mysterious vault somewhere on the planet, but again, you're looking for it cause you're a treasure hunter and nothing else.

The game is obviously visually gorgeous. As for the heroes themselves, you get to choose from four fairly typical arctypes: soldier, sniper, brick, and sexy female. The Wasteland planet is huge, and filled bandits, alien life, and all sorts of persistantly aggressive bad guys that you get to shoot. And to help you with this, there are literally millions of guns; sniper rifles, pistols, shotguns, revolvers, you name it. You recieve quests from the planet's eccentric settlers, or from the job board in the middle of town, and quests are basically "go here, kill stuff," or "go here, collect stuff, kill stuff," very much like an MMO. Quests are segregated by level, and you'd better be the level they suggest, otherwise you will get an important part of your body handed to you on a platter. Make no mistake; you will die, and die often, but there are handy spawning points scattered throughout the land, AND baddies don't respawn health or friends if you're killed, so you can literally keep coming back to pick away at them until they die.











And, much like an MMO, this game is addicting. My husband and I played it together (another reason I love it; splitscreen!) for five hours last night and barely noticed the time until it was two in the morning. I recommend it to any hard-core gamer, or anyone looking for a violent, fun, free for all. And anyone who tells me violent video games make people more violent better shut up or I'll kill them. :P

Waiting on Wednesday limmerick

Todays Waiting on Wednesday limmerick pick:
The Mark, by Jen Nadol.
On with the limmerick




















Cassie has seen in the past
when The Mark behind someone is cast.
So how far would you go
when only you know
that this day is their very last?

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday again. For those who are curious, every Tuesday I post a short teaser from my upcoming novel, The Iron King (www.juliekagawa.com). Last week, Liyana posted a request for this week's teaser. And, since Liyana requested, Liyana gets. She wanted to see a scene with Ash and Meghan, soooooo ....


"What will happen then?"

Ash stepped closer. His fingers came up to brush the hair from my face, sending an electric shock through me from my spine to my toes. His cool breath ticked my face as he leaned in.

"I'll kill you," he whispered.



That's this week's teaser, now show me yours!

A Very Faery Interveiw with Reverie Book Reviews

Time for a new installment of A Very Faery Interview, this time with the lovely Vania of Reverie Book Reviews. This time, it’s even more special, because it’s Vania’s birthday this month; Happy Birthday, Vania! Meghan, Ash, Puck, take it away. (And Vania, do not accept any gifts from Puck, no matter what he offers.)


Meghan: Hi Vania, and Happy Birthday. How old is your blog, and what has been the best and worst parts of blogging?

My blog’s having its (over) half a year blogaversary. So excited! /I love everything about blogging but what I enjoy most if getting to talk to everyone about books. I love discussing books with the bloggers and I have gotten to know some of them because of our shared love of books. The worst? Not being able to read and blog enough. I am always running out of time.


Puck: What would you choose: having to eat birthday cake for every single meal for the rest of your life, or living your birthday over and over again forever?

As much as I love sugary goodness I think I will die of diabetes if I eat cake every day for every meal. So I pick living my birthday. Who wouldn’t love getting presents every day??


Ash: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What kind of books do you enjoy reading the most?

Gosh… that’s so not a fair question. Can I plead the fifth? I will say that I love fantasy and paranormal and there are some GREAT books out there and coming up that I love!


Meghan: If you could have any gift, regardless of money, space, or time, what would it be?

Ummm unlimited vacations so I can travel and explore the world? I love traveling so I think that would be the one thing I can never have but would LOVE to be able to do more of one day when I graduate and can actually make some sort of living. HA!


Puck: Halloween is just around the corner! Costumed pirates, witches, and werewolves are filling the streets. Now, imagine if everyone—by some freak accident that I had absolutely no part in—suddenly thought they were the character they dressed up as. What would you be, and what would you do?

Really, Puck… I kinda don’t trust you. If I got stuck as say Katsa from the HUNGER GAMES at least I’ll know I’ll be cunning and smart enough to outwit my opponent like maybe say.. you??

Ash: What are some of your goals for the upcoming year?

I am hoping to be able to work towards finishing school and finding work but most of all I hope for many more opportunities to take pictures and do art.

Meghan: Tell us a little about your photography, since it seems to be a big part of your life. What are some of your favorite things to photograph? What would be your perfect picture?

I LOVE taking pictures of people. I think they have so much to say and their expressions and body language is unlimited. The perfect picture? WOW umm I don’t think that’s possible…

Puck: Okay, Vania, I have presents for you! But you have to choose which one you want, gift A or gift B. Which one do you want?

*Gift A: A large, pink box with holes drilled in the sides that shakes and growls. Black smoke drifts out the holes.*

*Gift B: *A large blue bottle with a bow attached, plugged with a cork. Inside, many small things fly and swirl around frantically.*


PUCK!!! Seriously DUDE! What’s with the scary gifts? I am considering the blue bottle though….. what will the little swirly things inside do if I let them out??

Puck: What, these? They’re just harmless little Cornish pixies. They’ll grant you a wish if you let them out.

Ash: And then they’ll eat you.

Puck: That’s just an old superstition. I think. Look at them, though! They’re so cute with their tiny little wings and hands and … sharp pointed teeth. Uh, maybe I should put these guys awa—Oops!”

*Crash*

Puck: Uh oh.

Vania: *Runs and hides in the closet* TELL ME WHEN THEY’RE SAFELY AWAY! *Clutches a broom*

Author: *Joins Vania in the closet.* I’m going to kill him for this. Anyway, thank you, Vania, for the lovely interview. And a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you! You’ve been great.

Puck: *From beyond the closet door.* AH! Get away from me! Stupid pixies! Oh, great, now the dragons’ loose! ASH! A little help, here?

Ash: Not a chance.

Author: *facepalm*

My Lonely Little Arc

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

My arc, my arc! I finally got my arc! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Isn't it pretty? So lovely and shiny and .... arc-y. Words cannot express how awesome it is to see your story in arc form. Like a real, live book. :D






My one lonely little arc. I'm so proud of you. *Goes back to petting it*

Teaser Tuesday

Hi again. First off, I'd like to thank everyone for the wonderful birthday wishes I received yesterday; you guys rock! So, thank you everybody! Tis Tuesday, therefore tis teaser time. (Say that five times fast, I dare you). Today, we learn why its never a good idea to piss off a faery queen.


I felt my legs getting longer, thinner, my fingers turning into cloven hooves. I screamed again, but what left my throat was the agonized bleat of a deer.





Now its your turn to post a non-spoilery teaser from your current read. And, if you have requests for next week's teaser, just put them in the comments and I'll try to oblige. :)

A very sushi birthday!

Hey everyone! No Faery Interview this week (cause I was bad and lazy and didn't get questions out to anyone), but I was celebrating a birthday this weekend so I'll use that as an excuse. :) Last night I went to Longhorn Steakhouse (Mmm!), then to Borders to pick up a copy of Ballad. But Borders, staying true to its tradition of never having books out on their release date, didn't have it in yet. So I picked up a copy of the Everafter, instead.




I also got a copy of Mini Ninjas for the PS3.













I love this game so far! Think "Tenchu Assassins" meets "Super Mario Brothers." Apparently, its really short, and I'm kinda sad that it isn't longer, but other than that its amazing and funny and just plain fun, which is what a game is supposed to be. I highly recommend it.

Tonight, continuing the birthday extravaganza, we're going out for sushi with my parents, and the day after THAT we're going to the zoo and then to Sake Blue for ... you guessed it ... even MORE sushi!









If you can't tell, I looooooooove sushi! I also want this cake.

Interview with Grimalkin

Recently, I was interviewed by the wonderful Sharon of sharonluvsbooksandcats, but I wasn't the only one. She also interviewed Grimalkin, the clever, favor-collecting cat from my book THE IRON KING. (I had to promise Grimalkin a favor to get him to do it.) Interview is as follows:


Welcome to my very first cat and author interview post. For my very first catterview I would like to welcome young adult author Julie Kagawa and the cat from her debut novel The Iron King, Grimalkin. To learn more about Julie and her debut novel check out her website.



This is how Julie described Grimalkin to me:


Grimalkin: Big, longhaired gray cat with golden eyes. He's actually a Cait Sith (pronounced cat shee), which is a type of faery cat. He can be somewhat condescending and arrogant, and thinks cats are vastly superior to anything else. His favorite trick is turning invisible (much like the Cheshire Cat), and has the habit of vanishing abruptly when you're not looking. He looks out for himself, and will not put himself in danger if he can help it, but he knows more about Faeries and Faeryland than almost anyone. But his help usually comes with a price; Grimalkin is big on collecting favors, and has many, many creatures who owe him something.
Other than that, he is a normal cat. He likes napping in the sun, chasing small creatures, and other feline activities. Don't try to pet him, though, or you might recieve a swat.


Grimalkin:


1. Describe a typical day in your life in five sentences or less.

Grimalkin: *Yawn* I wake up. I eat. I sleep. I contemplate the state of the universe and then sleep some more. I snack. Sometimes, if I am feeling devilish, I will even consider a nap. Exciting life, is it not?

2. Do you have any other Cait Sith pals, or are you a solitary cat?

Grimalkin: I do not have “pals,” human. And I find my own company vastly superior to anyone else's.

3. What is your favorite thing to eat?

I am rather partial to freshly caught piskie. If you can get past the piskie dust and stringiness, they are surprisingly tasty. I have always wondered what Tinker Bell would taste like.

4. Can I please adopt you?

*Snorts* Adopt? As in, claim ownership of me? What a ridiculous notion; no one can own a cat. I will consider an application of servitude, however, if your credentials pass inspection.

5. Do you think that you could beat the Cheshire Cat in a fight?

Please. Where do you think Lewis Carroll got the idea for the Cheshire Cat? I found him wandering around Faerie one day in a daze, about to be eaten by ogres, and led him back to the mortal realm. In return, he put me in a book. Crazy mortal.

And now, it is time for my nap. Goodnight, human. If you have anymore questions, please do not hesitate to ask my human over there. She will take notes.

Julie:


1. Describe a typical day in your life in five sentences or less

Wake up. Check email. Get breakfast. Check Twitter, contemplate writing. Bang head on desk, plead with characters to do something interesting, stare into space, check email, write a few sentences, erase what I just wrote, sigh, rinse and repeat.

2. Are you glad that Grimalkin is just a fictional cat, or would you like to adopt him too?

Oh good god. He would drive me insane. And I'd be in debt up to my eyeballs, trying to meet his demands. He could probably take over the world, if wasn't such a hassle.

3. Do you think that you could beat Grimalkin in a fight?

Grimalkin doesn't fight, but he does have “friends” that owe him a favor. (dragons, trolls, goblins, ect.) I wouldn't want to risk it.

4. Can I adopt you please? ;)

Just provide me with Arbys and an unlimited supply of Mountain Dew and I'll be happy.

Publishers Lunch on FTC

Publisher's Lunch on the new FTC regulations.



Today's Meal

FTC Requires Bloggers, Posters, and the Companies Who Woo Them to Disclose Free Review Copies

The Federal Trade Commission officially revised its "guides" which govern endorsements and testimonials, aimed squarely at the universe of online and word-of-mouth recommendations. The new rules have all the clarity you would expect from an 81-page government document, and in many instances they are either opaque, noxious or just ridiculous (the FTC wants disclosure within tweets as well).

The main point of essence for book publishers, and book bloggers and online reviewers, is the determination that "bloggers may be subject to different disclosure requirements than reviewers in traditional media." They judge that "a blogger's statement on his personal blog or elsewhere (e.g., the site of an online retailer of electronic products) qualifies as an 'endorsement,' -- i.e., as a sponsored message -- due to...the value of the merchandise he has received and has been asked to review by that advertiser," and that such a connection must be disclosed.

In other words, bloggers--as well as "reviewers" posting to sites like Amazon and LibraryThing, or receiving books through programs ranging from Bzz Agent to Nelson's 10,000-blogger initiative--who are writing about a book after receiving a free reviewer's copy are expected to disclose that information. And publishers who "sponsor these endorsers (either by providing free products - directly or through a middleman - or otherwise) in order to generate positive word of mouth and spur sales should establish procedures to advise endorsers that they should make the necessary disclosures and to monitor the conduct of those endorsers."

As the FTC admits, its "guides" are "interpretations of the law intended to help advertisers comply with the Federal Trade Commission Act" rather than binding law, and the burden of proof is on the Commission--but they have the ability to seek fines of up to $11,000 per violation. Monitoring the internet and enforcing the new guides will also be difficult to say the least, given the agency's staff and size of the universe they wish to regulate. As Wired writes, "the new rules are confusing, ambiguous and likely unenforceable in the real world."

The FTC's Richard Cleland tells Ed Champion in an e-mail interview that "looking at individual bloggers is not going to be an effective enforcement model." (Legally, we're not sure whether selective enforcement weakens the FTC's case in any given instance.) Cleland indicates that if a blogger or online reviewer gives away the book after reviewing it, then no disclosure is required since in their view the reviewer has no lasting compensation. But the new guides do also apply to affiliate bookselling links that provide a commission. Cleland's indication is that enforcement will target advertisers as well as large platforms.

******

I think that's fairly encouraging.

Teaser Tuesday

This week's Teaser Tuesday is at the request from Sharonluvsbooksandcats. She wanted a Grimalkin teaser. So, here it is:

"W-What do you want?" I asked, thankful that my voice only trembled a little bit.

The cat didn't blink. "Human," he said, and if a cat could sound patronizing, this one nailed it. "Think about the absurdity of that question."

*****

Sharon is also going to be interviewing me and Grimalkin soon, so be on the lookout for that! Should be ... interesting.

Random Sunday pic of my furkids

Sigh.

My sissified, wimpy princess of a papillon has decided he hates the cold and shivers when he has to go out in it. So for the first time ever, I've had to buy a COAT for the little wuss. Me, a professional dog trainer for years, who sneered at dogs wearing clothes and laughed at the pampered little yip dogs wearing matching outfits with their owners. Now, its MY dog who has to wear a coat. I don't know whether to laugh of put my head in a bag. It doesn't help that Stitch seems ridicuously pleased when he's wearing it.



It even has a fur ring around the collar. Sigh. I hear the cats and Dodger snickering behind my back.

A Very Faery Interview with Liyana of Liyanaland

A Very Faery Interview with Liana from Liyanaland

We’re back again, with a YA blogger that comes to us from the far reaches of Singapore! Please welcome Liyana from Liyanaland, who has graciously agreed to be the next victim/volunteer for a round of insane questioning by Meghan, Ash, and Puck, the characters from THE IRON KING. (Liyana, the panic button is by your left foot, just in case)

Hi Julie! Thanks for having me here. I’m not sure if I can reach that panic button, this armor, I meant protection, I MEANT SUIT, is pretty clunky. Lemme try. *stretches, panic button goes off* Whoops! Whoa, is that supposed to happen?

Puck: Huh. The lazer beams were a nice touch.

Meghan: Hi Liyana. Wow, you live in Singapore? How intriguing. Are there any cool, exotic places in Singapore you’ve been to? Or some you would like to visit?

Hi Meghan, it’s great to finally meet you! You know, after living in Singapore all these years, the cool, exotic places just don’t seem that cool anymore. One place I love to visit is Clarke Quay. There’s the Merlion, riverboats, hot guys on riverboats, the sun, river, shopping malls all around… ooh.

*singsongs*
Let's go down to the riverside, it's an unforgettable sight
To see the sunrise on a faraway isle, turning darkness into light

Puck: Selamat Datang, Lianna. Apa Khabar? Di mana tandas?
Author: I don’t think she speaks Malay, Puck.
Puck: No? *consults Malay dictionary* Saya minta maaf.
Author: PUCK!
Puck: Okay, okay. Liyana, if you could suddenly understand and communicate with one type of animal (dogs, cats, chickens), what would it be?

Puck, saya faham Bahasa Melayu! (I understand the Malay language… in Malay. LOL)*hi fives* I’d love to be able to communicate with my hamsters and find out what they mean when they’re looking at me with those big googley eyes. Or maybe that’s just what they mean. O.O

Ash: When did you first get into blogging, and why? What has been the best and worst part of blogging?

In March this year. It’s due to my huge TBR list that just seemed to be increasing. Talking about books has always been fun, so I just decided to open up an actual blog to yap about them! The best part is writing what you feel about the books, which can be construed as the worst part too, especially when you think of authors getting hurt by harsh reviews.

Meghan: What are some of your favorite books, authors, and genres? Do they get the same books in Singapore as they do in the States?

One of my favourite YA series is Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. It has a kickass, badass heroine. As for genres, I love paranormal and fantasy. Reading about something that doesn’t seem to exist (…or does it? Jeng jeng jeng!) in real life is really the best part for me.

For books sold in Singapore, the range is not as wide, and they’re usually sold sometime after its release date, but at least they’re being sold here!

Puck: Okay, Liyana, I’m going to throw out a series of words, and you tell me the first thing that comes to mind. And then I will tell you something about yourself. Got it? Here we go.
Blue: Pink
Socks: Furry!
Rain: Mist
Scary: Movie 3
Winter: Clean, white snow.
Furry: Hamsters
Vampire: Diaries
Favorite: Character
Puck: You? :P

Puck: Huh, I was hoping to get a Puck: Handsome. Or maybe a Puck: Sexy. Or a Puck: Incredibly charming devilish rake who I would love to meet for a virgin daiquiri later to—ow! *Rubs head, glares at Meghan.*

Meghan: I saw that bottle of faery wine you snuck in here, Puck. Don’t even think about it.


Ash: If you could learn one skill, regardless of time or money, what would it be?

It’d have to be wakeboarding. Or horse-riding! Whoo hoo! *gets on a horse and twirls cowgirl hat*


Meghan: If you were suddenly sucked into a book, which book would you choose and what would you do in the story?

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I’d probably be the one making harry lost in the maze. *snickers*


Puck: Someone has given you a time-travel device, but it can only be used once: one trip into the future or past, and back again. What do you use it for?
I can’t think of anything right now, so I’ll just save it until I find a use for it sometime in the future. :D


Ash: The Zombie Apocalypse has come. The undead are filling the streets in hordes and you must flee to safety, but can only take three things with you. What are they?

1) Ash, you can use a sword right? I know you’re not a “thing” but can I bring you?
2) A flamethrower that will never run out.
3) (My loved ones shrunk to Barbie doll size in) A suitcase full of tiny holes.


Author: Thanks, Liyana for the interview. Before we go, is there anything you’d like to ask Meghan, Ash, or Puck?

Who do you think will win in a deathmatch: Julie or Puck?

Puck: Oh, that’s easy! I’d just change her into a mouse, then change myself into a cat. End of story.

Author: Sorry Goodfellow. Those rules don’t apply to your creator. I know all your weaknesses.

Puck: Ah, hate to break it to you, but this guy called Willy Shakespeare made me famous loooong before you came along. Even you don’t know all my tricks.

Author: Don’t tempt me. I brought you into this world, I can take you out again.

Puck: Bring it on, chica.

Author: Oh, that’s it. WHERE’S MY KATANA?

Ash: *To Meghan and Liyana* My money’s on katana girl.

Meghan: I’ll get the popcorn.