Bout of Books 7.0 Wrap-up

With Bout of Books now over, I thought I'd do a wrap-up post to let you know how I did with my goals. For someone who hasn't read much this year due to being in a reading rut and lacking motivation, I had such a productive week, and most importantly, I had fun! This was my first Bout of Books, or read-a-thon for that matter, and I personally can't wait to do it all over again in August! 

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. 

Goals
- Read at least 5 books - I can happily say I read one more than my goal, making it 6 books in total! I haven't read so much as I have in the last week as I have all year so I'm over the moon! I think this is just what I need to get me motivated and back into reading!

- Participate in 2 challenges - I didn't participate in any challenges like I'd hoped but what can I say, I was too busy with my nose in a book.

- Participate in 1 Twitter chat - I participated in not 1 but 2 Twitter Chats as they were so much fun I couldn't resist. Next time, I'm trying for all 3!

- Chat with other participants & discover new blogs - I did chat and socialize with others during the Twitter Chats which was awesome but I didn't discover many news blogs unfortunately. There's always next time!

Pages read: 2,012

What I read:

Expect reviews for (most) of these titles shortly! And if you'd like to share how you went, either link me or comment!

Bout of Books 7.0 (and goals)!

I’ve always wanted to participate in Bout of Books or even just a read-a-thon so I’m glad to finally be joining in one. I’m so behind in my reading and think this is the perfect opportunity to play catch up and have fun but also without being stressed out. In case you’re not familiar with Bout of Books, here’s the low-down:

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog.  

Now that you know all the details, I’d like to present you with my goals and what I plan to read during the read-a-thon. Since I don’t want to put too much strain on myself to read ALL THE BOOKS, I want to keep it pretty simple. The main thing for me is to have fun and that's what I plan to do.

Goals
- Read at least 5 books - Titles TBD
- Participate in 2 challenges
- Participate in 1 Twitter chat
- Chat with other participants & discover new blogs.

Updates

MONDAY
Number of books read as of today: 0 *insert sad face*
Number of pages read as of today: 107
Challenges for today: None - I didn't realise some only lasted 24 hours!

TUESDAY
Number of books read as of today: 1 (I finished my first #BoutofBooks book! Hooray! *celebration dance*
Number of pages read as of today: 238
Challenges for today: None yet. This whole 24 hours thing is throwing me off my game. Is it still going, do I still have time to join in? - I need to prepare!

WEDNESDAY
Number of books read as of today: 1
Number of pages read as of today: 310
Challenges for today: None...

THURSDAY
Number of books read as of today: 1
Number of pages read as of today: 323
Challenges for today: Again, none.

FRIDAY
Number of books read as of today:1
Number of pages read as of today: 369
Challenges for today: None

SATURDAY
Number of books read as of today: 1
Number of pages read as of today: 340
Challenges for today: None

SUNDAY
Number of books read as of today: 1
Number of pages read as of today: 325
Challenges for today: Zilch. There's always next time?!

TA DA! Reading Wishes Gets A Makeover

Notice anything different? Yes, that’s right! Reading Wishes has been given a makeover!

If you’ve been here from the beginning, you’ll know the design hasn’t changed all that much since when I first started out blogging so you can imagine how excited I am with my new look and for some change! I’ve had this in the works for a while now so I’m really pleased to be able to finally share it with you.

Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without Sarah, who took my ideas and turned them into a design that I couldn’t be happier with – thank you!

So what do you think? Like the new design?

P.S - I'm having some computer troubles so might be absent for a bit until I find out if and how I can fix it. It's a shame since I've already been away for a few weeks and with a new design, was looking forward to getting stuck into blogging. Thanks for your patience and I hope I won't be gone too long this time!

Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead
February 12th, 2013 · Penguin Australia
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 448

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

I haven’t been reading much lately and haven’t blogged in even longer *hangs head in shame* so I knew I was going to need a pretty special book to get me back into reading – and thankfully, The Indigo Spell was that book.

There’s something about Richelle Mead and her books that are utterly compelling. When you’ve been busy or unwell and haven’t picked up a book in a long while, you really need a good book to get you out of that funky state you’re in. It doesn’t necessarily have to be moving or life changing, you just need something that’s going to have you thinking about it even when you’re not reading it; a book that has you turning the pages at super speed; and most of all, have you of with the fairies, dreaming, swooning, thinking to yourself, “Isn’t Adrian dreeeeeamy?” (And hey, this is coming from someone who wasn’t always Team Adrian, so like WOAH.)

As for the newest member of the Bloodlines cast who we’ve heard quite a bit about, we finally get to meet the mysterious Marcus – a former Alchemist now on the run. I don’t know if it was it just me but since we weren’t given much indication about him, I was expecting someone older. So when a handsome, charming, young guy stepped onto the scene, it was a little bit surprising but nonetheless, a pleasant addition.

Returning is Sydney Sage and how she has grown. To see the difference in her from Bloodlines is remarkable and not only that, but Sydney has definitely grown on me since the start. To have watched her come out of her shell and come to form her own thoughts and opinions, and slowly but surely follow her heart, is such a lovely thing to watch progress. Of course, the one and only, Adrian Ivashkov, is back and the same could be said about him in the way he’s grown and changed since we first met him back in Vampire Academy – from lady’s man to only having eyes for Sydney. These two together might equal forbidden and a big no-no in the Alchemist world but in a mixed up way you wouldn’t thought possible too long ago, they somehow work; like a balancing act. And for those wondering, Mead brings it in the romance and chemistry department like nobody’s business so expect hotness and prepare to swoon.

As I’ve said previously, I was a little hesitant at first but the Bloodlines series only seems to improve as it progresses and The Indigo Spell is proof of that. THANK GOODNESS the next instalment releases this November because I honestly don’t think I could wait another year. Three cheers to whoever’s brilliant idea that was – we thank you greatly.

4.5/5

Back to Blogging

As you can see, I haven’t blogged in a while and for that I apologise. Things have been busy with school, flying to Sydney for the Harlequin Summit that was held (which in case you were wondering, was FABULOUS) then returning home with vertigo (not so fabulous…) and more. Also, I’ve been in a bit of reading rut and when you have a book blog where you’re supposed to come and review what you’ve been reading lately, well…reading ruts are like a book blogger’s kryptonite and as you can imagine, that is not a good combo. Hopefully I’ll soon start to get back into the swings of things and just try to do my best to post regularly. I’ve missed blogging and I’ve missed you guys especially and if you’re still following, thanks for sticking around!

 

So enough about me, what have you been up to lately? What books have you been busy reading? If you’re a fellow blogger, what have you been up to in the blogging department? And if you’ve read or written any fabulous blog posts, link me, I’d love to hear what’s been going on!



The conversation I had with my computer...



Blogspiration (15): You Belong

Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted by Growing Up YA & Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers & writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation & just a little SOMETHING.

Blogspiration is motivating and inspiring and is sometimes just what you need to hear at that exact moment, but most importantly, it brings us together – that’s why it’s sad to see it end (at least for now). I have more to say and more to share and for that reason, I found it really hard to pick how to end my last Blogspiration, but finally decided on a lovely, bookish quote that I hope you all enjoy as much as I do. So for now, farewell, and to all those who stopped by Reading Wishes - it has been an absolute treasure sharing with you and reading your comments.

Last but not least, a huge thank you to Kristin and Sarah for hosting such a beautiful, positive meme that sparked and spread creativity, inspiration and love amongst the blogging community - you took an idea and turned it into a magical one.

Blogspiration (14): Dreams Into Reality

Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted by Growing Up YA & Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers & writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation & just a little SOMETHING.

We all have them – dreams. Some are whispered; others shouted for all to hear; some are only let wandered in solitude. Maybe it seems impossible or unlikely and like such a scary thought but that’s what makes it REAL. So squash those not-so nice and negative thoughts and continue to dream, never giving up, hoping one day that maybe, just maybe, it will work out. It won't be easy and there are sure to be bumps along the way but if you wan't it badly enough, that's all you need to know.

Review: Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil

Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil

February 1st, 2013 · Hardie Grant Egmont
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 316

Sam Kinnison is a geek, and he’s totally fine with that. He has his horror movies, his nerdy friends, World of Warcraft – and until Princess Leia turns up in his bedroom, he doesn’t have to worry about girls.

Then Sam meets Camilla. She’s beautiful, friendly and completely irrelevant to his life. Sam is determined to ignore her, except that Camilla has a life of her own – and she’s decided that he’s going to be part of it.

Sam believes that everything he needs to know he can learn from the movies ... but now it looks like he’s been watching the wrong ones.

Since stumbling across Life in Outer Space, I knew I was going to enjoy it for many reasons; from its awesome title, to the cute, light sounding premise, simple cover and the fact it’s an Aussie YA. So while those smaller details pleased me, did the inside? Why yes, it did. With characters you’ll wish were real, a great set of TV/movie references, Sam’s list making skills and more, Keils’ debut is a refreshing one at that.

Sam and his group of fellow geeks make an awesome bunch. I liked them all but for me it was Camilla Carter who absolutely stole the show. Right from when she steps onto the scene until the very end, Camilla leaps right off the page and without even trying, grabs your attention and makes it impossible for you to not like her. As I was reading, one of Oscar Wilde’s most famous quotes kept leaping out at me: be yourself; everyone else is already taken. It just screams Camilla and if I had to sum her up in just one quote, it would be that one without question. With her Princess Leia buns, op-shop dresses and mega-sized headphones, she truly is one of a kind and where others would fail miserably if they tried (and they do), Camilla pulls off the cute-quirky look and makes it look effortless. She’s a character I wish existed in reality rather than just amongst the pages and in Melissa’s imagination just so we could be friends. Also, she has a British accent. *insert squeal* Seriously, can the girl get anymore awesome? I think not (though knowing her, it’s highly possible).

Life in Outer Space is described as a ‘YA romantic comedy’ and I’m pleased to report that it delivers with the laughs. Just like I thought I would, I enjoyed Life in Outer Space in all its geeky glory and I’m looking forward to seeing what Melissa Keil, along with the Ampersand Project do next.

3/5

2013 Reading Challenges

My main focus in 2013 is to enjoy blogging, have fun and to not feel so pressured in posting and churning out reviews but I do love some motivation so here are the challenges I’m participating in this year and what I’m aiming for.

#DAC - Debut Author Challenge

 

The aim:

Read and review at least 12 debut books releasing in 2013.

 

My goal:
Read 20 2013 debut books. Since I LOVE this challenge and supporting debut authors and their books, I don’t think I’ll have any trouble reaching my goal. Plus, have you seen all the amazing debuts that are set to release this year? I can’t wait!

 

A few titles I plan to read are:

The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
Bruised by Sarah Skilton
Canary by Rachele Alpine
Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza
My Life After Now by Jessica Verdi
Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook
Pivot Point by Kasie West
Prep School Confidential by Kara Taylor
Reboot by Amy Tintera
The Reece Malcom List by Amy Spalding
The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

 

#AWW - Australian Women Writers Challenge

 

The aim:

For this challenge, the idea is to read, review and support Australian female authors.

My goal:

I plan to read 10 and review at least 6 books, which is known as the Franklin level. I love reading and supporting Australian authors so I’m really excited to be joining in the challenge this year.

 

2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge

2013 Reading Challenge

Rebecca has read 3 books toward her goal of 100 books.

hide

3 of 100 (3%)

view books

The aim:

To read!

My goal:

Read 100 books in 2013. Unfortunately, I didn’t reach my goal in 2012 but here's hoping I have a better run this year!

 

What challenges have you set yourself for 2013 – bookish or otherwise?

LEVEL 2 BLOG TOUR: How Blogging Can Help You Get Published

Today I am pleased to welcome book blogger turned author, Lenore Appelhans, to the blog for my stop on the official Level 2 blog tour! Lenore's newly released debut, Level 2, published in Australia earlier this month on the 2nd of January and just last week for those in the US, UK and Canada so if you're interested in getting a copy, it's out now! I recently reviewed and enjoyed Level 2 and you can read my review here. It’s not every day a fellow book blogger releases their novel so for today’s tour stop Lenore is here to share how book blogging can help you to get published. I hope you enjoy!

5 Ways Book Blogging Can Help You Get Published

 

1. Discipline  Writing a novel takes a ton of commitment, but then, so does book blogging. You’re writing posts every day, you’re scheduling interviews and giveaways, and you’re hitting the social media. Before I started book blogging, I couldn’t imagine writing every day, but book blogging taught me that discipline, and when it came time to write LEVEL 2, putting words on the screen was routine to me. 

2. Craft  An excellent way to learn how to write a publishable novel is to read a ton of them. Book blogging pushes you to read more and to make critical assessments of what you’ve read.  Once you can recognize what works and doesn’t work in terms of pacing, characterization, and other craft issues, you have the basic tools you need to write fiction yourself.

3. Market savvy  Part of getting published is having a story editors want to buy, and as a book blogger, you are well aware of what’s out there, what’s been done to death, and what genres are currently exciting readers. Armed with this knowledge, you know what pitfalls to avoid and won’t be writing and querying yet another Twilight or Hunger Games rip-off.

4. Connections  In the course of managing your blog, you have contact with publishers, authors and other industry movers and shakers. It was through meeting authors via my blog that I realized publishing was an attainable dream, and their encouraging words gave me the confidence to go for it. When you treat everyone with whom you have interactions with respect, it can pay off in big dividends down the road. You never know who may be able to help you out in the future.

5. Higher profile  Building a blog is building a platform for yourself. When you provide relevant, high-interest content, you gain a following. That following may well be a selling point to publishers, because if your audience is interested in what you have to say, at least some of them are going to want to check out your books too.

Read an excerpt of the first 50 pages of LEVEL 2 here..

 "I pause to look around the hive – all the podlike chambers are lit up as the drones shoot up on memories… I’ve wanted to get out of here before, but now the tight quarters start to choke me."

Felicia Ward is dead. Trapped in Level 2, the waiting room between Earth and Heaven, she spends endless days replaying memories, of her family, friends, boyfriend…and of the guy who broke her heart. The guy who has just broken into Level 2 to find her…

Felicia learns that a rebellion is brewing in Level 2, and it seems she is the key. Suspended between Heaven and Earth, she must make a choice. Between two worlds, two lives and two loves. A choice that will change everything…

THREE LEVELS - TWO LOVES - ONE CHOICE

Find LEVEL 2 at: Goodreads | Booktopia | Fishpond | Bookworld

Follow Lenore Appelhans at:
Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter

 

Giveaway Alert!

Win some Level 2 swag (including Level 2 postcards and a cool magnet to declare your love for Level 2) by entering the Rafflecopter below. Open internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway