Why I Would Survive a Zombie Apocalypse–Guest Post

A few weeks ago I wrote a post – about how I would not survive a zombie apocalypse. My son (who’s 11) thought it was funny and wrote a post about why he would survive.


Here’s his post:

Why I Would Survive a Zombie Apocalypse (at least for a couple of days)

1. I have awesome survival skills
2. I can run for a good period of time
3. I am trained in Martial Arts
4. Give me a long stick and I can fight for days
5. I know some edible plants
6. I’m good at archery
7. I’m strong so I could rip off a zombie’s arm and beat him with it.

I had planned to post this yesterday but it was crazy with Halloween activities. I love this post so much I just had to share it:)

To read my post about zombies-

Dear Teen Me- Feature 13

About this Feature: 

Dear Teen Me (Edited by E. Kristen Anderson & Miranda Kenneally) includes advice from over 70 authors and I’m thrilled to be part of the blog tour. My tour stop date is Tuesday October 30th, and on that date I’ll be posting a review, hosting a giveaway and sharing my own Dear Teen Me letter. In the meantime, I was inspired by the book and decided to invite friends, fellow bloggers, and authors to write their own letter. Through out the month of October I’ll be  posting them here.

Today I welcome J to the blog. She is one of my biggest cheerleaders, and confidants. I love her like sunshine…


Dear Teen J,

It’s been awhile….. how I’ve missed your optimism! I’m afraid I’ve lost you a wee bit along the way, grown a little more cynical, a little more wary and a little less trusting…..but now that you are here we can get reacquainted, I hope.
So here I stand, older, wiser perhaps (but whose to say whom is the judge of all that?) Though I’ve made many a mistake along the way, the biggest I’ve come to realize was pushing you out of sight, dearest Teen Me; along with those aspirations you were so inspired to achieve – when hopes were dashed, when disappointments showered down, when injustice pierced my side and when deception weighed heavy in my heart, I should have breathed deeper and held you aloft higher, trusting that your persistence and optimism would surely guide the way.
Now, I’m not going to grimace away here, hands on my hips, crow’s feet squinting, all foreboding and admonishing you how the world is not always going to be sunshine and daffodils; insult your intelligence I will not.
However, when those times do fall upon you, I wish to remind you to always, always listen to that voice inside and don’t silence it for anyone – in layman’s terms, trust your gut, dear Teen Me, for rarely will it lead you astray ~ seek wisdom, laugh deeply, love strongly (but not blindly), pray for guidance and keep those whom you trust and love close and closer.
And know that, though change is inevitable, you can always return to be the person whom you love to be, even just as a reminder to yourself to smile and uncomplicate the world you are now living in.
Life is simple if you choose to make it so.

Ever yours,
J

Dear Teen Me–Feature 11

About this Feature:
Dear Teen Me (Edited by E. Kristen Anderson & Miranda Kenneally) includes advice from over 70 authors and I’m thrilled to be part of the blog tour. My tour stop date is Tuesday October 30th, and on that date I’ll be posting a review, hosting a giveaway and sharing my own Dear Teen Me letter. In the meantime, I was inspired by the book and decided to invite friends, fellow bloggers, and authors to write their own letter. Through out the month of October I’ll be  posting them here.




When is comes to friends this gal is one of my “Sunday Best”. We talk daily and I’m so very lucky to have her & her beautiful family in my life. Love her so so much.

Dear Teen Me,

You’re 12 and I’m 32, but I’m you. I swear. Don’t believe me? You have a piece of glass hidden in the pocket of your jean jacket. When you can’t get the voices of those bullies out of your head, you scratch away bits of your hands until you feel like you’ve punished yourself enough.

I can still hear echoes of their words all these years later, so I won’t simply tell you not to listen. I know it’s impossible not to listen and hard not to believe what they say. But don’t. I see those people sometimes and the regret is clear in their eyes. They are ashamed of themselves now. I ignore their friend requests on Facebook (Facebook is this really cool thing, if only you had it now!), because now I get to choose the influences in my life. I don’t need to be around people who set out to hurt me.

For now let me tell you that you are beautiful. You are the skinniest you’ll ever be. Your hair is unique and so gorgeous and you will learn to control it (stop brushing it and get some gel, trust me!). You don’t have acne forever.

Trust your choices, you are making good ones that are leading you down the right path. Celebrate your brain because it will take you places. Being the teacher’s favourite just means that an adult can see that you are a truly special person and all the others are just bullies heading nowhere.

Don’t be afraid of high school. They were some of the best years of my life and you’ll make great friends that last a lifetime. Our kids are playing together now. And the best part? When you meet this boy with big ears and a Soundgarden t-shirt, smile, stand tall and flick that curly hair of yours. It’s okay to love him that much. He’s a keeper and he wants no one but you. Forever.

So don’t give up. Go look at your sleeping baby brother. He needs you to stick around. Stick around for your two beautiful daughters. The experiences you are having now will teach you so much about how people should be treated and the words young girls need to hear from their mommy.

Trust me. Go buy some hair gel. Believe in yourself. Little boobs are spectacular too.
Take a deep breath, throw out that piece of glass and be yourself!
Love, you

Dear Teen Me: Feature 8

Today I welcome a fabulous friend of mine Liza. Liza and I go way back to when we both worked for Indigo. I love how even though we might not always see each other, when we do we just pick up where we left off. She’s been a great support.

Dear Teen Me,

I know you won’t listen to me because I’m a middle-aged adult from the future but just in case you’re feeling open-minded today I have some advice for you. Pretend you’re reading it in the pages of Seventeen magazine, ok?

I know you better than anyone else does, you have to admit that. And one of your biggest issues is your lack of self-confidence. There is no magical formula – it isn’t going to magically appear. No one else can give it to you. Faking it until it becomes real actually can work so try that. Also consider these points:

1. Blow- dry your freaking hair with some product. That will help you avoid the nasty cowlick that makes your bangs separate and your forehead shine through. Seriously, give it a try.

2. Stop worrying so much what other people think – wear the clothes you like, not what other people say you should like. Navy and black is not a crime.

3.When you get a boyfriend (it will happen, I promise) don’t take any crap from him – if he doesn’t show up when he says he will or leaves you all alone late at night in downtown Toronto after going to a pub – kick him to the curb and move on. Trust me there are other boys.

4. Keep writing in your journal.

5. Read, read, read. Maybe less Mary Higgins Clark and more quality stuff but keep at it. And don’t discount Canadian female authors just because your mother reads them.

6. Take up a team sport – remember in sixth grade? You were good at volleyball. You’ll meet more people and stay fit at the same time.

7. Surround yourself with positive people. You pick up on other peoples’ habits so avoid people who are always negative or pessimistic.

8. Be brave, take chances, speak up. You worry people will laugh or think you’re stupid but they won’t – they’ll think you’re brave, confident and smart and maybe soon you will believe it too.

(Thanks Liza…such great advice-)

About this feature:

Dear Teen Me (Edited by E. Kristen Anderson & Miranda Kenneally) includes advice from over 70 authors and I’m thrilled to be part of the blog tour. My tour stop date is Tuesday October 30th, and on that date I’ll be posting a review, hosting a giveaway and sharing my own Dear Teen Me letter. In the meantime, I was inspired by the book and decided to invite friends, fellow bloggers, and authors to write their own letter. Through out the month of October I’ll be be posting them here. I still have space for anyone else who would like to participate-just contact me through email or by leaving a comment on this post-(just 2 spots left)

Dear Teen Me–Feature

    Dear Teen Me (Edited by E. Kristen Anderson & Miranda Kenneally) includes advice from over 70 authors and I’m thrilled to be part of the blog tour. My tour stop date is Tuesday October 30th, and on that date I’ll be posting a review, hosting a giveaway and sharing my own Dear Teen Me letter. In the meantime, I was inspired by the book and decided to invite friends, fellow bloggers, and authors to write their own letter. Through out the month of October I’ll be be posting them here. I still have space for anyone else who would like to participate-just contact me through email or by leaving a comment on this post.

Today, I am featuring a letter written by Ginger from GReads! One of my favourite bloggers; She’s also responsible for designing the amazing graphic you see above. You can visit her tour stop on October 17th. Here is her letter:

Dear Teen Ginger,

Live in the moment; that's the best piece of advice I can give you. We tend to always want to get to that next step far too quickly and end up missing out on the here and now. Relish in the fact that your responsibilities are still limited and leave the worries to days far off in the distance. Take time to laugh with your friends. The kind of laugh that leaves your belly aching and your cheeks sore from smiling so hard, yet you find yourself doing it all over again. Pay attention to the nice boy who asks about tonight's homework assignment, but really he's just looking for an excuse to chat with you. Ignore the girls who spend too long in front of the mirror and gossip about people they don't even know. Study hard, read as much and as often as you can, get involved and volunteer.
These moments will come and go way too fast. They are moments you can't repeat, no matter how hard you try. Be happy with yourself and proud of the person your parents are still raising. Pay attention to the life that's happening around you, and the life you're still making. Being a teen can be rough, but I promise there will be tougher times ahead. So enjoy this moment and live it for what it is.

Love,
A more "seasoned" Ginger

Thanks so much G. It’s funny how when we’re teens we are in such a rush to “grow up”. Sometimes I long for the days where I had few if any responsibilities…..

My Inner Warrior

I was thinking about my favourite books and characters in them as well the television shows and movies I love to watch and I began to see a common thread. It seems I love stories where  girls kick butt.

   

 

(If you haven't read these titles, I highly recommend you check them out)

   All of the books above -aside from being fantastic reads, feature girls (women) who are strong willed, brave, and can fight for themselves. Katniss, Tris, Celaena & Keladry…are their own heroes and are among my favourite characters in literature for that very reason. I like to think of myself as a strong woman. I can be brave except in the presence of spiders. I don’t give up easily. I’m willing to stand up for others- but I don’t know how to wield a knife, or throw a punch,  shoot an arrow or scale a wall. But none of those skills are absolutely necessary right?  I love that these heroines have mastered their “physical” selves through endurance, through pain, through sheer will power. I admire that and wish it was something I had. Perhaps its just that I have yet to uncover it in myself.. though I hope it doesn’t take something like The Hunger Games or the End of the World for me unleash my inner warrior.

 

One of my favourite things about reading is disappearing into the characters and for a while feeling like a hero. TV on the occasion can inspire me too. Shows like Xena (I know a little corny)and especially Buffy  the Vampire Slayer allow me to believe that stopping a sword with my hands, or do a jumping somersault on to the back of a horse is something I could do even if it’s just for a little while. 

My hope is that authors and writers will continue to create stories about women who overcome their circumstances through bravery, will and a few sword fights and arrows. Who knows maybe archery isn't too far off in my future but I'm definitely thinking scaling walls and jumping somersaults is far far far away. 

Top Ten Tuesday- Bookish People I Want to Meet

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous The Broke and The Bookish.

Each week we post our top tens on a variety of book related topics- 

This week- Top Ten Bookish People I want to Meet!

My List: (How do I narrow to Ten?)

I am so fortunate to have met wonderful “bookish” people over the years, at expos, 

author events, meet-ups…

These are the people I have yet to be in the same city as let alone meet…

  

• John Green- Love everything he’s ever written. I mean fiercely love.

• JK Rowling-I bet she’ll be on many many lists.

• Kimberly Derting- I am such a fan-I’d love to be able to tell her in person

• Janice Hardy- Not only am I a huge fan of her books, but I have to tell you that she has been a wonderful supporter of my blog

• Maria from Cari’s Book Blog –Love this girl-love our chats!

• Ginger from GReads. Such fabulous gal, I would be lost with out her amazing graphic skills and her willingness to always give me a hand. 

• Jamie from The Broke and the Bookish -  can’t wait to hug you in person someday

• Carla from The Makeshift Bookmark – Carla-can’t wait to meet you and tell you how fabulous you are.

• Suzanne Collins – Hunger Games, Gregor the Overlander, Hunger Games

• Jeanine Frost- Author of the Night Huntress Series… <3

Love to know who made your lists! Leave a link below.

BBAW #2 - About Me

My interview swap partner and I didn't really have time to exchange questions so I'm going with the alternative:

Do you snack while you read?  I don't snack but I drink a lot of coffee or tea (chai or green)

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you? Horrifies me absolutely!!! 

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? I use book marks or write down the page number.

Laying the book flat open?  AHHHH! only if there is no change of breaking the spine.

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both? Both

Hard copy or audiobooks? Hard Copy -sometimes audio

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point? Any point

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away? Nope...I keep reading.

What are you currently reading? Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

What is the last book you bought? Just Bought "Something Like Normal"

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time?
I've tried to read more than one book but I always lose interest in one of them if I do

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read? Sunday Morning/ Couch in living room

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books? I like both. 

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over? Maggie Stiefvater, Lauren Oliver, and Ami Mckay. Always.

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?) By author usually, though lately I've been organizing my stand alones by colour....

Bookish Confessions

I'm a little late to the Top Ten Tuesday party and couldn't post yesterday. 

I loved the topic so much though that I thought I'd just post today...

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by the fabulous The Broke and The Bookish.

This week's theme: 

Top Ten Bookish Confessions

My List:

1. If I put a book down in the middle of reading..chances are unless I am LOVING it or I LOVE the author... I won't pick it back up again. 
2. I organize my books  alphabetically by series... if they are stand alones, then I organize them by colour. I have two shelves reserved for my absolute favourite books...any guesses as to what's on those shelves?
3. I face out books on my shelves too..I love covers.
4. I re-read the Hunger Games, the first 3 books in the Twilight Saga, at least two from the Harry Potter Series, and Sense and Sensibility every year.
5. I fix shelves, re-pyramid tables, and face out my favourite books when I visit Chapters.... every time I visit Chapters.
6. I also help customers find books in the kids and teen sections in any book store..... can't help it
7. I do not lend out my books unless you are a super close amazing friend...and I can trust the book will come back in perfect condition
8. If I get an ARC of a book and I love it ...I still buy the hard cover when it comes out...and occasionally the paperback as well so that I can support the author.
9. I do not read the back of books or the inside jacket copy until after I have read the book...sometimes they give too much away
10. I do not write in my books, dog ear my book pages, or crack the spines. If it's a hard cover I take the dust jacket off before I read it.....

Do we have anything similar? When I look at the list it makes me feel a bit neurotic:)

Why I Would Not Survive a Zombie Apocalypse

I have been on an Apocalyptic/zombie reading kick lately, and if it’s done one thing, it’s brought to light that I would have absolutely no chance of survival….Actually, this post could be titled “Why I Would Not Survive Any Type of Apocalypse”

1. I don’t run. I honestly, don’t run. I probably couldn’t make it around the block..also run = sweat. I don’t sweat either.
2. I have a weak stomach. Zombies are gross and I would probably throw up before I could get away.
3. Apocalypse's in general, usually mean food shortages… I do not function with low blood sugar. It makes me tired and weepy, so I would probably faint, or cry or both before I could get away.
4. I have no basic survival skills- I don’t know how to make a fire, or build a shelter..also, I hate dirt.
5. I don’t know how to fish, or hunt, or “gather”
6. also… I don’t garden. I try, but the vegetables apparently need regular watering, and weeding.
7. I have no fighting skills. No Martial Arts or Kick boxing… not even Tai Chi.
8. I have no weapons, and If I did I wouldn’t know how to use them.
9. I am too trusting. I would probably trust the wrong person and they would throw me to the zombies as bait, or as a decoy.
10. I like my house and my bed, and my TV and my computer and all the comforts of home. How could I  leave? I’d stay and eventually they’d find me….

What about you? Would you have what it takes to survive?

Here are a few of my favourite Zombie/Apocalyptic Reads:
     

Top Ten Tuesday–Book Romances That Would Make it in the Real World

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous Broke and the Bookish.

Each week we post our Top Ten on a variety of book related topics.

This week’s theme: Book Romances that Would Make it in the Real World

My List:

Violet & Jay from The Body Finder Series by Kimberly Derting : If you have not read this series yet, you are missing out.  Violet and Jay were childhood friends until they finally expressed their feelings for each other. Jay is supportive, good looking, kind, brave and all the girls have eyes for him. They work so well as a couple.

Kate &Vincent from The Revenants series by Amy Plum – Even though Vincent fights the urge to die for others, and every now and then doesn’t exist, these two are committed.

Puck & Sean from Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater – Loved this book, loved these characters…destined to be together in my books.

Celia & Marco from The Night Circus  by Erin Morgenstern– What wouldn’t these two do for love?

Dash & Lily from Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Leviathan – It all started with a little red notebook…

Eleanor & Edward from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen – It took so long for these two to get together, they better stay together for life

Hermione and Ron from the Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling – a relationship based on friendship is always a wonderful way to begin. I loved watching Hermione and Ron fall in love.

This list proved more difficult to create than I thought. Perhaps it's because many of the couples I read about go through so much together...perhaps it's because I read a lot of Dystopian fiction which doesn't always have a happy ending:)

I do believe in Happy Endings though, and that you can find one true love. The theme of this week's Top Ten Tuesday was in honour of Jamie's (Broke and the Bookish/Perpetual Page Turner) upcoming wedding.

A toast to love and laughter, and happily ever after.

Jamie, I wish you the happiest of happily ever afters! Much love and congrats.

Top Ten Tuesday- Characters I’d Love to Exchange Places with for 24hrs

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme, hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. 

Each week we post our Top Ten Lists on a variety of book related topics. 

This week:

Characters I’d Love to Exchange Places with for 24 hrs

1. Hermione Granger. Brilliant witch, best friend to Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.  She’s one of my favourite female characters of all time.

2. Belle from Beauty and the Beast. (I know the original fairy tale may not be like the Disney one) Sure things don’t start out too well, but she eventually falls in love, the beast becomes the Prince, she gets to live in a castle and we all know how incredible her library is:)

3.  Violet from The Body Finder. Yes she can sense the dead, but she also dates Jay and he is the ultimate book boyfriend.

4. Bella from Twilight Saga. I know I know, I can imagine what you are thinking but Rob Pattison is not my Edward nor is K Stewart my Bella. The Edward in my head when I read these books is miles above the one that Rob Pattison attempts to embody. Also immortal life with my immortal family….. yes pls.

This was a hard topic!  When I look at my bookshelf, I see books filled with characters that I adore, but for the most part they have gone or will go through horrible events….. I think I would pass on exchanging places with them for that reason.

I’ll be interested to see who is on everyone else's lists ……

#Daily Book Pic- A Bookish Photo Project

I love twitter and this is one of the reasons, while scrolling through my feed I came across a tweet and a link to a post by Book Riot about the #Daily Book Pic!
For the month of July we are invited to post to Twitter/Pinterest a daily book themed photo-I'll be posting to Facebook too. Here is a list of prompts:

I am so excited about participating! Hope you will too! Watch my twitter/facebook feed for the photos and I'll be posting a summary post at the end of the month as well!

HarperCollins Frenzy Presents-YA Blogger Night

I was unbelievably excited to receive an invite to the HarperCollins Frenzy night in Toronto this past Tuesday. So excited that I made the drive during rush hour to be there. It was totally worth it. Not only did I have an amazing time, I also got to connect with my favourite blogger gals too. 
The evening started as all evenings should…with pie. We found a seat and then Vikki VanSickle talked about her role at HCC and introduced the other members of the HCC team, including Editor Hadley Dyer.

We got a sneak peak at some fabulous fall titles: 

Breathe by Sarah Crossan

Don't Turn Around by Michelle Gagnon

 

Starling by Lesley Livingston

Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel

Ten by Gretchen McNeil

Debutantes by Cora Harrison

 We were told in the initial invite that there could be a special guest at the event. I knew a certain someone would be in town so I was hoping it would be her and I was right! 

Tahereh Mafi

I was freaking out. If you are a follower of this blog, you know my love for Shatter Me (my review here) and for Tahereh. If you follow her on facebook, tumblr or twitter you know how incredibly awesome and funny she is. Meeting her in person was one of the highlights of my 2 years of blogging. She’s amazing!!

 It was my turn to get my book signed:  I went up, she hugged me:

She is the sweetest

We took pictures together:

SOOOO Happy

 She sat down, and began to sign my book.

Remember when I told you that I always babble and can never get my words out when I meet someone I truly admire?

I meant to say: “You are a gifted writer”
What I actually said: “Gifted YOU are”
So I basically met one of my favourite authors and ended up sounding like…..

Yoda = Jen

 Soooo embarrassing-
Tahereh was so gracious though, look how she signed my book-

The evening was wonderful, HCC even sent us home with wonderful goody bags. Thanks so much to the staff at Harpercollins; especially Vikki, Shannon and Jessica for a great night!

In My Mailbox-June 2nd

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. Each week are invited to post about bookish things we received via mail, library, store or friend.

My week:

Purchased: pics- are a little fuzzy-obviously I need a better camera...

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare (love-can not wait to read)

Until I Die by Amy Plum (I adored the first one)

- also have you seen the pics of Amy with Ian and Paul from Vampire Diaries? Lucky Lady!

Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready  -so exciting to see my name in the acknowledgements!

Gifted: by the lovely Cariblogs!

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater...SIGNED!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much!!! I am such a big fan of this author.

News:

• I am happy/thrilled to announce that I'll be reviewing picture books twice a month on Bookalicious.org
• My other blog- Storytime with Jen could really use your support, I've been working hard to get it's "name" out there. Pls check it out and pass it on to those you think will be interested in the content

What's in your mailbox?

Happy Blogoversary to me!!!

Today's the Day!!! My Blog is 2!!!! (throws confetti!!!)

2 years ago today I started this little blog as an outlet for my passion (reading of course) and to share my thoughts on books. It's been a wonderful year of reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways.

Here are a few of the highlights:

I met LAUREN OLIVER

I met VERONICA ROTH

I met MAGGIE STIEFVATER

I had the opportunity to interview:

Elizabeth Miles 

Jo Treggari

and Lauren Oliver 

A few book bloggers and I formed the Ontario Blog Squad and hosted our first event!

I read amazing books! a few of my favourites:

    

   

I have had lots of help and support along the way. 

Thank you to my Ontario Blog Squad ladies -Nicole, Michele, Christa, Liz, Angel, Wendy, Jackie, & Mel. You have been amazing friends and sooo fun to work with. 

Thank you to Maria from Cari's Book Blog who has always been a great support, a great listener and wonderful to chat books with.

 Thank you to Ginger from GReads who has helped by creating many of the graphics on the blog as well as encouraging me to create my own and telling me I'm good at it (even though I'm not) :) 

Thank you to my good friends Liza and Jen whom I love to chat books with and who always celebrate my accomplishments with me. They are my biggest cheerleaders, and everyone needs cheerleaders right!?

Thank you to my twitter friends who are always there when I need a laugh or to fan-girl

Thank you to the authors I've connected with especially Elizabeth Miles, Lauren Oliver & Maggie Stiefvater I still can't believe I have been able to meet you, or talk to you. 

Thank you to the publishers who have supported me not just through ARCS, but also by their kind words

Thank you to my readers. 

Thank you for commenting, and reading, and sharing and emailing and tweeting and for believing that I have something worthwhile to offer here. 

XOXOXOXO Jen