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 12

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.

Jennifer and I first met through Indigo Books & Music.. I love her approach to her letter….

Dear Jennifer aged 13-19,

This letter is meant to be is a thank you note. I write a lot of thank you letters; for dinners, for great service, for time spent with friends at a cottage. I guess it never occurred to me to write a thank you note to the person who made me who I am today. The person got me through that integral period in a girl’s life where you are defining who you are, who you will be, what kind of man you will marry, the kind of parent you will be. Me, the teenager.
Thank you.

Thank you for being brave enough to take chances and make mistakes. Those mistakes have firmly rooted me in my current beliefs, my ideals and my life path.
Thank you for saying no- over and over and over again. It was worth it.
Thank you for being a good friend. I am so proud to say that I treated my high school friends with kindness, compassion and respect and I am proud to call so many of them my friends today.
Thank you for falling in love. While sometimes painful, the joy and experiences of being young, in love and looking at life from that perspective made me crave those wonderful butterflies in my marriage. It also made me cautious and careful and allowed me to navigate through rough waters when I needed to.
Thank you for your sense of adventure. Thank you for having a “go for it” attitude and proving that independence and determination can define who you will become in the future. I am certain that my desire to see the world and to be a part of something bigger has its direct origins in the pages of my teen life.
Thank you for making time to read so many wonderful adventures. I am so grateful that I can say I have been a passionate reader all of my life. My passion for reading is still a vibrant and important part of my life and I am thankful for all that you did to further develop this.
Thank you for laughing so much and for having a lot of fun. As I look back I am flooded with amazing memories of road trips, family vacations, parties, school functions, singing and dancing. I am so grateful to say that I spent most of my teen years laughing with my friends and family.
Thank you for being emotional. While many view this as a liability, it has shaped who I am as a friend, colleague, wife and mother today. I love deeply, cry when I need to and have a very sympathetic ear to everyone in my life.
In retrospect I can see that it wasn’t very easy, but you managed to come through the other side with a strong personality, a great education and a joyful outlook on life. There were times when I know that it was scary, lonely and you felt unsure- I wish I could have been there to give you a hug.
Looking back now, that time reads like a wonderful adventure novel where the heroine gets the guy and reaps the rewards- it was all worth it….every moment.

Thank you.

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 10

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. 

After seeing the first few Dear Teen Me letters on the blog, Angie got in touch and asked to write one as well-here is her letter....

Dear Teen Me:

Hello… I remember you.  Sometimes doing things you didn't want to do to fit in.  Yea you!  There's a few things that I think you should know though I know you won't listen.

You know your body?  The one that is skinny.. so skinny you won't even wear shorts.  Wear those damn shorts.  In less then 10 years you will be the only one out of your high school friends who hasn't gained 30 lbs.  You will still be the same weight as in high school and you will love it.  So embrace it now.  And those bad boys you keep dating.. YUCK!  Though you know what?  Go ahead and date them so you know who not to date and who to marry.  But don't just have sex with just anyone!! 

 Also… that 40 hours a week you are putting in at McDonalds like they need you?  Please Mcdonalds will run just fine without you… trust me they will still be there 20 -50 years later!!  So tell them 40 hours is way too much.. 20 hours a week will be just fine.  Plus $4.25 an hour is NOTHING!   Don't feel lonely.. learn how to be friends with yourself.  Eventually you will be your own best friend.  Be KIND.  Be respectful to mom and dad.  You are constantly battling with them and someday you will realize they really are the best parents out of all your friends.  The time they made you take back the Christmas lights you stole?  Yea… first off that was a terrible thing to do, and second mom and dad were trying to make you a better person.  

Love yourself, and LOVE life.  Just because in high school you aren't the cheerleader or one of the preppy people it will be just fine.   I am so proud of who you turn out to be. 

Your best friend,

yourself 

Review: Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan

Today I welcome my fabulous friend and guest poster Jessie to the blog. Jessie & I met while working together at the library and we became great friends. In addition to guest posting here, she's also my book event/signing travel buddy.

Published by HarperTeen July 2012

Source: ARC provided by the publisher

Summary:

Just because Mel lives in New Whitby, a city founded by vampires, doesn't mean she knows any of the blood-drinking undead personally. They stay in their part of town; she says in hers. Until the day a vampire shows up at her high school. Worse yet, her best friend, Cathy, seems to be falling in love with him. It's up to Mel to save Cathy from a mistake she might regret for all eternity!

On top of trying to help Cathy (whether she wants it or not), Mel is investigating a mysterious disappearance for another friend and discovering the attractions of a certain vampire wannabe. Combine all this with a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and touching.

Jessie's Thoughts:

Team Human is a fun story about a girl who tries to get her best friend to stop dating a vampire while at the same time solves the mysterious departure of Dr. Saunders. Set in a town that co-exists with vampires but during a period where humans and vampires are for the most part segregated, those who associate with vampires are viewed as outside the norm. Mel doesn’t hate vampires, she just doesn’t get why anyone would want to be one. Vampires for the most part cannot feel emotions and to become a vampire there is a chance you could die or worse … become a zombie.  That is why transitioning into a vampire is closely regulated by the government. When Mel’s best friend tells her that she is considering becoming a vampire to be with her boyfriend forever Mel freaks out. She makes it her mission to either convince her friend of the cons of being a vampire or else uncover a reason for her friend to break-up with her boyfriend.

Larbalestier and Breenan stick to most of the standard vampire ideologies while adding their own twists. Their main character Mel is humorous and stubborn though at times perhaps too simple. On the other hand, Kit who was raised by vampires is a well-flushed out character who makes a great contribution to the book. Team Human is an adventure book with a side of romance. There is no way to escape from this book without some laughs. Overall an entertaining read.    

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 7

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. 

Today I welcome Sheena. Sheena and I met through a Women's Networking Group and I'm so glad we did.  I love her enthusiasm and passion for helping others.

Dear Teen Me,

First things first, dump the boyfriend.  No, seriously, DUMP HIM.  He’s a loser and he will never see you for what you are really truly worth.  I know you think you love him, heck, I know you think you’re in love with him, but you’re not.  That’s not love, in fact, it’s quite the opposite.  No one has the right to put their hands on you… EVER.  And it doesn’t matter if he begs for forgiveness afterwards, and says he’ll never do it again, he’s lying, and he will continue, over and over again.  Don’t believe the things he spews at you, not for even one second.  Standing up for yourself and raising your voice does not make you a b!tch, it makes you strong, and he’s threatened by that.  He may be physically bigger than you, but he is a weak, weak person.  Know that and walk away with your head held high.  I promise there is an incredibly gentle, kind and loving man waiting for you just around the corner, he’ll treat you like a princess and love you beyond words.  He’s amazing and you deserve it.

Be nicer to your little brother.  He’s going through a rough patch and he needs you far more than you realize; far more than he admits.  He’s a good kid, and he looks up to you for direction.  Stop treating him like he’s worthless; he’s starting to believe you.  You love him dearly and you need to tell him more often… his life depends on it.  Despite what your relationship is like right now, he will grow to become one of your very best friends, an amazingly strong man who loves his family like no other.  He is a good man.

Your true friends aren’t in high school, in fact, they’re barely in university and college, so you can stop trying to impress those people, they leave you high and dry once they find out you’re pregnant.  Forget them.  You will walk away from university with two amazing women to call your friends, and although you don’t talk nearly enough, when you do it’s as though no time has passed.  Cherish them, they love you unconditionally.

Follow your heart, it will never steer you wrong.  Life is good.  Our home is cozy and full of love, our children are happy and full of joy, and our husband is phenomenal and super hot.  We’ve made the conscious choice to live minimally and within our means, this is a value that is important to us.  We carry low to no debt and we are essentially stress-free (boring, I know).  Forget the Joneses, we’re making our own path.  This type of financial freedom allows you to always follow your dreams.  You are an entrepreneur.  You have followed your passion and it has led you here.  And *here* is amazing.

Don’t over complicate things.  Life really is quite simple; know your worth, be nice to people, follow your heart and live within your means.  Enjoy it.

Love Always,

33 year old you

Sheena is the Owner of Blue Bamboo Holistics. In addition to Reiki and Reflexology she also offers "Mindful Kids" Classes for children and their families to quiet their minds, bodies and embrace their inner power. 

Be sure to check out her website. http://www.blue-bamboo.ca/

Dear Teen Me: Feature 6

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.

Really, really excited to welcome author Janice Hardy today- I am a huge fan of her Healing Wars Trilogy. If you haven't read her series, I highly, highly recommend them as the Healing Wars Trilogy is one of my favourite series of all time.

Dear Teen Me,

I remember sitting in Mrs. Horton's American History class in high school, writing a letter to the future me in the oh-so-far-away year of 2000. (I cringe now thinking about how I'd be "old" by then) It seemed so far away, practically science fiction, and it's weird that 2000 has come and gone. I wish I'd saved that letter to see how close you got, but it's fitting that I'm writing back to that same girl now.
I don't remember much of what you wrote back then, but I do recall one detail: By 2000, you would be a published author. Even then this was our dream.

Teen Me, you got there.
It took a little longer than expected (2009, not too far off) and the road was nothing like you pictured, but the dream stayed alive and the words kept flowing. Some of them were the same words, so when you want to trash that prophecy novel, do it. And that Star Wars fan fic? Just don't go there. Trust me.

There will be bumps and tears and heartache between then and now. Boys you're crazy about will ignore you and some will break your heart. Some hearts you'll break. A few hearts you'll want to run over with your car, but you'll resist those urges and write really bad poetry instead. Never fear, no one will ever see those poems, though burn the letter you write to a friend about a certain boy in college. That won't end well.
You'll struggle with choices about what to do with your life. Where to go to college, what to major in. You'll make a few mistakes (Architecture? What we're you thinking?) but they'll all bring you to the right spots at the right time. Going to art school is a wise move and it'll give you the freedom to write when you most need to. Of course, you'll have to suffer through 15 hour days six days a week for a while, but it'll be worth it. The hard work you put it will give you the life you want later on, when it counts.

You'll be adventurous. You'll discover you love to SCUBA dive and will become a Rescue Diver. You'll jump out of a perfectly good airplane (even after having a roommate who "flew well but landed poorly" doing the same thing). You'll go whitewater rafting, but you'll chicken out on bungee jumping. It's okay. No one will blame you.
The guy issue? I know you swore you'd think about marriage when you hit 30, but you'll find the right guy at 24 and marry him two years later. (And when you meet him, no, he's not 17 though he looks like it in that T-shirt and backwards baseball cap) He's nothing like the "Mr. Right" you imagined in high school, but he's the best friend and partner you could ever hope for. He leaves you cupcakes on your desk, hides love notes in your pockets, and follows you to the gas station to pump the gas for you when it's cold outside. And you won't even think it's cheesy.

Most of all, you'll keep writing through life's craziness. Eventually you'll start submitting those short stories and the rejections will start flowing in. You'll realize you're not a short story writer and switch to novels. Then submit those novels. And get those novels rejected. A lot. Take heart, this too shall pass. Those who rejected you will accept you years later and it'll be all the sweeter.

You'll take chances and join online critique groups like Critters, and you'll meet a gal who will become your one of your best friends and a life-supporting critique partner. You'll join Finish Your Novel and meet another gal who will become your other best friend and yes, another worth-their-weight-in-chocolate critique partner. You'll help each other achieve your writing dreams. Best part, you'll have lots of laughs along the way.

You'll travel across the country and attend the Surrey International Writers Conference, not realizing it'll be the weekend that changes your life. Bob Mayer will make you cry, but he's right and you need to hear what he has to say. Donald Maass will inspire you. Carol Berg will say nice things about your writing (and you still feel like you two know each other from somewhere). You'll come home with a new passion for writing and write the book that will be your debut novel--The Shifter. (Only then it'll be called The Pain Merchants, so prepare yourself for title-changing fun)

The best thing I can tell you is this: It all turns out okay. Better than okay. Pretty darn good.
Oh, and your moisturizer and sunscreen routine? Keep that up. Seriously. You'll thank me when you get here.

About Janice
Janice Hardy always wondered about the darker side of healing. For her fantasy trilogy THE HEALING WARS, she tapped into her own dark side to create a world where healing was dangerous, and those with the best intentions often made the worst choices. Her books include THE SHIFTER, and BLUE FIRE. DARKFALL. She lives in Georgia with her husband, three cats and one very nervous freshwater eel. You can visit her online at www.janicehardy.com, chat with her about writing on her blog, The Other Side of the Story (http://blog.janicehardy.com/), or find her on Twitter @Janice_Hardy.

 

The Shifter
Blue Fire
Darkfall

Dear Teen Me–Feature 5

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.

Today I welcome one of my favourite bloggers and Blog Squad cohorts Christa-

Dear 16 year old me,

Hello from the future! I managed to track down the TARDIS and convince the Doctor to deliver this letter from 24 year old you. I know you don't know what a TARDIS or the Doctor is but remember those words. They will be of vital importance later on.

I hope I've caught you at a good time. Maybe you're reading this in Ms. Jones' English class while you're supposed to be reading Catcher in the Rye but are bored because you already finished it weeks ago. Maybe you're in between psychotic customers while working the returns desk at Wal Mart. Or maybe your hiding in that hollowed out spot in the back of your closet while your parents scream bloody murder at one another. For both of our sakes, I hope it's the first option.
That's right, all those moments stick with you well into the future. You carry them with you wherever you go and as much as you may hate them now, that's ok. They've made you who you are today and that person, is pretty awesome.

There are so many things I could talk about in this letter. I could talk about how much you're going to love university or all the amazing places you're going to visit, or tell you about how one day you're going to be lucky enough work in publishing and pursuing your dreams of being a published author. But I'm not going to talk about all those things because I'm you after all and at this point there's something much more important to address.

And that's this. Your dad is an alcoholic. You probably already know (or at least suspect) this but I wanted to be clear. I'm sorry to say that he is going to continue to drink, and it will become so much more than just finding him passed out around the house. It will come to a point where you won't even know who this strange man is any more and wonder what happened to the kind, loving man who was once your hero. I don't want to overwhelm you with all the details, but I NEED you to hear this one piece of advice. Do not listen to anyone who tells you the opposite.
Are you listening?

Nothing - and I mean nothing - that happens to your dad is your fault. You are in no way responsible for any of his actions. Asking you to not only cope with but accept what's going on, is something that should never be asked of a child and if you find you need to step away and put some distance between you and the situation THAT IS OK. I can not stress that enough. Only you know how much you can take, and it's important that you listen to yourself.
Your dad was a great man. You're going to lose a lot of your earlier memories of him, but hang on to what you can. Please don't rip up all his pictures when you're angry. I regret that decision all the time. At the same time however you are perfectly right to be angry at everything he put you, your mom and your brother through. It's even alright if you feel sad and angry at the same time. Eventually the anger dulls at little and you will find peace. As a bonus you also maintain a fabulous relationship with your mom and brother to this day, so there is always that to be thankful for.

Your teenage years are not an easy trip, so be prepared. I hate to tell you this but things are going to get worse for a little while. But the good news is that around the time you turn 19 everything is going to change. Life is going to get SO MUCH BETTER. You have no idea. And not for any one reason either. But you will be happy I promise. I am proud to tell you that not once in the past five years have I ever felt the need to hide in the closet, I currently love my job and I have hundreds (seriously, hundreds) of books that I can read anytime I want.

And seriously remember what I said about the Doctor.
24 year old you

Thank you so much Christa for sharing and for being so open and honest. Big hugs to you.

Visit Christa’s Blog! – Hooked on Books!

Dear Teen Me: Feature Letter 4

Today I welcome Gillian who I had the pleasure of meeting this year, we became fast friends.

Dear Teen Me,

You are lovely, did you know? You are funny, light, happy, joy-filled and free. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are less than because you are different than them. Don’t try to be like someone else, be like YOU! Because you are amazing.
Work hard at being honest, in every situation. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Ask out the boy you like. Ask other girls to spend time with you. Trust that your friends WANT you around. Don’t assume you aren’t good enough…because you are and they think so too!
Don’t feel like you have to show off what you know all the time. Choose silence more often. Let others figure you out for themselves. Let them judge you by your smiles, you support, your loving actions. If they don’t see the good, let them walk on by…those who do value you are just waiting in line to get close to you.
Know that every single person you meet feels just as awkward, scared and unsure as you. Be loving and patient with their attempts to mask it. Those who growl the loudest are often the most scared. Reach out, let them know you see their real selves. Encourage them to be brave too.
It seems impossible now, but try to enjoy the freedom and security you have living at home, surrounded by amazing support and love. This foundation will carry you through life, but not in the same way it does now. Give Dad a hug for me, and make sure it lasts a long time…cause he won’t be here forever. Tell him how proud you are of him, what a wonderful father he is.
Start saving money, and avoid credit cards for as long as possible!! But spend more money on better quality things, just do with less. That is better. That is where the value is.
Most of all, try something new each day. Don’t be afraid to look foolish or to fail. There are worse things and the reward for your risk is SO great! There is a world of new experience waiting for you, jump in with both feet and eyes open. The only scary thing is staying the same…we need to grow, develop, transform.
Be loving. Every day look for ways to be more loving. And the world will fall in love with you. It is really very simple.
Loving you, every day,
me

( Gillian I love this letter so much)

Gillian is a Marketing Strategy and Communications Specialist. She is one of the most positive people I know, so lucky to have her as a friend.
Her website:
Rees Communications

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.

Dear Teen Me–Feature 3

Today I welcome talented Canadian Author Vikki VanSickle-


Dear Teen Me,

You look great. Really, you do. One day you’re going to look back at pictures of your hot self and think Damn I looked good! So wear that leopard-print pencil skirt. Who cares if no one else in school has one like it? Maybe that’s a good thing. You aren’t required to wear a uniform, so why concern yourself with dressing like everyone else in clothing that you hate (doctor pants, GAP sweatshirt) when you’ve got that awesome vintage Betsy Johnson skirt in your closet?
Also, you should definitely order that spinach dip. And dessert, too. Watching what you eat is one thing, but obsessing about it is another. You love food! Why deny yourself something delicious because you think you should be five, ten, fifteen pounds lighter? It’s not the food that’s the problem, it’s the fat glasses. Right now you don’t even know you’re wearing them, but you are. They’re not just the wrong prescription, they’re a BAD prescription, adding weight where it simply does not exist. You will look through the yearbook ten years from now and wonder, “Who is that totally svelte, scrumptious-looking gal? I could have sworn I was a little on the plump side in high school, but this girl looks perfect.”
Don’t worry about boys. It’s okay to not date in high school. There is plenty of romance in your future and you will be so happy that you held off until it felt right. When your new university friends are sitting around swapping dating horror stories from high school you’ll be thankful that you can’t relate. Not all your love stories will have happy endings, but you won’t regret a single chapter.
Saying no is hard, so start practising now. Turning down a job or a favour or even an invitation when you’d rather stay home and read is not a sign of weakness; it just means that you value your time. There’s a big difference between being nice and being a doormat. Priding yourself on being a people-pleaser will get you nowhere. It certainly won’t make you any happier. It’s impossible to be all things to all people, so focus on what you want to do, which is put on those awesome red shorts and go to the DQ for a milkshake, stag. Or maybe with some of your friends. On the way be sure to roll down the windows and blast that Disney mixed tape. Part of Your World is an awesome song and you can rock it like no one else.

Love always,
Vix

Learn more about Vikki on her website: http://vikkivansickle.wordpress.com/
 


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.

Dear Teen Me–Feature 2

Today I welcome Michele from Just a Lil’ Lost:

Dear Teen Me,
Be courageous. Remember that bully you stood up to in grade 9? That singular moment where you called her bluff when she threatened to beat you up after school will ignite a bravery that was hidden inside you all along. That one moment will show you how you don’t have to put up with behaviour like that, and that most bullies don’t expect their victims to stand up for themselves.
Embrace your geekiness. You have no idea how your love of books, computers and theatre will be a such a big part of your life in the future. You won’t be part of the “cool” crowd because there really isn’t one. Everyone makes their own brand of cool and you’ll find the right niche of people that love the same things you will. Geekiness will become a whole culture and something to be proud of rather than ashamed of.
Quality over quantity. This has been one of the biggest revelations for me in the past few years and I wish I could have known this before. When it comes to friends, quality will matter so much more than quantity. In school, you’ll want to surround yourself with many friends, given the illusion that more = popularity. How many of those people am I really closely in touch with still? A small handful.
Basically, stay true to yourself. It’s a cliché saying but it’s true. You will have good times and bad times, good relationships and bad relationships, friends may come and go but you will realize that those who understand you and appreciate you for your individuality is who will be around for the long haul. Surround yourself with supportive people and when you get rid of the toxic people in your life (and, trust me, you will) it will feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders and you’ll be a lot happier. Trust me.
Signed,
Your 31-year-old self.


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.

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…..

Grim by Anna Waggener -Book Review

Today I’m thrilled to welcome a new guest poster on my blog. 

Daphne is 15, an avid reader and one of my favourite teens ever.

She has great taste in books!! Welcome Daphne!!!

Grim by Anna Waggener

Published June 2012

Source: Finished copy provided by the publisher

Summary:

   When Erika wakes up after a horrific car crash, she finds herself somewhere between earth and heaven, between life and death. She doesn't want to accept help from Jeremiah, who she's not sure she can trust, even as she finds herself drawn to him, following him into a grim city of souls. She's not sure who wants to help her and who wants to hurt her. And she's desperate to get back to her children. 

Shawn's never thought about having to shoulder the responsibility of caring for his young sister Megan and his reckless older sister. And he never imagined that the three of them would find themselves in a haunted wood, sometimes chased, sometimes assisted, never sure where they're headed.

Daphne’s Thoughts:

   GRIM by Anna Waggener, is an incredible book combining myths and legends to produce a truly vicious world where the dead live. Pulled in by its twists, turns, and unsaid truths, the reader will be driven to finish this book with bated breath. Waggener creates a vivid scenario with a cast of authentic characters, bewitching and readily identifiable. The novel weaves a haunting tale by interspersing intriguing nuggets of the past within an unfolding storyline. GRIM is both enchanting and horrifying in turns. The reader will be forced to contemplate the events within its pages long after the last page is turned, eagerly anticipating her next novel.



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Embrace by Jessica Shirvington : Book Review, Guest Post

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Published by Sourcebooks Fire 2011

Reviewed by Donna

from ARC provided by the Publisher

Summary:

    It starts with a whisper: “It’s time for you to know who you are…” 

Violet Eden dreads her seventeenth birthday. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. As if that wasn’t enough, disturbing dreams haunt her sleep and leave her with very real injuries. There’s a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms that wasn’t there before. 
Violet is determined to get some answers, but nothing could have prepared her for the truth. The guy she thought she could fall in love with has been keeping his identity a secret: he’s only half-human—oh, and same goes for her. 
A centuries-old battle between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity has chosen its new warrior. It’s a fight Violet doesn’t want, but she lives her life by two rules: don’t run and don’t quit. When angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden…


Special thanks to my friend Donna for guest posting today: Here are her thoughts:


     I must admit that I approached this book with some trepidation. I am sure that many readers can relate to the feeling of saturation when it comes to certain genres or themes. Therefore, when I learned that this novel was about angels, I performed a very large eye roll, and opened the pages....

    I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Jessica Shrivington has created an engrossing story rich with spiritual and angelic lore, based on religious and cultural history that most readers will recognize. Believable dialogue and character development add to the novel's attraction.

This story features Violet Eden, a young girl raised solely by her father when her mother dies in childbirth. Fiercely independent and artistically talented, Vi has surrounded herself with a few choice friends, particularly Lincoln, an older guy who starts out simply her self-defence trainer, but turns into a devoted and treasured confidante. Upon her seventeenth birthday, Violet experiences several unique occurrences: she is given a mysterious letter and bracelet from her mother, she begins to have vivid and confusing dreams and she has discovered unusual markings on her wrists. When Lincoln and his mysterious friend, Griffin, reveal that she is half-human and half-angel, Violet is faced with shock and fear as she learns that an angelic battle between good and evil forces are playing out on earth. She learns that she must make a decision of whether to embrace her angelic powers and become a part of this war, or deny her destiny and live her life in constant danger.

   The theme of good versus evil is personified in the relationships that Violet experiences. While Lincoln represents good, Violet is approached by another angel named Phoenix. Shrivington creates a realistic storyline in Violet's sexual awakening in Vi's exploration of her physical and emotional attraction to these men. The character of Violet is at is best here, as a typical 17-year old's reactions to romantic love is portrayed with all the insecurities and impulsive actions to which readers are sure to relate. Shrivington handles this love triangle with ease.

   The last part of the novel describes Violet's decision to "embrace", an act that is fraught with physical danger and permanence. When Violet learns that she is spiritually paired with Lincoln, she faces an uncertain future. I eagerly anticipate the next novel and I highly recommend this book to fans of the genre.

Book Review: Dead to You by Lisa McMann (Guest Post)

Dead To You by Lisa McMann

Published by Simon Pulse February 2012

Summary:

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable.

Guest:

Donna and I met when I worked at the library near the high school where she taught. She was kind enough to let me join the high school book club she began and we partnered running the meetings. I instantly felt a connection with her as she loves YA as much as I do and is such a wonderfully, kind and genuine person. She is also tons of fun to be with and we have the same sense of humour. I'm so happy that even though we no longer "work" together, she's become a very dear friend. 

Her Thoughts:

This novel left me reeling. Fast-paced from start to finish, Lisa McMann has written another super page-turner. This story is about a teenaged boy, abducted at the age of seven, who, after nine years, is returned to his family. The book opens at the very moment when a Child Youth Worker hands Ethan back over to the care of his family. Thrilled to have him back, the de Wildes try to help Ethan transition back into their lives. During his absence, his younger brother, Blake and brand new sister, Gracie have filled the void for his parents, Paul and Maria. Ethan, used to living on the streets, struggles to follow their household's routines and structure, and works to fit into family mealtimes, school and counselling. 

This story is told entirely from the perspective of Ethan. As the reader follows his story, they come to empathize with his uncertainty and frustration at his lack of memories of his life before he was taken. Ethan does not want to talk about his life on the road and seems almost protective of the woman who raised him. As his neighbourhood (and one beautiful girl named Cami) welcome him home, Ethan faces anger and jealousy from his brother, who is the only person to be suspicious of him. The conflict between brothers worsens as Ethan begins to build relationships with his sister and parents. The final portion of the novel was very cleverly written. As Ethan finally begins to see a hopeful future, a shocking twist is revealed that changes everything. 

I enjoyed this book and recommend it to readers who like surprises! It would be an ideal novel for discussion and book talks.

Thanks Donna!!!

Book Review: Bewitching by Alex Flinn (Guest Post)

Bewitching by Alex Flinn

Published by Harperteen Feb 14 2012

Reviewed From ARC provided by the publisher

Summary:

Bewitching can be a beast. . . . 
Once, I put a curse on a beastly and arrogant high school boy. That one turned out all right. Others didn’t. 
I go to a new school now—one where no one knows that I should have graduated long ago. I’m not still here because I’m stupid; I just don’t age. 
You see, I’m immortal. And I pretty much know everything after hundreds of years—except for when to take my powers and butt out. 
I want to help, but things just go awry in ways I could never predict. Like when I tried to free some children from a gingerbread house and ended up being hanged. After I came back from the dead (immortal, remember?), I tried to play matchmaker for a French prince and ended up banished from France forever. And that little mermaid I found in the Titanic lifeboat? I don’t even want to think about it. 
Now a girl named Emma needs me. I probably shouldn’t get involved, but her gorgeous stepsister is conniving to the core. I think I have just the thing to fix that girl—and it isn’t an enchanted pumpkin. Although you never know what will happen when I start . . . bewitching

Guest:

My guest "poster" today is wonderful 11 year old Mikenna. She is my friends daughter and a HUGE fan of the author Alex Flinn. 

Here are her thoughts on Bewitching:

I liked Bewitching because it had numerous stories in it and it had numerous points of view. Kendra told her story and then told the reason why she wrote the book. She's trying to figure out whether or not she should help a girl named Emma who also shares her story. Kendra states reasons why she shouldn't help Emma because of times where she tried to help others but it turned out disastrous. 

I think Bewitching is really clever because it's about a character from a previous book. I like how it tied a whole bunch of fairytales together , though they were a bit twisted so you had to figure out what they were. 

I never knew a book or an author like this could exist, but I'm really glad they do. They keep me reading 24/7. :)

Book Review: Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts (Guest Post)

 Donna and I met when I worked at the library near the high school where she taught. She was kind enough to let me join the high school book club she began and we partnered running the meetings. I instantly felt a connection with her as she loves YA as much as I do and is such a wonderfully, kind and genuine person. She is also tons of fun to be with and we have the same sense of humour. I'm so happy that even though we no longer "work" together, she's become a very dear friend. 

Her Review:

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

Published by Simon & Schuster November 2011

329 Pages

Summary

Since mankind began, civilizations have always fallen: the Romans, the Greeks, the Aztecs…Now it’s our turn. Huge earthquakes rock the world. Cities are destroyed. But something even more awful is happening. An ancient evil has been unleashed, turning everyday people into hunters, killers, crazies.

Mason's mother is dying after a terrible car accident. As he endures a last vigil at her hospital bed, his school is bombed and razed to the ground, and everyone he knows is killed. Aries survives an earthquake aftershock on a bus, and thinks the worst is over when a mysterious stranger pulls her out of the wreckage, but she’s about to discover a world changed forever. Clementine, the only survivor of an emergency town hall meeting that descends into murderous chaos, is on the run from savage strangers who used to be her friends and neighbors. And Michael witnesses a brutal road rage incident that is made much worse by the arrival of the police--who gun down the guilty party and then turn on the bystanding crowd.

Where do you go for justice when even the lawmakers have turned bad? These four teens are on the same road in a world gone mad. Struggling to survive, clinging on to love and meaning wherever it can be found, this is a journey into the heart of darkness – but also a journey to find each other and a place of safety.

Thoughts:

    This novel's energy does not let up for a second. Jeyn Roberts has created a fascinating story of desperation and terror. The modern-day tale opens with the unleashing of something unexplainable across the world where normal people suddenly turn into killers, murdering their children, students and neighbours. As the story unfolds, we learn that some people (seemingly immune are trying desperately to find a safe place. However, who can they trust? The book's chapters are categorized by the names of four main characters: Aries, Mason, Clementine and Michael. As each person faces unspeakable horror, the reader is also exposed to the realities of what humanity is capable of doing to one another. Is this time any different than genocides and wars perpetrated by people in the past? The goal among these characters is to reach the University of British Columbia, where survivors have managed to gather. As each person gets closer to the west, they travel through towns and cities, ravaged and emptied by this unknown force. This novel storyline is a race against time; I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!

Book Review: The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle (guest post)

Published by HarperTeen September 2011

Reviewed from ARC provided by the Publisher

Summary

Anyone who’s had something truly crappy happen to them will tell you: It’s all about Before and After. What I’m talking about here is the ka-pow, shake-you-to-your-core-and-turn-your-bones-to-plastic kind of crappy.

Sixteen-year-old Laurel’s world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss—a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways.

Today's Review is a guest post by a great friend and co-worker of mine- Jessie.

Thanks Jess!!

Jennifer Castle’s The Beginning of After, is a coming of age story about a girl dealing with the tragic deaths of her parents and younger brother.  As Laurel, the main character, tries to deal with her grief and piece her life back together, she is drawn to the son of the man who was responsible for her losing her family. David is the typical bad boy who is trying to cope with his own pain and does not care who he hurts in the process. Eventually Laurel will have to decide whether she should let herself fall for David or if she should pick Joe, the sweet nice guy. 

 Slow moving but emotionally filled. This book will require Kleenex. Castle very accurately portrays a strong individual going through the grieving process and getting on with their life.  I think anyone who has ever lost someone close to them will identify with this book. Her characters and settings were not very detailed but it perhaps allows more people to relate easier to the story. I was hoping for more in terms of plot and ending but it was still a good read. I think it would have also been great to have David’s perspective.  Overall, I think this is a great book to recommend to anyone who feels a little sad, down on their luck or who has lost someone special.