Happy New Year from Traveling With T!

Today is the first day of 2014. It’s a new year, a fresh start. Take a deep breath and breathe in the newness of the year. Maybe this is the year that your dreams come true. Maybe this is the year that you right past wrongs. Maybe this is the year you are blessed with a bountiful of good news. Maybe it’s the year that your heart is broken. It might be the year you find true love. It might be the year you throw caution to the wind and embrace life- the ups, downs, and in-betweens. This year is a new year, a new beginning. Make 2014 the year that you strive to be the BEST you possible. Find the things that make you happy and surround yourself with it. Is it books? Is it a hobby? Is it your family? Friends? Is it quiet? People need all types of things to be happy- and find what makes you happy!

For me, for 2014- I have resolutions. Ideas. Hopes and dreams. Will 2014 be the year that they come true? Maybe 🙂

Whatever happens in 2014- I wish you the best. I hope you chase your dreams. Find what makes you happy. Go in search of the best thing ever. Treasure the moments that make up your life- the small moments, the big ones- and even treasure the hard ones- because sometimes, those are the ones that make you change the most.

Make 2014 the year you say “Yes” to new things. Expand your life- try something new. Step out of the comfort zone a bit- the air is much fresher there- and it’ll make you a better person. Say “hi” to a new person. Tweet with someone out of your normal circle of folks. Or take a break from social media. Unplug. Send a snail mail card to a friend. Or a loved one.

May 2014 be the best yet!

Happy Reading,

T @ Traveling With T

PS: Want to read other authors, bloggers, and book-ish folks New Year Resolutions? Be sure and check out Traveling With T all month long!

What I’ve Learned About Blogging in 2013

Oh 2013 was a strange and wonderful year for blogging (for me!) For each high I hit, for each time I had this bloggy thing figured out- there was a low (not always- but enough lows to keep me humble & knowing the bloggy thing was still not figured out!)

2013 was my first full year as a book blogger (yes, in 2012 I’d blogged about books- but I was still finding myself)- so 2013 was a test. Did I pass the test or not? All depends on how you want to grade the test (which is a lesson!)

I “met” new Twitter friends, I got to go to great bookish events ( hello, Louisiana Book Festival, Meeting Rita Leganski, Meeting Jill McCorkle, Meeting Jenny Milchman, Meeting Cassandra King, Hanging Out with Susan Gregg Gilmore and Lisa Patton, Meeting Anton DiSclafani, Meeting Susan Crandall, Meeting Stephanie Evanovich, Meeting Marie Moore, & Meeting Ashton Lee.), and I was named the She Reads Online Discussion Book Club Leader and Twitter Host (yes, still pretty jazzed over that!)

I felt my blog grow, change and evolve- into something that not only did I like- something that I was proud of. I started asking authors for interviews, using the terms #literaryconfessions & #literarycrush, and began spotlighting other bloggers with a Bloggers Made of AWESOME feature!

I gave advice (or at least opened a dialogue for discussion) on these topics: Reblogging, Giveaways, & Are You a Commenter or Lurker?). I thought hard about what I wanted as a blogger- how I wanted to be known. I created a Review Policy (thanks Bloggiesta for that push!), I started a Facebook page for Traveling With T, I tweeted (and tweeted some more!) and I even went over to G+!

Branding was a hot topic that I read more about and began thinking about more- as Traveling With T evolves. I’m still working and learning more about it- but and I know that some people disagree with this: As of now- I’m not turning all my social media into 1 big brand. Why? I was @rockstar1023 on Twitter way before I even considered being anything else- and for me, that works. I’m known (not like Madonna or Kardashian’s known- but known) and I’m cool with my level of followers and my tweets. Although, one day- in the far off future, in a galaxy far, far away- I would use my knowledge about branding in a different way.

I was interviewed twice this year- once by Katherine Scott and the other time by Pages Unbound– both interviews were super fun and allowed me to give some of the best advice to bloggers: Blog, baby, blog. I even confessed my part in literary hijinxs at Eudora Welty’s house!

Important Things I Learned in 2013

1. You are going to have days where you feel on top of the world and all the bloggy gods are smiling upon you and the air is thick with glitter and sparkles. Then some days, it’s not. It’s terrible. You go through a bloggy slump. A reading slump. No publicists are contacting you. You get denied for the tour of the year. You will survive. You will overcome. Maybe you need to reassess. Maybe you need to realize that not every day is going to be a GREAT day. But, you can and will find your groove. Find your happy place. And, while it’s tempting to listen to everyone’s advice when you are feeling insecure- just take a deep breath and don’t make drastic changes- #keepcalmandblogon. Trust. Because, seriously, and I say this with all the love, kindness and sparkles I can- while, yes, blogging is social- if you aren’t happy with the blog, the content- then it’s going to show. And you have to take time to find your voice. Find your groove. Trust.

2. Tours- oh the allure of blog tours. Getting free books, getting to interview authors, getting exposed to other bloggers. I participate in a few tours- and I do love them. But, not all are created equal. Make sure you feel good about the tour/blog relationship and know that if you don’t- it just might not be the right place for you.

3. Find your bloggy group- but always make time for new experiences, new bloggy friends. You want to have bloggy friends you can trust and that’ll be honest with you- but make sure to make time for other bloggy interests. Or welcome a new face to the crowd- be a big sister to a new blogger.

4. Blogging can be a 2 way street. Share blog posts, comment, nurture that 2 way street- don’t be a taker. Give and take. Give and take.

5. Honor bloggy commitments and be honest. It may not affect your bloggy reputation immediately- you may never face any fallout- but you want to have good bloggy karma.

6. Manage your schedule! Things WILL come up. Life will happen. It’s better for you to be generous with time allowed for reading and posting than to feel rushed.

7. Understand that you are not going to get every ARC (you can’t read them all if you did anyway!) Nurture the relationships you do have with publicists.

8. In fact, NURTURE all the relationships you have with publicists, bloggers, authors and more book-ish people by being authentic. Because, after all, being the real you is the one thing that never goes out of style.

9. Take chances. Break rules. What works for others may not work for you. Find your own bloggy beat and march to that rhythm.

10. Take advantage of bloggy services: scheduling your posts, etc. Will make life easier.

11. Take some time monthly or quarterly or every 6 months to assess the blog, to think about features, to schedule posts. To plan!

12. Most importantly: HAVE FUN.

For more bloggy advice and a shout-out to bloggers who might be questioning things or having a bad day- read Traveling With T’s A Million and 1 Ways To Be A Blogger.

What did you learn in 2013? Did you find your blogging groove?

Traveling With T’s Best Books of 2013

It’s that time of the year- the time of year where numerous “Best Books” list are published. And so, it’s time for Traveling With T to publish a list- a list of the books I loved, some books that made me a better reader, and a few honorable mentions.

Best of 2013

The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Lori Nelson Spielman’s debut is heartwarming, loving and and has some thought-provoking moments. I cried, I laughed, I LOVED. Here is my review. This is 1 of the 2 hands down favorite books of Traveling With T. Read on for #2!

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Kimberly McCreight’s debut, Reconstructing Amelia, was called 2013’s Gone Girl. While many books in the mystery/suspense was compared to Gone Girl- this one probably was most deserving. Dark. Twisty. Kate’s anguish over what happened to Amelia, realizing how she did not know her daughter- and wondering if past sins of hers played a role in Amelia’s death- of if the sin of not being there for Amelia in her time of need was why Amelia is gone. Each character- each section of the book- carefully crafted and wonderful. You, as a reader, might think you have it all figured out- but Kimberly takes twists and turns- and creates a story in unforgettable. Here is my review.

A Place at the Table by Susan Rebecca White

Photo Credit: Goodreads

When I was emailed a request to review this book, I wasn’t familiar with Susan’s work. But, I had a good feeling from the description and the cover was beautiful. I’m glad I trusted my instincts- because this book is a Southern Lit treasure. Love, finding yourself, feeling nourished, and acceptance are themes of this book- and it truly is a gem. Here is my review.

W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton

Photo Credit: Goodreads

I yearn for the latest Kinsey book well ahead of Sue Grafton’s 2 year publishing schedule. I curse the the day I discovered A is for Alibi and thought “Years and years of mass market paperback books will keep me busy for some time.” It did not. Thus began the waiting game. Each year a Sue book is published- I’m so happy. Kinsey rocks as a character. Seriously. If you like a mystery- Sue Grafton is great.

The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan

Photo Credit: Goodreads

My first J. Courtney Sullivan book was a treat. JCS weaves a story of fiction with some real-life truths about how “A Diamond is Forever” came about. Criss-crossing from 4 viewpoints, 4 different time frames- and how a diamond plays a role in all their lives. Here is my review.

Finding Colin Firth by Mia March

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Mia March books just scream “SUMMER” to me. Light, funny- sometimes fluffy- I love to read a Mia book. Finding Colin Firth, her 2nd novel, tells the story of 3 women- women who are each dealing with troubles of their own. To add to the mix, a movie is being filmed- and rumor has it that Colin Firth is in town- which adds to the fun of the book. Here is my review.

Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Thriller. Terrifying at times. Suzanne’s look into the dark side of a marriage is worth a read. Here is my review.

The Pieces We Keep by Kristina McMorris

Photo Credit: Goodreads

A mother’s love. Love and trust in WWII. Secrets and betrayal. Grief. And much more. Kristina McMorris weaves 2 stories together to make 1 compelling book. Here is my review.

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski

Photo Credit: Amazon

Magical-realism. That phrase made me hesitant about reading this. But, I did. And I’m so glad. It was so much more than I expected. Don’t let the magical-realism label scare you! Here is my review.

The Funeral Dress by Susan Gregg Gilmore

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Haunting and beautifully written. A Southern Lit tale that will stay with you far after the last page is turned. Here is my review.

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams– Love, lust, betrayal. Secrets. And a hurricane. Here is my review.

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Books that def require a mention!

The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Enjoyable- very enjoyable! Here is my review.

You Knew Me When by Emily Liebert

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Entertaining and enjoyable. A tale of friendship- the highs and lows. Here is my review.

Buried Leads by LynDee Walker

Photo Credit: Henery Press

Smart. Funny. Nichelle is high-heel loving, Moscato-drinking, and funny as all get out reporter. Enjoyable read! Here is my review.

The Affair by Colette Freedman

Photo Credit: Amazon

Normally an affair can be seen as pretty black and white issue. But Colette Freedman takes this topic- and paints in shades of grey. By the end, you’re not sure who is right or wrong! Here is my review.

The Longings of Wayward Girls by Karen Brown

Photo Credit: Goodreads

A lie. A harmless lie. And a girl turns up missing. But, that is just a section of the story. Page turning- and you are never quite sure who is innocent or guilty. Here is my review.

What do you think? Find any books to read? Did I miss a book you thought was “Best of 2013” worthy? Tell me!

*This list is just my opinion. I fully realize that I may have over-looked a book that should be ranked. My apologies!

How Many Books Did You Read in 2013?

Oh Goodreads- while I may be lazy about updating my shelves sometimes- I do love that reading widget. It helps me keep track of how many books I read in current year. Even more- you can see the stats for the year- longest book you’ve read & shows how many books you’ve ranked into 5 stars, 4, 3- so on and on.

So…. How many books have you read?

Here are my stats for the 2013 year**

Book Goals: Read 115 books in 2013

Books Read: 143 books in 2013

5 Star Rated Books: 18

4 Star Rated Books: 68

3 Star Rated Books: 48

2 Star Rated Books: 9

Longest Book Read in 2013: The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton (also a 5 star rated book!)

Compared to 2012, when I read 114 books- 2013 was a much better book year for me!

So.. How many Books Did YOU Read in 2013? Did you exceed your expectations? Looking ahead to 2014- have you clarified your reading goals?

** Note: At current posting, it’s 143- however, with still a few days left in 2013- very possible to add at least 1 book (perhaps 2).

Literary Friday ya’ll….

It’s the last #literaryfriday of 2013. Pause for sadness. Ok, I’m alright now. Because next #literaryfriday- the new year will be just beginning- and we’ll still be loving our resolutions. And life will be good.

1. Deep South Mag– for this week’s #literaryfriday looks back over the year of 2013 Arts and Lit news. And, oh what a year it has been! From interviewing Shirley Ann Grau, to tearing down Tara, to debuting 2 stellar Reading Lists, and more- Deep South Mag was THE spot for #southernlit news.

2. Books Speak Volumes is counting down the days to #JazzAgeJanuary! Want to join in? Just use Mr. Linky at BSV- and make January all about the jazz age. I might need to brush up on my Jazz Age language before I go to the speakeasy 😉

3. Want to participate in a GREAT blog hop? You do, you totally do (I can just tell these things!) Get thee over there to Closed The Cover for New Year New Authors blog hop! Hurry- it begins December 31st!

4. I’m still toying with ya’lls emotions- but trust- some good things are coming to Traveling With T in January!

5. My #fridayreads- I just finished UNLEASHING MR. DARCY by Teri Wilson. Trying to decide if I should start TAKEDOWN 20 by Janet Evanovich next or THE GOLDFINCH by Donna Tartt, What are you reading?

Happy Reading!

Social Media & Opinions- should you always voice yours?

I’m opinionated. I have thoughts and opinions on many things- from books to more hot topic subjects- such as politics and lifestyles. Mama always told me 2 things “It was ok to have an opinion” and “To be careful of what you write- sometimes words can be used against you”. This advice, given years before my mama even knew that one day social media would be around, has probably been a rule that most people should consider, if not follow.

Famous people are known for putting their opinions out in the world of social media. Some of us like the opinions, some of us do not. Is there anything wrong with putting your opinion out there in the Twitter-verse? On the surface, no. I think everyone is entitled to their opinion- no matter how popular (or not it is)- but the Twitter-verse is not always the best place. Maybe because it’s 140 characters, maybe because it’s so easy to retweet, maybe because in a written word- you can’t tell tone, inflection or meaning always.

What if you aren’t “famous”? Perhaps you are, say, a new-ish author with a desire to be famous one day- and you’ve recently published a new book. A book that has a theme, or a character, or plot that might potentially rub some people the wrong way- what do you do then? Do you stand up for your book? Do you tweet your opinion on subject matter to your followers? Do you “be true to yourself”- no matter the outcome?

Recently I was sent a book for review- a book that I enjoyed. And wrote a positive review. I was pleased to see that the author tweeted about the positive review- and I tweeted “Thanks- enjoyed the book!” When the author tweeted me back, even though I simply had said “thanks- enjoyed the book” the author added some commentary, commentary that after reading the Twitter time-line, I realized this said author had been having some problems with people commenting about choices his characters made. What would you have done if you were the author- simply accepted the “thanks” or taken the opportunity to say thanks & voice opinion on social commentary?

When your job is to sell something- do you have to let the opinions of others slide off your back like water on a duck? Or, because you created something- something that you put your blood, sweat and tears into- does that obligate you to defend it to everyone?

What do you think?

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Traveling With T

To the readers of Traveling With T,

Today is Christmas Day. Today, people and families will sit around, open gifts, enjoy family time, and then eat some good food! My sweet niece, Baby Owl, will be around- and that’ll make Christmas Day even more special.

As 2013 swiftly approaches an ending (and we welcome 2014 with open arms) I can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic. 2013 has been a big year for me personally- as well as Traveling With T. 2013 is the year of Baby Owl- finding out about her and then welcoming her to the family. I’ve lost some loved ones this year. Both my parents have been sick and had health concerns. I see an almost “circle of life” thing happening (I truly saw it the weekend that Baby Owl arrived as we found out about my grandfather dying just as we were getting a phone call that Baby Owl’s mother was being taken to the hospital.)

I look back over the year with fondness- I’ve done things I’m proud of. I’ve participated in events (fundraising for 3rd year for Blair Batson Hospital!) I’ve made friends, strengthened friendships. I’ve also re-evaluated some relationships with people- and realized that some people are not meant to be friendly with.

Each thing that happened this year- good or bad- had a reason. Do I understand everything? Not even. But I know everything happens for a reason.

For Traveling With T, it was a year of growth. Last year, at this time, I had 50 followers. As I write this, I have 260. I’m finding my niche. My blog is mine and it’s coming into it’s own, at it’s own pace. And, I’m mighty proud.

However, you spend today- I hope you are happy. Content. At peace with yourself and surroundings. And if you have a good book- well, that’s just even better.

Gifts for the Book Lover in Your Life: Week 3

Today is Christmas Eve. You still have that 1 book lover in your life that you haven’t gotten the great gift for. Today, Today, Today- I have 3 women’s fiction books that are sure to please. Or make laugh. Or even start a discussion.

3 women’s fiction books, 1 that could be considered more of a chick lt- but 3 books- that I read and enjoyed for various reasons during the 2013 year. Hopefully, you won’t need the recommendations! Here is Week 1 and Week 2 as well (just in case!)

Women’s Fiction:

The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman

Photo Credit: Goodreads

I LOVED this book. Loved it. Cried and laughed- and related. Here is my review!

Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich

Photo Credit: Amazon

This book has many LOL moments. Mostly funny, sometimes over-the-top, even a nugget or 2 of life wisdom. This book is not a thinker book- it’s just a fun book- a way to laugh and enjoy a story. Here is my review!

The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty

Photo Credit: Amazon

The question: “Would you or Wouldn’t you?” haunted book clubs. Highly discussable. Here is my review.

What book would YOU buy for a friend?

The Edwin Drood Murders by Christopher Lord (A Dickens Junction Mystery)

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Are you a Droodist? If so, you have found a book that will entertain! Not a Droodist? Still in luck- folks- because the mystery holds appeal for lovers of Dickens or not.

The Edwin Drood Murders by Christopher Lord

The Droodists have arrived in Astoria. It’s a fun filled weekend festival designed for fans of Charles Dickens work. Maybe fans is too tame of a word to describe some of these characters, though, as they are quite educated and taken with the work of Dickens. Simon, one of the hosts of the weekend and owner of Pip’s Pages, is excited about the weekend. A weekend spent with fellow Droodists- oh my! The only wrinkle in the weekend that Simon can see is that he just asked his boyfriend, Zach, to move in with him- and Zach did not immediately agree to this. Simon, though, will soon learn that there will be plenty more wrinkles in the weekend than he could ever think.

What do you get when you combine a movie star, a blogger, scholars who have opposing opinions, a family friend and a man who claims to be named Edwin Drood? A recipe for disaster…. or murder. The conference starts out fairly well- with one scholar claiming to have absolute proof of the missing pages of Charles Dickens, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Naturally this announcement has everyone in a-flutter; could it be after all these years that there is more to this story? Some, in the group, are a-flutter for reasons that are nefarious.

When a priceless ring and the potentially priceless artifact are missing, Simon knows there is trouble. Trouble increases ten-fold when a body is discovered. Simon must rely on his skills to help find the guilty party. Luckily for him, his partner, Zach, is also a reporter and agrees to help him- even though he is not as knowledgeable about Dickensian trivia as Simon.

Can Simon solve the mystery before anyone else is murdered? Will the potentially priceless artifact be found? And will Zach agree to move in with Simon? To find out the answers to all these and more- read The Edwin Drood Murders by Christopher Lord.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

I have a confession: While familiar with A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, I must say that is the only work of his I am knowledgeable with. However, when the publicist contacted me about the possibility of reviewing The Edwin Drood Murders, I was intrigued- the cover, the story, the characters all had something that was calling to me. So, I let my lack of Dickens knowledge not bother me- and accepted this book.

If you are concerned you need to be a fan of Dickens to understand this book- you don’t! Next thing- this is the 2nd book in the A Dicken Junction Mystery– and while you may want to go read the first book, The Christmas Carol Murders– again, to enjoy Edwin Drood- not necessary!

The characters- oh my- the characters. A blogger who is mildly annoying at times- but who Christopher Lord manages to give a unique voice (and a current sounding voice with use of words like hawt) to is quite memorable. Each character has something that makes them unique and at the same time, a viable suspect in the nefarious acts. There are plenty of red herrings for the reader to examine and rule out.

The ending- when Simon gathers everyone together and reveals what he knows reminds me of those murder-mystery weekends you watch on TV (think Golden Girls or Saved By The Bell)- but I liked that. As the reader, you may have figured out a piece or 2- but it’s nice to have it all spelled out.

Recommended for fans of mystery, cozy mystery or just a good story!

*This book was provided to me by a publicist in exchange for a fair and honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

The Pieces We Keep by Kristina McMorris

Photo Credit: Goodreads

The Pieces We Keep by Kristina McMorris

Audra has not had an easy 2 years since her husband unexpectedly passed away. Raising Jack without him and still dealing with grief- Audra decides that what she and Jack needs is a fresh start. A brand new page in the life of Jack and Audra shall begin in Philadelphia- Audra will continue her work as a veterinarian and Jack will go to a new school, with new friends. This is the plan- until they board the plane. Jack has a reaction- a terrible reaction and the plane is forced to turn around and take Jack and Audra back to the airport.

Audra is concerned (what mother wouldn’t be?) but, one reaction like that might can be explained by a million factors. When Audra is called into the school to look at some pictures Jack has drawn- her concern increases. Then, the night terrors. Audra knows there is trouble- and yet, she can’t explain or even wrap her mind around a possible suggestion. One night, when Jack turns up missing at a fair- a former soldier named Sean Malloy finds him. Something Jack said to him triggered a figment of a memory- and Sean, suffering from a memory loss due to an event in Afghanistan, wants to know more.

Together, Audra and Sean begin to piece together a story from World War II- a story of love, of deception, a story that still has the ability to potentially hurt people of today. As each piece of the story is put together- Audra comes closer to understanding why her son, the son she loves and cares for beyond all things possible- has turned into a child who is withdrawn, anxious, and suffering from night terrors.

As the reader delves further into Audra’s life and learns more about the mystery of WWII and how that connects to today’s time- the reader will be amazed, touched and entertained.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

This is my first Kristina McMorris book. Several months ago, the Twitter-verse was excitedly talking about Kristina’s upcoming book- and a blogger I trust (BookMagnet) raved about Kristina’s previous books. After reading and hearing such good things, when Kristina offered me a book- I jumped at the chance. This story, oh my, this story- weaves together perfectly a mystery of WWII and a current day mystery. The characters- Audra, Jack, Vivian, Lulu, Gene and Judith- are written in such a way that you can almost see them. You can see the characters- the mistakes, the love, the reasons for what they did- and understand them.

The Pieces We Keep takes 2 stories- 2 stories that are strong enough to stand on their own- and places them together. No, not places. Immerses these stories in each other. Criss-crosses them in ways that are not immediately apparent. And makes a story that is a can’t put down, must stay up and read as much as you can story. Once the reader gets to a certain point of the mystery- the intrigue to find out what happens next will outweigh the need to do laundry, talk on the phone or even cook dinner. Clear your schedule and enjoy The Pieces We Keep!

*This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts & opinions are mine alone.