Literary Friday, ya’ll………

Today is the first Literary Friday of 2014! As usual, it’s filled with some good things! Lots of talk about resolutions and book-ish goals, a giveaway from Deep South Magazine, Books Speak Volumes is telling (and providing a download) of how to get bloggy organized, and much more!

Let the Literary Friday excitement begin!

1. Deep South Magazine and their #literaryfriday is back! Giving away Fannie Flagg’s latest, The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion (doesn’t that name just SOUND intriguing?!), talking about some Gone Girl (movie comes out in 2014- and the few teaser pics look pretty good!), interview with Mark Childress, and mentions my Best of 2013 Books! She also calls me ” book blogger extraordinaire” which my reply is “aww- shucks!”

2. Books Speak Volumes is giving us all a chance to get bloggy organized! Here is her post about her free printables and a video of how she’s planning to use them!

3. What was the first book you read in 2014? I finished TAKEDOWN TWENTY by Janet Evanovich- and while it was a few chuckles and I was entertained enough- it was just not as good as some of her earlier ones (especially her 1-9). If you read them, what do you think?

4. My first review of 2014 was Unleashing Mr. Darcy by Teri Wilson. Cute and charming- a modern day update of the Elizabeth/Mr.Darcy relationship. Plus, Mr. Darcy with a pup? So adorable.

5. Resolutions- oh boy, do I have resolutions! Here is my resolutions, here is my guest post schedule for authors, bloggers and other book-ish people stopping by all January long to reveal their resolutions, and here is the first guest post from Ashley @ Closed the Cover– you def want to read this and you DEF want to have broken dishes on your front porch!

6. Here is the list of books that I thought were super great in 2013. Note: This list includes many (but not all) as I may have overlooked a book or 2 that was really fab! 2014 vow: Make a list each month of the books I read that were all awesome-sauce (is it just me or does anyone else love that Discover card commercial where she’s all “Awesome-sauce”! No? Just me? Oh ok- carry on!)

7. How many books did you read in 2013? First off, if you read ANY- 3 cheers for you! Now I did read a fair amount– but I really dislike when people read these lists and feel bad. Read what you can, when you can. Read for enjoyment. Just read!

8. I didn’t necessarily write a Year in Review for Traveling With T- I mainly did a “What I Learned in 2013“. I learned many bloggy lessons, met some cool people, and got to go to some fun events. My “advice” is based on what I learned- and I hope it’ll help you!

9. Last night I saw that someone used “she has 2 black eyes” to find my blog. I was puzzled because the only thing I could think of was a domestic abuse book (hello, Hush Little Baby) or that someone thought I needed a butt-load of concealer in my pic. So I went to “The Google” and started searching. And, lo and behold, it’s totally a book-ish thing! I blogged about The Rook in 2012- and talked about the woman waking up with no memory and 2 black eyes. What is the weirdest search term used to find your blog?

10. I applied to be a World Book Night giver- wish me luck!

11. What are your #fridayreads? I’m reading THE TULIP EATERS and RIVER ROAD. What about you?

Happy Reading!

Guest Post: Ashley @ Closed The Cover talks of what New Year Resolutions mean to her

A few weeks ago, I was thinking about New Year Resolutions- what they mean, what my resolutions will be and wondering about others. So I asked a few bloggers, a few authors, and some other bookish friends to write about their New Year Resolutions. They happily complied!

Today, Ashley from @ Closed The Cover is talking about New Year Resolutions (and giving us a little education on New Year Resolutions in other cultures!)

New Year Resolutions by Ashley @ Closed The Cover

Every year when the holiday season arrives I find myself experiencing growing anxiety as day after day ticks by and one more X goes on the calendar. First it’s Halloween and I think to myself, “Only two more months…” Then it’s Thanksgiving and I think, “We’re getting closer!” By the time Christmas arrives my heart is all a-flutter as there is only one week to go. I always feel a little bit like an outsider because while everyone else is excited over the fat man of Christmas I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of little baby New Year!

I first started to develop an interest in the New Year holiday when I read a book about New Year traditions around the world. For example:

* Chinese New Year celebrations are based on bringing luck, health, happiness, and wealth. They clean their houses to rid them of lasts year’s bad luck before the celebrations begin. Chinese people believe that evil spirits dislike loud noises so they decorate their houses with plastic firecrackers. The loud noises are intended to frighten away evil spirits and bad luck that the spirits might bring. New clothes are worn, and visits are made to friends, neighbors, and relatives to exchange good wishes.

* Danish New Year has a very unique celebration. In Denmark it is a considered a good sign to find your door heaped with a pile of broken dishes at New Years. Old dishes are saved year around to throw them at the homes where their friends live on New Year’s Eve. Many broken dishes were a symbol that you have many friends.

* Scottish New Year celebration also begin by cleaning their houses to get rid of old spirits. They also have a tradition of the “first footer” which is said, that whoever the first person to set foot into your home on New Year’s day decided the family’s luck for the rest of the year. This was based on the belief in the magic power of beginnings.

It was a challenge to read these and not fall in love with the idea of “out with the old and in with the new.” We started to adopt a few of these traditions in the way we celebrate New Year’s. When Christmas is over and we’re prepping for New Year’s I will do a massive cleaning of my home. Remember, it cleans out bad spirits! I also go shopping to buy new clothes (thank you China for that excuse!). We also celebrate New Year’s Eve outside. I can’t remember which culture it was but somewhere always opens the windows to the home at midnight to shoo the wicked spirits away. Being outside just fills us with a sense of possibility and rebirth.

For the last 7 years we have rang in the New Year at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL. It’s a big outdoor party with lots and lots of noise to scare away the evil spirits and bad luck (thanks again China!), there is usually a lot of drinking which is sure to result in at least a couple of broken glasses or bottles (and a nod to you Denmark!) but since we’re not usually at home on New Year’s Day so I haven’t figure out how to incorporate Scotland yet. We don’t typically set resolutions so it’s hard for me to say much about them. All we really do is celebrate the end of the year – the closing of another chapter – and welcome new possibilities with wide open arms.

Happy New Year! I hope you make 2014 your best year yet.

Unleashing Mr. Darcy by Teri Wilson

Photo Credit: Harlequin

This book was sent to Traveling With T from Harlequin in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Unleashing Mr. Darcy by Teri Wilson

Elizabeth Scott is over rich and entitled men. In her job as a teacher at an exclusive private school, a rich and powerful man has set out to make her life miserable- and Elizabeth needs a break. One day, while showing her sweet dog at a dog show- she sees another rich and entitled man- a man that has a brusque and aloof air about him. A man that makes her pulse race. Elizabeth sees a Mr. Donovan Darcy- a good looking and rich man- and while attracted to the physical aspects, the personality leaves her a bit cold. After the dog show is over, Elizabeth knows she won’t see this man again- he has his own estate in England- and Elizabeth can quit thinking about his level of hotness that makes her pulse race.

Well….. maybe….

When Elizabeth is offered a temporary job grooming dogs for shows in England- she jumps at the chance. To leave behind the scandal in New York, to be with dogs that she loves, to have a clean slate. So Elizabeth says “au revoir” to New York and crosses the pond to London. To find out that her neighbor is Mr. Darcy. Upset at first, Elizabeth is not sure what to do. Slowly, though, she and Mr. Darcy begin to interact in a friendly way- they begin to learn bits and pieces about each other’s life- and an attraction, though neither wanted to admit, grows between them.

The romance between Elizabeth and Donovan Darcy is not a smooth one- especially when news of what happened in New York reaches England. Will Elizabeth throw away an opportunity at love, at finding herself- because she misjudged Donovan Darcy? Or will she see the man he is- behind the wealth and entitled life- the man that he truly is?

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

First, when an author writes about Mr. Darcy- certain expectations are naturally expected. Darcy is a man that is a “good-looking character”. Teri Wilson shows that in spades. Of course, the original Darcy also has certain rules of courtship to abide by- but in current time- not so much. So this Mr. Darcy is a bit more free to show his attraction- and Teri writes a Darcy who has romance, but is also more current in courting. Which is all good things!

Before I read Unleashing Mr. Darcy, I had read 2 or 3 fiction books that had a WWII theme. I was due for something light and enjoyable- and Teri Wilson provided it. The interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth were humorous at times- and while I had a basic idea of how this book would end- Teri did provide some twists to the story that I enjoyed.

If you like romance, read this. If chick lit is your cup of tea- read this. Needing a laugh and a story that you sink into and just enjoy? Read this.

Unleashing Mr. Darcy takes a beloved character and shows him as a dog lover. I mean what could be more cute than Mr. Darcy with a dog? Nothing!

*This book was sent to Traveling With T by a publicist at Harlequin in exchange for a fair and honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

My New Year Resolutions- personal, bloggy and bookish.

As I write this, it’s day 1 of 2014. I’ve had some black-eyed peas and some cinnamon rolls (I read somewhere that on first day of the year eat round foods for good luck- I forgot my doughnuts- so cinnamon rolls worked. And were quite yummy). I’ve been thinking about resolutions- making them or not, what I should strive for, what is essentially a step on the way to being the best “me” possible.

Here goes:

T’s Resolutions:

Book-ish Resolutions:

1. To read more.

2. To go to more book signings.

3. To organize my books (and keep them organized)

To read more of my book-ish resolutions, please visit here to read my resolutions that I posted as part of the Closed The Cover New Year, New Books Blog Hop.

Bloggy Resolutions:

1. To have business cards made.

2. To put serious thought into what I want for Traveling With T in the future- perhaps leaving the safety of WordPress behind and becoming self-hosted.

3. To schedule blog maintenance monthly (every 2-3 months, perhaps)- updating my sidebar, reviewing my policies, and organizing my Interview/Review archive.

4. To participate in more bloggy events (Bloggiesta, blog tours, cover reveals, and more.)

5. For Traveling With T to become more known in the bloggy/book-ish world. Perhaps win a blog award or be found by a new publicist connection.

6. To go to BEA, to go back to Louisiana Book Festival, and maybe SoFest of Books.

7. To start telling people about my blog in real life as only telling about my blog to my online connections.

8. To nurture the bloggy friendships I have and to meet new bloggy friends.

Personal:

1. To be open to new experiences- trying different concerts, going to more symphony events, and attending things that sound fun.

2. To take more time for me. Days at movies. Mani/pedi. Massages. To treat myself to “date” nights- dinner and movie, dinner and concert.

3. To start writing letters more- random “thinking of you” notes- no reasons.

4. To organize and back-up all the pictures that I take.

5. I’m not going to say the usual “eat healthier” because I’m already doing that- but I resolve to enjoy the occasional treats I have- without even a smidge of guilt.

6. To participate in a Walk for MS or Walk for Breast Cancer. Both causes are meaningful to me for personal reasons.

7. To evolve my taste in wine.

8. To meet more fun people in real life.

What are some of your resolutions?

New Year Resolutions Guest Post Schedule

A few weeks ago, I started thinking about resolutions. Thinking about what I wanted for 2014- and how I could achieve it. Then I began thinking of people that I knew- authors, bloggy friends, and just people that I admire and like in the book-ish world. I sent out a few emails- with an idea of these folks guest posting about their resolutions- no rules, no restrictions- just telling it like it is.

As the guest posts have arrived in my inbox, I have laughed. Loved. Reflected about the topic. Thought it was simply wonderful. And just feel honored to be able to share these guest posts- these glimpses into a life of a blogger. Into the life of an author. Into the life of a book-ish person.

Here is the schedule:

Ashley @ Closed The Cover- January 3rd

Helen @ My Novel Opinion- January 6th

Stephanie Evanovich, BIG GIRL PANTIES, January 7th

Jolina Petersheim, THE OUTCAST, January 9th

Lori Nelson Spielman, THE LIFE LIST, January 10th

Rebecca @ Love at First Book- January 13th

Sarah Morgan, SLEIGH BELLS IN THE SNOW, January 14th

Melinda McGuire, writer, January 15th

Wendi Wachtel @ H20 Bungalow- January 20th

Erin Bass, Deep South Magazine, January 22nd

Alison Law, Southern Spines & Alison Law Communications, January 23rd

Rhiannon @ Ivory Owl Reviews- January 29th

Kristin @ Always With A Book- January 30th

Be sure and keep an eye on Traveling With T- because there may be an extra guest post or 2 🙂

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!