Author Spotlight: Angela Correll

Today Angela is back to reveal her #literaryconfessions and her #literarycrush (it’s 1 that readers of Traveling With T have seen before- but no one ever complains 🙂

Author Spotlight: Angela Correll

What are some of your favorite books, Angela?

So many! Wendell Berry’s Port William novels, Jan Karon’s Mitford books, the Believers by Janice Holt Giles and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

If you could choose to be a character in a book- who would you choose?

Dorothy Gilman’s Emily Pollifax. Mrs. Pollifax is always getting into something while traveling the world.

If you were not an author, what would you like to be?

A history detective. I love unsolved mysteries and history is a passion, so what could be better than combining the two?

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I must confess I am a southerner who has never read William Faulkner. Absalom Absalom! Is on my bedside table, does that count?

Do you have a #literarycrush?

I wish I could be more original but it’s always been Fitzwilliam Darcy.

What is your favorite song?

Have I told you Lately by Van Morrison

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

I love the reality show, Flying Wild Alaska!

*Special thanks to Angela Correll for agreeing to this author spotlight!

Want to connect with Angela Correll? Here’s the information: website, Facebook and Twitter.

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Rhiannon @ Ivory Owl Reviews

Rhiannon @ Ivory Owl Reviews is a fellow She Reads blogger. So, naturally, I adore her for that. But she’s quick-witted, charming and knows the importance of finding a good pair of jeans. I think Rhiannon would be an excellent person to sit down and talk with for hours while enjoying a glass of wine!

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Rhiannon @ Ivory Owl Reviews

Rhiannon- when did you begin blogging?

I began blogging about three years ago and was posting such a crazy variety of topics (lipgloss ratings, coupons, book reviews, recipes, my academic work.) I decided last September to streamline and focus on just one of my passions, book reviews. September 17th is my 1 year blogversary for Ivory Owl Reviews and I have learned A LOT!

How did you come up with the name Ivory Owl reviews?

Last summer, my mom and I were shopping in downtown St. Charles and she found this ceramic, ivory and blue, owl that I thought was so adorable. I sat it on my nightstand next to all my books and joked that he was going to help me with my book reviews.

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

I love being able to create my own community of readers. I believe anyone who loves to read has a connection but not everyone likes to read the same style of books. With blogs, I’ve been able to see what people generally like at a glance and decide if I would like to follow them. I personally like having my blog so that when someone asks me to recommend a book to them I can simply direct them there instead of trying to rack my brain on the spot to give a good recommendation. I also like knowing other bloggers to direct someone to when I don’t think our styles are similar.

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

I love to cook. Some people dread the time it takes to make a meal but I like having a glass of wine, listening to an audio book and whipping up dinner. I try new recipes I collect from Pinterest and my family gives me their critiques. I even like cleaning up dinner because no one comes in the kitchen (knowing they’ll be put to work) so I take my time and maybe have another glass of wine while I load the dishes and wipe down the counters. I also like to go walking at the park. It helps me clear my head and get my creativity flowing. I’m also a crazy coupon lady! Not like the ones on TV but I love saving money and would say I’m intermediate/advanced not full blown crazy!

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I’ve not read Fifty Shades and I can’t stand Henry James or Hemingway.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

This one stumps me. I don’t think I’ve ever swooned over any characters. I love Clark Gable as Rhett Butler in the movie version of “Gone with the Wind” but I didn’t read the book so I’m not sure if it is the character or Gable himself I would have my crush on (Maybe not reading Gone with the Wind should be a #literaryconfessions!)

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

My number one most anticipated book of 2013 is Maddaddam by Margaret Atwood. It is the third book in the Maddaddam trilogy with Oryx & Crake and The Year of the Flood as the first two books. I squealed and did some seriously goofy dance moves when I saw that my request had been accepted for an ARC. I’m currently re-reading Oryx & Crake and then The Year of the Flood to be fully refreshed before I dive in. My close second is Joshilyn Jackson’s Someone Else’s Love Story. I love anything she does but read an excerpt at the beginning of the year and am especially excited because it is set in Atlanta.

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?

I can never just pick one! Can anybody? My Top Four: Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver. The People in the Trees by Hanya Yanagihara. A Place at the Table by Susan Rebecca White. The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

This summer I loved Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky, On Grace by Susie Orman Schnall, and The Wishing Tree by Mary Beth Whalen.

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

I like them all. I read paperbacks in the bathtub, listen to audiobooks and read on my Ipad, and listen to books on CD in the car. I like all formats but I do love the smell of a physical book.

Rhiannon- you are a member of She Reads. To you, what does that mean for women readers? Does She Reads give them a voice in this book world? A place to go and say “These are the kinds of books I want to read?”

I think we are able to give praise to books and authors that may not have gotten the attention they deserved. That makes me feel good. I enjoy the sense of comraderie on the site. I’m a Twitterer (Twitterholic?) and I can chat about anything I’m reading at any time and someone is sure to join in or respond. Since we are all reading the book at the same time (kinda) we can all chime in. I find it easier and more enjoyable than a physical book club. We don’t have to get out of our pajamas or find a sitter to participate.

What is your favorite line/quote from a book?

“Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.”

― Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale

Roughly translated to “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”

Do you judge a book by it’s cover?

I am drawn to certain covers so “yes.” Unless I am searching for a particular book, the one with the best cover is the one that usually gets picked.

If you liked reading
about Rhiannon @ Ivory Owl Reviews, check out her blog, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+

Author Spotlight: Peggy Sweeney-McDonald

Monday, Peggy was at Traveling With T for an interview. Today, she’s revealing her #literarycrush ( a “Grey” literary crush!), showing her Southern roots, and telling us what type of food she would be (if possible!)

Author Spotlight: Peggy Sweeney McDonald

Peggy, when not working- what do you like to read?

New Age Spiritual books (anything by Marianne Williamson, Wayne Dyer and Neal Donald Walsh) and any Oprah picks.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I’m a magazine junkie! I have to keep up on Hollywood scoop as I live in L.A.!

Do you have a #literarycrush?

Christian Grey – Fifty Shades of Grey (I can’t believe I am admitting it! Don’t tell my husband!)

What are some authors you really enjoy?

Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Kate Chopin – my southern roots are showing!

If you could meet anyone (living or dead) who would you pick?

Judy Garland. I’m a huge Wizard of Oz fan!

If you could be any food in the world, what would you pick? And why?

We ask this question in the shows and the book to all our storytellers and it’s always so much fun to see their personalities shine through. I say I would be a Godiva chocolate, sometimes bitter or sweet or nutty or a tasty combination, but always a treat!

*Special thanks to Peggy Sweeney-McDonald for agreeing this Author Spotlight!

To connect with Peggy, please visit her website or Twitter page!

Meeting Anton DiSclafani, author of The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls

The Yohnalossee Riding Camp for Girls was on many people’s lips over the summer. Quickly catching the hearts and attentions of various book clubs, Yohnalosse for debut author Anton DiSclafani was a book that was enjoyed by many. I met Anton at Lemuria Books in Jackson over the summer- and enjoyed listening to her talk about the writing process. Anton and I may not have met, though, if her book signing tour had not been extended past the original 14 locations- but as the summer went on, her tour was extended! I was super excited to see that Lemuria made the list for the extension because everyone had been telling me “you have to read this”! Confession: I’m blogging about meeting Anton- and yet still haven’t read her book. However, it’s coming up fast in my TBR list!

Anton talked of how she was interested in the Great Depression after doing a bit of research on YRCFG. When asked if she has read the book since she wrote the book, she confided that she had not read Yonahlossee in over a year (since final edits). Someone in the crowd questioned Anton on the best parts of the book tour- and Anton says ” The audience, the interaction is the best part. The traveling is the annoying part.”

Anton has started writing a new book- but talks of how different the writing process is since she’s published. When she was writing YRCFG, she did not get many opinion of feedback (well at least till the editing part). Now, she has people that have opinions and suggest feedback- which makes writing a different process for her. Anton started YRCFG when she was 24- she’s now 32. Writing YRCFG was a process- and one Anton enjoyed!

When asked if she had a #literarycrush or #literaryconfessions- Anton confessed that her crush is Mr. Rochester and that her confession is that she did not like War and Peace (however, she loved Anna Karenina). Anton’s pick for best book of 2013: Brewster by Mark Sloulka.

Author Spotlight: Holly Goddard Jones

Today, Holly Goddard Jones is back to reveal her #literaryconfessions and #literarycrush!

Author Spotlight: Holly Goddard Jones

What are some of your favorite books, Holly?

Felicia’s Journey, by William Trevor, anything by Margaret Atwood, several Stephen King novels but especially The Stand, Faulkner’s Go Down, Moses, Cloud Atlas, State of Wonder, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, Serena, by Ron Rash. A recent favorite is Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life.

If you could choose to be a character in a book- who would you choose?

Most characters in books have it pretty hard—much harder than I have it. If I’m being realistic, I’d choose a boring character with a nice life, which would mean someone on the periphery of a good story. But if I mean a character who has qualities I admire, and I wish I could respond to adversity with the wisdom and grace that they do? The first two to come to mind are Elizabeth Bennet and Daenerys Targaryen. Ha!

If you were not an author, what would you like to be?

I have a layperson’s interest in criminal psychology, which is pretty analogous to what I do as a writer. Or I’d like to be in some zoological field and work with primates.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

God, too many to own. I haven’t read tons of things I’m supposed to have read, like Moby Dick and Mrs. Dalloway.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

I’m still smarting over the fact that Cassandra spurned Stephen Colley in I Capture the Castle.

What is your favorite song?

It depends on the day. But because I love The Beatles best overall and have a sentimental attachment to it, I’ll say, oddly, “You Never Give Me Your Money.”

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

I don’t feel guilty about any of my pleasures, except the time I waste on the internet. Just because it’s more habit than pleasure.

What books are in your to be read (TBR) pile?

I just started Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk. I’m also in the middle of the fifth book from A Song of Fire and Ice. I’d like to read Alyssa Nutting’s Tampa and Meg Wolitzer’s The Interestings. Oh, and Stephen King’s Joyland.

* Thank you Holly Goddard Jones for the author spotlight!

To connect with Holly, please visit her website or Facebook.

Author Spotlight: Dana Bate

On Wednesday, Dana Bate was here talking about favorite characters and inspiration for The Girls” Guide To Love And Supper Clubs- today she is back to reveal her #literaryconfessions *beware- she thinks her reader card needs to be taken away!

Author Spotlight: Dana Bate

Dana- who are some of your favorite authors?

I’m regularly inspired by the writings of Jennifer Weiner, Nick Hornby, Jonathan Tropper, Sophie Kinsella, Lolly Winston, and Sarah Pekkanen, all of whom portray relationships and family dynamics in a way that is both thoughtful and humorous. I also love Richard Russo, Maria Semple, Gillian Flynn, Anne Tyler, and, in terms of classics, Charles Dickens.

What book or books will you always make room for on your book shelf?

Julia Child’s MY LIFE IN FRANCE. I adored that book. Child’s passion leaps through the pages. Her enthusiasm is contagious.

Are you a hardback, paperback or e-book kind of reader?

Paperback and e-book. I occasionally read hardbacks, but you’re much more likely to find me reading one of the other two.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I haven’t read the Harry Potter series. Or THE HUNGER GAMES. I know. I might as well trade in my reader card now. #readerfail

Do you have a #literarycrush?

I have a few. One is Sydney Carton in A TALE OF TWO CITIES. I know. What, what? But he was so tortured, so damaged…and yet he makes the ultimate sacrifice. In the modern remake, he’d be the one all the women wanted. At the other end of the spectrum, there was something very appealing about Brady in Caprice Crane’s STUPID AND CONTAGIOUS. He was a big goofball, but he was very endearing.

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

With a new baby, my TBR list keeps getting longer and longer! He doesn’t allow much time for reading, the little stinker. Here are just a few on my TBR list: Khaled Hosseini’s latest, AND THE MOUNTAINS ECHOED; Rainbow Rowell’s ELEANOR AND PARK; Jess Walter’s BEAUTIFUL RUINS; Sophie Kinsella’s WEDDING NIGHT; and, of course, the latest installment of BRIDGET JONES.

What is the best book you have read (so far) in 2013?

Tough call! I’ve read so many good books this year. I think I’ll go with WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE? – just because it was so much fun.

Some say books go best with chocolate- what do you think books go hand in hand with? Chocolate? Wine? Dessert?

A warm, milky mug of chai. Perfect.

*Special thanks to Dana Bate for agreeing to this author spotlight!

If you enjoyed reading about Dana’s #literaryconfession and more- check out her website, Facebook and Twitter page!

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Cindi @ Utah Mom’s Life

Cindi, like me, is a member of She Reads. When She Reads tweeted that A Utah Mom’s Life was joining She Reads- I tweeted her “hello and welcome to the group”- and the rest is history. Cindi is opinionated about books- she’s passionate about reading- and fun to talk with.

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Cindi @ Utah Mom’s Life

Cindi- when did you begin blogging?

I’ve been blogging for about six years. I had a private family blog and Utah Mom’s Life for things I wanted to share publicly. About four years ago, I decided to combine the two into a single blog. It drives my mom crazy because she wants more pictures of the kids and I tend to write more about books.

How did you come up with the name A Utah Mom’s Life?

It’s a simple name for a blog but I actually thought about it for a long time. I wanted something that conveyed everything that I wanted to write about. It’s personal since most of my time is spent being a mom to my five kids. It’s specific to my geographic location which was good since I often write about local activities. Plus it pops up quickly in search engines. It encompasses all the important parts of my life — books, photography, my family and religion.

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

I definitely find myself feeding my book-obsession more because of blogging. Reading book reviews on my favorite blogs regularly (too regularly, I confess) inspires me to buy the book. The book buzz from other bloggers is a huge influence on my reading choices.

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

I love spending time with my family. My husband is my best friend and we enjoy hiking, watching foreign films and Justified together, discussing politics and current events. Someday we will travel together again. My kids are awesome and keep us running constantly with their activities. I come from a large family (I’m the oldest of seven kids) and we always have a hysterical time when we get together.

I’m also an amatuer photographer. I love taking pictures of families and children.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I hate poetry. My husband thinks I’m crazy, since I was an English major in college, but I really do hate poetry. I’m often tempted to skip a poem when it’s in a novel.

Also, I don’t love Jane Austen novels. I’ve read them but I find them pretty blah. And I would rather die than watch the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. Sorry Colin.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

This is a really hard question. It takes quite the man to impress me. I like Edmond Dante from The Count of Monte Cristo. The male characters in The Firebird and Love Water Memory are quite nice. I kind of had thing for Henry from The Time Traveler’s Wife.

For a few years, I read primarily biographies and I fell in love with John Adams (I know!) and Teddy Roosevelt.

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

In July, I bought And The Mountains Echoed. I loved Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns and I’m really looking forward to his latest. I’d also like to get my hands on the new novels coming out from Jamie Ford and Diane Setterfield this fall.

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?

I loved A Land More KindThan Home by Wiley Cash. It came out last year but I didn’t get to read it until this year. I could gush about it for hours and I forced my husband (who really has no time to read fiction) to read it so that we could discuss it.

Life after Life by Jill McCorkle didn’t get as much attention as Kate Atkinson’s novel of the same title, but it really made an impression on me. I also loved A Teaspoon of Earth and Sea, The Aviator’s Wife, and Benediction. I finally read Night Circus and was blown away.

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

Looking at my to-read shelf, if I was leaving today on vacation, I would grab Gone Girl, Overseas and A Light Between Oceans.

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

I have a Kindle Fire. I can’t find it right now. I think my daughter took it with her to visit her grandparents. But it doesn’t matter because I can’t stand reading books on it. I feel bad for the books I’ve tried to review by reading an e-book because I’m sure my opinion is tainted.

I love the feel of a real book–paperback or hardback. I sometimes find myself caressing the spine while I read. (I do hate creases in the spine and perhaps subconsciously I think a little gentle massage will help prevent wrinkles.) I love the smell. I love the look of the book on my shelves. I like to loan my books out to my neighbors or put a favorite into the hands of my child.

Cindi- you are a member of She Reads. To you, what does that mean for women readers? Does She Reads give them a voice in this book world? A place to go and say “These are the kinds of books I want to read?” Has She Reads also broadened your reading taste?

I’ve been hosting a neighborhood book club at my house for over five years. I really try to encourage the women in my neighborhood to read great books and I’ve been able to read and enjoy books that I might not have picked for myself. Just like every book club, we read the book, discuss it and support each other in our lives. We sometimes end up visiting with each other into the wee hours of the morning. I think She Reads does the same thing in a larger online setting. We support women authors and the books that resonate and have meaning for women. I’ve only been a member for a few months but I’ve really enjoyed the association I’ve had with the other members and being exposed to a variety of books. I think She Reads is a great place for women.

What is your favorite line/quote from a book?

This is a tricky question. I honestly can’t think of a favorite quote from a book other than the scriptures, which I love and try to read daily. Our family’s mantra comes from scripture. We repeat it together each evening.

“Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house oforder, a house of God;” D&C 108:8

Do you judge a book by it’s cover?

If I am browsing in a bookstore, I totally judge a book by it’s cover. I’m so visual. I can guarantee I won’t pick up a book if there is a half naked couple kissing on the cover. Make it a picture of a couple embracing, dressed in World War II era clothing and I am definitely going to pick it up.

Most of the time, I buy a book after reading a review or hearing buzz about it online. In those cases, I don’t care what the cover looks like.

Liked my interview with Cindi @ Utah Mom’s Life? Visit her blog, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter pages!

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Laura @ A Novel Review

Another installment of Bloggers Made Of AWESOME! This time it’s Laura @ A Novel Review. I discovered Laura through Twitter, we liked many of the same books- so I always kept an eye open to see what she was tweeting or blogging about. We are also both members of She Reads. Laura’s blog is interesting, cute (it recently went through a remodel- and I really like the new look!) Plus, she’s involved in many book-ish things. Add her blog to blogs you must read!

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Laura @ A Novel Review

Laura- when did you begin blogging?

I started blogging in March of 2011, wow I can’t believe I’ve been blogging for over two years! It goes so fast!

How did you come up with the name A Novel Review?

Well, I sat down with a notepad and started with a list of possible names for my blog. A Novel Review wasn’t really one that I thought was great, lol but there were so many blogs with similar names I was looking at. I also wanted to make sure I could add other bloggers down the road if it ever grew (and it has!). The name pretty much tells you what the blog is about—simple and straight forward.

On a side note, I did find out after the fact there is another blog called A Novel Review, but the blogger no longer blogs.

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

I believe bloggers are becoming more and more important to the book-ish world. I know I check other bloggers to see what they say about a book before I buy a book. Personally, I’ve never read newspaper reviews. But bloggers are just a click away, blogger reviews are at my fingertips when I’m looking to buy on my nook—right there and I can read what they are saying about the book.

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

Well I’m a busy mom. I have four kids (three still at home) ranging from a junior in high school, a first grader and a little one in pre-k. So besides reading and blogging, that keeps me really busy. I also volunteer at our church working with kids, I love to crochet and make hair bows for my youngest daughter, and I write. I have a novel I’m working on, a short story and I try to write for Yahoo Contributor now and then (gotta build those writing chops).

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I’m a book hoarder. I have a serious…let’s call it an issue. I can’t read nearly as fast as I need to in order to read all the books I get in a month. I try not to take on too many reviews, but if there is a book I think will be amazing I try really hard to win a copy. I have an entire shelf of books I really want to read, but no idea when I would actually be able to read them. We won’t even discuss the books I purchase.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

Oh goodness…tell me you didn’t ask this! Ok this is a throwback, but Ponyboy Curtis from THE OUTSIDERS by S.E. Hinton! I will never forget the book, or the movie. I loved both. I loved how the greasers were this rough group of bad boys, but Ponyboy was golden. He seemed so perfect to me. I’ll be honest and say I could never get how Cherrie preferred a Soc or even Dallas. Ponyboy just seemed like enough bad boy, but still had a soft side.

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013? So many!

My tops are MORNING GLORY by Sarah Jio, THE GHOST BRIDE by Yangsze Choo, THE BUTTERFLY SISTER by Amy Gail Hansen, and THE FIRST PHONE CALL FROM HEAVEN by Mitch Albom. I’m still trying to get my hands on some of these!

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?

This is a really hard question. I’ve read a multitude of truly amazing books this year, but I would say the best of the best this year has been SEDUCTION: A NOVEL OF SUSPENSE by M.J. Rose. It is a stunning novel.

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

Honestly, whatever books are next in my review pile. Let me be honest, I get very little reading done on the beach with two young children!

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

I’m a tree book lover, I just love the feel of a real book. Silly, but I love the sound of ‘breaking the spine’ of a new book and oh the sweetness of a book with deckled edges! I enjoy seeing how far I have to read—sometimes I also dread this when coming faster than I want and I like seeing how much I’ve read.

I don’t mind e-readers, I can see the space saving appeal and always having an extra book with you.

You are a member of She Reads- an organization that helps women find great books. What is the experience like- helping authors get the word out about books and connecting women with great books?

Oh love being a part of She Reads! It is run by some really lovely ladies and I love helping to share about fabulous books! I love the community of readers being brought together. When I began blogging/reviewing I did it with the desire to expand the genres I read and the authors I read. With She Reads I have been introduced to a number of great authors and had the pleasure to get to know them a bit more. I can’t wait to have more time to be even more involved in the group.

In your opinion, what do you think is more important- a good opening line or an ending that leaves you wanting to discuss the book with everyone?

Hmmm, I think for me it’s the ending. I don’t expect a book to draw me in the first line, but a great book leaves me wanting more.

If you could go on a literary road trip- where would you go?

Well, I used to want to go down to New Orleans after reading a few books set there. I’m thrilled I was able to go. I loved seeing the entire area, it was very cool. I also always wanted to go to the East Coast to experience the Ocean, beaches, light houses and Cape Cod homes with weathered siding. So I was over the moon when we moved to New Port, RI. I would say now a trip to England would be my choice of literary road trip. To not only get a sense of England today, but to get to tour real castles! See some of their beautiful English Gardens!

Find more out about Laura @ A Novel Review- follow her blog, or visit her Facebook or Twitter!

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Katherine @ Story Matters

Katherine is a fellow She Reads member- but her blog’s name is what caught my attention: Story Matters. I thought it sounded like a blog that has heart and maybe a deep thought or so for whenever I need a little pick me up. I’m never disappointed when I read Katherine’s blog!

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Katherine @ Story Matters

Katherine- when did you begin blogging?

I came to blogging very reluctantly a little over a year ago. As an aspiring novelist, I knew that I needed some kind of web presence in order to be considered by publishers, but keeping up with the endless demands of social media struck me as an irksome distraction. I have two children in elementary school, and my writing time is limited more or less to the hours they are in school. I was loath to pull any of that precious time away from my novel and put it into something that I questioned the value of.

So I put it off until I signed with my agent in February 2012. One of the first assignments she gave me was to start building my web presence. So, hoo boy, I knew I could avoid it no longer. Fortunately for me, I knew a fantastic social media guru—Laura Christianson of BloggingBistro.com—whom I’d met at a writer’s conference. I consulted her, and she helped me create a website that incorporates my interests in both writing and reading—which soon led to blogging about books.

How did you come up with the name Story Matters?

I have long been fascinated by the phenomenon of *story*–how every culture has a storytelling tradition in one form or another. The way *story* is used to guide and teach and encourage. The way *story* can circumvent reason to creep through the back door of our hearts to inform our minds and affect our behavior. *Story* is a most powerful tool!

I chose Story Matters as the name for my blog because of this, and because I appreciate the double entendre. My blog is a forum to discuss all things story-related. It’s also an acknowledgement that our stories—yours, mine, his, hers…regardless of how apparently ordinary or inconsequential—really do matter in the grand scheme of life.

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

I see blogs playing an increasing role in the book world. More and more readers are turning to book review blogs for information about what’s good, what’s not. And I appreciate the dialogue this opens up among readers and writers.

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

I love spending time with my husband of 23 years and our son (12) and daughter (9)—going on hikes, playing Bananagrams, watching my son play ice hockey and my daughter dance ballet, traveling (most recently to Scandinavia), just hanging out. I’m also an aspiring novelist, so most of my work hours (i.e., the hours my kiddos are in school) are spent on my WIP (work in progress). I volunteer quite a bit of my time at our school and church as well. And I do love to read, so if I’m not doing any of the above, I most likely have my nose in a book.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I suppose I’d have to confess that I’m just not that into the classics anymore. I’ve enjoyed them at points in my life, but these days, I’d much rather immerse myself in a great contemporary novel by a fresh new voice. And I don’t get most poetry. I think it’s because I’m too impatient a reader, and with poetry, you have to be willing to invest time and ponder awhile.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

These days, my husband is all the crush I need. J But years and years ago, I remember crushing on Trixie Belden’s boyfriend, Jim Frayne. And as an addendum to #literaryconfessions, I occasionally indulge in a re-read of one of my old Trixie Belden mysteries (I still have the entire series). I find the nostalgia trip very soothing.

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

Oh, there’s such a thick pile of books I can’t wait to read. Sometimes I despair at getting to them all, and yet the knowledge that they await fills me with delicious anticipation. It creates an interesting tension. Anyway, included in that pile (and not all of them new releases) are:

The Underside of Joy by Sere Prince Halverson

My New Orleans, Gone Away by Peter M. Wolf

North of Hope by Shannon Huffman Polson

The Obituary Writer by Ann Hood

gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson

The Girls by Lori Lansens

Rescue by Anita Shreve

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?

I’ve been touting Jolina Petersheim’s The Outcast as my most recent fave. I was stunned by this debut novelist’s skillful storytelling. I also loved Heather Kopp’s intensely authentic recovery memoir, Sober Mercies: How Love Caught Up With a Christian Drunk, and Julie Kibler’s beautiful debut, Calling Me Home.

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky. Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter. Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand.

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

I do love a real book, and I thank trees for their noble sacrifice. I relish the very feel of a book in my hand, its solid weight, its texture, the smell of its pages. And a lovely cover design fills me with singular joy. While I appreciate the advent of e-readers and the flexibility they offer, I will never outgrow my desire for the real deal.

Katherine- you are a member of She Reads. To you, what does that mean for women readers? Does She Reads give them a voice in this book world? A place to go and say “These are the kinds of books I want to read?”

Love She Reads! So appreciate what they are doing for women’s fiction—for both women who write it and those who read it. Book by book, as they recognize and promote quality women’s fiction, She Reads is becoming an increasingly powerful voice in the industry. I count it a distinct privilege to be a blogging member of their organization.

What is your favorite line/quote from a book?

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” From The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Liked my interview with Katherine @ Story Matters? Follow her blog or Twitter!

Literary Friday ya’ll…..

It’s Friday- I don’t know about where ya’ll are- but we’ve been having some nice days. Good breezes. Not as high humidity (my hair says a big THANK YOU!)

1. This week, I’ll be posting about 2 weeks of #literaryfriday from Deep South Mag! August 16th’s #literaryfriday is all about some Best Debuts of 2000- I see some #southernlit writers that made that list! Also talk of the AJC Decatur Book Festival, literary colleges and more!

Last week’s #literaryfriday: Joshilyn Jackson & Pinterest, Interview with Ashton Lee (interviewed by yours truly 😉 and Lucy Burdette news (among other things!)

2. Book Lovers Unite online book club is reading The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers- week 2 questions have been posted! Book-alicious Mama is announcing September Book Lovers Unite pick today- and she has a good one!

3. Rita Leganski took some time off from her busy schedule and stopped by Traveling With T to talk about The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow this week!

4. Bloggers Made Of AWESOME feature had a new AWESOME blogger: Jen H @ The Relentless Reader. Read on for her #literarycrush! I won’t reveal- but on Twitter she said “does he have manly muscles? I don’t know and I don’t care! I love him for his MIND!”

5. Two new reviews posted this week on Traveling With T: Speak of the Devil by Allison Leotta and The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Café by Mary Simses!

6. Traveling With T has 2 (count them, 2!) giveaways this week! Both end Monday night, the 19th, at 11:59pmEST- Brenda Janowitz is giving away her first 2 books: Scot on the Rocks and Jack With a Twist AND Courtney Miller Santo is giving away The Roots of the Olive Tree!

7. Don’t forget: Twitter chat with Kathleen Tessaro about The Perfume Collector– Monday, 8/19 8pmEST! Use #srbkchat to join in! Here is the Twubs room for #srbkchat

8. What is your #fridayreads? Mine are: Hotshot by Julie Garwood, Whistlin’ Past The Graveyard by Susan Crandall, The Tao of Martha by Jen Lancaster, The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro and The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers!

9. Psst….. Check out Traveling With T next week- another giveaway is coming up!

Happy Reading!