Last year, the holiday season kicked my butt. By the time Black Friday rolled around, I was exhausted and it didn't let up until New Year's. My reading and blogging took a major hit. So this year, I will be updating my review policy for the holiday season.
From now until January, I will be closed to review requests.
What does this mean? I will not be taking any review requests that will require me to read and review the novel between now and New Year's. Basically, if you have a book releasing between now and February, I will not have the time or resources to read/review in a timely manner.
The only exception will be authors that I have previously worked with who have a release within the holiday season, although I will be taking those on a case by case basis.
This does not affect requests I received prior to today, and I promise I am working my hardest to catch up.
Also, if you have a review request for February or later, feel free to e-mail me before New Year's. But these will also be taken on a case by case basis, and will mostly depend on what my hours look like after the holiday season and how well I caught up over the holidays.
And just an FYI, somewhere between February and April, I will be moving so this may factor into my decisions as well.
Thank you so much for understanding and enjoy the holidays!
Showing posts with label update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label update. Show all posts
Monday, November 12, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Life Happens Sometimes
My personal life has gotten in the way of my reading and blogging lately, and I feel I owe everyone an explanation. Two weeks ago, Christen (for those of you who are wondering who this random person I always talk about is, she's my girlfriend of almost six years) was offered a job in her hometown and given one day to decide because they would be putting an ad in the newspaper if she didn't take it. She took it.
So for the past two weeks, I have not only been dealing with the realization that she is moving back home without me (she's moving into her mom's house, who didn't feel comfortable with me joining) and all of the packing that involved, I have also dealt with everyone at work asking me all sorts of questions. For the past two weeks, I haven't been able to work a shift without someone asking me why? where? when? for how long? without you? It's been really hard, because the solitude of the first half of a work day is normally when I think about books and the story I'm ever so slowly writing. It's supposed to be my escape. But since Christen and I have worked at the same store the whole time she was down here, I couldn't separate home and work.
Well, Christen left yesterday. With Wade, her big fat cat (Rupert and Riley miss him already). She starts her new job tomorrow. She will be saving up money so that she can get an apartment in (hopefully) 4-6 months, and then I'll be moving up there to join her.
I'm happy for her, don't get me wrong. This whole things has just left me in a state of blah. I don't want to read, I don't want to write, I don't want to watch tv. I am currently half-way through two review books. I have put each of them down, because I don't want my personal life to interfere with how I end up feeling at the end of the book. I would hate to not enjoy a book because I'm depressed that I would love if the circumstances are different. I have put them aside and have tried reading other books that I have not made commitments to read. I'm hoping that as I get used to these changes in my personal life, I'll also come across a book that gets me back into my love of reading.
Basically, for the past two and a half weeks, I have read the first half of two books. It has put me very far behind on my list of review commitments and I would like to make a big apology to everyone I owe reviews to. I'm working on it, just a bit slower than usual. I promise that the books I have received for review are my top priority and I have not forgotten about anyone.
And I would also like to apologize for my lack of posting. I could've easily filled some of the gaps with quick Waiting on Wednesday, Top 5 Sunday, and Stacking the Shelves posts, but I don't like when they outweigh the posts with more substance (ie. reviews and author posts). I enjoy the memes, but I like to keep it balanced.
I think I may be getting back into the reading groove. I had an awesome surprise yesterday that has reinvigorated my love of reading and blogging. Last night, I received an e-mail from Anna @ Anna's Book Blog that my review of Beauty Dates the Beast by Jessica Sims was quoted in the new anthology The Undead in My Bed (Katie MacAlister/Molly Harper/Jessica Sims). This is the first time one of my reviews has been quoted in print, and I got way more excited than I thought I would. I hadn't gotten a chance to pick up a copy, but ran to B&N today because I had to see it with my own eyes. I'm surprised how something so little can make my day.
It may take another week or two for me to get back into my normal reading and blogging levels, but I will get there. The next six months are going to be tough for me, but I'm hoping reading will help the time go by a bit faster.
So for the past two weeks, I have not only been dealing with the realization that she is moving back home without me (she's moving into her mom's house, who didn't feel comfortable with me joining) and all of the packing that involved, I have also dealt with everyone at work asking me all sorts of questions. For the past two weeks, I haven't been able to work a shift without someone asking me why? where? when? for how long? without you? It's been really hard, because the solitude of the first half of a work day is normally when I think about books and the story I'm ever so slowly writing. It's supposed to be my escape. But since Christen and I have worked at the same store the whole time she was down here, I couldn't separate home and work.
Well, Christen left yesterday. With Wade, her big fat cat (Rupert and Riley miss him already). She starts her new job tomorrow. She will be saving up money so that she can get an apartment in (hopefully) 4-6 months, and then I'll be moving up there to join her.
I'm happy for her, don't get me wrong. This whole things has just left me in a state of blah. I don't want to read, I don't want to write, I don't want to watch tv. I am currently half-way through two review books. I have put each of them down, because I don't want my personal life to interfere with how I end up feeling at the end of the book. I would hate to not enjoy a book because I'm depressed that I would love if the circumstances are different. I have put them aside and have tried reading other books that I have not made commitments to read. I'm hoping that as I get used to these changes in my personal life, I'll also come across a book that gets me back into my love of reading.
Basically, for the past two and a half weeks, I have read the first half of two books. It has put me very far behind on my list of review commitments and I would like to make a big apology to everyone I owe reviews to. I'm working on it, just a bit slower than usual. I promise that the books I have received for review are my top priority and I have not forgotten about anyone.
And I would also like to apologize for my lack of posting. I could've easily filled some of the gaps with quick Waiting on Wednesday, Top 5 Sunday, and Stacking the Shelves posts, but I don't like when they outweigh the posts with more substance (ie. reviews and author posts). I enjoy the memes, but I like to keep it balanced.
I think I may be getting back into the reading groove. I had an awesome surprise yesterday that has reinvigorated my love of reading and blogging. Last night, I received an e-mail from Anna @ Anna's Book Blog that my review of Beauty Dates the Beast by Jessica Sims was quoted in the new anthology The Undead in My Bed (Katie MacAlister/Molly Harper/Jessica Sims). This is the first time one of my reviews has been quoted in print, and I got way more excited than I thought I would. I hadn't gotten a chance to pick up a copy, but ran to B&N today because I had to see it with my own eyes. I'm surprised how something so little can make my day.
It may take another week or two for me to get back into my normal reading and blogging levels, but I will get there. The next six months are going to be tough for me, but I'm hoping reading will help the time go by a bit faster.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Update Time
I just wanted to give everyone a bit of an update as to why I haven't been posting as much lately.
First, my mom is getting the house re-painted and is getting new flooring installed. This has led to a lot of packing and moving of things. I had to box up all of my books (except for the small box of ones I will read over the next two weeks) in 24 hours. Now, I have a lot of books (I didn't count but my guess is around 800) so this was not an easy feat. They're currently in twelve 56 gallon plastic bins and nine fabric cubicle bins. I am already absolutely dreading having to put them all back because they were not packed up in alphabetical order. They were packed up due to size, and although it wasn't completely random, I am a bit OCD.
Second, my job is a fickle thing. At my store, I'm on the team everyone relies on to do everything, even if it's not our job. For a while things were looking better and we were getting our own duties completed. But now, the new store manager wants to add to our list of duties and it's really stressing me out. You know I'm stressed if my psoriasis breaks out... And when I'm stressed, I don't read as much. So part of my lack of posting is that I don't have nearly as many reviews to write as I normally would. I have fallen a bit behind schedule in regards to reading and finishing books that I received for reviews, which adds to the stress. And it also keeps me from picking up a book just for me. It's like a never ending cycle...
Third, I have had some opportunities present themselves over the past month that have taken up a bit of my time as well. I'm not at liberty to talk about this portion at the moment, but don't worry, it's good things! It's just also things that keep me away from my books and this blog a bit more.
So these are all of the reasons I have been a bit less present than usual. Hopefully the home improvement things don't last longer than planned (although you never know with Florida weather), and hopefully work doesn't get any more stressful. I probably won't be posting anything for Stacking the Shelves until after my books are back where they belong since I do not know what is in each bin. But when I finally do post, it'll most likely be epic. I will probably continue posting Waiting on Wednesday and Top 5 Sunday posts, and hope to still get some reviews out during all of this mayhem. And I'll still be lurking around on twitter because my phone is almost always with me. :)
First, my mom is getting the house re-painted and is getting new flooring installed. This has led to a lot of packing and moving of things. I had to box up all of my books (except for the small box of ones I will read over the next two weeks) in 24 hours. Now, I have a lot of books (I didn't count but my guess is around 800) so this was not an easy feat. They're currently in twelve 56 gallon plastic bins and nine fabric cubicle bins. I am already absolutely dreading having to put them all back because they were not packed up in alphabetical order. They were packed up due to size, and although it wasn't completely random, I am a bit OCD.
Second, my job is a fickle thing. At my store, I'm on the team everyone relies on to do everything, even if it's not our job. For a while things were looking better and we were getting our own duties completed. But now, the new store manager wants to add to our list of duties and it's really stressing me out. You know I'm stressed if my psoriasis breaks out... And when I'm stressed, I don't read as much. So part of my lack of posting is that I don't have nearly as many reviews to write as I normally would. I have fallen a bit behind schedule in regards to reading and finishing books that I received for reviews, which adds to the stress. And it also keeps me from picking up a book just for me. It's like a never ending cycle...
Third, I have had some opportunities present themselves over the past month that have taken up a bit of my time as well. I'm not at liberty to talk about this portion at the moment, but don't worry, it's good things! It's just also things that keep me away from my books and this blog a bit more.
So these are all of the reasons I have been a bit less present than usual. Hopefully the home improvement things don't last longer than planned (although you never know with Florida weather), and hopefully work doesn't get any more stressful. I probably won't be posting anything for Stacking the Shelves until after my books are back where they belong since I do not know what is in each bin. But when I finally do post, it'll most likely be epic. I will probably continue posting Waiting on Wednesday and Top 5 Sunday posts, and hope to still get some reviews out during all of this mayhem. And I'll still be lurking around on twitter because my phone is almost always with me. :)
Monday, June 27, 2011
Giveaway Winners + Update
Before I get to the winners, I just want to explain my absence over the past week. It wasn't planned ahead of time, but I ended up taking a week off from the blog. By the time Friday rolled around and I realized I hadn't touched it in almost a week, I figured I'd just take the rest of the weekend off and focus on reading. My IMM next this coming weekend is going to be huge because I hit both of my favorite used bookstores. Between trade-ins and the overstock sale, I think I walked away with around 30 books for $26 (and that doesn't even count the ones my girlfriend bought). It was crazy. But in my defense, I traded in 11. And I had to rearrange my bookshelves like crazy because I'm running out of room again.
There were only 4 participants in The Paradise Prophecy by Robert Browne giveaway. Using random.org, I randomized the list of entries, and then random selected the winner. The winner is...
4. Anonymous!
There was a total of 34 participants in the Illusions by Aprilynne Pike giveaway. Using random.org, I randomized the list of entries, and then random selected the winner. The winner is...
23. Claire @ YA Bookie Monster!
There was a total of 30 participants in the Divergent by Veronica Roth giveaway. Using random.org, I randomized the list of entries, and then random selected the winner. The winner is...
16. Kaci!
Congratulations! Please respond to the e-mail I sent with your mailing information within 72 hours.
Didn't win? You can pick up a copy from The Book Depository and have it shipped for free!
[The Paradise Prophecy] [Illusions] [Dead on the Delta] [Divergent]
There were only 4 participants in The Paradise Prophecy by Robert Browne giveaway. Using random.org, I randomized the list of entries, and then random selected the winner. The winner is... 4. Anonymous!
There was a total of 34 participants in the Illusions by Aprilynne Pike giveaway. Using random.org, I randomized the list of entries, and then random selected the winner. The winner is... 23. Claire @ YA Bookie Monster!
There was a total of 30 participants in the Divergent by Veronica Roth giveaway. Using random.org, I randomized the list of entries, and then random selected the winner. The winner is...16. Kaci!
Congratulations! Please respond to the e-mail I sent with your mailing information within 72 hours.
Didn't win? You can pick up a copy from The Book Depository and have it shipped for free!
[The Paradise Prophecy] [Illusions] [Dead on the Delta] [Divergent]
Friday, May 20, 2011
Update: Vacation
Tomorrow, we're leaving for Memphis to visit family. I'm not looking forward to being stuck in my mom's Jeep with four other people for 14 hours, but I'm really excited to go to the zoo. They have PANDAS! I'll definitely have pictures to share.
I do not know what the internet situation is going to be, but I'm assuming that I will be without wireless because we're staying with my aunt who lives in a town that has a population in the double digits. I'm bring a huge pile of books with me (mostly because I can never decide what to read beforehand), and a bunch of audiobooks for the drive (reading in the car makes me sick), but I won't know if I'll be doing much posting until tomorrow night. We'll be gone for about a week, so IMM will resume a week from Sunday.
While I'm gone, you should all enter my giveaways! The links are at the top of the page. I have two copies of Mercy by Rebecca Lim, five copies of Dark Descendant by Jenna Black, and five copies of Dead on the Delta by Stacey Jay up for grabs.
I do not know what the internet situation is going to be, but I'm assuming that I will be without wireless because we're staying with my aunt who lives in a town that has a population in the double digits. I'm bring a huge pile of books with me (mostly because I can never decide what to read beforehand), and a bunch of audiobooks for the drive (reading in the car makes me sick), but I won't know if I'll be doing much posting until tomorrow night. We'll be gone for about a week, so IMM will resume a week from Sunday.
While I'm gone, you should all enter my giveaways! The links are at the top of the page. I have two copies of Mercy by Rebecca Lim, five copies of Dark Descendant by Jenna Black, and five copies of Dead on the Delta by Stacey Jay up for grabs.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
A Few Updates
Just a few things I want to let everyone know about:
I have three contests ending this week. I know the bottom of each post says that I'll be posting winners the next day, but I've decided to just make things a bit easier on myself. So now the winners of all three contests will be posted on Sunday 12/19.
Nancy Holzner was supposed to be stopping by with a guest blog and giveaway this Friday, but due to personal matters, it has been pushed back to January 5th. Be sure to swing by in the new year for your chance to win Hellforged.
I also have a bunch of reviews I need to write, and I'm hoping to knock a couple of those out tomorrow (since I'm off of work), so look out for those in the next couple days.
I have three contests ending this week. I know the bottom of each post says that I'll be posting winners the next day, but I've decided to just make things a bit easier on myself. So now the winners of all three contests will be posted on Sunday 12/19.
Nancy Holzner was supposed to be stopping by with a guest blog and giveaway this Friday, but due to personal matters, it has been pushed back to January 5th. Be sure to swing by in the new year for your chance to win Hellforged.
I also have a bunch of reviews I need to write, and I'm hoping to knock a couple of those out tomorrow (since I'm off of work), so look out for those in the next couple days.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Update Time
I just wanted to address my lack of reviews lately, for anyone who has noticed. Not only is today my first day off in like a week (I hate working retail...), but my mom also passed a nice little cold on to me. I was hoping to post a review or two today, since I've had all day to just lounge around, but of course, I have some pretty bad luck. Finally a day off, and I spend it not being able to breath out of my nose and with a splitting migraine. Hopefully, once the excedrin kicks in, I'll be able to get some reading done (I'm currently reading J.K. Beck's When Blood Calls and so far, I'm really enjoying it. But there probably won't be any reviews today. If I'm feeling better tomorrow, I'll post at least one, but I can't promise anything.
But I'll give you a little teaser (aka the list of reviews I need to post):
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
Death Most Definite by Trent Jamieson
Here There be Monsters by Meljean Brook (Burning Up anthology)
Almost to Die For by Tate Hallaway
And I'll give you another teaser... I enjoyed all four! :) So hopefully you guys can look forward to four 3+ Star reviews in the near future.
Plus, I'm really close to 200 followers (199 last time I checked, which was yesterday), and I'm thinking I might have to celebrate when I reach 200.
But I'll give you a little teaser (aka the list of reviews I need to post):
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
Death Most Definite by Trent Jamieson
Here There be Monsters by Meljean Brook (Burning Up anthology)
Almost to Die For by Tate Hallaway
And I'll give you another teaser... I enjoyed all four! :) So hopefully you guys can look forward to four 3+ Star reviews in the near future.
Plus, I'm really close to 200 followers (199 last time I checked, which was yesterday), and I'm thinking I might have to celebrate when I reach 200.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Having Some Computer Problems
Over the weekend, my laptop has fallen victim to a virus or two. The biggest problem is that the virus is not allowing me to open anything in Internet Explorer or other browsers. I'm hoping to have everything figured out in the next day or so, and be back to posting by the weekend. *Crosses fingers*
I have three reviews lined up for once I'm back online, so you can look forward to those. They are Changeless by Gail Carriger, Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales, Volume 1: Sanctuary by Melissa Marr, and Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales, Volume 2: Challenge by Melissa Marr.
Luckily this mishap hasn't interfered with any author visits. But Jennifer Estep will be returning on June 2nd for her next release Web of Lies, due out May 25th!
I have three reviews lined up for once I'm back online, so you can look forward to those. They are Changeless by Gail Carriger, Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales, Volume 1: Sanctuary by Melissa Marr, and Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales, Volume 2: Challenge by Melissa Marr.
Luckily this mishap hasn't interfered with any author visits. But Jennifer Estep will be returning on June 2nd for her next release Web of Lies, due out May 25th!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Quick Update
I know I'm a little behind in posting. I had a bit of family drama this weekend, so I haven't really been online or had time to read. I didn't really have anything to post for Friday Finds, but I did want to post a Saturday Series Spotlight (I'm gonna wait until next weekend though because it's gonna be a busy week for me). I also have two reviews that I will be posting ASAP. Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still here.
On a side note, I'm thinking about putting together a little contest. The Borders down the street from my house (that I practically live at) has a couple of books that have signed copies from authors stopping by (we actually had Melissa Marr, Rachel Vincent, Jeaniene Frost, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, and Mark Del Franco do a panel/signing in April). Anyway, I figured I'd give my followers a chance to vote on which book I should buy. The four signed choices are:
Unfallen Dead by Mark Del Franco (Connor Grey, Book 3)
Pride by Rachel Vincent (Werecats, Book 3)
Grimspace by Ann Aguirre (Sirantha Jax, Book 1)
Wanderlust by Ann Aguirre (Sirantha Jax, Book 2)
White Night by Jim Butcher (Dresden Files, Book 9) -- this one isn't signed, but it's a hardcover on clearance since the paperback recently came out.
I have read book one of Mark Del Franco's series, and books one and two of Rachel Vincent's series. I have not read this Ann Aguirre series, although I've read Blue Diablo. And I haven't read any Jim Butcher. If none of these really sound appealing, feel free to let me know. I just figured the autographed copies would be cooler than just a random book.
On a side note, I'm thinking about putting together a little contest. The Borders down the street from my house (that I practically live at) has a couple of books that have signed copies from authors stopping by (we actually had Melissa Marr, Rachel Vincent, Jeaniene Frost, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, and Mark Del Franco do a panel/signing in April). Anyway, I figured I'd give my followers a chance to vote on which book I should buy. The four signed choices are:
Unfallen Dead by Mark Del Franco (Connor Grey, Book 3)
Pride by Rachel Vincent (Werecats, Book 3)
Grimspace by Ann Aguirre (Sirantha Jax, Book 1)
Wanderlust by Ann Aguirre (Sirantha Jax, Book 2)
White Night by Jim Butcher (Dresden Files, Book 9) -- this one isn't signed, but it's a hardcover on clearance since the paperback recently came out.
I have read book one of Mark Del Franco's series, and books one and two of Rachel Vincent's series. I have not read this Ann Aguirre series, although I've read Blue Diablo. And I haven't read any Jim Butcher. If none of these really sound appealing, feel free to let me know. I just figured the autographed copies would be cooler than just a random book.
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