Benjamin of tomes Interview

You might recognize this fella
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And if you don't well then you best be clicking the link to his channel at the bottom of this interview.

His name is Ben and he has a YouTube channel called Benjaminoftomes.

He's pretty awesome, super funny, and has an incredibly loveable accent.

Enjoy the interview!!!


1. How long have you been making YouTube videos?

I have been making YouTube videos since the 26th of December. It is a very special day for me. It feels like I suddenly had a burst of confidence to film and upload a video. My first video was a book haul.

2. What made you want to make book related videos?

I have always read books but in November I started to crave a good book. I was being recomended books by a lot of people and one book series that stood out was 'Witch and Wizard' by James Patterson. So I went onto YouTube and typed in 'Witch and Wizard by James Patterson Reviews'. Low and behold lots of results came up. I was amazed by the number of people talking about books. One video led to another and then to another and I stared buying lots and lots of books. This resulted in me reading a lot more and I wanted to start sharing my thoughts on books and reading. Then I got the idea suddenly on the 26th of December to make my Christmas book haul. That's how I entered into this wondeful community.

3. Who are some of your favorite authors?

I love books about witches and super powers so I will now list you a couple of my favourite authors.
The first one is L.J. Smith and she wrote 'The Secret Circle' series which is about witches and magic. Another one of my favourite authors is Gabriella Lepore who is known for writing the book 'Witches of Glass Castle' Which is amazing. I also love G.P. Ching as an author. He has written 'The Soul Keeper Series' this series is not as well known but it's a wonderful story. It's all about Angels and Magic.

4. If you could go to lunch with any author, who would you choose?

This question is awesome. I would love to go to lunch with Homer. Homer wrote a lot of ancient Greek mythology books. I would talk to him about ancient Greece and all the stories. That would result in the lunch being extremely long as I would ask so many questions...and hug him...

5. Who is your favorite singer/band?

This is a good one. I do not really have a favourite. If I hear a song that fits my mood at the time then I will listen to that song on repeat and no others. I primarily listen to songs that YouTube artists have covered. I love the Pentatonix on YouTube they are so dynamic.

6. Do you ever listen to music while reading? If so what kind?

I do not listen to music. I open my window and listen to the sounds outside. I do this because it calms me down and keeps me focused.

7. What is your favorite book to movie adaptation?

THE HOST. I just came back from watching it and it was amazing. I do not normally like the adaptations as I feel like they miss out lots of the story. But with The Host it kept the story really similar to the book and I loved it...I cried...like a baby...

8. Have you ever met any authors? Who would you like to meet?

I have not met any authors but I would love to meet Gabriella Lepore. She's a lovely person and a brilliant writer. I have done an interview with her on my channel and she was so kind and collected. I really enjoy what she has to say. I would love her to write me a character in one of her books. It would be my dream.

9. What is your favorite book series?

My favourite book series is The Caster Chronicles. This is because it has magic and love in it. The story really makes me crave to live the same life. It's amazing. So unique and I really do feel as if the environment in the book comes to life. It's beautiful.

10. Would you ever want to write a book? If so what genre?

I would like to one day. It would be about Witches. I don't want to give to much away as I want to keep it as secret as I can until I complete it. But yes Witches and magic and NO LOVE.

11. Who are some of your favorite booktubers?

I really love LittleBookOwl. She's one of my very good friends and she makes amazing content in her videos, she is a stunning person. I also love SuddenlyLorna she's a lovely person and really interesting to listen to when she reviews books. I ALSO LOVE Geraldine from Starian72 she is lovely and has amazing video and she buys so so so many books so it makes me feel less like I have a problem.

12. You're going on a trip. Which 5 books would you bring with you?

The four books in the 'Beautiful Creatures series' and 'The Witches of Glass Castle'. Such amazing reads.

13. What's the best part of making YouTube videos?

I love speaking to all the other viewers. I love reading what they have to say and I love communicating with them. Everyone is so nice and I really think that they have all given me amazing amounts of support and love. So grateful.

Follow Ben here!

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Sarah Billington Interview

Yes you did read the title of this post correctly. I interviewed Sarah Billington!

Now's the time where I start fan girling around the room.

She's an awesome author and a super cool person to talk to!

So so many thanks go out to her for giving me her time and doing this interview!

I hope you enjoy!





1. Have you always wanted to be a writer? How long have you been writing for?

Always always. I've been writing since I can remember. First with pencil and paper. Then I got my pen license at school and there was no holding me back. The house was filled with loose-leaf paper and notebooks. That mess stopped when I started typing, and now it's my hard drive full of documents, not my bedroom.

2. If you could do anything other than write, what would you want to do?

I also work as a freelance editor, editing other authors books as well as working for copy writers and businesses. I love working with words and helping authors get their stories to read as amazingly as it sounded in the author's head.

3. What kind of books do you like to read?

I'm a YA girl all the way. I like contemporary romances, dytopians, thrillers, sci fi, horror, comedies, paranormal... When i'm writing contemporary I tend to be READING dystopians and thrillers etc.

4. Are there any authors that you idolise?

John Marsden was my hero as a child, and he always will be. I wanted to write amazing books like him. He really got me started and i'm so grateful. These days, as I love writing comedy, I totally idolise Louise Rennison and Brent Crawford. I freaking love their books. LOVE.

5. In "The Kiss Off" Ty and his band go on tour. If you were in a band who would you want to tour with?

I would love to tour with McFly. They just always seem to be having so much fun, and though they take their work seriously, they have a lot of fun with it and keep expanding and trying something new. I respect that. :)

6. Part of Ty's appeal is that he's in a band. Who is your celebrity crush?

Extra came on TV just now and my celebrity crush is totally Andrew Garfield.
(And) like all Walking Dead fans, Daryl Dixon aka Norman Reedus. From the first couple of episodes I did NOT expect it, but there it is.

7. How did you come up with Poppys character?

I think the events of the story are really what shaped her, or me. I wanted to write about this really opinionated character, who felt jilted and wasn't taking it lying down. She's much more of a drama queen than I am, so she's pretty fun to write.

8. Is Ty based on anyone you know?

Sadly, no.

9. Which character did you most enjoy writing about?

I liked writing the boys from Academy of Lies. I'm not a big fan of the swoon worthy guy depicted in so many novels, who is obsessed with a girl and his whole world revolves around her. I'm not a fan of guys in books who think like women do. My guys hit each other all the time and stacks on, and have races in shopping trolleys because it's fun. They're just guys, and they're fun to write.

10. What made you want to write a sequeal to "The Kiss Off"?

I like the characters, and I have more stories to write about them, but they have to be the RIGHT stories. I want to write spin offs for Ty, Mads and Vanya as well at some point.

11. As of right now are you ending with "The Kiss Off 2" or do you plan on writing a series?

There will be a third in the series, set some place exotic. It all depends on if I get some grants I applied for as to where it'll be set! The third will be the last official Kiss Off book.

12. "The Kiss Off" is all about music. What are some of your favorite bands/singers?

My favourites at the moment are McFly, All Time Low, Marc Broussard, and I love that song Thank You by MKTO.

13. Do you listen to music while writing?

Nooooo. It's distracting! I listen to the music instead of writing.

14. When is the release or "The Kiss Off 2"

GOOD QUESTION. I have some stuff in the works that I can't really talk about just yet that may affect the release date. I was aiming for July, but it's all a bit up in the air right now, unfortunatly. But with a good reason, I promise!

15. If "The Kiss Off" had a theme song what would it be?

What the Hell by Avril Lavigne.


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Want to read The Kiss Off? Of course you do! Buy it here!

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Don't forget to add The Kiss Off 2 to your Goodreads TBR!
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That Time I Joined The Circus by J.J. Howard

I just finished this book and I have this strange urge to cry now.

This book is absolutly wonderful.

I went into expecting it to be good but I had no clue that i'd fall in love with it the way I have.

First off Lexi is fantastic. She's a really great person and so wonderful to read about.

She has gone through SO much in her life and you can't help but love her and feel her pain. (Plus she's obsessed with music so duh I love her!)

Lexi's mother ran away when she was little so she lives with her father. Unfortunatly her father passes away and Lexi is left on her own.

She is told that her mother is with the circus so she leaves New York City in search of her.

When she gets there she finds out that her mother is no longer with the circus. Luckily though she is offered a job and a place to stay.

In the begining of the story Lexi is left with nothing but by the end she has everything. She makes a family with the others at the circus and she finds out more about herself.

While I loved Lexi I also loved the supporting characters. Lina and Liska were two of my absolute favorites. I also really loved Jamie because he was constantly making me smile. He also sounded like he was fun to look at.

I also really loved that it went back and forth through time in the chapters. One chapter would be current day and then the next would go back to before Lexi's dad passes. I really enjoyed that because you got some much needed background.

I would recommend this book to anyone. Call me crazy but i'm naming this as another best book of the year.

I think I want to join the circus now.

That Time I Joined The Circus Playlist
Dare You To Move by Switchfoot
Stay Away by The Honorary Title
Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy
Under Control by Parachute
Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush
Angels on the Moon by Thriving Ivory
Non-Believer by La Rocca
Safe by Travis
Feeling A Moment by Feeder
The Resolution by Jacks Mannequin

Publication Date: April 1, 2013

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Revenge of the Girl With the Great Personality by Elizabeth Eulberg

I'm so deeply in love with this book.
Truly Madly Deeply Savage Garden type love.

This is so good that i'm confident in saying that this is one of the best books of the year!

I want to be Lexi's best friend. She is so completely wonderful. She's hilarious and awesome.

The story is about Lexi and her great personality.

Lexi, unfortunatly, has a lot to deal with. A little sister, Mackenzie, who is a little glitzy pageant princess, their parents are divorced and thier mom is a typical pageant mom.

Lexi has two best friends named Benny and Cam. Who by the way are so wonderful that i'm bummed that they aren't real.

While Mackenzie is the glitter queen, Lexi is more of a jeans and tshirt type of girl. She wants to be a fashion designer but she's more about making the clothes and not so much wearing them.

However after a deal with Benny, Lexi has to come to school in a dress and makeup. When she comes to school looking like a real live girl she gets a LOT of attention. Unfortunatly it's from the people who didn't give her the time of day before the makeover.

Lexi goes through a lot throughout the story and I loved being there along side her.
The plot was unlike anything i've ever read before so that was extra exciting. As I said Lexi is wonderful and the supporting characters were some of the best i've ever read about.

I loved this as a stand alone book but I would also love to see a sequal come out.

It's just so freaking awesome! Check it out!


Revenge of the Girl With the Great Personality Playlist
Fingerprints by Katy Perry
Super Model by Jill Sobule
La La Land by Demi Lovato
My Best Friends Hot by The Dollyrots
Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne
Count On Me by Bruno Mars
Tomorrow by Lillix
Move Along by The All-American Rejects


Buy It Here!
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Book Depository

Megan Meade's Guide To The McGowan Boys by Kate Brian

I loved this book.

I loved this book as much as I loved Leonardo DiCaprio back in his Titanic days.

The story is about Megan Meade. She and her family are always moving because she's a lucky army brat.

The family have been settled in the same place for 3 years but are moving again. Megan (who never argues) tells her parents that she is not going. She wants to stay in America and finish school.

Her parents tell her that she can stay as long as she stays with her dads old friend and his family. As much as Megan doesn't want to go to South Korea with her family she doesn't exactly want to stay with her dads friend either. Why? Because they have 7 sons. 7 sons that used to mess with her when they were little. 7 sons that are mean and smell funny.

However after much thought Megan decides that staying in America is worth it so she goes to live with the McGowans.

Of course when she gets there she realizes that whoa the boys are growing up good. Evan and Finn especially.

Well in typical girly book fashion there is a love triangle and it's glorious.

I honestly loved everything about this book. Megan was so cool and more likeable than she even knows. Finn is totally crush worthy. The boys are...boys. The supporting characters were all so wonderful. Finn was my favorite brother but I also really loved Miller.

Gosh! I loved this book!

I DEFINATLY recommend it. So please go check it out! It's a super quick read (I read it in a day) and it's so funny and full of wonderful-ness.

Kate Brian could you please write a sequal to this? I really really want more!

Cover: 3.5/5
Couple: 4/5
Supporting Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5


Megan Meade's Guide To The McGowan Boys Playlist
Can't Behave by Courtney Jaye
Just Friends by Jonas Brothers
One of The Boys by Katy Perry
Good Girl, Bad Boy by Junior Senior
I Like It Like That by Hot Chelle Rae
Here In Your Arms by Hellogoodbye
Happily Ever After by He Is We
I Want To by Cheyenne Kimball
Na Na by Superchick


Want The Book? Buy It Here!
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Bookables Interview

I'm sure that you all know who
<- this is.
But in case you don't her name is Heather, she has a YouTube channel called Bookables, and she is AWESOME.
She's my favorite booktuber and I got to interview her.
Go me!
Hope you like it!




1. What made you start doing book related videos on YouTube? And how long have you been making them?
I started because I really wanted to jump back into my love for books. I started making videos in August of 2011.

2. If you wrote a book what genre would it be?
Def. romance/adventure or paranormal.

3. If you were to write a book, which authors would you want to do a book tour with?
Cassandra Clare, Sarah Ockler, Veronica Roth, and Stephanie Perkins.

4. If you could live in the world of a book, which world would you choose and why?
Hands down, Harry Potter.

5. Do you listen to music while reading? If so what genre?
Whatever i'm feeling on Pandora. Some days it's indie rock, some days it's Colbie Caillat.

6. If you could spend the day with one author who would you choose?
Cassandra Clare and Veronica Roth. I can't choose, it's to hard!

7. If you could see ANY band live who would you choose?
I've been lucky enough to see several of my favorite bands live but there are a couple I haven't seen. Dashboard Confessional, Death Cab for Cutie and Jimmy Eat World.

8. Are there any songs that remind you of a book/character?
Hmmm hard question. I can't think of anything!

9. What 5 books could you NOT live without?
Harry Potter series, Divergent series, The DUFF, The Mortal Instruments series, Hunger Games series.

10. What is your favorite song?
"23" by Jimmy Eat World



Playlist for Bookables
Brighter Than The Sun: Colbie Caillat
One Girl Revolution: Superchic
Fearless: Taylor Swift
Follow The Light: Travis
Almost Everything: Wakey! Wakey!
How Good It Can Be: The 88
The Mixed Tape: Jack's Mannequin



Follow Heather Here:
YouTube Channel
Twitter

Patricia Lynne Interview

If you saw my post before this then you know that I just finished "Being Human" by Patricia Lynne.

What's cooler than reading her book? It's interviewing her duh!

So here it is!

Enjoy!

:)






1. What made you want to become a writer?
I actually never wanted to be a writer. When I was in high school I was a big art geek and even went to college for art. One day I was bored and decided to write a story that was floating in my head. I really enjoyed it so I kept doing writing, but had no intention of ever letting another person read it. When I got the idea for Being Human it struck me as a story other people might like to read. I started looking into publishing it. All the while, getting more story ideas. Now I can't imagine not writing. It's fun and relaxing and I like giving other people a story they enjoy. Although I do laugh like an evil scientist when a reader says a scene made them cry.

2. Why is Tommy's story so important to you?
I think because it's different from all the stories out there that i've read. That was one of my motivators for writing it. I was tired of the same kind of vampire hero. Rich, handsome, Emo, and whining about how he's no longer human and has to drink blood. I wanted a vampire hero who didn't mind getting some flesh stuck in his teeth. I wanted my vampire hero to embrace what he was. Tommy isn't evil because he kills no more than a lion is evil for killing its prey.

3. In "Being Human" names are really important. How did you come up with the names for your characters?
The characters mostly named themselves. Tommy appeared in my head and that was the name he told me. Danny was the same. Charissa is the only name I really picked. I had a coworker with that name and I really liked it so I named Danny's wife that.

4. A lot of vampire books out there are about romance. What made you choose to write your story about brothers?
I chose to write a story about brothers pretty much because most love stories are romances. It's always boy meets girl. The love in this story is about family. Tommy will do anything for his brother. I really like the idea of love being more than just about romance.

5. Have you ever read a book that reminded you of something you wrote? If so what was it?
The only book I know to compare Being Human to right now is Warm Bodies and I only recently figured this out. I think I did a pretty good job of creating a unique story with Tommy. I really struggle to compare.

6. I loved Mackenzie. Have you considered writing a companion to "Being Human"?
I love Mackenzie too. Some of my favorite scenes were with her.
No I haven't, but I bet it would be fun. When writing the story, I did think up little scenes, but they were usually from Danny's POV since he has a stronger connection to Tommy.

7. Tommy and Danny are extremely close. Do you have any siblings or people that you have that kind of bond with?
Actually, i'm super shy and introverted. I have family and friends that i'm close to, but for me, they're always at an arm's length. I'm not touchy-feely or a spill-my-guts-to-you type person.
 
8. If you could only read 3 books for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Why is it always only three books? I've been asked this question before and it's always three! Also, you'd think i'd remember my previous answers, but I don't. Let's see. Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion because it has a great story and message. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson because it really got to me when I read it. Harry Potter because it would remind me to keep my imagination alive.

9. What authors would you say inspire you the most?
Heather Brewer is my hero author. She is an amazing writer, so fun (I follow her on twitter) and motivational. It was because of her I decided to publish Being Human.
 
10. If "Being Human" had a theme song what would it be?
I liked the first song you suggested to me when we were chatting the other day: Behind Blue Eyes by Limp Bizkit. No one knows what it's like to be the bad guy. Tommy does.

Patricia Lynne is not only an awesome author but a really cool person to chat with. If you'd like to follow her here's where you can go...
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads


If you'd like to pick up a copy of Being Human then click on one of the sites below...

Amazon

Amazon Kindle

Barnes And Noble

Being Human by Patricia Lynne

Before I start my review I just have to say that just because this book is about vampires it is nothing like "Twilight" or "Vampire Academy". You will not be swooning over vampires that sparkle.
With that being said this book is definatley something you should check out.

Why should you check it out?

That's simple. It's because this book is about the love of family. It's about finding yourself. It's about...being human.

The main character in this book is Tommy. He was 15 when he was turned into a vampire. After being turned he murdered his mother and father because of the thirst.

After Tommy kills his parents his twin brother Danny approaches him. Danny is human but instead of wanting to kill him Tommy becomes extremely protective over his brother.

There are 5 parts in this book. The first takes place as Tommy is adjusting to being a vampire. Part two takes place while Danny is attending college. It's actually kind of sad because Danny is growing up and Tommy will never change.

It's a really interesting book and Patricia Lynn's take on vampires is original. It was completely different from anything i've ever read which is pretty dang awesome.

I really enjoyed the character of Tommy also. I found myself rooting for him a lot. He goes through so much during the book and you start to really care for him. He knows he's a vampire but he tries so hard to be good. It's really nice to watch him grow up, even without actually aging.

Another thing that I loved about this book was the relationship between Tommy and Danny. Danny is the older twin and he's constantly guiding his brother in the right direction. Neither of them would be who they are without the other.

The only thing I did not like was that there were no chapters, only parts. I am not a fan of that. I enjoy my chapters. I actually enjoy a LOT of chapters. Short ones prefereably. I like saying, "Okay just one more chapter." And then when I see the chapter is only like 10 pages I can say, "Oh geesh that was short...Just one more." I find that I read faster when there are chapters.

Luckily though the book was awesome so lack of chapters wasn't that big of a deal.
I recommend this book to you so go check it out!

P.S. Patricia Lynne I really loved Mackenzie...you should totally write a book from her point of view. Just saying. :)

Cover: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Supporting Characters: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5

Being Human Playlist:
Behind Blue Eyes by Limp Bizkit
What I've Done by Linkin Park
Animal I've Become by Three Days Grace
Transatlanticism by Death Cab for Cutie
Burn by The Cure
Hero by Skillet
The Red by Chevelle
Dream Brother by Jeff Buckley