Bloggers LUV Bloggers Blog Tour Interview With Ann Snizek

I would love to welcome the lovely Ann to the blog today not only is she a blogger but she is also an author of young adult novels and she is here to tell us a little bit about herself. So grab a drink and sit back while we get to learn a little more about the lovely Ann Snizek.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What are you like outside of blogging and reading?

 

Let's see... other than blogging and reading, I write (mostly YA fiction), I facilitate a local and online Creative Writing Club, and I volunteer as a tutor at the local Adult Learning center.  I also do writing workshops, I home school our two youngest kids, plus I try to spend time with my family - supporting them in their endeavors, I have a small herd of dairy goats.  I spend time with my grandchildren when I can.  I struggle with my health issues, promote my books, play with creative design and photography, watch movies, frequent Facebook, and occasionally sleep.  :)

Tell us about your blog. How did you come up with your blog title? Is there a story behind the title?

The Rambling Voices In My Head came in part from the A.D.D. that I deal with and partly from a satirical and dry sense of humor and the mental stability issues that have become mandatory for anyone functioning in our world.  ;)  I like playing on words and I think people view me as a bit corny, but I am what I am.  As long as I'm having fun and not hurting anyone, why not.... There are enough things in my life trying to drag me down and I don't need to add to them.

Has blogging changed your reading habits? Do you read books that you normally would not have read now that you have your own blog? 

It has.  I have found that I am much more aware of structure and style in things I read, and have ventured into other genres in an effort to learn from these varying styles and in doing so, I find that my communications and writing in general has improved.  Also, networking with other genre writers and viewing other blogs has introduced me to countless amazing people that I would otherwise never have met.  I try to help other new writers and aspiring writers as I am being helped myself.  Everything happens for a reason, even if we don't know what that reason is.

How has the blogging experience been for you? Any best book blogging moments so far? 

I am still very new at the blogging experience itself.  So, I haven't had too many to compare.  However, I do love feedback.  Just knowing that someone has read what I've put out there and is willing to interact with me is amazing.  I'm not the kind of person that has to conform to ideas just because.  In fact, there are times that I will say something controversial simply to have an interaction and "debate" going.  Usually, I see both sides of issues and try to keep open-minded.  I generally don't believe in absolutes. 

This question I know is a little unfair okay maybe a lot but here it goes. If you could choose only one book to own, which one would, you choose?

 

ONLY ONE!! Goodness, I am a book addict!  I am going through withdrawal panic at the thought.  LOL ... I won't pick my own because I can have those stories within me whenever I wish.  It would have to be an Anne McCaffrey book.  With so many to choose from I think (at least at this moment) that I would pick The Masterharper of Pern.  Although, I would want to sneak some Orson Scott Card in there too... LOL  This is just a cruel question... (my hair is turning grey at the terror of the thought of only having one book!)  My other option is a Thesaurus!!  But that is more a friend than a book.  ;)

Another unfair question I know I am being really mean sorry. If you could disappear into any book, which one would it be?

Definitely a Pern book.  I don't care which one as long as I get to be on Pern.  :)

If there is one fictional character that you could bring to life, who would it be and why? 

I think I would like to meet Ansset from The Songmaster by Orson Scott Card.  It is amazing how much he learned and how he communicated with the other characters.  He has an amazing talent and ability and I would love to have the chance to hear Mikail's Songbird sing his life's song!  Very moving, and although not the happiest of endings, a very fitting and noble ending for such an incredible book.  I couldn't imagine it any more fitting.

Name 3 books and 3 Authors that you Highly Recommend? That is 3 Indie/Self Published and 3 Traditional? So that is a Total of 6 Authors and Books.

Wow!  Another tough one.  Let's see.  I won't pick Anne McCaffrey, Orson Scott Card, or David Eddings... only because I can't decide which individual book to pick.  Since YA fiction is my favorite genre, I will pick some newer books that I have fallen in love with.  The Immortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare;  Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins; and Fallen by Lauren Kate for the "traditionally" published.  (I know all these books are in series, but once you read the first -- if you haven't already -- you will want to read the rest)

Indie/Self Published is just as difficult!  Many of the Indie books I have been exposed to I haven't had the chance to finish yet.  One book I would recommend hasn't actually been published yet. So, I'm not sure if it counts... The Peculiar Friendship by Jamie C. Ruff (I had the opportunity to help edit this book and it is out of my normal genre, but I think it is an amazing book);  I loved Haven by Justin Kemppainen (although I haven't gotten around to write a review for it... sorry); and A Faerie Fated Forever by Mary Anne Graham (again, I haven't gotten to writing a review YET).  However, I have just accumulated a large collection of new Indie books that I am dying to read!!!  I tend to be a sucker for series.

Which blog or blogger inspires you?

Again with the tough questions.. lol.  I'm glad that this has been emailed to me so that I can think about theses answers... and you can't see how many times I go back and change things. (hehehe)  Anyway, I think that I will have to go with...  Jodie Pierce.   www.jodiepierceauthor.blogspot.com and www.thevampirequeen1.blogspot.com   She has been of great assistance to me as I have started my professional writing career.  She has great enthusiasm and is a wonderful lady that I have the privilege to have met... and call friend.  It is difficult to narrow it down because there are so many blogs/bloggers out there that I am discovering daily. 

What are your favorite/least favorite things about book blogging? 

My favorite things would be the variety.  There are so many new and not as new books and authors.  I love coming up with questions and topics that I hope are not necessarily "run of the mill", but lively, interactive, and fun.  The problem is that this is the most difficult part also.  I find so many books and ideas that I have to prioritize to get to, and I want to do justice to each of them.  Decisions, decisions!!

What are your goals for your blog in the future? 

I want my blog to be a site that provides my readers with entertainment, education, and a relaxed place to expand their horizons and see the value of literacy in all its many forms.  I want it to be inspirational, but not preachy; educational, but fun.  I also want it to be a place where I can learn along with my readers.

Just for Fun

Favorite New Release?

Okay, now I have to say that it is mine.  :P  Tunuftol's Fortress of Light (Tunuftol Book 1).  I know I'm biased, but what can I say... I am proud of my first publication.

Favorite Male Hero?

The twins (George and Fred Weesley) from the Harry Potter series.  They are inseparable and thus must be counted together despite any other outcome)  They are simply awesome!

Favorite Female Heroine?

Anne of Green Gables by L Montgomery.  She has such a spirit and spark that is both irritating and endearing.  

Favorite Genre?

YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Favorite Place to Read?

Anywhere it is quiet. :)

Hardcopy or Ebook?

I enjoy both.  Ebooks can go with me where ever I go -- even in the dark, but there is something about holding the book and turning actual pages that I still love.

Kindle or Nook?

 

I have a Nook, but I also have a Kindle app on my laptop.  :)

Male POV or Female POV? 

It depends on the story.  If it is well written, I like either.  I also like stories that switch back and forth... like Rick Riordan's Kane Chronicles and Thunderstorm by JM Schroder (which is among the seven books that I am reading now and haven't finished yet... I multi-task.)

Review Tasting Never by C.M. Stunich

Title: Tasting Never
Author: C.M Stunich
Series: Never Say Never #1
Genre: New Adult/Romance
Publisher: Sarian Royal
Release Date: Dec. 22 2012
Edition: Kindle
Rating: 4.5





"Never Ross wants to be loved.
It's that simple, but it's not that easy."

Never is a girl with a broken soul who doesn't date nice guys and can't seem to go to bed at night without crying herself to sleep. She doesn't need any complications in her life, especially not when they're attached to a man that could be her emotional twin.

Ty McCabe can't stand Never the first time he meets her. He's aware that the feeling's mutual and the two don't think they'll ever see each other again, but when fate takes a hand and puts them both in the wrong place at the wrong time, Ty and Never form a tentative friendship that opens the door on their dark sides and shows them what it's like to live in the light.

"Sometimes, the only way to go forward, is to take a few, careful steps back."

Giveaway & Book Spotlight The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard

Title: The Forgotten Ones
Author: Laura Howard
Series: The Danaans
Genre: New Adult Paranormal
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: Expected May 15 2013
Formats it will be available in: Print and Ebook

Allison O'Malley just graduated from college. Her life's plan is to get a job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She doesn't have room for friends or even Ethan, who clearly wants more.
When Allison's long-lost father shows up, he claims he can bring her mother back from the dark place her mind has sent her. He reveals legends of a race of people long forgotten, the Tuatha de Danaan, along with the truth about why he abandoned her mother.

Where did the inspiration for this story come from?  What is the story behind the story so to speak? 

Growing up I had a friend who had a sort of magnetism about her. People always flocked to her, whether she wanted them to or not. I always wondered what it was that people found so attractive about her. I daydreamed up the idea that maybe she had some fairy blood and thought that would make a great story. A lot of great books about fairies exist already, so I went deeper into Irish mythology and folklore and learned about the Tuatha de Danaan. The rest grew through different songs I’d heard and poems about Irish legends I’d read.

Tell us about the book cover. 

My cover started with a picture I found on Deviantart. My protagonist has “true dreams” and I liked the dreamy expression on the model’s face.

Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.

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Places to find Laura

Blog

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter

Places to find The Forgotten Ones

Goodreads

Happy Endings Giveaway Hop

I love books with Happy Endings. So when asked to join this hop I was right on it. The book I am giving away is a Kindle Copy of No Remorse by MaryLynn Bast.

#HEGIVEAWAY

Tell your happy ending story!

 

The Happy Endings Giveaway Hop was organized by Reading Romances!

[Read Between The Lines]

What you can win here: No Remorse by MaryLynn Bast

Number of winners: 1

Open to (INT, US or US/CAN): INT

How to enter: Rafflecopter 

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Release Day Blitz Raving Violet Valerie Gilbert

Title: Raving Violet
Author: Valerie Gilbert
Genre: Non Fiction/Humor
Publisher: Black Opal Books
Release Date: January 19 2013





Dead Mothers, Missing Husbands, Disgusting Dates, Perverted “Reverends,” Seductive Gurus, Infamous Ingrates and Cheese Thieves. These are a few of the cast of characters that pepper Valerie Gilbert’s true tales in “Raving Violet.”

Enter the world of a solitary but intrepid New Yorker. Orphaned since (relative) youth, this divorced, smartass metaphysician has sought solace and insight from philosophers, séances, channels and mediums, a path that has, inevitably, led her back to her formidable fortress within.

Join Valerie as she scales the castle walls on her journey for love, sex, sass, a chuckle, and really good chocolate.

Giveaway & Guest Post Release by M.R. Merrick

Title: Release
Author: M.R.Merrick
Series: The Protector (#3)
Genre: Paranormal/YA/Demons/Vampires/
Shifters/Witches
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: Dec. 10, 2012



After uniting the shifters and calling in reinforcements, Chase has to face his toughest challenge yet: learning to control his emotions. But as tensions rise and his powers grow, controlling his emotions becomes the least of his problems.

Terrorized by a multi-shifter who is hell-bent on turning him, Chase questions just how far he’s willing to go to stop his father.  Meanwhile, Tiki’s virtuous nature has placed him in the middle of Vincent’s past, leaving Chase to oppose a senate of vampires and defend a demon he hates.

Trying to balance his friends, his enemies, and his inner demons, Chase is left searching for answers about the Mark, his destiny, and where he can find the next soul piece. Stopping Riley is his top priority, but as more obstacles arise, he finds himself doubting all the decisions he’s made - especially regarding Rayna.

One thing is for certain: Chase has finally realized that he doesn’t know anything. The light doesn’t always quell the darkness, the monsters don’t always stay in the shadows, and the past doesn’t always stay in the past - sometimes, the demons inside are the hardest to fight.