Monday Madness In Review OR The Hall of Madness

Jemi Fraser has been nice enough to pass me the Versatile Blogger award and since I'm supposed to pass it to 15 others I thought it would be the perfect time to do a little review...

It occurs to me that I have a few new followers over the last, oh, month or so. Therefore I thought it might be nice to introduce everyone around. At least to those people I've already featured on my blog. So I present to you Monday Madness in Review. A compilation of some AWESOME writers that I've featured here on my blog, complete with links to their blogs AND links back so you can see just how I arrived at my wonderful deductions. And all of these lovely writers also receive the Versatile Blogger award! Sound good? Then lets begin!

Elissa Cruz is a Shape Shifter

Tahereh Mafi is a Ghost (oh yes, she's admitted it)

Anna Staniszewski is a Fairy

Julie Musil is a Werewolf

Kathy McCullough is a Pixie

Christi Goddard is a Witch

Heather McCorkle is a Werewolf

Leah Cypess is a Shape Shifter

C. Lee McKenzie is a Hobbit

Martina Boone is a Vampire

Beverley BevenFlorez is a Mermaid

Simon Larter is a Demon

Elizabeth Mueller is an Angel

Lindsey Brooks is a Witch

Veronica Roth is an Empath

Whew! I think that was everyone SO FAR! Fifteen AMAZING authors, some published, some on their way. If you are conspicuously missing or have someone you wish to nominate for my Hall of Madness please let me know in the comments.

Oh yeah. I'm also supposed to tell you seven things about myself. So lets see..

1. I hate cleaning.

2. I have a parrot.

3. I love chocolate. A little too much. but...

4. Not in coffee. Unless it's white chocolate. I like creamy coffee drinks.

5. I'm a red head.

6. I've mentioned this before,I used to be an actress. But, did you know I wrote one of the shows we performed at Old Tucson Studios?

7. I LOVE meeting all kinds of writers online (I think I might have an official addiction to Twitter, come follow me if you don't already @lisagailgreen)

I've Got the Chills

First things first. Drum roll please. The winner of BLEEDING VIOLET by Dia Reeves is JULIE MUSIL. Congrats!

Now it's time for a book review my friends. Which book? SHIVER by Maggie Stiefvater.

Remember my friend Seth? If not refresh your memory with this interview. Got it? He's a werewolf. A werewolf that said he really doesn't read books like this, so naturally, I asked him to do just that. At first he said, "NO WAY." Then I offered to bribe him and he acquiesced. So here's his review:

Okay, first off, lets get this out in the open - it was way too sappy for me. Total chick stuff. But, I have to admit that once I accepted that and resigned myself to reading it, I found I actually kind of liked it. I really liked Sam. Though I totally would have been all over Grace from the get go. I don't know what took him so long.

I also thought this Stiefvater lady did a pretty good job making up lore. I mean the whole when it gets cold I turn into a wolf thing was original. Hardly accurate, but I give her points for imagination. She really did get right in those wolves' heads though. That was right on. Like scary right on.

So, I have to say that if I was going to be forced to read a chick book about werewolves, this would totally be the one. Yeah. And anytime you want me to read LINGER and you offer me a few more Milkbones, I'll be happy to help out.

Thanks, Seth! I'll certainly be picking up LINGER when it comes out. My own take on SHIVER? I REALLY liked it. The romance was great. I'm a sucker for that myself. I agree with Seth in that I also enjoyed Sam's character. I understand why she chose to split the POV between Sam and Grace, but truthfully there were times I would have preferred to stick with Sam. I liked the fact that he was not your typical YA male. He was touchingly real. Also, I can't help but give a positive review to anything taking place in and around Duluth.

What did you think of the book?

BLEEDING VIOLET: Interview with Hanna

So far on this blog I have interviewed many "fictional characters," including a mermaid, demon, werewolf, nymph and satyr. But, why stop there? I am pleased to announce that today I have with me, Hanna.

Hanna is the Main Character in Dia Reeve's novel, BLEEDING VIOLET. And since I'd like to share this book so much I am offering one lucky commenter a copy for their very own! Just be a follower, leave a comment and spread the word through Twitter or a mention on your own blog. I'll have my kids pick the lucky winner out of a hat and announce the results on Thursday.

A little about the book:

Love can be a dangerous thing....

Hanna simply wants to be loved. With a head plagued by hallucinations, a medicine cabinet full of pills, and a closet stuffed with frilly, violet dresses, Hanna's tired of being the outcast, the weird girl, the freak. So she runs away to Portero, Texas in search of a new home.

But Portero is a stranger town than Hanna expects. As she tries to make a place for herself, she discovers dark secrets that would terrify any normal soul. Good thing for Hanna, she's far from normal. As this crazy girl meets an even crazier town, only two things are certain: Anything can happen and no one is safe. (taken from Simon Schuster's website)

Now, lets begin:

Hanna, why don't you tell us a little about yourself for the readers that don't know you yet?

I'm biracial (Poppa is white and Finnish, and Momma is black and American). I like to make my own clothes and meet new people and travel. I'm manic-depressive--more manic than depressive, though. When I'm manic, I hallucinate and may occassionally bash people over the head, but what can I say? We've all got problems.

What made you first believe in the supernatural things that live in this world, when so many people just ignore their existence?

I started to believe when the people around me--people I trust like Momma and my boyfriend Wyatt--admitted to seeing things, too. Things like flesh-eating creatures and evil spirits. At this point I can't remember what it was like not to believe in the supernatural.

What's the strangest thing you've seen?

Where do I even start? The weirdest thing are these creatures called lure because they lure you to them so they can drain all the life from you. They live in window glass and are just so random they're really hard to explain to people who haven't seen them.

Is there anything you don't believe in?

I don't have the luxury of not believing in stuff. I live in such a strange town where anything is possible that it's important for me to keep my belief system flexible.

What's next for Dia?

Dia's next book, Slice of Cherry, comes out January 4, 2011. It's not a sequel to Bleeding Violet, though. It's a tale of two outcast sisters--daughters of a notorious serial killer--who decide to put their murderous genes, and latent powers, to good use by only killing people who deserve it. It takes place in Portero, the same as Bleeding Violet, and it has the same level of weirdness and romance, so never fear. :)

Finally, what's your favorite book?

My favorite book of all time is The Gunslinger by Stephen King. It's about this hardcase named Roland who has to track down a wizard who can tell him how to get to the Dark Tower, a place Roland has to go in order to keep the world from dying or "moving on" as he calls it. I would marry that book if I could, I love it so much. It's the first book in the Dark Tower series, and all the books are awesome, but The Gunslinger is the best.

Well, thank you Hanna for visiting today! And thank you Dia for letting her. I truly enjoyed reading the book and getting inside the head of a mentally ill individual. That for me, really made the voice sing. It isn't for the feint of heart, but I love a dark and edgy teen book. I can't wait to read Slice of Cherry!

Writer's Funniest Videos

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Before I begin, the lovely author of BLEEDING VIOLET, Dia Reeves, has agreed to let her main character, Hanna, do an interview right here on Paranormal Point of View!! So, this Monday instead of my usual Monday Madness, I will be featuring Hanna and letting you know how to win a copy of the book.

Also, I don't usually point out interviews, but since it is with my agent...

Now, back to our regularly scheduled craziness.

I know. I know. This is PARANORMAL point of view. But sometimes writers can be paranormal too. Goodness knows we aren't exactly your average citizens. So, I thought I would share some videos that make me smile.

1. What you thought publishing a book would be like when you first started...

2. Writer's Block

3. So you thought everything was perfect after signing the contract?

4. From Tahereh this is a classic video about fonts

5. My Tweep Jamie Harrington did this video biography rap - too funny for us moms.

6. Speaking of Jamie... have you seen the free online writers conference these fabulous ladies have put together? Check out the vlog on Lisa and Laura's post!

and since this is my blog:

7. A vampire's take on Twilight

Monday Madness: Veronica Roth

VERONICA ROTH

What is she anyway?? She's a very cool blogger. I know that. So check her out. She's a writer. According to her bio she's also "a Christian. And a graduate of Northwestern University. And a Chicago-suburb resident. And a nerd. And a tea enthusiast. And..."

AND WHAT???

Well, I guess that's my job. So, I did a little digging. One post I particularly liked a couple of weeks back on her blog was a recommendation for the book SHIVER which is what prompted me to read it. (It had been sitting on my desk waiting). In that post she also mentioned how she cries. A lot. After finishing a good book or even a movie because she's so sad that it is over. She went on to describe how she connected with the characters in the book. She's obviously very sensitive. So naturally, I started thinking Deanna Troy from Star Trek: The Next Generation. YES I AM ONE OF THOSE NERDS SO GET OVER IT!

Ahem. Therefore I say Veronica is an EMPATH. She feels others' emotions. We could all take a lesson in that.

So, Veronica - what happens when you walk into a room full of writers? Yikes!

Interview with a Nymph and Satyr

Welcome everyone! Thanks to Abigail and Bookaholic's suggestions, today I have with me two very special...um...people. Harvey the Satyr and Theodora the Nymph. You should know that they are separated by a magic forcefield at Theodora's request. Now lets begin!

ME: Theodora - what is it that makes Nymphs so irresistible to Satyrs?

THEODORA: Well, it isn't -

HARVEY: HEY! How come she gets to go first? Typical! Ignore the guy who has furry feet and focus on the gorgeous woman. OUCH!

ME: Harvey watch out for that forcefield. I'm not playing favorites. Just be patient, please.

THEODORA: As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted.. It isn't just Satyrs that chase me. It's everyone. And I can't really say I blame them. I mean look at me! Oh wait, I'm sure you already have. Are you going to put my picture on the computer?

ME: I wouldn't want to cause any problems with overloading the circuits or anything.

HARVEY: She won't get sarcasm. Believe me, I've tried.

ME: So, Harvey, why DO you chase Nymphs?

HARVEY: Because it's just so much FUN! Ouch!

ME: Harvey please control yourself. Theodora, I'm sure you want to take this opportunity to let everyone know that Nymphs are more than just a pretty face, right? Harvey stop snorting.

THEODORA: I'm sorry, did you say something? I got distracted looking in the mirror.

ME: Uh, huh. Harvey - how about Satyrs? What is it about you that most people just don't get? Stop chewing on my cushion.

HARVEY: Sorry. Yeah, I would like to let people know that Satyrs are much deeper than we're given credit for. I'm more than just a hot bod. OUCH! Damn forcefield.

ME: Wow, maybe this wasn't such a great idea in practice.

HARVEY: Are you kidding? This is the closest I've gotten to her in about a decade without her turning into a tree.

ME: Lets try one more thing. Theodora, isn't there anything you like about Harvey here?

THEODORA: Well, you do have to give him credit for persistence. I mean, most guys give up after running into a rock, a tree or a bush full of thorns, you know? He's been chasing me for almost a century.

HARVEY: Yeah! That's right, baby. You're the only Nymph for me.

THEODORA: I've seen you go after Monica that water sprite before.

HARVEY: Only for practice. I only want OUCH! You.

THEODORA: He is kind of cute in a teddy bear sort of way...

ME: Are you saying you're willing to give him a chance?

THEODORA: One movie. I get to pick. Then...maybe.

HARVEY: Woohoo!! Hey, Lisa, can I borrow forty bucks?

Well, there you have it. This was quite the experiment! I guess my degree in psych wasn't completely wasted. We'll have to check back in and see how the date went, don't you think? If any of you have any other questions for Theodora or Harvey please leave them in the comments and they have both agreed to get back to you.

Monday Madness, Who is Lindsey Brooks?? And I've Been Tagged!

FIRST, ahem, I have been tagged by Julie Musil to participate in ME IN THREES. So here goes:

Three names I go by:

Lisa

Mommy

That Crazy Lady (well at least I suspect this last one)

Three jobs I've had:

Actress

Registrar

MOMMY

Three places I've lived:

Michigan

Arizona

California

Three places I've been:

Hawaii

Duluth, MN

Hawaii (WHAT??? It's my favorite place.)

Three favorite movies:

Little Shop of Horrors (Musical version)

The Princess Bride

How to Train Your Dragon

Three favorite books:

HARRY POTTER

GOING BOVINE

HUNGER GAMES

Three places I'd love to visit:

Israel

Italy

HAWAII!!! he he he

Three favorite hobbies:

Writing

Reading

Laughing

Three things I'm looking forward to:

SCBWI LA

Hearing back about my submissions

Mockingjay

Now three following bloggers that I don't know enough about:

Becca Rogers

Josin McQuein

Vicki

TAG YOUR IT!!

NOW, today's guinea pig - er, I mean subject - eh, well, you know what I'm trying to say, right? Anyhow, today I decided to feature

Lindsey Brooks!

Lindsey is a tough nut to crack. Her bio is short and sweet and to the point. She says she is a "Teacher by day, Mommy by night, and Writer whenever I can squeeze it in. My own cast of characters: Me, Handsome Hubby, Tootsie Roll (7), and Curly Jones (3)" I had an idea spark in the back of my mind when I saw this statement. I mean, how in the world does she manage to "squeeze in writing?" Not to mention blogging.

Then I looked to the left. There was the answer. If you go to her blog you will see it too. See the striped socks? Remind you of anything? That's right. Wizard of Oz. Didn't the WITCH where those? Well, you know, different color and all. But still...

So I got to thinking. Couldn't one use witchcraft to squeeze in some more time in the day? Plus, not all witches are evil and ugly. I mean Hermione certainly wasn't. So, I think I might have figured this out.

So tell us, Lindsey - If your blog is called "Dangerous with a Pen," is the pen really wand?

Remember to stop by on Thursday to see the results of the contest I ran last week. I'll be interviewing a Nymph and a Satyr! Again - if you have a question you would like me to pose throw it in the comments section and I might just use it and link to your blog!

The Ogre and the Slushpile oh and a winner...

Okay I won't MAKE you read the whole story just to get to the contest winner. But you know you want to..

The winner is: Well, there are two. It's a tie! Because I realized that I wanted to write an interview w/both at the same time. That is, a nymph and a satyr! Congrats Abigail and Bookaholic!! Let me know which book you pick... I'll feature the interview one week from today on my Thursday blog. Thank you ALL for participating and if you leave a question for the interview and I use it I will link to your blog. Now enjoy the fairy tale:

The Ogre and the Slushpile

Once upon a time there lived an ogre named Stan. Now, Stan wasn't exactly your typical Ogre. Sure, he had scaly green skin, huge hairy knuckles and was roughly the size of a baby elephant. But, Stan also had something the other Ogres did not: A brain bigger than a peanut.

It occurred to Stan one day, while chewing on the bones of the census worker who'd braved his swamp, that he ought to get a job. Then he could afford some seasoning. So Stan started looking. He tried many things. He was fired from the local fast food store after eating the first customer who complained his order was wrong (though really, could you blame him? The guy was obviously an idiot to complain to an Ogre). Then he was turned down for the role of Hagrid, being that the job was already taken. Finally, Stan ended up at a small publishing company, which shall remain nameless.

The editors at this house hesitated only moments before hiring Stan. He was, after all the perfect fit for the position. So, Stan the Ogre started work going through the enormous slushpile that was taking over the front office.

The first day Stan was thrilled. He always liked reading stories. After the fifth one about the handsome brooding vampire and helpless girl in love, he knew just what to do. He happily devoured any and all of these stories, being sure to send out the requisite form rejection he'd so carefully put together:

DEER AWTHUR:

YOUR BOOK SUCKS BUT IT IS YUMMY. DON"T SEND MORE. ME HAVE PLENTEE.

YOURS TROOLIE,

STAN

Mind you the editors found this brilliant as they were only going out to the worst of the slushpile. (note: if you have received one of these letters I mean you no offense).

The second day Stan found his head hurting. How many books could people write about the end of the world? And those adverbial dialogue tags... Well, every sentence? Stan gobbled them all up and sent out more of his form rejections.

By the third day Stan was in a very bad mood indeed. He'd barely cleared one of the fourteen teetering piles and had found only one book that could be passed on to the editors. He started on the second pile and had the talking squirrel book half-way to his mouth when a woman burst into the office. She was clutching Stan's form rejection in her hand and her face was bright red. Stan licked his lips.

"How dare you! I spent weeks on that manuscript! Don't you know it was the best thing ever written? Didn't you see my letter? I told you it was like Hemingway meets J.K. Rowling! I demand justice!"

Stan was confused. Was the screeching Ogress talking about the one where the vampire goes to school with the wizards and they see him sparkling in the sun? Or was it the one about the girl who follows the boy in the woods, sees he's a werewolf and falls in love with him only to be kidnapped by the mailman? Either way, it was very tasty.

"Are you listening to me?" The Ogress snapped. "Who is in charge here?"

"You talk too much," Stan said.

"How dare you! I"ll sue! I just know you're planning on stealing my idea! I put a copyright on it you know!"

Stan really wanted her to shut up. So he ate her. The editors found him just after he took his last bite. They saw the purse on the ground and heard him burp. They asked what had happened. Stan told them the story, only to realize he probably shouldn't have eaten the woman.

Sadly, Stan hung his head and told them he would go. He had really enjoyed the job too. But the editors told him to wait. They conferred amongst themselves and returned with a deal. If Stan promised not to eat any more authors - angry or otherwise - he could keep his job. He was the best Ogre they'd ever employed and they were glad to have him.

So, to this day, Stan works on keeping the slushpile down to two teetering piles and has earned enough money to buy all the seasoning he wants. The only down side? His office can't go paperless. The editors have assured him it would cost too much to buy a new computer every time he gets an email.

The moral of the story is this: Even an Ogre knows when you take your time and do it right. Also, don't storm in a publishing house like a lunatic because the Ogre might eat you.