Thursday Three Plus One: Celebrating Fellow NW bloggers!!

Today I'm spotlighting Northwest Bloggers, specifically bloggers from my home state Washington. I'm in really good company. I found blogs on just about anything I might be interested in. Go Washington, you rock!!!

I have to say, however, choosing which ones to spotlight was no easy task. These are barely the cusp  of the Norhwest blogger scene. I will definitely be doing this again!!!


Adventures of Scatman by Craig Scatman

    If your looking for a great overview of the hiking, skiing and biking scene, this is the place. But, before you write this off because you're not a North-westerner or don't participate in any of the above sports, hold on! Craig has hiked over 1000 miles all over the freakin' place. His pictures are amazing and the narrative tight and incredibly descriptive. He also reviews products and trails but my favorite are the stories of his adventures.


Wine Peeps by Kori S. Voorhees and John K. Sosnowy
The Wine Peeps are a family team consisting of two couples, Kori and Colby Voorhees and John and LaGayle Sosnowy.

This past summer some friends of ours in Wanatchee took me to my first winery. I've tasted here and there but for the most part it all tasted like mouthwash to me.  Icicle Ridge, by Leavenworth, holds  tastings in a rustic log cabin nestled in a small valley of vineyards. After sampling several, it was a simple premium white wine mixed with peach juice that caught my preference. Knowing very little about the process,  I was fascinated at the sophistication and the care that is taken in the production. After having such an enjoyable experience, I went in search of blogs that could help educate my virgin tongue. This is one I have especially enjoyed.


Gluten Free Girl and the Chef by Shauna James Ahern    

When I first heard about the gluten allergy I thought it was similar to lactose intolerance. I had no idea how serious it can be and the symptoms that accompany that allergy. This is a great blog to learn all about it. Besides the fact that Shauna's cookbook was chosen one of the best cookbooks of 2010 by the New York Times.

And the Oldie but Goody this week is...

Great Kid Books by Mary Ann Scheuer

    One of my favorite things to do is find a great independent bookstore but sometimes I just can't leave the house. For me the next best thing is a blog that's loaded with reviews and great books I can add to my to TBR list. Hope you enjoy this blog as much as I do. And say hello to Mary Ann when you do!

The Thursday Three Plus The You've Still Got It, Baby Blog of The Week

The blogs I'm spotlighting today are often random in what they post but that's why I like them. Sometimes I just want a break from how to's and writers angst.  Some are writers some aren't.  When I'm looking for a break from the hard work of writing I find these refreshing.


Daily Dodo by Laura
     Laura comes to us from the UK and brings a unique flavor of humor to all of her posts. You can find posts that will tickle your funny bone, ones that will make you think and posts with made up words. She often shares her writing progress and is planning to do Nanowrimo. One of my personal favorites is her brief references to "himself" her significant other. (Reminds me of Shannon Messengers "The hubs"). I really related to her post called, "The Little Thing About Yourself You Lost". I'm always amazed at how universal some of our experiences are.

Creepy Query Girl by Former Married Women with Three Children
       At least she was married until she finished her first manuscript in 2009 when she evolved into the Creepy Query Girl. (It's unclear if her Creepy alter-ego is compatible with her married identity ;) She blogs from her home in France. She admits to doing everything but stalking agents. She can be counted on for great posts on just about anything. Some of my favorites are No Panic Attacks While Writing, Everything You Never Wanted To Know and today's A Ghost Story.


David Powers King by David Powers King
      Here is a great site for all you science fiction junkies out there. David writes science fiction with a soft spot for fantasy, paranormal and zombies. He wrote his first novel at age 15. He is always highlighting great authors and also moderates InkPageant blogging site where writers can post about writing. He's really good at promoting his peers so it's a good place to go to stay on top of what's new in science fiction. David comes to us from Utah.


In a blogging world dominated by young 20-30yr. olds, this weeks plus one features what I like to call the "You've Still Got It, Baby". 

Empty Nest Insider by Julie Kemp Pick
   Julie has taken her experience of years working on a magazine and applied those skills to the content of her blog. She can be counted on to deliver interesting and unique stories that are written well and are always entertaining. One of my favorite was when she researched what happened to the "intimate shaver" that caused an automobile accident in Florida and had her ex-husband take the blame. Yeah, it's worth the read. Julie comes to us from the windy city, Chicago. She also features original poetry and everyday incidents told in creative ways and new perspectives. I love this one!!

The Thursday Three Plus One

Last week Alex J. Cavanaugh and Matthew MacNish hosted the Pay it Forward Blogfest where participants highlight three blogs. Talk about an awesome resource for finding more people to connect to! Great idea. Since I do this every Thursday I am excited that I have this great resource to draw from.

Here are three blogs that I discovered this week and one that I visit regularly! Enjoy!

Susan Kaye Quinn by Susan Kaye Quinn
Conjuring Tales For Young Minds
     This is a bonanza of great information. Get this...before Susan became a novel writer she was a rocket scientist and engineer. She says that all that background serves her well when she is constructing dystopian worlds. Ya think? She is fascinating and provides great resources for writers. Check out her links to posts on publishing, e-books, self-publishing and writing.

Starving Novelist  by Sara Furlong-Burr
    Meet Sara, a para-legal turned author. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan she completes number 16 on my bucket list. (Meeting someone from Kalamazoo.) Check out her post on beta readers where she articulates some important aspects of being a beta reader. Check out her comments you might just find your perfect critique partner or beta. She is currently working on a science fiction trilogy and sharing her journey towards publication.


The WriteRunner  by Andrew Rosenburg
     Andrew uses his running as a metaphor for his journey as writer. He writes steam punk and has a completed novel called Steam Palace. He is attending Steamcon III and I'm looking forward to hearing his report. He has some great posts about writing and besides, he's from the Northwest which makes him awesome!

Literary Rambles by Casey McCormick and Natalie Aguirre
      If you haven't already made this apart of your regular blogging travels, you should. Especially if you are ready to begin the query process. Here you can find how to research an agent and agent spotlights that are loaded with links and information. This blog is an important piece of my query arsenal.

Join me every Thursday for more great blogs that are only a click away!!

The Thursday Three Plus One

In my travels through the blogosphere I am often amazed by the great blogs out there.  Here are some more you shouldn't miss...
 
Rainstorms & Rainbows by Rain Laaman
     First I'd like to officially welcome Rain to the blogosphere. Writing about a variety of writing subjects, Rain is honest about her challenges and discoveries. She began writing early in life and has chosen the challenging path of a writer. Join her on her journey into the writing life.

Brave New Words by Young Adult Sci-fi Authors Debuting in 2012
     Now this is an awesome idea! Here are some fabulous authors that have embraced the reality of self marketing and balancing this with their writing lives. Instead of running individual blogs they have banded together to promote all of their books on one blog. Ingenious! And these are some awesome books. Which brings me to their sister blog.

The Nightstand: For Books Both Sinister and Strange by 2012 Young Adult Paranormal and Thriller Debuts
     Here is another group of smart authors helping each other to promote their books. One sidebar features their books with links to buy them. The other sidebar has links to their personal websites. There are also pictures and short bios of each author. This is way cool synergy!!

And now for an oldie but goody...


Shrinking Violet Promotions by R.L. Lafevers and Mary Hershey
Marketing For Introverts
      I love, love, love this blog. Why? Because I'm never disappointed. They have relevant and important information about promoting yourself and your books. This week they have an important article about the unique challenge of marketing for middle grade books. Established in 2007 they have experience and knowledge of the changes in publishing.

If you have a blog that you think I should check out and review let me know! 


Haven't entered to win a signed copy of this weeks Marvelous Middle Grade enter here.

The Thursday Three Plus One

I'm impressed with blogs that I keep stumbling upon and thought I would spotlight some of them so you can be impressed, too. Each week I choose three new blogs (by new I mean those that have started in the last year) that I think have a unique take on something, make me laugh or are just plain awesome. I will also highlight what I will call the "oldie but goody" of the week. This will be a blog that continues to deliver when it comes to content, always fresh, interesting or the my-week-isn't-complete-unless-I-stop-there blog.

Feel free to tell me about a new blog you've found or one that you just can't live without. Cyberspace is so vast and I don't want to miss anything!

The Scribblers Cove by An Awesome Group of Writers
      If you're looking for a writers group to drop in on, this is the place. Several aspiring and debut authors host this blog that features ideas, encouragement and inspiration. There are also links to great resources and products worth checking out. The site is fairly new and is perhaps still working on finding it's blogging legs but I think they have a great concept and encourage you to support them. 


It's in the Books by Dawn Embers
    This is another great blog by an aspiring author. What's impressive is she's only been blogging for a year and she has reached 200 followers. So how did she do it? First, she posts openly and honestly about her writing goals, discoveries and weaknesses. Second, she consistently joins blogfests. Her biggest success last year was her religious participation in Nanowrimo. I'm looking forward to seeing what she accomplishes this year. Go Dawn!


Meredith McCardle by Meredith
    What I like about Meredith's blog is her raw authenticity. Sometimes it's helpful to read that someone is having the same problem you are with staying focused. I especially liked her post about finding something in a museum that was extremely inspiring, so much so, she had characters and a whole new story pushing her current WIP off to the side. What followed was a wonderful dialogue, comments by others that could relate to this issue.

And Now for the Oldie but Goody...
Winded Words by Jackee
     I joined this blog as a follower some time ago, but as many of you will agree, getting back to every blog you've joined is difficult. So when I dropped in today I was happily surprised to find a post worth thinking about. Why do you blog? Jackee lists several things that blogging has provided for her. See how many of them you agree with and post your own reasons in the comments.

The Thursday Three

I'm so impressed with the blogs I keep stumbling upon and thought I would start spotlighting some of them so you can be impressed, too. Each week I will choose three new blogs (by new I mean those that have started in the last year)  that I think have a unique take on something, make me laugh or are just plain awesome.  I will also highlight what I will call  the "oldie but goody" of the week. This will be a blog that continues to deliver when it comes to content, always fresh, interesting or the my-week-isn't-complete-unless-I-stop-there blog.  

Feel free to tell me about a new blog you've found or one that you just can't live without. Cyberspace is so vast and I don't want to miss anything!

Wolf Tales    by Jennifer Wolf

This is one of those blogs that you just want to visit and load up on all the positive ju-ju  floating around. I have had a ball watching her get her book deal, reveal her cover and all the snarky teen posts. Head on over and congratulate her on receiving the ark copies of her book, Breaking Beautiful that will debut in April 2012. Go Jennifer!!

The Word is My Oyster     by Lydia Kang

Now this is impressive. Lydia has been blogging only since 2010 and she is already celebrating her 900 followers with an awesome give away. It isn't surprising given her content. Her in depth interviews with authors are always interesting. My favorite are the Medical Monday posts. These are always packed with fascinating facts and stories. Last Monday the post was about a guy who heaved a quart of blood every week in the ER.

The Question of the Day    by Suzanne Casamento

Before you get all she's-been-blogging-for-more-than-a-year on me, let me explain why I've included this blog. Suzanne has been blogging her questions for several years, but since her follower numbers are still below 200, I decided she fit my requirements. And besides, it's my blog. Anyway, I love the questions she poses and the dialogue she generates and think if she could double her following things could get really interesting. 

And now for the oldie-but-goody:

Badass Bookie by Lisa Badass Bookie

What's not to like about a blog that is badass? Lisa is dedicated to spotlighting debut authors in her Debutante of the Month series. All things YA are the focus and if your looking to fill out your TBR stack this is the place. And besides, I always feel badass after my visit and for a 50 something that's something. Now, where did I put my boots, I feel a strut coming on.


Drifted into any hot new blogs lately?

The Thursday Three Plus One

I'm so impressed with the blogs I keep stumbling upon and thought I would start spotlighting some of them so you can be impressed, too. Each week I will choose three new blogs (by new I mean those that have started in the last year) that I think have a unique take on something, make me laugh or are just plain awesome. I will also highlight what I will call the "oldy but goody" of the week. This will be a blog that continues to deliver when it comes to content, always fresh, interesting or the my-week-isn't-complete-unless-I-stop-there blog.

Feel free to tell me about a new blog you've found or one that you just can't live without. Cyberspace is so vast and I don't want to miss anything!


Here are three new blogs worth clicking into:



In The Next Room by Zoe

This is a another great book review blog but I find her eclectic choice of books refreshing. Zoe also has some additional pages that feature a series on movies vs. book comparison's, an author page where she has links to authors that have visited her site and a challenge page. When you go to the challenge page there are links to several reading challenges that she is in the process of completing and links so you can join them.

Karen Pokras Toz by Karen Pokras Toz

My favorite thing about Karen's blog is her weekly Friday Five. There is always something interesting. Most recently she's been blogging about her kids at camp. Fun times! Karen's writing is energetic and fun, much like her newly released book, Nate Rocks The World. Which I will be reviewing for MMGM on August 8th. She was kind enough to send me a signed copy that I will be giving away a lucky commenter. 

 The Rusty Key by Jordan B. Neilsen

Neilsen is one of the few blogs that have established themselves as an actual virtual place on the internet. When you arrive at the front gate you have several key options, the cellar, the attic, the reading room or the shed. There are also special features. Most recently, Neilsen along with her cohorts, Becca Worthington and Russel Jones have been exploring the "Harry Potter Effect". Their book reviews, interviews and features truly amazing. I will definitely be visiting them often.



And now for the oldie but goody... 

Reading Nook by Brittlit 

Okay, this one isn't very old and only misses my cut-off for new blogs by seven months, but rules are rules. Brittlit is solely dedicated to YA book reviews and has been since June 2009. Her list is vast and her reviews are full of great prose, I really like her format at the beginning of each post. She also adds the first line and favorite lines, which are something I always include in my reviews. I hope she doesn't mind but I'm going to steal some ideas. I love that she reviews the covers. Check it out, you won't be disappointed. 


What blogs have you found that shouldn't be missed?

The Thursday Three

I'm so impressed with the blogs I keep stumbling upon and thought I would start spotlighting some of them so you can be impressed, too. Each week I will choose three new blogs (by new I mean those that have started in the last year)  that I think have a unique take on something, make me laugh or are just plain awesome.  I will also highlight what I will call  the "oldy but goody" of the week. This will be a blog that continues to deliver when it comes to content, always fresh, interesting or the my-week-isn't-complete-unless-I-stop-there blog.  

Feel free to tell me about a new blog you've found or one that you just can't live without. Cyberspace is so vast and I don't want to miss anything!

Here are three new blogs worth clicking into:

The Slowest Bookworm by Karen

     I have always been a slow reader and it  took a while to realize why.  I'm  slow because I sound of words and how they feel coming off my tongue. I have learned to move faster but I don't seem to enjoy it as much. Needless to say, when I saw the name of this blog I was intrigued. Karen reviews YA and adult fiction most of the time and you can also find great contests. 


Getting Your Read On by Aimee Brown

       Besides the clever title, Aimee's book reviews are always interesting. She reviews a wide range of genre's so there is something for everyone. In addition she is a reviewer over at
The Literate Mother which is a great source for good reads for middle grade and YA.


Departing The Text by Meryl Jaffe, Phd.

     This is a blog that raises issues that deal with education and literacy. I especially enjoyed her bullying post where she outlined possible no tolerance policies. Another great post dealt with arguments. All of her posts are chuck full of links, great information and often entertaining videos. If your interested in these subjects you won't want to miss this blog. 

And Now For The Oldie But Goody:


AnfinsenArt by Carol Anfinsen

     This is one of the blogs that I have to check out every week. There are several reasons that this is the case. One, is I am always treated to a  visual feast of color and line. I often find it breaks loose my muse. Two Anfinsen is an articulate writer and always has something interesting to say. And third, Anfinsen happens to be my mother, who I'm incredibly proud of and can't get over how prolific and driven she is.  I can count on her blog for inspiration every time I click in.


What new blogs have you found?