A Writer's Campaign: Won't You Join Me?

The fabulous YA writer Rachael Harrie over at Rach Writes, has decided to host her third Writer's Platform Building Campaign. And what exactly does that mean?

Well, for all aspiring authors and bloggers looking to increase their online platform - not to mention meet like minds in the process - this will be the forum to do so! What a fab idea it was, for her to throw us all together, huh?

During the Campaign, Rachael will be running Campaigner Challenges (I believe there will be prizes, too!) and she's also set up a Campaigner Yahoo Group here. Don't forget to check out any Twitter-talk at #writercampaign.

The details:

The campaign will run from August 22nd - October 31st. During this time, the 3 campaign challenges mentioned above, will run on the following dates, so mark your calendars:

1. First Campaigner Challenge - Monday, September 5
2. Second Campaigner Challenge - Thursday, September 22
3. Third Campaigner Challenge - Monday, October 17

So, pop on over to Rach Writes, check out all the details - and for cryin' out loud - won't you join me and sign up??

Coming Soon: Banned Books Week Giveaway 9/24 - 10/1

As posted on the American Library Associations website, Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read, and the importance of the First Amendment - and this year, will take place from September 24th to October 1st.

Personally, I can't even believe in this day and age, that the censorship and banning of books, still even occurs. As a writer myself, I feel everyone should have the right to read, no matter what the content. Sure not everyone is going to agree. Of course subject matters are going to run the gamut of topics, some of which are purely out there for shock value. But if anyone finds a book in the least bit offensive, there's one very simple thing they can do:

Don't. Read. It. 

But dare you tell me I can't read it. Because as soon as you try, you can rest assured - I'll do whatever I can, to make sure I do.

I know this can be a very touchy subject, one that not everyone is going to agree with me on. But it's classic physchology folks! Tell someone they can't do something and they most certainly will. But give them the choice, give them the educated reasons behind your thoughts, and you may end up with a completely different outcome. And in the end, that's really what it comes down to - the freedom to choose!

So to honor Banned Books Week this year, I'll be participating in I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Banned Books Week Giveaway Hop. You'll have to check back on 9/24 to find out all the specifics - but it'll be a pretty basic point tally system, like you need to be a follower of my website (HINT: higher point value will be given to those who followed my blog prior to 9/24).

And what's up for grabs you might ask? Tsk, tsk, come back on 9/24 to find out! But I will say, there will be several books which have made their way onto the banned list - all of which I've read, and personally believe, have made me the better because of it!

Soooo, won't you come back on 9/24 and check out what's up for grabs? I hope to see you here!

With that, I'll leave you to answer one of these questions:

Do you believe censorship should / shouldn't be allowed? If so, why / why not?

Do you have a favorite book that's on THE LIST? Oh do please share!

My Review: Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:

Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart.
She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her "boyfriend" isn't much of a boyfriend. And her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided their family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, is a Hannaford tradition.

Over a summer of new friendships, unexpected romance, and moments that test the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, Delilah must face her family's painful past. Can even her most shattered relationships be pieced together again?

Rich with emotion, Sarah Ockler delivers a powerful story of family, love, and self-discovery.

My Review:

I loved Sarah's first novel, TWENTY BOY SUMMER – and immediately dove into FIXING DELILAH, as soon as I'd finished the last page.

The hard-hitting topic this time? Family.

We've all been there before (okay, maybe some of us more than others, but still), dealing with the chaos of related loved ones. This book particularly resonated with me, primarily because it dealt with the relationship between Delilah and her mom, and her mom and her grandmother. On more than one occasion, I felt the sharp pang of familiarity with what was happening between them all - especially when the topic strayed towards her grandmother's depression. A very private and often times alienated subject, depression impacts the lives of so many, yet is often swept under the rug with the hopes it will just go away.

Sarah Ockler definitely has a way with words, along with the ability to weave intense subject matters into an otherwise common story line - and all while not speaking down to the intended audience: the teen reader.

FIXING DELILAH was beautifully written, although I will say TWENTY BOY SUMMER is still my favorite Sarah Ockler read.

View all my reviews