TBT Writer - The Word Wizard

It's #TBTWriter! Time to share some writing throwbacks and awkward pics. If you’ve got a writing throwback, post it with this hashtag so everyone can read your story.

In elementary school, we were given a class assignment to write about our favorite words. They even gave us this nifty handout to fill in the blanks.

Check out that self portrait in the middle. I'm wearing a bow AND a pearl necklace. Fancy. I'm also labeled as "a word wizard." I like the sound of that!

Looking back now, the teacher who assigned this was awesome. What better way to learn how you feel about writing than to dissect words. I especially liked looking at which of these answers are still true, which I've noted beneath each prompt. Here we go...

Words that make me happy: Good, fantastic, great, nice job
These words do still certainly make me happy. :D

Strange or fun words I know: Ice skating, music, soccer
I must be going with "fun" words here.

Special words: Amie
Interesting answer. I probably wrote this because not a lot of people spell their name like me.

Places we find words: Paper, rooms, clothes, school, homes
Yep.

Words I say to cheer up others: Are you o.k., I'm sorry, comets
Not sure what 'comets' means here. Maybe I meant 'comments' as in giving people feedback.

Words that scare me: Croak
This is still true! There's something about this particular word that I absolutely hate.

Words that I love to hear: Piano, music, soccer, Amie
Apparently I liked people saying my name. Not sure these are still true. I think my new answers would have to be cake, Loki (he's my puppy), and I liked your book.

I use words with care because: More people will be kind and will become our friends
I can't believe I wrote this. How adorable!

Words are important because: That's how we learn how to read and talk
Agree.

These words always cause a strong reaction: Hate
Agree.

I learn new words best when: I look in a dictionary
Somewhat agree. I'm more likely to look at the thesaurus in Word than go to a dictionary. 
 
And no TBT post would be complete without a silly picture. This one is so wonderfully 90's that I had to include it. Check out that rockin side ponytail. Oh, and if you're curious about what I'm doing, I'm weaving a lanyard. Remember those? I miss the 90's :(

Have you checked out my other TBTWriter posts yet? You might find these amusing:

• Confessions of a Sugarholic 
• Good Ideas, Sometimes!  
• A Sparkling Dog Named Millie
• An OCD's Worst Nightmare

10 Must-Haves for Book Nerds

Are you a book geek? Know something who is? Then you're going to love these insanely clever products for book lovers.

P.S. There's a O% percent chance you're not keeping at least one of these for yourself. Don't say I didn't warn you.

1. Nerdy Candles

What does a bookstore candle smell like exactly? The description says it contains scents of: Driftwood, Mahogany, Coffee, and a hint of Leather. I'm intrigued. Bonus points that it's not made with icky chemicals. Score one for only $18.00. There's also a scent called Winterfell! Would it be super nerdy to light it and watch Game of Thrones? Maybe I'm the wrong person to answer that :D.

2. Personal Library Kit

For a bibliophile, there's no greater pleasure than sharing beloved books, but no crueler pain than losing them for good. This Personal Library Kit can put an end to lost books. Plus, it's absolutely adorable! $16.00.

3. Witty T-Shirts

   

Book t-shirts are everywhere, and each one is seemingly cuter than the next. These are just some of my favorites.  

4. Cell Phone Cases

Gorgeous leather-bound book cell phone cases are a thing! There's a bunch of different books to choose from and prices vary. Try searching Pinterest for a wide selection of options.

5. Clutch

This DIY clutch is totally chic and the possibilities for colors, covers, and sizes are endless. Check out the tutorial.

6. Book Vase Bookends

Serving both as a vase and a bookend, this is a beautiful piece of home decor anybody would like to flaunt. $45.00.

7. Nerdy Swimsuit

Want to stand out at the beach, or just want to show off your love of Harry Potter? This little beauty will certainly do the trick. $14.99.

8. Book Tent

How cool is this book tent!? Choose from multiple book cover designs. It's yours for $700 (ouch!). 


9. Stair Decals

Turn your stairs into a giant library. Any book title you want, this shop will make it. Get them from That Makes A Statement on Etsy for $25.00.

10. Dinnerware

Create the perfect accent while entertaining. Whether it’s for a book club, a gathering of literary friends, or dinner at home with the family, you’ll love these unique book-shaped plates, platters, and teacup sets! Dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe. Prices range from $9.99 - $24.99. I'm so getting these!

Wanna see more geeky book stuff? Follow my Book Nerd Pinterest Board.

Victorian Mania – What’s On My Nightstand

Can you say WEIRD?

I’ve been really getting into Victorian-themed everything lately, like weird Victorian pictures (above). I’ve been totally binge-watching Masterpiece Theatre too (Downton Abbey and Mr. Selfridge are my favorites at the moment, although it all began with Avonlea back in the day), and then I randomly picked up a couple of Victorian-themed books. Now it’s all I want to read! It’s been influencing me so much that a lot of the Victorian aesthetics are trickling into my new book, The Nightmare Birds—the second book in the Strange Luck series. If you’re of a similar Victorian mania mindset, or just looking for something new to read, here’s what’s currently on my nightstand:

The Cure for Dreaming By: Cat Winters: The gorgeous cover is what initially drew me to this book. Something about the picture is just so irresistibly strange and creepy. My favorite! :) The Cure for Dreaming is a peculiar Gothic love story, seamlessly weaving in the complexity of gender roles in Victorian life. Cat writes so simplistically, yet her words carry deep purpose and beauty. I also love the old pictures and quotes scattered throughout the book (very Miss Peregrine’s School for Peculiar Children). The parallels with Dracula are also a nice touch. 

This story has kept me guessing and I can’t wait to see what happens. I’ll definitely be reading more of Cat’s books in the future.

Anatomy of a Darkened Heart By: Christie Stratos: In a word…Wow! I am absolutely and totally addicted to Anatomy of a Darkened Heart. From the first sentence, I was totally transported into time and place, wondering what was going to happen next—especially with the creepy baby. The concept reminds me of The Omen meets Rosemary’s Baby meets Downtown Abbey. All winners! 

Christie’s writing style and use of description is elegant, unique, and emotional. I'm dying to see what happens next. Oh, and the cover is freakin' awesome!

What I’ll Be Reading Next:

Bad Medicine By: David Wootton: Until the invention of antibiotics in the 1930s doctors, in general, did their patients more harm than good. This book is a fascinating look at the history of medicine—from Hippocrates, the Victorian era, to present. 

Anne of Green Gables By: L.M. Montgomery: I’ve always loved this story. It’s due time for a re-read.

 
Other Cool Victorian Things to Check Out:

7 Ways Victorian Fashion Could Kill You: No wonder most people didn't live past age 30!

10 Weird Things the Victorian’s Did for Fun: The anthropomorphic taxidermy is by far the weirdest.

Weird Victorian Beauty Standards We Thankfully Don’t Deal with Today: Ahh, the sting of poison in your eyes. All in the name of beauty.

How We Lived Then Museum: Next time I'm in England I'm totally going here.

 

Ragged School Museum: The authentic Victorian classrooms are a must see. 

Is there an awesome Victorian book, movie, or museum you’d like to share? Comment below! If not, you'll have to answer to him...and that's one mean looking chicken!

TBT Writer - Confessions of a Sugarholic

It's Throw Back Thursday (TBT)! If you're a writer, I invite you to share something you wrote way back when and/or a pic of yourself. Bad stories happen. It's part of the journey of becoming a better writer. Whether you wrote a bad story when you were eight or twenty eight, embrace it with laughter. :) Don't forget to use #TBTWriter when you post. If you're a reader, enjoy the hilarity.

And now...for my bad story. For those of you who don't know, I have a major sweet tooth (especially for chocolate). I could eat an entire four course meal and miraculously have room for dessert. It's a special skill, I know (*hold for applause). Anyway, for this month's TBTWriter, I thought I'd share a hilarious story I wrote when I was eight-years-old about ice cream. Hey, I was eight! What could've possibly been more important? And of course, I included photos.

Gotta love fashion in the 90s!

An editor's nightmare.

The Ice Cream Sundae Was Good

The ice cream sundae that cost $20.00 was fantastic. It was nice and cold like snow. I could almost taste all of the wonderful flavors with the hot fudge and caramel drowning the multi-colored toppings. On top of that was the creamy, white whipped cream, circling around that were bits of Reese's peanut butter cups all crumbled up. My favorite part was the ruby red cherry on top. All of this was piled high. The smell was cool and creamy. Just looking at it almost hypnotized me. Waiting still for the lady to let me eat it, I felt the hardness of the uncomfortable chair that I was sitting in. Finally it was time. I asked for the biggest spoon and I took a huge mouthful of the ice cream. The word "yes!" ran through my mind. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. Now I think you know why it cost $20.00!

Some things never change.

Don't forget to check out my other #TBTWriter stories and pics:

• Good Ideas, Sometimes!
• A Nine-Year-Old's First Horror Story
• A Sparkling Dog Named Millie

What did you think of my silly story? Do you have something from way back you'd like to share with the world?