I'm happy to be a part of the Siren Blog Tour and I was given the chance to get Tricia to answer a few of my questions about herself and her new novel Siren. Here's what it's about.....
Seventeen-year-old Vanessa Sands is afraid of everything--the dark, heights, the ocean--but her fearless older sister, Justine, has always been there to coach her through every challenge. That is until Justine goes cliff diving one night near the family's vacation house in Winter Harbor, Maine, and her lifeless body washes up on shore the next day.
Vanessa's parents want to work through the tragedy by returning to their everyday lives back in Boston, but Vanessa can't help feeling that her sister's death was more than an accident. After discovering that Justine never applied to colleges, and that she was secretly in a relationship with longtime family friend Caleb Carmichael, Vanessa returns to Winter Harbor to seek some answers.
But when Vanessa learns that Caleb has been missing since Justine's death, she and Caleb's older brother, Simon, join forces to try to find him, and in the process, their childhood friendship blossoms into something more.
Soon it's not just Vanessa who is afraid. All of Winter Harbor is abuzz with anxiety when another body washes ashore, and panic sets in when the small town becomes home to a string of fatal, water-related accidents . . . in which all the victims are found grinning from ear to ear.
As Vanessa and Simon probe further into the connections between Justine's death and the sudden rash of creepy drownings, Vanessa uncovers a secret that threatens her new romance, and that will change her life forever.
1. Do you have a favorite character in Siren?
Besides Vanessa, the main character, I really enjoyed writing Zara. She needed to be cold, mysterious, and likable at the same time, which was a fun challenge.
2. Since I haven't had to the opportunity to personally read Siren yet (though I hope to get my hands on a copy soon), I'm guessing-based on the title-the book involves Sirens. Did you have to do a lot of research about these creatures or did you make it up along the way?
I read up on the mythological sirens that lured sailors in from the sea, but everything else came about along the way. Because I wanted my sirens to be contemporary and their world completely unique, I didn’t rely too heavily on other sources.
3. In Siren, Vanessa has a fear of practically everything, do you share any of the same fears?
Vanessa and I do share some of the same fears. Neither of us is a fan of the dark, heights, or flying!
4. If you weren't a writer, what other job would you want to have?
It’s really hard to imagine being anything else, but believe it or not, back in the day I wanted to be a marine biologist. I’m still as fascinated by creatures of the deep as I am afraid of them, so I might give that a go!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Blog Tour: Siren by Tricia Rayburn

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Saturday, July 17, 2010
Contests end tonight!
As the tittle explains, my super huge mega crazy birthday bash contest ends tonight at 11:59 PM EST and the june comment contest, where you can win a $5 Amazon gift card ends at the same time, so if you haven't entered yet and you still want to, make sure you get your entry in today!
*commenting on a post will get you +5 for the super huge contest and at least 1 entry into the comment contest (refer to post for rules)
Friday, July 16, 2010
Cover Compare Friday (14)


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Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Review: Audrey, Wait!
The Plot:
It's safe to say that Audrey is probably one of my favorite characters ever. She was relatable (minus the fame part) and I could easily feel sorry for her about all of the problems she had to deal with. She handled her situation well and I grew to love her attitude. Audrey came off as being a cool normal girl and almost too realisitc. I wish she was real cause I'd love to be her friend. She stayed to true to herself throughout the book and I loved the scene at the end (trust me when you read it, if you haven't already, you'll know what I mean) and she was just so easy to connect to.Character:

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Sunday, July 11, 2010
Vacation
Hey everyone. I just wanted to let you know I'm going on vacation today and coming back on the 21st. I'm pretty sure there's internet in the house I'm staying at, but if not, I already have a few post pre-set the post.
EDIT: I do have internet =D!

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Friday, July 9, 2010
Interview with ReaganStar
ReaganStar of Star Shadow was kind enough to donate an ARC of Butterfly by Sonya Hartnett, so to show my appreciation, I offered to interview her:
1. Can you tell us something about you and your blog?
My Blog is run by myself and my wonderful other half Matt, as well as occasional reviews from our lil monster Kaden. Hes 4 so I just put his opinion in review form, and Mekaya (6) :-) We are beyond book lovers, as our home is filled with tons and tons of books.. we have a huge love for them as well as the kiddos. We have a wide array of favorites ranging from YA and Chick lit, to Science Fiction to Post Apocolyptic and even cook books LOL. Yes like I Said... huge variety.
2. Why did you start blogging?
I actually started blogging back in October or 2009 as I had a back surgery that was going to have me bed ridden for quite a nice recovery period. I am still recovering actually... It started as a creative blog.. doing my work with PSP and Gimp... then turned into a book blog, I never imagined it to turn into what it is now, and I am so thankful for so many of the amazing Book bloggers out there for there support and inspiration.
3. What's your favorite part of the blogging experience?
It would have to be the opportunity to talk and see other book bloggers sharing a wonderful passion for books as well as meeting some amazing Authors... such as Jennifer Murgia, and Jennifer Laurens... HAHAH I think I have a favorite for Jennifers LOL
4. Tell us one really random/strange fact about you.
I am not a huge chocolate fan... I prefer the fruity types of candies and flavors.
5. Name your top 5 favorite books.
Ok this is so not fair as there are so many fabulous books out there.. but Here they are in no particular order
1. Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia
2. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
3. Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens (penitence as well Im sure its my next read)
4. Meg Cabots' Heather Wells Series Size 12 Is not fat, size 14 is not fat either and big boned and her runaway series... well everything she writes lol
5.The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
6. Do you have a favorite author?
Again another hard choice... I cant choose just one.. I love Jennifer Murgia, I love Jennifer Laurens, I love Meg Cabot, I love Chloe Neill and I love Melissa Walker.. plus so so many more amazing writers out there.
7. What's one (or more) book that you can't wait to read?
HAHHA good thing you said or more..
Insatiable by Meg Cabot
The Next in Jennifer Murgia's series
Penitence and Absolution in Jennifer Laurens Series
Hex Hall and Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill
Lost Saint? I believe thats the name sorry if I am wrong... next in Bree Despains series
ohhh and so many more lol
8. Do you have any advice for new bloggers?
The best thing I can say is play around with your blog.. till you find YOUR style, don't work of others as each person is different if you find it comfortable then keep doing it.. If you get great response.. then keep doing it... Accept other bloggers assistance they have great advice and are so much nicer than you expect them to be I am sure.. Feel free to message some of your favorite bloggers, as them questions or check out the FAQ pages they have. Last but certainly not least have fun... read, chat, enjoy thats what this is all about.

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Saturday, July 3, 2010
Books on the beach

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Thursday, July 1, 2010
Remodeling
I just read through some of the responses to my survey on how to make my blog better and majority would like to see a new design for this blog, so I'm going to start playing around it and changing some things over the next few days. I just wanted to give everyone a heads up so don't worry if it looks all messed up and weird.

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