An Update + Birthdays + Road Trip + Book Challenge

Wow, is that a title... ;)

It has been a long time since I last posted (sorry about that!), but a lot has gone on in the interim. I have been working towards tying up the loose ends of school, and I literally just did my last test in Home Ec. yesterday!

I finally finished the quilt that I've been sewing, and it actually turned out rather well. (I even used an even slipstitch to sew the spot left open for turning the quilt right side out! I was pretty happy with it...) All that's left is some writing and drawing - hopefully those will go easy enough! :)

This last week has been the week of birthdays (still is, actually)! I had my fifteenth birthday on Monday the 27th, and had a ton of fun. I got some great gifts, including a new purse with a compartment the perfect size for a book, the 2009, mini-series version of Emma (we watched the first episode last night. Mr. Knightley is quite a good friend to Emma, and I must *cough* admit that so far he's my favorite character.), a novel - Ashburn by Julia Erickson (which I've already read!), and even some new music - Luminate's Welcome to Daylight - which is great if you're looking for music with a lot of depth and message - and Crowder's newest: Neon Steeple.

My niece, Stephanie, and I on my birthday. She's eating a banana. Her face is so funny!

Tuesday, my older brother had his birthday, and we made him a S'mores Pie. Yes, you heard right! S'mores Pie! It was so good I thought I'd share the recipe with you (thank Pinterest!). It's super sweet, but good. And Jesse liked it so much...I've made it again today. (It's cooling.) It's great for a once-in-a-while-treat!

My pie from today!

All right, enough rambling about the pie. ;)

Tomorrow is my sister's twenty-second birthday. She's requested banana bread for her special dessert, so Mom and I will throw that together tomorrow morning.

(Can you tell I like baking?)

I'm also very excited...because in exactly 11 or 12 days, we're going on a road trip to visit my grandparents! All the way from Washington to Russell, Iowa! That's a 1,600 mile trip through Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, and through parts of Iowa I've never seen...

And I'm actually looking forward to the trip (albeit, it'll be long. Two or three days long.). I'll get to see new places, stop by Waldrug, South Dakota, and Devil's Tower in Wyoming, and I'll also bring a book along. (When Jesus Wept, Into the Depths, and Ain't We Got Fun will be making the trip with me... As long as I don't cave in and read one first! I'll make sure I don't...) ;) I am so excited to go back to Russell - we haven't been on vacation there in nearly three years! - and spend time with my grandma and grandpa. We'll go to tea houses, shop, play Domino Train, maybe kayak and fish, and just hang out. Oh, and my grandpa goes up a few blocks for coffee everyday, so we get to go get frozen yogurt with him! Perhaps I'll do a post when we get back detailing our adventures!

Oh...and one last thing: While there, WE'RE GOING TO SEE TIM HAWKINS LIVE!!!!! I am so excited. Tim Hawkins, the Christian comedian, is hilarious to watch, and I can't wait to see him in person! It'll be so fun!

Aside from all the wonderful craziness (okay, so it hasn't been that crazy), I have been endeavoring to finish a book challenge a friend and I decided to do together for 2015. It's actually a pretty short one, but it's been kind of fun. I have read a book in each category listed except one! I thought I'd share with you:

(Links go to my Goodreads review of that book!)

Read a book that...

Takes place in your state or country... Quiet in His Presence
Makes you cry... The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
You love as a child... Millie's Faithful Heart (based on the books by Martha Finley)
Your best friend recommends... The Heart of Arcrea by Nicole Sager
Features someone that shares your eye color... Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (on the cover I'm pretty sure Marianne has brown eyes, but I may need to read another book in this category!)
Is over 500 pages long... Hebbros by Nicole Sager
Begins a series... Ashburn by Julia Erickson
Is in a genre you don't normally read... Hope in Front of Me by Danny Gokey
Has a child main character... The Island Queen by R.M. Ballantyne
Takes place in your favorite time period... It Took a War by Emily Ann Putzke
Is written by an author you've never heard of... Eric Liddell by Catherine Swift
Was made into a movie... Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
Reminds you of someone you love... Bruchko by Bruce Olsen
Includes a Christmas scene... Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke
Is a classic you've never read... Persuasion by Jane Austen (this was actually the first book I read in 2015!)
And last, but not least: Has a great cover... To Be Decided (But I'm pretty sure THIS book - To Get to You by Joanne Bischof - will take this category if I get to read it!)

I've also been reading to complete my Goodreads challenge for this year! Are any of you doing it too? It's a great way to keep track of books, page count, and keep you motivated to read. I really like it! (It's great for keeping the books I've read and want to read in order. I'm not sure how I'd find books to read without it!) Be sure to get an account if you love reading... ;)

To end, I'll leave you with one of my favorite songs from each of the albums I got for my birthday:

'Love is Loud' from Welcome to Daylight:

And Crowder's 'I Am':

Enjoy!

Are you doing any reading challenges? If so, which ones? (I'd love to find some new ones!) Have you watched Emma? What did you think of it? Would you make S'mores Pie - or is it too weird? (It's really good!!)

~Micaiah~

P.S. I probably won't be able to do much, if any, blogging while in Iowa, so I may officially disappear for about three and a half to four weeks! I'll try to post an update or two, but I apologize in advance if I don't get to!

Interivew with Nicole Sager

Today I have an interview with the talented author of both the Arcrean Conqest and the Arcrean Companion Novels series: Nicole Sager! Her newest book, Burdney, has is hopefully releasing today! It's the second novel in the Arcrean Companion series, and I'm looking forward to reading it - and Hebbros, the first book in the Companion series!

Synopsis:
 

When a villain's grand scheme takes flight, who will rise up to clip their wings? 

Years after an act of betrayal lowers a dark cloud over Burdney, Lady Agatha seeks vengeance and respect, while her sister, Aeryn, chases after freedom and peace. When a young slave named Epic arrives at the Mizgalian castle disguised as a nobleman in need of shelter, the conflicted youth soon finds himself caught in a web of intrigue that reaches further than anyone suspected. In a race against time and doom, Blunt the minstrel must travel to Burdney for the vindication of a condemned friend. When his travels take an unexpected turn - and sometimes even go in circles - the Arcrean bard must learn to trust that God is always in control.

Secrets and deception lie in wait around every corner, until a conspiracy is revealed that will wage a battle for hope and justice on the grounds of Burdney.
 

Hi, Nicole! Thank you so much for stopping by! It's a pleasure to have you. Could you share a little bit about yourself and your novels?      
 

Hi, Micaiah! Thank you for hosting me today! I'm a homeschool graduate in my mid-twenties, and I've lived in three different states. When I'm not writing I'm usually drinking coffee and/or reading (I personally own over 500 books!), and I've also dabbled some in musical theatre. My novels are Inspirational Fantasy and are magic-free and family-friendly. I currently have two series on the market - The Arcrean Conquest Series and The Companions of Arcrea Novels - and both take place in the same medieval "realm."
 

I have read The Arcrean Conquest series (recently I finished The Isle of Arcrea), and I enjoyed all three books, but especially the last two. What inspired you two write about such a place as Arcrea? More specifically, what sparked the tales for The Fate and The Isle?
 

The name "Arcrea" was actually given to me by my little brother! He must have been 8 or 9 at the time. I had just finished another series (not yet published), and was trying to come up with something totally new. He had created this imaginary world called Arcrea, and one day he told me that if I wanted to write about it I could. I already knew that I wanted my next hero to be Druet, so when the land of Arcrea became available I simply dropped him inside it and his journey began from there! The plots for Fate and Isle sprouted from the pages of The Heart of Arcrea. There were so many characters whose stories I needed to explore, and because prayer is such a huge part of my writing journey, I felt that each story simply flowed out as I needed it, in answer to those prayers. God is good.

How do you come up with your characters? Did you model any of them after other characters, friends, family...or are they completely your own?
 

Some characters have been modeled after real life people! I personally know Bruce of Kulbroe-Nog, as well as little Meg (you can visit my Facebook page for a picture), and I know Deridre from Burdney. Luke from Hebbros reminds me of my brother, and my sisters tell me they see themselves in Renny and Elaina. Most of the time I just try to create a cast who are all unique from one another in some way (physically, spiritually, emotionally, etc.). There are other times when characters simply introduce themselves and beg to have their stories told.
 

What character from the series do you connect with most and why?

Such a hard question! Usually I have one character per book who sticks out to me, but I guess overall for The Arcrean Conquest I would have to say Falconer. He was intended to be a small character (villain) who appeared only in Book 1, but somewhere along the way he decided his story should end differently. Now he's had an appearance or honorary mention in every book! I think I came to know him best because with each book I had to dig a little deeper into his story, and understand the motives behind his thoughts/actions. The other character who I must add holds a special place in my heart is Druet. There's just something about him that makes me smile.
 

Now, Burdney - what inspired this adventure and why (and how) did you choose the characters that you did for this particular story?
 

This one is interesting. The story of Burdney has its roots in the tale of Hebbros, when brief mention is made of "Lady Agatha of Burdney Hall." I never expected to do anything more with that character/place, but when I finished Hebbros, I had several characters who reappeared in the Epilogue to let me know their story hadn't quite finished (sounds weird, I know, but you gotta trust me). In the following weeks, ideas started coming to mind until finally inspiration stuck in the middle of church! Everything connected - the Epilogue characters, Burdney, Agatha and her connection to Hebbros - I was so excited!
 

MK: That sounds incredible!
 

What went into the writing process for Burdney?
 

Ah. The writing process. I've spent over a year on Burdney. I take a LOT of notes, some that are humorous to look back on because the idea never makes it onto the pages. But it gets me thinking. I like to find pictures online of models/actors that remind me of the characters, and I spend a lot of time just thinking about where the story/characters need to go, and how I'm going to get them there. I map out who they are and how they're connected to the others, and if possible I write a point-by-point "schedule" for as far into the plot as I can think. So yes, the process: There was a lot of staring at the screen, staring at my notes, and starting into space; there was a little research, a little typing, and even tearing out a third of the book to replace it. Oi.
 

What books and authors inspired and influenced you most as a writer? Why?

I don't know that there are any in particular. I've found that any author I'm reading at the time will influence my writing in some way. I do remember reading a book, Christmas Carol, by Kauffman, and noting her narration about the characters' surroundings. Some authors have taught me through their writing how to create pictures with my words; others have been examples in wit and meaningful dialogue, while still others have shown a capacity to make every scene count in the bigger picture. I even learn more and more about grammar and punctuation as I look at how other authors use them!
 

What has been the most challenging part of writing? What has been the most rewarding? The most fun?
 

The most challenging part has to be writer's block, when the plot just isn't there. Also, realizing I need to go back and rewrite something (like that third of Burdney I mentioned earlier) can be really discouraging. The most rewarding part comes when I've overcome the writer's block, made the changes, seen how much better it turned out, and then I get a review saying the book was a blessing or encouragement in someone's walk with Christ. I guess the most fun has been sharing in the readers' excitement, hearing about kids who play-act that they are the Arcrean characters, and knowing that I get to keep writing as long as God allows!

Now, sillier questions...
 

So, coffee or tea?

Coffee! With Crème Brulee creamer! It's shameful the amount of coffee I'm capable of consuming when I write or edit!

 

Favorite book?

This is an unfair question. Haha! Aside from the Bible, I think I'll just have to settle with saying my two favorite authors are MaryAnn Minatra and Lori Benton. Both are authors of Historical Christian Fiction.
 

If you could spend the day in any book's world, what book would you choose? What character from the book would you want to spend time with while there?
 

I have to say I'd want to visit Arcrea. *sheepish grin* I would love to visit such a place and pour that experience into my future writing! Specifically, I would love to visit Burdney. I really fell in love with the setting for this book as I wrote it. I would love to explore the nearby ruins with Aeryn, and run up the sagging steps with her to pretend we could fly into the clouds. She has such an imagination, and a passion for living!

Thank you so much for having me on your blog today, Micaiah! I've really enjoyed your questions. Readers, feel free to visit me at any of the following links!

Website: http://arcreabooks.wix.com/nicole-sager 

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/heartofarcrea

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arcreabooks

Well, that was fun! :) Be sure to stop by the above places to find out more about Nicole and her books!

-Micaiah-

 



Two Tags - The Liebster Award and Best Blogging Buddies

Hey, Adventurers! My good friend, Mikayla, from The Bubblegum Ballerina nominated me for both the Liebster Award and for "Best Blogging Buddies".  I was really excited to be nominated (especially for two!)...

Also, check out Mikayla's post! I had fun reading her answers (and it made me laugh!). :) Oh, and a huge thank you to Mikayla for nominating me!

The Liebster Award:

Rules:

Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog.
Answer the 11 questions from the blog who nominated you.
Nominate 11 bloggers to receive this award.
Come up with 11 questions for your nominees.

The questions:

What is the funniest thing you've done this week?

The funniest thing? Well, I got a new hat this weekend (one of those big ones that block the sun off of your shoulders too.) It's cute, and I like having it, so I was wearing it even inside, and since my (as my sister said) 'radius had increased' I was hitting people with it on accident. XD

Are you on summer break? If so, what are you doing with your free time?

I am not on summer break...yet. I have about a month of school left, and then I'll get about half of July and all of August off. During that time, I'll hopefully be reading more, and in August we're road-tripping a few thousand miles to see my grandparents in Iowa!!

What is ONE of your favorite songs?

Only one!? ;) 'Just the Same' by Chris August. He's a really good artist, and his new album is lots of fun!

If you could do anything right now, what would it be?

Go eat some breakfast... ;) Have school finished with for the day so I can read, and watch a really good movie with a cappuccino (or a blended coffee from Wake Up Call...though, maybe not this very second).

In the mountains!

What book(s) are you reading right now?

I recently finished The Isle of Arcrea by Nicole Sager, which was really fun, and I'm in the middle of One Summer's Desire, a novella by Abigail Prigge (which the author sent me a copy of!). I'm also rereading The Fate of Arcrea with my younger brother; we're reading through the whole series together. :) Other than that, I'm also (yes, also!) reading Eric Liddell by Catherine Swift, Quiet in His Presence, and I'm slowly crawling my way through War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.

What's your favorite part of blogging?

Seeing the finished product (pictures and all!) on my blog and receiving comments on posts. :)

What are some of your blogging goals?

Get better; write more (lengthier and better) reviews; hopefully get more followers; update the way my blog looks; blog about my(eventual) travels! :)

What's the hardest part about blogging for you?

Coming up with material sometimes to post on and the actual 'getting it done' process. I don't set aside enough time for blogging. Also, not having very many followers can be disappointing for me - and for everybody, I'm sure!


What is your favorite word?

I've been fascinated by the word 'fjord'. And maybe 'adventure'. :)

Could you share a miscellaneous fact about yourself for us?

I sometimes start laughing about nothing - but really it's something that I've read or seen and I'm thinking about it. :) Or something I'm imagining... ;)

Sweet or un-sweet tea?

Sweet tea.

Now onto the "Best Blogging Buddies" award!

Rules:

You must make a post to show your award on your main blog.
You must tag the person who nominated you in your post.
You must nominate all of your best buddies, and those whom you want to become best buddies with, who, to your knowledge, have not been nominated for this award. (Wha...?)
You must ask your buddies at least 15 questions in your post.
You must answer all of the questions your buddies ask you on your post.

Questions!

What was the last book you read?

And finished? The Isle of Arcrea by Nicole Sager. But if you mean the last book I was reading, it would be The Fate of Arcrea with my brother last night.

What is the last movie you watched?

A movie I have not watched in years: What a Girl Wants. And it was a lot cuter than I thought! I'd recommend watching it!!

What is the last song you listened to?
 
Something my sister had playing on iTunes radio that I do not know the name of... Before that there would be more songs I wasn't paying attention to. The last song I really remember the name of (because I saw it) was something called 'Vagabonds'. XD I was listening to MercyMe's album last night too. :)

What is the last subject in school you did?

Home Ec. I sewed...a corner. Yeah. They're having me practice. ;)

What is the last thing you had to drink?

Iced water.

Last person you emailed?

Mikayla H., and Abigail Prigge, the author of One Summer's Desire.

Last blog you were on?

One called The Daisy Tree, reading this interview.

Last sentence you wrote on a story?
(This is more than a sentence, but it was fun to share!) :)

He laughed softly, sounding and looking so much older than when I had last seen him three years ago. He held himself more erect, more stately even. “I’ve much to tell all of you, Madeline. It’s all been dreadful, these past few years. Many of the men I came to be friends with have been killed, and I was suddenly starting to think that there was no hope for an end. Thank God-” But he didn’t finish. He looked past me, and suddenly sprinted forward.

Mama and Father stood there, looking shaken, yet more joyful than I’d ever seen them.

 

Who is the last person you talked to?

 

My mom.

 

Last thing you smiled at?

 

A GIF on Pinterest of a baby trying a lemon for the first time and the video below.

Last photo you took? (Please insert it!)

Well, the very last photo I took was deleted (yeah...), so here is the one before that. I found these at the store and thought it was so weird I had to take a picture!

 

Who came up with that!?

What is the last thing you would want to be doing right now?

Hmm...well, it's morning so...maybe working out. ;)

Last color you painted on your nails?

A very, very light color that was even lighter than French pink.

Last person you hugged?

My mom!

Last picture that made you smile?

Can I share a video with you all instead? The other night my brother showed this to me, and I was laughing so hard...

The vacuum can 'eat and yell at the same time', people. ;)

I nominate both Julia Ryan from Writing for His Glory and Jessica Joy from (Almost) Perfectly Pink to do both awards! And anyone else can do the posts too! :)

Here are my questions for the Liebster award:

1. Have you ever read the Arcrean Conquest series by Nicole Sager?
2. What is your favorite quote?
3. Do you like The Chronicles of Narnia? If so, which book/movie is your favorite?
4. What is your favorite type of ice cream? Have you ever tried Cheesecake Brownie ice cream (so good!)?
5. What are your summer plans?
6. What is on your summer to-read list?
7. What song is currently your favorite?
8. Have you ever watched The Help? If so, did you like it? (I thought it was really good!)
9. Have you ever gone white water rafting? If not, would you like to? (I want to!)
10. What's your favorite class in school?

My questions for the 'Best Blogger Buddies':

1. Do you like to wear big, cute, summer hats?
2. Iced tea or lemonade?
3. Adventure or mystery?
4. Did you get to see Beyond the Mask in theaters? If not, be sure to buy it when it comes out! It was a fantastic Christian, adventure/action movie!
5. Science or math?
6. Would you rather swim or go biking?
7. Do you like iced or blended coffees, or neither...or something else?
8. Have you ever listened to Chris August? His new album, The Maker, is fun!
9. Do you prefer the movie or book version, normally?
10. 1800s or 1900s?
11. What is your favorite TV show?
12. Have you ever watched Signed, Sealed, Delivered from Hallmark Movies and Mysteries? If not, it's amazing!

And that's all! Thank you again to Mikayla for nominating me!