Guest Post by Keren (aka Twin)

So, my Twin Lucy asked me if I wanted to do a guest spot on her gorgeous blog. I, of course, agreed. I could talk for England, so why not to Lucy's followers?!

We aren't real twins of course. We met on Twitter a few months ago and bonded over our mutual love of book cover art. I adopted her as my twin there and then.

**LUCY: If anyone has read the House of Night series by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast, you may remember Erin Bates and Shaunee Cole calling each other Twins constantly. I had found it slightly annoying the first time I read it. Now Keren and I call each other that non-stop. #oopsie. Anyway, back to Keren..**

I have to admit, I am a self confessed magpie when it comes to book cover art. I collect shiny, pretty books. And that is the topic I decided to talk about today.

My question to you all is this: Do you fawn over a gorgeous book cover? Are you turned off by a mediocre cover, or will you pick it up and read the blurb regardless? Okay, so technically that's two questions, but no-one said I had a limit and y'all can't answer me back as I am typing so...! :)

 My own answer to that question....

 Well as I previously said, I am a magpie. It's the shiny, pretty covers that catch my eye. I know the old saying is to never judge a book by it's cover, but seriously, whoever said that is a lot deeper than me. I am as deep as a puddle when it comes to covers.

The honest truth is, I love the whole YA genre. From romance to paranormal, from fantasy to dystopian. I love it all. BUT, when I go into my local Waterstones, I head straight to the section and look for all the pretty ones, then take a look at the blurb. If something doesn't catch my eye instantly, I pass it over. Shallow? Yes. Stupid? Probably.

But it's the cover that hooks me and the blurb that reels me in. So if it doesn't have a good blurb, I will pass it up, no matter how stunning the cover.

Same thing when I am on Amazon looking for books for my Kindle. But in actual fact, I have been known to pick up books on Amazon where the cover isn't all that great. There's been books recommended to me that are not eye-catching but have a good blurb. It doesn't seem to matter so much on the Kindle because they aren't physically sat on my bookshelf in my living room.

 So am I just shallow and pathetic? Quite probably. Does it really matter what other people think of me? Probably not. I am the way I am and it makes me happy.

I know that there are books out there with a mediocre cover that actually hide a wonderful story. Maybe as I get older I'll get less judgemental. Or maybe I'll get worse. Who knows?!

 So I will leave it to you if you comment, all I ask is that you don't make rude comments about me. Remember, I am as entitled to my opinion as you and everyone else.

Constructive criticism is fine, but please, don't make snap judgements about me as a person!

Thank you for reading this post regardless. And thank you Lucy, my Twin, for having your ever-judgemental opinionated Twin on your gorgeous blog xoxo

Lucy: No, Thank you Twin for coming over and talking about this. As it kind of is what brought us together :)

ABOUT KEREN:

I used to be a huge Stephen King fan when I was younger. So much so I would never read anything else. Then I had my Calum and Barry bought me the 7 Harry Potter books. That got me into reading something different and it just went from there. The first thing I really read after Harry Potter was Twilight. I have to say I am not a big fan (though I used to be) Now I like to read a mix of things and my favourite authors include Charlaine Harris, Laurell K Hamilton, Carrie Jones, Becca Fitzpatrick, Lauren Kate, and Rachel Caine. I have an addiction to indie authors at the moment and my favourites include: Caroline Hanson, Kira Saito, Alycia Linwood, Lucy Swing, Penelope Fletcher, Katie M John, Christy Trujillo, Christopher Buecheler, Devyn Dawson, Amanda Hocking, Suzy Turner, Heather Killough-Walden, Susan Bischoff and Jessie Harrell. Don't see your name on that list? Send me a book to review and we'll see if we can set that right! Find me on Twitter @Gothic_Angel28

Visit her blog here: Gothic Angel Book Reviews

Random Thoughts part Deux

Hi Guys!!!

How has everyone been? I have been busy- not sure exactly doing what, but been keeping busy. I need to get back into my routine of writing daily, which I haven’t done in a good week or so. Eeek!

Here are my random topics:

1.       Book Skimming

I often find myself reading incredibly interesting books that have completely captured my attention, but I still skim through all the details. I go straight for the conversation, or just skip the paragraph itself. Does it happen to you? Even with my favorite books I do it. It is no wonder I am quite bad at details for my own MS, I just can’t find the need for people to go into extreme detail over stupid things. Like the mold between tiles in the bathroom or things like that. I am very to the point; I will describe surroundings so one gets an idea of the place but not into critical detail.

2.       Blogspot/ Blogger

Anyone that uses Blogspot needs to get with me ASAP. I am crippled when it comes to making my blog prettier and stuff.

3.       Motorcycle Stunts

Ever see those idiots on the highway doing stunts with their motorcycles while going 80mph and cars, trucks, semi’s all around? I hate them. Don’t they understand the risks that they are subjecting themselves to AND everyone else around them? Imagine they lose control, fall and you run them over and then they blame YOU for it, because I am sure there won’t be any proof of the stupidity of his actions.. It mind boggles me that these people have no brain cells. I don’t know about you, but I want to live a full life, not be gone in my early twenties because I thought I was a dare devil. Enough rambling.

4.       Current Reads

I was at Barnes & Noble last Sunday, like every other week and got two new books. “The Hollow” by Jessica Verday and “Dracula” by the one and only, Bam Stoker. Buying Dracula was more of a getting a Classic into my collection than anything, as I have already read it.

Last night while reading “The Hollow” I was surprised to find I do some things that her MC does as well. It was funny to see your actions on a book though, as if what you do is all fiction. But also calming, knowing that someone else might have done it too at some point in their lives. Have you ever read something and felt like they were talking about you?

Also, what are you currently reading? Please share as I am always looking for a new book!

5.       Reviews and Interviews

This is for my fellow writers. I am available to read, review and help with anything you may need help with. Please feel free to contact me any time over here or on Twitter, I absolutely love giving feedback and helping make the story grow! So get at me!!

Ok, enough ranting for today. I hope everyone has a blessed day and keep on #writing!

XOXO