Friday, July 25, 2014

Social Blogger Hop: Fun Facts + Giveaway!





The hop's purpose is for readers to get to know bloggers better. Each blog will include a few fun/quirky facts about them and or their blog that they think people will find fun :) 

Come Meet & Greet your favorite bloggers and find a few new ones to love too! Enter the Grand Prize Giveaway then hop around and visit all of the Social Bloggers and learn some fun facts about them! There will be individual giveaways at some of the blog so don't forget to stop by and say hi!



5 Totally Random Things You May Not Know About Me



  • I'm obsessed with Harry Potter. Really! I went to three midnight releases for books 5, 6 and 7 and had a blast with my friend, a fellow fan. I went opening day to each movie release. I rewatch the movies constantly, and the HP series is the only series of books I've reread faithfully. Every year I reread at least one book, sometimes the whole series, like I'm doing right now.. I'm still waiting for my Hogwarts letter; it must have been tied to an owl like Errol, and that's why it is taking so long! *nods*
  • I love Gilmore Girls. I even bought the complete series on DVD a few years back and rewatch it from the beginning once a year as well. No other TV series, ever, compares. I'm still sad that they quit after season 7. *sigh*
  • I dream of taking a trip to Ireland. I've always been in love with Ireland, both the land and the men that call it home. :) And the accent. *shivers* One of these years, I'll make it there! And who knows, perhaps I'll find my own Irish man to bring home!
  • I'm (almost) legally blind. I mentioned this briefly on the blog when it happened. Last semester of my senior year of highschool I lost my peripheral vision. Basically I walk around with tunnel vision; if I'm in an area I know well, it's not a problem much at this point because I'm used to it. If I'm in a new area, especially if it's crowded, I often bump into things I didn't see, etc. It's . . . annoying, to say the least, but that's my life now. I'm just lucky to still have my central vision!
  • And I'm younger than many think. I turned 21 this year. Yes, that means that when I started TBQ's Book Palace I was 15. But, like many romance readers, I found the genre when I as much younger, around 11.


Perhaps not the best Top 5 list, but that's all I've got. I hate talking about myself, and for the most part my life is not that interesting, trust me!





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Your turn to share -- it can be silly or random, but tell us one thing about yourself!




Enjoy!

Until Next Time,

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  *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

100 comments :

fangswandsandfairydust said...

That sucks about your vision - really totally sucks. But I think you are very positive about it and sounds like you handle it well. It's always good to look at the bright side.

Debbie Haupt said...

Wow Great Post. What a wonderful share you have here!
So nice to learn something so personal, thanks for letting us in a bit!
xo

Book Lovin' Mamas said...

I'm planning a trip to Ireland in the next 5 years with/without the husband. He keeps saying he'll go with me, but he's already been there. I told him if I go there without him, I'm not coming back. LOL He lived in Ireland and Scotland when he was a kid and he knows how much I want to visit both places, so we are trying to get our finances together to go as a family in 2015 or 2016.
Wow…you're only 21? That is awesome that you found the genre so young and started the blog too. =) I started reading Anne Rice in middle school in 1996. Yup…I'm one of those who's in her 30s, but doesn't look like it. I still get confused for being 20 something. My Mom didn't like that I was reading Anne Rice, but she let it slide because she knew I found my passion in reading and didn't want to stop it.

The_Book_Queen said...

*dies of envy* Based solely on the fact that he lived in Ireland and Scotland, your hubby sounds PERFECT! Lol Lucky gal! :D I'm sure you'll get to visit before I do, so you'll have to be sure and take plenty of pictures. And if you find any sexy men, well, sharing is caring, right?


Woohoo to looking younger than you are! :D Yeah, I can remember sneaking all my romance novels. My first start was Nora Roberts, and my great-aunt gave me her Irish Born trilogy, so they didn't think much of NR's romances, even considering my age. But of course I found the dirtier stuff pretty soon, and I remember always sneaking them into the house. Hehe. Probably the only "lies" I told my grandparents growing up; "This book? No, it's not one of THOSE books, it's a YA!" lol


Enjoy!
TBQ

The_Book_Queen said...

:) Thanks for stopping by!


Enjoy,
TBQ

The_Book_Queen said...

Very true! It's not easy, but really it is either suck it up and deal with it or curl up in a corner for the rest of my life, and that just doesn't appeal to me. Unless of course I had an endless supply of books, chocolate, and perhaps a sexy man or two . . . *wink*


Enjoy!
TBQ

Erin F said...

It's so fun to get to know you better :) I also got into the whole HP craze and I went to midnight releases for the last 4!! books. Thanks for such a fun event!

Emsy Van Wyck said...

So nice to meet you and I hope you get your dream trip to Ireland soon. Starting a blog at 15? WOW. Hats-off! Thanks for sharing.

Bookswagger (Marcia) said...

Ireland, Scotland, England and Germany are on my list. Matter of fact I know one con is trying to get some interest for a Ireland destination con for 2016 or 17 I cannot remember.


I started reading young to, really young. My mom used to rip some of the bad parts out but back then most stuff was really tame esp compared to today...Awww memories of harlequins and bodice rippers.

The_Book_Queen said...

:) As cliche as it sounds, HP did change me. I was a reader before my school librarian handed me book 1, but HP introduced me to a whole new world. Literally.


Ah, I wish she'd write more books in that world. I wouldn't even care if it included new characters in a new time period. Personally, I think HP is Rowling's "one hit wonder". It seems like her attempts at adult mystery are not turning out as well.

The_Book_Queen said...

Thanks, my dear, I sure hope so, too! My BFF and I have been plotting ways to get money . . . I mean, ways to SAVE money. Ahem. :D lol


It was weird, walking around highschool and while my peers were worried about dating and drama, I was thinking about author interviews and upcoming reviews! ;) No one but my closest friend (mentioned above) knew about my "secret life". Really, she's still the only one who knows the full story about my blog. Family just thinks I send in reviews to the publisher, they don't know I run an entire website, or that it's devoted to romance novels!

The_Book_Queen said...

Oh yes, Scotland and England are on my list, too! And a destination con to Ireland? That would be awesome! Was it a romance con or something else?


Hehe, oh the good ol' bodice rippers! It's funny, my grandmother helped to get me into romance novels, because we'd share books, and she had no problem sending me home with her romances, though they were not as dirty as some that I read today, they were definitely not PG13 either! :)

Emsy Van Wyck said...

Thinking superhero blogger with that secret life going on. :) You have a great outlook on life that's quite inspiring, TBQ. Oh, and money. Evil money. Yes, have to learn to save too. Well, here's sending a wish that you discover your pot of gold before you even meet your Irish leprechaun. And BFFs ROCK!

Teresa said...

I love Dachshunds

The_Book_Queen said...

Hehe! 'The Secret Life of an American Romance Blogger" :) Alright, where's my reality show, people?!


And yes, yes they do rock! I'm not sure what I would do without her, and I can only hope that I am even HALF as good of a friend to her as she is to me!


I did see a rainbow the other night, but, sadly, no gold. I'll just have to keep trying! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Oh, my great-aunt had one when I was little, I so loved her. I thought it was so funny to watch her run around on the small little legs. 'Course I was probably 3 or 4 at the time, so we no doubt made a matched pair when running around the yard! :)

cherylslife said...

I love to read for hours at night, to bad I can't do it often! Great job on your blog!

Janie said...

I've haven't read the Harry Potter books, but I am a huge fan of JK's mystery books under the pen name Robert Galbraith.

The_Book_Queen said...

Ending a long day with a book is always a good thing! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

I admit, I'm not huge on straight mysteries, so perhaps that is why those books didn't work on me. That or I'm just stuck on JK = HP, and nothing else from her will do. LOL. :) Either way, thanks for stopping by!

Jo said...

I only started reading romance of any kind about 6 years ago. I loved horror and fantasy, ran out of books and started reading PNR and now I'm a romance junkie :D

The_Book_Queen said...

We're glad to have you on the "Dark Side". :)

Pat Egan Fordyce said...

How did I not know all those things about you!! Really? 21......????
I love Harry Potter. Started late to the series on a dare, so was able to read first three back to back. I loved Ireland and would love to go back.
Love this blog, you being my "boss" and letting me write reviews! xoxo

bn100 said...

like to bake

KV said...

I love watching Gilmore Girls. Their banter & references are hilarious.

Tin said...

I loved Gilmore Girls! My husband and I spent our first year (of marriage) watching all seven seasons on DVD. ^_^

Bookswagger (Marcia) said...

I know now the we have a variety of dirt....I went and looked it's the same authors after dark AAD con had to double check bc I am going to the Charlotte one and was to coincidental . She was posting in a blogger/author group lo see what authors would want to be involved and it is 2017 definitely romance con. It would be cool.


Love the crown by the way, I'm partial too crowns myself;)

Anna@herding cats&burning soup said...

Oh hell. You're just a babe! lol I hadn't realized that. Wise beyond your years. lol Crazy scary about your eye sight! That's an awesome attitude to take though. I have issues with mine but not like that. Mine hit in highschool and found out I was a high risk for rips/tears in my retina. Went in for a regular check up and they found two holes and a tear but I'd not noticed anything. So I have to go in often for checks still. Yay for another Gilmore Girl! I would so love to move to stars hollow. <3

Sophia Rose said...

I love your random 'get to know you' points. I'm blind in my right eye and have no depth perception so I stumble into stuff all the time.

The_Book_Queen said...

I thought you knew -- perhaps it was only MM and Kame that I mentioned in an email once? Oh well, sorry for "holding back" on you! Just turned 21 in March.


Yeah, I read 1-3, four was coming out soon after, and then the wait began for 5-7. :)


You've been, too? *growls*


I'm thrilled to have you as part of the team, my dear, thank you!

The_Book_Queen said...

Exactly! There's just no other series or movie that comes close to it! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Now THAT'S what I call a perfect "honeymoon"! :) Also, hubby has great taste!

The_Book_Queen said...

:) "Wise beyond your years" Oh, I don't know about that, but thank you! :)


Yikes, that's terrible! Did the tears cause "floaters" in your vision? My grandfather had a tear in his one eye, and now he's stuck with, as he calls it, his "little spider", because he'll catch the floater out of the corner of his vision sometimes and think it is a bug hurry across the floor.


Oh, I'd KILL to live in Stars Hollow. Literally. I have no shame, SH is simple the best town ever - even with Taylor running it and Kirk bumming around! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

*hugs* That's it, we'll create a group with Anna, and anyone else who has vision problems, and it would be the most awesome group ever! ;)

Anna@herding cats&burning soup said...

Yups I have floaters. Not all the time but they do pop in now and again. More issues on really bright days will have a smattering of little grey/black spots. Can be very annoying but thankfully no tears/holes since the surgery end of high school.

Gah yes even with them. lol They're so dang kooky.

Sophia Rose said...

You bet! ;)

Sharlene Wegner said...

I have a son that is your age! You are doing great!

Maggie Steele said...

I have read over seven thousand books (I'm only 34) and hope to read many more!

Illsa Gorrey said...

I love Harry Potter! I've never seen the Gilmore Girls, and, to be honest, haven't had much interest in doing so. I'm more into horror, sci-fi and fantasy, personally.

I'm old enough to be your mother, ya little whippersnapper! ;-)

I'm sorry to hear about your vision. That would be a difficult thing to deal with. I have some minor hearing loss, including tinnitus, but I think it's easier to deal with that than with vision loss. I only hope it doesn't get worse, for either of us. :-)

I'm visiting from the link-up at Herding Cats and Burning Soup. I'm one of the virtual DJ's at the KHEL 666 blog. http://khel666.blogspot.com

Bea @ Bea's Book Nook said...

I didn't realize you were so young! That's really rotten about your vision but at least you still have some vision.

I have seen every Harry Potter movie multiple times whereas I've only read each book once.

Marissa said...

I want to visit Europe, mostly England and Scotland :)

Linda Romer said...

I love cats. Nice to meet you. I like your blog. Have a great weekend.

Denise Z said...

I am a totally hungry for more book lover and love all things books. I dream of going to Greece and sitting down to dinner at a cafe and breaking the plates afterwards (hate to wash dishes) LOL Thank you for sharing a bit of you and congratulations on all you have accomplished starting so early :)

Michelle Willms said...

I have four small dogs inside the house. For a short time, we had eight. Then, for a much longer time, we had seven. Last year was a very bad year for us. We lost three of our very, very dear pets. It was extremely hard on me to lost them. Hard on my daughter, as well. My husband breathed a deep sigh of relief, I'm sure. Our biggest source of disagreement has always been the animals, even though he gave me all of them except one. :)

The_Book_Queen said...

I've had a few myself, but I can usually ignore them. Funny, both of our vision problems started the end of HS.

The_Book_Queen said...

:) Thanks, my dear!

The_Book_Queen said...

Oooh, that's awesome; I hope she makes the team! :)


HP Rules. That is all. :D

The_Book_Queen said...

WOW! :) Keep up the great work! Do you have any goals set? (ie, 10,000 by 50)?

The_Book_Queen said...

Yeah, as great as Gilmore Girls is, horror/fantasy they are not. :)


I sure hope so, too. Here's to both of our problems staying stable!

The_Book_Queen said...

:) It's been my deep dark secret for all these years!


I've only read book 7 twice, the first time was after I got my hands on it at midnight, and the second time about a year later. The first 4 I've probably read a dozen times each. There's no particular reason for this; I love each of them the same, but I had more time to reread the first few books while awaiting the last ones, I suppose. :)

The_Book_Queen said...

I think there should be a Vacation Tour Package for romance readers, spanning Ireland, Scotland, England, and much of Europe. :)

The_Book_Queen said...

*waves* Hi! Me, too. I have both cats and dogs, but . . . *whispers* cats are my first love. Sssh, don't tell the pups! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Oh, that sounds like a lovely vacation, too! :) And thank you!

The_Book_Queen said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that! I understand what that feels like. I recently put my oldest kitty to sleep; she had kidney failure and fought bravely for a few years, but it was finally time. It's never easy, they do become part of the family! *hugs*

marypreston said...

I'm a big HARRY POTTER fan too.

The_Book_Queen said...

:) Even though I realize I'm not alone, it's always nice to hear yet again that, well, I'm not alone! lol

Lisa Loves Lit said...

I am obsessed with dachshunds. If I see one anywhere, I have to pet it. I will make silly (probably stupid) faces just squealing with love of the breed. - Lisa Mandina

trix23 said...

I really want to go to Ireland, too! I even got Irish language tapes when I was a kid, to try to teach myself Gaelic....

The_Book_Queen said...

Oh, that's awesome! Yes, I would love to learn Gaelic, too. Why couldn't that be a common option in school? lol. I hated my two semesters of Spanish, personally, but that was partly due to my teacher, I suppose...

Red Iza said...

I already went to Ireland, it's a beautiful and wonderful country, hope you get to go there some day ! I didn't realize you started the blog so young, it was a surprise (a good one !). I've only read the first HP so far, but I've watched all the movies. My youngest daughter is a big fan, she asked me for a Hermione magic wand on her last birthday :)

Kayla Card said...

My favorite TV show is The Office (the American version). I have watched all 9 seasons through 3 times, and I've seen many of the episodes more than that. I quote it on a very regular basis and feel like I know the characters even better than some of my friends.

The_Book_Queen said...

LUCKY! I sure hope my time will come soon! :)

I'm glad that my age has not lead to a revolt with pitch forks from everyone! :D

Ooh, a girl after my own heart! I have a wand, but it's not Hermoine's, sadly. And a time turner necklace, and a Maurader's Map, and . . . well, a lot more! lol

The_Book_Queen said...

I have never watched The Office, but so many have recommended it to me! :)

Jojams said...

My favorite show of all time is The Cosby Show!

Red Iza said...

You have a marauder's map ? So great ! I also have Dr Who's sonic screwdriver, but hush ! ;)

The_Book_Queen said...

Oh, I absolutely adore The Cosby Show! I grew up watching the reruns and I still it down whenever TV Land plays them. I plan on buying the DVDs for the show soon. You can never have enough Cosby in your life!: )

Cyndi F said...

Thank you for sharing your story, I have tosis of the eyes, and have very very bad vision not blind but i no how hard it is. you have a good attitude. :) i love dogs and have two tiny dogs and one three legged dog. i love to swim and am pretty boring other wise!! thanks for the giveaway

The_Book_Queen said...

Thank you -- it's not easy, but I do try to stay positive! :)


Oh, what breed of dogs are they?

Cyndi F said...

my 3 legged dog is a german shepard she is almost compleatly blind too. and then i have a pomerian and a pomtise ( that is half pomerian and half maltise) and they are my children very spoiled. :)

The_Book_Queen said...

I know how THAT goes! I have a shitzu/poodle mix and a Chihuahua, both are spoiled beyond belief. And my kitty? She's not just spoiled, she's the queen of the household! lol

Cyndi F said...

That's funny Mine tell me what to do, funny how the one with the claws is the boss of your house!! lol

The_Book_Queen said...

*nods* The first few weeks after we brought her home, she was sweet and cuddly and innocent. Then, BAM, she strutted around and took control. :)

Judy Cox said...

I absolutely love filling out this hop giveaways.

Sharonda said...

love the last couple of books in HP series. Gilmore Girls was like one of the best series on TV...I was sad when they ended too, can't find good TV like that much any more. My dream country is Italy :) and I will go one of these days, lols.

Janie McGaugh said...

I dream of going to New Zealand, originally just for the beautiful scenery, but now I want to check out LOTR and Hobbit sites, too!

The_Book_Queen said...

:) Good luck!

The_Book_Queen said...

Yes, I loved how complicated things became in the last few books, definitely the best in the series!


Oh, Italy would be a dream to visit, too!

The_Book_Queen said...

OH YES! On both reasons! :)


It's funny, I never could get int the books for LOTR (I read them, but mostly by skimming to finish), but the movies? I've seen them so many times I can quote at least 90% of each movie word for word. LOL

Brandi said...

Thanks for sharing with us!! =) I too love Gilmore Girls & was sad when it ended. =( My show that I loved as much as you love Gilmore Girls, was Dawson's Creek! I still sometimes watch my dvd's. =) And my show that I watch all the time now that is still on the air is Castle!! I never miss an episode & I have all the dvd's & the books that tie into the show. =)


Take care & I hope you have a great day! =)
Brandi

The_Book_Queen said...

I admit, I've never seen Dawson's Creek or Castle, but I may have to now! :)

June M. Pace said...

Well you sound like a very interesting person to me..not boring at all…15! that's amazing, to get into something like this at such a young age…well done you! And I'm kind of nervous to tell you this because it could back fire tremendously…so far, lucky me it hasn't, but you could be the first…I just today got another review on my YA Fantasy Series, Benjamin McTish, and the reviewer said if you like Harry Potter this series is right up on the same shelf. It's been compared by quite a few people to HP in adventure and magic, so maybe you'll give it a try. If you'd like I'd be happy to gift the first two books to you…let me know what you think. If you don't attempt to compare them and just enjoy the story and let it unfold I think you'll be hooked too. Oh,and one of the main characters has an Irish Brogue..how weird is that?
In the meantime something random about myself….I have no problem picking ticks off my dog…how's that for random! Ha!
ps. I'm almost finished with the second HP movie right this moment (just took a minute break when my husband walked in) and ready for #3…so I know where you're coming from.

BookLady said...

I love reading paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Thanks for sharing your interesting personal facts.

The_Book_Queen said...

Hi June,


I'll definitely be looking into your books and I'll let you know, thank you for the kind offer! :) Irish brogue grabbed my attention!


I truly never grow tired of having the movies playing, even in the background while I'm working on blog things.

The_Book_Queen said...

Both are great genres! Do you have a favorite author/series?

BookLady said...

Some of my favorite authors are Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kim Harrison, Christine Feehan, Jim Butcher, and J.R. Ward.

June M. Pace said...

Cool…there are plenty of reviews on goodreads and a few others on Amazon. Here's a link to my blog…http://benjaminmctish.blogspot.com...unfortunately the hosts on this blast are using a really old blurb that is not only achingly long, the opening line about HP was someone else's idea and I changed it out, as well as shortened the blurb…you're probably best to look on Amazon..there are 8 reviews there and one for the second book, which is the one from today…If you go to the top post about my blast and click Girls Heart Books on July 29 you can read her review of both books, ps she's 18…or just click on my sidebar for Amazon and GR…and I'm onto movie #3 as I'm writing this..ha ha! I do hope they stir your interest…later, June

Ada H said...

Holy cow, you started your blog at 15? That's awesome! I started reading young too, my first romance book was Saving Grace by Julie Garwood.


Something about me.....I'm obsessed with hockey. Can't play it but I love it. I can watch hours upon hours of it (when I"m not reading) and any level of it :)


Thanks for sharing about yourself and having a giveaway!

The_Book_Queen said...

I've never read Butcher, but all the rest are great, I agree! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

;) It's nice to finally have that secret off my chest! lol


I admit, I rarely watch sports, of any kind. But I did read and love an early Luanne Rice book where the hero was a blind hockey player. Does that count? LOL

tammy ramey said...

Somethings about me :
i'm 45 and disabled i broke the facet joints in my back almost 9 years ago plus i have PTSD/severe anxiety disorder and kidney disease(among other things). i have no kids but i do have the most handsome Papillion dog named Wile E. ( if your a road runner fan you recognise that name, LOL). i am also a struggling to become, as of yet unpublished author. :) my favorite genre is paranormal erotic romance.
it was nice getting to know a bit about you. thank you for the chance at such a great contest.

tammy ramey
trvlagnt1t@yahoo.com

Anita H. said...

Thanks for sharing such interesting things about you! I definitely wouldn't have realized you are so young! About myself, well, I can't read a book in a series unless it's in order. If it's not the first book or subsequent book, I'll skip the series until I have the next book.

The_Book_Queen said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your disabilities, my dear! But I KNOW that one day soon I will see your name on a book! :) Do you have any firm ideas yet for books? Genres that you wish to write?

The_Book_Queen said...

:) I try so very hard to read a series in order, but . . . I keep going back on m word and grabbing a book out of order. lol. Sometimes it's not a problem, if the books are read more like a standalone. Other times . . . Yeah, I'm lost!

JanD said...

I dream of visiting New Zealand.

The_Book_Queen said...

Oh, that would be a lovely vacation!

The_Book_Queen said...

Woohoo! :) What genre?

Jennifer Johnson said...

Wow it was really cool to get to know so many things about you that I didn't know! I had no clue that you were so young! And I'm so sorry to hear about your vision dear. I hope maybe they can do something for that in the near future! BIG HUGS!

Joseph A Hawkshaw said...

Romance-erotic-criminal justice-BDSM

The_Book_Queen said...

Yes, I do! :) Sadly the ink does not disappear when I say "Mischief Managed" . . . *sigh* LOL

The_Book_Queen said...

I sure hope so, too! For now, I'll just have to make do and live each day to the fullest. :)