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August 25 2011 4 25 /08 /August /2011 12:25

If you like a little extra spice in your romantic fiction or if you prefer your crime thrillers to pulsate with passion, then you are probably a fan of romantic suspense novels. However, books of this genre generally tend to be lumped in with romance or crime. Therefore, it can be difficult to find exactly what you are looking for. This article takes a look at a few places on the Internet where you can easily browse for these books.

What is romantic suspense?

Romantic suspense novels combine the thrill of mystery or crime novels with a focus on relationships, that defines the romantic genre. The author Mary Stewart, is thought to be one of the first to be successful in this category. In the 1950s and 1960s, her ten novels flawlessly blended romance and mystery. Other well-known writers in this genre include Karen Rose, Nora Roberts and Lisa Gardner.

Where to shop online

Harlequin.com

The Toronto-based company is one of the world's leading publishers of books for women. It publishes over 110 titles a month in 31 languages and has over 1200 authors who write for them. It offers a broad range of genres from young adult novels to erotic literature. It is a good place to find romantic suspense novels.

Amazon and eBay

A search under the romantic suspense section in Amazon’s book department will bring up over 8000 novels to choose from. You can also try eBay if you want to get books at bargain prices.

Mills and Boons

The famous Mills and Boons is the world's leading publisher of romance fiction. It sells a book every five seconds in the UK. There are currently ten products in the Mills & Boon series. It includes a section named 'Intrigue', which is described on the website as "Romance suspense at its best: Danger, deception and desire are at the forefront of these gripping mysteries."

Suspense Romance Writers

The website Suspense Romance Writers allows you to browse books by various categories, including by characters and authors. The site also features interviews with authors as well as book reviews.

Little, Brown Book Group

The Little, Brown Book Group has been the winner of the Publisher of the Year Award thrice. It has a good selection of romantic suspense books in its popular fiction section. Its authors include Linda Howard and Jayne Ann Krentz.

Student reading in a public parkgirl reads book
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August 24 2011 3 24 /08 /August /2011 07:28

Whether your passion is for romantic vampires, high school high jinks or old-fashioned classics, finding the best books for teens has never been easier. All the major book shops have dedicated sections for young people as do the numerous online retailers. The following article provides you with a brief guide to making sure that a good book is never far away.

High Street and online retailers

Book stores and supermarkets

The major High Street bookshops, such as WH Smith, Waterstone’s and The Works, all have special sections dedicated to teenage reading material. Whether you’re just starting out on the teenage journey or it’s about to come to an end, you will find a variety of books for all ages.

All the main supermarkets have book sections in larger stores. These are good places to find popular reads at bargain prices.

If you are looking for a textbook, a coursebook or any extra help with studying, then Blackwell bookstores are the place to visit. As the UK’s leading academic retailer, you will find everything that your curriculum demands.

Online retailers

If anyone knows about the best places to look for anything on the Internet, then it’s teenagers. However, listed below are a few suggestions to help your search. Amazon offers a huge selection of books and has a special section for children’s books. You can search by genre, everything from fiction to hobbies, by age and by price. It also features the latest book chart and special offers.

Atom books

Atom books is the young adult imprint of Little, Brown Book Group. Founded in 2002, it focuses on publishing the best book in mainstream and supernatural young adult fiction. They will probably be familiar to the teenage reader as the publishers of author Stephenie Meyer, the author of the Twilight series.

Reading Matters

Reading Matters is a website about books for children and teenagers aimed at intelligent young readers who are keen to choose their own books. It contains reviews and suggestions for further reading.

Charity shops and independent advice

Charity shops

Charity shops are the best places to pick up bargain books. They regularly receive donations, so it is always worth checking to see what they have on their shelves. Oxfam also has dedicated bookshops which have separate sections for teenage reading material.

Independent advice

Don’t forget to check out your local independent bookstore. You may even be lucky enough to live near a specialist children’s bookshop. They will be able to offer you expert advice on what you are looking for or what to read next.

read bookBit of light reading
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August 12 2011 5 12 /08 /August /2011 06:13

With hundreds of thousands published every year, books are big businesses. Whether you need a textbook for a course or just want to pick up the latest best-seller, you should be able to find exactly what you’re looking for in the choice below. Amazon is the only exclusively online store listed, but all of the other stores also have virtual bookshops.

Popular booksellers

Waterstone’s

Waterstone’s is a literary shopping paradise. There are more than 300 stores throughout the UK and Europe and no shops are the same. Every store has a special section dedicated to books chosen by the staff from that branch. As well as browsing the bookshelves, customers can also expect regular signings and talks by authors at larger stores. Waterstone’s flagship branch, in London Piccadilly, is Europe’s largest bookstore with over 13 km of book shelves.

Oxfam bookshop



Oxfam is more than just a general charity shop. It is actually Europe’s biggest High-Street retailer of second-hand books. The charity has over 120 specialist bookstores stocking a wide variety of titles from popular paperbacks to rare books. It has twice sold donated rare books for around £18,000. It is also a great eclectic collection that also helps you to do your part for charity.

WH Smith

From stationary to birthday cards, magazines to craft supplies, and, of course, books, WH Smith is a treasure trove of a store. With over 550 stores on the High Street and 490 stores at airports, train stations, hospitals and motorway services, WH Smith is one of the UK's leading retail groups and a household name.

Blackwells

If you are looking for an academic book, then Blackwells is the place to browse. It is the leading academic bookseller in the UK with over 60 outlets across the country. With shops in most University towns and cities, it co-ordinates its stock to make sure that students have access to relevant course textbooks. Even if you are not a student or an academic, it is a great place to expand your mind.

Amazon

Amazon UK opened its virtual doors in 1998 and has become a favourite among booklovers. The easy to search site offers an unrivalled selection of books from as little as a penny. It has become the leading seller of digital books and their eBook reader, the Kindle, has recently become the bestselling item across the millions of items sold on Amazon.

Don't forget

The above list of book shops is a guide to the largest and most accessible stores throughout the country. However, don’t forget your local independent and second-hand book shops where you can pass a good time.

Friends *NEW* Book ShopOxfam Book Shop, Henley-on-Thames
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August 9 2011 2 09 /08 /August /2011 12:15

With hundreds of good books released every month and a never ending collection of classic literature to catch up on, choosing your next novel can be confusing. However, help is at hand from a range of online book review sites. From blogs to broadsheets, there are websites to suit even the fiercest literary critic. Here is a selection of five of the best.

Popular online book review sites

The Guardian

Guardian.co.uk is the online home of the Guardian's literary coverage. It includes news of all the latest books, interviews, reviews, audios, videos and original writings. It is also a place for readers to talk about literature, to review and star-rate the books that they've read, and to compile and share lists of their favourites. As well as providing a comprehensive review of books, this is a great website to be really involved with the literary world.

Amazon

Amazon is perhaps better known for selling rather than reviewing books. However, their book section is particularly comprehensive and also offers customer reviews on most items. Admittedly, the comments vary in quality and degree of helpfulness. However, many people write good, honest reviews that can help you to seek out your next novel.

Good sites to try

The Bookbag

Bookbag.co.uk is a simple website with a lovely friendly feel. There is no literary snobbery allowed there. If the reviewers enjoyed the latest chick lit release better than a Booker Prize winner, they’ll tell you.

Lovereading.co.uk

If you love reading books and haven’t yet discovered this brilliant website, then search for it immediately. Founded in 2005, it only features books which are read by the staff and who believe that the books are great reads in their category. There are some effective tools to help you choose your next read, the opportunity to read the opening extract of featured books, and a guide to authors who are similar in style. They also send out regular free magazines recommending books.

The Truth About Books

Starting out as a blog in 2007, The Truth About Books has become a growing company, but it maintains its original vision: to provide consumers with informative, enlightening and honest book reviews. It has a good search facility, where you can search by category, recommended reads, competitions and a good book guide for parents.

Wall of BooksBook swapping
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July 29 2011 5 29 /07 /July /2011 13:18

Are you dreaming of romance? Is there a certain someone who makes you dizzy with desire? Or, is your relationship in a rut and you want to rediscover the special sparkle that used to make you smile? Well, help is at hand! Try these easy love spells to create some magic in your life. Whether you believe in magic or not, each of the spells makes you think about what you want from love. So, your mind will opened to new possibilities. Read on this article to know more.

Love letter

Take a piece of paper and write down the qualities that you’re craving in a lover: Charming, caring, a good sense of humour, whatever you truly desire. Make them the general characteristics of your dream partner rather than tailored towards a specific person.

Use perfume and petals

Spray a little of your favourite perfume on the note, and put it in an envelope. Before sealing your love letter, pluck some petals from a flower and imagine yourself happy and in love. Holding them in your right hand, close your eyes and let your imagination take you on a journey to a life full of love.

Now, seal the envelope with a kiss and put it in a safe place, never to be opened, as this will break the spell. Pop it in an underwear drawer because, at the very least, your pants will always smell wonderful.

Make your own love charm

Draw love into your life by making your very own love charms. Cut a small square piece of aluminium foil (all metals have attractive properties) and sprinkle a mixture of dried parsley, thyme and rosemary into the centre. Carefully fold the foil and keep the magic mixture close to your heart.

Burning passion

Take a white or pink candle, and use grape seed or olive oil to anoint it. This purifies the candle and can be done by rubbing the oil from the middle to the top. Repeat the process from the middle to the bottom. Whilst oiling the candle, visualise love, desire and romance coming into your life.

Use rose and candle

Next, take the thorn of a rose, or a small knife, if it’s easier, and carve what you want into the wax. For example, "Let love come into my life." Light the candle and think positively about your life infused with love. You need to let the candle burn out. So, choose something small enough to burn quickly, but large enough for a small message. Remember, never leave a burning candle unattended. Good luck!

lovea candle (eine Kerze) | Source | Date 03.12.2006 | Author Bangin | Pe
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July 25 2011 1 25 /07 /July /2011 08:37

The Famous Five books are a series of children’s novels written by British author Enid Blyton. She wrote 21 books between 1942 and 1962 featuring the adventures of Julian, Dick, Anne and Georgina (George) and their dog Timmy.

Exciting escapades and a jolly good picnic

Wonderfully warm and simply splendid, the Famous Five books have never lost their appeal for children of all ages. Packed with adventure and intrigue, our intrepid heroes are never far from an exciting escapade or a jolly good picnic with lashings of ginger beer. Once you have read one, you will want to read the whole series. However, below is a selection of the best of a very good bunch.

A selection of Famous Five books

Five on a treasure island

This book first introduced the world to Julian, Dick, Anne, tomboy George and her beloved dog, Timmy. There's a shipwreck off Kirrin Island and the Famous Five are looking for clues to lost treasure, but they're not alone! They face a race against time to follow the clues and get to the treasure first. A charming introduction to the iconic series.

Five run away together

The third book in the series sees Julian, Dick and Anne arrive in Cornwall to stay with George and Timmy for the holidays. However, their joy is short-lived when they find themselves being looked after by the ghastly Mrs Stick and her awful family. The Five run away to Kirrin Island where they stumble across some sinister goings on. Another exciting escapade full of twists and turns.

Five go to Smuggler’s Top

The Five are off to Smuggler's Top for their holidays in the fourth book. Secret hiding places and underground tunnels await them as they try to discover whether there are still smugglers in Smugglers Top. Rip-roaring fun for the fearless five.

Five go off in a caravan

A caravan holiday for the Famous Five is never going to be dull. When they stumble across a circus troupe, the gang are thrilled. However, some of the circus people have more sinister plans than just clowning around. Blyton had a special talent for writing about the fun and colour of circus life. This fifth book of the series will have you wanting to run off to join the circus whatever age you are.

Five on a hike together

Mysterious flashing lights, coded messages and escaped convicts: it’s all in a day’s work for our five famous friends. The police don’t seem interested, so the Five have no choice. Yet again, they'll be solving this mystery all by themselves. The tenth Five book is often cited by Blyton's fans as a favourite. The atmospheric adventure is a sparkling timeless classic.

1 Blue plaque for Enid Blyton near Dulwich Library. | Source | Author
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July 18 2011 1 18 /07 /July /2011 09:43

Banners and signs have been used throughout the history of protests to make a point and define the issues. They provide the commentary to the cause. Creative protest will effectively generate publicity and in our fast moving 24-hour media society, striking images are more important than ever. This article details out hoiw you can be more creative at your demo via banners and signs.

Make them laugh

TS Eliot said that humour was also a way of saying something serious. Humour is a key weapon in the armoury of the creative protester. Cheap signs made out of old cardboard boxes can be as eye-catching as an elaborate banner if the message makes you smile. It doesn't matter if it's scrawled in marker pen or flashed up in neon lights: a thought-provoking placard with some witty wordplay will always prove a winner.

However, here is a word of caution :Check your spelling. A deliberate spelling mistake can be effective. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair's surname became Bliar on banners protesting involvement in Iraq. If you accidentally misspell a word, it can make you look ignorant and give people an excuse to discredit your cause.

Alternative actions

Another way to stand out among the waves of plastic signs, flags and banners is to adopt an alternative prop. British and Italian student protesters used a "book bloc" to show their discontent at recent marches. This involved demonstrators carrying giant polystyrene cut outs painted to look like famous books. Faced with a line of great works of philosophy and literature by the likes of Hegel, Orwell and Adorno the police riot shields looked a little over the top.

A good example of counteracting force with thought would be the following: A demonstration by the World Wildlife Fund in France abandoned the traditional placards altogether. Instead, central Paris was taken over by 1,600 papier-mâché pandas, the exact number that a recent survey had reported were living in the wild. The striking images drew attention to just how few pandas remained in the wild and became news around the world.

Be inspired

Creativity and activism have a long, successful association in using innovative ways to voice opposition. Take every opportunity to brainstorm ideas with friends and colleagues. Hold a demonstration dinner party and discuss what you want to say. If you want to make an impact, remember a few basic strategies. Use humour. Use simple words with a striking message. Use imaginative imagery. Use your passion in your cause to inspire you and it will communicate your message more effectively.

day 52: me & my sign
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July 18 2011 1 18 /07 /July /2011 07:22

Laurie Halse Anderson is an American writer best known for her award-winning young adult fiction. The talented novelist also writes books for children and historical fiction.

Background

Born Laurie Beth Halse in Potsdam, New York in 1961, she began writing at an early age. After graduating from Georgetown University in 1981 in Language and Linguistics, Laurie became a freelance journalist, most notably working for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Young adult novels

Speak

Laurie is probably best known for her young adult novels. Arguably, her most famous novel is her debut, Speak, published in 1999. The hard-hitting story of a teenager, who becomes mute after a sexual assault, won numerous awards.

Bestseller

It became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a film in 2004 starring Twilight actress Kristen Stewart. A follow up, Catalyst, was published in 2002. Set in the same

highschool as her previous work, it also features some of the same characters. It became a Barnes and Noble Best Teen Book of the year.

Prom

Prom (2005) is a more light-hearted novel but it proved just as popular. Twisted, published in 2007, became Laurie’s third book to appear on the New York Times bestseller list. Written from a male point of view, it tells the story of a teenage boy caught up in a sex scandal.

Wintergirls

Wintergirls, her most recent young adult novel, explores the devastation caused by eating disorders. It hit the book stands in 2009 and instantly became a bestseller.

Historical fiction

Anderson is passionate about American history and this has influenced another body of her work.

Fever

Fever (1793), her first historical novel, is set in Philadelphia during the yellow fever epidemic.

Chains

In 2000, Chains, the first in a trilogy-dubbed Seeds of America, was released. Set in the Revolutionary War era, it tells the story of a teenage slave. Praised for its powerful prose, it won the Scott O’Dell Award for historical fiction. The second in the series, Forge was released in 2010 and the final part is set to be published in late 2011.

Picture this

Laurie started her career as a picture book writer.

Picture books

Her newest picture book, the charming The Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School, with wonderful illustrations by Ard Hoyt, was released in 2009 and became a New York Times bestseller.

She has also been responsible for introducing a generation of children to American history with a series of fun-fact filled books including Independent Dames and What You Never Knew about the Woman and Girls of the American Revolution.

Marriage

Laurie is married with four children and lives in Northern New York.

A final word

For more information, including interviews and blog, visit her website Madwoman in the Forest.

book
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July 3 2011 7 03 /07 /July /2011 14:23

Facing a blank screen or an empty page, fingers or pens poised to create a masterpiece, can be intimidating. The challenge can suddenly feel overwhelming as if every word you write has to be perfect. It doesn't. A few simple writing exercises can help you to force your way through the fog and set the creative juices flowing. This article provides you with simple tips for tackling writer's block.

Change your scenery

Whether you write in a quiet study, a busy café or while listening to the background chatter of birds in the park, try somewhere different. If you prefer the hush of a library, try the hustle and bustle of a city centre. If you usually work inside, find a park bench or a patch of grass to get busy on. The simple act of changing your environment can kick start your imagination.

Read the paper

You do not have permission to procrastinate. Newspapers are a fantastic source of material. Political intrigue, crime, celebrity gossip, quirky tales – all forms of life (and if you read the obituaries, death) are here. Building up a cuttings library can provide inspiration for plots, characters and background, especially when your muse has gone missing.

Do something else

Agatha Christie said that the best time for planning a book was while you were doing the dishes. It's safe to say that the Queen of Crime knew a thing or two about writing, so take a tip from the best. The next time you're standing at the sink, or in a supermarket queue or washing your hair, take the opportunity to think actively about your writing. Whether you're working on plot development, a character's back story or just trying to come up with a new idea, use these everyday occurrences to try out the new ideas in your head.

Just do it

Don't be afraid to write. Don't think that every word and sentence have to be perfectly crafted. Just write anything. Write about the colour of the curtains, what you had for lunch, how you feel stupid writing about the colour of the curtains and what you had for lunch! It doesn't matter. The simple act of writing will help you to lose the inhibitions we all feel when we start something new. When you're ready to start your story, the words will come more easily.

house hunting
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