My Dream Reading Space & Library

While I was scrolling through  Arhaus a couple of days ago, I was inspired to write a post describing my dream reading space! I don't know why it didn't come to me sooner! I think all bookworms occasionally imagine the perfect reading space, so I'm so excited to share mine with you all!

I've always told my husband that when we finally get our home, it must have an extra room which will be our reading space and library! I can't tell you how many times I've looked for the perfect sofa, lighting and the most important item to any bookworm’s space bookshelves! I have fell in and out of love with so many, but enough babbling and let’s get to it. 

My reading room must have a large window, where light can shine in through the day. So, I can read without artificial light when it is sunny, and watch the rain when storms roll in! I just love rainy days, and think they are perfect for reading; love to see and hear the rain as I read. The picture below is exactly what I am talking about. Picture found on google!

As a Beauty and the Beast fanatic and a bookworm, one of my all-time favorite scenes is when Beast shows and gifts Belle his library! I've always wanted one of those beautiful classic shelves that have the ladder, just in case you can't reach those top shelves. I found the perfect one on the Arhaus website! This shelf would look beautiful!!! There is one that takes up the whole wall and it is perfection! I could not find a picture, but click here and it will take you right to it! 

Now on to the sofa that I would put in front or near to window! There is so many sofas, but for me it would just have to be comfy, somewhere I could sit for hours, and not have to be changing positions. It would also have to match my theme or it would drive me nuts!!! I found the perfect sectional sofa on the Arhaus website, they had so many, but this one was my favorite! you can check out their sectional collection here to pick one you would like!  There is just so many ways one can sit on a sectional and get lost in a book, it also does not hurt that is gorgeous! 

Lighting is something essential for a library! I know that the large window will provide light during the day, but we will still need light for those late nights, when we can't put that book down, or those gorgeous rainy days! Guys, I am drooling over these lights they are gorgeous! picture was found on pinterest! 

A room is nor complete without a rug, where I can lay just in case I am not feeling the couch! This rug caught my eye first and I feel like it brings my room together! It’s so beautiful! you can find it here.

This was so much fun!!!! I really enjoyed sharing my dream reading space with everyone! Looking at furniture was also fun! I would love to read what you would add in your room or how it will look. Let me know on the comment section! Doing these made me excited for when I get to shop for my reading space! 

SandraTheBookWorm

Author Kerr-Ann Dempster

Author Spotlight!

In my very first author spotlight, I have the Awesome Kerr-Ann Dempster author of Beneath Scarlett Valley and hers most recent novel The Reluctant Sacrifice. Kerr-Ann was very kind and let me interview her so my followers and fellow book worms could get to know her a little better. Thank you so much Kerr-Ann for being so kind and taking the time to answer my questions, I had so much fun reading your answers. Also her current novel "The Reluctant Sacrifice" is on sale for .99 cents and Beneath Scarlett Valley is currently free. To read my review for The Reluctant Sacrafice click here! 

1) Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born in Kingston, Jamaica where I got my start writing plays for a local church. After moving to the United States, I worked as a Flight Attendant and then in Marketing before deciding to pursue writing as a career and not just a hobby. I now live in Michigan where I am working on The Reluctant Huntress, a companion story to my YA novel, The Reluctant Sacrifice. When not writing, I spend my days reading, stalking my fellow authors on Instagram, and redecorating. I squeeze in an episode of The Big Bang Theory and The Vampire Diaries whenever I can. I am also a voracious book collector and have recently had my Amazon 1-click privilege revoked because I am prone to sleep-shopping.

I love chatting with readers and fellow authors. Find me on Instagram (author.kerr), Twitter (@annk3rr), and Facebook. 

2) When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I began writing as a child. I started with poems and then plays. After moving to the U.S., I began experimenting with longer stories. I wrote Beneath Scarlett Valley in 2011. Upon completion, I shoved it under my bed and wrote The Reluctant Sacrifice. I then shoved it under my bed too and pulled out Beneath Scarlett Valley again. I published it in 2014.

3) Is there any author or book that influenced you in anyway either growing up or as an adult?

1. J. K. Rowling. The woman is a genius. Her world building and attention to details are second to none.
2. C.S. Lewis. His creativity is beyond anything we’re seeing today. He had just the perfect mixture of light and darkness without being heavy-handed.
3. Nnedi Okorafor. Everything about her writing is fearless. I can’t get enough.
4. Stephen King. He’s an expert on all things dark, creepy, and bloody.
5. Ted Dekker. He gets it. He knows how to craft thought-provoking stories that stay in your head for years after reading them.

4) Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

No. When I want something, I make it happen. We live in an age where publishing on your own is possible. Please notice, I didn’t say easy. Sure, uploading to Amazon is a no-brainer, but an author who wants to do more than see their name in print has to invest in their craft. I invested, heavily, while publishing The Reluctant Sacrifice. I hired writing coaches and editors. Then, I hired book designers, and reached out to beta readers and reviewers. Will I still consider a traditional publisher? Yes. I have a secret project that I intend to pitch. However, if it winds up at the bottom of a slush pile, I’ll send it off to beta-readers and see if they think the story is worth publishing.

5) How did you come up with this title?

I chose The Reluctant Sacrifice as I ironed out the details of the novel and became familiar with the lead character, Aubrey Shaw. After the first draft, I began to have doubts and so decided on the title, The Hunted. All my beta-readers hated the new title, and encouraged me to stick with my gut. So, I went back to The Reluctant Sacrifice. I am happy I did.

6) Do you ever experience writers block?

Unfortunately, yes. I hate not writing, but I’ve found that it’s my body’s way of telling me to take a break. A day or two away from my story usually gets rid of it.

7) Do you have any advice to give aspiring authors?

Be fearless. It is easy to play it safe by copying others. Resist the urge to do so. Find your own voice and ideas, then work your butt off to hone your style. Readers will thank you for it. Plus, it’s more fun than putting a spin on someone else’s story.

8) Is there anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Thank you. Every review and letter is appreciated and treasured.

Purchase Links For The Reluctant Sacrifice

Amazon
Book Depository
B&N

Purchase Links For Beneath Scarlett Valley

Amazon
iBooks
Kobo
Nook
Smashwords

-SandraTheBookWorm

Pinny The Bowling Pin

                                                                        

                                                                        Title: Pinny the Bowling Pin

Author: Leah Ward

Release Date: November 21, 2014 

Genre:Children's Books

Rating:★★★★★

I was given an ARC of Pinny the Bowling Pin in exchange for a honest review.

Pinny is a adorable story about a pin that can't fall and for that starts to get bullied by another pin. Pinny starts to wonder if he even belongs in the bowling world, that maybe he was made to do better, bigger things. Pinny gains his confidence and ignores his bully to realize he was great at being a bowling pin after all!

I loved the never give up, you can reach the stars message this book sends to children, the illustrations are adorable the book is short but it works. I would buy this for any child it will make them realize that anything is possible when you believe in yourself and that bullies shouldn't stop you from doing what you love. Leah Ward tackles the bully subject very well in this short story. Christmas is almost here and Pinny would make a great stocking stuffer for any child. I'm definitely going to buy it for my son and make it a bedtime story book!

Books I added to my ever growing collection!

I went book shopping to halfpricebooks yesterday! I was a little disappointed because I didn't find much, but I did get three books that I've heard great things about! The first book I picked up was Anna and the French kiss by Stepahanie Perkins, the other two where Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo and Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne. I have heard nothing but good things about this books, I can't wait to start reading them. Have you read this books? Or are you currently reading them? If so leave a comment about what you think about this books. I would love to hear your opinion on them! And don't forget to press the follow button it means the world to me! :D