Why I Love Paulina Ulrich! (Grand Prize Giveaway Week)

Well folks, February is well…over which means two things…

1. I'm late with this post.

2. And it’s our final week honoring the amazing Paulina Ulrich.

Sad I know BUT we are giving her a proper send off with the SUPER MEGA AWESOME GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY! In case you may have forgotten, this week you can win a $15 Amazon/B&N gift card, fun swag, AND a signed paperback!

Just a side note, did you know that this past Sunday was Paulina’s bday?! Well it was so be sure to wish her a happy belated birthday!

Now, it's time for my favorite segment, Why I Love! So, why do I love Paulina Ulrich? Well, I could write you a novel on how sweet, amazing, talented, and inspiring the amazing Paulina is but I’ll try to be concise. So, here we go…

I met Paulina last year on twitter, you know that amazing place where I meet all my wonderful bookie friends. We started chatting about books and such and well the next thing I know we are penpals. Yep, that's right, penpals…new age electronic mail type of penpals. We started emailing and talking about books, our lives, and such and I realized one very important thing…this girl gets me. I mean truly gets me. I swear we were sisters in a past life because how else could a west coast chick who is ten years younger than me that I've never even met in person get me on sooo many levels?! Clearly a past life connection is the only viable explanation, right?  ;) Then after a few emails of book chatter and discussing our upcoming projects and such Paulina accepted my request to be crit partners and well the rest is history. (I must interject here…we are both history dorks as well as book dorks.)

I became deeply inspired by P when I read Flightless Bird…not only was this gal sweet but an amazing writer as well and all at a ripe young age I might add. I am serious when I say this girl is going places so collect her autograph now before she hits the big time! I digress…so in Flightless Bird I fell in love with Gregory I even found myself pining away for him every moment he was absent…a feeling I haven’t had since Edward's absence in New Moon.  Then just when I thought I couldn't fall in love with her characters anymore she drops Damon in my lap in Broken Wings…what can I say I will always choose the bad boy over the sweetheart good boy…EVERYTIME. Not only did she drop Damon in lap but a whole bucket of tears accompanied him, if you've read BW you will most likely understand my tears, if you haven't READ IT RIGHT AWAY…then you will understand. :)

And now, I'm halfway through Fair Feathered…I'd be the full way through but I've been a bit constricted on my reading time, which I shall explain further in next week's post which will also explain my tardiness with February's blog posts.

So, in all my ramblings why do I love Paulina Ulrich? She's sweet, personable, inspiring, and amazing both personally and professionally. She made me pine for Gregory and then fall head over heels in love with Damon. Her books send me on a happy adventure, a place that just feels like home. And that is the best way I can describe my penpal and February's Indie Author of the Month Paulina Ulrich she is my home away from home, a new friend that I didn't know I needed but can't live without, and an author whose books will always have a special place on my bookshelf.

Alrighty, folks! I've spilled my guts and told you why I love Paulina. Now, it's your turn! And don't forget this is your last chance to get your name in the pot for the SUPER MEGA AWESOME GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY!!! Good luck, my friends! Now, let's Share the Love for Paulina and enter to win the Grand Prize! Ready….set…go!

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Week 3 ~ Interview with Damon from Flightless Bird Series

So….I have a special guest coming to visit today! *bounces up and down* Can you guess who? He makes his debut in Broken Wings…which may be exactly why that has been my fave book of the series so far…he’s charming, he’s witty, he’s another one of those bad boys with a heart of gold types, he’s… *knock knock*

Here! Holy crap! *smooths hair and grabs notepad*

Why hello, Damon! I’m so glad you could make it!

 Don’t mention it babe. I’m happy to be here. You know I am more than happy to make time for such a special lady.

So, how are you doing? How have things been going?

Well…honestly I could be doing better. Right now I’m in a slightly sticky situation but don’t worry, I always pull through, right? Besides the usual drama, you know, fighting for my life and always trying to save the day and what not, things have been going well.

*giggles* How’s Livy, Gregory, and the gang doing?

Livy is doing…well, she’s a badass! No thanks to my advice. *laughs* Just kidding, she can thank Gregory for the most part since the whole pocket-watch dilemma if you catch my drift. She and Gregory are doing well, Andrew is a lovesick puppy and he wants me to teach him how to be ‘badass’, and the love birds, Cece and Kev? They’re great. So yeah, everyone is doing awesome. For now.

So, truth be told I’m in the middle of Fair Feathered right now. I would be done if it wasn’t tax season, I swear but anyways there is a particular part where you totally break my heart and all I want to do is give you a hug, just so you know. Anyhow, I’m rambling sorry. *looks at notes* Getting back on track, what are two things that you look for in a significant other?

Hey, I like giving free hugs. *winks and smirks* This is a tricky question actually there are a lot of things I look for but the top two, I can’t believe I’m revealing this…but hey, it’s the truth. The first thing is confidence. My girl needs to be sure of herself and feel like she can take on the world and second, she needs to be smokin’ hot. JUST KIDDING. No, she needs to be smart. I like a girl who I can hold an intelligent conversation with but also joke around with because you have to be a certain kind of gal to keep up with my wit. I don’t have three BA degrees for nothing you know.

No doubt! Smart and confident…ladies take note. Okay, since V Day was this past week, I have to know. What is the most romantic thing you've ever done for a girl?

Uh…well I never acknowledged my “mushy-gushy” side when it comes to the ladies. No way. I’m not the kind of guy to take a girl to the movies and buy her candy and flowers and stupid crap like that. But then came Livy and as the story goes, yeah she’s awesome. Call me old fashioned but the most romantic thing I’ve done for a girl…is just hold her. Just being there for her because I’m not the type to just stick around for just anyone.

*sigh* If you were stranded on a desert island who would you take with you and what would be a "must have" survival item?

 Ha! This is badass. I’m sure you already know the answer to this, I would take Livy. She can make me laugh and pretty sure if I was going to go insane on this island, I would want to be driven mad to the sound of her voice because then she might make me sane...if that even made sense. She’s my best friend. But then again, I wouldn’t necessarily go insane because I would just bring my magical little pocket watch and life is all good again. *chuckles* Can’t outsmart someone who is already two-steps ahead.

*shakes head* What is your favorite childhood memory? Did you have a favorite toy?

I’m not sure I can pick just one favorite childhood memory, when you’re a kid, everything is great. But I remember when Gregory, Cece, Roslyn, Andrew, Kev, and even Amelia (you know, pre-crazy and all) we were all just a bunch of kids growing up together and we played what I guess you could call baseball today. We sort of had our own version and made up the rules as we went. We had summers filled with that game. My favorite toy would have had to have been…well, honestly we couldn’t just go to the toy store and buy what we wanted when we wanted. I was always forced to study but I had a cat growing up that would always bring home some mice or something and my mom would freak! That was fairly entertaining.

*giggles* What is one thing you wish you knew how to do? I wish I could play the drums. That would be super cool.

I wish I knew how to not be so sexy all the time. Aren’t I everyone’s favorite bad boy? Ha! Actually, I really wish I knew how to cook. I mean, I can make basic stuff but that doesn’t always guarantee that it tastes good. So maybe I need to sharpen my cooking skills a bit.

Oh, Damon. *checks notes* What would be your dream destination?

 I have been almost every place that I’ve wanted to go so a dream destination for me would be…actually it’s my mom’s beach house on the Oregon coast. I inherited it and it’s the perfect peaceful place I go to clear my mind or just to have some peace of mind. The beach where the house sits, is un-crowded and very secluded. It’s just perfect for me.

*Shakes head before thoughts of Damon on a secluded beach cloud my judgment* Would you rather watch TV or read?

Don’t get me wrong, I know I love TV when it’s good but I would want to read a book. I was born in an era where there was no TV so what did I do to pass the time? Read.

What would be your favorite book?

My mom used to read me the Brothers Grimm tales growing up, I still enjoy a gruesome fairytale once in awhile. Mom always made sure I knew that real life doesn’t have happy endings all the time.

Smart lady! *raises eyebrow* What is one thing that no one knows about you?

Whoa, let’s slow down here. I can’t reveal all my secrets now can I? *winks* If I revealed a secret, how could I keep up my suave, ever charming antics? I suppose I will have to leave you in suspense, always wondering. But I can say that I am…afraid of heights.

Such a cop out Damon but I'll take it. Super random question, what is your favorite slang term?

 Hmm…I think I subconsciously use a lot of slang but when I purposely try to use it, just to make a joke, I sound like an idiot. Just like when I called Gregory ‘G-Dawg’. That was hilarious. Though I do realize that I say ‘ditto’ once in awhile even though I hate it…I’ve been hanging around Andrew too much because he has been saying that lately. Maybe my favorite is ‘babe’ a universal reference to all of my favorite ladies.

*Stares curiously at Damon’s watch* Well, it seems as if our time is almost up. Are you ready for the speed round? Answer with the first thing that comes to mind.

Color? Green.

Food? Does a glass of scotch count?

Animal? Cats-they are diabolical and I love it.

Book? I should write my own.

Movie? Vertigo by Alfred Hitchcock

Song? MakeDamnSure by Taking Back Sunday

Season? Autumn

Person? Livy

Damon thank you so much for stopping by! It’s safe to say you have totally made my month. Come visit again!

You know I am always more than happy to stop by, anytime, anywhere. You know where to find me. I’m always down for a chat, after all I am Damon, the smooth-talking, suave, ever charming--alright, I’m keeping my ego in check now. See you around Michelle! Thanks for letting me stop by.

Major props to my girl Paulina for making my dream come true! Now it's time for this week's giveaway! Answer the following question in the Rafflecopter below. 

What are two traits that Damon looks for in in a girl?

                                                                                                   

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IAOTM Week 2 ~ Chosen

Hello, sweethearts!
So, this week I've got something big, courtesy of our Indie Author of the Month, Paulina! If you remember last week during my interrogation...err..interview, my gal P mentioned her latest book hopefully dropping this March/April!

And that book would be.....

EEEPPPP! That cover gets me so amped up! I have got to give cred to the uber talented Sarah at Okay Creations! That gal is flipping amazing!

I digress, back to the book, Chosen is book one of the Fighting Fate Series. For the record I LOVE the series name! Chosen is mature YA/new adult paranormal romance hitting our shelves March/April! I'm dying with anticipation! Aren't you?! Well, read the synopsis then...that will amp you up!



Nothing can stand in the way of outspoken, rule-breaker-extraordinaire, Kaddy Richston…except destiny. Born with wildly colored hair and piercing gray eyes Kaddy knew she was different, but she set her sights on her ambitious dreams of being in a rock band and leaving her small town behind along with the painful memories of her past.

But destiny has other plans for her.

When the calm, cool, and always collected Cole Huntington enters her life he takes a strange interest in her, his striking blue eyes never wandering far from her every move. Despite her efforts to push him away, he plans on unraveling every single one of Kaddy’s dark secrets even though he has some of his own.

Despising each other from the start, Kaddy is determined to undermine whatever intentions he has until she learns of a destiny she never asked for. The fate of the world lies in her hands as she learns how different she really is. The only person she can turn to for answers is the last person she’d want help from: Cole Huntington who seems to dislike her rule-breaking as much as she dislikes his rule-following.

Sometimes destiny sucks.

Make sure you add this to your TBR list on goodreads!

Now it's giveaway time!!! Be sure you are properly stalking Paulina and myself to earn yourself the max numbers of entries! Also, a valid entry for this week earns you an additional entry for the grand prize coming up in a couple weeks! And be sure to stay tuned for next week when I get to sit down with one of Paulina's characters. *crosses fingers* Please let it be Damon....pretty please. I really heart Damon...like a lot! Til next time be sure to Share the Love with my gal Paulina!



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February's Indie Author of the Month Is...

Welcome back to another installment of Indie Author of the Month! This month's amazing recipient is the amazing, the sweet, the phenomenal....

PAULINA ULRICH!!!!!!!

Paulina has penned the Flightless Bird Series and lucky for us she has a new book heading our way soon! Stay tuned next week for a sneak peek into that awesomeness!

Here's a lil background on my girl, Paulina....

Paulina Ulrich has always loved writing, telling stories, and the idea of dreaming big. An English Major with emphasis in Creative Writing, she is now a full-time author and has her very fluffy cat Juey to keep her company while she writes. Not to mention she always has a full glass of iced-tea nearby and music blaring in the background. Paulina is the author of the Flightless Bird series and the Fighting Fate series. When she’s not writing she’s out buying way too many cute shoes.

I'm so excited to have Paulina on the blog this month she is seriously the yin to my yang...I swear we were sisters in a past life because how else would someone get me like she does?! Really! Anyhow, I managed to wrangle her away from her writing and studies to answer a few questions...

I always ask my indies this because everyone's response is so different. So, girl, what made you decide to take the self-publishing leap?

It literally was just me sitting at my desk, writing away, when I asked ‘what’s stopping me?’ I sat there and thought about this for awhile and my decision was that simple. Nothing was stopping me so I went for it because I love writing so much. I can never forget though, Adrienne, one of my closest friends and cover designer for the Flightless Bird series, had always been the one friend who always gave me constructive criticism and told me what I could strengthen and such. She didn’t just sit and praise my stories and I thank her for that, she would tell me without hesitation what needed work and what didn’t. She definitely pushes my writing and wants me to pursue it to my full potential. I would like to think that without her constructive criticisms, my writing may not be where it is today! Before I had told anyone else I was going to take the leap into self-publishing, I consulted her about it and it was like I was on the edge of a diving board and she shoved me off, telling me to go for it. So I owe much of this plunge to her.

Adrienne wherever you are I applaud you! Thanks for giving this amazing writer that shove. ;) What is the last book you read?

I read Vain by Fisher Amelie and I positively loved it. Seriously, such a well written story!

I really want to read that! It's sitting on my kindle waiting for me to find the time! Alrighty, what is your favorite 2012 or 2013 moment/memory?

How to I pick just one? There are so many! Broken Wings and Fair Feathered were published in 2012 and those were really big moments! One of my favorite memories from 2012 would have to be when Adrienne bought me a special ordered meowing cat piggy bank. That thing is so darn cute! It’s a cat that hides in a little box and when you press a button, he peeks out and swipes your money into the box with him! When I opened it, my face had cemented a smile for the rest of the day!

Best. Gift. Ever. So, I know everyone is wondering, what's next for Paulina?

Next project? Which one? I have like 50 lined up. *laughs* But right now my main focus is Chosen, the first book in my newest series: The Fighting Fate series. I hope to have this out at the end of March or early April but don’t quote me on it.

Any events on the agenda for 2013?

I think if anyone saw my calendar their eyes might go blind. It is jam packed with a ton of things for me to do. I’m hoping to have Chosen out by the end of March or early April, it just depends on how much I can get done with my schedule. I expect the final book in the Flightless Bird series, Timeless Sky, to be out this summer. Yay! Then from there I will continue to work on the Fighting Fate series.

And you'll be meeting up with me for UTOPYA!!! Watch out peeps! 2013 is going to be an epic year! ;) 

Okay, if you could have any fictional character as your real life bestie, who would it be?

Ah! There is so many to choose from but I’m going to choose Harry Potter. He’s so loyal, nice, self-sacrificing, funny, and just awesome! We’d have so many adventures to go on in the Wizarding World but first I’d have to be a wizard. I’m still waiting on my letter to come from Hogwarts.

If you could have any fictional character as your boy toy, who would it be?

Wha…..? How will I ever pick just one?! There are so many fictional male characters that I adore. I guess who I’ve been hung up on lately is Ian from Vain by Fisher Amelie. Holy smokes was he a swoon-worthy character or what? So…yeah, it would most definitely be him.

Mental note, move Vain up on the TBR list right away! What is your most prized possession?

Besides my stories? I would have to say…my cat Juey. My cat is spoiled rotten but he is such a sweetheart and he’s the perfect cuddle buddy and he always sits next to me when I write. Well, either sits by me or on my keyboard. I like to think that’s his way of trying to assist me in my writing process. He gets into soooo much trouble but he looks at me with that cute little face of his and my heart just melts.

LOL! My cat does the same thing! Maybe you should include his name as co-author. :) 

What is one thing no one/not many people know about you?

Hmm…this is kind of a tough one! But I suppose what people may not know is that I’m big into music. I’m also a musician, nothing professional, but I can play the violin, piano, and guitar and on occasion I write song lyrics. I was raised playing these instruments, writing songs, and lyrics so music is such a huge part of my life.

Ha! I knew it! I knew when I was reading Broken Wings that to write those piano scenes you had some musical history up your sleeve.  Is there anything you can't do?

What book would you most like to see on the big screen? Besides yours of course. ;)

Demon Kissed by H.M. Ward would be so awesome! I really enjoyed that series so much and if it were turned into a movie I would soooo be there to see it! I could picture each book perfectly in my head and it would be amazing to see it as a movie. The action! The adventure! The romance! Epicness would definitely ensue.

Oh my gosh! I love the Demon Kissed series and I so agree! Great choice! 

What book would you most like to see turned into a TV series?

This is a really tough question actually but after giving it some thought, I think Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Lux series would be a really neat TV series just with the way the plot flows and what takes place within the story.

  

Mental note #2 add that series to my TBR list right away! 

If you could go anywhere, any time period, where would you go and why?

I know for sure that I would go back in time to the 1940’s during World War II. I’m a big history geek and so I would go back to that era to really study the atmosphere and what it was like to live during that time. I also feel like the 1940’s was such a classic age with big bang music like Glenn Miller and the fashion style. Even with the movement of women going into the work force was a huge shift in the way culture has changed. Alright, I’m going to stop my inner history nerd from droning on before I bore someone to sleep!

Responses like this is how I know we are seriously sisters from another mother! I love history, too!

Time for the speed round…respond with the first thing that comes to mind:

Color? Purple

Song? Radioactive by Imagine Dragons

Food? Tortellini Alfredo

Place? London

Book? Pride and Prejudice

Movie? Moulin Rouge

Season? Spring

Animal? Cat

Thank you so very much for stopping by Paulina! You are the bestest!

Now, here's how Indie Author of the Month works - each week you can enter to win cool swag and an e-book of your choice from the honoree Paulina Ulrich. Then we round out the month with a grand prize giveaway including more Paulina Ulrich books, swag, AND a $15 Amazon/B&N gift card! Make sure you tune in and enter each week because each valid entry earns you an extra chance at the grand prize giveaway. Pretty awesome, right?! 

So, onto this week's giveaway! See the rafflecopter below to get entered! :)

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