A Day Dreamer's World Turns Two!

It's been a few days since my blog officially turned two on April 30th, and even though I couldn't climb out from under my pile of revision long enough to write this post, I spent most of the day contemplating what happened before I set up A Day Dreamer's World. Despite it feeling like only a few months ago that I opened my laptop, found a link to another blog, and decided to start one myself after a week of trying to use Tumblr, two years have gone-by(extremely quickly). At the time, my mum said to me, "Don't get too addicted" and I can't help but laugh every time I remember that! Admittedly though, I never knew there was a community of bloggers; and that those part of it would become friends for life. 

 

Before I started this blog, my confidence was non-existent, but now I'm communicating with publishers, and outside of blogging, I'm running projects at school(one of which lead to a TV appearance) and have overcome problems with how shy I was!

On a school wall display.

Last year was incredible, and a huge learning experience, since previously I had never heard of an ARC! Now, I feel like I have my place in the blogging community, and have spent a huge amount of time talking to bloggers that started at the same time as me, and meeting others! I'm incredibly proud of what has happened this blogging-year. Piecing together the Anti-Bullying Blog Week that was run during October was so humbling, but also upsetting, and made me realise a lot more needs to be done to make people realise that bullying happens outside of books. There were some amazing moments during the week, and one of those was when Andy Robb sent me a picture of a school wall in Guernsey, where they had linked to my blog using a QR Code and had made their own display of the Coke Bottle Theory(his Guest Post for the week). This was so overwhelming, and knowing that it made that slight different meant a lot. Another was when everyone talked about their own experiences of bullying, as just by reading them, it would make people realise how much harm even one comment can make.

 

Me and Sarah J. Maas!

I've always wondered how reviews end up in books, or on the press releases that come with the review-copies. This year, seeing my review in Siobhan Curham's Finding Your Inner Cherokee and receiving press releases without knowing I had been quoted, has made me freak-out. There is no other way to say that. Anything else would be an understatement; especially when the rest of the page is filled with your friends' reviews. It doesn't get any better. This blog also hit 50,000 page views - which was something I never thought about reaching!

I've been lucky enough to meet fantastic people at book events this year. One of the most exciting(but tiring) weekends for me was when I visited Bath and Cheltenham for the book festivals, meeting Siobhan Curham and Lucy (Queen of Contemporary), and then going to an event where Sarah J. Maas, Maureen Johnson and David Levithan were discussing YA!

Now onto the THANK YOU's!

There is an endless list of people I'd willingly bake an entire batch of cupcakes for, whether they have supported this blog since it began or have joined me in this last year. I couldn't have done anything without the amazing group of bloggers that fill my social media, and I know I can email if I feel unsure about a piece of schoolwork or short story. Also, you make the blogging-world fun! I never knew there would be such a huge group of friends out there who enjoy nothing more than a good book, a cup of tea and chocolate.

Authors who have been apart of Anti-Bullying Blog Week, not complained after I've sent what may have seem like never-ending emails, replied to tweets/commented on reviews and talked to me on Twitter - thank you! Your lovely comments have meant the world to me; and it's still a surreal feeling to be having a conversation with somebody who I hugely admire.

Thank you to the wonderful publishers that have sent me review books this year: Bloomsbury, Curious Fox, Hot Key Books and Nosy Crow! I never once thought I'd be receiving book-shaped packages through the door because a publisher wants to know my opinion!
Finally, you! Thank you for reading this blog, for leaving comments, and for getting in touch with me on Twitter or by email!

Words can't explain how grateful I am to be a part of this nocturnal community!

Blogoversary Day 6 : Tea Party with Sunny!

Today, I welcome one of my own best-bloggy friends Sunny from A Sunny Spot Blog to join in on our celebrations. We got to eat cake and tell jokes(Which you have to scroll to the end to see)!

 

Welcome to A Day Dreamer's World Sunny. Here, have some cake *reluctantly slides across table*

 

*takes a bite of cake, mmm* Hi Sophie! Happy Blogoversary,Thanks for having me!

 

You run the blog A Sunny Spot but, what others hobbies do you have?

 

Well I obviously like reading and writing but ever since I was little I've loved Singing, it's always been a passion of mine. I also like to dance, mostly hip hop.

 

What is your favourite snack? 

 

Ooh I really like Caviar Dip (It's the pink one) with seaweed crackers but this cake is totally the best so I might have to reconsider.

 

I've never tried Caviar - and thank you for your comments on the cake. I baked it myself! :)

 

Everybody knows not to ask a Book Blogger her favourite books, but can you list your Top Three?

 

How could you do that to me Sophie!

 

I'm so sorry! But, you may as well tell me now!

 

Haha, I love The Fault In Our Stars by John Green and it really touched me in a way no other book has. And The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (high-five fellow tribute) and Twilight by Stephanie Meyer! But I'm currently reading Clockwork Princess (WILL <3) and it's one of my favourite series.

 

What is your favourite book to film adaptation, or just your general favourite film?

 

Well it's no secret that I'm a Hunger Games fan, and I did like the movie but I was much more impressed with the books (I read all 3 first). And I'm really anticipating Catching Fire, doesn't it look great? But, I absolutely loved Breaking Dawn Part 2, it was easily one of my favorite films!! Gawd that ending.

 

Like you, I cannot wait for Catching Fire! But yes, that ending to Breaking Dawn Part 2 was quite something. There was an intake of breath in the cinema, and when it was over and we realised that director had tricked us, we all started laughing.

 

What is your prize-procession? 

 

Probably all of my books! But When I was younger I got this really cute and fluffy soft toy giraffe. I got it one Christmas and instantly called it Mrs Snuggles and now I always have it on my bed using it mostly as a pillow. It's a bit saggy now but cute none the less.

 

If you could time-travel back to one point in history where would you go?

 

Well here's why I'm hopeless at History, I have no clue. Lately I've have really wanted to travel to England, so many brilliant bloggers and authors! It just sounds like an awesome place in general. I'd like to visit Old London or Old New York (I'm half American). But I went through this geeky stage of loving Dinosaurs in year 2, so little me might have something else to say.

 

I haven't been to England yet (And I live in the UK) but I really want to go! I'd love to visit Old New York, can I join you? Awh, I loved Dinosaurs for a few years too. Did you ever see The Land Before Time? That's what started it with me.

 

You get the chance to visit a fictional world, where would it be to? Panem? Narnia? New World? Or something else!

Probably Panem (Capitol), but no way would I be skilled enough to be a victor. But I do have heaps of siblings, 5 sisters and 2 Brothers so maybe I would volunteer for one of them, if they were unlucky enough to get picked. Or maybe Illea because I quite like the idea of being with Prince Maxon and being Princess for a day.

 

I would choose Panem - but just for a day! And of course, Illea would be great because we could meet Maxon!

 

Do you own any merchandise such as a Harry Potter T-Shirt or Mockingjay Pin? 

 

I do own Hunger Games Pens, DVD and Necklaces and I have a Edward Cullen shirt. But I really want to get a Mockingjay Pin and Geek Girl Badge.

 

I love all of the things you own - and I'd love to write with a Hunger Games Pen!

 

You can only take three things with you on a deserted island - name them? 

 

OMG so hard. Umm I'd bring my family (can they come with food, haha), shelter of some sort and a book probably The Fault In Our Stars (but If my family couldn't bring food then I would bring some food instead)! I would be happy with Gus.

 

I'm be happy with Gus too but shh!

 

Can you tell us a joke? 

 

I heard this pick up line on a show and I thought it was quite funny!

Boy: Feel my sweater

Girl: (feels sweater)

Boy: See what it's made of... It's boyfriend material

 

And...

 

Why did the guy with one hand cross the road....

To go to the second hand shop!

 

Best. Jokes. Ever. Thanks Sunny! 

 

Your Welcome Sophie, It was a pleasure! Thanks for having me *virtual hug*. Happy Hunger Games/DFTBA *waves goodbye*.

 

Blogoversary Day 5 : Highlights of the Past Year + Giveaway

It's already Day 5 of my Blogoversary, and I'm yet to share my highlights of the past year with you! There are so many things I have loved about the past year, from getting my first ARC's and getting to know other bloggers to going to book signings and meeting authors.

Receiving my first ARCs - I was so excited when my first ARCs came through the post. When I realised some of them hadn't even been published yet, I couldn't believe I was getting the chance to read them. They were Perfectly Reflected and Scattering Like Light by S.C Ransom(The final two books in the Small Blue Thing Trilogy along with Twelve Minutes to Midnight by Christopher Edge and My Best Friend and Other Enemies by Catherine Wilkins. It also showcased my email skills, when I put 'Being Your ARC' in the subject line. Which really, shows how new I was to blogging! I can't help looking back on it know and laughing. Thank you Nosy Crow for providing me with them!

My first Manuscript & piece of 'Mail' - I received my first Manuscript in January, and it was Geek Girl by Holly Smale. I still have it on my shelf, and I'm really happy to have had such an amazing book as my first manuscript. Also, I had my first piece of 'Mail'(Post from the US) and I've still got the envelope it came on with the stamps. I admit, I may be starting to hoard things!

Getting to chat to authors - It's such a surreal experience when you get a tweet from an author, or they offer you some advice. I've gotten to know authors as well and a lesson I've learnt is that they are just normal people, but with extra-ordinary talents. People like Kate Maryon, Siobhan Curham and Holly Smale are regular people on my twitter-feed and when Marianne Curley commented on my review of Hidden, I freaked out! It was amazing - as Hidden had quickly become one of my favourite books!

My first author interview - The first author I interviewed on this blog was the wonderful Kate Maryon, who I am lucky enough to have met(Which counts as another highlight, as I had such a fantastic day!) and to still be in touch with now. I remember how I felt when she said yes, and I spent hours pondering over the questions to send. I was ecstatic. Me, Sophie, was going to interview an author. I was going to get to ask an author - an author - some of my own questions. I couldn't believe it! You can check out the interview here !

Getting to know other Bloggers - As you may already know from my previous posts, I've loved getting to know other bloggers and finding people who have the same interests as me. It's been amazing to get to chat on Twitter, read your posts and comments, and receive emails from you. I've loved our fan-girling, excitement and constant discussions over book boyfriends - along with knowing I am not the only one with an unhealthy chocolate addiction.  DFTBA!

Discovering VlogBrothers, Dystopia & Goodreads - These are just some of the things have made this blogging experience so much fun! I don't believe I had never watched Vlogbrothers and laughed over John & Hank, or read The Hunger Games and used Goodreads - which has helped me keep so much more organised.

Attending my first Conference - Earlier this year, I got to attend my first conference, which was absolutely amazing. From authors, to publishers and illustrators, I got to learn so much and pick up tips to help my own writing. I got the chance to meet and talk to Catherine Fisher, who wrote The Obsidian Mirror, which I will always remember and got her writing advice. I also got to sit through one of her talks, where I found myself scrawling notes throughout. It was really interesting to get an insight into the world of publishing, and to get a chance to be amongst people who I aspire to be. Although, it was nice to see some young girls who were also taking notes - I felt so out-of-place!

Starting this blog - It sounds cheesy, but this has to be included in the list. If this blog had never been opened, the other things that have made this year would have never happened. I honestly don't know what I was thinking when I opened my blog, maybe that it would be a place to voice-my-thoughts. Somehow, I never thought about it lasting to a year but of course, it shaped the year for me.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my highlights. It's been awesome! To celebrate, here is another giveaway. Sadly, this is also UK ONLY because of the P&P costs.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blogoversary Day 4 - Tea Party with Emma(Never Judge a Book!)

I do not believe we are already on Day 4 of the week's Blogoversary Celebrations. Today, I'm chatting to the extremely talented Emma from Never Judge a Book and The Graphicness, who is also the creator of my gorgeous headers/button!  

 

Hello Emma. How are you?
I'm very well thanks! Thank you for having me on your blog. I'm honoured! :)

Here, have some cake -
Mmmmmm... Yum!

 Can you list me your top three books?
That used to be really hard last year, now its easier...
1. Dare You To by Katie McGarry
2. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Claire
3. The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna

 

Dare You To is being mentioned a lot lately, I must read it! And I'm still yet to read The Infernal Devices, which both look and sound fantastic.

When you read, do you have a favourite genre?
Oooooooo tough one I'm tied between Paranormal and Contemporary!

 

I love Contemporary too! The Fault in Our Stars and Geek Girl both drew me in.

Do you have a favourite book-to-film adaptation?
I'm going to say Twilight, however the only one that surpassed my expectations of the saga is Breaking Dawn! Which I loved! :)

 

Breaking Dawn was fantastic right? It was the shock-twist that had me!

Do you own any fandom merchandise, for example, a Harry Potter T-Shirt?
Of course... I've got the very first wand of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, including the new ones of the last two films as well. New Moon and Team Edward T-Shirt (I wouldn't be on any other team!) He he!

 

I'm sorry but I'm Team Jacob...! I don't know what it was, I think it's because I always want the best-friends to be together.

Where are your favourite places to shop?
Well Waterstones is a given that's for sure!  I love Paperchase and all things stationary. And I love going o old fash and vintage shops including Old Sweet Shops! :D

What is your favourite flavour of ice-cream?
Mint Choc-Chip- it has a lot of memories!

When reading/writing, what is your favourite snack?
I find myself having Milk and Biscuits in the evening when I read and I love it!

Do you have a favourite quote?
I have to say no I don't... But recently I've made my own... Reading is like a dream, it may not come true but you can always believe! :)

 

That is such a beautiful quote! I love it!

If you could hold a dinner party, and invite anybody, fictional/dead/alive, who would they be?
Ryan Stone (Dare You To) Fictional Bella (not film) Tessa, Will and Jem (The Infernal Devices) Last but not least David Tennant... 10th Doctor! ;)

 

Remember to invite me! It sounds like an awesome party.

 

You can step back into one era of time, where would that be?
Victorian! :)

 

I've always wanted to step back into that time too! I think it was my Jacqueline Wilson days of reading Hetty Feather. My child-hood day dreams!

 

How about if you could choose a fictional-world?
Vampire Academy! :D

 

Thank you Emma for chatting to me and designing my amazing headers!

Blogoversary Day 3 : Tea Party with Rebekah!

This is the first of my planned Tea Party Interviews! My first is with the lovely Rebekah from the Reflections of a Bookworm, whom my latest Twitter conversations with have mostly involved Chocolate.

Hi Rebekah! Have some cake -

Q - Who is your favourite female protagonist right now?

 

Hi Sophie! *gets crumbs everywhere* Wow, that's a tough question. I think that Celaena Sardothien from Throne of Glass takes a lot of beating. She's snarky, she's arrogant and she's completely broken. Celaena is the kind of protagonist you can't help but love!

 

*frowns, wipes away crumbs* I loved Celaena too! I thought I would never love an assassin as a protagonist as much as I did. I must ask, what do you think of Chaol and Dorian?

At first I didn't trust Dorian as far as I could throw him but he did grow on me. My heart lies with the quiet and brooding Chaol :D

I'm sorry, I'm going to have to stay with my beloved Dorian! 

Q - What quality from your favourite butt-kicking female would you like to have?

I'd love to have her confidence, she can quite happily go into a situation completely out of her comfort zone and just own it!

 Her confidence is something I'd love too. The way she can be so comfortable, and act so strong. I need that!

Are there any other characters you like?

Jennifer Lawrence at the Golden Globes

Katsa from Graceling, Carey from If You Find Me and Katy from the Lux series are all pretty epic too. Especially Katy, she's a book blogger and she can hold her own! There's no way you can make that girls do something she doesn't want to.

 

 How about real-life inspirational females?

 

I'd say that Jennifer Lawrence is inspirational, at first I thought she was a great actress and then all of the interviews she's had just goes to show that she's a great human being! She seems like the kind of lass you could sit down with and have a nice chat, JLaw has time for everyone!

 

I love Jennifer Lawrence! She's funny, down-to-earth and just natural. How she criticizes how the media deals with weight and size is so good to see. You're exactly right! Who can forget her?

 

Was there a female protagonist from your childhood, that you can remember loving?

 

I pretty much devoured Enid Blyton books when I was younger and George from the Famous Five was one of my favourites. I could climb trees with the best of them so I loved the mystery-solving tomboy :)

 

I was obsessed with her books too! I steal have them on my shelf!

 

What qualities make the best female butt kicker?

 

Oooh good question. She has to be strong-willed against all the characters who want to push her down. She needs to be loyal and proud of who she is as a person. It's a given that she needs to be able to kick ass but at the same time, she should be humble and have the ability to step back and say "Hold on a minute, this is getting ridiculous. Let's dial it down a notch.

 

Any characters who you were rooting for and they let you down?

 

Bella Swan, anyone? She had so many opportunities to grow and become the kickass protagonist she could have been but instead, she fades away and wound me up. 

 

I didn't mind her so much, Twilight beat a lot of my expectations! In Breaking Dawn, more the second part, I feel she grew(As she was a Vampire). She got my in tears!

 

Who has been your favourite-surprise heroine?

Beth from Dare You To really surprised me. I didn't like her at all in Pushing The Limits. She was too standoffish and I didn't understand how she could be cruel to people she doesn't know. After reading DYT, she could easily be my best friend. The author made me understand her and by the end, I was crying for her. Well done, Katie McGarry. You melted my heart!

 

Do you think there are enough female-buttkickers?  

You can never have enough buttkicker characters and more and more debut every year :D

What book, with a feisty female protagonist, would you recommend to everyone?

I'd definitely recommend Dare You To, it's got a bit of everything. Even if you're not normally a fan of Contemporary, Katie McGarry has a way of worming her way into your heart and never letting go :)

Thank you to Rebekah for doing this interview with me!

Blogoversary Day 2: Thank You Fellow Bloggers!

As I start writing this post, I know by the end of it I am going to be in tears. This year has been one I have grown in so much confidence and experienced so much, because of the people who have supported me. Whether you were with me from the beginning or have just recently joined the team, I am so grateful!

Every single Blogger who has ever commented on my blog or spent hours chatting to me on Twitter over book boyfriends, or an ending to a book I couldn't get over, thank you! You are the best and I'm so lucky to have you as bloggy-friends. My love of books has just grown through you(Including you recommending The Fault in Our Stars!). Book-boyfriend conversations, love-triangle 'arguments' and most importantly virtual-tissue's and many discussions over chocolate and cake! You have been generally awesome and thanks for allowing me to be part of this Young Adult madness.

Lucy - What can I say? Thank you for commenting on my posts for months now, and your just fab! Our discussions over book-boyfriends and excitement OVER NEW BOOK RELEASES, DIVERGENT AND THE SELECTION have been so much fun! The madness that is my twitter-feed is because of you! Sorry to break the bad news to you but Four is already taken! But, on a serious note, thank you so much for your support and for bringing me into the world of YA love interests and fellow-geeks.

Ruby - You're amazing! Although I've only started to chat to you over the past few months, you've become one of my best bloggy-friends. Your funny, and you probably don't know how happy I am that those little monsters on your header drew me in. Your blog has me cheering you all the way, and your a Nerdighter so what more do I need to say? DFTBA!

Sunny - Goodness! Where do I begin! You're so sweet, supportive and you've had me in tears because of your lovely comments. I appreciate everyone one, as well as loving your blog. You have made many of my day's, and your just generally awesome. Thank you for your huge amounts of support(I know I've said it a lot, but I really do mean it!)

And as a fellow-tribute, I owe you this! :D

Rebekah - Just remember to always go for chocolate! Your brilliant, seriously, and I've always got a smile on my face when in a conversation with you.

Kyra- Just like me, you always seem to come across the books that will have you weeping for days! Our constant fangirling over books, most lately your reading The Hunger Games, has made blogging so much better. Thank you for being another best bloggy-friend!

Emma - My amazing header and button designs are down to you and you deserve a huge thank you! You're super-talented for a start and have put up with my constant nagging, saying it's no problem. You've been a huge-part of this whole experience and are another great friend to me. I have no idea where this blog would be without you!

Zoe - My great bloggy-friend and twitter-buddy. I'm constantly tweeting you - and let's admit, you have a fantastic taste in books! Your personality is also awesome and thanks for all your comments. And although we've only recently got involved with each-other's blogs, you've become one of my best friends.  :)

Ella - Thank you for sending me some fantastic nail-polish. I haven't stopped wearing it! :D

Amber - Thank you for your tweets & comments! Not only are you an amazing blogger, but your fun to chat to on Twitter and hilarious! Thank you for everything in the short amount of time I've known you, you've quickly become one of my best friends.

Charli , Hawaa - Thank you for your constant support through such lovely comments and Hawaa for your tweets. I really appreciate them!

You are all the best friends I could have asked for! I've completely grown with you around and your too-lovely comments have brightened up my day. I never thought I would be able to turn on my computer and have people who I can just be myself with. And, in my normal style, May the odds be in your favor! To everyone else who follows my blog, you make the difference. Words can't express how surprised I am that my blog has had this reaction. I never knew the blogging world existed, and definitely not in the scale where I would be able to make friends, one year ago.

To thank you here's a giveaway! (UK Only - Sorry!)  a Rafflecopter giveaway