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Monday 29 February 2016

Reading Round-Up: Jan/Feb 2016

As it's the start of a new year, I've decided to start a new regular feature here on TWG. I've seen a lot of other book bloggers do a regular round-up of the books they've read and acquired over a certain period of time, so it's about time I kicked off my own bi-monthly reading round-up!


Out are the books I've read over the last two months, in are the books I've acquired in that time, and wishlist are the books I've stumbled across and want to read at some point (but don't own a copy... yet).

Out
In
  • Sing Me to Sleep by Chris Simms
  • Time and Time Again by Ben Elton
  • Night Owls by Jenn Bennett 
  • The Taxidermist's Daughter by Kate Mosse
  • The Last Book of Salem by Katherine Howe
  • Confessions of a New York Taxi Driver by Eugene Salomon 
  • I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
  • There But For The by Ali Smith 
  • Tears of Blood (#1-3) by M.R. Forbes
  • The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell 
  • The Sisters by Claire Douglas 
  • Us by David Nicholls 
  • The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
  • Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
  • Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
  • Paper Towns by John Green
  • Landline by Rainbow Rowell
Wishlist
  • The Baller by Vi Keeland
  • Remembrance (The Mediator #7) by Meg Cabot
  • Madame Tussaud's Apprentice by Kathleen Benner Duble
  • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling
  • The Chimes by Anna Smaill
  • Orfeo by Richard Powers
  • Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys 
  • Twisted Mind (Chequered Flag #2) by Mia Hoddell 
  • The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke
What have you been reading recently? Have you read a book I should know about? Let me know in the comments below!

Friday 26 February 2016

Book Review: Langston's Daughters by Juliette Harper

Last Updated: 31 May 2021

Langston's Daughters by Juliette Harper book cover

AD* | Kate, Jenny, and Mandy. Langston Lockwood’s daughters.

His tyranny drove them away. His suicide draws them home. They inherit his land, his millions, and his mysteries.

Meet the women of the Rocking L and the men who come into their lives. Together, they begin the journey to discover the truth about The Lockwood Legacy. From the pain of the past, they find the strength to build a dynasty.

Monday 22 February 2016

Book Review: My Stratford Friend by Dominick Reyntiens

Last Updated: 31 May 2021

My Stratford Friend by Dominick Reyntiens book cover

AD* | "I have hanged more men for what they have written than for what they have done."

This quote from Queen Elizabeth I’s most savage enforcer, Richard Topcliffe, goes straight to the heart of the world that surrounds Tom Wickham – a stable boy who, by the circumstances of his birth, becomes young William Shakespeare’s closest friend.

Warwickshire was one of the last Catholic outposts of Tudor England. History is written by the victors, but this is a story of a torn and bloody country as seen through the tear-stained eyes of the vanquished. The layers of Tom and Will’s turbulent environment are peeled back, revealing passion, love and desire fighting for oxygen on the face of a spiralling mountain of fear and retribution.

Friday 19 February 2016

The Bloggers vs Compers Debate

The debate between bloggers and compers has been going on for what feels like forever. Both sides think they're in the right, which means things have a tendency to get a little heated when one side says something the other disagrees with.

But for those that don't know, what's it all about?


Let's start with the basics.

Compers are people who regularly enter competitions. Most compers do it as a hobby or a way to get things they could never usually afford, but some people, known as extreme compers, see it as a career, and can enter hundreds of competitions every day.

Now, for whatever reason, a lot of bloggers have a negative opinion of compers. Many smaller bloggers fund their giveaways themselves and run them with the intention of gaining more followers/readers from the exercise. Therefore, when their giveaway post is flooded with entries from compers, it's understandable some get a little annoyed.

The minority give the majority a bad name

The problem lies with the minority of compers giving the majority a bad name. The minority are those compers who go to a blog with the sole purpose of entering a giveaway, complete the steps required to enter, then are never heard of again. They're the types of empty, spammy-looking profiles you see, the ones that make you question if they're actually a real person or not.

So when a blogger sees their giveaway inundated with entries from profiles like these, that's when the problems arise. Bloggers don't consider these people to be engaging followers, because more often than not, they aren't. Another bugbear for bloggers is when compers repeatedly follow their blog/social media channels when a giveaway is running, then unfollow as soon as the giveaway finishes. Compers like these are not the quality, engaged followers the blogger hoped the giveaway would attract.

Now we know what the problem is, but who's in the right?

The short answer is that both sides have valid points.

Bloggers have the right to be frustrated with spam accounts and the minority of compers practising bad habits who take advantage of their giveaways. However, this doesn't excuse those bloggers who tar all compers with the same brush, and it definitely doesn't excuse those bloggers who try to ban compers from entering their giveaways (not least because it's technically against the CAP Code and ASA's rules).

But on the other hand, compers have the right to be treated fairly by bloggers. The majority of compers do nothing wrong, and I think it would surprise a great deal of bloggers how many compers are actually regular readers of their blog as well. On the flipside though, compers who search for 'anti-comper' bloggers and proceed to start a witch-hunt against them are no better than the bloggers they think they have the moral high ground against.

I see where both groups are coming from

Personally, I find it hard to stick with one side over the other on this debate. As both a blogger and a comper, I empathise with both groups on different points. When I run giveaways, I'm happy for compers to enter them, and I know compers have won at least some of my past giveaways. I'm also incredibly grateful to other bloggers when I win items from their giveaways.

I know several other people who are also bloggers and compers, and it offers a very interesting view on the subject. However, to make this as fair as possible, I opened the debate up to get people's opinions from both sides.

The Money Shed on Twitter said:
London Bird Lucy said:

"I have two hobbies; comping and blogging. I love both - I like winning things, I also enjoy being creative when I write my blog. I like the company of both compers and bloggers; the communities are similar, I have friends in both. I don't like that there is a divide for some people. After all, we are all consumers."

Rachel from Parenthood Highs and Lows said:

"I was blogging for a while before I started comping, but the two seemed to work well together. I enjoyed running competitions on my blog, and started to make friends with one or two compers who entered regularly, and we became friends on Facebook. I started entering blog competitions and was quite lucky, so moved onto entering any competition that I came across. I've made lots of friends through comping, won some lovely stuff (nothing huge sadly!!) and last June started a group on FB called 'Comper Friendly Blog Competitions' for bloggers to share their competitions with compers. It all started after seeing a huge argument on Twitter where some big name bloggers were trying to ban compers. Now we have about 1600 members sharing and entering blog competitions in the group."

Leanne said:

"I'm not an everyday blogger, I post relevant posts so don't post every day. But I love competitions and bringing the two together works! Like all blogs, they help so many people in all areas. And I disagree that some bloggers say compers can't enter. My opinion is that they are people too! Just because they blog, doesn't mean you shouldn't win." 

Carol said:

"I am a comper only. I haven't time for blogging, though I wish I had. Simply put, as I tell bloggers, don't run comps that come out of your own pocket if you can't afford them. Just use the prizes given to you by companies. The main moan is that most compers don't stay around. As I told bloggers, companies love us compers. We give them free advertisement in more ways than just saying who we won through. We share, we talk about them with our friends, online and off. They reach a far bigger audience.

I explain this to others and to bloggers. I also say that, like anything, most don't stay around. However, some do, and it drip feeds how you pick up followers. I have stayed on some blogging sites. I have also found companies I would never have heard of if it wasn't for competitions through companies and bloggers. Both can compliment each other, however most bloggers have to have that explained to them."

Rebecca from Mum of a Premature Baby said:

"I fell into comping first. I was pregnant with my first child and was looking for free baby samples. I discovered competitions for baby items then subsequently found parenting blogs hosting competitions too. A year later, when my son was 4 months old, I started my own parenting blog because I liked the idea of writing about his life. Everything grew, I blogged a lot and got to offer my readers competitions prizes, but I was an avid comper too. I'm very 'comper friendly' and would never exclude anyone. I think I'd be a bit hypocritical if I did, considering I started as a comper too! I'll be completely honest and say that I love the traffic that compers bring me when I run a giveaway, and lots of them stay as readers which is nice. 

Being a blogger and a comper, I do sometimes see people complaining that bloggers seem to win a lot. I find that bloggers just know more tips and tricks. For example, with Rafflecopter and Gleam comps that are hosted on blogs. If there are daily entries via tweeting, I'll make sure I go back every day to do that tweet because from running my own, I know that the people who put more effort in DO seem to win more." 

Louise Rose said:
Super Lucky Di said:

"The compers vs bloggers battle has been raging for a while, and as someone with years of experience as both a blogger and comper I can see it from both sides. In the UK, every promoter should follow the CAP Code - even a blogger giving away a spare mascara needs a set of terms and conditions and must 'deal fairly and honourably with participants'. Excluding people from a giveaway because their hobby is entering competitions simply isn't fair. Particularly when those particular entrants do a rather fine job of telling the world to visit a blog via posts of Twitter, Facebook and competition forums!

On the other hand, I do appreciate that most bloggers prefer to target a specific audience. If that's the case, they should avoid hosting giveaways with a simple entry method. Instead, ask people to put thought into their entry, and keep it relevant to the blog - it might be a detailed review of a beauty product, a travel photograph submitted on Instagram or sharing an original recipe. If a blogger is keen to reward regular readers, they could start a mailing list and run the promotion via the newsletter. Don't want a stream of compers visiting via a link on the MoneySavingExpert forum? Then create imaginative barriers to entry, rather than simply banning 'competition accounts'. Ask readers to comment about their favourite books, moisturisers or spices - that will filter out any lazy entrants who aren't bothered about the prize!"

Chloe from The Life of a Student Comper said:

"I can understand why bloggers are against compers in that they feel the prize should be rewarded to someone they consider a 'loyal follower' instead of a comper. However, in doing their giveaways they are trying to advertise and attract more attention for their blog, and through compers getting involved and liking and sharing their posts this gives them the publicity that they originally wanted. In fact many compers have also stated that they have found out many unique blogs/companies that they now love and avidly follow, through comping. In addition, there are also a lot of compers who publicly thank the promoters of a competition when they win a prize, and this again gives them that extra publicity. Therefore, I feel in one sense compers help bloggers attract new loyal followers".

From the number of responses I received, it seems that a lot of people have opinions on this topic. We could easily talk round and round in circles about this, but at the end of the day it all comes down to a question of kindness and mutual respect. I know both bloggers and compers who are lovely people, but I've also had dealings with people from both groups who have been much less pleasant.

So, comper or blogger, my advice to you is this - try and see things from their perspective, and think about how you're treating people. Remember, kindness costs nothing.

Are you a blogger or a comper? What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Monday 15 February 2016

Book Review: The Bluffer's Guide to Social Media

Last Updated: 31 May 2021

The Bluffer's Guide to Social Media book cover

AD* | Instantly acquire all the knowledge you need to pass as an expert in the world of social media. Know what to say, what not to say, what to post, what not to post, and what excuses to make if you don't know the difference between a tweet and a dweet, or even a retweet (which, any tweeple worth their salt will know is always called an RT).

Never again confuse a LOL with a ROFL, a selfie with a shelfie, or Godwin's Law with the Streisand Effect. Bask in the admiration of your fellow social media aficionados as you pronounce confidently on the chances of Facebook going the way of Friends Reunited and Bebo, and why MySpace could be the Casio keyboard of the 21st century.

Above all don't hold back when it comes to saying what you really think of trolls, pointing out that there has never yet been one who had a healthy mental attitude, a steady job and the requisite intelligence to write anything worth reading.

Do ask: What's the point of Tumblr?
Don't say: I've got this great idea for a blog on cats that look like biscuits.

Saturday 6 February 2016

Book Review: Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

Last Updated: 31 May 2021

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton book cover

AD* | She’s more gunpowder than girl - and the fate of the desert lies in her hands.

Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mystical beasts still roam the wild and barren wastes, and rumour has it that somewhere, djinni still practice their magic. But there's nothing mystical or magical about Dustwalk, the dead-end town that Amani can't wait to escape from.

Destined to wind up "wed or dead," Amani’s counting on her sharpshooting skills to get her out of Dustwalk. When she meets Jin, a mysterious and devastatingly handsome foreigner, in a shooting contest, she figures he’s the perfect escape route. But in all her years spent dreaming of leaving home, she never imagined she'd gallop away on a mythical horse, fleeing the murderous Sultan's army, with a fugitive who's wanted for treason. And she'd never have predicted she'd fall in love with him... or that he'd help her unlock the powerful truth of who she really is.

Friday 5 February 2016

Theatre Review: Les Misérables at Queen's Theatre, London

Les Misérables, the world's longest running musical, and probably my favourite musical. It was the first 'serious' musical I saw (excluding the likes of Disney classics High School Musical and Camp Rock) and it really kickstarted my love for theatre.

My first experience of Les Misérables was in 2010, tagging along with some friends to see the 25th anniversary concert streamed live to our local cinema. Unfortunately for me, the 25th anniversary show was more of a concert than an actual musical, meaning a lot of the explanations were lost. As Les Misérables isn't always the easiest to follow at the best of times, I'll readily admit I was pretty lost by the time the interval came round. Still, that didn't matter, because the songs and the music captivated me. From the soaring score to the incredible cast, from that day on I was hooked. (And I'm still yet to find a Valjean I prefer more than Alfie Boe).

Since then I rewatched the 25th anniversary concert DVD multiple times, watched the 2012 movie version (I am one of the few people who didn't wholeheartedly dislike Russell Crowe as Javert) and read Victor Hugo's original novel.

My first time seeing Les Misérables in person was back in 2012, when I got tickets to see it at Queen's Theatre for my 18th birthday. In short, I was blown away. The cast, the set, and of course that music, were even more impressive live. Even better, I got to see the fantastic Hadley Fraser as Javert - he remains my favourite Javert to this day.

I loved it. But being a student meant there was no way I could afford to go and see it again any time soon. However, four years on, I decided it was high time I took another visit to Queen's Theatre. So I booked tickets, and come February 3rd, I was off to London to experience it once again.

And let me tell you - it didn't disappoint!

Seeing it for a second time allowed me to really take in the details and appreciate the artistry a lot more. For such a complex story, the set is comparatively simple. Nothing is there that doesn't absolutely have to be there, so it's uncluttered, really making you focus on the action.

The music keeps the story alive

However, it's the music that has kept the story alive for so long. The songs sound so much better performed by a live orchestra, sweeping you up in the moment and making you feel the emotions of the characters. It's so difficult to pick a favourite song (I have so many from the musical as a whole) but on the night there were a few stand-out moments for me.

One was Carrie Hope Fletcher playing Thenardier's daughter Eponine. Wanting to see Carrie in this role before her run finished was a major part of deciding to go when I did. And just as well, because she was an excellent Eponine. Her rendition of On My Own was a definite highlight!


However, there was one person who really stole the show. Gavroche, the ever-cheery urchin boy who gets caught up in the revolution at the barricade. I'm not sure which of the three young actors was playing Gavroche in the performance I saw, but whoever it was, you really have to give him credit for stealing the show in such a small role with so many big names around.

Second time around, Les Misérables was just as good. I hope to be back for a third time soon!

You can find ticket information and buy tickets on the official website.

Have you seen Les Misérables? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Wednesday 3 February 2016

Book Review: Chameleon Soul by Mia Hoddell

Last Updated: 31 May 2021

Chameleon Soul by Mia Hoddell book cover

AD* | After one fateful night, Raine Wilkins’ life has never been the same…

Two years into a relationship with Formula 1 driver Teo Coates, Raine walks out of his life without offering an explanation. To shield him from horrifying events that are best kept secret, Raine breaks her own heart and the heart of the man she loves. And left with no choice, Teo is forced to abandon Raine to finish his race season.

However, Teo always wins, and losing Raine’s heart has only made him more determined to reclaim it…

Now, a year later, he’s back, and she’s his only goal. But Raine is no longer the same girl he left behind; she’s broken by the past and struggling to cope with each day. Unbearable memories have her nights plagued with fear, while her days are spent deliberately hiding away to avoid triggering full-blown panic attacks. Therefore, when Teo returns as England’s favourite driver and demands answers, all of Raine’s careful planning is destroyed.

She is thrown into the one place she never wants to be - the spotlight.

Her newfound fame as Teo’s public girlfriend raises old dangers and exposes her to a group who will stop at nothing to tear them apart. If Raine and Teo are to be together, they must confront their past. However, only Raine knows the truth behind what happened during that sinister night, and revealing her secrets may cause Teo to leave for good.​