A Book Box Giveaway for our Book Box Birthday!
We are celebrating our one year anniversary this month at Pretty Literate - our book box birthday - and our friends at Fiction Flock are sponsoring a giveaway
just
for
you!
What is Fiction Flock?
I met Fiction Flock's owner Veronica earlier this year in an online forum for women subscription box owners and we quickly hit it off. I knew from our first conversation that I wanted to introduce you to her. So many of us love to read contemporary fiction and that is what Veronica at Fiction Flock delivers - eclectic women’s fiction, curated goodies, and good causes, so you can read, relax, and do good, all in one monthly box!
And since Fiction Flock is celebrating their one-year anniversary this month, too, Veronica and I decided to celebrate by giving YOU, our reading friends, the opportunity to win a bit of bookish bliss - because what's a party without some stellar gifts?
Am I right?
Grab a mug of your favorite sippable, sit back, and get to know Veronica from Fiction Flock. I think you're going to enjoy connecting with her...and you might discover some great new book recs in the process.
Keep reading to get all the details - including a sneak peek inside the giveaway book box sponsored by Fiction Flock and the link to enter for your chance to win!
Meet Veronica at Fiction Flock
Q: What is the first book you ever remember reading?
A: My grandmother used to send me books every month when I was a kid. Go, Dog, Go comes to mind as my earliest favorite.
Q: What is the book (or series) that got you to the point that you considered yourself a reader?
A: Starting around age six or seven, I fell in love with all things Nancy Drew. And it’s been pages and pages since then.
Q: Have you ever ventured to the other side of reading and tried your hand at writing? (or read a book that made you want to be a writer?)
A: Absolutely. I think there has always been a writer in me, though nothing longer than a short story until recently. My love of writing actually led me to work as a freelance editor for many years (I still do!) and I actually went back to school to earn an MFA because I wanted to write my own books.
Q: What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A: This is such a difficult question to answer. I love books for different reasons. Where the Red Fern Grows was the first book that made me cry. Of course, these previously mentioned Nancy Drew books because they showed me that being a smart girl was a good thing. Pride and Prejudice is my favorite for the witty banter and slow burn between Elizabeth and Darcy. More recently, The Scent Keeper because it is a master class in sensory description. The Wool Series because it introduced me to post-apocalyptic fiction. There are so many.
Q: Which writer do you enjoy the most? Why?
A: Again, so hard to pick just one. I like writers who have a strong voice. I love books that are written in a way that demonstrates an appreciation for the intellect of the reader. If a writer can create a memorable, empathetic character and create a connection that has me genuinely interested if not rooting for them within the first chapter, then I’ll likely be a fan.
Q: What book are you embarrassed to admit that you like?
A: I’m not embarrassed by any book I’ve read and enjoyed. That’s one of the many things I love about reading. Some books you read to learn, some books you read to just get lost in the fantasy. If I had to guess a series that a lot of folks think I should be embarrassed about, it would probably be either Hunger Games or the Twilight series.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: Another really tough question. If I had to pick one book, it would be Pride and Prejudice. I never get tired of it. And in fact, I used this story to create easter eggs in my own book as a way to pay tribute to the story, and the author, of course.
Q: Do you like to have a drink or snacks nearby when reading?
A: Not always. But I do always want the temp to be just right. So it might mean turning on a fan, and plumping up my pillows, or snuggling under a blanket.
Q: Why do you read?
A: As a kid, I moved a lot because my parents were in the Air Force. Reading was the one constant in my life. Since then, as I’ve come to terms with some trauma and a life-long battle with depression. I’ve realized that reading is, undoubtedly, a cathartic process to deal with emotions that I might not otherwise want to explore. I tend to gravitate toward books that answer an emotional need. Sometimes I need to see someone be strong and overcome. Sometimes I need to be reminded that love is the greatest force of all. Sometimes I just need to laugh and be entertained. Reading is absolutely a form of therapy and self-care for me.
Q: What is your favorite genre?
A: It varies. I am a huge post-apocalyptic fan and I absolutely adore magical realism. I love fantasy, sci-fi, romance, contemporary, you name it. I’ve recently found myself reading a lot of mysteries. If the story is good, and I can either relate or empathize with the characters, I’m usually game, provided my mood and mindset are a match at the time. The only genre I’m not really a huge fan of is erotica. I have read some, I’ve even edited some, and while I recognize its place, it’s just not a go-to for me.
Q: What is the last book rec you gave?
A: I often read more than one book at a time, so the last recommendations were The Lost Book of Elenore Dare by Kimberly Brock and At First Light by Barbara Nickless. A historical novel and a mystery/thriller, respectively.
Q: What is the last book you gave as a gift?
A: I’ve gave my daughter a copy of You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero.
Q: Where do you find most of the books you read?
A: I spend a lot of time scrolling and searching on Amazon, but I also like to browse directly with publishers I like. And of course, I love getting recommendations on social media or from my reading friends.
Q: Who is someone that has had the most profound impact on you as a reader?
A: I would have to say my grandmother. She taught me to read and supported that love of books from a very early age. I don’t think she was a big reader, but I think she saw the benefits of it, or maybe just wanted to make sure I had something to do, but either way, getting those monthly boxes of books when I was a kid made reading something I looked forward to.
Q: Where is your favorite place to read?
A: At the beach, when I can hear the ocean, feel the sun and the breeze off the water.
Q: Which author has left the biggest mark on you as a reader?
A: I can’t say that any one author has left a bigger mark than any other. I am always learning about style and voice, about characterization and theme, from every author in every book I read.
Q: Are you in a book club?
A: I have my own for Fiction Flock, though it is still new and I struggle sometimes because I am a little shy. I don’t have one IRL (In Real Life). I would probably join if I could find one close to home that enjoyed a variety of different genres.
A: Not that I can think of, but I will say I love when an author uses real places in their writing or for inspiration. I’ve read several books by Amy E. Reichert, and she often uses towns in Wisconsin as the setting in her stories. I had no idea how interesting that state is. Did you know the Water Park Capital of the World is in Wisconsin? In a town called Wisconsin Dells? She talks all about it in The Kindred Spirits Supper Club and now I feel like I might need to plan a trip to Wisconsin.
Q: What is the title of the last book you bought?A: Summer Beach Murder by Alicia Bessette. I’m still in my cozy mystery/thriller phase at present. 😊
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: Right now, I’m reading The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd, Things Past Telling by Shelia Williams, and listening to First Blood by Angela Marsens.
Q: Physical books, or eBooks?
A: And audiobooks too. I’ll take them all, it matters not to me.
Get to know more about Veronica and Fiction Flock here.
⬇️ ⬇️ And now for the giveaway details sponsored by our friends at Fiction Flock. ⬇️ ⬇️
Now that you know a little about Fiction Flock and it's founder, Veronica, let's get to the giveaway! I know you're eager to see all the things Veronica has included in our book box birthday giveaway, so...
Giveaway ends Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 11:59 pm.
Winner will be announced by email on Sunday, May 22, 2022, so be sure to check your email on Sunday.
And thank you for joining Pretty Literate in its first year. I loved helping you spark connections with classic authors, relate to the titles that were featured, and make new friends with the unforgettable characters we met in each novel.
I look forward to connecting with you this next year and learning to serve you even better.
Good luck!
Oh. My. Gosh. One of the best and truest statements I’ve ever read about what makes me drawn to an author is in Veronica’s response above- that the author “demonstrates an appreciation for the intellect of the reader”! YES! ABSOLUTELY! I have struggled to explain why I haven’t cared for a book that many others have seemed to love, and now I know how to put it!! Thanks, Veronica! We also share several interests as to favorite books, such as the Nancy Drew series (I wanted to BE her!) and Pride and Prejudice. And I don’t feel embarrassed about anything I have read, for the reasons mentioned. There are many books I wouldn’t read again, though. And that’s how reading should be- an individual choice. Thank you for introducing us to Veronica, Pretty Literate!