The Plotmonkeys
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Carly Phillips Leslie Kelly Janelle Denison Julie Leto


What Julie Leto had to say on Saturday, January 30th, 2010
Saturday Craft Series
Julie Icon

Ah, so yet again, Julie falls down on the job and fails to get a guest blogger this week. Sorry! But I’ll make it up to you!

If you read Wednesday’s post, you know that I’m cleaning closets and getting rid of some of my excess of author’s copies. I picked TWO winners for the Wednesday contest and they are:

#10, katie
#90, Angelique

Yeah! Congratulations!! Please email me with your snail mail addresses and I’ll get the box o’ books out to you this week.

On that note, I’m going to raid my bookshelves for some books that both writers and readers might find interesting…

For the writers:

50,001 Best Baby Names. I know, weird right? But not really. Those characters need names! I bought this to mix things up a bit and have a new resource (this one breaks names down by popularity of decade, association with career, alphabetical…all sorts of new ways to figure out character names) but I continue to go to my old standby, so this one is just taking up space. Time to share!

The Weekend Novelist.
Ah, the perfect writing book for those people who can’t write full time and have to get the most out of their “free” time. I read it…a long time ago! But I think it’s time to pass it on.

The Personality Tree. I’m pretty sure I bought this one at a workshop. I think, if the post-it notes inside are any indication, I used it to TEACH a workshop. I don’t do a character workshop anymore, so it must have been a while ago. Still, it’s got some great worksheets and discussion of character types through psychology.

You Are Your First Name. Okay, this one I bought because Carly said I should. It goes to characterization and has all sorts of word associations with names…way above and beyond a standard naming book.

And they’re all yours if you win!

For the readers:

Any four books from my backlist, pending availability!
(I have about five or six of my releases that I have next to no copies of…ESSENCE OF MIDNIGHT is one, EXPOSED is another…so it’ll depend on what I have.)

Just comment on…a book on your shelf you’d give away if someone made you. And why. Tell me if you want the writer’s books or the reader’s books and I’ll announce the winners tomorrow!

Julie Leto

JulieBy all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.

46 comments to “Saturday Craft Series”

  1. Laurie G says:
    Comment
    1
     · January 30th, 2010 at 7:07 am · Link

    READER’S BOOKS PLEASE

    The book I’d give away is War & Peace. My husband gave it to me when my four children were young. Almost 20 years later I still haven’t read it.
    My TBR book pile is filled with books I want to read NOW!

    I’d love to read a few from your backlist Julie.



  2. Caroline says:
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    2
     · January 30th, 2010 at 7:14 am · Link

    :applause: WRITERS’ Books Please. If I really, really *had* to give away one of my books then it would be my copy of “Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies.” (By Leslie Grainger). It’s a great book for any aspiring romance writer and I got – and still do – get a out of it. Have a good weekend. Caroline.



    • Michelle says:
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      2.1
       · January 30th, 2010 at 8:34 pm · Link

      Caroline…I have this book and use it a lot as I’m still in the process author…LOL…I agree it is a great book!



  3. Karen H in NC says:
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    3
     · January 30th, 2010 at 9:43 am · Link

    Since I’m a readaholic and the books on my TBR shelves number in the hundreds, there really isn’t anyone that I would willing part with. I’m always adding more.

    I’d like a reader’s book!



  4. elisa v says:
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    4
     · January 30th, 2010 at 10:08 am · Link

    I will like the readers book.

    I would highly recommend the book I am reading now, its fun and light hearted based in the 1940s, called “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.



  5. Linda Henderson says:
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    5
     · January 30th, 2010 at 10:17 am · Link

    I would like the readers books. If I had to get rid of anything from my bookshelves it would be The Hobbitt, it took me forever to get through it and I really don’t know why I kept it. I hope everyone is having a great weekend. We have another winter storm, so more snow. :snowguy:



  6. katie says:
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    6
     · January 30th, 2010 at 10:23 am · Link

    OMG! Thank you, Julie!



    • katie says:
      Comment
      6.1
       · January 30th, 2010 at 10:30 am · Link

      I forgot to answer the question….I get rid of all of my books (unless, it is signed or otherwise special to me, like when Leslie dedicated her book to me and the rest of the jungle dwellers). I just don’t have the room :( .



  7. Kara says:
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    7
     · January 30th, 2010 at 10:33 am · Link

    READER’s BOOKS please.

    If I had to give one book from my shelf **shudder** it would be Hannah Howell’s A Highlander’s Christmas…only because I have two copies of it – LOL. I know, I probably shouldn’t be stingy with my books…but I love everyone of them…and just can’t part with them.

    Would love to read from your backlist!!! :praying:



  8. Helen L. says:
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    8
     · January 30th, 2010 at 10:50 am · Link

    I would giveaway my 2 baby raising books as I do not need them any more.

    And I would like the Reader assortment.

    Thanks.



  9. Carrie says:
    Comment
    9
     · January 30th, 2010 at 12:04 pm · Link

    Writer’s books, please.

    I’m not sure what I would give away. Maybe Lauren Dan’s Laid Bare – it is one of my favorite books and I think everyone should read it.

    After giving it away, I would probably buy myself a new copy, lol.



  10. katie says:
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    10
     · January 30th, 2010 at 12:16 pm · Link

    :mickey: I heart Julie (well, all of the Plotmonkeys)



  11. Gillian says:
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    11
     · January 30th, 2010 at 12:31 pm · Link

    Reader’s Books, please!

    I would share my At Home with Beatrix Potter. The pictures are beautiful, the story is heartwarming…I just love everything about her. Then I’d go snatch up myself another copy! :)



  12. Kate Diamond says:
    Comment
    12
     · January 30th, 2010 at 12:37 pm · Link

    I don’t actually need any more books in my tiny, tiny house… but I had a story to share. My mom got me a baby name book for my writing WAY back when I was about 12.

    Of course, she failed to mention her reasoning when she asked the bookstore clerk where they kept the baby name books. “It’s for my 12 year old daughter!” she said proudly.

    Many judging looks ensued.



  13. Liza says:
    Comment
    13
     · January 30th, 2010 at 12:46 pm · Link

    I would love to be included in the reader’s drawing. I have tons of books in my house, but I can’t think of one I really want to give away. I do try to donate books to the library a couple to times a year.



  14. Carol says:
    Comment
    14
     · January 30th, 2010 at 12:58 pm · Link

    Readers books, please.

    I would give up any book I had on my shelf if I thought that the person taking the book would get as much enjoyment and pleasure out of it as I did.

    However, today is not the day to take my books. There is 7 inches of snow on the groung and still falling. Now keep in mind that I live in a place where the annual snow fall is 2-3 inches. I will definately need my books! :snowguy:



  15. Charlotte says:
    Comment
    15
     · January 30th, 2010 at 1:08 pm · Link

    Put me in for the Writer’s Books, please. :bowdown:

    It’s crazy, but I have a copy of “Against All Odds” by Chuck Norris that I just can’t seem to part with. I’m not sure why I keep it except that I’ve always loved Chuck (my kids love to tease me about it…lol) so I’d have to be FORCED to give it away. :whipbanana:



  16. Gigi says:
    Comment
    16
     · January 30th, 2010 at 1:18 pm · Link

    Readers Books Please :heart:
    I would give away my books from college on food preparation.
    I have to keep all my romance books. I gave away duplicate copies to the local library already.



  17. Joder says:
    Comment
    17
     · January 30th, 2010 at 1:21 pm · Link

    Reader’s Books please….And I’d give up Rita Herron/Dark Hunger….only because I noticed I have two copies (don’t know how that happened).



  18. Cher Gorman says:
    Comment
    18
     · January 30th, 2010 at 1:22 pm · Link

    I have tons of “How To” books on my shelves and my TBR pile is out of control. So, better not put my name on the lists. If I had to give away one of my books it would be “Writing A Romance Novel for Dummies” by Leslie Wainger. Who wouldn’t want a “How To” book written by an editor and especially one of her caliber. It’s a fabulous book that I still refer to from time to time.

    Have a great Saturday everyone,

    Cher :biggrin:



  19. Colleen says:
    Comment
    19
     · January 30th, 2010 at 1:24 pm · Link

    Reader’s books please! One book that I would give away if I had to… the books I have of Robert Jordan’s Wheels of time series… I could not stand reading anymore in the series…way to much going on and it seemed like the series was not going to end… stopped reading them…



  20. Cindy says:
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    20
     · January 30th, 2010 at 3:02 pm · Link

    If I had to give one book away it would be The Thornbirds. I fell in love with this book 30 years ago. I love the way Colleen developed the characters and the descriptions of Australia. It was a book that transported me to another place and time.

    I would love the writers books – I am writing my first book and need all the “resources” I can get, especially from someone whose work I admire.



  21. Julianne says:
    Comment
    21
     · January 30th, 2010 at 3:17 pm · Link

    That book “You Are Your First Name” or the “Weekend Novellst” would be helpful, but I’d still like any of *your* novels, Julie. ;)

    One book I’d give away if someone twisted my arm? Hm….I guess it’d be my three Melanie Rawn hardcovers–Exiles, Mageborn Traitor and Skybowl. Though they were darned hard to find, in two cases, I think I might have a paperback of them around here somewhere, but they’re not that imperative to my collection



  22. Kassi says:
    Comment
    22
     · January 30th, 2010 at 3:21 pm · Link

    If I had to get rid of any book it would probably be…a Harry Potter book. They take so long to finish! And since I already have a bunch of name books for my writing, I’d like to take the reader’s books :)



  23. Jane says:
    Comment
    23
     · January 30th, 2010 at 3:45 pm · Link

    Please enter me for the reader’s books. I could be persuaded to give away an Agatha Christie book if I knew my friend would enjoy it and become a loyal fan of her work.



  24. GSM says:
    Comment
    24
     · January 30th, 2010 at 3:49 pm · Link

    :reading: Readers books, please.
    If I had to “share” a book from my bookcase, I think it would be my current copy of “Gone With the Wind.” It was my first romance novel–back when I was in sixth grade–and I’ve gone through many copies of it since. (I would, of course, replace the copy I’d given away!) Thanks for sharing your books, as well.



  25. Carolyn A. says:
    Comment
    25
     · January 30th, 2010 at 3:58 pm · Link

    Reader’s book please!

    If I had to give away one book from my shelf it would be “The Saving Graces” bu Patricia Gaffney. My mom gave it to me several years ago for Christmas because the lady in the bookstore recommended it highly. She said that I would picture myself as one of the four characters, but I couldn’t because I’m not that dysfunctional (hah!).



  26. Pat L. says:
    Comment
    26
     · January 30th, 2010 at 4:48 pm · Link

    Readers books Please! Thanks. :Valday:



  27. Sally says:
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    27
     · January 30th, 2010 at 4:52 pm · Link

    Gasp! Give a book away? Oh, my. I’m a book hoarder. Or maybe more accurately, books like are like stray little kittens to me–they all deserve a home, and preferrably on my bookshelf. :) BUT…if I HAD to…I’d say any of my college textbooks. Yep, I’ve kept them all, because you just never know when they might come in handy. You know, someday I might want to write a geography professor hero or a meteorologist heroine. :)

    And I’d prefer the writer books, which sound great by the way. Especially the Weekend Novelist. :P



  28. Paula R. says:
    Comment
    28
     · January 30th, 2010 at 5:43 pm · Link

    Hi Jules, love this contest too…

    Congrats to the winners.
    Now, one book that I had on my bookshelf that I would give away if someone made me would be Too Good to Be True by Kristan Higgins. Her books are more like girlfriend books…funny, charming, low heat on the sex, which I discovered that many of my friends feel much more comfortable with, and an all around great read. I would give that away too for various reasons, 1) it is a light read 2) I think that it has characters relevant to the lives of my friends today (boarding school crowd), and it is the only book that I could part with without dying right away. I can pick up another copy much more easily than any of the other books on my shelves.

    If I were to win, I would love the books for authors. The “weekend writer” one is looking really good right now. To those authors who work full time and write, I give you all the props in the world. It is very hard to do.

    Peace and love,
    Paula R.



  29. Lyn says:
    Comment
    29
     · January 30th, 2010 at 5:55 pm · Link

    Congrats to the winners.

    If I had to give a book away from my bookshelf, it would be one of the recipe books I own, my Spanish textbook or American Politics textbook. The textbooks I still have because I was using them last year. I always seem to have too many recipes on hand.
    I can’t part with any of the fiction titles I have – I’ve recently done a thinning out of what was there, so anything that is left I would find it difficult to part with.

    Count me out of the drawing – it would cost you too much to get the books to me.



  30. limecello says:
    Comment
    30
     · January 30th, 2010 at 6:21 pm · Link

    Hm… if I had to give away a book? The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. I know I should keep it, and actually read it… but I have no interest. My sister got it for me a number of years ago – murder mystery ish type she thought I’d be into… but I just didn’t have the interest for it. :X

    Too many academic articles and depressing classics.

    (oh and I’d like the readers books please)



  31. Karin says:
    Comment
    31
     · January 30th, 2010 at 6:28 pm · Link

    I’d give away my second copy of The Handmaid’s Tale because I have two copies and I’d give away one of my Tami Hoag novels that I haven’t re-read in a while.



    • Karin says:
      Comment
      31.1
       · January 30th, 2010 at 6:32 pm · Link

      And, I’d for the reader’s books.



  32. Yvonne B. says:
    Comment
    32
     · January 30th, 2010 at 7:35 pm · Link

    Congrats to the winners.

    Interested in the writer’s books.

    If there was one book I would give away, I think it would be Holy Bullet by (insert author name). I received it in a giveaway, read it, was sort of interesting, but the plot bunnies needed a little dusting off – and the overall writing was a wee bit difficult to follow.



  33. Lois says:
    Comment
    33
     · January 30th, 2010 at 8:17 pm · Link

    I’m a simple, plain and humble reader only, so the readers books for me. . . oh dear, which book would I give away. . . oh, wait, it just got easy. I have three different copies of Pride and Prejudice, so I would give one away to get someone else hooked on Jane Austen like me! :) Ah, that was painless! :)

    Lois



  34. Michelle says:
    Comment
    34
     · January 30th, 2010 at 8:39 pm · Link

    :readbook2:
    I would have to say I would give away is one called Yesterday’s Passion by Cherly Biggs….Not that I don’t love it…It is one of my FAVORITE books! It is a time travel, but the way the hero falls in love with the heroine just brings tears to my eyes every time I read it……Gotta love books like that…

    Oh, I would like the writer’s books if you pick me! :threecheers



  35. QLady48 says:
    Comment
    35
     · January 30th, 2010 at 10:27 pm · Link

    Wow, this is better than a guest blogger!!!LOL!! I would want the readers books please. I collect Christmas books and those I wouldn’t even loan out. I have many different series books, so I could give away a whole series!! I did just give away 3 new books last week, 1 unread by me. Hmm, The Coltons, I prob would never re-read them. It would make a small dent on my shelf. Half the fun is in the chase anyway!!! Thanks, Sue



  36. Lisa G. says:
    Comment
    36
     · January 30th, 2010 at 11:32 pm · Link

    Readers Book Please

    I think there several books I like to give away but no one would want them… Physics 111 and History 101

    Sorry I can’t give any of my good books away!!

    P.S. Those were the two college classes I hated the most…so anyone who wants them, please feel free to take them away!!! LOL



  37. Diana Tidlund says:
    Comment
    37
     · January 30th, 2010 at 11:41 pm · Link

    first off..wouldn’t say you fell down on the job…it’s just like…sometimes it gets away from you and before you know it….days, weeks, even years have flown by….considering your writing, family and all the other obligations…this is a speck in the scheme of things…as for the books…was laughing about the baby name book…I have it…and you’re right …never thought of it using it to name characters…great idea….I bought mine because I couldn’t stand to see it sitting there for 25 cents brand new at a tag sale….ended up being used by my niece and nephew for ideas for their kids…ummm…Kingston and Braeden…not sure if they actually used it or what but that’s what they got outta it..lmao about the you are your first name book being Karen’s idea….somehow that doesn’t surprise me…( :heart: I still love you Karen..lol
    Diana



  38. Brenda B. Hill says:
    Comment
    38
     · January 30th, 2010 at 11:44 pm · Link

    There is one that I bought at Friends of the Library Old Book Sale that I do not plan to read. Koko by Peter Straub. I will give this up but not my good books. I don’t have room for many so have to give away or trade some of them.

    Thanks for the great giveaway and I would prefer 4 of your books or readers books.



  39. Sandra Lynne says:
    Comment
    39
     · January 30th, 2010 at 11:49 pm · Link

    Hi Julie!

    I would like the reader’s books!

    I’d love to win some of your backlist books!! :threecheers

    If I had to give one of my books away I guess it would be “Outlander” by Diana Galbaldon. It’s a very long book and I never seem to be getting around to reading it.

    I hope you, and everybody here, has a great weekend! :D

    Sandra



  40. Teresa W. says:
    Comment
    40
     · January 30th, 2010 at 11:54 pm · Link

    I’d like to be included for the readers books, I always try to pass on my books after reading them. I also belong to Paperbackswap and this is a great way to pass books on!



  41. Michele R says:
    Comment
    41
     · January 31st, 2010 at 12:16 am · Link

    Hi Julie,

    It is the READERS BOOKS for me, please. :coffee: Love reading while drinking my favorite cup’a tea.

    If I was asked to give up a book, it would be THE SPY WHO WANTS ME by Lucy Monroe. I have two copies and would love to share one with a friend. Would you like a copy Julie? I would be happy to send one to you! :biggrin:



  42. Sherry S. says:
    Comment
    42
     · January 31st, 2010 at 12:22 am · Link

    READERS BOOK for me please. I call my books my babies and I can’t rid of them. I don’t like to loan them to anyone and if I do when I get them back I have to check them over and make sure that they are okay.



  43. Cheryl Bradley says:
    Comment
    43
     · January 31st, 2010 at 10:28 am · Link

    Readers books for me please :)

    If I had to give up a book, it would be the entire Twilight Series. I only read the first 2 books and found it repetitive and predictable and the protagonist whiny. I mean to sell those to a used bookstore but haven’t gotten around to it yet.



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