Victorian Soul Critiques's First Blogiversary Party and Giveaways!!!

Plainspeak vs. Victorian

This is a bit of a surreal experience for me. I've been online since my early teen years, but I've never stuck to whichever niche I have found, until this blog.

When I started out, my goals were to: write about books and see if it helped me write more of my own, occupy the void in activity that moving to a new city brought about, and to share my love of books with like minded individuals. If I enjoyed it, I'd stick with this blog, if not, I'd find something else to occupy my time.

Clearly, I have enjoyed it: I've written 226 posts, 134 critiques (from 90 different authors), and lots (and lots) of comments. I've barely ever gotten negative comments, because the trolls tend to fall asleep when I use words like ubiquitous, thus, quite, therefore, and that dreaded phrase: a bit. (Actually, I have no clue why I only have two semi-negative comments. Maybe because they fear The Wrath of the Dorkie?)

When it comes down to it, the only reason I'm still typing here when I'd rather be tucked away in bed with a book is I like it enough that quitting isn't an option. If I didn't like it (a lot), I would have given up nine months ago, making Victorian Soul (Book) Critiques last the same length of time as an older blog my teenage self had back in 2006.

In conclusion, thanks to everyone who stuck around to see this day- this glorious day when I finally gave in to throwing giveaway(s) in appreciation of my readers, near and far.

The Wall of Gifs/The Theme:

If you've never seen or read "The Princess Bride" (both the book and screenplay are written by William Goldman), you'll need to see my collection of favorite movie quotes along with their gif to get a free entry into one of my giveaways. Also, a lot of the longer ones from the movie are here: IMDb.

"Is this a kissing book?" ~The Grandson/Fred Savage. People still ask this question as adults, in case you were wondering.

"As you wish." ~Wesley/Farmboy 

"Inconceivable!" ~Vizzini's catchphrase.

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." ~Inigo chastises Vizzini's word use. I often do this internally during daily conversations.

My Three Most Favorite Quotes:

"Life is pain, highness; anyone who says differently is selling something." ~Man in the Black Mask

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." ~Inigo

"He distinctly said, "to blave,"" ~Miracle Max

(If you've seen the movie, you'll know why I like this one).

Ever wonder which character from "The Princess Bride" you might be? Check out this quiz to find out: I was the Albino (like that wasn't obvious already???).

From Zimbio

The Giveaways:

The "Grand" Prize: A book of your choice worth up to $15 (US dollars) from the Book Depository. This is open to anyone who lives where the Book Depository ships- check here to see if you're eligible. The giveaway ends April 27th at 12:00AM EDT.

Terms and Conditions: Giveaway ends April 27th at 12:00 AM EDT. This giveaway is only open to residents of countries the Book Depository ships to. Winner must respond to the host's email **within 49 hours**, or a new winner will be selected. If you use multiple aliases and/or emails to enter this giveaway, you will be automatically disqualified. You may use any/all your previous comments on this blog as entries (by visiting daily), just make sure they are all from different posts. If you already follow me on any site below, it's a free entry, as long as you leave your profile URL. **May the odds be ever in your favor!**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The US-Only Prize: A $5 (US dollars) gift card for Amazon.com. You must be a resident of the US to enter. The giveaway ends April 27th at 12:00AM EDT.

Terms and Conditions: Giveaway ends April 27th at 12:00 AM EDT. Open to residents of the US only. Winner must respond to the host's email **within 49 hours**, or a new winner will be selected. If you use multiple aliases and/or emails to enter this giveaway, you will be automatically disqualified. You may use any/all your previous comments on this blog as entries (by visiting daily), just make sure they are all from different posts. If you already follow me on any site below, it's a free entry, as long as you leave your profile URL.  **May the odds be ever in your favor!**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Feel free to stop by later this week to check out my other posts about my first year of blogging. Have fun entering the giveaway(s) and "may the odds be ever in your favor"!