Tag Archives: q&a

A Discussion With Lisa Jewell

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A Discussion With Lisa Jewell

Hello! Libraries are such an amazing, beautiful, wonderful thing and the ones in my neck of the woods astound me. Every day, there is always some kind of event going on. Whether it’s story time for the kiddos that my nieces love to attend, cooking classes, crafts, concerts, and anything in between they are completely free and open to the public. My family and I frequent library events and have a jam packed schedule this summer to go to as many as we can. In fact, I just attended one this past week.

My sister recently sent me a link to a talk with Lisa Jewell through the Library Speakers Consortium. In this series, authors are interviewed and will do a question and answer session with the questions that viewers submitted. We simply couldn’t believe that Lisa Jewell was on the docket because we are such avid fans of her books! We have read countless thrillers by Jewell and have, for the most part, loved everything we have read. And, as luck would have it, her talk was scheduled exactly during my break time on Tuesday so I could join in.

During the discussion, Lisa filled us in on her new book, Don’t Let Him In, which will be released this month on the twenty-fourth. She guided as through the plot sans spoilers and I cannot wait to sink my teeth into it because it sounds like a doozy! Lisa also answered at least ten audience questions and it was so fun and interesting to hear her on the spot responses. I was especially fascinated by her writing process. She does zero research for her books, she limits herself to writing one thousand words per day, and the most mundane encounters sometimes inspire a whole novel. It truly felt that she writes for the pure joy of writing and that really resonated. There is nothing better to me than taking my talons to the keyboard and seeing what happens!

It sounds silly, but it was just so cool to hear Lisa speak. Her accent and infectious laugh were simply charming and I was on pins and needles to hear what she was going to say next. Like her books, the way she speaks and the words she chooses are handled with such care. She delighted in the questions she was asked and I loved to hear how much she enjoys interacting with her fans on social media. Throughout the discussion, Lisa seemed like the woman you would love to grab a coffee with and chat away. She was so truly herself, didn’t put on any kind of airs, and it was evident that she enjoyed this talk just as much as the audience did. It was wonderful!

I am so happy that I got to attend this virtual discussion with Lisa Jewell! After way more years than I care to admit of reading her books, this was an awesome experience from start to finish. I wonder which author will be next in the series!

What is your local library like? Does your library host fun events too? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

What Would You Do?

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What Would You Do?

Hello!! Every job I’ve ever had has involved working with the general public in some way shape or form. I like to think I’m a people person, even if I’m not always feeling it! During my fifteen year tenure of working with the public, I feel like I’ve encountered every situation imaginable – good or bad. And, sometimes, I leave situations feeling like it wasn’t my best work lol. This past week, I found myself in a situation that I have never experienced before and it really left me scratching my head. So, I’m curious, What Would You Do? Story time:

This past week in Ohio has been BRUTAL. We have had temperatures in the negatives or close to with very strong wind, making it even colder. On Wednesday, I had a quick errand to run and it was a whopping two degrees by the time I got to the store. Allow me to paint a picture: This particular store is located in a plaza with a handful of other businesses. When I arrived, the parking lot was completely empty with only one car at the farthest end of the shopping center. Due to the weather, any signs of parking lines were invisible so I parked my car as usual and headed into the store for a less than five minute stop.

When I opened the door, a literal gale of wind followed me inside. I walked up to the front desk, only to be informed by the employee that I parked incorrectly because my car wasn’t on a slant. I said something along the lines of not being able to see the lines and now I know for next time. However, he insisted I take my sorry ass back out in the two degree weather and fix it. I almost thought he was joking until I realized he was serious.

Because I was on a time crunch to get to work and didn’t have the time to go to a different location, I did as I was told. I was greeted with a sarcastic “welcome back”, made my purchase, and promptly left. In the three or so minutes I spent in the store, not a single car entered the parking lot to be blighted by my poor parking job. *Massive Eye Roll*

Maybe I’m overreacting, but I thought this was so strange lol. I just feel like it’s not a good look to send paying customers back outside to fix a parking job in an empty lot. Had I had the time, I would have just left rather than go along with it. Trust and believe I was screaming profanities in my head, though! In conclusion, I won’t be giving that store any more of my business.

Was this weird or is it just me? What would you have done in this situation? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Holiday Gift Brainstorm

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Holiday Gift Brainstorm

Hello! The winter holiday season is fast approaching. For those last minute shoppers, this is no big deal. However, it definitely feels like crunch time for the people that like to get their shopping done early. I fall under the latter category and have been diligently pecking away at my to buy for list. I have to admit that I have been feeling pretty uninspired during my shopping so let’s do a Holiday Gift Brainstorm! Then, we can all sit back and enjoy the holiday season stress free:

One of the most popular options for gift giving falls under Gifts of Experience. This is a great way to go if you are shopping for someone who has everything! Experience gifts could be anything from movie tickets to a pottery class or a few sessions at a yoga studio. The point is for your giftee to try something new or, perhaps, learn more about their favorite hobby. Gifts of Experience are nice for adults and children alike. If you have some kiddos to shop for, ask their parents if something like swim lessons, sports camp, or an art class would be a doable option. The last thing you want to give parents is more work so bonus points if you will be the transportation!

While on the subject of asking people about gifts, there really is something to be said for asking in advance about what your giftees would like. This eliminates the potential for them not liking what you purchased and you can give them what they actually want or need. For example, families with small children might appreciate supplies like diapers, formula, or clothing as opposed to even more toys! Pet owners (like myself) could prefer a Chewy gift card over something for themselves. If you don’t ask, you will have no idea. If you are still wanting an element of surprise, try talking to someone close to your giftee for the inside scoop.

The best prezzie of all could be taking something off of your giftee’s plate, which brings us to Favor Gifts. Maybe you will clean their house a few times, volunteer to be a date night babysitter, or even pay for their next oil change. These gifts are designed to make an aspect of adulting easier and we could all use a little less stress. I know I would be thrilled if my gift was a cleaning session at my apartment! 😀

There is no rule stating that you have to be an Etsy shop level crafter to give a homemade gift. Although, if you are, then that’s great too! Knitted scarves, socks, or baby booties will be welcome gifts during the winter. How about a photo collage? Maybe a mini portrait of your giftee or their beloved pet? You could put all of the dry ingredients for soup or cookies in a Mason jar, seal it with a bow, and call it a day. Or if you have a giftee that would like to learn your craft, offer a couple tutorial sessions and get them some of the basic essentials needed for a beginner level. And, as a bonus, you will have quality time together.

The best part of the holiday season is sharing it with the ones you love. No one’s saying the gifts aren’t nice, though! 😀 Happy shopping!

How is your holiday shopping going? Who is the most difficult person to shop for on your list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Greg Sestero Meet & Greet

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Greg Sestero Meet & Greet

Hellooo everyone! I don’t know about all of you, but Johnny and I had a banner weekend! On Friday, I got dinner with my bestie and then a few of our friends came to the apartment. We had a date night on Saturday and on Sunday we celebrated my sweet niece at her fifth birthday party. For our date, Johnny and I attended a screening of The Room at the Nightlight theater in downtown Akron. The best part of all? Greg Sestero who played Mark was there!! Check it out:

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I was introduced to The Room by a theater friend when I was in high school and it will forever be one of my favorites. I have been to countless midnight showings of the movie in Cleveland and have made all of my friends and family watch it with me too. In fact, Johnny and I watched it on our first date! It has always been a dream of mine to go to a meet and greet session with Greg Sestero or Tommy Wiseau. Unfortunately, their tours always take place in locations like LA, New York, or Portland so this dream has never came to fruition. Until this weekend!

Thanks to one of the social media pages I manage that is all about entertainment in Akron, I learned about the Greg Sestero event at the Nightlight. I bought tickets for me and Johnny immediately and was counting down the days until March sixteenth. I have been looking forward to this for so long and our evening at the theater was everything I ever hoped it could be and so much more. It’s not every day that one of your lifelong dreams comes true. 🙂

When we arrived at the Nightlight, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Greg Sestero was just there lol. Johnny and I were one of the first people to get to the theater and we were able to walk right up to him. We chatted, took selfies, Greg signed my copy of The Room and The Disaster Artist, and I bought a copy of the original script of The Room that Greg signed too. It was SO insane to meet Greg and I was incredibly nervous. I shouldn’t have been because he was nice as can be and welcomed all of us moviegoers like good friends.

After our meet and greet, Johnny and I grabbed some drinks and made our way into the theater for the show. We sat right at the front in comfy recliner chairs and this was an excellent choice… Before the screening of The Room began, Greg came in to introduce the movie and talk a bit with all of us. Then, he pulled out a copy of the script for The Room and wanted some audience members to read lines with him. Since Johnny and I were right in front of him with our own copy of the script, he chose us to play Johnny and Lisa. And, of course, Greg read as Mark. We flipped to page eighteen and read about two pages worth of lines together. It. Was. AMAZING!!!!

The screening of the movie was not as rowdy as prior ones that I have been to, but we all had a ton of fun. Although we didn’t do some of the traditional chants and phrases throughout the movie, we were all laughing hysterically, cheering, and yelling out our own quips to make us laugh even more. After the show, Greg came back in for a Q&A and told us he could hear us all perfectly from way outside the theater! The talk back session at the end was enlightening and Greg answered all of our questions (including two of mine) truthfully and with good humor – he does a stellar Tommy Wiseau impression! This was, hands down, one of the best nights of my life!

I am still elated from mine and Johnny’s night at the Nightlight and I don’t think it will ever wear off. I will be looking forward to when Greg or Tommy comes close by again so fingers crossed they make their way to Akron soon for round two!

Have you ever seen The Room? What is your favorite quote from it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mystery Blogger Award #4

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Mystery Blogger Award #4

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday! I am so excited to do this post for lifewithlilred’s fourth Mystery Blogger Award nomination. I am so appreciative to my friend, Rachael, at A Little Moore for thinking of little old me while completing her award post. Please be sure to check out her page and give it some love! And special thanks to Okoto for creating this award. Now, let’s get on to the rules:

The Rules:

  • Feature the award logo/image on your blog post
  • List the rules
  • Thank the blogger that nominated you
  • Mention the award creator and link to their blog
  • Tell readers 3 things about yourself
  • Answer the questions provided
  • Nominate 10-20 bloggers and notify them by commenting on their blog
  • Ask your nominees 5 questions of your choice
  • Share and link to your best post(s)

Fun Facts:

  1. I love amusement parks and rollarcoasters but, ironically, get sick if I’m riding in a car on curvy roads.
  2. Nine times out of ten when I’m writing, my darling little dog named Ollie is at my feet keeping me company.
  3. The horror genre in film, books, and television is my favorite and I’m always looking for suggestions for new material to enjoy!

Q & A:

What inspired you to blog? Lol, enough people telling me that they would read my page if I ever began one! Lifewithlilred was started solely on the suggestions of others since I’m apparently fashionable and reasonably funny.

What is your favorite movie and why? Oh wow…Uh, I guess I’m going to say Pan’s Labyrinth because it’s visually stunning and I love the story. To me, that movie is perfect. But, believe me, I could name like ten more favorites if given the opportunity.

What is your favorite song at the moment? I don’t have one. I have a lot of favorite songs so these questions are actually really difficult for me to answer because I kind of can’t!

What is your favorite thing about the country that you live in? That there’s a Taco Bell one mile away from my home.

When was the last time you full on belly laughed at something? I find hilarity in lots of different scenarios so I have a good laugh at least once a day!

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. What is your favorite memory from this summer?
  2. What would you consider a perfect day?
  3. What is something that you’re afraid of?
  4. What are qualities that you look for in a friend?
  5. What is your favorite thing to treat yourself with?

My Best Post:

  • Meh, I don’t really have a favorite or one that I consider my best, so there’s that.

Thank you so much again to Rachael from A Little Moore for lifewithlilred’s fourth Mystery Blogger Award! How would you answer some of Rachael’s questions? How about some of mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah