Christine Smith

Know the Novel – Part One: Introduction // A Writer’s Linkup

Post published:October 3, 2022
Post category:Writing
Post comments:38 Comments

HAPPY OCTOBER!!! *flings leaves in the air* I don't know about you, but October is the start of my favorite time of year. There is something so utterly magical about these last 3 months of the year. The arrival of fall, the holiday season, and for many of us...WRITING! With the coming of October, NaNoWriMo prep season arrives. Though if you saw THIS POST you'll know I'm not officially doing NaNo this year. But I am planning on writing a whole book this fall. In fact, I'm starting THIS MONTH instead of on November 1st! And I'd love for you…

The Silmaril Awards 2022 Ceremony: Silver Tongue

Post published:September 26, 2022
Post category:Reading
Post comments:23 Comments

Hobbiton buzzes in anticipation and excitement as the long-awaited hour rapidly approaches... The Party Field is aflutter with activity as hobbits and many a strange folk cover the Party Tree and surrounding area in a swath of decorations. Streamers, lanterns, all manner of seating arrangements, and tables practically bending under the weight of the delectable treats set the field in splendor for this momentous event. Guests have been arriving all day. Some particularly unusual and, to add to it, are supposedly appearing from that monstrosity of a castle that can move, of all things. They say the door inside leads…

The Silmaril Awards 2022 Voting: Silver Tongue

Post published:September 12, 2022
Post category:Reading
Post comments:16 Comments

Welcome to the second round of The Silmaril Awards! Nominations have been cast, and now it is time to vote for the top choices! What a wild ride this past week was! We opened the doors to nominations and did you amazing fantasy lovers deliver! The chaos and character love in our comments sections is one of the best parts of being a host. A humongous thank you to everyone who participated and made for such a fun week of shouting out your favorite characters, sharing the character love with us and one another, and, of course, making our TBRs…

The Silmaril Awards 2022 Nominations: Silver Tongue

Post published:September 5, 2022
Post category:Reading
Post comments:161 Comments

The time has come at last! A time for fun, chaos, mischief, and most importantly, gathering all the fantasy nerds together to celebrate BOOK CHARACTERS. That is right, o friends and fae, it is time once more for... THE SILMARIL AWARDS! My love and excitement for this season have no bounds. I cannot believe another year has rolled around. And what's more, this will be the seventh annual Silmaril Awards. INSANITY. I'll be a host for my fourth year in a row, which is such a joy and honor. If you're unsure what this even is, no fears, my good…

A Shift of NaNoWriMo Plans + An Invitation

Post published:August 29, 2022
Post category:Writing
Post comments:32 Comments

A few months ago, I made a hard choice. Over time this difficult decision solidified and grew and turned into something exciting. And I realized it's okay to let go of things, GOOD even, because often letting go makes way for new, better things. If you've known me for any time at all, you probably know I've been obsessed with NaNoWriMo for many, many years. NaNo a.k.a. National Novel Writing Month, is a challenge that takes place every November to write a 50k word novel within 30 days. Absolutely crazy, yes. Exhausting, definitely yes. Worth it? 100% The first time…

Book Review // Ganbatte! The Ties That Bind Us: An AnimeLit Charity Anthology

Post published:August 22, 2022
Post category:Reading
Post comments:5 Comments

I come to you all with yet another book review today, and I make no apologies. There are just so many great reads being put out into the world right now. I must share them! Plus this particular one is quite unique. Recently I've been dabbling in the world of anime (and loving it!). I've been charmed by the way these stories romanticize the little things of everyday life and tell such unique stories. So when I heard an anthology of short stories inspired by anime was coming out into the world, I was ecstatic! And even more so because…

Book Review // Imprint By Madeline J. Rose

Post published:August 8, 2022
Post category:Reading
Post comments:10 Comments

I've got a super fun book to share with you all today that involves jumping into books! And there is much epicness to be had indeed. Hello, hello! I have returned from my hiatus refreshed, recharged, and with BOOKS! :D Okay but, GUYS. I've been squealing in delight for months now! Ever since my long-time blogging friend and fellow Silmaril Awards host, Madeline J. Rose, announced she was PUBLISHING. I've been so excited about thissss! And utterly proud of Madeline for taking this amazing plunge. Her debut novel, Imprint (Ink Press #1), is now out in the world and I…

A Little Update // Writerly Happenings, Fairy Godmothers, & a July Hiatus

Post published:June 29, 2022
Post category:Life Writing
Post comments:14 Comments

We have made it far, my friends. It is officially summer and 2022 has deemed itself halfway finished! Um yeah. I'm a bit confused how that's a thing. It's still totally March in my head. (Though the deathly high temperatures and excessive humidity seem quite aware that it is, in fact, summer, but we won't talk about that. >.>) Summer is very much not my favorite, but I've learned to find the joys in it. Long evenings and starry nights and movie marathons and swimming and ice cream and a general wild thrill in the air. There is something charming…

{TV Series Review} Violet Evergarden // A Story of Beauty & Overcoming

Post published:June 27, 2022
Post category:Fangirling
Post comments:24 Comments

You know those stories that stick with you? That thrum something deep in your soul and you know will always hold a special place in your heart? I've recently viewed a TV series that did just that, and I simply cannot not share about it. I know I hardly ever (if at all?) review TV series on my blog but THAT'S HOW SPECIAL THIS ONE IS. The second I finished it I knew I'd be screaming about it for the rest of my life, and I make no apologies. Recently I've been dabbling into the world of anime, and one…

Book Review // The Goblin & the Dancer by Allison Tebo

Post published:June 13, 2022
Post category:Reading
Post comments:12 Comments

I come to you today to share all about one of THE most delightful stories I've ever had the pleasure to consume. I have been a raving fan of Allison Tebo and her works for years, particularly her Tales of Ambia series, which are absolutely hilarious fairy tale romps of magic and mayhem and the most lovable characters. So when she announced she was publishing a brand new fairy tale, you better believe I was squealing to no end. This novella is part of a collection of twelve stand-alone stories by twelve different authors, each story taking on the villains…