MBTI, aka the personality typing system that some of us (*looks around innocently*) never grew out of obsessing over and still find the best way to describe ourselves. It’s really quite fun. 😉
I’m an INFJ. *awkward finger guns* *disappears*
If you’re unfamiliar, here’s a good explanation of this type…
(I just love how those last two are a contradiction. *glares into the void*)
Before I get into the books that remind me most of these types, here is an obligatory meme dump just because they crack me up.
I knew they forgot something 😭
It’s either a terrified “What’s up?” or the kind that means “Tell me everything so I can heal you–take this snack and blanket–this is a safe space”.
Too true. And if you take it the wrong way, yes sometimes we aren’t paying attention and absolutely repeat your questions back to you…
I love being an INFJ, and every time I go on a meme or research spree, I end up feeling even more understood in all my awkwardness. 😂
But now to the real blog post, books that remind me of being an INFJ. 😉 (Click on the titles to see my reviews.)
This book has such a quiet soul, tuned in to observing people and loving them in all their humanity but definitely from afar. It also gives me autumn vibes, which I feel like is the season we introverts thrive most.
This book is such a beautiful feast of metaphors, journeys through thought, and adjusting the way we all look at the world, that it seemed to fit this category perfectly. ❤
I included this one entirely because of the main character Rainie. He’s always got a gut feeling and works his best to understand and follow it. It also helps that I adore this series. 😉
I’m doing this tag again just for fun, and because it’s imperative you get to meet Addie’s younger sister Claire.
(Again, thanks to Anna from Anna’s Idea Blog for creating this tag.)
What’s your full name?
Hi, I’m Claire. That’s all you need to know. *waggles eyebrows mysteriously*
How old are you?
I’m 12, which is more fantastic to be than 11, in case you were wondering.
Where do you live? (You can be as specific as you want)
I live in the upstairs bedroom on the right side of the hall on the right side of the room at my grandfather’s house with my older sister and cool aunt in the tiny town of Mush. You said to be specific. 🤪
What has been your greatest achievement in life?
Oh, boy. I reached level 500 on one of my video games, but just because I was sick a lot and needed something to do.
Do you have friends? Enemies?
I’m friends with Addie, my aunt, my grandfather, and the KITTENS. Also, Skyler is really cute but he’s more Addie’s friend. My enemies are mostly my chronic pain episodes, and a tiny bit anyone who is rude about my illness.
What’s your hobby/hobbies?
Video games, also sometimes reading, and sometimes gardening. I’ve just discovered I like it.
How would you describe your personality?
Typical annoying little sister? *laughs evilly* No, but I’m really cheerful and enthusiastic because I want to enjoy every moment I’m well to the fullest.
Describe your family. Siblings, parents, pets, etc.
I have Aunt Mae, she’s pretty cool. Addie and I are working on getting an uncle, but so far no luck. I have Addie, who is kinda the best older sister. And I have a grandfather straight from a book. And KITTENS.
Oh, and of course I had parents, but they passed when I was really little.
Walnuts and Brownies, yay or nay? (I feel like this is an important question)
DOUGHNUTS
Favorite book to read, or if you don’t like to read, something else you like to do?
Books with tips about my farming videogame. 😉
BONUS! If you had a choice, what would you tell your author? Would you wanthim/her to change your story? Explain.
Find an uncle for us, please and thank you. I need the cuteness in my life. 👏
And that’s Claire. 😉 If you haven’t met Addie, her older sister and the main character of Addie’s Mountain, yet, read her character interview here.
I found and snagged this tag from Bree at Laughs and Literature, and I’m very excited to share more about one of my characters with you. 😉
Also, so much thanks to Anna from Anna’s Idea Blog for creating this tag. 😉
Today I’ll be interviewing my character Addie from my upcoming novella Addie’s Mountain. 😉 There are some very minor spoilers, but I hope you enjoy getting to know her. ❤
What’s your full name?
Hi, I’m Addie! It’s short for Adelheid, like in the book Heidi. My middle and last names are not revealed in my book, but I’m sure they are very cool.
How old are you?
I’m about fifteen, though some days I feel younger than that and others I feel older. It’s a funny age like that.
Where do you live? (You can be as specific as you want)
I grew up around central Oregon, and we just moved far north to the tiny town of Mush to live with Grandfather Ari. I’m not sure how long we’ll stay, but I hope it’s forever. ❤
What has been your greatest achievement in life?
This is going to sound really funny, but it’s actually how hard I’m working to handle my anxiety. Secondarily, it’d have to be how many books I read in a year… 😉
Do you have friends? Enemies?
Lol, I love this question. My sister Claire and I are best friends, I’d count Aunt Mae and Grandfather Ari as friends too, and I’m starting to make friends with the neighbor boy, Skylar. No enemies, unless you count Ryan from kindergarten. (He spilled my crackers and laughed.)
What’s your hobby/hobbies?
My hobby is reading, early and often and happily ever after. I might add baking to my official hobbies soon, if Grandfather has anything to say about it. 😉
How would you describe your personality? Describe your family. Siblings, parents, pets, etc.
I’m a shy extrovert living with my Aunt and younger sister Claire. Aunt Mae took us in when we were very little, and she’s been taking care of us since. We all moved in with Grandfather and his two dogs, Penny and Luke. I have anxiety from some past trauma.
Walnuts and Brownies, yay or nay? (I feel like this is an important question)
Brownies = yes (if they’re Grandfather’s maple ones!), Walnuts = no. I’m partial to pecans and cashews. Walnuts feel too much like eating a tree.
Favorite book to read, or if you don’t like to read, something else you like to do?
I’m currently reading Heidi (and yes, I’m aware of the parallels to my life), and when I finish, I’ll probably read an old mystery or something…
BONUS! If you had a choice, what would you tell your author? Would you want him/her to change your story? Explain.
Oh, hmmm. Maybe less trauma, please? And more books for me to read. I saw that scrapped storyline where I got to renovate a library…
There you go! That’s Addie. 😉 If you have a question for her or for me, drop it in the comments, and we’ll answer you soon. 😉
Alexa Hartfield. Author, local celebrity, fashion connoisseur. She chose Fairbury for its close proximity to Rockland, its small town atmosphere, and its low crime rate.
Then someone made her life a literary cliché. A mysterious accident with a light bulb sparked an interesting idea for her latest novel—and for Fairbury’s new serial killer. The first replication infuriated her. The second left an even worse taste in her mouth. The third blasted more than her self-confidence, and the fourth beat her down so far she’s considering giving up writing completely.
Who is killing Fairbury’s citizens, and furthermore, why and how are they using her novels to do it? (from Goodreads)
My Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Is there a way to sue for sleep loss? This book was too good, too suspenseful, and too intriguing for me to stop reading, and I must protest by reading the rest of the series. 😤😉
Only Chautona Havig could take a quirky, unique character living every author’s secret dream and imbue it with such deep themes while making it still quite fun. My heart broke as each new layer of Alexa’s backstory and complicated relationships was revealed. I enjoyed the detailed fashion and writing moments, everything about Joe, and how open-hearted Alexa was despite people’s opinions of her.
The mystery was both haunting and fascinating (hence the stolen sleep), and there was one moment that really, really shocked me.
I’m not usually one for series, but I’m hoping to try the other books in this one. 😉
CW: stalking, child neglect, chronic illness, negative family interactions, infertility and a hard backstory to it. Murders happen throughout the book in various ways, including an explosion, but with no graphic details.
I live in notebooks, and I mean notebooks plural because I’m never content using just one. 😂 They’re simply too useful and cute to resist. Here is my current collection (minus one or two I can’t find which is mildly concerning)…
I’m sensing a color scheme… 😁
Notebook HQ! My very happy little notebook that is used for everything from to-do lists to design brainstorms to entire plots for the next two Arrows and Archers books (shhhh). I really love the size of it, and spiral-bound is always perfect for laying out nice and flat.
As you can see, this one is just a *bit* well-loved. It’s also miscellaneous, but it includes entire chapters of stories and some highly important notes for the fantasy novel I should be editing. I’m a huge fan of polka dots too, so I’ll be sad when this one is full soon.
My most recent addition to the notebook family, and one I’m very much in love with. I couldn’t find my notebook stash in the chaos of moving until very recently, and I was in desperate need of something. J bought me this one from the back-to-school section, and it was an added bonus that it’s so cute. 😉 I wanted a spiral-bound one so it can lay flat for notes on my novel manuscript, but so far I’ve just planned a blog party in it (oops).
And last but not least, the two empty lovelies! I’ve had the pink one for a few years now, and I absolutely love the foil words on the front. I bought it along with the pink polka dot one (and another currently stored/missing) so my color scheme theory definitely holds up. The sky blue and daisies one is such a gorgeous cover texture and it’s hardbound, which absolutely deserves something amazing written inside. (I’m not sure what yet.) My dad actually bought it for me at the prompting of my sisters because they knew it’s my colors. 😍
I also have dark brown with foil feathers notebook somewhere around here in this mess of creativity… 😅
I absolutely love how my notebooks foster a level of creativity and brainstorming that just cannot be matched. Plus, people keep making more and more cute ones, so if a month from now I have 20, don’t judge. 😛
It’s been raining a bit more here lately, and autumn decorations are coming into stores, so I’m beginning to feel a little extra bookish. 😉
I’ve recently been getting into Agatha Christie novels, and I finished my second (and a new favorite!!) late last night/early this morning. It was so mind-blowingly good!
Even before I finished it, I snagged another of her mysteries on our vacation thrifting because I’m now officially a fan. 😂
Yes, I also got a DW novel. (TenRose are life. 😍😍)
Speaking of vacation, I toted my books around in the most adorable red polka book sleeves The Very Awesome Mikayla made for me. I love how safe it kept them, and it was really, really cute. I’ll definitely have to share a picture sometime.
My notebooks weren’t *quite* as fortunate, getting a little bent out of shape, so when a favorite small business had a sale, I decided to splurge and get a big book sleeve that will hopefully fit a notebook or two. 😎
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen a reel where I played “what if Kiera was a movie”, complete with directors, a screenwriter, and an entire main cast. 👀 It was brilliant fun, and I thought I’d share the fancast and my thoughts behind them here.
These people may look nothing like you expect, or you might find them just perfect. I tried my best to find pictures where they looked like *real* people instead of glam headshots, but I could only do so much.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments about what you think/if you would have chosen differently, etc.
Fair warning, this is about to get very nerdy and “Daydreams of Kate On Fully Display”. 😂😂 *adjusts director-style scarf*
Kiera
Anjelica Bette Fellini
Finding someone who looked just right was more to me about spirit than features, and it was pretty hard to find someone who looked young without being a kid and could easily switch between being vulnerable and being strong when she needed to be. I’m actually really happy with this actress, and I think with lighter brown hair, she’d fit the bill. 😉
Brennan
Benjamin Hollingsworth
In some ways I was more intimidated to choose Brennan than I was Kiera, just because I knew it was really important to choose someone I felt worked well opposite her, both in very “normal guy” looks and in age difference. This isn’t my favorite picture of him (there were some that were technically cuter since he’s styled more relaxed), but I thought this one showed his playful side really well.
Thorne
Jesse Moss
It was especially important to me that Thorne look like Kiera, but I got even more than I bargained for when I found this actor. I just love his vibe of “yes, I am listening, I feel for you, I have something wise to say”. Perfect big brother and pastor vibes. 👏
Destiny
Taylor Russell
I’ve seen all these actors in something before but usually as side characters (I scoured one of my favorite Christian shows for good actors, lol), but she was one I know better as a main character. I immediately thought her good-natured but really decisive personality would be perfect.
Jessica
Kimberly Sustad
Last but not least, I wanted to choose someone for Jessica that embodied a very regular but also very powerful woman. I have this whole unused plotline where she’s kind of a super spy, and this actress just really fit that bill for me.
What do you think? Is this how you pictured everyone?
A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience.
As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
As Jacob explores its bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that Miss Peregrine’s children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive. (from Goodreads)
My Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐
No one told me that this book was so unapologetically Jewish. 😍 That it was structured around real vintage photographs. That the more horror-like elements were secondary to a deliciously written, fantastically bizarre story.
If anyone had, I probably would have read this a lot sooner. Instead, a $1 thrift store copy and the ghost of JessetheReader convinced me to give it a try.
It is so strange, you all. Really quite out of my usual genre, but it drew me in immediately with the mystery that spanned generations of a family, the strange yet really quite ordinary children (though it was hard to keep them straight), and the growing realization of eventually what was going to happen.
I did find Jacob rather selfish (felt so bad for his dad), but as I grow more trauma informed, I understand why he did the things he did and I can only hope his continuing character arc shows growth towards health.
CW: mentions of the Holocaust, WW2 violence, kissing, drinking. PG-13 language, though infrequent. Includes a theme of not being able to trust adults and medical professionals.
The story does center around magical/supernatural abilities (including reanimation, the child with this power uses animal organs) and monsters (the description of which may be disturbing to some readers). A couple very disturbing descriptions of wounds/corpses.
Altogether, I’m very glad I gave this a shot. As of now, I am very satisfied with the ending but I may continue the series at a later date. 😉
Compile a list of up to ten of your favorite fandoms. Books, movies, TV shows—you name it!
Tell us about your favorite character in each of those fandoms, along with an explanation of why that character is your favorite. (Your reasoning can be however long or short you’d like it to be.)
Tag however many (or few) friends you’d like to participate.
For the purposes of world domination, I am tagging everyone who would like to participate. Mwaha.
My Answers
Marvel: Black Panther
His was the first Marvel movie I saw in theaters and the one that cemented me as a fan. I loved the rich, imaginative culture, beautiful storyline, and T’challa himself in his quiet strength. This character truly changed my life in some big ways. 🖤
Honorable mentions: Steve Rogers, Nakia, Laura Barton
Marvel TV Shows: Fitzsimmons
Fitzsimmons (and they basically count as one person, right?) are the Most Darling Beans to ever exist. The nerd babies who grow into brilliant, brilliant team members, save the world and have 600 doses of trauma, and cause shipper hearts to swell and break… That’s them. 🥺🥺🥰 They’re also a classic grumpy/sunshine duo, so what’s not to love?
Honorable mentions: Monica Rambeau, Daniel Sousa (in AoS), Elena Rodriguez
Note: the violence level in Agents of Shield is higher than average Marvel movies. I have not watched all episodes or seasons to be able to recommend it.
Doctor Who: Rose Tyler
Call me basic, but this character literally changed my life. Working class, similar in age to me (at least when I started watching it), not a typical body type, and loyal as all get out with some growing up to do. 💜 I will defend her on my secret Twitter account until the end of the world.
Honorable mentions: the Tenth Doctor, the Twelfth Doctor, Rory Pond
Note: the values of this show and content levels vary.
The X-files: Mulder
I came for the quirky alien conspiracies and stayed for the character development and ship. THE SHIP, Y’ALL. If I had to choose between the two main characters, I have to go with Mulder. Just because his curiosity and hopefulness are so different from me (I’m more Scully) and I admire them. Also, he has a great sense of humor. 😂👏
Note: the content levels on this can get pretty ick, so I read about episodes and skip some. I’m also only halfway through the show.
Pixar: Luisa
A very unexpected new favorite for me, and it’s all down to her song “Surface Pressure”. I’ve never felt so seen in my life, and I really felt and rooted for her character. 🤗
Honorable mentions: Raya, Woody
BBC Sherlock: Molly Hooper
Usually I would be a book purist, but Molly was an entirely perfect addition to the show, and I couldn’t imagine the whole thing without her. She’s also another character who has encouraged and challenged me, similarly to how Rose has. I even wrote a fanfic epilogue for her (because she deserves it).
Note: the show is equivalent to an R-rated movie.
Person of Interest: Joss Carter
Another “inspired Kate and is short and absolutely BOSS” character. That’s starting to sound like a good alternate title for this post. Seriously, I LOVE this show and Detective Carter is one of the main reasons why. I can’t say much more without spoilers, but yep. 👏🤩
Honorable mentions: Reese, Mr. Finch 💙
Note: this show is PG-13 equivalent, and I personally skip a handful of sexy episodes.
Narnia: Lucy Pevensie
Both book and movie Lucy are the sweetest, bravest souls, and I love her deep faith and friendship with Aslan. 💙 We unfortunately didn’t get to see all the books in movie format, but she just gets cooler and cooler…
Honorable mentions: Edmund Pevensie, Jill Pole, King Tirian
Little Women (2017): Beth
I’ve always felt a connection with Beth since I’m the third sister and we share some similar personality traits, so I was delighted with how they handled her story and added some character development in the BBC adaption. 💙
The Great British Bake-Off (it counts): Dame Mary Berry
This show was my early-pandemic comfort show, and I’ve watched the two latest seasons as they’ve come out. Dame Mary Berry is literally the coolest ever, and I aspire to be her when I grow up. 😁
Honorable mentions: Luis Troyano, Nadiya Hussain, Peter from 2020
I just went wayyy nerdier there than I usually do, lol, but it was a ton of fun. 😁😂
Are you in any of these fandoms? Share your picks in the comments! (And if you have any content questions about a show/movie, feel free to ask!)
Hello again! I think I needed a little break after all the excitement of the cover reveal (you all are amazing), but I’m back again. 😉
I’ve been reading a lot more this year than in the past two, so much so that I’m ahead on my Goodreads challenge for once. *happy dance* Challenge aside, though, it’s been delightful to be experiencing new worlds again. My picks have been ranging from new indie releases to adorable middle-grades (currently reading a cupcake-themed one and yes, child Kate would have been obsessed) to even a highly clever, adult mystery.
Such a wild mix 😂 #moodreader
Speaking of books, I got some delightful new ones for my birthday. 😍 My siblings gave me the latest two Kate’s Case Files in paperback (eep, thanks!), and Joshua took me on a trip to Barnes and Noble. It was so much fun browsing new releases and iconic classics that I ended up with quite the hefty “maybe” stack. I ended up getting The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen and The List by Patricia Forde (will report back). And my shopping buddy was the best ever. 😉 (Thanks, J! ❤️)
My pre-bookstore happy face 😁
My favorite ❤️
Speaking of birthday, I experimented with flavors and made a chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting and raspberry filling. It was absolutely delicious. 🤤 I just got to make another cake with the same flavors (I have three cake orders in four days, send help) and this time I went all out on the classy decorating. 😉 Such brilliant fun, and after I finish this post, I’ll be mixing up more batches for the next order…
(I promise I fixed that weird flat spot.)
Speaking of “send help”, editing gives me anxiety, y’all. Not a ton usually, since I know my professional editor and proofreading rounds will catch what I missed, but this time is a little different. I’m making *minor* changes to an already edited, formatted book and the terror of “what if I add new typos to this?” is real. 😂😂 I eventually came up with a system to run the new material through Grammarly just to double-check and that eased my mind enough that I could finish it up this weekend. I sent the files to my formatter, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with. 😍
Time to make some more cake. Talk with you all again soon!
Once Upon An Ordinary 