a bit about cricketmuse
Reading and writing–they go together and I can’t imagine one without the other. It’s finding the balance to do both.
Reader, writer, reviewer, teacher…
And a student of words.
I love writing almost as much as I love reading. And no, those aren’t my hands. I can’t keep nail polish on my nails for more than one day, let alone have decent enough nail length to bother, for when I am not reading or writing, and weather permits, I am in my yard fussing about with the landscaping. Dirt and rocks are detrimental to manicures.
This blog is all about books I’ve read, I’m reading, and I’m planning on reading. The blog is also about writing and how reading affects my writing. The old, old saying of starting a journey begins with one step applies to starting a blog for me. I began my published writing career with a story in Highlights for Children way back in 1988 and have published many stories and articles along the way, even have stories placed in a couple of anthologies. Yet, I would really, really like to get a book published. I would really, really like to go into a library, walk up to a shelf and pull my book down and flip through the pages. Better yet, I would like to go into a library and not find my book because it’s checked out (a Finding Forrester moment, for sure).
I decided I’m going to fulfill a few items on my BIG list (Before I Get…too old, too tired, too busy yadayada) and getting a blog up and going is one of those items. Yah–doing that self-promotion thing is a first step on this journey for me.
Sorry, I don’t Link, Twit, or Face. I do Press my Words, though.
Happy Pages,
CricketMuse
Thanks for stopping by.



This is a wonderful blog. Being someone who sometimes struggles to pick up a book (even if I like it! – strange, huh?), this may give me a little motivation.
Thanks for stopping by. One of the reasons for my blog is to promote reading, because as a writer it’s important to inspire people to read. Hope you find a title amongst the entries that intrigues you.
Have you signed up as a Book Booster?
Happy Pages,
CricketMuse
Book Booster?
I love to write too. So glad to meet a fellow reader and writer here!
Thanks for stopping by and spending some time viewing my scriptings. I’ll come by and visit.
Happy Pages,
CricketMuse
Great blog! I look forward to reading more from a fellow reader/ writer/ English teacher!
Hi CricketMuse,
We’ve passed on the ABC award to you. We have placed a link to your blog on our post.
Thanks! I appreciate your acknowledgment considering how inspiring your blog is to me.
Blue Skies,
CricketMuse
Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog. You and I have a lot in common, and I look forward to checking out your writing.
I will have to agree with the nail polish point, even the stuff that claims it will last weeks gets chipped within the hour. Severly depressing.
Shamefully I end up mostly with nude nails or use the clear nail polish in an attempt to at least have them a bit shiny. I’m not much of a girly girl in that area. I do like having my toenails painted. Hmm, does that say something about me. I hope not.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving the bread crumb trail back here! What a delightful place you have here. Thoughtful and peaceful and alluring.
I will be back to visit again
I am following you now.
This is a great blog.
Thanks so much for the Versatile Blogger Award! Will post it soon
Always a pleasure to pass on a well-deserved praise!
FYI– I just nominated you for the Beautiful Blogger Award! I enjoy reading your work!
I love reading and writing! I think they are two of life’s necessities. And hey, don’t feel bad, I can’t even force myself to wear nail polish. I haven’t worn it since I was three. By the way, I love your blog!
Nail polish and I don’t get along. First I would have to grow nails long enough! Thanks for stopping by
I saw a link to your blog via the link from The Life of a Reading Bookworm. I’m a reader and writer too! Feel free to check out the book reviews on my blog if you want.
Thanks for stopping by. Sounds like I need to add you to the Book Booster list.
Cool; I’d love to be added
Done! Thanks for passing on the love of books
Wow, cricketmuse, you have a great blog here! The funny thing is, I logged into WP very quickly to check on a few things and sort of absentmindedly gave you a click, and now I have passed a whole hour just merrily reading through your posts.
ANYWAY…(heh) what I originally came here for was to tell you that you are the random winner of my National Poetry Month giveaway! Whenever you get a chance, feel free to e-mail me at foxfire0002 [at] hotmail [dot] com with your address so I can mail you your package!
Very much enjoyed reading your blog and I’ll be dipping in and out regularly I shouldn’t wonder. A joy!
Thank you for the kind words! I’ll be visiting yours soon
Happy Pages,
CricketMuse
I just wanted to thank you for stopping by Mymcbooks. I hope I’ll see you back again soon.
Have a wonderful day and happy reading.
Thanks again!
Ella
I enjoyed your postings, and appreciate the links to book blogging sites–I’ve been looking for these.
Happy Pages,
CricketMuse
Hello just stopped by to say I have nominated you you for the ‘A Lovely Blog Award’. I have enjoyed stopping by and reading your words – and thought I’d let the blogging world know they should also visit your pages for a good read! Part of being nominated is passing on the nomination to other people – visit my page here to see if you want to take part in this award: http://merlinspielen.com/2012/05/15/a-blogger-award/
Are you tired of getting awards, yet?
‘Cause I nominated you for another one — the Versatile Blogger.
If you would like to claim, here is my post http://literarytiger.wordpress.com/2012/05/16/versatile-blogger-award/ Cheers!
Thanks! Like shoes, one can never have too many(or in my case, good books awaiting to be read). I will update award status soonly.
Blue Skies,
CricketMuse
Helloooo Cricketmuse — I nominated you for the Reader Appreciation Award. http://literarytiger.wordpress.com/2012/06/10/awards-post-reader-appreciation-award/.
Cool, thanks! All these awards are making made head swell with bloggerwonderfulness!
Still love your blog, so i’ve nominated you for the Reader Appreciation Award – http://amandajenner.wordpress.com/2012/06/03/sailing-writing-and-a-big-big-thanks/
I was just given a Liebster Blogging award by another blogger and I have included you in my list of 5 blogs who also deserve a Liebster. Check it out here if you care to take part in the Award. http://merlinspielen.com/2012/06/06/blogging-is-an-awarding-experience/
This is one of the first blogs I started following – and one I will keep coming back to see what is new. Thanks for writing about reading
hi there! is it awards season or what? i’ve nominated you for the Booker Award. http://valerierlawson.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/the-booker-award-and-couple-of-repeat-offenders-drop-by/ enjoy!
Cricketmuse,
Versatile, Beautiful, Booker, Liebster, Reader… Spent a portion of the pm reading your posts and you have my vote! Very much esteem the wordsmithery, common sense, and genuine love of country. Hope the dark chocolate continues to hold you over!
TF
Thanks for taking the time to read my posts. I appreciate the kind words. Dark chocolate helps although my scale says I need to find a less caloric way of coping with stress.
Blue Skies,
CricketMuse
I nominated you for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award! If you want to accept you can write a post following the rules similar to what I did on my blog (or google the name of the award and see what others have done). But you don’t have to if you don’t want to – it’s just a fun way to spotlight blogs that we like
Thanks! I appreciate the nomination, and the kind words. Voracious…I get that a lot. Is this a good thing?
Happy Pages,
CricketMuse
Definitely a good thing!
Hello! Thanks for following my blog – I love your About Me. I like gardening too, though things never seem to live as long as they should, I think I have a black thumb…
Gardening is hit and miss with me. I just enjoy mucking about in the fresh air, tossing around dirt and rocks and call it gardening.
I was attracted to your blog because of your book posts. Would you like to be added to the growing roster of Book Boosters? Check out the page link and let me know
I’d love to be added to the list, especially if it will get people to read books that they wouldn’t normally read (I’ve been doing lots of that this year!).
Gardening is much the same for me too – I’ve managed to grow some little herbs from seeds in the last couple of weeks and I suddenly think I’m a gardening guru.
Growing plants from seeds give me great satisfaction, more so than a Home Depot unpot and plant moment. Although instant color and green is fairly glorious to behold.
You are now added to the list. It’s great fun to browse through the list and see what other BBs are up to. Welcome aboard!
I wanted to let you know that I have put you on my new blogroll over at my book review site. I appreciate the work you do.
Thanks for the compliment. I look forward to exploring your site.
it’s blog tag and you’re it! feel free to participate (or not). i love reading your blog no matter what. http://valerierlawson.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/and-for-something-completely-different-blog-tag/
haha. okay, anything to keep me playing at my blog longer instead of going out to mow the lawn. Thanks for thinking of me!
of course! you’re my favorite bug.
Hello Cricketmuse,
I have nominated you for the Liebster Blogger Award. Additional information can be found at this link: http://justonemonkeytyping.wordpress.com/2012/09/19/liebster-award-yeaow/
Have a great day!
Thank you so much! Awards always brighten the day.
Happy Pages,
CricketMuse
Hey cricketmuse, I’ve nominated you for the ‘One Lovely Blog Award’… just a shout out to express how awesome your blog is. Details are here if you’re interested: (http://cecileswriters.wordpress.com/2012/10/07/award-time-again/)
Hey there, I can relate to that sentiment, of wanting to walk down an isle in a library or bookstore and pull out a book written by me…even better if it’s not there
How exciting to write something that will hopefully inspire people for years and years.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my story. Your feedback/critique is greatly appreciated.
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Hey there
I have written my response to your award nomination and have nominated you back: http://bookpolygamist.wordpress.com/2013/01/20/quick-write-something-inspiring/
Hope you have a lovely day
It’s always a pleasure when you notice that someone new has liked a post–but it’s always 10 times nicer when you go and have a (rather stalker-ish) look around the liker’s blog and find out the they are intelligent and similar to yourself in an aspect–and 15 times nicer when that aspect is one you actually like about yourself. Thank you for stopping by and liking my “When in Rome” post about surviving abroad. I will most definitely be back to peruse some more.
It does feel stalkerish, doesn’t it? But without the drama and weirdness. I look forward to browsing your blog posts more as well.
Love this! We are definitely kindred spirits.
Thanks for visiting my blog and liking one of my posts.
Thank you for visiting. Are you interested in joining the Book Booksters as well?
Maybe! What exactly is involved?
Just your permission to add your blog address to the roll call. No meetings. No membership dues. I am working on a secret handshake…
Good luck getting your book published! We’d love to hear how your publishing journey is going.
Thanks. I appreciate the kind words and encouragement.
Hello there!
I just wanted to let you know that I have nominated you for the Liebster blogger award! The nomination can be found here:
http://justonemonkeytyping.wordpress.com/2013/02/13/liebster-award-x2/
Congratulations and have a lovely day!
Thanks–so kind of you!
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Hi, how are you?
Good news, we are giving you the “BEST MOMENT AWARD“. Congratulations and enjoy the rest of the day!
I’m intrigued–please tell me more about this award…
*Sigh* so easy to relate to. Every writer’s dream. But I haven’t had the library fantasy yet. Thanks for adding that imagery to my repertoire!
Publishing and writing are separate yet intertwined goals; I always write even though getting published doesn’t always happen. Thanks for the stop by.
Hello there! I’ve nominated you for the Liebster blog award. Check out my blog for details:
http://jenniferkblog.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/liebster-blog-award/