Poll #8 Results: If you could be a part of a fantasy race, which one would you be?

I know it took me forever to finish this up, but I am pleased with the amount of votes we got! Here's what the chart ended up looking like...

YEAH! I went for the multi-colored this time around.

So, kind of an odd question, but I thought it was appropriate with all this love going around for the supernatural and what not. I looked up a few different lists online. I wanted a good variety but not too many things that people would not know.

Anyway, here were the results. (Sorry, I didn't add all the little labels to the pie chart like a usally do, and some of the names got cut off because I was in a rush,) but here's them all layed out...
Werewolf...1 (I was surprised by this. I thought more people would have voted.)
Vampire...7 (No surprise there! Lots of people like Vampires!)
Elf...3 (YEAH Legolas!
Goblin...0 (No one wants to be so ucky!)
Dwarf...0 (Kind of figured on this one as well. Although, I love Willow, and the short professor from Harry Potter. That might even be the same actor for both. I know he had a couple roles in Harry Potter.)
Demon...1 (This was pretty general, but I thought I would enter it anyway. I mean, I think some would consider a Vampire to be a demon, maybe even a Banshee or Goblin.)
Ghost...5 (This surprised me. If I were a ghost, I don't think I'd like it. I don't think ghosts can really do much but freak people out, maybe, if they are talented anough, they can send cryptic messages. That could be cool, but frustrating if the people you are sending it to don't get it!)
Brownie...1 (This was one that I don't think many people knew what they were. If you've ever seen the movie Willow, they are the very little people that cause a lot of mischeif. I think I would really like to be one in another life! lol. They're hilarious!)
Fairy...7 (I would also like to be a fairy, but a normal sized one that could hide her wings. They're also very beautiful usually.)
Banshee...1 (This is an older race, I think. Perhaps Irish or Norse (someone can jump in here. I don't have my old fact sheet near me.) I just know they scream!)
Centaur...1 (I think centaurs are totally cool. I don't know if I would want to be one, but they are very very cool.)
Minotaur...0 (I wouldn't choose this fate either.)
Zombie...1 (In reality, I wouldn't really want to be one, but I think they are the most interesting  characters. It's like an instant plot handed to you on a silver platter.)
Other...0 (Yeah, I couldn't think of any others either, so this works.)

So, there you have it! This poll is finally over with. I will think of a really good one for next time. Perhaps one that goes along with a lively discussion!

Poll #7 Results: Top 20 books on BBC's list: Which ones have you read?

Wow! That's a lot of reading! These books are supposedly what BBC considers to be some of the best books that you need to read sometime in your life. And it looks like several of you are well on your way to completing a good chunck of the list. However, this is just 20 of the books on the list. To see the full list, all 100 books, please check out this link...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/top100.shtml

Now, off to the results...

The majority of us, at 14% have read To Kill a Mockingbird. I myself had to read it in 7th grade and it is one of my mom's favorite books.

Next, 11% of us have read Harry Potter. I've read the 1st book once, the 2nd book 3 times, the 3rd book 3 times, the 4th book once, the 5th book twice, the 6th book twice, and the 7th book twice! I love them all.

10% of us have read The Chronicles of Narnia. I have yet to read any of these books I am curious who has read ALL of them. Have any of you read them ALL!? I think there are 6-8 of them, right?

9% of us have read Pride and Prejudice and/or Little Women. Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books and I have started Little Women in the past, but have yet to finish it. I don't know why.

7% of us have read Great Expectations. I read Great Expectations as a Great Illustrated Classic when I was in 6th grade or so. The Great Illustrated Classics are awesome books that simplify literature for the sake of young readers. Then, when I was in 8th grade, I had to read the actual original text (WAY too early to be reading a book like that. It's so complicated) but I was able to understand it better after reading the Great Illustrated Classic.

6% of us have read Winnie the Pooh. I've never read the book, but I loved the show when it was on and all the little movies!

5% of us have read Lord of the Rings and/or His Dark Materials and/or Jane Eyre. I've read The Hobbit, but I don't know if BBC meant to include that book or just the trilogy. I have also read The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife, but I have yet to tackle The Amber Spyglass to finish it all up. Does anyone know if another movie is being made for The Subtle Knife? Jane Eyre is on my bookshelf, but I haven't finished it yet.

4% of us have read Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and/or The Wind in the Willows and/or The Catcher in the Rye and/or Wuthering Heights. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is another one of my favorite books. So funny! Wuthering Heights is on my bookshelf but I haven't finished it yet.

2% of us have read Catch-22. I never have, but I remember it being assigned as an option in 8th or 9th or 10th grade.

1% of us have read War and Peace (which I just realized that I spelled that wrong on the pie chart, but I am not going back to change it) and/or Nineteen-Eighty-Four. I haven't read either of these. Heavy stuff!

0% of us have read Captain Corelli's Mandolin and/or Rebecca and/or Birdsong. Honestly, I don't think I have even heard of these books until know. Maybe Rebecca, but I don't know what it's about. I do recognize a the author's to a degree though.

Well, that's the lowdown! Onto the next poll! Go check it out at the bottom of this page!

Poll #6 Results: What is Your Creative Outlet?

I know these results are long overdue, but I really appreciate everyone hanging in there. Let’s get straight to the results then.

In first, not surprising, with 33% is writing! Well, I certainly hope that is everyone’s creative outlet, especially since we are all bloggers and life would be just miserable if we did all this blogging and never used it has a creative outlet, because it IS creative!

Next, was cooking and other, with 15%. Now, I don’t consider myself a cook, in fact, cooking can be stressful for me at times, but it makes me very happy to hear that others find it not only enjoyable, but creative. Thank the lord for you guys. Without you people like me would starve! Now, I am curious what other creative outlets people have. Please let me know! Someone can always use new creative outlets! They are too important in our lives! Everyone needs one!

In third, with 10% is designing. I am a designer! I created my own jewelry line and it has been flourishing! I signed up to sell it in three local festivals so far and am even campaigning to get it in a few local stores! Very exciting stuff! What do you guys design though?

Two outlets got 6%. They were drawing/painting, one of my personal favorites, and singing! I LOVE to draw or paint and have worked with several different mediums as many of you may know. There’s absolutely NOTHING more soothing than drawing for me. I also enjoy singing, but only in the shower or in the car! I did a few musicals in high school and had more than a couple solos, but they were hard! I commend those people out there who know their talents and share them. I am even watching American Idol right now!

In fifth, with 5% is gardening. My dad loves to garden and he has the best green thumb I have ever seen. I honestly did not inherit such a talent. In fact, many green things die if I even breathe on it. :( I think I am getting better though. Lol. I took a biology course and we grew plants from stem cuttings. That was eight months ago and my plants are still making it. They like to wilt and drop leaves, picky little buggers!, but a little water perks them up. BUT, I can’t water them too much or else they will start turning yellow and dropping leaves again!!! They’re really like small children more than plants. Anyway, I commend those of you that understand plants.

With 3%, is acting and planning! More power to you acting people! I think acting is so much fun, even if you’re not very good at it. It’s a great way to get comfortable with yourself, your voice, and your body! For those of you that plan, you’re a lot like me. I have to have things planned more of the time. I always though event planning would be fun too, but I know that some of the people you deal with are super freaks so it could get frustrating.

With 2 %, we have both decorating and dancing. I like to decorate. I rearrange my room very often and even considered becoming an interior designer for a while. I think it’s a great way to relax and clear your mind and your space! Dancing is something that I always wished I could do. I did take ballet for a while when I was ten or twelve and it was a lot of fun. I gained tons of flexibility that I have maintained. I also met lots of other young women who became good friends throughout school. Now, I watch shows like Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance with so much envy! I am turning green!

Finally, with 0%, is woodworking. I didn’t know if anyone on here was doing any of this. I just knew it’s been a good creative outlet for my dad, some of my cousins, and two of my grandpas!

Well, that’s it! Thanks for sharing!

NOTE: There is a new poll up at the bottom of this page! Don't forget to go and vote!

Poll #5 Results: What is (are) your primary reason(s) for reading?

Poll #5 has ended. So, what are we to do? Oh, yeah! Let’s break it down and chat a bit about it! This poll’s questions was, “What is (are) your primary reason(s) for reading?” Lots and lots of people read these days. (Crazy, I know! Didn’t we just discuss how this is a waste of time? Click here to get the humor in this.) However, why are they reading? Curious minds wished to know and now we all do…

I whopping 48% of the votes (one of mine being included) claimed to read for pleasure!!! No way! Your life is most certainly full of adventure!

19% of the votes say some of you read for research. Good on you for actually picking up a book or finding articles and journals to do so! You’re not doing the good old pop a question into Google and then eat up the first bullet point that comes up.

13% are reading for other reasons. Please do share what those other reasons were! I couldn’t think of anymore.

12% said you read for school. ME TOO! In fact, I feel like I have only been reading for school. I completed 4 books this week alone for school. I guess that’s what I get for becoming an English major though, and for taking 3 literature classes this semester. Whew! At least the stuff I am reading is good. What are you reading for school?

I good old 4% of dedicated followers and enthusiastic readers are reading to get the news! I honestly do commend you for holding onto that dying art. I like a good newspaper, but I don’t read it. I probably should, but I don’t. I did however get The Onion app for my iphone the other day. I hope to stay a little more up on the news and I figure The Onion will deliver it in a very entertaining way.

Finally, 2% of the literate world are using their skills for gossip and work! I mean, who doesn’t love some good gossip!? Also, I would love to have a job that makes me read (Wait! I do! It’s called COLLEGE!) However, maybe those of you who chose this option are an editor, a teacher, a professional blogger, advertising copy writer, etc. Whatever you do, you’re lucky because you get to read at work! I liked to read at work, of course I was waitressing so it wasn’t quite my job and some days I was so enthralled that I wasn’t even sure why my employer was still paying me to be there. (FYI: I only read when the restaurant was as dead as a graveyard. I’m a good employee.) Anyway, hopefully what you have to read for work is interesting.

Okay, NOW POLL TIME! My favorite part! The next poll is all about you and your creative side, and there are lots of options to choose from. Go check it out at the bottom of this page.

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You should know where to go by now. :)

Poll #4 Results: Why do you blog?

Ah! How I love a good poll result in the morning! Let’s get right to it because there is a lot to cover this time around.

At the top! With 31%, “I’m having fun!” I am so happy that most of you are having fun with blogging. In truth, for me at least, it is not something I would want to do if it weren’t fun.

In second place, with 25%, “I’m a writer.” Yes, you all are. In a recent questionnaire for bloggers there are questions such as “As a writer, what are you trying to say to people? Or why did you start writing? Or when did you realize you were a writer?” and so many people were like “I don’t want to be a writer” and “I’m not a writer.” YES, YOU ARE! Blogging IS writing! Just like poem writing, article writing, novel writing, essay writing, it’s ALL writing and MAKES YOU A WRITER! I’m glad some of you realize that. (This option received my first vote.)

In third place, with 11%, “I could be cleaning my house or working out, but I prefer to do this.” Wouldn’t we all! I know there are some people out there who claim to enjoy cleaning and/or working out, but I am sooooo not one of those people. Lol. I will prefer blogging, or reading, or shopping, or HOMEWORK every time over cleaning or working out.

In fourth place, with 8%, we have two different options: “I want to make people aware of something important to me” and “Other, because the answers provided weren’t even close.” First off, I chose to add the “I want to make people aware of something important to me” option because there are many personal reasons why people start blogging. I have seen blogs about homeschooling, handicapped children, mental illness, abuse, literacy, cooking, dieting, et cetera. These are all great things to inform people about. (This option received my second and final vote. As some of you may know, I am a advocated of reading, especially teen reading (currently the age group that is least likely to read), and families reading together.) Finally, I’m curious as to what other reasons you have for blogging. After I put up the poll, I thought of a few things, such as updating people about your family or just a good old rant session here and there. I know there are so many more though so PLEASE SHARE IN THE COMMENTS!

In fifth place, with 7%, we have, “I’m trapped with only a computer to save me.” I know how this feels sometimes, when I am so busy and the computer becomes one of my only social interactions. :(.

 In sixth place, with 6%, we have, “I want to start up my business.” I think those of you starting up a business are very brave. It’s difficult starting your own business, especially with the economy the way it is and money being hard to come by. Plus, a blog is free, so why not!

In, seventh place, with 2%, we have two different options: “I’m bored” and “I’m a 65 year-old man who likes to pose as a 25 year-old woman.” Firstly, if you’re bored, I think blogging is a great thing to turn to. Not only are you writing and reading, but you’re sharing ideas and starting conversations. Lastly…I’m concerned. I was only a psychology major for a month, but I know a 65 year-old man posing as a 35 year-old woman is abnormal. Please seek help.

Well, that’s it for this poll. On to another one, equally as fabulous.

SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE TO FIND OUT WHAT IT IS!

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Poll #3 Results: Do you believe paper books will become obsolete?

Another day and another poll down! Let me start by saying that this has been our most popular posts with the most votes a WYE? poll has EVER had. Thank you so much for that. Your contributions really help make this blog worthwhile (sniff-sniff).

Well, shall we move on to discussing the results?

Let’s start with the option that received the least amount of votes for once. “I don’t know,” one of the worst responses in all of history received ZERO votes. So, good for all of you. You have real OPINIONS and I appreciate that you are willing to share them.

Next, 5% of you believe that paper books will become obsolete in the next 50+ years, a probable assumption, especially with the recent success of ebooks and ereaders, and the production companies’ love for electronic publishing, which not only saves everyone money, removes the hassle of estimating how many copies to print then pulping the ones that don’t sell, but it also saves TREES!

11% of you are bold and believe that not only will paper books become obsolete, but they will become so in the next 10 years! (SAY IT ISN’T SO!!!) What will take their place then? ebooks and ereaders? or do you believe something different, possibly better is coming?

A good fourth of you (26%) are adamant that paper books aren’t going anywhere, that they are classics and people will always demand the real thing over an electronic version. With all my heart, I hope you are right!

Finally, the majority of us (including myself) are hopeless romantics who believe most indefinitely in heroics and man’s ability to overcome any obstacle. We believe that paper books will never become obsolete because we will save them! We will shield them from the tech junkies, the pyros, and the illiterates! Good to know that I will not only have an army to destroy 3D movies, but one to help save paper books if it ever comes to it too!

Well, that’s it for that poll. Now, onto the next poll, “Why do you blog?” You can find it and VOTE on it in the usual place, but for those of you who are new, scroll all the way to the bottom of this blog. You can’t miss it!

Until next time my lovely voters!

Poll #2 Results: What genres of fiction do you prefer to read?

Poll #2 is over and it’s another success with results all over the place. I wanted to do this poll because I love to read fantasy, sci-fi, and Action/Adventure (with a mix of Historical Fiction and Romance here and there) and sometimes I feel like I am the only one. Maybe it comes from living with roommates who either don’t read or only read Realistic Fiction and Harlequin Romances. You start feeling alone in the literary department.

However, now I realize that many of you prefer more ‘fantastical’ works! In fact, the majority of you prefer to read Action/Adventure (15%), Sci-Fi (15%), and Fantasy (15%). I think that’s awesome. (Not that I don’t like the other genres as well. I purpose we all read all kinds of genres, but you are allowed to have a favorite.)

The next most popular genres were Thriller/Suspense (11%), Romance (11%), and Classical Literature (11%). This made sense, especially the romance. I mean, who doesn’t like a good romance on side. :)

Coming up behind the pack were Horror (7%), Comedy (4%), Historical Fiction/Period Pieces (4%), Realistic Fiction (4%), and Mystery (3%). I was actually surprised that Realistic Fiction didn’t do so well, considering that is all my roommates would read (if they even read). There are so many people out there who just can’t wrap their minds around anything that isn’t “possible,” like they didn’t know how to dream. Then again, maybe they just enjoyed it.

In dead last, was Adult Explicit (0%). Not really a surprise there. I assumed most either don’t read it or won’t admit to it.

Finally, I should mention that books can fit into more than one genre. The last book I read, “Prisoners in the Palace,” fits into Historical Fiction/Period Piece and Romance. And, the first Must Read I suggested, “Poison Study,” fits into Fantasy, Romance, Action/Adventure, and Horror. I think it’s great when a book provides so many different facets of fiction!

So, what do you think of the results? Were you surprised? Disappointed? Tell us why!

What genre is your favorite? Again, tell us why!

What genre(s) does the last book you read fit into?

Also, don't forget to vote on the NEWEST poll (Do you believe paper books will become obsolete?)! Just scroll all the way to the bottom of my blog and help contribute to the next set of results. :)

Poll #1 Results: Have you ever tried to get published and how?

Poll #1 has just ended and I am so pleased with the results! They're all across the board which just proves how differently motivated, creative, and unique people we all are. The poll asked if you have ever tried to get published and how. Seems that most of you have tried to get published at one time in your life which I think is AWESOME!!! Way to put your work and YOURSELF out there!

Now, let's talk about how you tried to get published. Most of you, including myself, have published your work on an online community. I personally discovered that this was even possible on October 9, 2008 when I joined WEbook.com and from then on I was addicted and all over the place. I posted years of poetry, the two novels I was working on, and later a few novellas I have been playing with. I currently help judge for the Writer's Guild Competitions and have entered WEbooks own Challenges here and there, earning myself a month where I was a Featured Member and an honorable mention in the Cheating Challenge with my piece of flash fiction called "Broken Pieces Fall Apart."

WEbook has been one of the greatest things that has ever happened in my writing career. (Others include taking creative writing classes in college, submitting work to "Exposures" a county wide art and literary magazine, and recently being published in WEbook's poetry anthology from 2009.) Trust me, I have tried other writing websites since joining WEbook (such as Authonomy, Mibba, Fiction Press, and Protagonize) but none have compared to how easy WEbook is, how much feedback and support I have gotten there, and how many online friends I have made.

Just to name a few...

djpr, our wonderful Donna at http://djpr2001.blogspot.com/

shahw at http://wordsinsync.blogspot.com/

Beruthiel at http://www.webook.com/member/Beruthiel who constantly assists me with my historical fiction

Bennyboi at http://www.webook.com/member/Bennyboi who is the moderator and creator of the Writer's Guild Competitions

Freewrite at http://www.webook.com/member/Freewrite278 who is writing "One Thousand Miles," one of my favorite ongoing novellas on WEbook

...and so many many more.

Matt, I would mention you here, but we didn't meet on WEbook. Neverthless, you can find Matt at http://blessidmerc.blogspot.com/

Anyway, WEbook is awesome. Go there (after you finish reading this post)! :)

The next route you guys have been taking is either literary magazines or other. Now, I'm not rightly sure I know another way to get published maybe newspapers? or broadsheets? (Although, I don't think people print broadsheets anymore. If they do, let me know because those things are fascinating!) Neverthelss, however you are doing it, wright on! (Hehehe!) Literary magazines are great! That's where I was first published and they're great for poetry and short stories.

Lastly, the some of you tried to get published via a major publishing company (such as Simon and Schuster, Random House, Scholastic Press, Little Brown, etc.) or self-publishing companies. For those of you who tried to get published via a major publishing company, I COMPEND YOU! You are so BRAVE! I think we should be sending our manuscripts up the WAZOO to these people. I know it's hard and a lot of work, but boy is it a dream! Now, self-publishing I personally have an issue with. I know a lot of people who have self-published. I know it can take a lot of money and patience in finding the right publishing company. (Make sure you guys find the right ones! There are so many corrupt and STUPID!!! self-publishing/print-on-demand publishing companies out there that it makes me just SICK!) But the one thing that bugs me the most is edits, Edits, EDits, EDIts, EDITs, EDITS!!! I want to be an editor more than anything right now and it kills me when I read something that is fraked up! The punctuation is wrong, something isn't capitalized, grammar is not considered, blah-bitty-blah-blah-BLAH! GIVE YOUR MANUSCRIPT TO ME FIRST AND I WILL SPARE YOU AT LEAST SOME OF THE HUMILIATION!!!

I am going to take this time now to apologize for all the exclaimation marks, side comments, and caps. I'm sorry I'm so passionate today.

And for those of you who have not tried, perhaps you are not writers, or perhaps you just don't know how, or perhaps you just haven't tired. I will forgive all but the last! If you are not a writer, it may not be your thing. If you don't know how, learn how, ask me, GOOGLE IT, YAHOO IT, BING IT, WHATEVER IT! If you haven't tried, SHAME ON YOU! GET OUT THERE YA LAZY LUMP!

Thus concludes this poll and its results. :)

Finally, and in conclusion, please direct yourself to the bottom of the page for poll #2.

This way, please.

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Keep going! You're not there yet. Scroll for goodness sakes!