Friday, August 27, 2010

Critter Goes to College/Giveaways!

On Monday, I posted a picture of my new friend, Critter, and posed some questions about who he was and why he was appearing on our blog. All to be answered now! In addition to two giveways in celebration of his visit! (More on that later.)

So, who is Critter? He is an interactive art piece (created by artist, Ian Sands) that has visited several Children's Lit blogs since 2009. He was last seen strolling around Ann Arbor, Michigan before visiting with me. When he ultimately returns home from his travels, he will be auctioned off, with the winning bid donated to St. Jude’s.

As I’ve said, Critter has had many and varied travels, but I do believe this is the first time he has gone to college! Here he is, packing up:


And with me in the back of the car:


Now, jump ahead a few hours, a few freeways and a few Taco Bell Taco Supremes and here he is, entering one of the entrances to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). This is the Thomas and Mack Center, the state-of-the-art arena that features sporting, music and cultural events:

Now, after cruising a couple more streets and parking, he takes in his new environment. His dorm:


Here he is, admiring new Student Recreation and Wellness Center, which hosts a wide array of health and fitness services:


All of which he loved, but found exceptionally exhausting! So I know he was quite happy to finally kick back on a bed with a cold can of apple juice, and his favorite iPod tune...



Which brings is to the giveaways! In order to be entered, leave the name of the song you think he’s listening to on his iPod in our comments. And also tell us which prize you’d like to win:

BOOK, which is a hardcover copy of Diana Peterfreund’s Rampant.

Or

CRITIQUE, which will be a line edit critique by me--Tina Ferraro--of the first chapter of your unpublished novel (geared at young readers, max 20 pages). As background on me, I am the author of three published Random House young adult novels, two of which were nominated for the Romance Writer’s of America Rita(R) award for Best Yong Adult Romance of that year, and I am a frequent critiquer and contest judge. This may be the only time I offer this as a blog prize...but Critter is just that special to me!

The contest starts now, and “the book winner” and “the critique winner” will be announced here on Monday.

And next Critter is off to visit New Jersey’s
Cynthia Chapman Willis if you want to follow him along!

48 fresh comments:

Margay Leah Justice said...

I think Critter's listening to "Animal" by Neon Trees.

I would like to be entered into the critique contest.

Margay

Bidisha said...

Hmm..Critter's listening to 'Empire State of Mind'..(that's the song that's stuck in my head now)

I'd take either prize, would love the book or the critique. Woah..thanks!

Fi-chan said...

"Waking Up in Vegas" by Katy Perry, definitely! Critter's in Vegas! You should've brought him to a casino :x

Hmm, I prefer the book. :D

thank you!

Angela Ackerman said...

What happens at college stays at college, right?

Great contest, count me in with thanks!

Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

Janie Emaus said...

I'm not sure what he's listening to, but he's the cutest little thing.

dr julie said...

Since college football season is about to start, I think he's listening to the UNLV fight song to get ready for the opening day. Go Georgia Bulldawgs!
I would love the critique!

Sherri Carpenter said...

I think Critter is listening to "I've Had the Time of my life" sung by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. Every moment of everyone's life should be lived like these words. It doesn't matter if you are at college in Las Vegas or a writer. I truely believe Critter is having the time of his life. Happy travels Critter.

I would love the critique, but as of now I don't have anything ready for a critique. Is there a timeframe that it must be ready?

Carol Baldwin said...

I think he's listening to
"This Land is Your Land, this land is my land, this land was made for you and me" because he's a traveling dude! Please enter me in the critique contest. Thanks!

Cindy C said...

He's listening to Ke$ha's "My First Kiss!"

I'd love the critique. Thanks!

TinaFerraro said...

Thanks for all your comments so far, and Sherri brought up a great question about a time frame for the winner to submit a first chapter to me! Let's set it at December 31, 2010.

Brittany Roshelle said...

I could not find an email to contact you with! My name is Brittany Roshelle. I write a blog about writing and publishing as well as host author interviews and their insights. Your blog is one of the best out there and one of my favorites. That's why I've awarded you with the One Lovely Blog Award and I wanted to let you know!

Lynne Marie said...

My first choice was waking up in Vegas, but since it's been taken...
"I Gotta Feeling" by the Black-eyed Peas <3

Mg (LWS) said...

Critter is so cute! Let's see I personally would be listening to "Swing Life Away" by Rise Against. But I don't think Critter would like that but, lets see what other song. Some with a nice beat and poppy attitude, maybe a Katy Perry song but everyone is saying that. Out of my itunes library I think critter would be listening to: "So Far Away" By Staind, "Time Won't Let Me Go" By The Bravery, or "The Older I Get" By Skillet.

I would like the book option, please. :)

holly cupala said...

I have "Fever" on the brain today, so I'm betting Critter does, too. ;)

Hooray for St. Jude's! I just added your link to my blog roundup for the day. Thanks, Tina, and happy trails to the big college student!

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your travles, Critter! I'd love to be entered in the critique contest. What a great prize!

Michelle Libby said...

I'm sure he's listening to "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry, mostly because if he's in college this will resonate.

I'd like to be entered into the critique contest.

Michelle Libby

Kelly (Lynn) Parra said...

He could be listening to Katy Perry's California Gurls! lol!

Shari Green said...

I think Critter's zoning out to the music & daydreaming about his colour-coordinated dream date: Devil With The Blue Dress (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dd9qjHUyHQ)

I'd love to win a critique!

Shari
sharigreen.ya (at) gmail.com

Lea Nolan said...

Critter is definitely listening to "The Wanderer" by Dion, because he's into old school rock and roll.

I would love a first chapter critique!

Lea Nolan
leanolan (at) verizon (dot) net

Laurie T said...

Please enter me in the critique contest. The MC in my YA is psychic and she predicted Critter's fav song was "Runaway" by Thriving Ivory;)

Laurie

nymfaux said...

WOW--Critter is so cool!!!!!!! And in college, too!!!!

I was trying to remember what my roommate and I were listening to on our first day at college...It was probably Dave Matthews, 'cause she was a big fan--As for Critter, I was leaning toward the Black-Eyed Peas, but someone said that...hmmm...But since he's in Vegas...I was thinking he might want to listen to some Sinatra, but possibly, since he just visited the Thomas and MACK Center, Critter might think it's fun to listen to Mack the Knife by Bobby Darren ;) Whatever he's listening to, I hope he's having fun!!!!

Amazing contest!!!! I already have (and LOVE) Rampant, so I think I'll enter myself for the critique--It's just too good a prize to pass up, anyway!!!!

nymfauxx(at)gmail(dot)com

Su said...

Well, I think critter may be a country dude and he's listening to "On The Road Again" by Willie Nelson.

Would love to be entered for a crit. Thanks!
Su

Natalie J. Damschroder said...

I want to say he's listening to "Soul" by Jason Manns because he seems like a Critter with eclectic and discerning tastes, but my 15-year-old thinks "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz is more likely! :)

If I win, I'd love the critique, and thank you so much for the opportunity!

C.R. Evers said...

What a fun contest! I'm not entering, since it's probably not fair since I know Critter so well. :0) just wanted to tell you what an awesome contest this is and love the pictures! Critter looks like he had a blast going to college.

I'm loving all the song suggestions.

Bish Denham said...

I think he might be listening to "The Monster Mash."

Cherie J said...

I think Critter is feeling a little rebellios so he is listening to "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd. Please enter me for the book.

Robin said...

I think Critter is listening to "I like it" by Enrique Iglesias. :)

Please enter me for the critique - and thanks for the opportunity!

Celise said...

He doesn't look like a critter. It looks like a cow ( I see udders) with wings. LOL. After all that traveling, he needs something soothing so....I'd choose "Feelin' Good" by Michael Buble. I love that song. :)

Celise said...

Oh! I almost forgot. I'd like the critique.

Taffy said...

I think he's listening to "Footloose"!

I would like the book, then the critique :)


taffy(dot)lovell@gmail(dot)com

brendajean said...

Since he's going to college, he must be listening to Waiting on the World to Change. I'd love Rampant please:)

Avery Michaels said...

What fun! I think he is listening to 'Everywhere' by Tim McGraw! And Critter is so adorable! I'd love to be entered into the contest!

Avery Michaels

Kate said...

I think he's listening to the old Lucky Starr song 'I've been everywhere'.

I'd love a critique of my first chapter.

Thanks for the great contest!

Nancy Kay Bowden said...

I think he's listening to the Glee version of "I'll Stand by You." A little melancholy, the whole college thing!

Wow, I'd love a critique! (Heck, I need a critique, lol.)

Veronica Blade said...

I think he's listening to Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline. LOL

Hey, he's a Diamond Fan. He can't help it.

I'd like the critique. :-)

Llehn said...

I think he's listening to "Hit Me Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears.

I would love to be entered for both draws please. Thanks!

lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anna said...

I think he's listening to Purple People Eaters. After all, critters need to look out for each other.

I love to try to win the critique.

Clarissa Southwick said...

I think he's listening to The Weight by The Band.

Please enter me in the critique contest. Thanks.

TJ Brown said...

Love Critter! He is listening to Self Esteem by the Offspring...
Teri

Cat Moleski said...

I think he's listening to "Hey there, Delilah" by the Plain White T's

Please enter me for the crit. Thanks!

Kelly Ethan said...

I think Critter is a cute little dude so in that vein I think he is listening to "Stuck in the moment" by Justin Bieber another little dude ;)

I would love to have the crit. Thanks!!

Kelly Ethan

Aliya said...

Hmm...Critter's gotta be swaying to some "I will follow you into the dark" by Death Cab For Cutie :)

I'd love to be entered for "Rampant", please :)

~Aliya

sunnynikki said...

I think Critter is listening to "Thank You" by Led Zeppelin. I'll take the critique unless there is a time limit.

TinaFerraro said...

Nikki, the time limit is to submit a first chapter before December 31, 2010.

Thanks again to everyone who is entering! The two winners will be announced on Monday morning!

Joie de vivre said...

After a full day, Critter's probably listening to something mellow -- Time of Your Life by Green Day.
I think he's having the time of his life right now.

I'd love the crit.

Thanks, Aileen

Lasha said...

I think critter is listening to fergalicious by fergy. because he is too cool to relax , hes lively and loves songs that make him want to dance. i would love to win the hardcover of rampant!

Thanks,

Lasha

Unknown said...

I'm going with Bon Jovi's "Bounce"

And if chosen I'd love the critique of my YA

MD said...

Critter's listening to Don't Stop Believin' on the Glee soundtrack!

I'd like to win Rampant.