The Bodacious Pen

First Lines

2012-02-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

If a book has a great first line, I'm instantly drawn in. As a writer, I obsessively re-write my first line until I think it's fitting. I've re-written the first line in my current WiP about seven times. As a reader, I obsess over really great first lines.

Some of my current favorites:

Maggie Stiefvater, Forever:

"I can be so, so quiet."

Why it works: I could write a several paragraphs gushing about Maggie's writing and why she does so many things very well. In this instance, this line works because it's beautiful. But beyond being beautiful, it's intriguing. Why exactly is the character being quiet? You have to read on to find out.

David Levithan, Love is the Higher Law

"My first thought is: My mother is dead."

Why it works: This is a novel about 9/11, so this line introduces you to the aspect of loss that's center to the story. Spoiler: it also ends up not being true, which is intriguing. End spoiler.

Gayle Forman, If I Stay

"Everyone thinks it was because of the snow."

Why it works: Since this novel is about the aftermath of a horrible car crash, Mia is introducing us to the possible cause of the accident. This line caused me to keep reading and not put this book down until I'd finished it, which is pretty damn rare for me.

What are some of your favorite first lines? Do you obsess over them in your own writing?

Back-Up Scares

2012-02-06T00:20:00.000-08:00

About a week ago, I opened up my Scrivener document on my primary computer, expecting to see the changes I'd made the night previous on my laptop. I looked at my Dropbox file, and according to them, everything was synced nice and proper, but my changes were nowhere to be seen.

Ohhkay, I closed out of the document went to my laptop and opened the file. I got the rainbow circle of death (the equivalent to the spinning circle on Windows if you're not familiar) and Scrivener crashed. I re-opened, and my changes were gone again. Cue: freak-out.

I looked about how to find it, and came to the conclusion that I didn't give Scrivener time to open before letting Dropbox sync. It was my bad. I decided to just cut my losses and try to re-write. I recreated the file, and I KID YOU NOT, the words just magically appeared again, as though my fairy writing godmother appeared over my shoulder and recreated the words for me.

After reading Scrivener's guidelines for using Dropbox, I hope that nothing like this will happen to me again, but since it was so stressful, I've decided to add an additional back-up to my cadre, an Open Office doc where I'll cut and paste the entire novel every couple of days. An unnecessary step? Yeah, probably, but it would save future freak-outs.

Do you have any back-up horror stories?

Favorite Things: January

2012-02-01T06:28:00.000-08:00

Source

I'm not reviewing books anymore, but I still want to talk about my favorite reads, and other favorite things in the month that passed.

Falling in Love With English Boys by Melissa Jensen

If you love Stephanie Perkins' books, you should give Falling in Love a shot. Cat moves to London for the summer with her mother and finds the diary of Katherine, who lived 200 years ago.

This book is funny and sweet and I really enjoyed it.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

This one had a lot of hype surrounding it when it came out last year, and I'm happy to say it lives up to it. It's pretty rare for me to think about a book when I'm not reading it, for it to capture my imagination that way. This is one of those books!

I love how it's high fantasy, but different from any other high fantasy I've ever read. If you haven't read this one, you should definitely add it to the TBR ASAP!

A Brush of Darkness-Allison Pang

If you're in the mood for urban fantasy, pick this book up! It was funny (seriously, she has a miniature unicorn living in her underwear drawer) and it's also sexy. This is one of the best urban fantasy books I've read in years, and I can't wait to read the next in the series.

Non-Bookish things:

January was a great month for TV.

The second series of Sherlock aired (in the UK, American version airs in May, I believe?) This is one of the most brilliant shows on television. If you haven't seen it, series one is on Netflix instant. You won't regret it, I promise!

Downton Abbey came back! I fell in love with Downton Abbey last summer while sick. I watched the entire first series in one day, and I've rewatched several times since then.

If you're not familiar, it's essentially a well-written historical soap opera. I have yet to meet one person who didn't watch it and fall in love. Series 1 is also on Netflix!

I've heard great things about Misfits for about a year now, but I only recently discovered that you can watch this great British show uncensored on Hulu (yay!) It's about five teens who are caught out in a freakish storm and end up with super powers. Awesome is too tame of a word to describe this show. Think of it as a really great paranormal YA book come to life. Well, come to life with sex and copious amounts of cursing. It's not a show for everyone, but if you find vulgarity hilarious as I do, you should check it out.

All of my favorite shows aren't British! I love Once Upon a Time. I watched the pilot when it aired and thought it only so-so, but after my mother told me I needed to watch it, I watched the whole series in a day.

Even though (spoiler, mouse over to see) they killed off my favorite character, the hotty McHotson Sheriff Graham, I still love this show a lot.

Spartacus Blood & Sand

My husband watched the entirety of the season while I was gone for a few days earlier in the month. He raved about it, and I thought it wouldn't be my thing. Oh, how wrong I was. This show has it all. Humor, imaginative profanity, and romance. I look forward to the new season of Spartacus, although it won't be quite the same without the great Andy Whitfield in the lead role.

What were your favorite things in January?

Two Years On

2012-01-30T08:01:00.000-08:00

I've wanted to be a writer since I knew what a writer was. That said, for most of my twenties, I packed the dream up and put it on a shelf. I wasn't interested in going after the dream, because it felt silly. Also, because I felt there was no way I could handle the stress of being published, and being "out there".

Well, two years ago, that all changed. It's almost as if my fairy godmother visited me overnight and whacked me upside the head with her magic wand. I changed everything about my writing process. Before, I would only want to have one draft. I would agonize over one chapter until ever sentence was perfect, and once it was done, I could finally move on. I also had a horrible time with others reading my work. I remember sitting in a college English class, and being paired up to critique each other's work. My partner said my story was amazing, and went on for a couple minutes, and then added on one thing he didn't like. You can bet I only remember the one thing he didn't like. If I couldn't handle that sort of criticism, how could I handle thousands of people reading my book?

But two years ago, I had a really good idea for a book, and while that book will never be published, it was the one that changed everything. I spent most of 2010 practicing, 2011 growing as a writer, and learning to take criticism from my first readers.

I didn't get the answer to everything overnight. I know I will still have a hard time being out there, for my name being a subject of Google searches, and my book the subject of reviews. That said, I continue to learn, from authors that have already achieved my dream. I'm strong enough to take it. Two years ago, I might not have realized that.

Not all writers need this time. Some can write a manuscript in two months, revise it in another three, query and get published all in a small amount of time. That's great for them, but not for me. I needed the time to work on my craft, but more importantly, work on building up the toughness of my skin. Prepare to understand that when people point out flaws in my work, it's to help, not hurt, and ultimately, that rejection won't kill me.

It's a long journey, and I'm not there, but a hell of a lot closer than I was two years ago.

How long have you been working to get published?

Tune In Tuesday (18)

2012-01-24T05:25:00.000-08:00

Each week I participate in Tune in Tuesday, hosted by GReads!

So, there are some songs that I probably wouldn't be as into if I wasn't a writer of young adult fiction. I first heard this song when I was plotting my novel Anna Begins and it screamed that story. So much that I bought it immediately and listened to it over and over again while plotting.

Writing on More Than One Computer

2012-01-23T04:49:00.000-08:00

I've been writing on more than one computer for some time now. Back when I had a job that was only slightly more interesting than watching paint dry, I would write stories for my own enjoyment. I put everything on my USB drive at the end of the day and carried it home with me.

Now, I do most of my writing on my trusty iMac, but for Christmas, I finally had enough money to buy my own Macbook Air. Why do I need both?

Well, you know the answer to this question. I don't. But, I will say a big reason was that I can only spend so many hours sitting in a desk chair before my back and other extremities start to ache. I used to call it a day at that point. Now, I give myself a break, and come back to writing later in the night on my Macbook. I sit on the couch with my cushions, pillows and laptop stand. It's WAY more comfortable for me. I also have portability, I can write in the car, (not when I'm driving, obvs) or when I'm traveling.

Before I got my computer, I checked a few things. The first was that Scrivener has an open license and I could put a copy on my laptop without paying again (yay!) then I researched the best way to write the same story on two computers.

The answer? Dropbox. It syncs my novel as I write, and it's just worry-free. I've only run into one brief period of downtime, but it lasted less than an hour. Long gone are the days of the USB drive, my friends!

Do you write on multiple computers?

What's Your Writing Speed?

2012-01-17T05:09:00.000-08:00

Source

When I started writing, I was a 'pantser'. I had a general idea of my story, but I usually figured out as I went along. I'm still somewhat of a pantser, but now I'm an outliner. I can't live without my little note cards in Scrivener, and I plot out every chapter before I write. My inner pantser still lives, because major things usually do change along the way, though.

Now when I sit down to write, I have a general idea of what needs to be accomplished, and generally, I can type out a chapter in about 40 minutes. My chapters are on the short side, usually between 1,500 and 2,000 words, sometimes longer. I usually spend the forty minutes typing, then a further fifteen reading it over for clarity and typos. I don't set daily word counts, I set chapter goals. Once in awhile I'll write a partial chapter, but for the most part I write chapter to chapter.

Because I work this way, it usually means I spend longer revising, which is okay. I like getting a rough draft and adding and subtracting to it through several drafts. My style would probably drive some writers nuts!

What's your writing speed?

Don't Breathe a Word Tour Wrap-Up

2012-01-16T06:29:00.000-08:00

The Don't Breathe a Word Tour is wrapping up, but it's not quite over. Here are the contest winners!

Indigo

Rose

Brandi

Lysette

Michelle

Congratulations to everyone that won!

Tune in Tuesday (17)

2012-01-10T05:18:00.000-08:00

Each week I participate in Tune in Tuesday, hosted by GReads!

My fifth novel is a sweet romance that was so much fun to write. The characters are musicians, and meet at a local talent show. I was debating which songs they should sing at the talent show when this song came on Pandora. I love the original version, by Tom Petty, but John's version fit my vision perfectly.

What are you listening to this week?

The Writer's Path

2012-01-07T07:03:00.000-08:00

Source

I've wanted to be a writer since I first found out that books don't just appear on shelves by some sort of magic. Despite that, it's only been since early 2010 that I've decided to go for my dream of being published. What made this time different? Well, in 2010 I was coming to the end of my last job. I wasn't happy, I spent four hours a day commuting, and I was ready for something new. I was all set to leave my job, when they tossed me a curve ball and asked if I would consider staying on part-time. I said sure, but it was only temporary, and oh yeah, I wanted a three week break.

They agreed to my terms, and during my time off, I was playing a lot of Left For Dead. So much that it started infiltrating my dreams. I had a really vivid dream about a girl and two boys living in an underground shelter at their high school. That idea sparked the idea of my first "real" novel, Positive Tension. That book changed everything for me. I was so in love with it, that I put aside my need to be "perfect" and just wrote through the crap. I finished the book in June, 2010 and since then I've been a writing machine.

Positive Tension is tucked away in a drawer, but I will never forget that book. I'll also never be able to thank my husband enough for agreeing that we could get by on just his salary. No, it's not easy, but I have time to write, and in the past year I've written five novels. I never would have been able to do that if I was working, so I'm hopeful that one day we'll be able to get a paycheck from my work.

When I started writing my first book, I was at the start of the writer's path, and now I feel that I'm a decent way down it. I've conquered several fears so far, and I know that in order to become published, I'll have to slay even more. When I first started, I was jealous of people further along than I was, but that's no longer the case. I know some people might come behind me and get published before me. Everyone's paths are different. Some are paths through a park, with no obstacles, and other people's paths lead them through the fire swamp, yet they keep going.

The path doesn't end when we become published, though. That is the ultimate goal of any aspiring author, but you have to keep growing as an author and as a person in order to stay published.

Where are you on the writer's path?

New Year, New Blog

2012-01-06T07:47:00.000-08:00

The Bodacious Pen as it once was, will be no more. Ooh, that sounds dramatic, doesn't it? What I really mean:

I won't be posting many review posts. This is for two reasons. First: I really don't enjoy it anymore. Second: this year I want to focus more on writing and less on reviewing. I will occasionally post reviews of books I love, or the very few I will accept for review. I do believe that aspiring authors can still review books, but I just don't have the time or the desire to do so anymore.
I'm phasing out my Visual Inspiration feature. If you're interested in seeing more of my finds, please feel free to friend me at Pinterest.
I won't be posting that much anymore. I'm making it a goal to post three times a week, with at least one of those posts being original content, not a meme. I still love this blog, but I've got to keep my focus on my writing if I want to hopefully land an agent in the next few months to a year.

So, if you no longer wish to follow my blog, I won't be offended in the least. I hope if you're an aspiring author, you'll stick around!

Review: Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala

2012-01-04T04:21:00.000-08:00

Don't Breathe a Word-Holly Cupala
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: October 18, 2011
Source: Review copy provided for blog tour
Author website

Joy Delamere is suffocating.

From asthma, which has nearly claimed her life. From her parents, who will do anything to keep that from happening. From delectably dangerous Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out.

Joy can take his words—tender words, cruel words—until the night they go too far.

Now, Joy will leave everything behind to find the one who has offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. She will become someone else. She will learn to survive. She will breathe…if only she can get to Creed before it’s too late.

Set against the gritty backdrop of Seattle’s streets and a cast of characters with secrets of their own, Holly Cupala’s powerful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the meaning of love, and how far a girl will go to discover her own strength.
(Jacket copy)

I am a HUGE fan of Holly Cupala's. I devoured her first novel, Tell Me a Secret in one sitting, and I read Don't Breathe a Word in a day. Her books aren't always easy to read, as the subject matter can be unsettling, but there is a sense of beauty that shines through. She writes characters that you care about. I read so quickly because I have to know what happens, as if it's a matter of life and death.

Joy's life should be happy enough, but she's got a huge weight sitting on her chest. The weight of her severe asthma, her parent's over protectiveness, and her possessive, creepy boyfriend Asher. She does what a lot of us only dream about in our darkest moments, she runs away.

She soon discovers that homeless life in Seattle's Capitol Hill is a lot rougher than she imagined. Joy's not naive, she knows she's not stepping into a production of Oliver or something, but surviving alone on the street as a female is nearly impossible. When she and Creed connect, she knows she'll be safe with him, but she soon discovers that safe is only a relative word when you're living on the streets.

Her new 'family' all have secrets and pain that they shield themselves from in various ways. The supporting characters were all interesting and completely believable.

If you love stories of fragile girls shedding their fears and finding their true strength, then you must pick up Don't Breathe a Word as soon as possible.

Holly's website / Official Book Site / Holly's Twitter / Read a sneak peak of the book!

Want to enter to win your own copy of Don't Breathe a Word? Enter here!

Tune In Tuesday (16)

2012-01-03T06:29:00.000-08:00

I'm participating in Tune in Tuesday, hosted by GReads! This week's selection is by one of my all-time favorites, Matt Nathanson. I saw Matt open for Tori Amos like six years ago? It might have been seven. He was so charming, and funny, and oh yeah, his music is damned awesome too.

This song is on the playlist for an adult time-travel (light) romance WiP I hope to get to this year.

In My Mailbox (41)

2012-01-01T05:34:00.000-08:00

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren

I probably won't be doing IMM much in 2012 as I'm going to try to cut back on my book buying, but here's what I got for Christmas this year!

I got three books by Tessa Dare: A Night to Surrender, Twice Tempted by Rogue & Three Nights with a Scoundrel. A Lady's Lesson in Scandal by Meredith Duran, Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt (not pictured) The Prisoner in the Palace by Michaela MacColl (already read this, loved it, wanted my own copy) Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan (already read and loved) The 2012 Guide to Literary Agents & The Writer's Digest Guide to Query Letters.

She wasn't a Christmas gift, but my cat Mia wanted to make an appearance in my IMM. :)

I also got my own copies of The Eternal Ones and All You Desire by Kristen Miller (already read and LOVED-one of my favorite YA series ever) & The 2012 Children's Writers & Illustrator's Market.

What's in your mailbox?

2012 Goals

2011-12-29T06:20:00.000-08:00

Since I shared my progress on my 2011 goals yesterday, I think it's time for the 2012's goals!

Blog Goals:

Re-design in 2012. I've had the same design for over a year now and while I still love it, it's time for something fresh.
Re-ignite my spark for blogging. My interest has been somewhat lacking, but now that I've decided to become more of a (aspiring) author blog than a book review blog, I think that will help.
Brainstorm for content ideas on a regular basis.

Writing Goals:

Get my manuscript The Last Beautiful Place query-ready. Perhaps with another read-through by someone with fresh eyes or by my CP.
Finish at least one new project in 2012.
Participate in Nanowrimo this year.
Spend several months honing my query and researching agents.
Take an online workshop focusing on querying/pitching. I suck at summing things up, so I hope this will help.
QUERY. Try not freak out in the process.

Reading Goals

Don't put pressure on myself to read as many books as I did in 2011. I hope to read at least eighty in 2011.

What are your goals for the new year?

2011 Goal Wrap-Up

2011-12-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

I set these goals for myself a year ago. Now that the year is over, it's time to see how I did!

Blog Goals

Continue blogging ahead and try to have blog posts scheduled for at least one week ahead. COMPLETE! I have posts scheduled a couple months ahead of time.
Consider which additional blog tours I want to participate in. COMPLETE! I don't do many blog tours, but I've read some great books this year thanks to blog tours.
Set a budget for contests, and stick to it! COMPLETE! I didn't do as many contests this year as last year because I frankly couldn't afford to. Hopefully that will change in 2012.
Set aside one day twice a month to focus on the blog. Schedule blog review posts, brainstorm topics, etc. FAIL. I do set aside time to work on the blog, but I didn't keep to this schedule. I did do it for a few months, though!

Writing Goals

Set aside at least three hours a day to write and revise. FAIL. I decided to change this goal to be word count based, vs. time. Since I write and revise super fast, I don't usually use the full three hours a day. I was diagnosed with tendonitis earlier this year, so I have to limit my time on the computer. I hope to work longer in 2012, when I'll get a laptop, which I hope will be a bit easier for typing, since I can do it in bed.
Start putting out feelers so I can find a critique partner whose style is similar to my own. COMPLETE. I now have a critique partner, Kelly. We work really well together and I'm so glad I have her! :)
Research my two long-term "out of the box" projects. The first is a historical/time-travel, the second being a contemporary YA that will take a lot of research regardless. COMPLETEish. I scrapped the historical time travel, and the contemporary YA changed focus. I did finish it and it's in the second draft now.
Attend at least one SCBWI event or online Writer's Digest event/course. FAIL. I let my SCBWI membership lapse, mainly because I just didn't get much out of my local chapter, which is why I joined. I will probably re-join later, or join RWA, which also has a YA branch.
Spend time researching agents and the querying process, so when I'm ready for it, I'll be prepared. COMPLETE. I've signed up at query tracker and have started my own database with agent info.

Reading Goals

Read at least eighty books in 2011. In 2010 I read about sixty-five, which is an all-time high for me, but I want to go further! COMPLETE. I've read over 100 books this year!
Expand my reading list beyond YA. YA will still take up a good chunk of what I'm reading, but I don't want to risk burn-out. I think that could happen if I don't start reading other genres. COMPLETE. I branched out to romance this year, and I'm so glad I did.

So, not to pat myself on the back, I think I did pretty well this year! :D How did you make out on your yearly goals, if you set them?

Happy Holidays

2011-12-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

Wishing all of my followers a very happy holiday. Thanks for spending another year following along on my blog!

Shiny Idea is Shiny

2011-12-15T04:41:00.000-08:00

I think I'm lucky. Or maybe cursed. I have Shiny New Idea Syndrome. My brain churns out story ideas at a pace which I could not possibly keep up with, not unless I turned into some writer cyborg. Usually when this happens, I add info to my story notebook so I don't forget it. Sometimes I'll rush and start plotting it out in Scrivener, so it's ready for me when I get around to it.

Well, last week I had an idea so shiny that it darn near blinded me. It came to me, as about a quarter of all my ideas do, as a dream. This dream was so vivid that it actually woke me up. I got up, told my husband about it, and jotted it down in my notebook.

Last Thursday, my husband went back to work after a brief vacation, and I decided to start writing the shiny new idea. I knew it was bad, I already had two projects in revisions, and another waiting to be written, but this SNI (shiny new idea) would not be placed on a wait-list.

One week later, and I've written almost 40,000 words, which is unheard for even me. I write fast, and usually get a draft done within about 6-8 weeks. If I keep up this pace, the book will be done by the end of the year!

I love it, and I'm totally swept up into it. I love all of my books, but this one is consuming me on an epic scale. I love it when that happens!

What do you do when you have SNIS?

Writing for Yourself

2011-12-12T04:14:00.000-08:00

Source

I've been writing for a very, very long time. Most of it has never seen the light of day. Other pieces were read by a very small circle of friends, and that was it. I wrote to keep myself happy, and never had any intention of publishing.

Now my goals are different, the books I write are for publication. That said, every once in awhile I'll write a short story or a drabble or something that's just for me. Sure, maybe one day if I'm internationally famous and folks are clamoring for my every word (ha) I'll publish them, but for now, they're just for me.

What am I writing? Romantic, frothy stuff, mostly. Period pieces, but without the bothersome research. They're usually short stories under twenty thousand words. Quite a lot of them are unfinished, and that's okay. I love writing for just me, and it's nice to write without worrying what anyone else will think.

Do you write anything that's just for you?

Tune In Tuesday (13)

2011-12-06T08:27:00.000-08:00

Each week I participate in Tune in Tuesday, hosted by Greads!

This week's Tune in Tuesday is Concert Edition. Back in the stone age, when I was younger, I went to a lot of concerts. I mean A LOT. Music is still my passion, but since moving further away from Washington, DC, I don't go to many concerts anymore. Okay, to be fair, even when I lived right outside of the city, I didn't go to many. I just hit that age where it got hard to go to shows and go to work the next day. I know, excuses!

Anyway, the show I want to talk about today was several years ago, back when it was no big deal to just get in the car and drive to New York for a gig. For most of my life, I lived north of Baltimore, so I would go to shows in DC, Philly, NYC and Baltimore too. The show I'm talking about took place at the Webster Hall in NYC.

In 2005, Interpol was my favorite band, and I've seen them at least seven times, in several states. When I met my husband, and he told me that he had driven two hours to see Interpol, I knew I'd found a good match. :D

We waited for hours to get to the front of this show, and it was worth it. I did almost get into a fight when this girl thought she could cut the line right before the show started, but when everyone started yelling at her, she eventually went where she belonged...at the back of the line.

It was one of the best shows ever, and when they played Stella at the very end of the show as an encore, it was one of my best concert experiences ever. Interpol aren't as great as they once were, but I will always love their earlier music.

Abandoning Projects

2011-12-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

This year I've abandoned two projects, and it was not an easy thing to do in either case. In the first case, I started writing an adult romance novel, that had everything. A clever title, a dashing British leading man, and a spunky American protagonist. I sort of sputtered out with it about a third of the way through, and I've never returned to it. My second failure is more on a grand scale. This book is big. Big in scope, in the fact that it involves time travel, research on time travel theory, historical research, and I was going to try a new writing style as well. Yeah, I guess it's not surprising that it didn't work out.

I have an inspiration board for that project above my desk, and every time I look at it, I get a little twinge of guilt for moving on to another shiny new idea instead of going back to work on it. I've decided that it may be a project that takes me years to actually get to, and I'm okay with that. I love the idea and hope that it'll come back to me one day. But if not, that's okay too.

Do you return to projects once you abandon them, or are they abandoned for good?

Tune In Tuesday (12)

2011-11-29T04:54:00.000-08:00

Each week I participate in Tune in Tuesday, hosted by GReads!

This week's selection features one of those groups I probably would have never heard about without Pandora. Kinda kooky, and completely danceable, here's Empire of the Sun's Half Mast! The song begins right around :55.

How Do You Outline?

2011-11-28T04:41:00.000-08:00

I used to come from the school of pantsing. Outlines gave me a migraine, and I always wrote by the seat of my pants. I'm a little sad to admit that I'm no longer a true pantser. Oh sure, I always do change things as I go along, but now, I have an outline system. It's kind of duplicative and crazy, but hey, it works for me.

Every idea starts off in my trusty writing notebook. I do a lot of things digital these days, but outlining is not one of them. I am a hardcore devotee of the college ruled notebook. I stock up every August when they're .20 a pop.

Each story starts out on my idea sheet, where I store my plot bunnies. Then if further ideas stike, I set out a section in my notebook, where I write down character sheets, a page for items I need to research, and lastly, I break down the plot into beginning, middle and end.

Once I've done that, I plug everything into Scrivener. Why not just do this process in Scrivener, you ask? Why do the same thing twice? Well, I would love to, but my brain just doesn't work like that. I work best with pen to paper when it comes to forming story ideas. I use these handy-dandy note cards in Scrivener, and they help me because I can label them with first drafts, to-do, revised draft, etc. So I know at a glance where the various parts of my novel are. I also like being able to look at what's going on where, and move things around as needed.

Before I start writing, I usually search for character inspiration. Not always, but I enjoy having character sketches in my project file.

Here you can see photos for my characters in my new novel Anna Begins. On the side is notes about the character. Names of their siblings, and other details that I might forget later on in writing. If I can't find a photo for the character that matches, I'll use a placeholder. I usually have photos for all the major characters.

Then I'll usually let everything sit for a week or two before I start writing, just in case final ideas come into place.

Do you outline? What's your method?

TGIF (7)

2011-11-25T05:13:00.001-08:00

This week I'm participating in TGIF, hosted by GReads!

This week's question:

When You're Not Reading: What occupies your time

when your nose isn't stuck in a book?

Well, my first answer is obvious: I write!

I don't set time limits for my writing, I set chapter goals. Lately, I'm just revising. My CP finished reading the second draft of my novel, now my husband is reading it. I'm going behind him and reading each chapter out loud TWICE (yes, it takes forever, but it is worth it) and making edits.

I coupon. I'm not extreme or anything, but I really enjoy saving money and stretching our grocery budget. In order to save, it does takes hours a week. I get coupons from both my mother and mother-in law, and it does take AGES to sort them. I plan out my list, set a budget, then check my favorite sites like Totally Target & The Krazy Coupon Lady to grab the best deals. I've saved hundreds of dollars this year!

Source

I herd cats. I have four, and the kitty you see is Mia, in her glamour shot that I fell in love with on my local shelter's website. She is both an utter joy, and and an utter terror because she's two, and LOVES to play and thinks everything in the house is hers to play with.

Source

I talked about what I've had to sacrifice to go after my dream of becoming a writer.
I shared one of my favorite Lady Antebellum songs on Tune in Tuesday.
I asked for Christmas novel suggestions.

Christmas Novel Suggestions

2011-11-22T04:53:00.000-08:00

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Last year I ended up in the library a couple weeks before Christmas, and an idea hit me. Why not spend the last two weeks of the year reading? I got a bunch of books out of the library and read about twenty books in the last two weeks of the year. This year I'm amping it up. I'm hoping to read about thirty, and I decided to read books set around Christmas-time. I added a bunch of books to my Christmas Reads list on Goodreads here, but I'm open for suggestions.

Am I missing any must-read Christmas novels? A caveat: I'm interested only in Christmas novels. I don't mind reading 'light' inspirational fiction, but I'm not a fan of books with overly religious themes. I'm especially interested in young adult, romance and historical romance.

I'd appreciate any suggestions!

Tune In Tuesday (11)

2011-11-22T04:48:00.000-08:00

Each week I participate in Tune In Tuesday, hosted by GReads.

I get inspiration for my books from two places. Dreams and music. Once in a great while, I'll hear a song and a story idea will come rushing forward so quickly I have to drop everything and scribble like a madwoman. When I heard this song from Lady Antebellum's new album, that happened again! I can't wait to start writing this novel!

On Sacrifice

2011-11-21T05:13:00.000-08:00

Source

To achieve writing goals, sacrifice is usually involved. Whether you're a working parent who squeezes in writing time when the kids are sleeping, a student scribbling notes in the margins of your school work, or someone like me, who took a leap in the hope that it will pay off one day.

I've mentioned before that until last year, I worked full-time in a support role at a law firm in downtown, Washington, DC. Not just downtown, but K Street, where all the movers and shakers are. The job was stressful, but it did pay well. But when I moved an hour and a half south to be with my husband, the four hours a day I spent commuting was a lot to take, and it was wearing on my soul.

When I quit that job, I knew it was a huge sacrifice financially. Our income decreased by 70%. The upside to that is that my husband and I never really lived on two incomes. We were first saving for our wedding (which we paid for 100% in cash) and then our home (which we didn't pay cash for, but we have paid cash for all repairs and cosmetic changes). I think the shock would have been bigger had we not done that.

There are times when it's hard, and I'm not going to lie. My husband has a good, stable job, and I'm thankful for that, but his income has taken a hit in the last couple of months. Like most people, we're having to make do with less. That said, I appreciate things in a way I never did before. If we want something, we save. I enjoy bargain hunting and saving money on groceries. But most of all, I appreciate the time I have to write. I may have to enter the workforce again at some point (well, if I can find a job, that is) and I don't take anything for granted.

Have you had to make sacrifices to pursue your dream of being published?

In My Mailbox (40)

2011-11-20T06:36:00.000-08:00

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.

From Paperback Swap:

One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare.

From the library:

Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare & An Affair Before Christmas by Eloisa James.

Won from Librarything:

The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

What's in your mailbox this week?

TGIF (6)

2011-11-18T04:48:00.000-08:00

This week I'm participating in TGIF, hosted by GReads!

This week's topic:

Giving Thanks: Which books are you most thankful for receiving from other bloggers, friends, family members, or publishers?

Ah, this list is very, very long, but I'll limit to my favorites.

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Yeah, I know everyone and her uncle loves this book, but it was one of my favorite books of the year. It was one of those books that makes me wonder why I'm even trying to write, when there are people who so, so, good at it. This book was sent to me by the publisher, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Lola & The Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Is there anyone that hasn't read this delightful series? I love it so, so much. I re-read Anna & The French Kiss before I read Lola and I know I'll re-read Lola again. Love, love, love. This book was gifted by my husband to me for our second wedding anniversary.

MWF Seeking BFF by Rachel Bertsche

When you're an adult, it can be difficult to form close friendships. Most of my close friends have come from Internet fandom, so it can be difficult to meet people in the real world, unless you're really outgoing. It may be stating the obvious, but I'm not! The author goes on 52 "girl dates" and chronicles her experiences. This book is funny, and if you're in the market for a new good friend, I suggest you check it out!

I won this book from a Shelf Awareness contest.

It was a light posting week!

I posted my visual inspiration.
I participated in Tune in Tuesday.

Visual Inspiration (18)

2011-11-17T04:51:00.000-08:00

Inspired by Australian author Steph Bowe, I share my visual inspiration when the mood hits me. None of these photos belong to me. Most were found on Pinterest & Tumblr.

Tune In Tuesday (10)

2011-11-15T04:53:00.000-08:00

It's time for Tune in Tuesday, hosted by Greads!

This week's song is another that I've loved for years. I'm showing my age here, but I've loved The Counting Crows' album "August & Everything After" since it came out.

This song came on as I was on a walk, pondering a new YA novel. Ideas came to me quicker than I could process, and the song title even became the title of the novel.

Block Breakers

2011-11-11T04:22:00.000-08:00

Writing is a solitary pursuit. I'll usually spend hours at the computer writing, but when hit a block, it's time to take a break. Since I'm home by myself during the day, I'll usually take a break from the writing and do one of the following:

I have four cats, but the cat pictured above is Isabel. She's a chubby princess, and while she can be a huge pain in the butt, what made me fall in love with her was those beautiful green eyes, but secondly, she's a very 'quiet' cat. I can sit next to her, pet her for a few minutes and work through my writer's block. She rarely if ever stalks off before I've worked through my block.

I'll give the husband a call or a text. I rarely talk about the writing, but sometimes just talking to him will take my mind off of things and I can come back to my WiP with fresh eyes.

I'll look through my inspiration file. I have inspiration files for every book I write, but I also have a general inspiration file, filled with photos that I'll post here for my visual inspiration, like one of my favorites,

Or very often, I'll just scan through Twitter, Pinterest or Tumblr for a few minutes and get back to work. It usually only takes a few minutes to step away to find what was going wrong. If it takes more than that, I have no trouble just turning off the computer and giving it up for an hour or for the day. Some things are just not worth the headache, and the ideas always come with time.

What are your block breakers?

Visual Inspiration (17)

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Inspired by author Steph Bowe, from time to time I post images that I find inspiring. None of these images belong to me and most were found on Tumblr & Pinterest.

Road Trip Wednesday (3)

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

This week's question for RTW:

"What are your writing superpowers? What's your kryptonite?"

The answers for both of these questions come so easily. I have a couple superpowers: I write really fast. Seriously. I'm a plotter, so when I sit down to write, I pretty much know what I'm doing, and I can bust out a 1,700-2,200 word chapter in about an hour or less. When I encounter a block, I usually just flip to another project. I know it takes other writers longer time to get that word count, so I know I'm lucky. Of course the downside to this superpower is that I generally spend a little longer on revisions, but that's okay, because the process works for me.

My second super-power is critiquing. I think I've gotten really good at reading other's work and seeing what's working and what's not, with a perspective that I could never have with my own work. I really enjoy doing it, so much that I have to stop myself from critiquing finished books that I read!

As for my kryptonite, that's easy. Summarizing my work. I can't write a synopsis to save my life, and I know that writing a query is going to be agonizing for me, because I will go through many drafts to get it right. I know that about myself, so I'm giving myself months to get a query in shape before I actually hit start sending them.

What about you?

Tune In Tuesday (9)

2011-11-08T04:30:00.000-08:00

Each week I participate in Tune In Tuesday, hosted by GReads.

This has to be, hands-down, one of the most inspirational songs ever. Save this one for those days where you feel like going after your dreams is simply too much work, or when you're dealing with rejection.

TGIF (5)

2011-11-04T04:46:00.000-07:00

This week I'm participating in TGIF, hosted by GReads!

This week's topic:

Gateway Books: Which particular books opened you up to a new genre?

This is a great question! I'll start with YA, my preferred genre:

The Gossip Girl Series

It was fall 2007 when I stepped into the YA section at Borders for the first time since I was myself a young adult. I'd just started watching the Gossip Girl show, and I wanted to read the books. I felt weird going into the YA section that first time, although I don't know why. My mother scooped me on YA/MG books, and had been reading them for years. I remember thinking, "Why are you reading children's books?!" Yeah, I was wrong. I know that.

Stepping into the YA section got easier after that, and I remember reading Twilight before most people I know because I saw the covers and absolutely fell in love and had to snatch them up. I'm not a Twilight fan, but I remember watching the series become a worldwide phenomenon and smiling because I'd already read it! Now I have no problem stepping into the YA section at the bookstore, and most of the time I'm not the only adult there!

Now we'll head into romance, and the series that ignited my love for the genre, Sarah MacLean's Love by Numbers. I'd read romance on and off for years, but this book made me want any historical romance novel I could get my hands on. I've since spread out into other genres and thanks to my subscription to RT Book Reviews, I have a list as long as my arm of books in all the romance sub-genres to try out!

Sarah will always be my favorite authors in the genre, and I can't wait for her next series to come out.

I talked about how getting married is a lot like getting published.
I compared myself to my inner Sue Sylvester on Road Trip Wednesday.
On Tune-in Tuesday I shared one of the catchiest songs of all time.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Getting Married is a lot Like Getting Published

2011-11-03T04:55:00.000-07:00

My wedding day, September, 2009.

Before I got married, I loved wedding shows. I thought about my fictional wedding day and how it would be made of awesome. For years I never thought I would get married, so I allowed myself to daydream about the day. I would get so excited when someone I knew got engaged. Then I moved to Washington, DC, and met my husband. It wasn't as easy as that, as I dated quite a bit and got banged up along the way. The lesson I learned was that rejection wouldn't kill me, and it was highly unlikely that a man worth marrying would just show up at my doorstep. I had to put myself out there if I wanted my dream to come true.

My husband and I got engaged after dating for six months. I threw myself into the task of wedding planning, and at times, it didn't seem real. Like when I was in David's Bridal, trying on dresses with my mother, good friend, sister and future mother-in-law in tow. I had to pinch myself, because this thing had seemed so impossible was happening. It was my life!

Planning a wedding was a lot of fun, but it was also kind of pain in the butt too. I had to deal with family drama, budget crisis after budget crisis, and I actually scrapped my plans about three months into planning and moved my date up.

I had to face my anxiety face on while planning. You can tend to think that your wedding date is just a date on a calendar, but when it approaches and everyone wants their money and your attention, it's hard not to freak out just a bit, and I did, thankfully before the wedding. My wedding day wasn't perfect. It did rain, (which wasn't very ironic, Alanis) but the upside to that was I had gorgeous pictures and the rain held off until after the ceremony. Your wedding day will never be as you imagined, much like being published will never be how I imagine it to be now.

At the stage I'm at now in my writing journey, it's like I'm back right when my husband and I met. I get so excited when I see someone talk about their book deal, because if it can happen for them, it can happen for me, right?

The dream no longer seems so far off, similar to how my wedding dream felt once I actually put myself out there and began dating. Like with wedding planning, I know I'll have to face my fears and will probably freak out a few times or more. But like the search for a husband, I have to put myself out there. This dream won't come true by just wishing for it.

One important thing that wedding planning and writing for publication have in common are a great sense of community. I don't know what I would have done without my local knot.com board and the boards at Weddingbee. Now I see a similar support group amongst young adult and middle grade authors, and more than anything, they make me feel like the dream is possible.

Does your journey to publication remind you of other journeys you've already taken in your life?

Road Trip Wednesday (2)

2011-11-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

This week's question for RTW:

"What kind of writing coach do you need? When you have to coach friends, what kind of coach are you?"

If you'd asked me this question a year ago, my answer would have been very different than it is right now. A year ago, I would have needed a coach to pat me on the head and give me the negative in very, very small doses. Right now, I need the brutal honesty, and I can take it. Sure, I still kind of die a little on the inside when my CP points out a huge flaw in my manuscript, but I appreciate that she doesn't lie to me when I ask her a straight question.

What's the point of lying? If I want someone to tell me my manuscript is perfect, that's what mothers are for. No, actually, my mother wouldn't do that either. We all need different types of critiques and there's nothing wrong with a lighter hand, and I think we all need that at the beginning, but I think I work better with harsher feedback.

As for myself, I fall somewhere closer to the brutal honesty side of the scale. While I'm not quite Sue Sylvester, I'm not going to sugar coat it. I often have to go back to my CP notes and scale it back a little.

I'm not going to lie, if something reads weird to me, I point it out. I do try to remember to point out a few good things in every chapter I'm critiquing, so it's not like I'm a heartless shrew.

That said, I probably wouldn't be the right writing coach or critique partner for everyone.

What about you?

Tune In Tuesday (8)

2011-11-01T04:50:00.000-07:00

Each week I participate in Tune In Tuesday, hosted by GReads.

Today's song has been in my head for weeks, it's so damned catchy. I first heard it on Pandora a few months ago and resisted downloading it because I knew once I did, I would listen to it constantly on repeat. Well, I do. I've accepted it and moved on with my life. :) If you're looking to start your Tuesday with a great dance song, have a listen!

Visual Inspiration (16)

2011-10-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Australian author Steph Bowe I share my visual inspiration when the mood hits me. None of these photos belong to me.

Are you Nanoing This Year?

2011-10-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Last year was my first year doing Nanowrimo, and it was a really great experience for me. I finished a novel that I now consider practice, but I still love it. A few months back I thought about which project I'd work on this year. Should I return to the adult romance novel I abandoned in the spring? Or the time travel novel that makes my head want to explode? Or something new altogether?

Well, I decided....none of the above. I love Nano, but in order for me to reach my goal, I have to set everything else on the back burner. I'm revising one novel, and about a third of the way done with the first draft of my fifth novel. I could do Nano, because I have a new novel all plotted out, just waiting to get inputted into Scrivener. It was a tough decision, but I just couldn't do it.

In the spirit of Nano, I'm going to play along and in the month of November, I'm going to try to be as productive as possible with my writing. I will finish the first draft of my fifth novel and send it off to my critique partner, and plot out my sixth novel and begin writing it. I'm going to work on only writing new projects for the bulk of my time, instead of revising which is how I have been spending most of my time lately. I don't think I'll hit that 50k mark, but that's okay.

Are you Nanoing this year? Why or why not?

Tune in Tuesday (7)

2011-10-25T05:01:00.000-07:00

Each week I participate in Tune In Tuesday, hosted by GReads. This week is soundtrack edition.

This week's song is another opening sequence! It's from Portlandia, a hilarious show on IFC featuring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein. If you don't know who Carrie is, I have two words for you: Sleater-Kinney.

Here's the opening:

The original song:

And my all-time favorite sketch from the show.

Review: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

2011-10-24T04:54:00.000-07:00

The Iron Knight (Harlequin Teen)-Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: October 25, 2011
Source: Netgalley
Author website

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.
(Goodreads)

This series has been an absolute joy to read. I'm sad to see it end with The Iron Knight, but I think this novel was a beautiful end the series.

That said, this was probably my least favorite book in the series, and it took me the longest to read. I actually stopped reading it for about three weeks because the first half kind of dragged. Once I got into part two, I finished it within about a day. Ash has never been my favorite character, and this is probably why I didn't enjoy it as much. He does grow exponentially as a character in this book, and by the end I actually grew to like him quite a bit.

I wish The Iron Fey was a series like that of my youth, like Sweet Valley High or The Babysitters Club, where a new book came out every month or so. The universe is so beautifully developed, and I wish every intriguing background character had a chance to shine in their own fully-formed story.

Bravo to Julie Kagawa for creating a unique, stand-out fantasy series in a genre that's quite overrun. :tips hat:

In My Mailbox (41)

2011-10-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly event hosted by The Story Siren.

I only have a a few books to talk about this week:

Won:

The Storm at the Door by Stefan Merrill Block.

From the library:

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Apothecary by Maile Meloy & The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater.

What's in your mailbox this week?

Visual Inspiration (16)

2011-10-21T04:48:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Australian author Steph Bowe I share my visual inspiration when the mood hits me. None of these photos belong to me.

On Critique Partners

2011-10-20T04:42:00.000-07:00

Source

When I "attended" WriteOn Con, and one of the biggest things I took away from it was my precious need to be "ready" before I tried to find a critique partner. I don't mean ready in the terms of my manuscript being in good enough shape, but I mean reading it over fifty times and checking for every typo before I let anyone else read it.

I responded to a couple of posts looking for critique partners in the forums, and I ended up hooking up with Kelly. Trying out a new critique partner is kind of like dating. You're a little guarded, as you talk about your work, but hope for the best. After discussing our work, we exchanged pages, and thankfully, we both liked each other's work. Now we exchange pages every week and chat about our writing every Monday.

It's working really well! I figured I might have to go through a couple CP's before I found one that worked for me, but :knocks wood: things are working well. Her strengths are my weaknesses, and vice versa. We come from different backgrounds, so I'm able to expose her to books that she might not have read, and she's able to tell me when she thinks my MS might be a little too risque.

Do I take her advice in every instance? No. But it's nice to have someone very different from me read my book, since obviously a lot of my potential readers will be too.

I've also found that I'm a pretty good editor. I really enjoy reading her manuscript and pointing out how to make it better.

I'm so glad I just took the jump and sought out a critique partner. She's already helped me grow as a writer, and she's said I've done the same for her.

How'd you find your critique partner(s)?

Road Trip Wednesday (1)

2011-10-19T05:33:00.000-07:00

I've seen the Road Trip Wednesday feature on YA Highway for ages now, but I never got around to participating. Well, that's going to change, starting now!

This week's topic:

What's your numero-uno reason for writing?

This photo sums it up:

I've loved to write since I was a small child, but never thought that I could be published. I told myself I wasn't strong enough to face the hard work to get published, and then the criticism that comes once you are published. Well, about two years ago I told that little voice (fear, of course) to take a hike. I'd rather go through the experience of not getting published and have it not happen, then just sit back and dream about it. I've overcome a lot of fears since I started on this journey, and I know that as I progress towards being a published author, I will only continue to slay fears like some sort of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fear slayer.

I really admire anyone who chases after their dream, be it to be a writer or open a restaurant. Even if you fail, you don't have that "what-if" question anymore. Life is too short to be afraid of your dreams, no matter how big or small they may be.

Review: The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

2011-10-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

The Faerie Ring-Kiki Hamilton
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: September 27, 2011
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
Of note: Debut Author Challenge #13, YA Historical Fiction Challenge Book #7
Author website

Debut novelist Kiki Hamilton takes readers from the gritty slums and glittering ballrooms of Victorian London to the beguiling but menacing Otherworld of the Fey in this spellbinding tale of romance, suspense, and danger.
The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.
Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.
Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…

(Goodreads)

Victorian England is one of my favorite periods in history, so when I first heard about The Faerie Ring, I figured it would be right up my alley. I really enjoyed the story of Tiki (aka Tara) and her life on the streets of London, pick-pocketing to support her and the other children she's living with. She's just scored a great haul of bread and cheese when she discovers a beautiful ring that she thinks is the answers to all her problems. She can sell it and finally get off the streets! Unfortunately for her, finding the ring lands her into a world full of danger.

I really liked Tiki as a strong, female protagonist who really knows what she wants. I also couldn't help but love Rieker, because he was unreliable and honestly I didn't know if he was trustworthy, the author kept me guessing. The supporting characters of Tiki's "family", the other kids she's living with, were well-fleshed out as well.

My only issue with this book was that at times the pacing was slow, and now that I know that this is the first book in a series, I can see why. There's a beginning, middle and end, but you can get the sense that this is just the beginning of a story that is going to get more exciting as it continues.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Fairie Ring, and can't wait to read further books in the series!

Review: Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

2011-10-18T04:53:00.000-07:00

Virtuosity-Jessica Martinez
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: October 18, 2011
Source: GalleyGrab
Of Note: Debut Author Challenge #12
Author website

Now is not the time for Carmen to fall in love. And Jeremy is hands-down the wrong guy for her to fall for. He is infuriating, arrogant, and the only person who can stand in the way of Carmen getting the one thing she wants most: to win the prestigious Guarneri competition. Carmen's whole life is violin, and until she met Jeremy, her whole focus was winning. But what if Jeremy isn't just hot...what if Jeremy is better?
Carmen knows that kissing Jeremy can't end well, but she just can't stay away. Nobody else understands her--and riles her up--like he does. Still, she can't trust him with her biggest secret: She is so desperate to win she takes anti-anxiety drugs to perform, and what started as an easy fix has become a hungry addiction. Carmen is sick of not feeling anything on stage and even more sick of always doing what she’s told, doing what's expected.

I usually have no problem writing book reviews. I only review the books I love, and usually the words come pretty quickly. This review didn't, and I think it's because there were so many things I loved about this book.

I love when a novel surprises me, and Virtuosity did just that. I had a feeling what I was getting with this novel: a light romance, a young musician pushed to the brink, and a sweeping conclusion. I did get all that, but this novel wasn't predictable. The ending took me by surprise, and I love it when you can't quite peg the intentions of the romantic interest.

Jeremy does seem like kind of a douchebag when we meet him, but as he and Carmen get to know each other, he begins to show his hand, and without giving away too much, I'll say that his motivations surprised me.

Also surprising was Carmen's mother. She's a stage mother, but also a retired performer, who will do anything to make sure Carmen succeeds, despite what it might be doing to her daughter.

You won't be able to stop reading this book, so I suggest picking it up on a day where you don't have anything else to do.

"Stealing" Inspiration

2011-10-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

I'm the type of person that finds inspiration in the strangest places. Once in awhile, I'll watch something on TV, or read a book that catches my eye. I'll be inspired by one small thing and it'll turn into something completely different in my mind. Let me show you were I've gleaned a lot of inspiration from in recent months:

If you follow me on Twitter, it should be no surprise that I'm going to talk about FNL. My husband tried to get me to watch this show for a year, and I brushed it off saying, "Football, meh!" Yeah, I know, I was wrong. So, so wrong.

FNL is like a really great YA novel turned into a television series. The characters are believable, and so are the parents. Not all the parents are perfect, but Coach Taylor and his wife Tami are pretty much the perfect, flawed parents that I'd want any of my protagonists to have. Over the course of the series only a few of the kids stay the series, as they move on to college and to life outside of West Texas.

I was devouring several FNL episodes a day when an idea formed in my mind. Last year I wrote a YA ghost story that didn't pan out, but I loved the couple in that book so much I knew I'd put them in a story someday. Over the course of a few days, a perfectly formed idea for this new story came. Does it have anything to do with football or Texas? Nope, not at all. One of my characters plays football, but that's about it.

I was inspired by this series because the characters are real, and I adore them all, warts and all. I think if you're writing contemporary YA, you really should give this series a try, because I think that it gets most things right.

Where have you "stolen" ideas from?

In My Mailbox (39)

2011-10-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

In My Mailbox is a weekend event hosted by The Story Siren.

From Paperback Swap:

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

From the library:

All You Desire by Kirsten Miller, Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer, The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson & Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton.

Won:

MWF Seeking BFF by Rachel Bertsche

Thanks to Ballantine Books!

TGIF (4)

2011-10-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

This week I'm participating in TGIF, hosted by GReads!

Happy Friday, everyone! This week's question from Ginger:

Show & Tell: Where do you grab a book and get lost in it? Show us your favorite spot you like to read at.

Since I own my house with my husband, I can really read anywhere I want to. But, I have two main places where I read. My bed (which as I write this, still has my husband in it) and my couch.

The couch is a hand-me-down from my in-laws. One day I hope we can get one of those nice couches with a chaise seat on the end, but for now, this will do. I get a lot of sunlight in from my backdoor, so it makes a very cozy place to read.

I expounded on how much I love the Marie Antionette soundtrack on Tune in Tuesday.
I talked about my grandmothers when I reviewed Adriana Trigani's Don't Sing at the Table.
Do we become what we believe? I talked about whether I believe this on Thursday.
I also shared my visual inspiration.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Visual Inspiration (15)

2011-10-13T04:55:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Australian author Steph Bowe I share my visual inspiration when the mood hits me. None of these photos belong to me.

You Become What You Believe

2011-10-13T04:53:00.000-07:00

I've never been a big Oprah fan. I've never disliked her, but for me, Oprah is the lady that was on the TV when I was a child in the 80's. She was the co-host of "People are Talking" in Baltimore, before she became internationally famous. I watched her show periodically, but it's only been within the last year or so that I've listened a little closer to her message. If you're familiar with Oprah's dogma, she talks a lot about "living your best life" and such things. It's a great message, but eh, never really for me.

Last night, I happened to catch an episode of her "Life Class" show on OWN, and the topic was the title of this post, and man, it stopped me in my tracks. It could be that I'm getting older and more in-touch with my "higher self" than I used to be, but I really think that this topic is applicable to those of us that are trying to achieve a big goal in our lives, like becoming a published writer.

She talks a lot about visualizing good things happening, and how you really have to believe in order for them to happen. She also showed a clip of an interview she did with Jim Carey, and how he visualized himself becoming famous. He added that you can't just visualize and go eat a sandwich. You've gotta work. She also show a clip from her interview with J.K. Rowling who had a similar message. She believed that she had to get Harry Potter published, and knew that it wouldn't be easy, but she had that belief, so it's what kept her going.

I was also touched by something else Jim Carey said. He said he knew everything that he wanted was out there, he just didn't have access to it yet, so he visualized it. Of course Jim Carey is an exceptional case, and not many of us will have the success he, J.K or Oprah have had, but I think you can take a page from their books and apply to your own life.

If you're a writer, or even just someone trying to accomplish a certain goal in your life, I think you should check this episode out. OWN is re-playing the Life Class episodes each day at 4:00 PM EST, and this episode will be shown again later today.

Do you think that we become what we believe? Do you visualize success?

Review: Don't Sing at the Table by Adriana Trigiani

2011-10-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

Don't Sing at the Table by Adriana Trigiani
Publisher: Harper
Publication Date: 2010, Paperback, 2011
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
Adriana Trigani

As devoted readers of Adriana Trigiani's New York Times bestselling novels know, this "seemingly effortless storyteller" (Boston Globe) frequently draws inspiration from her own family history, in particular from the lives of her two remarkable grandmothers, who have found their way into all Trigiani's cherished novels. In Don't Sing at the Table, this much-beloved writer has gathered their estimable life lessons, revealing how her grandmothers' simple values have shaped her own life, sharing the experiences, humor, and wisdom of her beloved mentors to delight readers of all ages.
Lucia Spada Bonicelli (Lucy) and Yolanda Perin Trigiani (Viola) lived through the twentieth century from beginning to end as working women who juggled careers and motherhood. From the factory line to the family table, Lucy and Viola, the very definition of modern women, cut a path for their granddaughter by demonstrating moxie and pluck in their fearless approach to life, love, and overcoming obstacles.
Lucy's and Viola's traditions and spiritual fortitude will encourage you to hold on to the values that make life rich and beautiful. Their entrepreneurial spirit will inspire you to take risks and reap the rewards. And their remarkable resilience in the face of tragedy will be a source of strength and comfort.

(Goodreads)

The subject of grandmothers has always been tender for me. I lost my paternal grandmother at the age of six, and I still miss her to this day. She had five sons, so she loved my sister and I like crazy. We shared the same birthday, so I felt closer to her than any of my cousins. On the other side of the family is my maternal grandmother. She is almost ninety-one years old and like Adriana's grandmothers, Italian. Well, to specify, Italian and Sicilian, as there is a difference.

Although my grandmother is still alive, she lives two thousand miles away in Salt Lake City, so I didn't get to grow up with her, and I haven't seen her in many years. So, it's not really a surprise that I read this book with a tinge of envy.

I enjoyed the stories of the author's grandmothers, Lucia (Lucy) and Yolanda (Viola). The stories are peppered with practical grandmotherly advice that reminded me of things my own Italian grandmother would say, such as "Never burden children with adult problems". My grandparents were never wealthy, nor were my parents, but I never knew it. Of course I knew we weren't rich, until I was ten my parents lived on Army bases and rental town homes, but I had everything I could have wanted. My mother remarked to me recently that she's still amazed at how her mother did so much on so little, and I paid her the same compliment.

This review is turning into more my story than a book review, but I think the best books make you think about your own life, and Don't Sing at the Table definitely accomplished that.

Tune In Tuesday (6)

2011-10-11T05:16:00.000-07:00

Each week I participate in Tune In Tuesday, hosted by GReads. This week is Soundtrack Edition.

This week's soundtrack choice is from one of the best movie soundtracks ever. "Marie Antionette" isn't one of my favorite movies, really. It's beautiful to look at, but the plot is kind of lacking. The soundtrack, however, is made of awesome. New Order, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Gang of Four, The Cure...it's been years since the film came out and I still listen to the soundtrack regularly.

My pick from the soundtrack is New Order's "Ceremony". It's actually a Joy Division song, released as the New Order's first single back in 1981 after Ian Curtis' death.

TGIF (3)

2011-10-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

This week I'm participating in TGIF, hosted by GReads!

This week's question:

To-Be-Read's: How big is your pile? Which book keeps getting pushed down the stack, but you keep meaning to read it?

My TBR really isn't a pile, it's most of my bookcase:

Yep, most of these three shelves are books that I need to read. I'm horrible, as at least ten of these books I picked up at ALA last year and I haven't read! This doesn't even count the books I have bought for my Nook, so add another ten odd books to this huge pile! In my defense, I do read a lot of library books. :)

The book that keeps getting pushed down the pile is Anna Dressed in Blood. I got it over a month ago and I keep meaning to get to it, but other books get in the way! I'm planning on reading it this month for sure.

I posted my weekly(ish) visual inspiration.
I reviewed the utterly adorable book Past Perfect by Leila Sales
I talked about Hedwig & The Angry Inch for Tune in Tuesday: Soundtrack Edition
I reviewed one of my favorite books of the year, Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Visual Inspiration (14)

2011-10-06T04:49:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Australian author Steph Bowe, I share my visual inspiration when the mood hits me. None of these photos belong to me.

Review: Past Perfect by Leila Sales

2011-10-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

Past Perfect by Leila Sales
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: October 4, 2011
Source: GalleyGrab
Author website

All Chelsea wants to do this summer is hang out with her best friend, hone her talents as an ice cream connoisseur, and finally get over Ezra, the boy who broke her heart. But when Chelsea shows up for her summer job at Essex Historical Colonial Village (yes, really), it turns out Ezra’s working there too. Which makes moving on and forgetting Ezra a lot more complicated…even when Chelsea starts falling for someone new.
Maybe Chelsea should have known better than to think that a historical reenactment village could help her escape her past. But with Ezra all too present, and her new crush seeming all too off limits, all Chelsea knows is that she’s got a lot to figure out about love. Because those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it….

(Goodreads)

Oh, how I love a good contemporary YA. I've said this so many times this year, but it's true. I have yet to be disappointed! Past Perfect is yet another engaging, unputdownable sort of book.

I've spent most of my life below to Mason-Dixon line, but it's only been the last two years that I've considered myself to live in the "real" south, in Virginia. I live near not one but three Civil War battlegrounds, there's a Civil War cottage industry in my town, with reenactments every summer.

Past Perfect is also set in Virginia, so that's one reason to love it, but it's also just a great, easy read. There's romance, history and quirky characters. Best of all, Chelsea has parents with no real issues. Sure, she doesn't get along with her dad that well, but hello, neither did I at that age. She's still in love with a boy that really doesn't deserve her love, but she grows so much as a character that you can't help but cheer for her.

Past Perfect is a book that encompasses everything I love about young adult literature. It was definitely one of my favorite reads of the year so far!

Tune In Tuesday (5)

2011-10-04T04:57:00.000-07:00

Each week I participate in Tune In Tuesday, hosted by GReads. This week is Soundtrack Edition.

One day, eleven years ago, I was in an audience at a Kids in the Hall show, listening to the music that played before they went on stage. One of those songs was from Hedwig & The Angry Inch. Unfortunately my friends and I discovered Hedwig just a little too late, because the Off-Broadway had just ended. ;_; But, over the next eleven years, Hedwig has played a big role in my life. I've seen a production in DC, met John Cameron Mitchell, (Hedwig) twice, once just randomly at SXSW in Austin, Texas. I also went to a Hedwig convention in Toronto.

So, I think it would be fair to call me a Hed-head. It's my favorite musical of all time. My non-musical loving husband loves it, because it's pretty rock & roll, and my aunt even went to a production in Salt Lake City.

So, if you've never seen Hedwig, I suggest watching the movie. It's not as good as the stage production, but I still love it. Oh, and a young Michael Pitt is in the movie too, so there's that too.

Review: Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

2011-10-03T06:49:00.000-07:00

Daughter of Smoke & Bone-Laini Taylor
Publisher: Little, Brown
Publication Date: September 27, 2011
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
Author website

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

(Goodreads)

I think we live in a world of average. I enjoy most books I read, but I think they fall on either the low or high side of average. That is not a bad thing at all, as I'm sure if I publish, odds are I'll end up on either side of that average scale. So, when something extraordinary comes along, I get really, really excited. Daughter of Smoke and Bone lands high on the extraordinary scale. So high that it lands amongst some of the favorite books I've ever read, and since I've been a reader for many, many years, this is a big thing for me to say.

This book has everything. Poetic writing, a beautiful sensuality, and intriguing characters that you can't help but fall in love with. I parceled out reading this book because I was reluctant to leave this smartly imagined universe.

Who doesn't dream that there is a secret world, existing just outside of the corner of our eyes? Karou is a messenger for Brimstone, the er, man, that has raised her since birth. She runs creepy errands for him, without really knowing what he does with all the teeth he collects for her. She doesn't know where she came from, or anything about her parents, but she's happy enough in her life. She's a talented artist, has a great best friend, and a bright life in front of her.

When black handprints start appearing on doorways, Karou's life quickly begins to unravel. I loved that Karou doesn't fall to despair, she rises to the occasion and is determined to get to the bottom of what's going on.

Her journey to the truth will leave you flipping pages as quickly as you can, because this story pulls you in and won't let go! I absolutely adored this wonderful novel, and I am so, so thrilled that there will be further books in this series. I can't wait!

In My Mailbox (38)

2011-10-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly event hosted by The Story Siren.

For review:

The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton.

Gifted for my wedding anniversary:

Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin, Lola & The Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins & Anna & The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.

Thanks to Tor Teen!

What's in your mailbox this week?

Visual Inspiration (13)

2011-09-29T04:44:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Australian author Steph Bowe I share my visual inspiration when the mood hits me. None of these photos belong to me.

Tune In Tuesday (4)

2011-09-27T04:49:00.000-07:00

Each week I participate in Tune In Tuesday, hosted by GReads.

I have two songs to share this week. The first is actually a theme song. A theme song to one of the best television shows of all time, of course. I love Friday Night Lights to the tenth power, and it has inspired me as a writer in more ways than I can count.

Clear eyes, full heart, CAN'T LOSE!

The second song is one that I've loved since I saw the movie Ghost World several years ago. I heard it again recently in a commercial and had to download it! Gotta love the dancing, and the looks the lead female dancer makes as she dances!

Busy, Busy, Busy.

2011-09-26T04:57:00.000-07:00

Source

I haven't been posting a lot on the blog lately about writing. I wondered the other day why that it is, and I think it's because I'm just overwhelmed with the actual writing process. So, a general update:

I finally have a critique partner! I met my CP through WriteOn Con and we've been working together for about a month now. It's working really well as her strengths are my weaknesses and vice versa. We're used to each other's styles and getting her notes no longer terrifies me. I'm only slightly kidding, as having a critique partner used to scare me, but I'm happy to say I've overcome that fear and now just a tiny bit more ready to be published!
I've been revising my fourth novel like crazy. I'm spending 90% of my writing time on this novel, making the changes my CP suggests and finding new ways to improve it. I hope that it's in query-ready shape by early next year.
I'm also writing my fifth novel! I can't have just one project. This is a fun, contemporary romance novel and it is the easiest thing I've ever written. I just wish I had more time to write it!
I also have two novels that I'm plotting out, but I'm not sure when I'll get to them.
I'm debating if I want to participate in Nanowrimo this year.

I've never been busier and happier with my writing, which unfortunately means I have less time to blog about my writing. Hope everyone else's writing projects are going well!

TGIF (2)

2011-09-23T05:06:00.000-07:00

This week I'm participating in TGIF, hosted by GReads!

This week's question:

Reading Challenges: Did you sign up for any this year?

How has your progression been?

I signed up for two reading challenges this year:

The Debut Author Challenge hosted by The Story Siren
The YA Historical Fiction Challenge hosted by YA Bliss

I've read eleven debut YA novels this year, so I've almost completed the Debut Author Challenge, and I know before the year is out I will have read about fifteen. I've read nine YA historical novels this year, so I've completed Level 1 of the challenge. I hope to reach Level 2 by the end of the year.

I reviewed Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan and talked about how incredible it was.
I shared what images were inspiring to me this week.
On Tune In Tuesday I talked about my love for Passion Pit.
I reviewed the second book in one of my favorite YA series, Red Glove by Holly Black.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Review: Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan

2011-09-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

Love is the Higher Law-David Levithan
Publisher: Knopf
Publication Date: 2009
Source: Library
Author website

The lives of three teens—Claire, Jasper, and Peter—are altered forever on September 11, 2001. Claire, a high school junior, has to get to her younger brother in his classroom. Jasper, a college sophomore from Brooklyn, wakes to his parents’ frantic calls from Korea, wondering if he’s okay. Peter, a classmate of Claire’s, has to make his way back to school as everything happens around him.

Here are three teens whose intertwining lives are reshaped by this catastrophic event. As each gets to know the other, their moments become wound around each other’s in a way that leads to new understandings, new friendships, and new levels of awareness for the world around them and the people close by.

David Levithan has written a novel of loss and grief, but also one of hope and redemption as his characters slowly learn to move forward in their lives, despite being changed forever.
(Amazon)

Like most people, I can recall exactly what I was doing on September 11th. Now, looking back ten years, a lot of good things have blossomed from that horrible day. The friendships, good works and messages of love that came from that day are often swept aside in favor of the bad things that I won't mention here.

I don't think I could have read a novel about the horrible things that happened on that day, and thankfully this book isn't about that. Only a small part of this book actually takes place on 9/11, the main focus is after, and how a huge event can change your life forever. The protagonists don't know each other well before 9/11, but in the days and months afterward, their lives move on, and their stories intertwine.

This book felt very 2001 to me, reminding me of what it was like to watch the news in the days following, but also for simpler reasons. I loved the mention of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which is probably my favorite musicals of all time. Music is also a big part of Peter's life, and him making mixes for his friends reminded me a lot of myself. Mild spoiler: The scene where Peter sees Travis in concert brought tears to my eyes, because I was also listening to their music a lot in the aftermath of 9/11. End spoiler.

As I finished this book, Iron & Wine's "The Trapeze Swinger" came on my iPod, and it was the absolutely perfect song to listen to while finishing this book.

If you haven't already read this remarkable novel, I can't recommend it enough.

Visual Inspiration (12)

2011-09-22T04:57:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Australian author Steph Bowe I share my visual inspiration when the mood hits me. None of these photos belong to me.

Tune In Tuesday (3)

2011-09-20T05:09:00.000-07:00

Each week I participate in Tune In Tuesday, hosted by GReads.

I discovered Passion Pit through a commercial. I Shazamed it, found out who they were, and now I listen to the Passion Pit Pandora station all the time. Love it!

Review: Red Glove by Holly Black

2011-09-19T04:44:00.000-07:00

Red Glove (Curse Workers, Book 2)-Holly Black
Publisher: McElderry Books
Publication Date: April 5, 2011
Source: Purchased
Author website

Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else.

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does.

When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself?

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

(Goodreads)

Mild spoilers if you haven't read White Cat!

Holly Black is one of those authors I admire. She's been published for quite awhile now, and is a proven success, but beyond that, I believe she's a master storyteller. Quite honestly, she's one of those writers that makes me put down her book in despair and wonder why the hell I'm attempting to write a novel at all.

The Curse Workers series is so imaginative. Without spoiling the first book in the series, White Cat (Curse Workers, Book 1), I can't say too much, but I can say this. In Red Glove, Cassel's eyes have been opened and he realizes that everything he's known has been a lie. When you can't trust your family-who can you trust?

Everyone wants a piece of Cassel, from the Feds to his girlfriend Lila's crime boss father. He isn't quick to give into anyone. He's spent a lot of his life being lied to, and now he's keen to know all the answers before agreeing to anything.

Red Glove features romance, danger, even political intrigue. This is one of best young adult series out there, and if you haven't read it yet, then get to it as soon as possible!

In My Mailbox (37)

2011-09-18T04:35:00.000-07:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly feature hosted by The Story Siren.

For review:

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.

Don't Sing at the Table by Adriana Trigiani

From the library:

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson, Love is The Higher Law by David Levithan & Forever by Maggie Stiefvater.

Thanks to Little, Brown & Harper Books!

Quick Pick: All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

2011-09-16T04:36:00.000-07:00

All These Things I've Done (Birthright)-Gabrielle Zevin
Publisher: FSG
Publication Date: September 6, 2011
Source: Won
Author website

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidentally poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.
(Goodreads)

I loved the premise of All These Things I've Done. It's not quite a dystopian novel, not quite futuristic, which I liked. The novel is set over seventy years in the future, yet there aren't a lot of technological advances because of the state of the world. There is corruption, poverty and shortages, yet Anya gets by okay because of her mafia connections.

She's a character who wants to do everything right. She's religious because she feels that it will help protect her from the bad things in life. She's protective of her younger sister and older, disabled brother. With a lesser protagonist, this story wouldn't be interesting, but Anya drew me in.

The only thing I didn't like is that this book felt like one of those first books in a trilogy. There is a beginning, middle and end, but you're left wishing you had the next book in the series to read.

Overall, I really enjoyed All These Things I've Done and I'll definitely be reading the next books in the series.

Visual Inspiration (11)

2011-09-15T04:46:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Australian author Steph Bowe, I share my visual inspiration when the mood hits me. None of these photos belong to me, I found most on my favorite blogs on Tumblr.

Quick Pick: Hot Property by Michele Kleier & Daughters

2011-09-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

Hot Property: A Novel-Michele Kleier & daughters
Publisher: Harper
Publication Date: September 13, 2011
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
Info about authors

The stars of HGTV’s Selling New York let fans step inside the high-profile world of Manhattan real estate in a wild and one-of-a-kind novel of stormy egos, sumptuous homes, and staggering fame and fortune: Hot Property. Michele Kleier and her daughters Sabrina and Samantha are no strangers to the high-stakes Manhattan market, with clients that have included Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Katie Couric, Barbra Streisand, Diane Keaton, Dustin Hoffman, and Al Pacino. Now, in Hot Property—perfect for fans of The Devil Wears Prada, One Fifth Avenue, and The Nanny Diaries—the irrepressible first ladies of New York City real estate give readers a glimpse of what it’s like to be at the top of the game in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the world.
(Goodreads)

Since becoming a homeowner, I've watched a lot of HGTV, and I love the show Selling New York, which features the authors as well as other brokers from high-end firms around New York City. If you're like me and love real estate, especially indulging in your fantasies to own high end real estate, Hot Property is the book for you. It's a fantasy of amazing living spaces in one of the most glamorous cities in the world.

If you're not into real estate, this book probably won't be for you. There's dish and quirky New York characters, but the focus of this novel really is real estate, so if you don't share an interest in it, you'll probably be bored.

Overall, I found Hot Property to be an enjoyable, quick read and I look forward to seeing the Kleirs on the new season of Selling New York!

Tune In Tuesday (2)

2011-09-13T04:38:00.000-07:00

Each week I participate in Tune In Tuesday, hosted by GReads.

Today's song is a song I listen to when I need a pick me-up. We all need those songs that clear our minds and steady our hands, and this is one of mine.

In My Mailbox (36)

2011-09-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly event held by The Story Siren. Not too much to talk about this week!

For review:

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake.

Saving June by Hannah Harrington

From the library:

Shadowcry (The Secrets of Wintercraft) by Jenna Burtenshaw & Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma.

Thanks to Tor Teen & Harlequin Teen!

Like most of you, I'll be taking time to remember 9/11 today. I still can't believe it's been ten years. I had just been laid off my job and was up early to talk to unemployment on the telephone. The agent called right after the second plane hit, and I remember trying to get off the phone as soon as possible. I had friends in New York and DC and wanted to be sure they were okay. My father was in Arkansas at the time and had to take a military plane home because commercial flights weren't operating.

9/11 is something you never really forget, as when I moved to Arlington, Virginia some years later, my apartment was only a couple miles away from the Pentagon. It's hard not to remember to think of it when you pass through, even if it's just a fleeting thought.

I didn't know anyone that died that day, but it's still emotional regardless.

TGIF (1)

2011-09-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

This week I'm participating in TGIF, hosted at GReads!

Her question this week:

Books To Television: Which books would you love to see made into a TV series? Or a movie?

The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa

With the popularity of Game of Thrones, I think TV audiences are ready for another fantasy series. Since this was written with teens in mind, I think it could be a little more approachable, and could be shown on network TV, instead of cable.

The universe is so well created that the show could focus on not just on the main characters in the novels, but expand to follow so many of the characters featured in the series.

The Mysterious Benedict Society series by Trenton Lee Stewart

I absolutely adore this series, and I think it's whimsical nature would translate well to the small screen. I love any series that features extraordinary children, and in my opinion this series is second only to Harry Potter in that respect. The kids don't have magical powers, but they use the skills they already have to do amazing things.

I also think this show would inspire children who aren't big readers to pick up the books.

Suite Scarlett series by Maureen Johnson

The quirky Martin family would translate well to the small screen. We could follow Scarlett's siblings, or just the daily goings-on at the Hopewell. It would be great if they could film it in New York as well!

I reviewed Naughty in Nice by Rhys Bowen
I shared a great pop song for Tune In Tuesday
I shared my visual inspiration for the week.

Review: Naughty in Nice by Rhys Bowen

2011-09-08T04:51:00.000-07:00

Naughty In Nice (A Royal Spyness Mystery) by Rhys Bowen
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover
Publication Date: September 6, 2011
Source: Review copy provided by publisher

The national bestselling author of Royal Blood whisks her heroine away to the French Riviera for fun-and danger.

Lady Georgiana Rannoch has once again been called into service by Her Majesty the Queen. This time she's sent to Nice on a secret assignment that's nothing to sneeze at-recover the Queen's stolen snuff box.

As much of an honor as it is to be trusted by Her Majesty, an even greater honor awaits Georgie in Nice-as Coco Chanel herself asks Georgie to model her latest fashion. But when a necklace belonging to the Queen is stolen on the catwalk, Georgie has to find two priceless items-and solve a murder. How's a girl to find any time to go to the casino?

(Goodreads)

There are few things I love more than a good mystery. I don't read as many as I used to, which is a shame. I adored Naughty in Nice, which was an utter delight. This book is part of a series, but I hadn't read the previous books, and while I'm sure it helps to read them in order, you don't have to in order to enjoy the story.

Georgie's in for a boring winter when her brother and his wife appear in London. Her sister-in-law, Fig, should have been named Prig, because that's what she is. When they take off to Nice and don't invite Georgie, the Queen ends up paying for her passage, and the real story starts.

There is so much to love about this book. I loved the time period, the historical characters such as Coco Chanel and Wallis Simpson, and Georgie's dim-witted lady's maid, Queenie, who reminded me of Sarah from Upstairs, Downstairs.

The mystery was a delight and kept me guessing until the very end, which I loved. I hate mysteries that I can see coming a mile away, and this was definitely not one of them!

If you're a fan of mysteries, you should pick up Naughty in Nice straight away!

Tune In Tuesday (1)

2011-09-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

I just started following a new blog, GReads! and she has a great feature called Tune In Tuesday. So, I decided to switch things up a bit and move my inspirational music posts to Tuesday.

This week's song is one of those absolutely perfect songs for a young adult novelist to stumble upon. I had a new idea for a YA romance, and later that day, I heard this song for the first time on Pandora. I love it when that happens!

Visual Inspiration (10)

2011-09-06T05:01:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Music (9)

2011-09-01T04:53:00.000-07:00

This week's song is inspirational and beautiful. I heard it in a commercial and I had to Shazam it to find out who it was. I bought it straight away.

Quick Pick: Q by Evan Mandery

2011-08-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

Q: A Novel by Evan Mandery

Publisher: Harper Paperbacks

Publication Date: August 23, 2011

Source: Review copy provided by publisher

“Q, Quentina Elizabeth Deveril, is the love of my life.”

Shortly before his wedding, the unnamed hero of this uncommon romance is visited by a man who claims to be his future self and ominously admonishes him that he must not marry the love of his life, Q. At first the protagonist doubts this stranger, but in time he becomes convinced of the authenticity of the warning and leaves his fiancée. The resulting void in his life is impossible to fill. One after the other, future selves arrive urging him to marry someone else, divorce, attend law school, leave law school, travel, join a running club, stop running, study the guitar, the cello, Proust, Buddhism, and opera, and eliminate gluten from his diet. The only constants in this madcap quest for personal improvement are his love for his New York City home and for the irresistible Q.

A unique literary talent, Evan Mandery turns the classic story of transcendent love on its head, with an ending that will melt even the darkest heart.

(Goodreads)

I love the concept of Q, and I have to say it was a novel defied my expectations. I thought I'd had a good idea of what would happen, yet I was very surprised at some of the twists!

What if time travel was possible? What would you do if your future self showed up and warned you not to proceed with a marriage, a change in career or other life decision? Would you heed their advice or take the risk anyway? In Q, this isn't an easy choice for the unnamed protagonist to take.

Overall I really enjoyed Q. It was an entertaining read, and the last chapter was an utter delight. My only complaint was that sometimes the action dragged as the unnamed protagonist liked to go on tangents that didn't add much to the overall narrative.

I recommend Q to anyone looking to read a novel that's a little quirky, and quite romantic.

Visual Inspiration (9)

2011-08-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Music (8)

2011-08-25T05:20:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile you have to step away from your computer and dance out that writer's block. I've been a huge fan of the Scissor Sisters' for years now, and they are my go-to band for when I need to lift my mood and shake off the blues.

Review: Domestic Violets by Matthew Norman

2011-08-22T04:39:00.000-07:00

Domestic Violets: A Novel (P.S.)-Matthew Norman
Publisher: Harper Perrenial
Publication Date: August 9, 2011
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
Author website

Tom Violet always thought that by the time he turned thirty-five, he’d have everything going for him. Fame. Fortune. A beautiful wife. A satisfying career as a successful novelist. A happy dog to greet him at the end of the day.
The reality, though, is far different. He’s got a wife, but their problems are bigger than he can even imagine. And he’s written a novel, but the manuscript he’s slaved over for years is currently hidden in his desk drawer while his father, an actual famous writer, just won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. His career, such that it is, involves mind-numbing corporate buzzwords, his pretentious archnemesis Gregory, and a hopeless, completely inappropriate crush on his favorite coworker. Oh . . . and his dog, according to the vet, is suffering from acute anxiety.
Tom’s life is crushing his soul, but he’s decided to do something about it. (Really.) Domestic Violets is the brilliant and beguiling story of a man finally taking control of his own happiness—even if it means making a complete idiot of himself along the way.

(Amazon)

So, I read a lot. More than anyone I know in real life (aside from my mother). I generally like most of the books I read, but honestly it's getting rarer to find a book that I want to clutch to my chest and sing a praise chorus for. Domestic Violets is one of those books.

I can't imagine wanting to be a writer if your father had blazed that trail before you. There's a reason someone like Stephen King's son chose to go by a pen name instead of riding on his father's (and mother's, his mom is an author too) coat tails. You're always left to wonder if you're really good at what you do, or because of who your dad is.

So Tom's dealing with that, a job he hates and a co-worker that he wants to punch in the face, and some, erm, biological problems on top of that. When his dad arrives at his house late one night and tells Tom he's just won the Pulitzer Prize, our story really begins.

What follows is a little Office Space, a little Arrested Development, and an original take on what it's like to approach middle age and still not be sure who you are yet.

This was one of my favorite reads of the year so far, and I can't recommend it enough!

In My Mailbox (35)

2011-08-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly event held by The Story Siren. Just a few books to talk about this week:

From the library:

Strings Attached by Judy Blundell & Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.

For an upcoming blog tours:

Naughty In Nice (A Royal Spyness Mystery) by Rhys Bowen

Q: A Novel Evan Mandery

I also received a nice surprise package from Little, Brown:

The Shattering by Karen Healey, Winter Town by Stephen Edward (this one looks so good, like a cross between a graphic novel and a regular novel!) and a Sergio beach towel.

For review:

Past Perfect by Leila Sales

Virtuosity Jessica Martinez

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Thanks to Little, Brown, Simon & Schuster, FSG, TLC Book Tours & Crazy Book Tours!

What was in your mailbox?

What I Learned at WriteOn Con

2011-08-19T04:43:00.000-07:00

Last year I signed up for Write On Con, but I ended up not committing as I'd hoped for one reason or another. In hindsight, I can say that's probably because I wasn't in the right frame of mind to think about the 'next step'. A year later, I'm not 100% ready for that next step, but I'm leaping forward anyway. Even if you're reading this post as a book blogger who is just toying with the idea of writing a book, or someone who isn't serious about getting published, you should take a look at the conference materials on the Writeon Con website.

I devoted most of my time during the con to absorbing as much information as I could. I took a ton of notes and started researching the industry more than I had previously.

The biggest piece of advice I took away came during one of the agent/editor chats. They were discussing alternating first person perspective and how this is really hard to pull off. I glared at the screen as a few agents and editors agreed to this, and I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. Cry because it meant re-writing my epic, pain in the ass WiP that took me ages to plot out, but laugh because it was a lightbulb (or a-ha if you're Oprah) moment I was looking for. I knew the book wasn't working, and now I know why.

I also learned a lot about editors and agents in the industry, those that I already followed on Twitter, and those I didn't know at all. I came away from WriteOn Con with a happy glow about what I'm doing and with a feeling that I know I'm on the right track. Is it possible to feel optimistic when you know you have to climb a mountain? Well, I guess it is, because that's how I feel. I know it's going to be a huge trek, but at least now I feel like I know the right path to take to reach the top.

Since I doubt I'll be able to attend a real life writing conference anytime in the near future, I want to thank the ladies who organized Write On Con. It really was a wonderful experience for me, and I can't wait for next year!

Did you attend WriteOn Con? What did you take away from it?

Inspirational Music (7)

2011-08-18T04:46:00.000-07:00

This week's song is another from my 'It Will Happen' inspirational play list. It's one of those songs that makes you feel better after listening to it.

Visual Inspiration (8)

2011-08-16T06:02:00.000-07:00

Australian author Steph Bowe posts inspiration photos on her blog. I love this idea and hope to participate as often as time allows. All photos are from Tumblr or Photo Donuts and do not belong to me. This week I'm focusing on inspiration again, and most of the images came from a Tumblr I love, Confessions of a Writer.

Light Posting Week

2011-08-15T05:44:00.000-07:00

I won't be posting much this week due to the fact that I threw out my back over the weekend and need to heal, but more importantly, because Write On Con is this week. I signed up last year but was overwhelmed by the awesome and didn't really participate the way I would have liked to, so this year I'm setting aside most of my days during the con so I can get the most out of it.

If you're a YA/MG writer and you're not participating, you really should as it's free!

Kicking Ass & Saving Souls by David Matthews

2011-08-10T04:56:00.000-07:00

Kicking Ass and Saving Souls: A True Story of a Life Over the Line-David Matthews
Publisher: Penguin Press
Publication Date: July, 21, 2011
Source: Review copy provided by publisher

The story of a boy from Baltimore who evolves from a safecracking, jewel-heisting, deep-sea diving, ultimate-fighting, international playboy into a globetrotting humanitarian.

Stefan Templeton was born a child of extremes. The son of Ebba, an aristocratic Norwegian love child, and Roye, a militant African American philosopher, Stefan spent his early years shuffling between the discipline of his father's house and dojo in decaying west Baltimore and the eccentricities of his mother's life as a healer and artist in the wealthiest enclaves of Europe. The confusion formed a singular man who had nothing but his own abilities. By age eighteen Stefan was a skilled fighter, philosopher, lover, horseman, and swimmer who exuded confidence and competence.

His highs came from adventure, always. He hunted in Macon, France; brawled in Oxford, England; lived as a kept man off the Champs-Élysées; served as a medicine man in Colombia; escaped death on the Amazon; and trained to serve on Cousteau's Calypso in Marseilles. Love of the mother of his first child temporarily settled Stefan in Norway, but poverty and adrenaline addiction soon kicked in.

Eventually, Stefan found himself in a labyrinthine criminal world-where he pulled off one of the biggest jewel heists in Scandinavia's history as a player in a smuggling consortium. He eluded capture, but the downward spiral continued until he hit bottom one night in Tokyo.

Alone and in need of redemption, Stefan lost himself in the south Asian jungle, but fate brought him an opportunity to help the wretched Karen people of Burma. By serving the forgotten, Stefan could begin his restitution. This Renaissance man at last utilized his uncommon skill set to embrace the call of humanitarian relief. Disasters like the Indonesian tsunami and the Sudanese civil war and drought required all of him.

The adventure of Stefan Templeton tests the bounds of human possibility, and even the most hardened of skeptics will be gripped by this account of David Matthews, Stefan's childhood friend and sometimes harshest critic.
(Amazon)

I'm a sucker for a good memoir, and I know it might seem cliche, but Kicking Ass & Saving Souls literally has it all. A not always likable protagonist, living a double life between urban Baltimore and European splendor. Seriously, what's not to like?

Stefan Templeton became friends with the author in 1970's Baltimore. Baltimore is rough town even now, and from an early age Stefan realized that would have to carve out his own path in life, and what a life he's lived. When I read any memoir, I take it with a grain of salt. Unless you're some hopeless narcissist who recorded all your conversations, you're not going to remember conversations from 1985. That said, Stefan seems like the type of person that these sort of things would happen to. Moves to Europe, ends up in Colombia, stumbles into a criminal life, then begins to redeem himself by doing humanitarian work.

When I finished this book, I couldn't help but wonder what it's like to live a life over the line. To pack so many great and varied experiences into such a relatively short period of time. I wish I was a little bit more like Stefan Templeton. I doubt I'll be diving in Europe or working as a bouncer in Tokyo, but if I can take one thing from this book it's that perhaps I should try to be a little bit more fearless in my daily life.

Visual Inspiration (7)

2011-08-09T05:06:00.000-07:00

Australian author Steph Bowe posts inspiration photos on her blog. I love this idea and hope to participate as often as time allows. All photos are from Tumblr, Flickr or Photo Donuts and do not belong to me.

This week's I'm sharing some of my favorite inspirational images from around the web. Hope they help inspire you!

In My Mailbox (34)

2011-08-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly event held by The Story Siren.

Purchased at the Borders sale:

Ruby Red (Ruby Red - Trilogy)-Kerstin Gier

From Paperback Swap:

Splendor-Brenda Joyce

The Truth About Lord Stoneville (Hellions of Halstead Hall)-Sabrina Jeffries

From Librarything Early Reviewers:

The Probability of Miracles- Wendy Wunder

For review:

Hot Property: A Novel by Michele Kleier, Samantha Kleier & Sabrina Kleier.

What's in your mailbox this week?

Inspirational Music (6)

2011-08-04T05:12:00.000-07:00

One of my (too many) WiPs is a YA romance that's a little bit country, a little bit rock & roll. When I first heard this song on Pandora, I fell in love with it straight away. The video is gorgeous, too.

Review: The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

2011-08-02T05:09:00.000-07:00

The Near Witch-Victoria Schwab
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date: August 2, 2011
Source: Netgalley
Author website
Of note: Debut Author Challenge Book #11

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.
But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.
The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.
As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.
Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget.
(Amazon)

When reading The Near Witch, I couldn't help but imagine the wind whipping past me, and if I'd been reading an actual book instead of an e-galley, the pages would have fluttered spectacularly. This is an elemental novel if ever there was one. I felt the wind, pushed through the fog on the moors and truly felt like I was standing in the town of Near.

The tension is taut, and I kept telling myself I'd read only a few pages before I flipped to the next book I was reading, but I just couldn't stop reading, I had to know what happened next. I kind of hate books that make me anxious to know what's happening next. Okay, obviously I don't really, because that means the author has done their job well.

I loved Lexi, she's strong but has a fragility about her that I found endearing. I enjoyed watching her and Cole's relationship evolve from his being 'the stranger' to something more substantial.

If you're looking for a book that is impossible to put down, The Near Witch is it!

On Being Fair Game

2011-08-01T04:57:00.000-07:00

Look, all I'm saying is, if these big stars didn't want people going through their garbage and saying they're gay, then they shouldn't have tried to express themselves creatively.

-Homer Simpson

A few weeks ago, I visited my parents in Maryland. They're aware that I'm writing for publication, and that obviously, the thought of being published and having the general public read and critique my work is a little unnerving. I told my mom about some of the absolutely scathing reviews I'd seen on Goodreads, where the reviewers seem to get a thrill out of trashing author's work. My mother said, "Well, it's because authors are considered fair game."

As often happens in my life, I related this back to a Simpsons episode, the one where Homer becomes personal assistant to Alec Baldwin and his (then) wife Kim Bassinger. He can't stand not telling his friends who he's working for and dishes their dirt to the town. When Homer says the quote above, I laughed at the time, but now as a writer hoping to have my name on the spine of a book, I can't help but shudder a bit. Writers, like even famous actors, are still people. I can't remember who said this now, but I remember a few years ago a famous actress saying that she would sit in front of her computer and cry about the horrible things people said about her. No one's really immune. You can just choose not to listen to the nay-sayers.

Being published is a double-edged sword. Work you think is amazing could be universally mocked. It could also be universally loved. One will never know unless they take that risk. The thought of being fair game used to scare the living hell out of me. I shy away from the center of attention so much that I'm still amazed that my husband and I didn't elope and we had a wedding at all!

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I've made some mistakes in my life, and I have some regrets. Not major regrets, but small regrets where I wish I would have been braver and gone for what I really wanted. Now that I'm in my thirties, I've decided that I will live my life without regret. The photo below sums up my feelings pretty well.

How do you feel about becoming 'fair game' once you're a published author/or now that you are published?

Inspirational Music (5)

2011-07-28T05:05:00.000-07:00

This week's song is another love song from my current WiP. It's another song I heard on Pandora as I was plotting and I had to run to Itunes and buy it straight away. I love it when that happens, because this song has become a cornerstone of my WiP play list.

Quick Pick: The Iron Daughter & The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

2011-07-27T05:23:00.000-07:00

The Iron Daughter (Harlequin Teen)-Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: August, 2010
Source: Library
Author website

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.
Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

(Amazon)

If you haven't read The Iron King, there are spoilers here!

After I finished The Iron King I had to reserve the next two books in the series from the library! If it's possible, I loved this book more than the first! The adventure is more high-stakes, as is the love story. I'm not going to lie, I'm Team Puck all the way and I enjoyed their scenes together. Perhaps I'm just too old, but I don't dislike Ash, but I'm not that crazy about him as a match for Meghan either. Sometimes it seems as though Meghan chooses him because of the 'omg we can never be together!' factor, which is a little annoying. But then again, I'm not a teenager. :grin:

That said, this book was a stand-out, and I'm so glad that I finally caught onto the awesomeness of this series!

The Iron Queen (Harlequin Teen)-Julie Kagawa
My name is Meghan Chase.
I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.
This time, there will be no turning back.
(Amazon)

I adore this series, and I have to say that The Iron Queen takes the Iron Fey to the next level. There's more action, romance and Meghan really grows as a character.

I will say that Ash grew on me a bit in this book, I still prefer Puck (can't help it, call it the Duckie syndrome if you must) but I'm starting to see the appeal of Ash.

I started reading Summer's Crossing right after I finished this book and I'm dying for the next installment of this fantastic series. Seriously, if you haven't read this series yet, now's a perfect time to start.

Visual Inspiration (6)

2011-07-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

Ira Glass on Storytelling

2011-07-25T04:53:00.000-07:00

A large part of my blog is inspiration. I hope to inspire myself to be a better person, and a better writer. I also hope that in some small way, I inspire my readers. The video below features Ira Glass' thoughts on storytelling. As I watched, I had this feeling of....rightness. I've been honing my craft for a year and a half and I don't feel that I'm through the woods yet. I hope I'll get there soon, but I'm not rushing myself, and you shouldn't either!

If you're an aspiring author, or even aspiring to aspire, take two minutes out of your day and watch this video.

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

(Video linked on my own tumblr, but found from the awesome Beth Revis' tumblr.)

If you're struggling, feeling like what you're writing is crap, stick it out, push through it. You will get better.