Kathryn Packer Roberts

SLAYERS book review

2012-01-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

Title: Slayers
Author: C.J. Hill
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 09/27/11
Summary:Dragons exist. They’re ferocious. And they’re smart: Before they were killed off by slayer-knights, they rendered a select group of eggs dormant, so their offspring would survive. Only a handful of people know about this, let alone believe it –- these “Slayers” are descended from the original knights, and are now a diverse group of teens that includes Tori, a smart but spoiled senator’s daughter who didn’t sign up to save the world.

The dragon eggs have fallen into the wrong hands. The Slayers must work together to stop the eggs from hatching. They will fight; they will fall in love. But will they survive?

After a long bout with the Holiday season and finishing up another series, I finally got around to reading this little gem. Janette Rallison, who has been a favorite of mine for some time now, started writing under the Pseudonym, C.J. Hill. The series SLAYERS has taken a slight turn from Rallison's quirky light-hearted style into a more fierce Dragon appropriate stance. She's still up there with the appropriate teen humor, but Rallison has upped the anti, appealing to the thrill seekers out there.

SLAYERS got me from the start. I don't know any other author that can make you love a prim-dona as much as she can. Tori (MC) is a Senator's daughter and as such is expected to act a certain way. She's lived a certain way of life. And the dragon camp she's aching to go to doesn't live up to the pampered way of life she is used to living. With dirt everywhere, shower time limits, and no better use for her hairdryer than as a door stop and other sporty-type girls who can't stand her at first sight, Tori is ready to give up, go home, and let her sister win a bet that Tori just isn't tough enough to stick it out.

But two things stop Tori from going through with her plans to sneak away. A cute guy named Jesse, and finding out the fact that she has super-human powers that she could use to save countless peoples' lives should dragons attack. Her father, the Senator, has taught her one thing: that sometimes others are more important than ourselves. These teens are depending on her, as well as countless individuals who don't even know their lives are in danger.

After accepting the challenge, Tori's life is put in immediate risk, and not everyone is who they appear to be. This book doesn't let the reader down. Rallison takes you through Tori and the other Slayers' trials of preparing for battle, while rollercoastering you through what is shaping up to be a great romance as well. This book will appeal to girls and guys alike and is set in alternating POVs, both male and female. The tension is there, the fight is on, so get ready for a great ride!

All I can say is that when I finished this book I was really upset that I would have to wait who knows how long for the next installment of this excellent series. I've said it before, but I'm definitely a life long fan of Rallison/Hill's. She's an amazing writer and a great person to learn from as I try to become published myself. If you're looking for a great read or if you you're an aspiring writer like I am, you will love this book and anything else Rallison writes. Her books are clean, yet exciting, have interesting premises and constant quirkiness.

Welcome Back, plus new Hobbit video.

2011-12-28T09:05:00.000-08:00

Hi there everyone! I hope you all had a great Christmas. I did, after our second fish (a surprise for the kiddos) died and the third one decided not to. =) For this new year, 2012, I have great plans and great expectations (having nothing to do with the book by the same title). It's a good time bust out the WIP and get some serious editing done. I actually can't wait. Holidays can only last so long and still be relaxing. Am I right?

Since I have nothing more profound to say, here is #5 in Peter Jackson's production videos for THE HOBBIT. My hubby got a great gift this year from his work: Free Movie tickets (for several movies), and this one will be at the top of our list. CAN'T WAIT!! Less than a year to go!

PS. Since we didn't have enough people read/vote on my critters story last post, we'll skip the contest, but perhaps I'll do another one later on. IF you're good and eat all your vegetables. (Man, I've been spending more time than usual with my kids =)

meegenius contest : VOTE and you may WIN a book from me.

2011-11-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

My wonderful critique partners both wrote some very cute Children's book stories and entered them on http://www.meegenius.com. I've supported them by voting and wanted to ask, nay beg =) you to do the same. Here are the links:

http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/ants-apple-by-el-wood : Ant's Apple, by Estee Wood

http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/jailbird-by-lisa-frischhertz : Jailbird, by Lisa Frischhertz

And http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/the-bird-the-acorn-by-lisa-frischhertz : The Bird and The Acorn, by Lisa Frischhertz

Unfortunately, these things turn into a popularity contest and so don't have so much to do with talent as with how many friends you can get to go over and vote. But I promise you these girls have talent and truly deserve as many votes as you can give them. Plus, I've made it incredibly easy for you. All you have to do is click on the links above and hit the Facebook 'LIKE' button to the right of each entry. Very simple.

Also, if you vote and leave a comment (with email to contact winner) here in the comments section, I may be enticed to give one random voter a book from the pile of books accumulating on my shelves. But I will only do this if I get at least fifteen voters to vote on all three entries. So, spread the word and you may have an extra present for Christmas this year!

Voting ends December 18th, so I will run the contest until then as well. Winner will be announced shortly thereafter.

PS. You don't have to be a follower of this blog to enter. (Although, wouldn't I love you forever if you did??) =)

Thanks you guys! Hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season. I know I am. (Can't really believe it, seeing as how things went last year, but I am!) My husband and I decided to give in and get our children a 'pet'. Fish, are what we decided on. No scratching up furniture, or pooping in odd corners of the house for us! Now I just hope they won't start fighting over who gets front row seats to watch said fishies and tip the bowl over =/.

My Cousin on TV

2011-11-23T18:42:00.000-08:00

This will be a quick post today. I couldn't help but post about my cousin being on the news today. She was always like a big sister to me growing up and someone I have always admired. Her house was featured on Utah's KSL Studio 5, Happy Home segment today, showing how to decorate to keep the whole family involved and happy. (And I might add, decorate really cute on a small budget!) She has great taste and is such a sweet person, so I am thrilled to spread around her news.

Here is the video segment:

Taking a break from my break to bring you this...

2011-11-21T08:07:00.000-08:00

Video...

Yes, I'm cheating and coming back with a video, the fourth in THE HOBBIT videos Peter Jackson has put out. This one shows the whole 3D process they go through. Quite interesting if you don't already know how it works. They also touch on how the makeup and costume design change in the process as well as show you a few little peaks into the story. Yea! Just one more year and we'll get to see another Jackson masterpiece!

There you go. Have a great Thanksgiving y'all! And we'll see you again after the break.

Taking A Break

2011-11-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love this picture??

Y'all have probably not noticed, but I have been breaking from the blog world. This past week I've been having serious issues plus a terrible cold and well, medicine + me = haze-brain and fuzzy, half-realized ideas. Plus, I need to write. Oh, and read. My TBR pile is entering a danger zone. Oh yeah, and Christmas is coming up, (which means I've got lots to do since I am insane and plan on making a lot of my gifts for peoples). Who planned that so close to summer break? I say we all get together and ban short Autumns!

So, if anyone is waiting for me to read anything/do book review-recommendations, I'm sorry I'm taking so long. Don't worry, I can't forget to read because my bedside table might explode randomly if I don't get to them. I think they come with built-in, time-sensitive sensors.

Also, I'm really not 100% sold on this constantly-blogging=lots-and-lots-of-fame-thing. I think it's over rated personally. Though, don't get me wrong, it has its perks.

Danke, du bist sehr schone peoples. Vielen Dank.

Also, if you think I'm a little bit crazy, you're wrong! I'm a whole lot crazy! (And PS. the drugs have worn off by now)

PSS. I guess I should go back and edit this post, but...yeah, I'm too lazy.

Comedy Comparisons

2011-10-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Just a thought today...

My husband and I love Brian Regan. Have you heard of him? He's a comedian and he's awesome!
Just yesterday, we stuck on his CD (You Too and Stuff) and I was thinking about how writing YA is a lot like being a comedian.

Even if you aren't intending to write something humorous in your novel, you still need to keep the reader's attention. Scattered throughout, a comedian links back to previous jokes, creating a full circle of fun. The jokes can't be cliche, or people won't laugh. New and unexpected elements brought in make the audience do a double take and keep their attention glued to the comedian. And have you noticed something?

WHEN SOMEONE IS LAUGHING SO HARD AT SOMETHING: it doesn't matter what the comedian says next, the audience is still laughing. Still engaged.

So, my thought is this: You may not need to be constantly 'on one', but you do need to consistently bring in new and unexpected elements that gather a person up and make them not want to let go. Hitting a strong emotional cord and keeping up the momentum can really turn a reader's mild interest into a full-blown relationship with a book.

Also, a comedian doesn't take his time explaining why he said something funny. He just keeps cranking it out, hoping you'll keep up. Because you will. Readers/viewers are smart. We can keep up with a myriad of ideas, even if they come side by side. So, here's the challenge: PUT MORE into your work. Each chapter I write, I promise to add even more emotion as I go through revisions. This will help make my book engage the reader and help them relate to my characters (if I do it properly =).

And for your listening pleasure (sorry, I didn't have this live), here is a little bit from the genius himself, Brian Regan:

Enjoy!! And hope this inspires you. (more than my mismatched ideas!)

Who knows, maybe I'll post more of these later. I just love his stuff!

Changes

2011-10-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

If you've noticed, I've changed the header of this blog. I'm not sure if I'm set on it yet. What do you think? I just thought I better say something, since I don't want anyone to be disoriented coming here and think they've landed someplace else =).

The picture, I think, fits in with the book I'm currently writing. I AM THE SECRET is a Sleeping Beauty sequel. Her life basically shadows the life of Sleeping Beauty's, but I won't tell you how they fit in together. You'll just have to wait and read it when it's published (crosses fingers). But the beginning deals with the fact that, Shannon (my MC), is feeling trapped in her life, living in a cottage in a forest. Like the header says, she is all alone there (other than her caretaker, a really old woman) and can never leave or see anyone. She longs to find out what the world outside is like and at the beginning of the story quickly decides to run away and chance her caretaker's wrath. Little does she know that leaving will cause a chain-reaction of events that puts her life in danger, as well as the ones she (soon meets) loves. There is also another element to this story (or more) that differ from the original telling of Sleeping Beauty. But again, no spoilers!

I'm on the second draft, and hope to have this baby finished by spring and ready to send to agents. (Darn holidays and birthdays keep getting in the way! =)

Here's a thought, something that's been on my mind--have you noticed that books that have a more literary feeling have less than stellar plots, and stories with killer plots are very stark in their prose? You could even bunch in comedy/witty tales with the literary. It seems to me that writers often pay attention to a certain aspect of the craft and fail to recognize the rest. This is something I hope to remember as I revise.

How about you? Do you have an area in your writing that you want to improve on? What do you do to solve that issue?

IT'S A MALL WORLD AFTER ALL, by Janette Rallison

2011-10-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

Goodreads Synopsis:

It's a Mall World After All

by Janette Rallison

It's too bad they don't give out diplomas for what you learn at the mall, because I could graduate with honors in that subject. No really. Since I've worked there, I've become an expert on all things shopping-related. For example, I can tell you right off who to distrust at the mall:

1) Skinny people who work at Cinnabon. I mean, if they're not eating the stuff they sell, how good can it be?

2) The salesladies at department store makeup counters. No matter what they tell you, buying all that lip gloss will not make you look like the pouty models in the store posters.

3) And most importantly--my best friend's boyfriend, Bryant, who showed up at the food court with a mysterious blonde draped on his arm.

Yeah, I saw it, and yeah, I told my best friend all about it.

You would think this would mean trouble for Bryant, but you would basically be wrong. Somehow, the evil boyfriend turned everything around, and now I'm the one who has to prove myself! But I will. Even if Bryant--and more importantly his best friend, Colton--keep trying to stop me.

I'll get to the review/recommendation in a second, but first I want to say how blessed I feel right now. For the past year or so money for my little family of five has been extremely tight. And, during some months, non-existent. So, for me to be able to have new books to read is a miracle. I firmly believe that you cannot become a great writer without reading a lot first, and without all the generous people on the web giving away free books, I wouldn't have much of an opportunity to do so. I know they do it for advertising purposes, so that people will spread the word, but how many times have I been able to get a book when it could have just as easily gone to someone else?

Anyway, I just feel great. If you haven't had a chance to win a contest, keep at it! Because it will pay off in the end. And to show how grateful I am, I will be having more contests coming up. I can't say just when yet, but I promise I will have at least one. And if you continue to send people my way, and if I get to 300 followers, I will have a contest where you can pick the prize! (Not that I need that many followers, but if I got there I feel like it would deserve some celebrating, don't you think?)

Okay, onto this amazing little book!

It's no secret, if you follow my blog, that I adore Janette Rallison's work. I have only read three of her books, but I look forward to reading more from her. And just a side note, she is starting a middle grade series called SLAYERS, under the pen name, C.J. Hill. The first book is on its way to me in the mail, so at some point I will be doing a review of that book as well.

For those of you who like a clean read, like me, you will love this book. Janette is a master of creating believable teen relationships. Her romances are built on perfect timing, showing an obvious matching of two individuals (the MC and her hunk), but then putting great tension-building stumbling blocks in their way. She hooks you with relatable teen emotions, mishaps of magnitude, and witticisms galore. I hate to use such a cliche phrase, but there is NEVER a dull moment, and I think each book Janette writes gets better and better. I love that her newer stories are including fantasy elements as well as modern day drama. I will always be a fan.

Now is that enough without giving away any of the plot? I don't normally go over plots, since what you need to know is already on the back flap, but I tell you what I love about the books I recommend. This book is basically about opposites attracting, and the silly situations the MC gets herself into as she tries to prove to her best friend that her boyfriend is cheating on her. The relationship between Charlotte and Colton actually reminded me a lot of my own relationship with my husband. As I read this book I could see our personalities and how we respond to one another, which until now, I didn't ever truly see in any other book. You know how you read a book and would love it if your relationship was like the one in the story? I'd always have to shake myself awake at the end and tell myself that the relationship in the story wasn't really like mine, even if it was awesome or believable.

Tangent. Sorry. So, have any of you read this book? Are there any books like this one that you can recommend? Please let me know! And stay tuned!

THE NEAR WITCH, A Review

2011-10-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

GOODREADS Synopsis:

The Near Witch

by Victoria Schwab

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.

First off, I have to say I loved the language of this book. It was lovely. Victoria Schwab has created a very beautiful world. The pages drip with personality and feeling and I was captured by it from page one.

The only (small) things that I can complain about: perhaps a cliche phrase here and there (which, really, is out of character compared to the lyrical, fresh voice throughout), and a plot that, at times, seemed to go backward just when the conflict begins. But even that, I wonder if she did on purpose. There is an interweaving of earthy things throughout. Rocks, twigs, water, wind. These are all things that she uses as visual elements, which are very important to the fabric of the story. So, in a way, her writing mimics something like the wind or the current of the sea, ebbing and flowing. Coming forward and little and then going back a little. And though the story line wasn't the strongest --it wasn't quite there yet for me--I still loved it. I gave it four out of five stars on Goodreads.

I would love to read anything by Victoria Schwab. The only question left unanswered for me in this book would be, What is Cole's real name??? =) But, in all seriousness, a great Halloween read. How can you go wrong with a witch story?

Scary Stories Edition

2011-10-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

click for link.

There are a few sites around doing scary story contests, and I thought it would be fun to post a scary experience (true story) on my blog, keeping up with Halloween mood preparation.

But first, here and a few 'scary story' cartoons. I guess this is a little self-destructive, since it will put you out of the mood for my story, but what can I say? I can't pass up a good joke.

This one actually sort of, in a very distant way, relates to my story. No, it isn't about dead animals. I won't be scourging you with tales of undead pets coming back from the grave. At least, not today. Though, I'm pretty sure my mom's cat, Spooky (I know, ironic name, right?) is still haunting the alfalfa field behind our childhood home. This cat once got caught in a bear trap and limped around our house with three legs the rest of it's life. She also had a triangle bit missing from her ear from a cat fight. She was a tough one, wouldn't ever let me touch her without scratching me. And I tried a lot. Had something against little children. You could say she was evil. Then, one day she walked out to the field and...never...returned...

Sorry, my story wasn't about that cat. Don't know where that came from. If you've made it this far into the post, I congratulate you. Now, on to my scary TRUE story...

SPOOKED

by- KPR

When I was a teenager, my family moved to Germany. To me this was a place of intrigue, of fairytales as well as history. The villages and forests dotting the countryside looked like they were out of storybooks, ancient. Some homes, hundreds of years old, seemed ready to collapse with age. I lived in such a house.

When I was fourteen, I attended a private school. FIS is still its name. My class went on a trip for three days to the south of Munich, (Muchen to locals). We were to stay in a Youth Hostile,a first for me, surrounded by a dense forest.

At first, it was fun. An adventure. My eight or so friends and I stayed in two rooms next door to each other. These were barely bigger than closets, with a sink, schrank, single bed and table on the main floor and a loft with two single mattresses squashed together where we would sleep in sleeping bags.

Boys and girls were mostly separated, girls on the second floor (where we were) and boys on the first floor. There was also a co-ed hall. (hmm....) Each night teachers would make sure we were all in our assigned rooms with the doors locked. We could only leave if we needed to use the restroom. Well, after the teacher patrol at 10pm, the girls from the other room would scale from their window to ours, braving the second story height and a not-so-pleasant drop below to hard ground. All night we'd listen to music, talk about boys and eat pizza that some of the girls pitched in to buy, ultimately breaking the rules to have it delivered to us. It was awesome fun.

One particular night it just happened to be dark and stormy. We had just finished our pizza and were in the midst of partying when my friend, Emma, really needed to use the restroom. But she didn't dare go alone, so begged me to come along. The hall to the bathroom ended in a glass wall, dark, with no hint of what lay beyond. The fact that someone could be standing there, looking at us, was spooky enough, but what happened next confirmed our worst fears.

Emma and I chose windowed-stalls next to each other, and while I was about to do my business, I heard a strange sort of scuffling sound coming from Emma's. Her door slammed and I could hear her running out the door. She didn't stay away long, however. Emma came back. Screaming. Yelling at me to get out of my stall. NOW. Someone had been looking at her through her stall window. A man. And we had to get out of there fast.

Screaming, we chased down to our door, not wanting to look behind us at the looming glass wall that the man may be watching us through. We made it into our safe-haven, upsetting the rest of the girls with our screams, Emma in hysterics, blubbering about what happened. The others tried to get the story out of me, but I couldn't tell them a thing. We waited until Emma could recount what happened.

A dark man, with a mustache (now, how can one's overreacting imagination come up with that detail?), had been watching her take down her trousers (she's a Brit, just so's you know). She went through her struggle, trying to keep her eyes on the man, while also fumbling with the lock to her stall. She ran out, then, but of course couldn't leave me with a serial killer, ready to jump through the glass and take my life. I'm sure she went into more gut-wrenching detail, but all I remember is that we were all freaking out. What fourteen year old girl wouldn't be?

The rest of our night was unsettling. Teachers on our floor who heard our screams, came running. After they heard our story, they went to fetch the male teachers. Two of them. One was a big burly black gym teacher, and for some reason, had a bat with him. We all huddled close together out in the hallway, after showing them where the man had been, and watched the coach go outside with his bat, as well as the math teacher, to find the intruder. Every second they were gone, was intense and filled with worry. We couldn't be sure the man wouldn't get them. After several minutes, they came back. Alive and wet from rain. No one was seen outside.

The teachers sent us to bed and promised they would check things out more the next day, when the sun came out and they could search properly. The next several hours, we wondered where the man went. And if he was still there. Maybe he was mad that we sent the coach after him with a bat. Maybe he wanted revenge. My friends and I sat huddled together in our loft, talking it out, unable to go to sleep, not wanting to. The storm still spattered rain, though above our windows was a terrace of some sort, blocking the wind and rain. So, the sounds that came next were not storm noises. We were sure of that.

Tiny stones came pelting at our window, playing with our already panicked nerves. We all froze, some let out shrieks, but mostly we didn't want to make a sound. The man was out there. He was going to drive us crazy, find a way to get to us any way he could. What kind of a lunatic was this? At first we tried to be rational. It could be the boys downstairs, trying to scare us more. But no. They couldn't be outside. The teachers had locked us all in our rooms, and they wouldn't dare sneak out now. Plus, it was stormy, why would they go out in that just to bother us. And besides, we knew the guys well. They weren't mean enough to pull a prank like that.

That left only one option: The man was out there, right that minute, trying to get at us.

And I was the one closest to the window.

So, naturally I was the one selected by the

committee-of-scared-girls-club to go down the latter and pull the blinds. REALLY? ME? Ack. I mustered a lot of courage that night. It took all I had in me to get down that latter, pull the blinds--without looking out--and get back up into my sleeping bag. As I hurried, I pulled something in my leg. The pain was so intense that I started to cry. And I'm not the cry-baby type. Everyone thought I was crying because of the ax-killer locale. Maybe it was a mixture of the two. They did their best to comfort me.

Normally, the gals from the other room would head back to their room to sleep, since we were pretty crowded. But, no. There would be no more window gymnastics that night. Not when he was just outside, waiting for his chance to get some girl-meat. We all hunkered down there for a sleepless night. With the light on. Sitting up.

Of course, at some point, we all fell asleep. We awoke the next morning, groggy, unsettled, yet unscathed. The news of Emma's and, yes, MY altercation spread through the entire class. Girls huddled in the hallways, the next night forming a stampede past all the doors when they thought they saw something. When the sun was as high as it could go in the sky, the teachers took Emma and me aside to show us what they found. A tunnel. Behind our room!

They walked with us, bent over, down the long, narrow tunnel to what must have been a bunker or bomb shelter back during the second world war. Shattered beer bottles scattered across the floor, intermingled with what we assumed were drug-injecting needles. Someone had been there at some point. Was it last night? Was that where the man was hiding when the teachers went to find him?

I'm not sure even to this day where the man went and why on earth our teachers took us down that scary place tunnel, but I do know that my friend wasn't lying. She saw someone. And he wanted her. All I can say is, I'm so thankful for big burly, black PE coaches that carry around baseball bats to class trips.

It was a trip none of us ever forgot.

Now....I'd love to hear your scariest experiences in the comments, or a link to your blog if you would like to do a long one and post it there. I love getting into the 'Halloween Spirit', don't you? This is the awesomest time of the year!

The Corny Halloween Contest Winner...

2011-09-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

And the award of Infamy in Corniness goes to......

-----------------------FLOOR TOM DRUM ROLL-------------------------

Laura Packer Bromberger!!!

Here is her joke:

When the great pumpkin gets a crack in his shell, what does he use to fix it?

…

A pumpkin patch :)

***Cue Maniacal laughter***

Gotta love anything that has to do with Peanuts, right?

Way to go Laura! You are the best Schwester ever! Thanks for the other participants. I'll just go ahead and blacklist the people who didn't participate. Ha. Okay, maybe I won't.

Ah. I love Snoopy. How can you not love a dancing dog?

DARK SOULS review.

2011-09-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

Goodreads description:

Welcome to York, England.
Mist lingers in the streets.
Narrow buildings cast long shadows.
This is the most haunted city in the world. . . .

Miranda Tennant arrives in York with a terrible, tragic secret. She is eager to lose herself amid the quaint cobblestones, hoping she won't run into the countless ghosts who supposedly roam the city. . . .

Then she meets Nick, an intense, dark-eyed boy who knows all of York's hidden places and histories. Miranda wonders if Nick is falling for her, but she is distracted by another boy -- one even more handsome and mysterious than Nick. He lives in the house across from Miranda and seems desperate to send her some sort of message. Could this boy be one of York's haunted souls?

Soon, Miranda realizes that something dangerous -- and deadly -- is being planned. And she may have to face the darkest part of herself in order to unravel the mystery -- and find redemption.

Okay, so this review will be a little confusing. I put four stars (on Goodreads), because I will say that I really enjoyed reading this book and tell everyone that it is worth reading. I loved the setting, the characters and the premise. It is a clean-read, very very little swearing, no sexual stuff, nothing gory.

The thing is, the writing wasn't quite as strong as I would have guessed from someone who claims to have so much experience in the field and is teaching creative writing to college students. It reads more like a debut.

If you are looking for Horror (which this is classified as), you won't be scared. You'll be interested enough to turn pages, yes, scared no. Another thing I wish she would have done was making this a closer 3rd person narrative. At the beginning I was slightly confused as to who the MC was (of course that could have been entirely due to the fact that I've been reading so many first person narratives of late).

The parents names and the teens names were also too close related for my taste. There wasn't any obvious separation of generation, so I was consistently trying to remember who the dad was vs. the brother. Even to the end of the story. And she called each parent by their first name instead of saying Mom or Dad. (This may seem like a small thing, but it was a little confusing to me).

Also, I think the story could have moved ahead a lot faster and been more intense. The story line or MC struggle didn't become apparent to me until almost the very end of the book. At that point this sounded more like a mystery than a thriller and the clues, etc. should have been instituted earlier on in the story. (Or more of them should have been added, more questions raised at the beginning).

All that said, I still enjoyed reading this book. Ms. Morris has a lot of potential, even if she isn't a polished writer yet. As I said before, the atmosphere was superb. Her descriptions came just where they should have and were delightful. I really liked the relationship between Miranda and her brother. It was believable and you cared about the struggles they went through. I LOVE that it was set in England (having been there myself and loving every minute of my visit!), a great location for a ghost story if there ever was one.

So, go out and read the book, and don't forget about my challenge of writing your own CORNY HALLOWEEN JOKE! Entries still accepted. Please post them in the previous post dedicated to the Corny Joke Contest. Come on, you know you want to. And what a great exercise in creativity people! (Just humor me, okay?)

Thanks. Knew you would. You're the best readers ever. Not so good in the commenting dept., but hey, neither am I!

Halloween Corny Joke Contest Of Infamy Here

2011-09-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

Click on picture for source.

Can you tell I get a little excited about Halloween? Well, I do. It's my favorite holiday, second only to Christmas. To me, it's the funnest.

So, to celebrate a little early, I decided to have a contest for the best Corny Halloween Joke. Or, you can actually tell a good one. That would be awesome. But they have to be original--come up with them on your own--with no help from your neighbors (No peaking! That's cheating). (That almost rhymed. Wow, I'm a dork).

I'll start off. And let me warn you, mine is really really REALLY corny.

.....

Okay, so mine is too embarrassing to share. HA.

I'll give everyone one week to post their jokes in the comments section of this blog post and I'll announce the winner next Friday (or Thursday or Wednesday if no one enters =) and then I will win and be the awesomest of them all!). You are also welcome to vote on your favorite and I may or may not take that into consideration.

The winner will receive a pat on the back from me. No trade-ins, no cash equivalents, and definitely no turn downs. I will pat you on the back and you will love it and cherish it for all time. It will be a day that goes on in infamy in your memory 'til you're old...or at least as old as me. =/ Oh, and there's no expiration date on this. I can give you the pat any old time, via email, in person (well, okay, not in person, that would be weird...unless I know you I.R.L. and we're buddies and stuff), on Facebook so all your friends can see, or on Twitter so the whole world can see. Or not. That was just one of many options. I like having options my self, so....

Okay, I'll stop.

GO TO IT PEOPLE!

(here's are some photos for inspiration)

Come on, you know you're laughing, too.

The Crazies are coming

2011-09-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for Halloween? I know, I know, we still have over a month before it's here. But aren't you psyched with this cooler weather? I am! I got a little crazy this past weekend and decorated with my kids early. (It was sort of a bribe thing). Things are always a bit nuts here, but this weekend more than usual because we had to make an ER visit Sunday morning. No worries. Everything is okay. (Phew!)

But while we were there (and this is very scary/sad) there was also a man in the ER who was obviously in a lot of pain. Seriously, I thought I was in a torture chamber in some dungeon. He was crying out in pain for at least five minutes straight--the worst howls ever--and my husband and I were cringing every step of the way with him. I'm not sure what was going on (the anesthesiologist said this guy did NOT have tolerance for pain), but it sounded bad. I have a new respect for ER workers. (Though I think the anesthesiologist was using some of the pain killers he was handing out. No really. He seemed to have some freakish obsession with them). What I'm saying is, I'm all prepped for the scariest day of the year (that's not including my birthday).

Anyway, random-postiness is my game today. What are you looking forward to this fall? For me it's party after party, with two of my kiddos being born in October and one of them having a class party I'm crazy enough to help with, plus, you know, Halloween. Hmmmm...I may not throw that cousin party I said I would any more. So much to do, you know the saying. But my plan is to do some major edits on WIP jr. and by Spring (if I'm lucky), have a product ready to pounce on Agents.

I was going to put up a picture of a zombie, but I got too scared looking at them in Google Images.

Bookcase love

2011-09-13T07:29:00.000-07:00

Just a quick little post today with some more fabu bookcases. These are pretty amazing collections.

Not the greatest resolution, but you get the idea. Many bloggers online have been complaining about how their bookshelves are overflowing. And I say: GET OVER IT! Or I might say: LUCKY YOU! Or: SPREAD THE LOVE! Seriously. Don't complain to me about overflowing bookcases. That's like a dream come true to me =) How would it be to live in a house, like say, this one:

Or have an artists studio like this one:

(not the best angle, but still. Watch the movie: How to Murder Your Wife and you'll see what I mean)


NICE!

In all seriousness, I'm not trying to sound covetous, but these are pretty awesome rooms. I love not only personal libraries, but artists' working space and Interior Design, and these last few pics hold ideas that I would love to implement into my own home someday. Nice to dream, isn't it?

What are some of your dream spaces? Blog about them and/or share links. Love to see!

All About Nothing...

2011-09-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

The smaller type says: Details are confusing. It is only by selection, by elimination, by emphasis that we get at the real meaning of things.

Why is it that some books can be about nothing at all, really, and become the biggest award winners ever?

I know you can and will come up with dozens of answers on your own, but this is what I've got banging around my skull right now. I just finished reading a book (I won't name which) that was just this. You could say it was about devotion, love, power. BUT nothing is ever really explained, there are extremely trashy people in it, doing trashy things (a book btw that I wouldn't have normally picked up, but didn't know by the back flap or the first chapter that things would go this way), living out their trashy, albeit, devoted-to-each-other-lives.

The thing is, I kept reading.

Why?

(I'm still asking myself this question).

Because the prose were fabulous, catchy, and clever (in a dark way). I like dark, but not usually this dark. I don't read books where people use harsh language, sleep around, drink, do drugs. It just isn't my thing. If it's your thing, fine. The thing about this book is, that the author was brilliant. I have to admit that even though I didn't like parts of it. Somehow she kept me turning the pages. And even though I won't recommend this book, based solely on my own set of principles, I did learn something from her:

There is a lot you can do with words. If you learn only one lesson from this post, let it be that words hold so much power that when used correctly they can make the reader do crazy things, like finish a book they didn't intend to finish. So, use that power wisely.

The next book you read, pay attention (and hopefully you're reading at a very skilled hand) to how compact things are. No miss-used words, no unimportant words. Using the limited to paint the large picture in a fresh and unexpected way.

I may have not appreciated this book for everything that was in it, but I did appreciate that.

(Now, if we can get someone this talented to write fantasy. That'll be the kicker. Time to shift writing styles to all worlds. I promise to try harder myself. Will you?)

The Editing Game

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

During a long (read:VERY long) road trip, I finally got into the first stages of editing and revision of my current WIP. This is very exciting as well as daunting. For those of you in the process, you know what I'm talking about. It was very sad. I had these wonderful plans of editing during the 15 hour drive to NM, but the first leg of the trip found me very carsick. Something that I thought I had gotten over, you know, since my family basically has driven thousands of miles over the years going back and forth between home states visiting family. But on the way home I got over it (yea!) and edited about four chapters, so I'm happy.

I've been gone for a week, so that is why my posts have been non-existent. I hope to blog more now and I'm going to mix things up a bit. I find it useless for a person in my position (ie. never been published) to try and come up with blog posts about what I know about writing when there are more capable people out there to do it. I will, however, keep sharing what I've learned--those great explosions of realization when writing steps are conquered. But ultimately, I want to make this a fun blog and just let everyone get to know me and my tastes a little more and see what we all have in common.

I read a post yesterday where someone wrote about their experience reading THE HOBBIT and LORD OF THE RINGS. If you've read my blog at all, you will know I'm on the same page. That is THE MOST AWESOME set of books ever! Not to say that my posts will all be LOTR related, but maybe I'll have posts like that here. On books I love.

So, here is a question for you. What book have you read lately, or in your lifetime, that has influenced you and you just can't stop raving about? I know I have many and have talked about some of them here. Maybe this week (if I still feel like it) I will talk about how I loved THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. Awesome book. Awesome movie. Don't you just love it when a book you love ends up being made into an equally awesome movie? Now, granted, they didn't follow the plot all the way, but this screen writer obviously had some mad writing skills. GREAT examples of how to make a scene even more intense, adding and adding, but not going overboard. LOVE it!

So, yea, randomness post here. Glad to be back!

Just some random awesomeness

2011-08-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

Simple post today. I'm going on vacation and won't be back for a couple of weeks, so I thought I'd leave you with some cool pics I found on the web.

Now that is a bookshelf!

Very sad bookshelf =(

Cool book art.

And that's all for me! Hope you have an inspired week and make a lot of progress on your own projects. If I'm lucky I will do a lot of revisions this trip (long drives). Can't wait!

Also, I jipped everyone out of a great book review, so just another quick pic:

If you haven't started this trilogy yet, I would highly recommend it! It's a clean and very entertaining read! Kiersten White is an awesome chick with great style and I hope you all support her. I'm really enjoying this series and can't wait for her last installment, ENDLESSLY coming out next year.

WriteOnCon hiatus

2011-08-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

No, I'm definitely not taking a hiatus from WriteOnCon, but from blogging. Sorry it's been so long. I have at least one thought provoking post planned, but this week is entirely devoted to the amazing people putting on WriteOnCon.

If you haven't checked out their site, go do it now! And to wet your pallet, here is a link to my most favorite post yet:

Literary Agent Weronika Janczuk talks about 'Compactness' in writing. This is a timely post for me since I have been about to begin edits/revisions for my current WIP, I AM THE SECRET. What I love about this post are all the wonderful examples (some by award winning authors) she gives that really captures how to make compact sentences, gain great focus in each scene, and not waste any time or space doing so.

After reading this post and 'listening in' on live agent and editor talks, I went right over to Amazon and ordered two books. One of which is on Weronika's list of good examples of writing and also talked about by several agents and one incredibly awesome editor. Won't drop names (too tired presently), but head over there. There is one day left, but all of the talks will remain on site for further future use.

And for fun... Here is a great video to get you pumped, or just entertained...or maybe confused. But I like it =).

Here is another video that is a great illustration on how to build suspense, or tension in a scene. Or maybe it's just creepy...you be the judge...

And just because this is my favorite, a classic, and more than relevant...

The End. Or not.

Revision TIP #2394873985720371-84-192481-29

2011-07-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

Now THAT is a very melodramatic post title. Am I right? Okay, so I can't remember how many times I've posted on revision, but I'm thinking you can never have enough little (or big blunt) helpers in that arena. At some point we all have to do it.

REVISE REVISE REVISE they say. And 'they' are right. Those queen (or KING) bees sitting up in the cosmos with their irretrievable pointer fingers, pointing straight at me (or you...when they are finished with me...which basically never happens), telling us'all to keep revisin'. 'Cause your book will suck--really it will--until you are done with this part of the pig-killin' process. (or chickens, if you don't like pig. Or vegis if you don't eat meat... but why wouldn't you?).

What I want to talk about today is: EMOTION.

It's my thought that a book isn't complete unless there is some thought provoking or emotion stirring experience in each and every scene. In my revision notes I tell myself to go back specifically looking for these in every chapter. Be it ultra-rainbow brite happiness,

link

devil-may-care giving up attitudes,

scared pant-less, shocked spineless (does that even make sense? *hits self over the head with fists*),

or in the depths of your soul-searching liners that get you to deeply think.

Yes, this is really thought provoking =)

OH yeah, and general weepiness (why does my computer say that isn't a word?! It is now, bwahahaa).

Don't ask me why the pics today are generally colorless. That's not right. All emotions should be color-coded in my opinion.

Now there is this deep dark secret that helps writers capture the essence of emotion on paper, er computer screens. I'm going to give you that secret right now. Be patient. I'm thinking. Oh yeah...
It's called....

DRUM ROLL....

LIFE EXPERIENCE.

Yeah, that's not hard is it? We've all felt a galaxy of sparkling, nice smelling emotions, or if we haven't we have been inspired by others who have captured these emotions. I can't tell you what each emotion should feel like. That is something you have to come up with yourself. (And shouldn't every book be unique to us?) But we can all think up times when we've felt certain ways. Even if those feelings weren't justified (I felt a lot of silly things as a teen and admit now that I wasn't justified in over half of them). And the best way to give your story a high mark on the readability scale is to meld these emotions into your book.

Think of your surroundings at the time of heightened emotion. Did the place you were in affect your feelings? Was it something someone said? The person, or type of people you were with? The tension that had built to that perfect/ultimate moment? Maybe it was a combination of all these things plus a tall cup of hot chocolate with the perfect amount of mountainous whipped cream and candy cane to stir it all together with sprinkles on top. (Everyone is obsessed with sprinkles on the internet these days, so I couldn't very well be biased).

Ya think?

I think: therefore I can add emotion to my story.

Sometimes this requires you to dig deep, rifle through your high school journal or diaries (depending on if you are male or female and whether or not you relied on a diary as a best friend of sorts since you were most likely a loser like me if you did... jk), study books/movies/tv(blech) specifically for these emotional traits. Watch to see how or why they work, or why they struck a spot on your rosy pink heart shell. Then see how you can effectively add elements of this to your own WIP.

Go to it. (yeah, that's my catch phrase now).

Any other emotions I'm missing out here? (make sure to list their color-code in the comments). How do you achieve heightened emotion in your WIP? Do you have techniques? Or do you even think about it?

*added later:

Disclaimer: You cannot have the same emotion back to back in your story. In fact I think it's a great practice to change emotions mid-scene (seeing as how each chapter should be it's own story complete with climax). So, count that: TWO emotions per scene. Probably not more, unless you count confusion. But be careful with confusion. If your character is confused, your reader will be likewise. (something I'm currently working on fixing in my WIP).

No one actually wants to be happy constantly. It's true. Without other emotions to switch things up for us, we get bored. And we can't have bored people out there. It tends to sway them to laziness or idolatry. Which is a sin. If you are Christian. If you are not, then by all means, be bored =). But I caution, this isn't a fun state to be in. I'd rather be in the state of Utah...or Nebraska for instance. ('cause there're really cool people in NE).

Hobbit photos (and video!!!)

2011-07-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry, by now you are no doubt wondering when I will do another writing related post. But I can't help but get excited over all the movies that have come out or will come out this coming year. All book related btw. THE HOBBIT, for example, the most anticipated movie (for me) of this next deluge of adaptations, is fast becoming a realized vision. Below are some pictures of the production, design, characters taken from Facebook.

And now what you really wanted to see... THE VIDEO CLIPS! Yeah! #2 and #3. (Is it just me or did they come out simultaneously? I need to go back and look at the dates). When I saw these I about flipped my lid because I had been looking and waiting for so long for these and then got so busy (sick) that I couldn't even write for about a week let alone check on HOBBIT production. Man, I know I've said it before, but I would LOVE to be there working with Peter on these films.

SO, tell me your thoughts. Is it what you expected so far? What other movies are you looking forward to this coming year? I know...there are a lot to choose from! It's going to be a fabulous year if all goes well.

The magic of writing (& MORE HARRY POTTER)

2011-07-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to y'all today and then I'll share a great video that goes along with my last post.

I don't know what it is about dealing with a daunting scene. The climatic scene of my WIP has been staring me down for some time now. I always thought I had it mapped out fairly well, but now that I'm there it's scares me to write it because I'm afraid that all I've been building towards for so long is going to fall flat. I have twists and bumps, but how do I know that what is in my head will work when it's written down on paper?

OUTLINE!

Following my own advice, even when I know it will work, is sometimes tough. Today I had to literally force myself to sit down and map out the climax. And boy am I glad I did. I feel so much better. My process for doing it was simple. I used a '*' for the twists in this scene and a large dot for the places where everything goes wrong. The bumps in the road, I call them, where the MC thinks she has everything worked out and then something screws that up for her.

So, whenever I find a scene that is difficult for me, the best way to get over it, or around it, is just to WRITE.

And now for the good part:

Wow, The End Of Harry Potter.

2011-07-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, how can Voldemort and Harry Potter stand so close together?? =)

What an emotional ending to a TEN year movie stint. Millions of viewers all over the world, waiting for the premier of the final movie in the EIGHT movie saga, gathered together as a united crowd of admirers. YouTube as well as several other sites today have been LIVE, broadcasting the event.

J.K. Rowling conceived the idea on a train trip from Manchester to London in 1990. In 1995 she actually finished Book One in the series. She got an agent right away, but the first TWELVE publishing houses rejected the manuscript. ONE YEAR later, Editor Barry Cunningham from Bloomsbury Publishing, took on the book. Cunningham encouraged Rowling to get a day job because there was little chance she would make much money in the business! (So true...for normal people)

In 1997 she received a £8000 grant from the Scottish Arts Council so she could continue writing, after which the first book was finally published. (That's SEVEN years, folks, from story conception to an actual published book!) And we all know how it snowballed from there!

I will admit I got a little teary as the Three Main cast member, Daniel, Emma, and Rupert, Rowling etc, all basically said goodbye to one another on stage. After a ten year time period working so close together, I can't imagine what it is like to have a project so monumental as this, simply come to an end. Of course many said that the books will go on in the hearts of those that love them. But there has to be a lot of pain involved in saying goodbye to 'half my life', as Rupert explained it. He said it was the best half of his life, and having been in a drama program as a teen and been a part of different plays (I know, that pales in comparison) I experienced a little of the emotional connection you gain from being apart of something like that. The relationships you build, I'm sure, are everlasting.

From the moment I picked up Book One, I have loved this series. J.K.Rowling infused her story with such a sweet voice, one that had me at the first word. I know she has said that she won't add to the series, but I know that whatever she writes in the future (and she better come up with something fast!) will have a home on my bookshelf!

How to Avoid Cliches

2011-06-30T09:20:00.000-07:00


Do you feel you have a set-up like this at home?

This will be a reasonably short post today. All about how to avoid the common cliche.

I was talking with my husband late last night, all about books, publishing, writing technique, etc. (Because he totally surprised me when he said he wanted to write a novel and I probably gave him a shifty-eyed glance, trying to tell if he is serious or not =)

One of the things I talked about with him, being a newer newbie than myself, was cliches.

And a thought came to me.

My old technique, when I was newer to the craft, was to look online and find lists that people had made on the most common cliches used. Now that I am older and wiser I know that just looking at lists isn't going to help me NOT use all the cliches out there.

There are so many traps we can fall into. And for me, the thought was (and I'm sure you've come to this conclusion) that EVERYTHING we write is inspired by something.

EVERYTHING.

NO, go look back at your work. You'll see that I'm right.

So, here is the technique I have put into place (and hopefully followed somewhat in my own writing), and told my husband to think about as he writes:

Come up with an idea for your story.
Think about (and write down) at least three different sources that may have influenced you in creating that scene/idea/whatever.
Now think of something totally different to use in its place. Something that can't be traced (as far as you know) to anything else.

Now, I know this isn't foolproof, because let's face it, it's hard not to be inspired by the things around us. But this has worked relatively well for me.

Another thing to keep in mind that is great for inspiration are personal experiences (whether our own, or others we know).

A lot of people have similar experiences, and that's okay. These themes are great and relatable to our audience. The thing that makes them great as examples is that no one persons life is like another. And the little details you can pull from these situations make them more real/believable.

I compared this to how an artist works. If an artist were to simply draw a face, or a building, say, they probably would look fine if they were a great artist. BUT, if an artist looks at something else for reference, they see a whole lot more going on. For example, there is a shade there that they didn't think about placing in the picture, or added color, here that they wouldn't have thought about otherwise.

Disclaimer: no this isn't from my artwork collection. =)

All of these things make something unique.

And I think this is a great technique to use even if you think you've completed your MS. Take a look at all those scenes and ask yourself again and again:

IS THERE ANOTHER WAY TO DO THIS?

(That's Peter Jackson advice right there!)

Trasnported in Writing.

2011-06-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

Just one of those thought provoking posts:

Looking at this picture, can't you just imagine yourself writing there? Swaying in a hammock, the shade gently hiding you from a perfect amount of sunlight, not too cold or hot. A nice breeze lifting any of the too-hotness feeling from your neck. Total solitude. Quiet.

A few different people have posted places they have written or would love to write. I admit that I get lost in these pictures, imagining what it would be like to have all the free time in the world in some exotic place, writing away, day dreaming, plotting.

The truth is, though, that I think writing alone does this for me. Isn't it wonderful that we have imaginations that can conjure up such realistic pictures in our heads? I can sit on my bed, in my room, TV blaring children's cartoons, a total tornado of a mess on the floor and my baby trying to help me push buttons on my computer, and still float away on 'wings of imagination'. What a wonderful escape! And the best part is, I can 'wake' up any time I like, return to reality and take care of my neglected children and husband=).

Not traveling holds less guilt. But someday I'll decide to go to a place like this. I'll get sand in my shoes, it will be too hot, there will be a million bugs buzzing around my head--distracting me while I try to right the perfect action sequence or thought provoking or awe-inspiring scene, taking me out of the moment. I'll miss my soft bed, and air-con. And I will realize something.

There's no one perfect place.

You thought I was going to say, 'There's no place like home,' right?

While partially true, I can imagine many perfect places. The thing that makes them perfect is our frame of mind.

Now, what do you think? You don't need to be all philosophical about it like me. Is there a perfect resort, destination, place that you would love to write in, or have written in? If you have gone some place special, how has it affected your work?

Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop : WINNER

2011-06-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

First, let me say thank you to all of you who came out and participated! This was such a fun contest to do and I look forward to doing more in the future. (Hopefully with my OWN book at some point =).

Sorry there are no pictures this time around. If you want to see how I pick names, go to the previous contest post. Let's just say there were A LOT of names written on lots of little pieces of paper and then they were tossed about a lot and then I picked a name with my own little (or not so little) fingers.

AND THE WINNER IS:

GABY!!!!!

YEAH! Thanks Gaby! I will email you shortly. Please reply back with your address so I can mail this book out to you.

Thanks again guys!

Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop

2011-06-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

THE CONTEST IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED.

I will post the winner and notify them in a few hours. Thanks to all the participants!

Plan to spend the longest day of the year entering giveaways as part of the Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop!

Yes, this summer I was invited by Inspired Kathy to join in on the Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop. I am giving away a copy of HEX HALL by Rachel Hawkins.

BLURB:

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

To enter, simply leave a comment below. You must be a follower of this blog to enter. (US. entries only).

For extra entries you can either follow me on Goodreads , http://twitter.com/#%21/brykateemma, or Facebook. OR spread the word (be sure to leave links and @reply me). PLEASE leave your email in the comments so I can contact the winner.

Last day to enter is June 24th at midnight. Giveaway open to anyone 13 or older.

GOOD LUCK! And be sure to HOP on over to the other blogs participating to see what they have up for grabs. Below are their links.

CONTEST WINNER!!!

2011-06-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

Look at me! Getting to the contest winner before noon. Can you believe it? First I want to say thank you to everyone who joined in this contest, my FIRST YA contest ever!!! I was seriously worried that no one would come. This has been fun for me and I'm excited for the winner! =)

Second, it looks like most of you wanted to be ATHENA:

Warrior princess. Oh wait, that's Xena. HA. Daughter of Zeus, Goddess of Wisdom and War fair. I don't blame you. I would have chosen her as well. Brave and smart. Good qualities. And how can you go wrong with those legs! I'm telling you! Aphrodite was a close second.

I guess it would be alright to be drop-dead gorgeous.

Anyway, I'm sure you don't want to hear me yammer any longer. On to the winner! And here was the process:

Yea Andrea!!

Thanks for participating. I will email you forthwith and get you the info you need to send me your mailing address.

And thanks again to all of you. Don't forget, I have another contest starting MONDAY NIGHT! Come out for another chance to win an awesome book.

Only A Few More Hours To Join In The Contest....

2011-06-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder, the Contest (below) ends tonight at midnight. I will announce the winner tomorrow afternoon or evening and will ship out the book to the winner on Monday (if all goes well =).

In other news: I will be part of the Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop which starts this coming Monday night (the 20th) and runs until Friday of the same week. So check back in to see what is up for grabs!

Thanks you guys!

THE GODDESS TEST = Giveaway!!!

2011-06-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Yes yes, you heard (or read) correctly. I am having a CONTEST! I know I promised I would do one later on, say when I reached 300 followers. Never fear, I still will. This is a completely different contest just because I can. Many of you have rallied together and sent readers my way and that is pretty amazing to me.

So, without further ado, here's the book that is up for grabs:

Book blurb:

THE GODDESS TEST by Aimee Carter

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

I read this book in two days flat! This book really had me guessing the whole way through. Aimee Carter is great at surprises. When I thought it would end one way, I got whiplash when another big secret was revealed. The story has a great moral woven, too. Several in fact. Something I always like.

Anyway, I decided I better share the love. I have been fortunate enough to win several contests, collecting many books and thought it only fair to allow someone else a chance to win.

So, to win my very own copy of THE GODDESS TEST (only read once, I promise it's in wonderful condition), all you have to do is...

1. Be a follower

2. Comment (and if you like, answer this question: Which Goddess would you choose to be if you had a choice, and why?) PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN GET A HOLD OF THE WINNER!

3. Spread the word (Not mandatory!! I don't want this to be a hard/crazy challenge for you blog-surfers out there =). If you DO spread the word, leave links in the comments and your name will be entered an extra time. (@brykateemma - reply to me on Twitter if you want to make it easier on me.)

4. Tell me how much you love me. (Ha! Just Kidding. That one is totally optional and I don't want anyone to lose their lunch over this. Yeah, it's no fun picking out once eaten Twizzler bits from your keyboard. Or chocolate. That's way worse.)

CONTEST ENDS next Friday, the 17th of June.
US. ONLY (sorry no funds for further than that)

GO TO IT FRIENDS! And thanks for hanging out here so much! I love you guys!

For Opening Scenes Are You A Humor Writer Or A Serious Writer?

2011-06-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of weeks I have done a lot of reading. And it got me thinking about how authors use either humor or extreme (serious) situations in opening their stories.

Whether or not to use humor in my book, a lot in the opening and scattered throughout, has been a big question. For me humor doesn't usually come easy, unless I'm in a VERY silly mood or one of my characters is that kind of person (who can never be serious). I tend to be drawn to the dramatic, but whenever I read a book like, Janette Rallison's MY UNFAIR GODMOTHER,

I love the idea of having a plentiful selection of witty lines involved. I have loved how she used humor in this way. And I actually took a hi-liter and marked my favorite lines in the book. Before I read her books, even though I've read others that used humor liberally, I didn't think it would fit in my story and that any use of humor in certain areas, ie. serious scenes, would take away from the feeling. But Janette Rallison uses humor so flawlessly in this story that you don't notice the shift.

Right now I am reading THE GODDESS TEST by Aimee Carter. The second in my b-day purchases. (It literally jumped into my hands as I walked up to the cash register...and I'm usually not an impulsive buyer. But how can you go wrong with a cover like that? AND a book about Greek Mythology.)

Talk about whiplash. From one extreme to the other. I began this book with character, Kate Winter (awesome name btw) =), who has to deal with her mother's impending death, moving to the town where her mother grew up, and on her birthday of all days! How sad is that? In this case, obviously, humor would not be appropriate. The sadness sure creeps in and takes hold, making you all at once feel how tough Kate's situation is.

Now the problem with too much emotion all at once is that perhaps the reader won't take it as serious as if they'd been with the character for some time. And I think I've decided that I do love those humor-breaks in a story, which show contrast. Contrast is something I'm all about. Without one extreme you can't appreciate the other. It really brings realism into a story, because no ones' life is just one flat emotion. We all have highs and lows. Even amidst the worst parts of my life, there were moments I had to giggle, or I would go crazy.

I think that Janette Rallison has used this to her advantage in the Fairy Godmother series. And I know I've said this before, but if you haven't read her books, you should! I was going to do a full-blown review of this book, the second in the series, but I think you could go back to the review of the first and listen to me gush and it would have the same effect =). (And is it just me, or did Janette leave this book open to another one in the series? OOOH I hope so!! I would buy any and all books to come!)

So, what are you? Do you use the dramatic or the humor to begin your stories? And do you use it throughout? Why or Why not?

(Man, I sound like a quiz sheet in a high school history class!)

Coming Soon...

2011-06-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

One of my critique partners once told me that perhaps I should put a tutorial together on how to start a blog. If you noticed a while back I had an extra tab that read something like: Blogging 101. And then I erased it because I got too busy to put out on it.

To make it simpler on myself, I thought I'd start with a post on places you can go to get a great FREE background template for your blog. How does that sound to you?

I'm not doing it right now, but I wanted to see if there are any interested parties out there that would benefit from such a plan. Any takers? Anyone? Beuler?

Another question: Are there any readers out there that don't currently have a blog that would like more in-depth help on starting a blog/platform?

Let me know, and my next post (or the one after that, or the one after that) will fulfill all said needs.

Thanks for your input!

MOVIE REVIEW: Despicable Me

2011-06-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

I'm surprised I am even doing a review of this movie. A few weeks ago, if my husband had asked me if I wanted to watch this movie, I would have said, "Meh." But he went ahead and rented it without me knowing, we sat down as a fam to watch it.

And SURPRISE: I LOVED IT!

This movie was so unexpected to me. I really didn't have high hopes for it, even though that first scene that I saw in preview was pretty funny. The writing was fresh, clever, original. The story line definitely different. And these guys:

= HILARIOUS!

(LOVE minions!)

I really don't think they gave enough away in the previews, but maybe that's what kept it exciting for me. The little girls weren't in the previews at all that I remember (were they?) and I loved their little personalities and the funny things they did/said. They remind me of my two little girls. So cute! This is a good example of taking something normal and pushing it up a notch. All parents can relate to the silly things these girls did. But I think what gave it the most impact was the portraying off extreme opposites. You've got three seemingly normal girls (but add to the fact that they are orphans makes you love them even more) and add one villainous bad guy who decides to adopt them for his evil ploys = One great comedic blend.

I don't know if it was an emotional high/low day for me, but there were even times in the movie that I was near tears. (Probably because these girls are orphans and I have adopted and by the end of the movie it made me want to go adopt ten more kids)

So, if you want a lesson on originality in script, watch this movie. It definitely inspired me. This movie has become a must-buy for our family.

If you have watched it, tell me what you thought!

More casting for HUNGER GAMES

2011-05-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

We have some new faces to add to the scene of the Hunger Games Cast. Some made me nod, some made me shake my head. But, as with all the other hopeful HG fans, I am waiting until I see the finished product to pass judgement on the director's choices.

Lenny Kravitz as Cinna

Lenny Kravitz as Cinna came as quite a shock to me for some reason. Not in a bad way, though. I think he has the right look to pull it off. But when you are picturing someone like Jude Law, with his charming accent (which would totally fit the climate of the capitol in my opinion) for the part, it's a shocker. But, I don't doubt he will do the part justice. Check him out on YouTube, I think you'll agree.

Donald Sutherland as President Snow

Never been a fan of Donald Sutherland. Don't shoot me, but I think half of it has to do with the fact that he reminds me of someone I used to know who really irritated me =). The other half (again, don't shoot me) was that he acted the part of the father on the most recent Pride and Pred movie and I thought the acting in that version was a complete and utter train wreck. Yes. I said train wreck. It didn't fit the tone of the book whatsoever and the director obviously had no love or respect for the book or author. (He totally sold out. Shame on him!)

With that out of the way, I will again have to see how he plays the part. Since I already think of him as a little creepy/irritating then maybe he is a good choice after all. (Sorry Mr. Sutherland, nothing against you.)

Amber Chaney as Avox girl

When I first saw this picture of her, I thought: Is that Natascha McElhone?? They have such similar eyes. I think Amber must be closer to the correct age, though. No thoughts here. Avox girl wasn't one I thought of to dream cast, so I doubt I will be let down. But she does sort of have that haunting, beautiful look that's nice for the part.

Toby Jones as Claudius Templesmith

(the Games Announcer...over the loudspeaker)

Toby as Claudius Templesmith is awesomeness personified. I think he will be great for the part. Not to sound disrespectful to 'little' people, but it will add to the quirkiness of the capitol. (Man, I hope that didn't sound bad.) I also think he's a great actor. Loved him in EVER AFTER.

Brooke Bundy as Octavia

Latarsha Rose as Portia

I'll talk about Brooke and Latarsha together. Not really much to say, but they look the parts, me thinks. I know I will feel pretty sorry for them in movie number three, though. If you've read the books you know what scene I'm talking about. And if you haven't, I won't spoil it for you.

So, that's all the casting for now. In fact, that is most of the casting if not all for movie number one. I can't think of anyone else they need to pick (except for subsequent films), can you? Looks like they are already filming, which is good because time is a runnin' out. Can't wait! I really hope they have someone good do the special effects. That and the music and cinematography or very important to me in a movie. Especially for this kind of movie.

What do you think of the latest casting? Would you have picked these actors/actresses?

You'll love this....

2011-05-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

So I broke one of the cardinal rules of Kathryn P Roberts today. I actually WENT TO YouTube to LOOK around. *GASP* I mean, for fun, right? Normally I don't go there unless I am looking for something specific, like an illegally downloaded movie to watch (since I'm lazy like that), or if someone says I HAVE to go see *insert video title here*. Otherwise I don't like to waste my time there. I am very utilitarian like that.

The reason for this lapse in sanity was that my brain happens to now be fried and I wanted to do a 'fun' post today. Since I really can't think of anything intelligent to post about, I went for the unintelligent. Although I'm pretty sure whoever made this video was 88% genius, 35% plain old silly. (Yes, that is more than 100%, because...I like to see people as more than a number.)

So, if you're with me and have had enough of writing/revising/query-letter-writing/querying/etc. than follow me to the land of non-absolutes....

And for all you sciency-types like me, you may like this next video. Or not. But it's interesting none-the-less.

Now, I didn't know whether to gape in awe over this or just laugh out loud. I think I did a little of both. What I love about this video is that these guys really thought outside the box. I hate how (I, you, us, me) we think that since we buy something a certain way we can never change it, or explore our options.

The writerly tie-in?

Think outside the box. No one wants a cookie-cutter book. And who says that because someone else hasn't thought to do it that it won't work? That's how the best things get written/invented/DONE.

The rest of the thoughts are up to you. What do you think? What say you? You can find inspiration in the meagerest of things.

Spell check, no really, spell C.H.E.C.K.

2011-05-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

Now, I'm gonna be brave her and say thet I theenk its sillee when peeple dont use their spell bheck before publishing their lbog posts. I meen cum on! It aint hard to go bak and chec this things. All yer gotta do is yuse that scrally thing on tha side pannl and reed bacc ovr yer post ant see iv it maks sens. Rigt?

Donna ya hat it when pipple don't pay attenshon to they're spellin'?

Drivs me battee.

Kenya not spell?

R wii writters er wut?

jus checkin'

Luvs ya.

Dats all oder, ya'll.." >>>>

See Katniss come to life. Or: Jennifer Lawrence with brown hair.

2011-05-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

Does this look animated to you? Something about it just looks fake...but I guess that's the way all covers are becoming now-a-days, right?

Sorry about the two posts in one day. Sheesh. Some weeks I can't even come up with something interesting today because all the creativity has been sucked dry. But I had to jump on this before it became old news. (Or maybe it already is and I'm slow to see it).

So, it looks like Gary Ross is filming in earnest now. If you click on the link above you can read the whole article, but it sounds like actress, Jennifer Lawrence, is doing some heavy-duty training for her part in the movie. Learning to shoot arrows, etc.

I guess I didn't realize how old she really is. Twenty years old and playing a sixteen year old. That's a far stretch don't you think? I hope they can pull it off.

To sum up the article, Jennifer talks about how strange it is for people showing up at her house all the time, trying on shoes, clothes and messing with her hair. I guess I thought she had this sort of 'trouble' before, in rolls like Mystique in X-Men First Class . But she and Mr. Ross had to laugh and realize that the character of Katniss had to put up with that, too. Good training. In different way.

In another article (same website) it talks about where the movie will be filmed, and where PANEM will come to be. QUOTE:

On the website for the town of Hildebran, N.C., an area about an hour outside of Charlotte, there’s a slogan that reads, “We brag a little… it’s our town.” Soon, Hildebran’s citizens might have something more to boast about: According to local officials, the small town (its population is less than 2,000) is being transformed into the country of Panem for the big-screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games.

It's funny. You don't realize how movies can take over places, totally transform them. I used to think all movies were in some set in Hollywood. Either that or a completely foreign country. And maybe that used to be the case. Maybe. But just think how this will affect the people of that city. Actually, I think it would be pretty exciting to drive down the street where I live and say, "Hey, look, they are filming today for LOTR." (Yeah, total dream there. Actually, I'd love to live in N.Z. where that movie is being filmed.)

Supposedly the town is a ghost town, abandoned and rural. Which would be perfect for the film.--->

Anywho, what are your thoughts? Are we all getting more and more excited? Or are there some of you let down by all this craziness?

And PS. Don't forget to check out my review of THE SWEETEST THING below. I posted twice today.

REVIEW : THE SWEETEST THING by Christina Mandelski

2011-05-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

In the world of Sheridan Wells, life is perfect when she’s decorating a cake. Unfortunately, everything else is a complete mess: her mom ran off years ago, her dad is more interested in his restaurant, and the idea of a boyfriend is laughable.
But Sheridan is convinced finding her mom will solve all her problems—only her dad’s about to get a cooking show in New York, which means her dream of a perfect family will be dashed.

Using just the right amount of romance, family drama, and cute boys, The Sweetest Thing will entice fans with its perfect mixture of girl-friendly ingredients.

About the Author

Christina Mandelski was born a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean, which explains her dream of spending every day on the beach with a laptop and a bottomless glass of cherry limeade. For now she gets by at a desk, giving life to the characters that knock around in her head and reminding herself that sand in a keyboard is no fun. When not writing, she’s sublimely happy hanging out with her husband and two young daughters in Houston, Texas. You can visit her online at www.christinamandelski.com.

When I first opened the package from the mailbox and opened it to find this book, a sweet scent immediately filled the air. That's when I knew I'd love this book.

First off: Cake decorating? Yes, this book was for me! =). It already hit a 'sweet' spot for me.

Now, I have to get the slight negatives out of the way first (because I know there are some of you like me reading this that may have the same concerns), really I don't like reviewing a book when there are negatives involved, and call me all the names you like, prudish, whatever. I won't hear you! Ha! Jk. The ONLY thing I could find wrong with this book was the overuse of the Lords name in vain. Yes, that bothers me, and it especially bothers me when the MC is supposedly religious. That's a sore issue with me. For obvious reasons. But I won't talk about it any more. There are a lot of pluses in this book.

Okay, that out of the way (please bare with me here). I loved right away that this book was about a girl who decorates cakes, because it is something I have always wanted to do well. (Yes, I've tried and failed.) Like photography, the talent there is still lacking.

Now, this isn't a fast moving book by any means. Sometimes I wished it would just get on with it. It is very realistic to a real-life pace. But the story was compelling and heart-wrenching from the beginning. A girl, whose mom abandoned her and her dad when she was young. Her dad a work-a-holic that barely pays any attention to her. My heart strings were in knots! And I think I sobbed intermittently throughout the entire book! The story was compelling and there are life lessons for Christina's young readership. The ending, which I won't give away, was just how it should be in my opinion and yet still not what I expected at all. She really did a great job of mixing things up. Just when you think the story is going to take one turn, she takes a U-Turn and you go down a very different path. Lots of emotional twists. And in the end I love how the MC becomes a stronger person for it. (Is that giving away too much).

And the 'taking-the-Lord's-name-in-vain thing aside, there IS a religious bent in the book that I find refreshing. Most people are afraid of sounding preachy. But I'm ALL for religion in books! I think it's great for young people to know that they can pray AND receive answers. No matter what religion you are from, or lack of it =). (And I think people who AREN'T religious won't find this book offensive at all...just sayin' )This was very realistic for someone like me who has had some of the same situations presented to her in life. I thought every emotion was natural, not preachy, and extremely heartfelt.

So, thanks Christina, for being brave in that arena. This is a job well done and I look forward to more books from you!

Illustration

2011-05-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

He really does look like he's staring me down, doesn't he?

My critique partner should have seen this one coming =). Lisa (one of my critters) asked me a couple months ago if I would like to illustrate her children's book, ALIEN BABY. (No the above picture doesn't belong to that book, but I'll get there).

Well, my first thoughts were: ARE YOU CRAZY? I'm not a good enough artist to go about illustrating someone's book! I felt very insecure, the time didn't feel right (as I'm working on YA at the moment, too), and I would feel very very bad if I screwed up her whole book. I also had this huge event I was planning with my husband for our church, painting posters, making flyers, making centerpieces, coming up with a decorating scheme. Did I mention Painting Posters?

When the event was over, I thought that maybe I COULD do it after all. Now that the impeding pressure was over with. I mean, don't I draw/paint/illustrate-my-own-crazy-objects all the time?

This was a big decision for me and one I wouldn't have talked about (except with family who I kept telling over and over again how I couldn't possibly do it and they kept nodding and saying, uh huh, sure.). But as I practiced doing both PB illustration and YA novel writing I found that I could do it. I did several practice sketches to show Lisa what I could do (thinking, you know, that she would say, "Yes, you do suck, I change my mind") and she was so surprisingly excited and 100 times more receptive to my work than I thought that I couldn't help but get excited, too. (This is the power of great Critters, people).

So, this email has a two-fold message. First: My critique partners are wonderful people. They encourage me even when I don't think I deserve it. Lisa has pushed me (and when I say push, I don't mean roughly, she gently encourages me with warm/glowing reports, helping me see my potential...sort of like my husband =). She has faith in me when I don't have faith in myself.

Second: When you really want to, you CAN do anything. Or when you put your mind to it....yadayada =).

I have always loved reading/writing/art equally. They encompass many personal passions. And I'm very excited and blessed to be doing both of the things I love most.

Now, wish me luck! This is going to be a roller-coaster ride for me.

Oh yeah, so I didn't explain the above portrait. I was getting discouraged again, even after I made my decision, wondering how I would pick a style for the book and decided I would just do a painting for fun. To let go. So, I had my kids movies up in my room ('cause they LOVE being in there for some reason) and picked up Lemony Snickets, A Series Of Unfortunate Events because I love the set design and artwork of that movie and thought it would be inspirational. Well, when it got to the part where Jim Carrey's character was showing the kids his house and trying to scare them, I couldn't help myself. I saw the creepy/perfect close up of him and had to draw it. It was perfect. His eye making a perfect circle with their fish-lense on. =) Not sure I captured it properly, but oh well. (I took exactly 2 hours to do the whole thing and probably could have spent a whole lot more...but it was late and I was tired and called it quits). So, there you have it.

Here's a question for you ,though: Don't you think that sometimes the best illustrations are just simple sketches? If you look in your favorite children's PBs I bet you'll find that a lot of them are really simple. In fact some of them might even have characters with a circle for a head, two dot eyes and a line for the mouth. Funny. I have a hard time doing that. I feel like I'm being lazy, and yet I LOVE those drawings! Mary Kole talked about this once (sorry I can't find the post). Where she said that even if an artists illustrations are simple there is a whole lot going on behind it than a few little lines. You have to know how to draw well, proportions etc, even for simple drawings.

Now, the pressure's on.

Haymitch Cast

2011-05-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

So, what do you all think about this? Woody Harrelson being cast as Haymitch? I am a little surprised, seeing as how there was so much talk going on about John C. Reilly being cast. But I think he will probably do a great job. I originally thought that Tim Robins should have been cast, or that guy from Charmed that played Paige's dad. (Too lazy to look up his name, sorry).

Very sad, though, that NONE of my cast suggestions were taken to heart! (How rude! =) I guess there is still hope for Cinna and The Prez. I can't wait to see who is cast for those parts. Although I'm guessing Ian McKellen will be too busy filming THE HOBBIT to take the part of President Snow. He's better off where he is, though. I'm sure everyone will agree with that.

Looks like they have filled all or most of the Tributes, though. With one who our very own Mary Kole knows personally. (see bottom of that article) And I'm actually really excited about Stanley Tucci being cast as Caesar Flickerman. I have been a big fan of his ever since Pelican Breif. He is a terrific actor, very versatile.

What do you think? Now that this thing is mostly cast, are you happy with the choices? And who do you think will play the remaining roles?

So, you think you love PARANORMALCY as much as I do? Come here and find out.

2011-04-30T14:56:00.000-07:00

So, you thought I was going to do a Review on PARNORMALCY? Okay, you're right. I am. If you have any question or qualms about whether or not to spend the 9 or 10 bucks on this book...well, you've come to the right blog. I will tell you exactly why you should buy this book:

Weird as it is working for the Internation Paranormal Containment Agency (IPCA), Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophesies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

Enticing, no? YES! Kiersten's writing style is quirky and fun. Her story intriguing. The pace excellent! Evie is written as a very fun, sweet girl with a very sad history that makes you care about what happens to her right from the get-go. Kiersten writes the characters in this book so well. You are kept guessing at what a person's character is, not knowing who to trust or what's right/wrong.

And not to give anything away, but I love the dynamic of the Antagonist in this story. She has perfectly painted a villian that you see as evil as well as sympathetic. A REAL person. Not some melodramatic entity that is black and whtie bad.

The good thing? THE STORY DOESN'T END HERE!

I cannot wait to read the next book, SUPERNATURALLY (which comes out in July).

Now, you may be thinking by now that I don't ever give a bad review, and maybe I'm just saying this because I don't want to be mean or whatever. Not true. My personal rule for reviews is that if I don't love, or even like a book, I won't do a review on it. I just don't want to be the person that rips apart someone else's life work (or year and a half work =). It's not nice and sort of unhelpful. If I talk to you in person I may talk about why I don't like a particular book, but not on here.

SO, it should come of some comfort that ANY book I put on my blog is one that I can recommend 100% (or, at least 95.9%) =)

If that isn't good enough reason for you to buy this book, I don't know what is. I LOVED it! And you will, too!

IF you have already read this book, tell me what your favorite part/character/scene was. There were so many things I loved in this book, SOOO many quoteable lines. Someone should really make a little coffee table book listing all the quoteable lines in this book. WELL DONE KIERSTEN!

Did you know that All Writers Have Cats...?

2011-04-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

....except me.

This is just a silly post today because I am too lazy to work on my actual post (and I really really really need to get back to reading PARANORMALCY) . =)

DID YOU KNOW that 98.9% of all authors have cats?

It's true!

Okay, I'm not sure if it's true. But it probably is. Maybe I should do a poll. Yes, maybe I shall.

What do you think? Is it requisite for authors to have a cat, or pet of some kind or other? Personally I would LOVE to have a cat. But, alas, my husband is alergic and therefore will not allow said animal in the house ( cue desperate crying plea). That said, he will allow us to have a small dog some day. Which will have to be good enough for me.

But why is this? Why is it that 98.2% of all authors are pet people? Or is it just that most people are pet people and I don't realize it? Or maybe writers are just such awesome, caring, loving people that they feel the need to share it with as many people/animals as they can? Like teachers. You know, they take care of small animals daily. Er, children. =). (Is this why we call them rug-rats? I have THREE btw, so I can say that affectionately =).

So, here is the poll. You can answer in the comments or off to the side in my side-bar-poll.

Are you an animal lover? Cats vs. Dogs? And tell me why you think it is that 97% of us talk about them

incessantly. Maybe the other 3% of us are merely jelous. Maybe.

*okay, I'm having technical difficulties. The poll on the side is hard to read because for some reason my template designer won't let me change it. So, sorry about that.

Review: MATCHED by Ally Condie

2011-04-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

Plot Summary:

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

First off, let me say that I have wanted to read this book ever since I heard Ally speak at the Utah writer's conference I attended last June. When she read her first page (actually, her original first page that she queried with as well as the published first page), I was blown away at her writing ability. When I opened this book and began to read I instantly felt the calm and peaceful pace of Ally's writing. As a dystopian you come to expect fast-paced action throughout, like HUNGER GAMES. You won't find that in this book. But. I don't think that was Ally's intent for this story. She definitely has a more literary style.

Some people who reviewed this book were impatient with the pace, complaining that nothing ever happens romantically. They couldn't see this as involving a true love-triangle when there really isn't much competition involved. (There is a little, but I will say there wasn't much). Well folks, when you understand the kind of society that Cassia is a part of you should also see that full-out romance is kind of off limits. This is actually a good thing. It makes you wait for it, want it, and adds to the tension.

Though, I can agree that this book moves a little too slow for me--this isn't necessarily my favorite style of writing--I still really liked it.When I thought the plot was getting slow, Ally would pop in something to shake things up that really got you pumped. She really developed her world and was realistic in Cassia's outlook of the situation. Cassia slowly, but surely, comes to the conclusion that something is amiss in the society that she has for so long believed to be wonderful and that she needs to fight back. I, for one, can't wait to see what Cassia does next. My only complaints (though very minor) would be that I want to know a little more about Cassia's surroundings and would have preferred the story to move faster, as stated before, leaving out the unimportant details of everyday stuff. But if this book is being made into a movie, who am I to complain? I think the movie will be awesome and I can't wait to see what they do for set/costume design.

Good job, Ally!

Peter Jackson and THE HOBBIT

2011-04-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

I AM SOOOOO EXCITED ABOUT THIS!!!!!!

Okay, I'm calming down.

So, a couple of people have posted this video that I have below, but I wanted to re-post it here in case you missed it and are as big a fan as I am of the LOTR series, and of course of Peter Jackson. I saw this YouTube video and couldn't believe I didn't know about it before. I guess Peter Jackson is doing a whole Vlog series leading up to the release of the HOBBIT movie, in 2012. I, in all honesty, was about to dance out of my chair when I saw this. If any of you know me that well you know that in another life I would have sold everything I own to work in ANY capacity of this film or the LOTR series. It would have been my optimal career choice (had I not, well, had kids or a husband and could live around the world like a hermit working day and night without anyone to worry about me =).

So, without further ado, here is the video. If you are even half excited about this as I am I'm sure this post was worth doing. (That and I now have easy access to it on my blog and can watch it over and over again ...ignoring the drool...)

OKay, I'm yammering.... here you go!

I am ITCHING to see this!!! I know Peter Jackson will do a fabulous job. And BTW, doesn't he look great! Good job to Peter for losing so much weight! (Now I need to follow suit!)

Did I have enough exclamation points for ya in this post? If not I can add more!!!! =)

* As side note, if you are curious and havn't looked yet, HERE is the casting list for the movie so far. Can anyone tell me what is up with Elijah Wood and Christopher Lee coming back? This is throwing me for a loop. Looks like a whole new element is going to be added, not from the book. I'm excited to see what happens there.

First Lines: Make them count

2011-04-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

Doesn't it seem like everytime you go to write your first line your mind goes static-clingy and you pick up every one else's super fantastic first lines and it's hard to come up with something original? Almost like you want to be apart of someone else's brilliance. (That is IF you have done your homework and read a lot).

Here's the thing, everytime we write we have eccos of someone else's work roaming around our subconsious. It's hard to step away from what we know or subconsiously know and create something comepletely unique to us, or our work.

To come up with a brand-spanking-new first line, we need to come up with something that is ONE: Orinignal. TWO: Catches the reader's attention. THREE: Makes the reader want to continue reading. And FOUR: Give us a sense or feel for what the book is going to be about.

Start out quirky, thoughtful, happy, silly, scared, mind-blowing, but DON'T start out boring or

blasé. Numerous people have given advice on this. Like, don't talk about the weather. Don't start so full of action that it gives the reader whiplash. Don't start off with the character alone, thinking...the list goes on and on and on and on.

Something that helps me is to think about my VOICE. What do I want that to sound like in this book? It really helps me (for my own vices in writing) not to take myself too seriously. Even if I want my book to be serious in nature (which I tend to do more than I think I probably should), I should step back and relax. When I'm loose, my writing is actually more fluid and fun. And definitely more interesting. Sometimes I think writers, particularly new ones, take it SOOO seriously that they can't have fun with it. They (and I include myself in this) tend to write so crisp and try to be so perfect that they end up being anything but. AND in the process write the same thing over and over again (check your work and admit I'm right). The same sentance structure, the same prose. They have TICKS.

Yeah, this kitten is supposed to be talking, but I couldn't think of what it should say.

So, Give it voice, give it love, humor, horror. JUST GIVE IT FEELING and DEPTH.

And if you can't capture it on the first try. Don't sweat it. Try and try again until you get that perfection you crave. Read other people's work, get inspiration, but then come back with that inspiration and forget everything you read. It may sound tricky, but trust me, with enough practice you can do it!