Smiling

Why am I smiling? This is coming out today. Even though I have a Kindle, I'm buying this baby in the flesh. I want it in my hands. Why do I have so many books to read? And why will I put them aside for this? Look at this cover, and the other reason, Nora and Patch. *Sigh and big smiles*

Yes, I'm drooling a little and staring.

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick Blurb:
The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.

What book are you waiting for?

Have a great day!

That's right, I'm back

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms. Belated. :)

I'm back. Did you miss me? That's right, last week I was on vacation. A little R & R, if you will. I went to California with the family to visit family and friends. It was nice to get away. At first I thought, I have too much going on to do this, but what I didn't realize is how much I needed it.

It slowed my mind down and put things in perspective. It helped me see what I have to do, and how to put things in motion. No writing got done. Gasp. That doesn't mean I wasn't thinking about it. It's funny how those darn characters never leave you alone, even on vacation. It's hard for me to stop working. I always feel like I have to do something productive, but when you let it go a little, it's amazing what filters in.

I thought a lot about my new WiP. I keep thinking that I know what the heart is, but then I tend to think I don't. Obviously, something I need to work on. What I did figure out are some new scenes and things that will help my story move further. I hope what I add will make sense, but that will be up to the CPs to tell me.

We took a day trip to Mount Palomar. Really cool, but what got me was the scenery. I started twisting words on how to describe the trees (I'm talking crazy looking bark), huge pine cones, and dirt. The breathtaking views of the mountains and how they transition to desert. Can you hear the gears turning? Needless to say, I'm excited to get working again.  I can't wait to dive in and see where this will go.

So, here is my goal. I'm going to finish the first draft by June 30th. Focus, right? I must get this done and out of my head. Then--**fingers crossed** I hope to query by the fall. It's good to have goals.

What did I miss?

How was your weekend?

Goals for the week?

Oh and an awesome CP of mine sent me this to drool over:

Can't wait for that! Why does Becca Fitzpatrick have such awesome covers?

Thanks to Anne and Jen for participating in Writing the Next Line. I will post it next week.

I missed everyone. Have a great day!

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hello new blogger buddies. I will be visiting your blog soon.

Well, I read it. Yes, I did. In two days. I have kids, people.  Plus, I'm a slow reader. I became a big fan of Becca Fitzpatrick after I read Hush,Hush, so yeah, I had some big expectations. Here is my review.

Title: Crescendo

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Pages: 432 pages

The blurb:

Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

My review:
First, the cover. She has some of the most beautiful/amazing covers. Love this. If I knew nothing about the book, I probably would be inclined to just buy it because of the cover (I'm a interior designer, I like the way things look).

The story: Becca Fitzpatrick did not disappoint. The twists and turns keep me turning the page. Yeah, one of those 'do not put me down books'.  In other words, the pacing is fantastic. The writing is amazing and the story is like a rollercoaster ride that I did not want get off.

I love Nora's best friend, Vee. She is awesome. The dialogue between her and Nora was done well. It flowed so well. I love writing dialogue and love to see it done well. It helps the flow.

Patch, to me, is even more dreamy than in the first. Okay I'm shallow, sorry guys. I did get a little giddy when he showed up on the page ( I think my cheeks turned red). I know I sound ridiculous, but hey I love YA, we girls can get this way.

Now, I'm not one to point out too many bad things (it's the whole Karma thing, it will come back at me). There were a couple of times when the 'talking to the reader' sort of slowed me down, but that could be me. I'm having issues with this. Also in some spots, I wanted to slap Nora, but I don't want to say too much. I don't like to reveal any spoilers. These little measly points did not sway me from this most excellent book. They were simply minor, and like I said, my opinion.

The end: I don't even want to go there. Brilliant, I think. I actually wanted to throw the book--I would never do this, but I wanted to. It wasn't because it was bad, oh no, because it left me-- Ha! You thought I would reveal. No spoilers remember. Let's just say, I can't wait for Tempest (the last book), which Ms. Fitzpatrick better hurry up and write (I think it's due out Fall 2011, arrgh). No pressure.

Summing up: I loved this. No book can be perfect, can it? It was fast, comfortable (by this I mean the characters were comfortable to me), hot, edge of your seat, wild ride of pleasure.

Recommendation: Oh yeah, go get it now.

If you read this, what are your thoughts?

I will post the Recap of Writing the Next Line soon. Sorry for the delay. I will be posting a new Writing the Next Line on December 20th. So mark your calenders. This month is going a little too fast for me.
Don't forget Monday, Crazy holiday blogfest (December 13th).
Have a great day!

Fun Facts Friday

This week was a blur. The crazy holiday season is in full bloom and, well, writing is the only thing that keeps me sane. So here is how this week went--

1. I did start my shopping, but I'm trying to ease into it. Why do we have black friday when all the "best sales" are going on now? Does anyone go to the stores at midnight?

2. My daughter brought her Lego catalog with her to see Santa. Way too funny.

3. My son didn't want to talk to Santa. So we had a repeat of last year. Lots of tears.

4. Did some critiquing for a CP this week, and  started another critique for another. It felt good.

5. If you are looking for some cool gifts, check out these websites. See below.

Happy Cakes Creations--cool stuff for little girls. Yes, I'm best friends with the owner/creative genius. :)

Kaitlyn McCane Illustration--adorable cards and artwork. Yes, I also put her work on my blog. A lot.

6. Hi to all my new blogging buddies. I hope to visit you soon.


7. Got this in the mail yesterday

I can't wait to read it. Sigh.

8. Despite my cold, I did finally do a little revising and brainstorming which is good. Thanks for all your comments. You guys always know how to rock it. I also want to thank my inspiration songs (yeah you--silversun pickups, civil twilight, muse). They woke my MCs up.

9. I watched more TV than usual this week. I don't like too because most of it may be shrinking some brain cells, hey it's possible. Anyway, I watched 19 Kids and Counting (don't ask) and Little Couple (yeah, I know I have issues.) I swear I couldn't stop watching it, but yet I kept wanting to shut it off. Some sort of mind control...maybe.

10. I finally made my first button for Writing the Next Line November 24th--right here on this blog. See it up there. I need to work on it though. Hey, it's my first button and I'm technically challenged.

11. I found these links this week:

Querytracker --The lovely Stina Lindenblatt did a great post on edgy YA. 

Kelly's Compositions-This post made me think about keepin' it real for teens in YA.

Wish me luck--my daughter's birthday party is this weekend. Lots of cake, candy, toys and kids. Yikes.

Any weekend plans?

Have a great weekend!

To which I have nothing.

So my week has started slow. My intentions of revising/re-writing another four chapters is being sabotaged. I feel so grumpy. It's amazing how theraputic a good writing session is for me. I'm trying to think of ways to get a good two hours in, but the kiddos are not havin' it. The hubs is sick so we know how that goes. He turns into kid #3 needing a little comfort. I want to help make him better, but my mind is clogged. I had the best scene come to me as I was making dinner and as soon as I went to write it. Yeah, it was gone. Happens all the time. I just need time, I think. I think that will help me come out from the slump.

I was on fire last week, which burned out this week. Even though my characters keep showing me scenes and throwing me dialogue, other distractions get in the way. The writing has been a little hard. It happens. It's part of the journey. Even blogging has been slow for me. Maybe it's the time of year. Who knows? I would love to host a blogfest at some point. I just have to figure out what.

Anyway, I'm hoping to buy this soon:

I think I need me some Patch.

What are you reading now?

How are your goals going?

Any tips on getting out of writers blank (ideas are there, but when you go to write it somehow disappears).

Hope your day is better. Go write and have fun.

The Museum of Art.

Cover art. It's job is to draw you in just like the title.  Both of these items are very important when writing a book. I have never thought of what mine would look like.  I don't have a clue where to even begin.  My first priority is to finish my manuscript, but I can say the thought has crossed my mind.

Most of the books that I have read, I read out of recommendation so the cover art was not the main reason for me picking it up.

But I have to say good cover art doesn't hurt either.

For example: hush, hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. Yes, I talk about this book a lot because I like it. The book was recommended to me but the cover art, well, that would have sold me too.

Really, just the cover would have sold me. I know shallow.

Now, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  I picked this book up on a recommendation because to be quite honest the cover art didn't sell me-- the story did. So far the book is awesome and I'm sure I will not be disappointed.

Questions of the day.
What books sold you on just the cover art?
Have you been sold by the cover art of a book and were disappointed with the story in the end?


Other books to check out!!!

Get on over to Alex J. Cavanugh's blog to congratulate him on his new cover art for his new book release, Cassastar (to be released this fall).  I can't wait to read this. Cover looks great, Alex.

Check out Jody Hedlund's book, The Preacher's Bride, to be released October 1, 2010.  Great cover, Jody and I can't wait to read it!

Check out Michelle Gregory's book, Eldala. I'm reading this one right now and it's great!!! Please keep a watch on my blog, I will be interviewing Michelle real soon.

Check out Amy Holder's book, Lipstick Laws.  To be released 2011.  She is also having a contest.

Check out Stephan Tremp's book, Breakthrough.  It's out now...go and check it out. 

Check out Lisa and Laura's book, Liar Society. To be released Spring 2011. You know it will be good.

Check out Kristi Chestnutt's book, The Wolf Within.  You know I'm getting it. Out now.

Check out Karen G's books, Farm Girl (out now) and Uncut Diamonds (out now).  Yes, I will get them.

Check out Michelle Scott's book, The Dragons of Hazlett (out now). Yes, I'm getting this one too.

If I missed anyone, I'm sorry.  My kids are jumping up and down trying to get my attention. If you have a book out or one soon to be released, please highlight it in the comments below.  I don't mean not to include you.

Fantastic news!!!
***Get over to Talli Roland's blog and congratulate her--she is going to be published!!!!!

O.k. I have to go get Edward to change me into a vampire because I'm going to need more time in my day and as you know Edward doesn't sleep. I have a lot of books to read. 

I have to get to my kids and revisions.  Go to Beta Club today --open critique. I also can't remember if I said thanks to Roni for the Sugar Doll Award she gave me a month ago.  Thanks Roni!

Whew! Have a great day!

Title attraction.

I'm back...did anyone miss me?

My son is doing well after his surgery except for the sleep factor but we are working on that.

Thanks to everyone who took part in Writing the Next Line.  I may try it again next month. The story looks great and I'll post it later this week. Great job guys!

Also, thanks to all of you who gave me feedback on my old version of chapter 1.  It was put up on the Beta Club for open critique this past Thursday. All of your feedback was very helpful and Roni is awesome.  I hope to put something else on there soon.  Thanks Roni!

Here is something I've been thinking about. Titles. That's right, titles. The title of your book is very important just like the cover art (which is a whole other topic). The title catches the readers eye to draw them into picking up your book, opening it up and at least forcing them to read the inside jacket.

Lately, I have been thinking about the title of my WiP. Currently, it's a working title but I'm not sold on it. I think it's a little generic and there are many other books that have the same name but I'm going to wait until my manuscript is complete to rename it.

I do look to other books to see what pulled me in, what made me want to read them. Some books have a name that is obvious. Names that pretty much tell you what the book is about.

Dracula by Bram Stoker--about Dracula told from Jonathan Harker's POV.

Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice--About an interview with --you guessed it-- a vampire.

Both of these books are classics in my mind but both with simple and self explanatory titles.

Then there are titles that maybe hint at something in the book but it's not the dominate theme or plot. These intrigue me because I wonder how the author decided on them. They really make me want to know what is this book about.

Shiver by Maggie Steifvater- Sure Sam shivers in this book along with making me shiver due to the temperature reminder at the beginning of each chapter.

hush,hush by Becca Fitzpatrick-- I'm still figuring this out maybe it went over my head--that happens. I think I remember a line in the book including these two words.  It doesn't matter-- I love the book.  The cover art didn't hurt on this one either.

Then there is the series.  If my book was ever published (and that's a big 'if') I do have a second book in mind.  So when I finally decide on a title I will have to keep in mind a title for the next book (it's plotted out in my head). Series titles are interesting too.

Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer-- I know some of you don't like this series but you have to admit it is clever. The titles--Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn.  See the theme?

The Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlene Harris--Every title has the word dead in it. Dead after Dark, Club Dead, Dead to the World...you get the idea. There are about 10 books in the series and I'm not naming every one.

Not every series has titles that relate which is fine too.  It gives each book it own personality seperate from it's brothers and sisters.

Back to Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice--That series contains Interview with a Vampire, Vampire Lestat, Queen of the Damned and Tale of the Body Thief. Sure there is sort of a theme but it wouldn't surprise you if they were not.

See the books go together but look like they don't have to be.

So this gives me a lot to think about when naming my baby. What are your thoughts on the subject?

How do you go about naming your manuscript?

Do you name it at the start of writing, the middle or when you are finished?

What are your favorite titles?

How important is a title to you?

Don't forget to sign up for the last line blogfest Mat 1st at Lilah Pierce's blog.  Should be fun!

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  I'm so happy to be back.
Have a great day!

Review and a lovely blog award--yeah!

I have a couple of things to discuss--so follow along.

First, I have recieved a Honest Scrap Award from Kelly.  Thanks!

I have to list 10 honest things about little old me!

1. I am a procrastinator--especially on things I do not want to do.

2. I like being around people but I also need my alone time.

3. I tend to seek acceptance from others. If others don't accept me, I worry and wonder why.

4. I have trust issues with certain things.  My novel for one.  I am learning on how to deal with this.

5. I really don't like snow.

6. I am a neat freak at heart but I have had to learn that the floor could be washed at another time.

7. I like it when people are completely honest and straight forward with me.  The truth can hurt but it is better than not knowing at all.

8. I dislike being interrupted when I am fully focused on trying to complete a task.

9. I have become addicted to blogging.

10. I am so thankful for starting this journey and finding such a loyal and supportive group of people.

So now I need to pass this on to I think 10 other blogs. All the blogs I have been following to date deserve this too but I need to narrow it down.

                      1. Anissa off the Record

                    2. Dangerous with a Pen

                       3. unedited

                   4. One Significant Moment in Time

                     5. A Woman's Write

             6. Coming Down the Mountain-From Reclusive Write to  Published  Author

                     7. Kimberly Conway
                                             
                     8. This is not my day job

                       9. Amber Lough

                 10. Chronicles of a Novice Writer

Second, My review of hush, hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. 

I loved this book.  Let me say that again --I LOVED this book.  I should have known just by the cover --see above. I will not go into the details of the story but there was action, adventure, mystery, love, the list goes on.  I could not put it down.  I love books that have continuous action and make me want to keep reading.  Fantastic!!   Oh and Patch (swoon) is now on my list of favorite male characters.  :)  Sorry for the short review but I need to get the kiddos to bed.

So here is a question-- I have a long list of books I want to read but I want to hear from you.  What book should I read next?  I need something that will be a page turner. 


Have a great day!

Reviews and Thanks

First, I wanted to thank everyone for visiting my blog and leaving their inspirational comments yesterday.  I took all to heart so thanks for taking the time. By the way, Karen G --I thought of you as I made my kids lunch--so thanks.
Also, a big thank you to Carolina (Carol's Prints) for the lovely Silver Lining Award. I think I have to name some blogs that are uplifting. This is hard for me to do because all the blogs I follow are inspirational. I guess I will narrow it down.



                          

1. Kelly's Compositions

2. Beautiful Chaos

3. Jenni James

4. The Climb

I am still trying to figure out the how to link the blogs I mention so when someone clicks on your blog name it will go directly to your blog.  So if anyone has any pointers let me know :)

My post today is simple I decided to give some thoughts --well-- reviews of a couple of things.  Both are things I love --reading and music.  I am not an expert in either field but I thought I would share my opinion.

Book Review--- I finally finished the book Shiver by Maggie Steifvater. I liked it.  I thought some things could have been chopped because towards the middle of the book my mind seem to wander but by the end it started to pick up.  I really like how the author wrote from two perspectives.  Both main characters got to express their feelings and thoughts and the author wrote it smoothly so there was no confusion when she switched to each character.  She also described things beautifully-- her words made me envision what she was trying to convey (very clearly I might add). 
I could have used less of the food --there is a lot of meals being made in great detail and I thought there was too much time spent on this.  I really didn't think it was needed.
I also thought there could have been a little more conflict for the couple in love.  They needed some bumps in the road to hold their love true. I like conflict --you know--fight for their love.

So there you have it-- my opinion on the book Shiver.  The next book I am reading is --hush,hush by Becca Fitzpatrick stay tuned for that review.

Music review- I really like the band Vampire Weekend.  I have their self titled debut album and absolutely love it.  So I was a little nervous about their second album Contra.  I was nervous because sometimes when I love an album completely the next one has a lot to live up to.    So when I first bought this I was not sure of the outcome.  The result--I love this one too.  Each song has it's own feel and these guys have a knack for producing interesting mix of beats and melodies.  My kids even love the single "Cousins".  They dance around the room when they hear the first couple of chords.  Great to release energy :0

Does anyone have any favorite books or music they would like to share? What do you like to get out of a book or album? What inspires you to write?