Fun Facts Friday

Whew. What a week. I did finish my major revisions and have decided, after some tightening, I will send it to the betas, then query. I have to get this out of my hair. I'm following my gut. So thanks for your support and encouragement. On with the facts.

1. I'm ready to see Breaking Dawn Part 1, but will probably wait till the crowds die down. If you've seen it, let me know what your thoughts are. I really wish they would get the makeup right on the vampires. Just sayin'.

2. I can't wait to see The Hunger Games. I think I want that to be showing right now. Holy cow, that trailer is awesome. Total goose bumps.

3. Getting into Grimm and Once Upon a Time. I think I see a trend starting. I wonder how many YA fairy tale books will be coming out?Although, Once Upon a Time is sort of frustrating. I don't know why. I'm actually just frustrated when I watch it, but I want to keep watching. Strange.

4. After watching Once Upon a Time (on DVR), I actually started thinking of a story I started a while back. The funny thing is it's not a fairy tale, it takes place in space, but the interaction of the characters on the show is what triggered my brain to revisit this idea. Oh boy, SNI is at work.

5. Go to K.M. Walton's blog for a super huge contest. If you know a film maker, or dabble in film making, you won't want to miss this. HUGE.

I'm taking next week off from blogging. I may be around to comment, but with Thanksgiving and going through my MS one last time, I need the time. Plus, let's face it, my posts have been less than stellar.

How was your week?

Have a great weekend and Happy Thanksgiving!

Blank

My brain is fully occupied with chopping and killing (just my darlings, folks. No need to call any authorities). So, that means when thinking of a blog post, all I get is blank. I thought maybe I would talk about movies. Yeah. No detail just ones I can't wait for. You probably know so sorry for the yawn.
You know I'm beyond excited for this.

Okay, this is Gale and Peeta from the Hunger Games (sorry guys, I know Katniss is the main character, but these two are sort of distracting). Yes, The Hunger Games. The one thing I have to say is it better be good.

To be released March 23, 2012. Can't wait.

Another movie I can't wait for--Breaking Dawn Part 1. I know you're probably yawning and saying, "Really?" But I can't wait. When I read this book I thought, How are they going to pull this one off in a movie. So, I'm really curious.

To be released November 18, 2011.

Okay, what are the movies you can't wait for?

Have a great day!

Lessons learned.

Hello--Did anyone miss me? That's right I've been gone for a week. A whole week with no internet. Yes, I did go through withdraw--shakes, headaches, breaking out in cold sweats. It was a little rough but I made it through. I went away with the family and we went to a place where the internet wasn't so great.  The trip was loads of fun and I learned/discovered many things.

1. Italy has the best food and wine. Is that a surprise to you? My daughter ate pizza everyday and loved it.

2. Munich is one of my favorite cities--it almost feels like another home to me.  I do love it here.

3. The Alps--I believe is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The breathtaking scenery let me see more detail for one of my scenes in my WiP.

4. If you haven't noticed I'm on vacation--the hubs is in doing a little work in Germany and we are visiting. We drove from Munich to Italy for a beach vacation. Loads of fun. Yes, I have a 4 1/2 yr old and a 2 yr old at my side.  I'm doing the best I can with that. There were a few times where the 2 yr old was almost a permanent resident of Italy.

5. Kids --will figure out how to play with each other no matter what language they speak. They figure out how to get along and work through any barriers that stand in their way. I think adults should learn from this.

6. Taking time away from my WiP has helped me in so many ways. You don't need to travel far to clear your head just a walk or a even a quick cleaning of your house can help. The trick is to discover something new no matter where you are and the creativity will flow through the clog.

7. We have one life-- make it the best you can-- enjoy the little moments of discovery along with the big ones. Push away what holds you back and try to do the things that make you happy (even if its for five minutes).

I hope everyone is well. I miss ya and hope to get back to commenting soon. I'm trying to write as much as I can so my comments and posts will be random. Oh, I did get to read a book--The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Awesome. I really liked it. I couldn't put it down. You know how read some books and think How did this get published? Then you read some books and think I have a long way to go on my road to becoming an author. This is one of those books--It made me realized how far I have to go on my journey but I will keep going at my pace of slow. :)

How was your weekend?

Any goals for this week?

What did I miss when I was without the internet?

Have you learned anything new?

Have a great day!

Books, books, books.

Hello and welcome to the new blogger buddies. Take a look around and I will be visiting your blogs soon.

As you know I'm in a local book club. Since I pretty much read YA/Paranormal/Sci Fi --you know the whole sha bang--I wanted to expand my book reading and the book club forces me to read books I would never look at. Sure some are hard to read and make my slow reading even slower--but the one I'm reading now has suprised me.

I did a review way back on my first book for the book club The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

The second book was Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Don't click to see what's inside --I'm borrowing the picture.  Go to Amazon.com for that.

Here is the synopsis:
All children should believe they are special. But the students of Hailsham, an elite school in the English countryside, are so special that visitors shun them, and only by rumor and the occasional fleeting remark by a teacher do they discover their unconventional origins and strange destiny. Kazuo Ishiguro's sixth novel, Never Let Me Go, is a masterpiece of indirection. Like the students of Hailsham, readers are "told but not told" what is going on and should be allowed to discover the secrets of Hailsham and the truth about these children on their own.
Offsetting the bizarreness of these revelations is the placid, measured voice of the narrator, Kathy H., a 31-year-old Hailsham alumna who, at the close of the 1990s, is consciously ending one phase of her life and beginning another. She is in a reflective mood, and recounts not only her childhood memories, but her quest in adulthood to find out more about Hailsham and the idealistic women who ran it. Although often poignant, Kathy's matter-of-fact narration blunts the sharper emotional effects you might expect in a novel that deals with illness, self-sacrifice, and the severe restriction of personal freedoms. As in Ishiguro's best-known work, The Remains of the Day, only after closing the book do you absorb the magnitude of what his characters endure. --Regina Marler

My take:
This was slow in the beginning. It took me awhile to get into it and understand what the heck was going on. The middle picked it up through to the end. I think the way it is written is what was hard for me. Since I write in first person I tend to gravitate towards books that are written that way and if they are not the book tends to drag for me. The story idea is brilliant but the way its told is odd. I had a hard time figuring out the time period. I thought it took place in the 50s or 60s and the summary says the 90s. Everyone in the book club pretty much agreed on that confusion. I thought some characters traits were odd and in some parts I thought it needed more. In the end --I did like it. Just not raving about it.

This is the book that is surprising me. A Soft Place to Land by Susan Rebecca White is great. I really like this book and I'm not done. I will give a full review later. It's not written in first person but it seems to hold my attention and the pace flows quickly. So far, I definately would recommend this one. Check out my review on this next week.

***The books I'm reading that are not part of the book club (purely for my interest):

I just finished Eldala by Michelle Gregory and really liked it. You should check out her site.

The synopsis:
Kieran's blood boils every time he hears about the abuse handed down by Teleria's nobility. But years of hiding in his father's smithy have taught him to avoid trouble. Content with being a blacksmith, the only disruptions in his well-ordered life are his disturbing dreams. It isn't until his twentieth birthday, when he receives a mysterious letter and sword from King Arathor - the man who claims to be his real father - that he wonders if his nightmares have become reality. If he believes Arathor, he will have a chance to end a twenty-year curse over Teleria, and free the people from King Rahnak's oppression. But it could also mean giving up his quest to find the mysterious woman with whom he shares an intimate heart connection.

My take:
I really liked this book. It was more up my alley. I am always in awe by authors who create worlds that are similar to ours but are different. This is like a medieval world with it's own language and cool magic. Kudos Michelle on making up a language. The names are great too. I've been having trouble in this area with my own WiP so I am inspired by this. It's a great love story and her descriptions are fantastic. The magical element added a nice touch. You know me love story, YA, and any sort of magical element--I get a mushy and smile. The pace is good and the writing fantastic. You should check this out.
Michelle is also hosting a blogfest on July 1st and will be giving away a prize during her blogfest. I will be interviewing Michelle and will post it the last week in June. So stay tuned.

So I'm trying to figure out what to read next. I said I would read Hunger Games but I may save that for later in the summer. I did take a peek at the first page and didn't want to put it down. We will see. I may read the novella by Stephanie Meyer. It's short and I could fly through it. Hopefully--remember slow reader here. I also have Candor by Pam Bachorz. I won this from the awesome Elana. I'll let you know. My list on Goodreads.com is getting longer and I'm trying to keep up the Shelfari site too. I think I have too many sites going on along with too many books to read.

Do you have any good books to share? (I know I asked this last week but you guys read faster than me.) 

Any fellow blogger books you recommend?

***I will be hosting ***Writing the Next Line on Friday June 18th.****  So promote it and come back.

This is my 100th post how crazy is that. To my CPs --I'm off to critique.

Have a great day! Sorry for the long post.

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!

The Book Club.

Well, I am one tired puppy. Like I said the other day the kids are not sleeping so not much is getting done. I want to thank you guys for all your advice on Twitter/ Web pages. I think I should concentrate on my MS and then decide.  I really want to get that baby in good shape.  I started revising chapter 2 yesterday so I will hopefully continue on that today. 

On Wednesday, I mentioned that I joined a book club--yes-- a book club.
Not like have a lot on my plate already but I am the type of person who needs to be busy constantly. I also thought it would give me a chance to read books I would not normally go for.

I am a YA girl heart and soul and if you add paranormal, sci fi, and romance into the picture it is so my cup of tea--so makes my day.  I thought maybe the book club would get me out of the house with some gals to have some fun.  So far it has and it is exposing me to books I would not take a second glance at.  Sure they are best sellers and most likely on Oprah's list and that is usually not me. I am not one to follow the mainstream despite my appearance. Plus, I have so many books on my Dining Room table and on my booklist --it is frightning (check out my goodreads or shelfari site and you will see).

Anyway, I read-- well --I almost finished The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  This book is good and written very well but not quite my cup of tea.  It is very interesting and --yes --I will say it again I liked it but I like a story that is a little more fast paced. It is set during the nascent civil rights movement in Jackson, Miss., where black women were trusted to raise white children but not to polish the household silver. Eugenia Skeeter Phelan is just home from college in 1962, and, anxious to become a writer, is advised to hone her chops by writing about what disturbs you. The budding social activist begins to collect the stories of the black women on whom the country club sets relies and mistrusts enlisting the help of Aibileen, a maid who's raised 17 children, and Aibileen's best friend Minny, who's found herself unemployed more than a few times after mouthing off to her white employers. The book Skeeter puts together based on their stories is scathing and shocking, bringing pride and hope to the black community, while giving Skeeter the courage to break down her personal boundaries and pursue her dreams. 

The main problem I had with this book is the dialogue.  It was written in southern slang so to speak and when I started to read this I was critiquing three other MS aside from revising mine so it was not easy to read right away.  I think that is what slowed it down for me.

Now to all my YA friends, I am not converting I promise. I have to have my books take me to an unknown place away from this reality and they may include a little hottie.  I thought this push would open me up to other ways of writing which may help my own.  I also like the getting together with the girls and discussing-- it was fun.  Between book club books, I am going to read Eldala by Michelle Gregory and I hope to get to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

My daughter even wants to come to a meeting. She said, "Mommy, I want to come to the book club and we can read a book about the Backyardigans (a kids cartoon).  We can discuss it too." She is 4 going on 14. Too funny.

Have you ever joined a book club? Have you read a book you would not normally read? Was it a good or bad experience?

I hope you have a great weekend!