Better Late than Never, Right?

Wow! It's Friday and I haven't posted yet. Many a sorry from me to you! I know you've been waiting in great suspense. Haha.

Anyway, the last couple days have been filled with crazy busyness. Lots of work stuff and writing my WIP and not feeling super good. I just woke up from an I'm-not-feeling-so-hot nap and thought it was Saturday morning already. That made me feel bad because I didn't check in with the blogosphere yet. But alas, it's still Friday and I can say, "Hello!"

Well, last night I saw Breaking Dawn. Eep! It was super good. Yes, the poor person next to me probably wanted to wring my neck for all the giggling, but I couldn't hold it back. Bless people's hearts who have to deal with my while watching movies. Or while I'm reading books. You can't hate me for being a super active watcher of movies and reader of books. It could be thought of as hilarious if you really think about it. 

Well, I'm going to get on my soap box for a minute. Ok, I pretty much hate it when people won't read a book because there's way too much hype about it (ie: Twilight or Harry Potter). Just read 'em, silly people. It's just literature which has probably inspired many a person to read, myself included. You never know, you may just like 'em, too! :D 

*Steps off soap box*

All right, Breaking Dawn was pretty great. A couple cheesy parts but what are you to do? And the end scene was A-FREAKING-AWESOME! Pretty much prime bam-hit-you-in-the-face videography.

Have you seen Breaking Dawn? What were your thoughts?

Well, these are my Friday thoughts—even if they are a little late. Yet, better late than never, right? And I just thought of how funny my blog post title is when put in context with Breaking Dawn—better late than never . . . Get it? Anyway, bye!

Writing. Jewels.

Give Me a Break

When I was a little kid, my favorite candy bar was a KitKat. I still like them because of their chocolaty goodness. Num Num! Yet, they aren’t my most wanted treat these days, unless if it’s a break that I’m looking for.

I’m giving myself a writing break for a couple weeks. I’ve got to admit, I’m a little burned out. I’ve been working so hard, not only on my own book but critiquing other awesome author’s books, too!

As an author, occasionally a little siesta is needed. It clears my mind and helps me get ready for another round of edits, writing, or critiques. I don’t want to write something horrible because I’m exhausted, so I’m avoiding it (except for blog posts and a writing conference coming up this Saturday).

I’ve decided to read a few books, hang out with friends, watch TV and movies, go to the local water park, and maybe clean out my closet. Tonight, I’m going out with a friend. She going to teach me how to bargain shop for clothes. Gah! I’m excited. I love clothes. *claps hands like a little kid*

I want to be at my best before I start writing my next book—an Urban Fantasy. It’s gonna be fun to write. I’ve been stewing over it for a couple months now. You’re all in store for something pretty cool. Well, at least I think so.

I hope you are all enjoying writing. Or if you’re not an author, you’re having fun with whatever your passions may be. But if you are burned out, take a break for a bit to refresh your mind. Go to the store and buy a KitKat. Take a break! Get in some much needed R&R.

PS: Don't forget to enter to win a fabulous Zombie book called Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris. Follow this link to enter!

Book Review - Meant to Be by Tiffany King

“Krista Miller feels like she has lived her entire life in a glass box with her every emotion on display. She can’t help feeling like a defect as her sensitivities have made her socially inept and without any real friends. The one exception being the boy that visits her each night in her dreams.”

Tiffany King brings a new twist on the paranormal in her book Meant to Be. The blurb of her book is only the tip of the thrilling story that unravels with every turn of the page. The more you read, the more you crave to know. And the plot twists are incredible—you don’t even see them coming. I was well-impressed with the development of the irresistible plot. It not only is humorous, but is entwined with an occasional burst of grief that makes your heart break.

The characters were enjoyable to get to know. I found myself wanting to be best friends with them. Tiffany crafted their personalities in a honed fashion in which I felt like I had known them for years.

The romantic element of the story was delicious to me. I wanted to see the lovebirds kiss just one more time, or hold hands to feel the fire of their deep knit connection.

With absolute certainty, I would recommend this book to you. Anyone who loves Young Adult literature will devour Meant to Be.

Visit Tiffany King’s blog to learn more about the beautiful author, my sister from another mother. And follow these links to purchase Meant to Be on Kindle or Paperback.

Winner Announced & the Unmotivated Reader Syndrome

I want to thank all those who entered to win Minder by Kate Kaynak. Now it’s time to announce the winner.

*Drum Roll*

Ella Schwartz

Congratulations, Ella. I will be contacting you via email with information to receive the book.

I would also like to thank Kate Kaynak for offering to give away a copy of her book for this contest. Minder is a fantastic read. Check it out!

FYI: The winner was picked according to the order in which people entered the contest. I asked my beautiful angel of a mom to pick a number between the numbers of entrees. She picked “1.” Ella was the first person to enter the contest, so she wins.

Now that I’m done with giveaway business, I’ve got to be honest with you. Every once in a while I go through a phase where I can’t get myself to pick up a book and read it. After about a week I’ll be devouring books again—one after the next. Crazy, huh? All of you obsessed book worms are probably shaking your head at me. Yep, I have found myself in another Unmotivated Reader Sydrome.

Last night, I grabbed Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare off my to-read bookshelf. Sadly enough, I didn’t have the desire to open it to its first page. Let me tell you, I’ve been excited to read that book for a while. Unfortunately, enjoying the book won’t be happening for a few days. In time I’ll get over this reading lull and be back to my I-always-have-a-book-in-my-bag-self.

Does this ever happen to you? How long does it take you to get back into the groove of reading? And please tell me I’m not the only person who becomes less than motivated to read every once in a while. It makes me feel like an alien in the vast world of readers.

The Books That Made You Cry

I finished a book last night that made me bawl like a baby. Literally, through the last chapters, I could barely read the words for the tears clouding my eyes. However, I loved the book. I loved it so much that I couldn’t help but cry. I had fallen desperately for the story, the characters, and the strength found in the relationships therein. The book I am referring to is called These is my Words by Nancy E. Turner. Despite the water works that overcame me, I would, with all my being, recommend everyone in this world to partake of the beauty found within its pages. Yes, you may shed many tears, but they well are worth it in the end.

After gaining control of my tear ducts, I began thinking about all the books that have made me unable to control my emotions—the books that made me cry. Here is a list (it may not be exhaustive):

• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
• Traitor by Sandra Grey
• The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale
• New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
• The Great and Terrible series by Chris Stewart

Story time: As I read the seventh Harry Potter book, there came a part where one of the characters was killed. Of course, I’m not going to say which character, so I won’t spoil it. But I will say shame on you if you haven’t read the HP books. :)

My old roommate finished the book a couple days before I did, so she was be able to chitchat about it with me as I read. One night, I could not put the book down and read into the wee hours of the morning. Around 12:30 A.M. the said death occurred. My roommate had gone home for the weekend, so she wasn’t readily available to talk to me as I sobbed. I thought she might still be up, so I called her. To my relief, she answered the phone.

She thought someone real had died and was about to hop in her car to drive home.

Then I said, “***** died!”

She started laughing at my emphatic declaration of sorrow for the lost character. He was given a sock at one point in the series. Spoiler!

I came to find out later that she was not quite sure how to console someone who was crying over the death of a fictional character. Anyway, at least I made her laugh.

So, I pose the question, which books have made you cry?

PS: Don't forget to enter to win a free book called Minder by Kate Kaynak. Go here to enter on my blog! Contest closes tomorrow.

Treasure Island Book Review

During my journey to read 15 books for the Off the Shelf Challenge, I decided it would be wise to throw some classics in my list. One of them is Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. During the first few chapters, I wasn’t as enthralled as I would be with modern literature. But after a few more chapters, I was hooked. If you haven’t read older literature, it may be difficult to get used to the old language style. It’s worth it, though, to invest your time in reading the classics.

My favorite character in Treasure Island turned out to be the one-legged, Long John Silver. He was by far the most dynamic character—stealing the show. I loved how Stevenson developed Long John’s voice. It made me giggle when Long John said things like, “Shiver me timbers” and “By gum.” He is elusive in where his loyalties lie, but regardless, he’s a fun character to get to know.

My favorite sentence in the entire book is, “I could hear hails coming and going between the old buccaneer and his comrades, and this sound of danger lent me wings.” The imagery I felt in this sentence is almost tangible. How it says, “lent me wings” is breath taking on so many levels. You can literally see in your mind how quick the character, Jim, is fleeing from danger.

I’m really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It turned out to be really fun to read a pirate book. The thrilling adventure made me unable to put it down. I hope that you have the same experience if you chose to read this scrumptious book.

Have you read it? What is your opinion of Treasure Island? And what are your favorite classics?  

Across The Universe by Beth Revis Book Review

I lieu of attending the Breathless Reads Book tour tomorrow in Salt Lake City, Utah, I decided that it was a perfect time to review Across the Universe by Beth Revis. She along with a few other authors are headlining the Breathless Reads Book tour. I look forward to meeting Beth, especially since I devoured her debut novel so quickly. Also meeting Ally Condie, author of Matched, will be fabulous.

Across the Universe is the third book I chose to read for the Off the Shelf Challenge. Twelve more books to go and excited for the journey.

Speaking of journeys, Across the Universe, Beth’s YA sci-fi/dystopian/fantasy novel, unravels while a group of people from the future travel Across the Universe in a spaceship built to sustain life for a LONG time. Definitely, each chapter makes you want to read more.

Some of my favorite words in the book are as follows:

• Whoosh
• Click. Whoosh. Thud.
• Beep, beep-beep
• Aroo! Aroo!
• Plop! Plop!
• Moo-uh-eeee!
• Whirr-churn-whirr 

Yep, they are sounds on the ship. Seriously, without those quirky words describing the sounds, it wouldn’t have been as good. I could distinctly hear what was happening. Well done Beth for the ingenious sounds you gave me—us.

The end was quite a punch in my stomach when I read it. Why? I failed to notice that this book is the first book in a series. Silly me! I thought it was over. And. It sure isn’t. I was thinking, well that’s an interesting way to end a book. Now that I realize it’s a series, I am well-pleased with the ending. It leaves you hanging—wanting more. Phew! Good thing I figured that out. I could have been confused for a long time—maybe long enough to travel Across the Universe. Beth please don't make fun of me for not realizing that. :) *feeling sheepish*

Thanks Beth for writing such a fantastic book—can’t wait for the next two.

Have you read this book? What did you think?

Happy Friday! And have a GREAT weekend!

As an ending, here’s my favorite song from the movie Across the Universe.

The Mortal Instruments Review

If you liked the video above then you’ll love The Mortal Instruments series. If anything, the video probably intrigued you to read the books. I hope.

For the Off the Shelf Challenge, I said I would read the last two books in The Immortal Instruments series, City of Ashes and City of Glass by Cassandra Clare. I previously read the first book, therefore, I will review the series as a whole.

It’s a twist on paranormal fiction including: warlocks, werewolves, vampires, faeries, and demons. The series was cool, especially because it referenced the 80’s flick, Say Anything. You’ll just have to read it to see where Clare placed the reference to the romantic, John Cusack film.  

The element to these books that I thought was the well done was Clare’s hooks. I don’t remember one; yes one, of the chapters that didn’t leave me salivating for more.  Reading for hours was a common theme to my journey to gobble up these books. 

A huge part of the books that I loved and hated was how Clare spread out a major plot element throughout the last two books. I cannot tell you what because that would definitely spoil the series. And I’m not a spoiler. This was another reason why I was hooked into the books.  I could not stop reading without knowing exactly what was going to happen.

I liked the characters, especially Jace. He is the series’ handsome-beyond-reality hunk of a hero. Plus, the villain, Valentine, was someone I would never want to be near. He’d probably sick demons on me just for breathing, or think I’m vampire because of my widow’s peak.

The fourth book comes out later this year, so it’s not over yet. Check out the countdown below. Pick up this series. You’ll enjoy it for sure! 

Off the Shelf Challenge - My List

Back in November I mentioned the Off the Shelf Challenge, and told you I'd let you know which 15 books I'll be reading throughout the coming year.  I'm pretty sure I'll read more than 15 books, but kept the list shorter just in case.  I work full time, am editing my book, will be querying for an agent for that book, and will soon start working on the first book in my soon-to-be Urban Fantasy trilogy.  I have to prioritize, right? 
With being an author, I also get to be an advocate of reading, so join me in the challenge.  Here are the details:


During the 2011 year, BA Reading Challenges has encouraged us to read your "To Be Read" books that are sitting on your shelf. Click on the Off the Shelf button on my sidebar to enter yourself or go to the following link to get more information:
  BA Reading Challenges: Off The Shelf Challenge


The Off The Shelf Challenge runs from January 1, 2011 through December 31st, 2011. The challenge is to read books you own, but haven't read yet. (I'm cheating a little on the challenge cause I don't own all of the books on my list.  No worries though.) The number of books you read is up to the challenge level that you choose (listed below).

Challenge Levels:


1. Tempted - choose 5 books to read
2. Trying - choose 15 books to read
3. Making a Dint - choose 30 books to read
4. On a Roll - choose 50 books to read
5. Flying Off - choose 75 books to read


For extra hard challenges:


6. Hoarder - choose 76-1 25 books to read
7. Buried - choose 126-200 books to read


My goal target is the "Trying" category, but hopefully I can try "Making a Dint" by reading more books. Here are the books I'll be reading (not necessarily in this order):


1. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
2. The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
3. The Mortal Instruments: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
4. Dracula by Bram Stoker
5. Tara Road by Maeve Binchy
6. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
7. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
8. In the Woods by Tana French
9. Across the Universe by Beth Revis
10. Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
11. Veronica Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho
12. The Giver by Louis Lowry
13. The Rangers Apprentice - The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan
14. Falling Under by Gwen Hayes
15. Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris


I'll write a review of the books here on my blog after I finish them.


Enjoy your day and have a Happy New Year! 

Off The Shelf Challenge

Hello, my dear followers. I found this great challenge the other day, and am dedicated to look the challenge in the eye and destroy it—figuratively speaking of course. During the 2011 year, BA Reading Challenges has encouraged us to read your "To Be Read" books that are sitting on your shelf. Click on the Off the Shelf button on my sidebar to enter yourself or go to the following link to get more information:

BA Reading Challenges: Off The Shelf Challenge

The Off The Shelf Challenge runs from January 1st through December 31st, 2011. The challenge is to read books you own, but haven't read yet. The number of books you read is up to the challenge level that you choose (listed below).

My addendum to the challenge: If you have some books that you have always wanted to read but do not own them, then they can totally be a part of the challenge. I am going to do that so you can too.

Challenge Levels:

1. Tempted - choose 5 books to read
2. Trying - choose 15 books to read
3. Making a Dint - choose 30 books to read
4. On a Roll - choose 50 books to read
5. Flying Off - choose 75 books to read

For extra hard challenges:

6. Hoarder - choose 76-125 books to read
7. Buried - choose 126-200 books to read

I am aiming for Level 2: 15 books to read. I will post the books I am going to read at the beginning of the year and review them on my blog as I finish them.

I would love to know what challenge you choose and the books you are going to read. Go forward and read because it is FUN. I dare you!