Inspired to Read

One thing that inspired my writing was reading. Back in 2007, I super got into reading. Nope, I wasn’t a prodigy child who read everything I could get my hands on. It just wasn’t my thing at the time. 

My thing was watching Nick-at-Nite when it REALLY had the good classics like the Dick Van Dyke Show and Get Smart. 

Ok, tangent. I really liked infomercials, too. Back to the point, now.

I can say with complete confidence the Twilight series was the pivotal point where I realized the value of reading. That series opened my mind to the creative power of words. I kept reading other books until I was carrying one in my bag all the time.

So, my grammar/punctuation guru beta said it would take him some time to read my manuscript because he gets sidetracked—just can’t focus on one thing for a long time. Within a week (he told me it would take a month) he’d finished my novel and with rave reviews. The following day he asked me if I had any book suggestions. I asked what he liked to read. He said 1984 was a fav. I instantly knew he’d enjoy a dystopian book. Now he has my copy of Across the Universe by Beth Revis in hand.

While I talked to him, he said that my book sort of inspired him to read. Hearing that was like fireworks exploding out of my ears, possibly nose, too. I was beaming and sort of wanted to cry. One of the purposes of my writing is to inspire people to read. It happened to me, and I want it to happen to others.

Words really do have immense power.

I’m glad to say my novel has been an inspiration to someone, and hopefully my other beta’s, too. I hope it can inspire many people to read as well. And I know it WILL be published one day. Look out world; I’m on my way. Uh, or at least to bookshelves.

Which books have inspired you to read? Or for that matter write?

Breathless Reads Tour Recap

The Breathless Reads Tour visited Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday, February 12, 2011. I was blessed with the chance to attend and meet some absolutely GREAT authors.

From left to right: Ally Condie author of Matched; Beth Revis author of Across the Universe; Andrea Cremer author of Nightshade; Kirsten Miller author of The Eternal Ones; and Brenna Yovanoff author of The Replacement. 

For the first hour, the authors had the opportunity to answer questions prepared by the host of the event, King's English, as well as audience questions. The authors all had their own personality in which captivated me. Ally was professional and welcoming. Beth was enthusiastic and comical. Andrea was fun and exciting. Kirsten was confident and  well-humored. Brenna was endearing and proper. I enjoyed getting to know the authors better through a in-person setting. Thanks to the authors for taking the time to visit SLC. 

In which Julia meets Ally and Beth. They're holding my own personal copies of their books. Notice the cheesy smile upon my really excited face. I can't tell you how giddy with joy I was before I met them, and after too. I am totally a book-worm nerd. I like it though. My sister can attest to the nerdiness--she was there. I can't even imagine how I would act if I met Bono from U2 and the other band members.

I can't wait to read the other author's books. If you have read them, or any of the books, what did you think?

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.

Breathless Reads Tour

I know it is not a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday when I usually post, but this is absolutely IMPORTANT for me to let you know about, especially if you live in the states where this book tour is going.

I'm thrilled that this book tour is hitting up Salt Lake City. Why? Cause I live in Utah. And. I. Can. Go. Can't wait to meet Ally Condie author of Matched and Beth Revis author of Across the Universe. Great books btw. Read them. I haven't even finished Across the Universe and I'm recommending it.  Anyone in Utah should go to this event. I will be there so you'll be able to meet me too. Yeah, yeah, I'm not published yet, but you can say you met me before my book(s) graced the book shelves.  For more information, visit Breathless Reads

Have you read any of these books? Let me know what you think of them, especially the ones I haven't read yet.  If you plan on attending the book tour in Salt Lake City, let me know via email: writingjewels@gmail.com We can meet up and have a ball associating with great authors.

Have a great Thursday! 

PS: I will still be posting tomorrow even though I will be attending the auditions for So You Think You Can Dance in SLC! Yah! Yah! Yah! Note: I am not auditioning. Not a dancer. My friend got tickets to get in. Can't wait because I love that show. 

See you tomorrow my fabulous following friends.