Month of November Goals

Happy November, dear friends! I hope your Halloween was spooktacular! Well, I'll just jump right into my goals.

Here is how my month of October goals panned out:

• Recuperate from spraining my ankle Uh... It turns out that I fractured a bone in my foot. I had to wear a hideous boot for a freaking month. Luckily I'm out of the montrousity of ugliness. But I've got to rehabilitate my poor foot now. Silliness, I say
• Read BEYONDERS: SEEDS OF REBELLION by Brandon Mull Check. Great book
• Finish listening to DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum Super Check. I loved this book sooooo much. Read it. Now
• If I have time, I'll edit some or all of one of my writing projects Nope, I did open up one of my projects and read the first chapter to my new roomie. She LOVED it! Just you guys wait...
• Start my new job, love it, and learn it fast Check on all accounts
• Find a new place to live in Salt Lake City before I'm driven mad by the long commute Check and it didn't happen soon enough. I truly was going crazy driving two hours a day.
• Enjoy my half birthday... Check. I loveth growing old. haha

Well, I'm feeling good about my goals and hope to have success in the coming month. Here are my month of November goals:

• Finish listening to the audio book CHIME by Franny Billingsley
• Listen to the audio book SHIVER by Maggie Stiefvater (I just got a library card and by golly I'm gonna use it--bring on the audio books. Yes!)
• Read FINALE by Becca Fitzpatrick
• NaNoWriMo--50K and/or finish writing my dystopian book called SPHERICAL
• Do something social at least once a week
• Have a super fantastic Thanksgiving Holiday *gobble gobble*
• Be better at reading and commenting on other blogs. So sorry for being anti-blogospher-social

How did your month of October goals go? What are your month of November goals?

    Writing. Jewels.

 

Month of October Goals

Wow! Has September already come and gone? How is that possible? It just barely started. And that means that October is here and I have to report on my goals from last month. I felt far better last month than I did during the summer. What a relief!

Anyway, here's how my September goals panned out:

• Finish beta'ing my sister-in-laws book CHECK and by golly it's a great book. Be ready to read stuff by Robin LuBean King, kids
• Read Insurgent  by Veronica Roth SUPER CHECK and wow, what a great book! It's official, I'm back into reading.
• Keep pluggin along with my new project, SPHERICAL (a dystopian novel) CHECK. I didn't do much but it's coming along
• Edit one of my own works No check, I am waiting to get my second book BOUND back from a CP
• Be social CHECK. I even went on two dates with the same guy. No interest there, though. And I spent time with friends, so that's great
• Go camping with my sister CHECK Refer to the blog post I wrote about the camping trip

So, here's looking October straight in the eyes. But I have to tell you that I started a new job. Today is my fifth day on the job. I will be learning this job, so I might be overwhelmed with it all. I hope my goals won't stress me out more. Anyway, here are my goals:

• Read BEYONDERS: SEEDS OF REBELION by Brandon Mull
• Finish listening to DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum (audio books are awesome)
• I'm going to save writing more of SPHERICAL for NaNoWriMo, especially with all I'm going to be doing this month
• If I have time, I'll edit some or all of another project
• Start my new job, love it, and learn it fast
• Find a new place to live in Salt Lake City before I'm driven mad by the long commute
• Enjoy my half birthday tomorrow, October 6, 2012. Yes, I celebrate my half birthdays. What can I say? I love birthdays!
• Recuperate from spraining my ankle. Silly me

What are your goals for this month? Have you read any good books lately? And how is life treating you?

*Mwah*

    Writing. Jewels.

Month of September Goals

Hello, followers! How's it going? I hope I find you all well on this Friday (or whenever you read this). I've got to admit I didn't do super hot on my goals this month. However, I was getting over a roller coaster ride of a crazy summer. So, I'd say all is well. Here's how I did with last month's goals:

• Move on August 18 and get settled into my new place Check. I like my new place. It's funny cuz my old commute to work took me 15 minutes. My new commute is 5 minutes total. Somehow I'm late for work even though I'm closer, when I was early before. *shakes head* 
• Read Beyonders: Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull. I bought it. Does that count? haha
• Edit a bit of my own works I started working on a new project. That counts, right?
• Enjoy me some Netflix and time with loved ones Super Check. I socialized a lot more than usual and spent some time with family. As for Netflix--it turned into Hulu. I met an author (Natalie Whipple) at a book bloggers/author get-together a couple weeks ago. She recommended me watch a Korean drama called "Boys Before Flowers". Oh my gosh! I watched all 25 episodes in about 2 weeks. Love it. You definitely should check it out, too. Beware, it'll suck you in. So funny story: my roommate/coworker sat in on watching the first episode with me. She is obsessed with it now, but we are both on different episodes. We'll sit in the same room watching it together but not the same episode. haha
• Beta a tweeps book if she needs my help. She's not ready for it to be read yet.

Well, now for September's goals:

• Finish beta'ing my sister-in-law's book (I'm so proud of her)
• Read Insurgent by Veronica Roth (I decided Beyonders can wait)
• Keep plugging along with my new project, SPHERICAL (a dystopian novel)
• Edit one of my own works (not sure which one)
• Go on a couple dates (I have no idea who'll be the lucky man/men, though... haha)
• Be social (writers tend to be solitary beings sometimes, or is that just me???)
• Go camping with my sister Guess what? I've already accomplished this one. I went Wednesday-Thursday of this week. Nice

So what are your goals for this fabulous autumnal month? Are you excited for fall blowing in? I am!

Writing. Jewels.

Month of August Goals

Ok, folks... The month of July was bar-none the hardest flippin' month of my life. Alright, I've been through worse, of course, but this is so fresh on my mind that it feels all the more difficult. You know how bad/good things happen in threes? Well, that has been the case for me. I won't bore you with the goary details but, for all intents and purposes, let's just say that the things that happened weren't good. Anyway, because of this, my month of July goals didn't pan out very well.
Sigh!

I will review them quickly, though.

• Beta a couple books I beta'd one friend's book. That's good, huh?
• Start reading Beyonders: Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull Uh... I had no desire to read for the life of me. Super sad, huh?
• Continue exercising three days a week I did fulfill this part of my goals. Woot Woot!
• Only have one treat a week on Fridays Did I say that I had a really tough month? Well, that should tell you how I did on this goal. haha
• Start the first draft of BOUND's sequel. I so can't wait No work done here. Shoot. I did have to do another edit on my first book, though. When will the insanity end?

Anyway, my month of August goals are going to be pretty light. I need a break, my friends. If I don't relax a bit, I might end up in a white padded room with a straight jacket on.

So, here are some simple goals:

• Move on August 18 and get settled into my new place
• Read Beyonders: Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull
• Edit a bit of my own works
• Enjoy me some Netflix and time with loved ones
• Beta a tweeps book if she needs my help

Have you ever had a month where you wonder what's the next thing that's going to go wrong? How do you get through tough times? I do a great deal of praying, talking to family and friends, and trying not to eat too many sweets. Two weeks ago, I even got out of dodge to spend some time with a some good friends as well as my mom.

Anyway, dear followers, thanks for stopping by. And what are your month of August goals?

Writing. Jewels.

Month of July Goals

It's reporting times, folks. Yay and a few woots all around! Here's how I did with my Month of June Goals:

• Read The Mortal Instruments: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare ---> Getting there...
• Complete an edit of my wip: BOUND ---> Super Check. Oh, I love this story
• Hand off BOUND to one more round of betas ---> I'm pretty confident with where it's at right now. I'll hand it off to my agent soon
• Beta a friend's book ---> I've started going through it
• Continue forward with my no sweets diet. ---> I went an entire 22 days without sweets as per my detox plan.
• Exercise three times a week ---> Check. I'd like to thank the gym facility where I work and having an hour long lunch break

Here are my Month of July Goals:

• Beta a couple books
• Start reading Beyonders: Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull 
• Continue exercising three days a week
• Only have one treat a week on Fridays
• Start the first draft of BOUND's sequel. I so can't wait

As always, I ask: what are your Month of July goals? You can voice your successes from last month as well.

Writing. Jewels.

Do You Write What You Read/Like?

I'd like to think of myself as a prolific reader. I've ventured into many different genres (MG, YA, Adult, Suspense, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Dysopian, Fantasy, Paranormal, etc...). I enjoy everything from Brandon Mull to Stephenie Meyer to Dan Brown.
But, my favorite genre to feast upon is YA, more specifically anything with a fantastical or paranormal element. I like these books because they place me right smack in the thick of a different world. It's enjoyable to read different twists and takes on supernatural beings. I love to wrap my mind thoroughly into the realms of these stories. And I do. When I finish a book, I typically think about it for days afterward.

With all this said, I write what I read/like, at least in the YA arena. My first book is a YA Paranormal Romance. The one I'm editing is an Urban Fantasy. I've also got a few other ideas up my sleeve--a YA Dystopian, YA Sci-Fi, and another YA Paranormal Romance.

I could definitely never write a Contemporary piece of literature. People wouldn't get past the second page if I did. Writing something non-fiction would make me dig my eyes out with a spoon (no offence to non-fiction writers). I don't think I have it in me to write an Adult work because I adore being in teenagers minds far too much. That sounded weird, I know.

So, do you write what you read/like? Have you ever tried to write something that doesn't fall under your typical reads? How do you decide what genre you write?

Writing. Jewels.

Reading Habits

The other day, I visited the lovely Julie Glover's blog. She answered the following questions from a tag. I decided to take a stab at them, too. 

If you could live in a fictional world, where would that be?

There's a series called Fablehaven by Brandon Mull. It is a middle grade fantasy and is brilliant. It's about these two kids who end up spending time at their grandparents house. While there they find out that it's a reservation for fantastical creatures like witches, faeries, trolls, etc... If I could have all of the fun characters in tow, I'd love it all the more. Sigh.

Do you read in noisy or quiet places?

It depends. I'll read cuddled up in my bed all toasty warm or on my lunch break in the hall. Yet, I do go on what I call "Reading Walk-a-thons". The name of it explains all. It's not as hard to walk and read as you'd think. :D I also will read while I workout at the gym. Helps me to get through the agonizing experience. haha

What was the first book you ever read?

Oh, this is a tough one... I can't think back that far. I'll say the first book I read and really liked was "The Plant that Ate Dirty Socks." It's playful, fun, and great for kids (and kids at heart ---> like me).

If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Religion aside, it would have to be Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love this book tons.

Favorite Author?

Ok, I'm gonna shake things up a bit. Normally, I'd say Ayn Rand, but J.K. Rowling is the author who got me reading (Well, to be honest, it was Stephenie Meyer). But, Rowling turned out to be a stepping stone to get me excited about reading. It only took a few more years before I was gobbled up by words.

Do reviews influence your choices of reads?

I don't read reviews. At. All. I don't want them to influence if I like or don't like a book. I may ask people I know if it's good or about content. But, in general, I steer clear from reviews.

Fiction or Non-fiction?

Fiction in. Non-fiction out. I like living in make believe worlds. Plus, Non-fiction books don't grasp my attention. I tend to fall asleep reading them. No offence to Non-fiction writers.

Have you ever met your favorite author?

I've met many an author but not Ayn Rand, J.K. Rowling or Stephenie Meyer. But I've met Kiersten White, Ally Condie, Shannon Hale, Beth Revis, Andrea Cremer, Brandon Mull, Brenna Yovanof, and Elana Johnson. And I've seen Scott Westerfeld speak (haven't actually met him--total bummer). It's fun to meet authors. It's just fun to be around authors. Such great energy.

Audio books or Paperback?

Both. I always have an audio book playing in my car while I drive around. Thanks to the local library. I do this to multi-task. I have so many books I want to read that this helps me to scratch them off my list quicker. However, I do listen to many that I've already read or own.

Classic or Modern Novels?

I read both. Not classic as much as I should. I try, though. I do read a lot of genres from MG to Adult. I don't stick to just one genre. I tend to read more YA than anything because it's what I write.

Book groups or Solitary Reading?

I've been in a book club before, but I'd rather read as I wish. If I had more time available, I'd enjoy book groups more. For now, I'm a solitary reader. Not to say that I don't talk to friends who've read them before, especially if the book is awesome.

If you could invite three dead authors to a dinner for four, whom would you invite?

Jane Austen, Ayn Rand, and William Shakespeare. Great authors. Why not have an evening with them. Plus, I'd be the talk of the town for having brought them back from the dead. Nice.

Now, what are your reading habits?

Writing. Jewels.

A Vast Sea of Genres

Over the past couple years, I’ve found that my primary reading focus has been Young Adult literature. It’s what I enjoy reading the absolute most which is probably why I write YA. But for me to be an author, I feel that I have to feast upon a variety of different literature genres. I rather adore Middle Grade works like Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer or Fablehaven by Brandon Mull. Plus, a whole slew of fiction genres have been a part of my literature study.

Being a lover of YA, it’s somewhat difficult to pull myself away from them for a while to eat up other genres. One genre I try to implement into my joyrides through words are the classics. I don’t do it much, but every once in a while I’ll read one.

Right now I’m reading Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. It’s rather hilarious just how far apart they are on the spectrum—one steeped in darkness, the other flowered with romance.

I’m reading Dracula out of a traditional book, but listening to Sense and Sensibility on audio book in order to utilize my time in an effective manner. I’m just gonna use the cliché: Hitting two birds with one stone.

I like to call my book a “Horrific Love Story.” These two books are very useful to add a dark aura and romantic touch to my story.

With saying this, the classics and all genres for that matter can help to improve an author’s writing because reading is research for a writer. Technically YA are where I get my stylistic ideas, but other genres aid me to formulate a story. Plus, I’ll be honest, they’re just fun to read.

I love reading. It’s a delight to become absorbed in a story, even if it is outside of my most beloved genre—Young Adult.

What is your favorite genre? Do you have a hard time branching out to read other ones? Or are you able to slide from one to the next with ease?

Reading, Apologies, & Some Changes

Hey, y’all. I didn’t post on Monday or Wednesday. Can you believe it? Yep, it’s true. I really had nothing fantastic to say. If you stopped by, I apologize for not offering you something to read. I’m thinking of changing things up a bit by only posting on Tuesday and Thursday. That means there will be no more “What I’ve Learned Wednesday.” What a shame cuz it was fun. So kids, I figure, I work full-time, am writing a book, am tweeting a lot, and have books I’m trying to read. Plus, I need to have a life, too. It’s just too hard to post three times a week, and I fear you’re going to get sick of me. That is not possible, though cuz I’m brilliant. Not really, but let’s fake like I am. Just humor me on that one. Tehehehe!

Well, I’ve read a few books over the last few months. Here’s the list:

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Inkspell by Cornelia Funke

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum

Beyonders: A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull

Minders by Kate Kaynak

I love reading guys. It’s probably the most fun thing that I do—other than writing, of course. I want to single out one of the above mentioned books. Beyonders: A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull. It is extraordinary. Mull reached into his creative mind to create a whole new world of fantasy characters. Not just normal fantasyesque beings like elves and centaurs, but new ones. You’ll have to read the book to get to know them. Brandon Mull is one of my favorite authors, and the cool thing is he lives in my hometown. That makes me feel special.

Here is a blurb about it the book:

“Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a bit less predictable--until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank to a place unlike anything he's ever seen. In the past, the people of Lyrian welcomed visitors from the Beyond, but attitudes have changed since the wizard emperor Maldor rose to power. The brave resistors who opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail. In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor, and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes.” (Good Reads)

Brandon Mull also wrote the Fablehaven series (phenomenal books) and The Candy Shop War. He also has a picture book called Pingo. Pick up the books and you’ll become a fan of his literature within no time. The Beyonders will be a trilogy. I seriously can’t wait for the next books to be released in the coming two years.

What have you been reading as of late?

What I’ve Learned Wednesday: The Many Hats of Writing

December 2009. I had a dream. Dream turned into a plot. Plot turned into a manuscript. Manuscript turned into an endless string of edits. Endless string of edits turned into me pulling my hair out. Pulled out hair eventually will turn into a published work! Published work will lead to wearing more hats than I do now. Wearing more hats than I do now will be really cool.

In December 2009, I had absolutely no idea what industry I was getting myself into. The writing industry is way more than just plucking away at your laptop. Being an author requires many hats. I haven’t even put on all of the hats, but still am way excited to wear them all.

I attended a writing conference last year. Brandon Mull, author of the Fablehaven series, The Candy Shop War, Pingo, and The Beyonders (released 3/15/11), was the keynote speaker. He spoke about all the hats that authors get to wear. “Get to” cause it’s way fun! He said a few things, among many, that left an impression on me.

You get to be a speaker, marketer, small business owner, and reading advocate. I hope to be an author who gets to go around speaking to people about writing and other related topics. I’m already marketing my name, my book. I’ve got a social networking business up and booming. I wouldn’t call it a business, though cause I have way too much fun with it. And I get to be an advocate for reading. Seriously, what an awesome job it is to be an author.

Being an author has lots of other aspects other than the writing part. The writing part is the most important, but you have to remember that there are other parts to this industry, especially if you want to be published. I’ve found that during my writing/editing stages, social networking has been king. I have to get my name out there, my brand, Writing Jewels. I really enjoy blogging and have to admit that I’m obsessed with Twitter.

Which authoring hats to you love to wear? Are you just as giddy about all these pretty, fun hats as I am? Were you surprised at all the other things you’d have to do in order to get published? Or were you pleasantly surprised?

Writing Conference - Book Academy

For anyone interested in attending a writing conference, visit this site...

http://www.uvu.edu/ce/cw/bookacademy.

A favorite author of mine will be the keynote speaker; Brandon Mull, author of the Fablehaven series, The Candy Shop War, and Pingo. He had a new series coming out in March 2011 called the Beyonders.

Above is a photo from a book signing where I met him and got all of my books signed. It was fabulous. There is another one to your right too.

I am super excited to attend the conference. This will be my first writing conference. I hope that I can learn a lot and do some major networking. I mean MAJOR!

If you want to go with me then let me know!