Nanoooooo

Ok. Been a long while since I've written anything. Not gonna lie...been working on my food blog:D

And I'm not going to post much here...only this:
I am officially (and finally) a Nano.

Yep. Nanowrimo. I've never done it before and am super excited/nervous/optimistic/pessimistic about it. 50 THOUSAND words in the month of November. No problem! Right?

Hopefully I'll keep my progress posted here...cheers to 50k!

Eldest

Going to start reading Eldest today! YAY!

Challenge ideas

I thought I'd post a few ideas here for my self imposed 'challenges' :) I haven't picked one for this week yet, its been crazy busy. Hopefully it'll calm down enough so I can write!

• Temples: how many, how do they work, what are they like, what is their purpose, etc.
• The Elements: this one...is tricky. I still haven't decided yet if I want to use four, or five Elements. I also haven't decided yet (and probably won't til the time comes) if this will be one challenge, or four/five. As of right now I only have the basics down for each one, and I want to go more in depth.
• ...ok, so I only have two ideas on the books right now. More to come!

Cheers, and happy writing.

Sometimes

Sometimes you need to write chapter two so you know what to put in chapter one. Just sayin'.

The Keys to the Kingdom: Mister Monday by Garth Nix

I picked this book up on a whim while browsing the small selection currently available at my local library. I read some of Garth Nix's other novels (the ones about the Necromancer...) while in middle school and remembered really enjoying them, so I decided to give this one a shot.

Arthur isn't one of the cool kids. He never was. So on the first day at a new school, he has no intentions of being the center of every one's attention. Then they gym teacher asks him to run. Which puts him in the center of attention for, you see, Arthur has asthma. Very bad asthma. So, as he begins to run and become short of breath...on comes an asthma attack. He gets help from a brother and sister named Ed and Leaf, who run for help. While in the middle of the attack, Arthur has a hallucination.

A man named Mister Monday, in a wheelchair appears, out of nowhere. He tells him something about a Will, and mentions something about an heir, and after being assured that Arthur is most certainly about to die, hands him something. Only...Arthur doesn't die.

From the minute (no pun intended) that he grabs hold of the 'Key' he can breathe. He later finds out that he can do other things as well...like unlock doors. Or freeze people...literally, if he has the key in his hands. He is drawn into a fight for...well, right? I suppose?

This book started out very confusing to me, with asthma attacks and strange people showing up out of nowhere and deep booming voices...and there were several times that I almost put it down. Its a book that is definitely meant for children. But then I would read a passage like this and it would fill me with wonder and I had to keep going:

The elevator opened out onto a shaded grove of very tall, very thick-trunked trees. They formed a circle around a roughly trimmed lawn, which had the remains of a campfire sitting in a burnt patch at its center. A narrow but beautifully clear stream cut through one corner, burbling gently along. A wooden footbridge crossed the stream, with a paved path leading across to an open summerhouse that was like an old-fashioned bandstand. In the summerhouse were a desk, a lounge chair and some bookcases.

"Here we are," said Suzy. "The Office of the Efficiencer General."

I mean...come on! Who wouldn't want to open an elevator and see an office amidst a forest?? Its the sort of thing my childhood dreams were made of. A forest to sit around a campfire and read in, but still have a place to get out of the rain? :) So maybe its most certainly a kids book. But I'll be reading book two as soon as I can, to find out what happens, and to see what adventures they have next.

Challenges and Libraries.

I quite liked the outcome of my first self-imposed challenge. In fact, I liked it so much that I'd like to impose a challenge on myself frequently. Perhaps once a week? Sounds reasonable to me!

Today, my 'challenge' (not official!) is to finish Eragon. Its taken me far too long to read it. Now, it is a long book, and I have been trying to get a plot line together and keep a house clean...but still, no excuse! I'll probably have another picnic outside with the Tornado today, and finish it then.

Anyway, sort of a short post today. I have a million and one things I'd like to get done today, including going to the library! Ours has been under construction for some time...They built a new addition, which is super exciting...only problem? They opened the new addition, then closed the main part to work on that...and, while they did, they put 95% of the books in storage!!!!!

Isn't that sad? All of the movies were kept out...because, sadly, those are the most popular items that get the most circulation. This is sort of hard to grasp for a bibliophile like myself...but, oh well. Hopefully they bring back my lovely books soon.

Ta, for now.

Bad Guy, Part 2

So, my challenge. Create, at least a wisp, of a Bad Guy. And I do believe I have succeeded!

He is, as of yet, unnamed, and I have not a clue what his...'power' will be, but, he has a back story! And a pretty damn good one, if I do say so myself!

Once again, I found some invaluable links and articles on creating a Bad Guy. I learned that Bad Guys (indeed, all guys) have to be three-dimensional, in order to be convincing. I learned about...different types of Bad Guys, if you will. Madness, revenge, jealous, bad guys that aren't really bad, bad guys that are very bad...the list goes on and on. Mine...

Well, I don't want to tell too much about him yet! I'm still developing him. But I will tell you this. He wasn't always bad. One bad choice lead to another, and before he knew it...yep. Bad Guy. One thing though...at this point, I'm not sure if he is THE Bad Guy, or just A Bad Guy...I'm thinking that...fanatics will be the Bad in this story. Religious fanatics? Perhaps...

So...I did complete the task. I came up with a good Bad Guy. He has a back story. Nameless, yes, but he is there, and if I do say so...he is a little more than just a wisp.

On writing a Bad Guy

I love my characters. All of them. Every single one that I've ever written, from Princess Elizabeth (yes, unfortunately, named after myself) from when I was 12, to The Professor that I'm writing right now, to Alasdair, my rough, 'ranger'-type, Aragorn-inspired character( he really is one of my very favorites...).


Through all of the stories that I've started, all of the plot lines I've developed in my head, I've always, always known that there has to be a bad guy. An evil someone or other. A good friend who turns traitor. (Cliche, I know, but hey. If it works it works.) Bad Guy.


"But...but...I don't want to write a bad guy." The thought has run through my head a lot. Who wants to turn one of their characters bad? I mean, really, really bad? They aren't perfect, sure, but evil? Perish the thought!


Now, sometimes, when I sit down (like right now) with the intent on writing a Bad Guy, it's a little easier. Marginally.


How, and I say this from the POV of someone who always believes that happy endings are best, and that no one can be all bad, HOW do you write a Bad Guy? A guy (or girl, I suppose*) that everyone, including yourself, loves to hate? Hate? Sigh.


And here is the first hitch. I don't want to hate one of my characters. I know I should. I really should. I want to! I want to make a villain so....villainous that I can't WAIT to kill him off, cut off his head, dismember him entirely! Or, something like that. (Too much? Maybe locking him up indefinitely would be better?)



That is my goal for today, my challenge. To get the beginnings of a really wicked Bad Guy started. Even if its only in my brainstorming notebook. He doesn't need a name yet. Or even a purpose (although, taking over the world/empire/whatever seems like a good one). But s/he will be born, today, even if its only little tendrils, or smoky ideas. I have spoken.


*For some reason, its easier for me to hate a Bad Guy, rather than a Bad Girl...call me whatever you want, but this is how it is.

Concerning writing. And little boys.

Last night was a rare night. I was home alone. Now, I know that eventually I'll be home alone more, because that's just the way of the military...however! Last night I was able to do quite a lot of brainstorming! Which is exciting!

I found several very interesting articles on writing fantasy, chock full of lovely advice and tips. Which, I'll have to admit, made me quite happy. Its always good to find blogs from other aspiring writers. Its encouraging.

I read about the importance of a good name, about horses, and about making maps. I read about horrible (and some are, indeed, horrible) fantasy cliches. I even played around with fantasy name generators for fun and found out that my fairy name is:

Moth Willowwand. She is a caster of weird dreams. She lives close to crystal caverns and stalagtite grotto's. She is only seen when the seer holds a four-leafed clover.
She collects crystals to wear on her dresses. She has delicate green coloured wings like a cicada.

Doesn't it sound just like me? ;) I also have Elf, dwarf, and a Hobbit name as well, but those aren't nearly as...colorful.

So! Back to the brainstorming. And...other literary topics.

Normally, during the day (and indeed, right now, as I type this), I can't brainstorm, research, or do any sort of writing. A little (or not so little anymore) toddler boy constantly gets in the way! I'm lucky if I can get in a little reading while he plays with trucks and whatnot. Yesterday happened to be one of those days!

Yesterday I got to sit outside on the porch, in the glorious sunshine, and read!

It was so nice...me and the boyo sat in the sun with our books (to be fair, he had a truck too...) and read together. I read Eragon. He 'read' Peek a Who?. T'was lovely.

I'm hoping to finish Eragon today, during nap time. I've never read it before and am finding it fascinating. I always have a soft spot for a book with Dragons...

Anyway. I need to bid adieu...and keep the Tornado from climbing into the oven. With the broom in tow. Ta, for now!

Eragon

I'm slightly ashamed to admit that I've had this book for a long...long...time. And only just recently found the desire to actually read it. Which is strange for me...Usually when I buy a book, its because I want to read it. For some reason, I bought this one just to have it.

My 13 year old sister will be proud of me for finally picking it up :)

Eragon is a farm boy who lives with his Uncle Garrow and cousin Roran. He has lived with them all his life, never knowing any other family. One winters day, while hunting, Eragon discovers a blue stone, unlike anything he's ever seen before. Unsuccessful in his hunt, he takes the beautiful stone home in hopes of trading it for some meat. When the butcher won't trade him, Eragon brings the stone home, hoping to trade it off at a later time.

Except, of course, it's no stone. With the help of the village storyteller Brom, who is more than he seems, Eragon goes on a journey. Its a journey of discovery, of searching, of fear and of hope. Its full of everything a good adventure should be. Along with Brom and Saphirra, his dragon, Eragon begins to learn what it means to be a Dragon Rider, and a man.

Eragon is a wonderful story, full of good guys, bad guys, swords, elves, myths and dragons. I am quite delighted with it!

I watched the movie first, and LOVED it, and so I knew I would like the book. What a delight to discover new characters! Solembum is definitely one of my new literary favorites! I loved learning the deeper plots and intricacies of the characters. The way they learn together, work together, fight together, and in the case of Eragon and Saphirra, grow together. I can't wait to read book two, Eldest.

I am behind!

Somehow, in the midst of seemingly unimportant things (like...life, for instance), I have missed out on two very important things. Like...much anticipated book releases! :)

I have been a fan of Laurie R. King for years. I believe I first picked up her book 'The Beekeeper's Apprentice' when I was 14. I was hooked at the 'Editors Note' right in the beginning.

I have also loved Maria V. Snyder for a few years. I picked up her first book, 'Poison Study' in my home town library book sale room for a grand total of $.50. That's right. Fifty cents. The idea of a poison tester intrigued me. Plus, it was the Luna edition, and I don't think I've ever read a book published by Luna that I didn't like. Also, Ms. Snyder has some excellent writing advice, which I've posted about before. I use her tips frequently in my own writing.

So, like I said, somehow...somehow I missed out on new releases from both of these wonderful ladies!

Laurie R King came out with the next installment in her Mary Russell series (book #10). And Ms Snyder released a book called 'Inside Out' in April. So now, I have to push aside regular life as soon as I possibly can (like...payday?) and make a trip to the bookstore so I can buy these books and lose myself in the wonderful world of words that these ladies have created.

I can't wait.

Huzzah!

Oh Happy Day!

I have JUST (re) realized that, on the 27th of this hot, sultry, humid, miserable month, a long awaited book will be released!

"The Hero's Return" by Moira J. Moore! I cannot wait!!!!

Just letting ya know!

On writing a new tale

Oh boy. If only you knew how many times I mean to get on here and write about some exciting, thrilling, wonderful book, and don't...sigh. Anyways, I guess what I mean to say is...I've read a lot of books recently, and haven't blogged about them. There. I've confessed.

However...sadly, some of them I can hardly remember how they ended, so they must not have really stuck out to me. So I'm not gonna sweat the fact that I don't have a review up for every book that I've recently read. Instead, I'm just going to talk about writing this time.

I have been inspired. Again. (Even tried to write a post about it...but the result was...well, less than inspiring.)

Have you ever had an idea pop into your head, and just refuse to leave? I mean, flat out, heels dragging, refusal? That's what this is. I had an idea to write about a girl with an Elemental power. She didn't have a name, didn't have a purpose, didn't have anything. But she wouldn't go away.

I tried to write about her in Victorian London. Got about...oh...two chapters in, and poof. She kind of...disappeared. Apparently it wasn't her place. (Now, I absolutely LOVE the setting, and what I did write...but for some reason, I couldn't write it anymore! Not giving up on Bea though! I love her, and her cat...)

The idea of an Elemental story just won't leave me though. It is constantly germinating in the back of my head. I decided to give it another go, but this time, in a more...medieval-type setting. No knights, or anything like that (at least, not yet...) just a girl named Matilda.

I've been going through the process of developing a main character, and I am quite enjoying it. I love this stage. The inventing of a person. So, that's where I am right now. The developmental stage. Here's one way I found that helps me organize my thoughts during this process.

Ask yourself What If? Any situation that presents itself to you can be augmented by a “What if” question. For example, it the newspaper you read this morning had an article about a comatose woman who was raped by an orderly and got pregnant. Ask yourself: What if the woman’s mother paid the orderly to rape her daughter so she could have a grandchild? (an episode of Law & Order) What if the woman regained consciousness years later to discover she has a 14-year-old son? What if the child decides to find his father? What if the orderly decides to sue for custody and wins? All these questions can lead to very different stories.

For my food taster idea I asked the following “what if” question: Who would choose to become a food taster? My answer was “No one.” So someone would be forced to take the position – who? Not someone loyal to the king/Commander – he wouldn’t want to risk a good man – even though a loyal man might consider the job an honor. There is a good chance the food taster will die – so who would the king/Commander use and not feel bad if the person dies? Someone on death row. She will be executed anyway – her life is forfeit, waiting in the dungeon for execution. But how to keep that person from escaping? Butterfly’s Dust – a poison that stays in the body and if the food taster doesn’t show up for a daily antidote she will die. Great, but why is she in the dungeon? Execution is an extreme punishment – so she had to do something extreme like murder. Why and who does she kill? See how the story is taking shape? And the questions don’t stop until the story is done.

I copied this from Maria V Snyder's website...and I've found it really useful. I'll let you into my head for a few minutes, to see how I use the 'what if' process.

First I came up with my character: Matilda, aka Mat. I knew I wanted her to have an elemental power, and I was leaning towards the element Earth. So I started questioning myself. I knew that I wanted to have my character meet other Elementals, and my first 'scene', if you will, that popped into my head was of Mat, in a field, where, all of a sudden, a guy appears, wounded, and he ends up telling Mat all about her powers.

-Why would Mat be in a field? Well, she could be a 'shepard'.
-Could a shepard have Earth powers? Sure. Plants and animals could be part of Mat's gifts, since both plants and animals need the earth to live.
-Why would someone 'find' Mat, and go to her while wounded? The man also has Earth magic, perhaps he is a powerful Earth mage, and can sense others of the same power.
-Why doesn't Mat already know about her powers? Her mother never told her
-Why not? She is afraid to lose Mat, the same way she lost Mat's father.

See how it works? I could go on and on. These aren't very good questions...I have many, many more. But I don't want to give up too much right now. For me, when a story is in the 'baby' stages, there are really very few details I'll give out. But, hopefully, I'll keep you updated!

Cheers, and Happy writing!

Trying to get back on Track!

I've been sadly lazy when it comes to this blog lately. I've read a few really great books, that I haven't reviewed. Shame on me.

I went out of town for about 3 weeks, and for about 2 weeks before that my computer was BROKEN! BOO! My reasons for not posting, I suppose. However, it now works, and I'm home! So, I'm going to put a list up right now and hopefully begin checking it off asap!

-Tamora Pierce's 'Protector of the Small' series, along with her 'Song of the Lioness' series. Oldies, and very much goodies.
-'The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms' by N.K. Jemisin
- The Black Magician Trilogy ('The Magician's Guild', 'The Novice', and 'The High Lord') by Trudi Canavan
-'The Forgotten Garden' by Kate Morton
-'Priestess of the White', book one in Age of the White by Trudi Canavan

See? I've been lazy. Some of these books deserve great reviews, and occasionally, sitting down to type them up is slightly daunting. (Ha, not to mention, 18 month olds interfere from time to time as well!)


Also...my writing. Yeah...I have also been lax with my writing. I have so many different ideas that sometimes my head feels like it could just explode with them! If only it would explode, and put itself on paper, right? Another goal of mine is to try and get a little bit of my writing up here, for whoever the heck reads this blog to read.

Hopefully all will come to pass! Happy reading!

Cheers!

The Dead Travel Fast

I have been so anxious to read this book, it isn't even funny. The second I first caught wind of it, I started a mental countdown. So, imagine my surprise when I walked into my new local library for the first time, and BAM! There it was. (You must understand that I'm really not used to the libraries having books that I enjoy reading. Most have a very slim selection around here!)

I immensely enjoyed Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia books. They are very dear to my heart. So it was with great joy that I picked up 'The Dead Travel Fast' and it was with some trembling (with excitement, of course) that I opened the cover for the first time.

Theodora Lestrange is in quite the predicament. Her grandfather, and sole guardian, has passed away, leaving her to live with her sister and her brother-in-law, along with their 4 children. Her brother-in-law, who means well, but is, to put it mildly, dull, is desperately trying to come up with something to do with Theodora. Who, thankfully, has a plan.

Her schoolgirl friend, Cosmina has invited her to visit. Transylvania. To celebrate her upcoming wedding. To the Count Dragulescu. (Does not the whole thing sound delightful?!?)
She understandably grasps at the chance and, though her family is skeptical, Theodora insists. A budding novelist, she is certain that, along with providing an escape from her well-meaning family, it will also provide boundless inspiration for her novel.

As soon as she arrives, she is immediately drawn-against her better judgement- to the Count. While there, in the Castle Dragulescu, she witnesses things that at once seem so real, and yet, cannot possibly be. The things out of horror stories. Things her dear friend had whispered at night to her as children. Supernatural things that cannot possible be happening.

This, my friends, is the stuff good novels are made of! It had a little suspense, a little romance, a little bit of everything. It kept me guessing. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something new cropped up and had me re-evaluating everything. Which I liked! I'll admit that I fell a little in love with Andrei, and I absolutely ADORE how this book ended. And now, I simply cannot wait for Ms Raybourn's next novel, which (huzzah!) happens to be a Julia Gray.

I also want to share this beautiful picture I found that totally captures the essence of this book. I heart it!

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Isn't it great? Perfect.

A catch up post

Hopefully I can catch up today on a few posts I have been meaning to write! (This rainy weather is good for something!)

I'm gonna start with 'The Dead Travel Fast', then onto...probably 'The Magicians Guild' then last but not least 'The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms'. So, here goes!

A Harry Potter post.

**This idea was stolen from my dear friend, Caroline!**

Occasionally, I forget about Harry Potter. It doesn't happen very often, but, I will admit, somewhat ashamadely, that it does happen. And then, when I remember...sigh.

There are few books I enjoy more than Harry Potter. I mean, I grew up with Harry. I believe it was my 13th birthday when I got the first three books. Not too much older than Harry himself. I devoured them. I couldn't wait for book four!

I triumphed when he triumphed, and was brought low when he was low. I know that I am not the only one. I know of several people who feel the same way :) Right now, I am about to commence a re-read. All seven books. I am also more than likely going to watch the movies again...even though they aren't as good as the books, I still enjoy them immensley.

Anyway, thats all folks. Just wanted to expound on the glories of Harry Potter for a moment.

Cheers.

A promise or two to myself

Reading: I promise myself that I will read THE DEAD TRAVEL FAST. Starting tonight.

Writing: I promise myself that I will start Chapter 8 asap.

Joust, by Mercedes Lackey

Ah, what a book! I have been waiting for this book for a while. Recently, I bought Robin McKinley's book 'Dragonhaven' and...much to my disappointment, I couldn't read it. (Never fear, though. I'm not giving up yet!) So, to ease my pangs over this book, I checked out 'Joust', another book about Dragons, from another beloved author.

Vetch is a serf. Which is worse than a slave. He is tied to the land that once belonged to his family, bound to serve the owners of the land. He is underfed and over worked. But one day, in the middle of a blazing hot afternoon, his life will change.

The land is protected by Jousters, riders of fierce dragons, loyal to the king. These Jousters fly patrols daily, searching the land and sky. Jouster Ari stops at the small farm where tala is grown specifically for help controlling the dragons one day for a drink of water, where he witnesses Vetch being beaten for something so small as the empty water bucket he had just drained to quench his own thirst. He then decides to take Vetch away, to be his Dragon boy.

Vetch doesn't know what to do with his new life. Compared to his old one, its easy, even though it does include taking care of Ari's dragon. His problem now, is how can he hate the Tians, that are being so kind to him? And how can he manage to get free and go back to his homeland, without feeling like he is betraying the people that are being good to him, and befriending him?

This is JUST the kind of book I have been itching to read. A familiar, beloved author, a beloved subject (I mean, come on. Who doesn't like dragons???) and a good plot, not too deep, but still really enjoyable. I've already checked out book two, 'Alta' and can't wait to get started!

Naked in Death, by Nora Roberts (as J.D. Robb)

A really good friend of mine tried and tried to get me to read this book. She recommended the series over and over. But still, I hesitated. It isn't that I didn't want to read them. Not at all. It was just...well, its a pretty long series! Thirty books about the same people is a lot to commit to! However, I sat down one day and picked up 'Naked in Death'. Then couldn't put it down.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has been a cop for a while. She's a tough little lady, who has seen just about everything.

When a the granddaughter of a wealthy, right wing politician is murdered, brutally, Eve gets put on the case. Eve has to figure out who, among friends and acquaintances of the deceased would have a motive for killing such a young woman. Fingers get pointed at several people, including the wealthy Irish billionaire, Roarke. (Just Roarke.)

Eve can't help but be attracted to him. Hell, I couldn't help be attracted to him! And, as much as she wants him to be innocent, he was one of the last people to see her alive.

Then, another murder occurs, in the same, brutal way as the first. Then a third.

Really, Nora Roberts is a very talented writer. I don't believe I had ever read anything of hers before, and, knowing that she is a romance writer is one of the things that kept me from reading this for as long as I did. I like a little romance as much as the next person, but with the mystery kick I've been on lately...

So, I went and checked out the next 5 books in the series. Can't wait to read them. Not sure I can commit to all thirty books though...Just sayin'.

Just a quick update...

Ah, my blog, how I have missed thee!

I have been remiss lately in my blogging...hopefully that will change, right....now! :)

I have a few reviews to write, when I get the chance, perhaps tomorrow. I've started reading the murder mystery series by J.D. Robb, aka Nora Roberts, and they are fab! Thanks T, for making me read the first one! Currently reading book 3 (out of 30...seems daunting, lol).

I am also reading a book by Mercedes Lackey, one that I have actually never ever ever read before, which is super exciting! It's called 'Joust' and its about...dragons! The setting seems to be almost ancient Egyptian, which is super awesome. As soon as I finish that, I will post about it...

With writing...ah. Well, life happens. I'm still working on Chapter 7, and am 2 weeks late on it! Sorry C! I know I'll finish it this week, possibly tonight, for it is open and waiting for me, calling my name...Hopefully I'll get Chapter 8 in the works as well. That would be wonderful.

So, yes. Here I sit, hurridly typing this, eating pretzels and drinking water. Time to get back to my chapter. So, for now, adieu.

Cheers!

Soulless, by Gail Carriger

"A Novel about Werewolves, Vampires, and Parasols"

As soon as I read that, I knew I'd have to possess this book. I'm sure most of us have noticed the recent trend lately in fiction, being namely, werewolves and vampires. For myself, I have become heartily sick of all these vampire books! Not that I have anything against vamps. Not in the slightest. I think there is something very intriguing, morbid and incredibly sexy about vampires. I just get tired of seeing book after book about them every time I venture into the bookstore.

But this!

First of all, isn't the cover of this book just delightful?! Going by covers alone (which I know we aren't supposed to do), I would have picked up this book. It has that different something or other about it that you don't see often. I love how you can't even really see her face. You're left to look at body language, clothing and a parasol. I heart it.

Like I said, I've wanted, no, needed this book since I first saw the cover. Recently, I joined an online book club, and we were each asked to suggest a book, naturally, went through my goodreads account, scouring my 'to-read' shelf. As soon as I saw it, I knew what I'd be suggesting! And, whatdyaknow? It got chosen! :)

So, as soon as March 1st rolled around, I picked up this lovely book that had been burning a hole on my bookshelf and began reading. As of right now, I have about 3 or 4 chapters left, so I can't technically post a review yet, especially as I never know who will read this when, and I don't want to give spoilers to other members. But, I had to write this. And, once a respectable amount of time has passed, be assured I will post about this gem.

Ok, ok. I can't just leave it at that. All I'll say is this:

Big, brawny, sexy, broody, Scottish werewolf? Rrawr.

Chapters 5 and 6, among other things.

Well, Chapter 4 of MY book is complete! Along with Chapter 5. I can tell that I am getting back into writing, as it's coming more and more easily for me. I no longer, as of right now, have to force myself to write. Now I am constantly thinking of my characters, and what I can put them through. (Did I say that?)

And so, on to Chapter 6! I must say that this challenge I am doing has really helped me out a lot. Before, when I would write, I would just write. Pages upon pages. Just ask Caroline. I never divided it up at all. But now, having a minimum of one chapter per week, it's helped me structure my writing, which is always a good thing.

Last night, I stayed up entirely too late, reading. I finished a book called 'Garden Spells'. I'll probably put up a review in a bit, once I decide what to write.

I still have yet to get past chapter four on 'The Magicians and Mrs. Quent'. I will get to that before I read any other books. I have made a promise to myself.

Another review to follow asap, for 'Soulless'. I'm looking forward to finishing it, and can't wait to tell what I think.

Cheers!

Stuck on Chapters 4

I am in a conundrum. I am stuck on chapters 4. Both with reading, and writing.

As I have mentioned a time or two, I am in the midst of a writing challenge with my dear friend Caroline. This is week four, and so, chapter four is on the table. Or, in my case, NOT on the table. I am stuck! Hopefully this afternoon I'll be able to find some inspiration, which I have been lacking as of late.

I started reading 'The Magicians and Mrs. Quent" last week, and, as luck would have it, am stuck on chapter 4 in this as well. I read all of the reviews, and most people said that the first 100 pages or so were hard to get through, so I'm not going to give up on it yet, but I'm definitely going to take a little break, and read a mystery, which, in turn, may inspire me with ideas for MY mystery.

Ah, the curse of the Chapters 4.

A Detour from Books to...books?

I haven't posted much on here other than books, which is fine, because that's what it was intended for. However, I'd like to branch out a little bit here, and start including some writing stuff as well.

I've always loved to write. When I was in middle school, I'd spend hours with a notebook and a blue pen (i was very particular about that back then) and make up stories about princesses, and hero's and the like. I loved all of my stories, and kept them close, never showing anyone.

Then I got a little older. And went and re-read some of said stories. And was thoroughly disgusted. Ha! I trashed each and every notebook.

Now that I'm older still, I have come back to that love. I have a friend who is also really big into writing, and the first summer I lived in Hawaii, she came out to visit me for a couple weeks. She was 'gathering information' (I believe that's how she put it) for a novel she wanted to write, something about 'blue eyes'. :)

She had been telling me for a while about Nanowrimo, and, with all of our talking of books, and writing, it really made me want to get back in the game. So, after hitting the beaches, and all that fun stuff, we would sit in my living room, and write.

It was so much fun! It's great to have someone you can bounce ideas off of, without the fear of being laughed at. Someone who will give you constructive criticism, gently. During that brief period of time, I wrote upwards of 20,000 words.

I still have it too.

Anyway, once she went back home, I kept at it for a little while, then, life got in the way. Silly things, like having a baby :D. But I still would find myself longing for the feeling I got while writing.

Over this past summer, I got into a group online that did RPG fan fiction writing, which I really enjoyed. I got to write, with a group of fun people, about characters that I had known and loved for years. However, I never really got into it as much as some of the others. I never really fit in. I always felt like the outsider.

I was writing, but I wasn't creating. Not really. As much fun as I was having it wasn't complete. I didn't have that...one on one bounce-off-of-each other thing that I enjoy so much. And I wasn't stretching myself creatively as much as I desired.

Once my husband came home from his deployment, things got crazy, and the RPG thing got left behind. Someday I may go back, just for a little...creative stress reliever. But right now, at this point in my life, I'd like to write something else.

I was talking to my friend that I mentioned above(Caroline) recently, and in the course of our convo, we both mentioned that we had a desire to write a mystery. A period mystery. And from this, rose a challenge.

One chapter a week, to be emailed to the other person by midnight on Sunday. Which doesn't seem like a lot, but with life interfering occasionally, it can get difficult. But, a deadline is a deadline. And, so far, we've both been doing pretty good, if I do say so myself.

I find myself looking forward to Sunday's, first, because I know I'll get a new chapter in C's book, and second, because its a fresh start for me. A new chapter begins.

Anyway, this is my writing post. A brief break from reviews. And, to me, not an all together unwelcome one :).

Up next...who knows? Perhaps 'The Accidental Sorcerer' will get finished one of these days...or one of my new books from the bookstore!

Sir Apropos of Nothing

I'm not quite sure how to classify this book. It has so many different elements! I mean, its a fantasy, for sure. And it's funny, very funny. And yet, it isn't typical to any genre I've ever read.

Apropos of Nothing is the perfect anti-hero. He looks out for number one, first and formost. Actually, I'll go further than that. He really doesn't care about anyone else, except for his mother. Damsels in distress? Don't call on Apropos!

Apropos is the son of a whore. Begot by rape, one night, by knights. He is raised in an inn, where his mother worked, by day and night. As he grows up, he realizes just how discontent he is with life in general.

His adventures include a would-be hero, a mad King, a not mad King, a dreaded War-lord, a berserk phoenix, a possibly psychotic princess, and crazy unicorns...all of which he endures most unwillingly.

Here is a favorite passage, from the very beginning of the book:

As I stood there with the sword in my hand, the blade dripping blood on the floor, I couldn't help but wonder if the blood belonged to my father.
The entire thing had happened so quickly that I wasn't quite sure how to react. Part of me wanted to laugh, but most of me fairly cringed at what had just occurred. I didn't do particularly well with blood. This tended to be something of a hardship for one endeavoring to become a knight, dedicated to serving good King Runcible of Isteria, a ruler who more often than not had his heart in the right place.
The recently slain knight also had his heart in the right place. This had turned out to be something of an inconvenience for him. After all, if his heart had been in the wrong place, then the sword wouldn't have pierced it through, and he wouldn't be dead, and I wouldn't have been in such a fix.

This sets the tone for the whole novel. Peter David is probably the wittiest author that I have ever had the pleasure of reading, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the trilogy about Sir Apropos, of Nothing.

The glories of the bookstore

I haven't posted anything in a while. I've been lazy. As soon as I finish 'Sir Apropos' I'll post about it though.

I just wanted to get on here and expound in the glories of the bookstore. I bought two books that I've been aching to read them for ages! I can't wait to read them!!!!!!!!!!!

I spent a glorious hour in B&N, all by myself! Which, very rarely happens. I got to browse without having to worry about time, or a little boy grabbing for books. I just browsed:)

Of course, the downside of browsing is that you find so many books that you want to read. Which, really isn't a downside. However, one can't buy every book on the shelf, unfortunately.

But I had a good time. And I'm never letting 2 months go by without a trip to the book store again.
Here's hoping.

Lady of the Forest

I'm going to start this off by admitting that I have always been a little teeny bit in love with Robin Hood. The feeling fluctuates from time to time, depending on what I'm reading, but it's always there. Always. I suppose there is a morbid fascination with the outlaw aspect of it. I mean, the stories always make living in Sherwood Forest seem so romantic! They don't get sick, they always have food. So, yes, I am a little obsessed with Robin Hood.

Then there is Maid Marian. I've always admired her. Her spirit, her pluck, her determination to be with Robin, the man she loves, no matter what.

It's with these thoughts roaming around in my head that I finally, thanks to Angie, of Angieville and her wonderful reviews, picked up "Lady of the Forest" by Jennifer Roberson.

This isn't your typical tale of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. First off, you have Robin. He isn't the swashbuckling hero that steals from the rich to give to the poor. He is a knight, just returned from the Crusades, slightly jaded in his outlook, and plagued by nightmares.

Then there's Marian. Lovely Marian, desired by all who see her. All she wants is to be left alone, to mourn her father. But the Sheriff, her father's dearest friend, keeps getting in the way.

Much. Much is a cut purse, son of a miller, and for all intents and purposes, mute. And he is entirely devoted to Marian, the only person who ever had a kind word for him.

Will Scarlet. A tormented soul, imprisoned for killing four Norman soldiers, who brutally raped and murdered his wife.

John Little, aka Little John. A peace loving man, a Shepard, who wrestles for extra money at fairs, and gets caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Alan of the Dale. A Lusty minstrel, who gets caught with the Sheriff's daughter, and blamed entirely for it.

The Sheriff of Nottingham. A man determined to win Lady Marian, any way he can. A foul man, who ends up a minion of Prince John, and gets all that comes with that.

Sir Guy of Gisborne. A slimy, greasy man, the right hand man to the Sheriff. He too, is in love with Marian, and desires her above all else.

This book is ripe, and full of details. By far one of my favorite renditions of the Robin Hood legend.

A bit off track

Things have been so busy lately, that I haven't finished one book off of my list...*pout*. But thats ok. I should be back on track, reading-wise soon!

The Language of the Bees

I put off reading this book for some time. When I read on Goodreads that Ms King was writing a new Russell/Holmes book, I was thrilled. Ecstatic. But for some reason, I hesitated to pick up the book.

Perhaps it was the length of the book? I think not. Lengthy tomes have never daunted me before. I think that it was more the fact that it had been some time since Ms King had written a book about Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. I know I am not alone in the fact of being disappointed before while reading sequels upon sequels to beloved books. I didn’t want to become bored with this series. I have a special place in my heart for Mary Russell…

Russell and Holmes have been abroad for several months. Mary couldn’t wait to get home to Sussex and to her studies. And Mrs. Hudson’s cooking. But their arrival wasn’t quite as tranquil and welcoming as they could want it. Mrs. Hudson was away, and her assistant, Lulu, told them of a visitor. This visitor turned out to be Damian Adler.

They get caught up in a case filled with danger, intrigue, weird religious cults, artists, Bohemia, and sacrificial rights. So, basically, just an average case for the Russell/Holmes team. But not quite, for Damian Adler, the man who comes to Holmes for help to find his missing wife and child…Damian Adler is Sherlock Holmes son.

Like I said, I really didn’t want to read this book. I was afraid of not liking it. However, I couldn’t put it down! I loved every minute of it, my favorites being, I suppose, when Mary is actually alone, and Holmes and Damian are off searching on their own, or when Mary is going over the livestock death list in Mycroft’s flat. In past books, it always seemed to drag when Mary and Holmes were apart. But in this one, I actually rather enjoyed it. Perhaps it’s because Mary has grown up quite a bit. So have I J

I can’t wait for the next installment…that ‘To be continued’ at the end made me want to break into song…for it means that I get to enjoy another of Ms Kings delightful books.

My new book list

Well, I’ve come to the decision that it is time to clean off my ‘Currently Reading’ list. It is past time to be done with my Mercedes Lackey re-read and start a new list.

So, I’ve been perusing my bookshelves, and have come up with a few books that I have either never read, or never finished.

Sir Apropos of Nothing, by Peter David.
The Accidental Sorcerer, by K.E. Mills
An Earthly Knight, by Janet McNaughton
The Language of Bees, by Laurie R King.

There is nothing to tie these together really. One YA book, one mystery, 3 fantasy…just a hodge-podge list this time J

So now I must put my nose to the grindstone and finish ‘Foundation’ and ‘By the Sword’. (I know, I know, I should have had these read LONG ago…)

SO happy reading!

Cheers!

First Rider's Call

This is the sequel to ‘Green Rider’, and a well done sequel at that.

Karigan G’ladheon had gone home to follow in her fathers footsteps, to be a merchant, determined to leave the world of kings, advisors, and Green Riders, behind. Everyone told her she wouldn’t be able to resist the call of the Riders, that once chosen, you stayed chosen, but she would have none of it. She didn’t want to be a Green Rider, she didn’t want to be a messenger. The brief period she had spent finishing the job of a dead Rider was more than enough for her, thanks.

But when she wakes up half-way to Sacor City in her nightgown, atop her horse, not remembering how she got there, she decides that it is useless to fight.

And so she enters training to become a Rider.

Ever since an evil mage, that had since been defeated, had managed to put a crack in the D’Yer wall, the wall that protected the land from the evils of the Blackveil forest beyond, things hadn’t been right. Groundmites kill villages, people and wildlife alike were turning to stone, and the Rider’s magic brooches were failing.

To make matters worse, there are wraiths on the loose. Wraiths that were once men, men who had been second in command to Mornhaven, the evil mage that they had defeated over 1000 years ago in the Long War.

When the First Rider, Lil, begins visiting Karigan in her ghostly form, she thinks she is going crazy. The First Rider had come to try and help Karigan bring the few riders left together. She brings Karigan back in time, to view how things were when they defeated Mornhaven before. With the help of a 1000 year old ghost, Karigan must figure out how to fix what is wrong.

This book was good! I normally don’t expect too much from a sequel, but I was pleasantly surprised this time!

Green Rider

I picked up this book several years ago, while browsing at the library, checked it out, and read probably 4 or 5 chapters before getting distracted and forgetting about it. A good year or so later, a friend called me from the bookstore and asked if I had ever heard of the book called ‘Green Rider‘, and was it any good?

I sat there and thought about it, vaguely remembering two eccentric old sisters, a room full of magical objects, and the girl, Karigan, having a journey suddenly thrust upon her. Going off of that, I told my friend that she would probably love the book. So she bought ‘Green Rider‘, and its sequel, ‘First Rider’s Call’ and took them home, and promptly devoured them.

After hearing her talk about them, years later I asked my friend if I could borrow them for a road trip. Having just put down ‘Green Rider’, I’m now sitting here slightly giddy, as I always am after reading a good book.

Karigan G’ladheon,, of Clan G’ladheon is a merchants daughter who is supposed to be at school. But, after a fight which leads to her suspension, rather than face her father, and have to look at everyone, she runs away. Determined to make it home before the Dean’s letter reaches her father, she sets out right away. A day or two into her journey, she comes across a young man wearing green, wounded and all but falling off his horse. He makes her promise to bring the message in his satchel to the King, and with his last breath, warns her of the danger of the road, and to beware the shadow man. He then hands her his brooch, a small gold winged horse. The brooch of a Green Rider.

Thus begins the adventures of Karigan. She sets off, unsure of what she is doing, or where she is going, is hindered by dark forces determined to keep her from delivering her message, fights unheard of evil creatures, all the while keeping hold of her message. All she wants to do is go home…but will the brooch let her?

I can’t wait to start ‘First Rider’s Call’, and see what happens to Kari and her friends…!

A Fatal Waltz, Lady Emily book 3

I couldn’t wait to read this book. And with a title like “A Fatal Waltz”, I was really hoping for some good stuff. And I was not disappointed!

Lady Emily is now engaged *squee!* to Colin Hargreaves. However, their wedding has been delayed (two days before the day) and he is sent on assignment. But not before Emily meets his former…uhm…mistress. The Countess Von Lange, who is just as beautiful as she is devious, has worked with Colin for years, of which Emily had no knowledge.

While at a house party in the country, Ivy Brandon’s husband, Robert, is framed for a murder of the political giant he had been following. Knowing that he is innocent, Emily embarks on a journey to Vienna, the land(apparently) of suicides, along with her dear friend Cecile, and her lifelong friend Jeremy, Duke of Bainbridge, to absolve her friends husband.

She gets herself embroiled in the dealings of anarchists, artists and poets. She is stalked, tricked, scared and yet still determined to discover who is culpable.

There are some very touching moments between characters…Colin and Emily, Jeremy and Emily, and even (although not witnessed first hand) the estimable Davis and Cecile’s maid.

I read on the back of this one that the author is working on the next installment…hopefully to come out soon…I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

A Poisoned Season

Having enjoyed very thoroughly my introduction to Lady Emily Ashton in “And Only to Deceive”, I was a little hesitant to start book two. I was anticipating in some ways, a repeat of book one, and I wasn’t sure that I would enjoy another mystery about Greek antiquities. After all, having found out her love of them in book one, WHILE solving a mystery about them, and studying ancient Greek…What else could the following books be about?

However, the lure of Victorian England (and Colin Hargreaves, I’ll admit it) drew me back in. Emily, now out of mourning, is very unwilling to give up the lifestyle she has become accustomed to…the studying, the reading, all of it. However, as she is young, widowed, and wealthy, she must, to some extent, dive back into the London Season, and all it brings(and her mother, of course, there to make sure she does it!).

This Season, no one can stop talking about two things: Charles Berry, who claims to be the heir to Marie Antoinette, and a cat burglar who steals all things that had once belonged to her. Emily is nonplussed, until a pair of earrings that now belonged to her dear friend Cecile, are stolen right out of her own home.

And so, here begins Emily’s next case. She is determined to figure it all out, but is hampered by many things…her mother, dead ends, and society beginning to shun her, to name a few.

I will say that I am so glad that I picked this back up. I can’t wait for the next installment…especially after what happens right at the end of the book…*swoon*! J