Taylor Fenner's Blog, page 173
February 24, 2016
"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #11
This "What I'm Reading"-Wednesday I'm reading a book I absolutely cannot put down. Aren't those the best kind?
Shiver by Kristen Middleton Blurb:
While Nikki tries to adjust to her new home in Shore Lake and forget about the horrors of last summer, she battles with her own inner demons still craving Ethan's dark embrace.
Meanwhile, Duncan disappears in the middle of the night after being stalked by shadows, Nathan is spending more and more time with Celeste, and there is a hot new club in town, where the after-parties are to die for.
What I think of the book so far/ Why I Chose it: I loved the first book in this series and the second book is really good too. It's been a few months since I read the first book but I instantly jumped right in and it feels like returning to old friends after a short break. Nikki is still a strong main character and Ethan is still my personal choice for her. This book sucks you in, and you feel unwilling to put it down until you're done. The only problem I have with this book is that I have a paperback copy and while the front and back cover, as well as the inside correctly identify this as the second book in the series, the spine states that it is the third book. At first I thought I had purchased the wrong book. Secondly, inside the book on the copyright page the book is listed as the "Second Additon". While I haven't found any errors within the book itself, the obvious typo is a bit comical. No big deal, but the author might want to correct these small - easily fixable problems before any more paperback copies are sold. Overall it's a fantastic read and I can't wait to finish this book and the rest of the books in the series. My Early Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Here's what else I've read since last week...
Mad Love by Suzanne Selfors Blurb:
Writing her own love story could drive a girl insane.
As the daughter of the bestselling Queen of Romance, life for sixteen-year-old Alice Amorous should be pretty good. But ever since her mother was secretly hospitalized for mental illness, Alice has been forced to maintain a brave front - lying to her new crush, Tony; answering fan letters; forging her mother's signature; telling the publisher that all is well. Now time is running out, and so is their money. The next book is overdue and the Queen can't write it. Alice needs to deliver a new novel for her mother - and she needs to come up with one fast.
That's when she meets Errol, a strange guy claiming to be Cupid, who insists that Alice must write about his tragic romance with Psyche - the greatest love story of all time. Only, Alice doesn't believe in Cupid...
What I Thought of this book: I've read this author's other three Young Adult novels and loved 2/3. While Mad Love is not my favorite by the author parts of it (especially those about dealing with Alice's mother's publisher) are hilariously relate-able to a writer like me. As a main character, Alice was alright. I found Realm to be annoying, as I'm sure the author intended her to be and I didn't even come around to her at the end. Add in the assorted neighbors, Errol, and Alice's crush Tony, that I liked and disliked at different times throughout the reading process. I thought I would have really enjoyed this book, what with the writing aspect and the mythology stuff, which I usually gobble right up. This book was just okay in my opinion. I didn't overly like it, nor did I overly hate it. My Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Shiver by Kristen Middleton Blurb:
While Nikki tries to adjust to her new home in Shore Lake and forget about the horrors of last summer, she battles with her own inner demons still craving Ethan's dark embrace.Meanwhile, Duncan disappears in the middle of the night after being stalked by shadows, Nathan is spending more and more time with Celeste, and there is a hot new club in town, where the after-parties are to die for.
What I think of the book so far/ Why I Chose it: I loved the first book in this series and the second book is really good too. It's been a few months since I read the first book but I instantly jumped right in and it feels like returning to old friends after a short break. Nikki is still a strong main character and Ethan is still my personal choice for her. This book sucks you in, and you feel unwilling to put it down until you're done. The only problem I have with this book is that I have a paperback copy and while the front and back cover, as well as the inside correctly identify this as the second book in the series, the spine states that it is the third book. At first I thought I had purchased the wrong book. Secondly, inside the book on the copyright page the book is listed as the "Second Additon". While I haven't found any errors within the book itself, the obvious typo is a bit comical. No big deal, but the author might want to correct these small - easily fixable problems before any more paperback copies are sold. Overall it's a fantastic read and I can't wait to finish this book and the rest of the books in the series. My Early Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Here's what else I've read since last week...
Mad Love by Suzanne Selfors Blurb:
Writing her own love story could drive a girl insane. As the daughter of the bestselling Queen of Romance, life for sixteen-year-old Alice Amorous should be pretty good. But ever since her mother was secretly hospitalized for mental illness, Alice has been forced to maintain a brave front - lying to her new crush, Tony; answering fan letters; forging her mother's signature; telling the publisher that all is well. Now time is running out, and so is their money. The next book is overdue and the Queen can't write it. Alice needs to deliver a new novel for her mother - and she needs to come up with one fast.
That's when she meets Errol, a strange guy claiming to be Cupid, who insists that Alice must write about his tragic romance with Psyche - the greatest love story of all time. Only, Alice doesn't believe in Cupid...
What I Thought of this book: I've read this author's other three Young Adult novels and loved 2/3. While Mad Love is not my favorite by the author parts of it (especially those about dealing with Alice's mother's publisher) are hilariously relate-able to a writer like me. As a main character, Alice was alright. I found Realm to be annoying, as I'm sure the author intended her to be and I didn't even come around to her at the end. Add in the assorted neighbors, Errol, and Alice's crush Tony, that I liked and disliked at different times throughout the reading process. I thought I would have really enjoyed this book, what with the writing aspect and the mythology stuff, which I usually gobble right up. This book was just okay in my opinion. I didn't overly like it, nor did I overly hate it. My Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
February 19, 2016
I Don't Have Writer's Block... I'm Tired!
I missed a deadline. It's a sick feeling of letting people down. I'm usually on top of things so missing the date of something I assigned for myself to do feels like a huge failure.
No... I'm not talking about anything related to Out of Darkness's publication schedule. If anything, I'm about a month and a half ahead of schedule, which is a relief. Instead, I'm talking about the short story I promised everyone for Valentine's Day.
It's been said that writer's block stems from the author being afraid that someone won't like something they've written -
Well, that's not true for me. It has never been true for me. Some days I just lack direction or ideas. I literally have no idea where to go with the story next.
Moreover - sometimes I am just dog-tired. Seriously. As was the case of the missed Valentine's Day deadline. It's so great that some writers can carve out time each and every day to write. But that time for me is usually late at night. Mostly between 10 pm and midnight. And sometimes, at these late hours, I'm just exhausted. Sure I have excuses... it's been a tiring day, I took in too much fresh air, I'm drained from reading a book for hours, etc. And excuses they may be. But if I'm not in the mood to write, I just can't do it. So I don't have writer's block... I'm just tired!
Some things just work better for some writers. It really all depends on what your schedule is like. Some days I don't write at all other than in a journal I keep to record the happenings of my days. It doesn't mean that I'm lacking ideas for my creative writing. I have all sorts of ideas that strike me at different times. I even have ideas for that half-finished chapter I haven't gotten to working on or the short story I still haven't finished.
So I merely store my ideas on notes - on post-its I keep by my bed, notebooks strewn around my room, and Evernote on my phone/Nook/laptop and wait for myself to get a little ambition. Sometimes I go so long without writing that when I do it again it sort of pours out of me, which I consider a good thing. Everything has been brewing thought-wise, waiting for the perfect time to be written down.
I don't worry too much if I miss a deadline I set for myself anymore unless it's a series of deadlines I miss. After all, deadlines are an imaginary thing thought up by people just looking to add more stress to their lives. Sooner or later you burn out and need a little time for relaxation.
Late night writing can be so exhausting after all...
No... I'm not talking about anything related to Out of Darkness's publication schedule. If anything, I'm about a month and a half ahead of schedule, which is a relief. Instead, I'm talking about the short story I promised everyone for Valentine's Day.
It's been said that writer's block stems from the author being afraid that someone won't like something they've written -
Well, that's not true for me. It has never been true for me. Some days I just lack direction or ideas. I literally have no idea where to go with the story next.
Moreover - sometimes I am just dog-tired. Seriously. As was the case of the missed Valentine's Day deadline. It's so great that some writers can carve out time each and every day to write. But that time for me is usually late at night. Mostly between 10 pm and midnight. And sometimes, at these late hours, I'm just exhausted. Sure I have excuses... it's been a tiring day, I took in too much fresh air, I'm drained from reading a book for hours, etc. And excuses they may be. But if I'm not in the mood to write, I just can't do it. So I don't have writer's block... I'm just tired!
Some things just work better for some writers. It really all depends on what your schedule is like. Some days I don't write at all other than in a journal I keep to record the happenings of my days. It doesn't mean that I'm lacking ideas for my creative writing. I have all sorts of ideas that strike me at different times. I even have ideas for that half-finished chapter I haven't gotten to working on or the short story I still haven't finished.
So I merely store my ideas on notes - on post-its I keep by my bed, notebooks strewn around my room, and Evernote on my phone/Nook/laptop and wait for myself to get a little ambition. Sometimes I go so long without writing that when I do it again it sort of pours out of me, which I consider a good thing. Everything has been brewing thought-wise, waiting for the perfect time to be written down.
I don't worry too much if I miss a deadline I set for myself anymore unless it's a series of deadlines I miss. After all, deadlines are an imaginary thing thought up by people just looking to add more stress to their lives. Sooner or later you burn out and need a little time for relaxation.
Late night writing can be so exhausting after all...
February 17, 2016
What I'm Reading" Wednesday #10
This week for "WIR"-Wednesday I'm starting a new book. A mysterious new book...
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Blurb:
"Ten..."Ten strangers are lured to an isolated mansion off the Devon coast by a mysterious "U.N. Owen."
"Nine..."At dinner a recorded message accuses each of them in turn of having a guilty secret, and by the end of the night one of the guests is dead.
"Eight..."Stranded by a violent storm, and haunted by a nursery rhyme counting down one by one... one by one they begin to die.
"Seven..." Who among them is the killer and will any of them survive?
Why I Chose This Book I wanted to read this book after seeing a preview for the upcoming Lifetime movie (airing as a two part movie starting on March 13th). Its always better to read the book first after all. The description and the movie preview remind me of my favourite gory horror tv show, Harper's Island, in which guests at a wedding on an island with a dark past begin disappearing and dying one by one... So you can see my geek out reaction and desire to read "And Then There Were None". I love a good murder mystery.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Blurb:
"Ten..."Ten strangers are lured to an isolated mansion off the Devon coast by a mysterious "U.N. Owen.""Nine..."At dinner a recorded message accuses each of them in turn of having a guilty secret, and by the end of the night one of the guests is dead.
"Eight..."Stranded by a violent storm, and haunted by a nursery rhyme counting down one by one... one by one they begin to die.
"Seven..." Who among them is the killer and will any of them survive?
Why I Chose This Book I wanted to read this book after seeing a preview for the upcoming Lifetime movie (airing as a two part movie starting on March 13th). Its always better to read the book first after all. The description and the movie preview remind me of my favourite gory horror tv show, Harper's Island, in which guests at a wedding on an island with a dark past begin disappearing and dying one by one... So you can see my geek out reaction and desire to read "And Then There Were None". I love a good murder mystery.
February 10, 2016
"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #9
This week I'm diving back into the world of Gena Showalter's Original Heartbreakers trilogy...
The Harder You Fall by Gena Showalter
Blurb:
Millionaire video-game creator Lincoln West has a dark and tragic past. The sought-after bachelor lives by a rigid schedule and a single rule - one relationship per year, lasting no more than two months - until a brash beauty dredges up long-buried emotions.
A reformed party girl, Jessie Kay Dillon is determined to walk the straight and narrow. But her love-hate sizzle with West is just too irresistible. They can't be near each other without tearing off their clothes, but the last thing she needs is to be his next two-month dump. Will she become the one exception? Because as any former girl-gone-wild knows: rules are made to be broken.
Why I chose this book: I loved the first two books and I can't wait to see how West and Jessie Kay's story plays out.
Here's what else I read since last week...
The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter
Blurb:
Tortured by a violent past, ex-con Jase Hollister is looking to start over in a small town. The rugged bachelor suffering from PTSD longs for peace and quiet, always keeping his women at a distance—and his heart encased in stone.
Brook Lynn Dillon is a down on her luck waitress determined to avoid the man every woman in town wants—including her sister. The last thing she needs is his kind of trouble. But his every glance makes her burn…and her resistance is melting fast.
The two agree to a one-time fling, not expecting to be forever branded. Now, no matter how hard they try, they can't keep their hands off each other. But when a secret from Jase's past comes to light, they'll have to face a cold, hard truth: it's more than Jase's freedom on the line, it's their hearts.
What I Thought Of This Book: I thought nothing could be better than Harlow and Beck's story in The Hotter You Burn, but each book I read in this trilogy is equally great. Jase and Brook Lynn are perfect and I love how the author includes recipes at the back of the book. I'll have to try the cheesy chicken spaghetti. I could not put this book down.My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
The Harder You Fall by Gena Showalter
Blurb:
Millionaire video-game creator Lincoln West has a dark and tragic past. The sought-after bachelor lives by a rigid schedule and a single rule - one relationship per year, lasting no more than two months - until a brash beauty dredges up long-buried emotions.A reformed party girl, Jessie Kay Dillon is determined to walk the straight and narrow. But her love-hate sizzle with West is just too irresistible. They can't be near each other without tearing off their clothes, but the last thing she needs is to be his next two-month dump. Will she become the one exception? Because as any former girl-gone-wild knows: rules are made to be broken.
Why I chose this book: I loved the first two books and I can't wait to see how West and Jessie Kay's story plays out.
Here's what else I read since last week...
The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter
Blurb:
Tortured by a violent past, ex-con Jase Hollister is looking to start over in a small town. The rugged bachelor suffering from PTSD longs for peace and quiet, always keeping his women at a distance—and his heart encased in stone.
Brook Lynn Dillon is a down on her luck waitress determined to avoid the man every woman in town wants—including her sister. The last thing she needs is his kind of trouble. But his every glance makes her burn…and her resistance is melting fast.
The two agree to a one-time fling, not expecting to be forever branded. Now, no matter how hard they try, they can't keep their hands off each other. But when a secret from Jase's past comes to light, they'll have to face a cold, hard truth: it's more than Jase's freedom on the line, it's their hearts.
What I Thought Of This Book: I thought nothing could be better than Harlow and Beck's story in The Hotter You Burn, but each book I read in this trilogy is equally great. Jase and Brook Lynn are perfect and I love how the author includes recipes at the back of the book. I'll have to try the cheesy chicken spaghetti. I could not put this book down.My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
February 7, 2016
Update: Out of Darkness is now available for Pre-Order!
Out of Darkness is coming April 5, 2016 and is available for Pre-Order in the following outlets:
Amazon Kindle (US)
Amazon Kindle (UK)
Amazon Kindle (Canada)
Amazon Kindle (Australia)
(All other Amazon Kindle Marketplaces)
Kobo
Smashwords
iBooks
Barnes & Noble Nook (coming for pre-order 2/8-2/12)
Add to Goodreads
Blurb:
Enter the clearing and your life will change forever…
Seventeen-year-old Lizette Weatherly’s life is about to change forever.
Lizette is a girl who really can’t catch a break. Her parents are overprotective of her and her peers are afraid of her.
Two centuries ago Lizette's ancestor Jacob and his family disappeared without a trace. All that were found were bloody clothes and mysterious symbols etched into the ground in a clearing near their old house.
Lizette’s family have been ostracized by the people in the nearby city of Marquette, Michigan ever since. Lizette spends most of her time alone with her old set of tarot cards in her house back in the woods where the sun never shines; until one night when she wanders off into the woods and stumbles upon a group of hooded figures standing around a bonfire.
Lizette soon learns that everything she knew is a lie. She and her family are really descended from a long line of creatures called Eternals, possessing paranormal powers, and she may be the most powerful Eternal alive. For the first time in her life, Lizette has friends and potentially a boyfriend in shifter Thierry. But Bryan, the leader of her generation of the Eternals, is power hungry and he will do anything to absorb Lizette’s power.
A battle is brewing and Lizette will have to join together with the other Eternals to overpower Bryan. But when a mysterious prophecy is revealed and her fate becomes entwined with shy, brooding, secretive Luke, Lizette begins to question: who can she really trust and who really has her heart? What will happen when it’s time to step out of the darkness?
February 5, 2016
Out of Darkness Cover Reveal Party!
You've seen it on social media... today is the cover reveal of my upcoming novel, Out of Darkness! In honor of that, I'm holding a cover reveal party on Facebook tonight from 4-6 pm!
I will be revealing the release date, and there will be an Author Q&A, the official blurb, the official book trailer and of course, the cover reveal!
To join the fun visit:
https://www.facebook.com/events/991668264216371/
I'll see you in a less than two hours!
I will be revealing the release date, and there will be an Author Q&A, the official blurb, the official book trailer and of course, the cover reveal!
To join the fun visit:
https://www.facebook.com/events/991668264216371/
I'll see you in a less than two hours!
February 3, 2016
"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #8
This WIR-Wednesday I've decided to use my free Amazon Prime trial to borrow a Kindle book..
The Carlswick Affair by SL Beaumont
Blurb:
Who do you trust when everyone around you has secrets?
Stephanie Cooper is visiting her English grandmother in the village of Carlswick before starting her university studies at Oxford in this romantic suspense novel - the first book in The Carlswick Mysteries, a young adult mystery series.
Her fateful meeting with James Knox, guitarist for indie band The Fury, sets off a chain of events. A family feud dating back to World War II threatens to keep them apart and the return of Stephanie's erstwhile boyfriend Sam only adds fuel to the mix.
As Stephanie delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding her great-aunt's death, she uncovers the secrets and deceptions of a previous generation. But someone does not want her to discover the truth about either family's past and that someone may kill to stop her.
However great the danger, Stephanie knows that she must uncover the secrets that lie beneath the ancient roof of Knox Manor.
Why I Chose This Book / What I Think So Far: This was another book I had seen on Ripley's Booklist. The synopsis really interested me and I'm really looking forward to diving into this book. It seems like a perfect book to read while I'm stuck inside thanks to yesterday/today's continued snow storm. I'm really liking this book so far and I can't wait to find out the origin of the feud between Stephanie and James's families. James is swoonworthy and Stephanie is a great main character.
Update: I finished this book this afternoon; here are my thoughts: This book has it all: mystery, romance, sexy musicians, historical backstories, and a shady art dealer. This book grips you from the beginning and keeps you turning pages. The reason of the feud between James and Stephanie's families is only the tip of the iceberg and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the ending. A really great read.
My rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Here's what else I read since last week...
Cogling by Jordan Elizabeth
Blurb:
When fifteen-year-old Edna Mather tears an expensive and unfamiliar pocket watch off her little brother’s neck, he crumbles into a pile of cogs right before her eyes. Horrified, Edna flees for help, but encounters Ike, a thief who attempts to steal the watch before he realizes what it is: a device to power Coglings—clockwork changelings left in place of stolen children who have been forced to work in factories.
Desperate to rescue her brother, Edna sets off across the kingdom to the hags’ swamp, with Ike in tow. There, they learn Coglings are also replacing nobility so the hags can stage a rebellion and rule over humanity. Edna and Ike must stop the revolt, but the populace believes hags are helpful godmothers and healers. No one wants to believe a lowly servant and a thief, especially when Ike has secrets that label them both as traitors.
Together, Edna and Ike must make the kingdom trust them or stop the hags themselves, even if Ike is forced to embrace his dark heritage and Edna must surrender her family.
What I Thought of This Book: I received a free copy of Cogling in exchange for an honest review.
After a hag takes fifteen-year-old Edna’s brother in the middle of the night and replaces him with a “cogling”, a sort-of clone version of the child made up of cogs and held together by a watch; Edna knows there’s something wrong with her brother the next morning. He is not acting like himself at all.
It isn’t until the butler of their employer spots a fancy watch around Harrison’s neck and Edna is forced to take Harrison home where she pulls the watch from his neck and he disintegrates into a pile of cogs that she learns the horrible truth.
But how could this happen? Nobody believes what Edna is trying to tell them, not her neighbor, nor the man at the theater where her mother works, and especially not the police. Then she encounters Ike, a thief out to rob her of the watch she holds… as the whole awful story spills out of her she finally finds not only someone to believe her, but someone who knows what is happening.
Ike tells Edna that children are being kidnapped by hags and are being forced to work in their factories. Coglings are left in these kidnapped children’s places. The police and the King seem either oblivious or unwilling to do anything. Ike agrees to take her to the hag’s factory in the swamps so Edna can save her brother… for a price.
As Edna and Ike set off on their journey they travel into the seedier side of the world. Will Edna be able to save Harrison? And is Ike someone she can really trust? Especially when Edna learns the huge secret that Ike is keeping about his true identity and his real motivation to help her?
I liked this book. Ike was my favorite character by far. The story was interesting overall and it’s not the type of book I usually read, so it was a nice change. If you’re a fan of steampunk you’ll gobble this book up!
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Carlswick Affair by SL Beaumont
Blurb:
Who do you trust when everyone around you has secrets?Stephanie Cooper is visiting her English grandmother in the village of Carlswick before starting her university studies at Oxford in this romantic suspense novel - the first book in The Carlswick Mysteries, a young adult mystery series.
Her fateful meeting with James Knox, guitarist for indie band The Fury, sets off a chain of events. A family feud dating back to World War II threatens to keep them apart and the return of Stephanie's erstwhile boyfriend Sam only adds fuel to the mix.
As Stephanie delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding her great-aunt's death, she uncovers the secrets and deceptions of a previous generation. But someone does not want her to discover the truth about either family's past and that someone may kill to stop her.
However great the danger, Stephanie knows that she must uncover the secrets that lie beneath the ancient roof of Knox Manor.
Why I Chose This Book / What I Think So Far: This was another book I had seen on Ripley's Booklist. The synopsis really interested me and I'm really looking forward to diving into this book. It seems like a perfect book to read while I'm stuck inside thanks to yesterday/today's continued snow storm. I'm really liking this book so far and I can't wait to find out the origin of the feud between Stephanie and James's families. James is swoonworthy and Stephanie is a great main character.
Update: I finished this book this afternoon; here are my thoughts: This book has it all: mystery, romance, sexy musicians, historical backstories, and a shady art dealer. This book grips you from the beginning and keeps you turning pages. The reason of the feud between James and Stephanie's families is only the tip of the iceberg and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the ending. A really great read.
My rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Here's what else I read since last week...
Cogling by Jordan Elizabeth
Blurb:
When fifteen-year-old Edna Mather tears an expensive and unfamiliar pocket watch off her little brother’s neck, he crumbles into a pile of cogs right before her eyes. Horrified, Edna flees for help, but encounters Ike, a thief who attempts to steal the watch before he realizes what it is: a device to power Coglings—clockwork changelings left in place of stolen children who have been forced to work in factories. Desperate to rescue her brother, Edna sets off across the kingdom to the hags’ swamp, with Ike in tow. There, they learn Coglings are also replacing nobility so the hags can stage a rebellion and rule over humanity. Edna and Ike must stop the revolt, but the populace believes hags are helpful godmothers and healers. No one wants to believe a lowly servant and a thief, especially when Ike has secrets that label them both as traitors.
Together, Edna and Ike must make the kingdom trust them or stop the hags themselves, even if Ike is forced to embrace his dark heritage and Edna must surrender her family.
What I Thought of This Book: I received a free copy of Cogling in exchange for an honest review.
After a hag takes fifteen-year-old Edna’s brother in the middle of the night and replaces him with a “cogling”, a sort-of clone version of the child made up of cogs and held together by a watch; Edna knows there’s something wrong with her brother the next morning. He is not acting like himself at all.
It isn’t until the butler of their employer spots a fancy watch around Harrison’s neck and Edna is forced to take Harrison home where she pulls the watch from his neck and he disintegrates into a pile of cogs that she learns the horrible truth.
But how could this happen? Nobody believes what Edna is trying to tell them, not her neighbor, nor the man at the theater where her mother works, and especially not the police. Then she encounters Ike, a thief out to rob her of the watch she holds… as the whole awful story spills out of her she finally finds not only someone to believe her, but someone who knows what is happening.
Ike tells Edna that children are being kidnapped by hags and are being forced to work in their factories. Coglings are left in these kidnapped children’s places. The police and the King seem either oblivious or unwilling to do anything. Ike agrees to take her to the hag’s factory in the swamps so Edna can save her brother… for a price.
As Edna and Ike set off on their journey they travel into the seedier side of the world. Will Edna be able to save Harrison? And is Ike someone she can really trust? Especially when Edna learns the huge secret that Ike is keeping about his true identity and his real motivation to help her?
I liked this book. Ike was my favorite character by far. The story was interesting overall and it’s not the type of book I usually read, so it was a nice change. If you’re a fan of steampunk you’ll gobble this book up!
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
January 29, 2016
7 People I Recommend Following on Twitter & Why
I'll admit it, I've become a bit of a Twitter junkie. I love reading what people are posting, espcially since most of the people I follow are fellow writers and authors. Sure, it can get bogged down by posts promoting this novel or that... but when you dig deeper and read some of the witticisms hidden among the promotional posts, we writers can be pretty relate-able. Here are seven people I follow that I recommend you follow...
1. Ripley's Booklist (@RBooklist)
Ripley's Booklist is a twice-weekly newsletter that shares hidden gems of eBooks in the YA and NA age bracket at discounted prices. Some of the books are even free! Who doesn't love free? I love getting the newsletter in my inbox and I always discover new authors/books I love. Don't like to get a lot of emails? Follow them on twitter, they post the book deals on twitter too!
2. E. M. Kaplan (@meilaan)
E. M. Kaplan's tweets (and books) are filled with the snarky humor that I love. I also like the blogposts she shares.
3. HeyJamie (@HeyJamie)
Looking for inspirational writing tweets on your frontpage? Look no further than HeyJamie!
4. Victoria Griffin (@victoria_grif7)
Victoria is possibly the nicest person I've encountered on Twitter. Not only does she post writing quotes that are highly relate-able but she also occasionally hosts a #SundayLinkParty for bloggers and writers to get together, read each others promoted blogs, comment, share, and form a community.
5. Ashley Ruggirello (@amRuggs)
I love her tweets, plain and simple.
6. L. T. Vargus (@ltvargus)
If you want to add a little humor to your day and your twitter feed follow L. T. Vargus!
7. Kelsye Nelson (@kelsye)
Follow Kelsye for tons of helpful tips for self-publishing and indie authors. I've learned so much from the blog posts she shares alone.
Who do you like to follow on twitter? Are you active on twitter? Leave your twitter handle in the comments and I might follow you... as always, I can be found on twitter at: @TaylorFenner
1. Ripley's Booklist (@RBooklist)
Ripley's Booklist is a twice-weekly newsletter that shares hidden gems of eBooks in the YA and NA age bracket at discounted prices. Some of the books are even free! Who doesn't love free? I love getting the newsletter in my inbox and I always discover new authors/books I love. Don't like to get a lot of emails? Follow them on twitter, they post the book deals on twitter too!
2. E. M. Kaplan (@meilaan)
E. M. Kaplan's tweets (and books) are filled with the snarky humor that I love. I also like the blogposts she shares.
3. HeyJamie (@HeyJamie)
Looking for inspirational writing tweets on your frontpage? Look no further than HeyJamie!
4. Victoria Griffin (@victoria_grif7)
Victoria is possibly the nicest person I've encountered on Twitter. Not only does she post writing quotes that are highly relate-able but she also occasionally hosts a #SundayLinkParty for bloggers and writers to get together, read each others promoted blogs, comment, share, and form a community.
5. Ashley Ruggirello (@amRuggs)
I love her tweets, plain and simple.
6. L. T. Vargus (@ltvargus)
If you want to add a little humor to your day and your twitter feed follow L. T. Vargus!
7. Kelsye Nelson (@kelsye)
Follow Kelsye for tons of helpful tips for self-publishing and indie authors. I've learned so much from the blog posts she shares alone.
Who do you like to follow on twitter? Are you active on twitter? Leave your twitter handle in the comments and I might follow you... as always, I can be found on twitter at: @TaylorFenner
January 27, 2016
"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #7
This week I've let myself get swept away into the world of Jane Austen Themed novels...
Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler
Blurb:
When Jane Mansfield, a gentleman's daughter from Regency England, awakens one morning in twenty-first-century L.A -- in the body of someone named Courtney Stone -- culture shock and chaos ensue.
Jane must quickly find her way in a world in which everyone thinks she is Courtney: a dizzying world of horseless carriages, unrestricted clothing, and unheard-of liberties for womankind. And then there are all those people talking to the air while holding a small object against their ears.
The only thing that is familiar -- and the only thing Jane has in common with the woman in whose life she has landed -- is a love for the novels of Jane Austen. But will the wise words of her favorite novelist be enough to guide her through this bewildering new world? And what is she to make of Courtney's attentive friend Wes, who is as attractive and confusing as the man who broke her heart back home? As Courtney's romantic entanglements become her own, Jane wonders: Would she actually be better off back in Regency England -- and will she ever be able to return?
Why I Chose This Book: I have to confess, I've read this book before. In fact, I read it before I read the first book in the duology, Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. My love for Jane Austen attracted me to this book the first time I saw it on the shelf at the local library. I hadn't heard of the author before and was skeptical after trying and failing to read other books written with the Austen theme, but I really enjoyed this the first time and I was drawn to reread it after finally reading Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict (more on that later). This is the hilarious story of a 19th Century woman who wakes up in the body of a modern day woman. I love how she has to learn how to use modern technology but the way she talks annoys me a bit... perhaps its just an Austen overload? Gasp! - there is so such thing as too much Austen. Who This book is for: If you are a Jane Austen fan you will enjoy this book, as well as people who like classics with a twist. However, if you've never read anything by Jane Austen, hate the classics / Jane Austen's work, or that sort of thing I'd probably sit this one out.
Here's are the other Jane Austen themed books I binged on since last week...
Austenland by Shannon Hale
Blurb:
Jane is a young New York woman who can never seem to find the right man―perhaps because of her secret obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. When a wealthy relative bequeaths her a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-obsessed women, however, Jane's fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman suddenly become more real than she ever could have imagined. Is this total immersion in a fake Austenland enough to make Jane kick the Austen obsession for good, or could all her dreams actually culminate in a Mr. Darcy of her own?
What I Thought of This Book:
I read the book after I had already seen the movie starring Keri Russel. I know, I know.. you're sitting in front of your screen reading this and screaming "How could you! You never watch the movie first and then read the book!", but I did and that's that. Yes, the book is different than the movie, the book goes more into Jane's past failed relationships and instead of Jane being anxious to go, she's left the trip to Austenland in her Great-Aunt Carolyn's will. Overall I like both the book and the movie. Jane's experience in Austenland shows us than although living in Jane Austen's time sounds like a fantasy we'd all love to dive into it's not nearly as freeing as our lives as modern women. Kind of like the other book I read this week... My rating for Austenland: 5 of 5 Stars
Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler
Blurb:
After nursing a broken engagement with Jane Austen novels and Absolut, Courtney Stone wakes up to find herself not in her Los Angeles bedroom or even in her own body, but inside the bedchamber of a woman in Regency England. Who but an Austen addict like herself could concoct such a fantasy?
Not only is Courtney stuck inside another woman's life, she is forced to pretend she actually is that woman; and despite knowing nothing about her, she manages to fool even the most astute observer. For her borrowed body knows how to speak without slaying the King's English, dance without maiming her partner, and embroider as if possessed by actual domestic skill.
But not even Courtney's level of Austen mania has prepared her for the chamber pots and filthy coaching inns of nineteenth-century England, let alone the realities of being a single woman who must fend off suffocating chaperones, condom-less seducers, and marriages of convenience. Enter the enigmatic Mr. Edgeworth, a suitor who may turn out not to be a familiar species of philanderer after all. What I Thought of This Book: I liked this book even better than it's sequel, Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict. It's good to go back and see how Courtney fared in Jane's 19th Century world. We're introduced to Jane's social climbing mother, Mrs. Mansfield, who's not far from Mrs. Bennet herself in Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Mansfield, Jane's artistic father who paints in styles far beyond his time, Jane's faithful maid Barnes, her close friend Mary, and the charming man whom Jane wanted at all costs to get away from; Charles Edgeworth. But is Mr. Edgeworth really the cheater Jane thought him to be? Courtney is in for a wild ride in this cute novel, that reminds me a lot of Pride and Prejudice in a way. The only thing I didn't like was the ending... Courtney almost seems to blend into Jane and become her completely. Does that mean that Courtney ceases to exist? That Jane is present in both the past and the present? That doesn't seem at all fair to Courtney, our favourite Absolut-drinking-Jane-Austen-addict.My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler
Blurb:
When Jane Mansfield, a gentleman's daughter from Regency England, awakens one morning in twenty-first-century L.A -- in the body of someone named Courtney Stone -- culture shock and chaos ensue. Jane must quickly find her way in a world in which everyone thinks she is Courtney: a dizzying world of horseless carriages, unrestricted clothing, and unheard-of liberties for womankind. And then there are all those people talking to the air while holding a small object against their ears.
The only thing that is familiar -- and the only thing Jane has in common with the woman in whose life she has landed -- is a love for the novels of Jane Austen. But will the wise words of her favorite novelist be enough to guide her through this bewildering new world? And what is she to make of Courtney's attentive friend Wes, who is as attractive and confusing as the man who broke her heart back home? As Courtney's romantic entanglements become her own, Jane wonders: Would she actually be better off back in Regency England -- and will she ever be able to return?
Why I Chose This Book: I have to confess, I've read this book before. In fact, I read it before I read the first book in the duology, Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. My love for Jane Austen attracted me to this book the first time I saw it on the shelf at the local library. I hadn't heard of the author before and was skeptical after trying and failing to read other books written with the Austen theme, but I really enjoyed this the first time and I was drawn to reread it after finally reading Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict (more on that later). This is the hilarious story of a 19th Century woman who wakes up in the body of a modern day woman. I love how she has to learn how to use modern technology but the way she talks annoys me a bit... perhaps its just an Austen overload? Gasp! - there is so such thing as too much Austen. Who This book is for: If you are a Jane Austen fan you will enjoy this book, as well as people who like classics with a twist. However, if you've never read anything by Jane Austen, hate the classics / Jane Austen's work, or that sort of thing I'd probably sit this one out.
Here's are the other Jane Austen themed books I binged on since last week...
Austenland by Shannon Hale
Blurb:
Jane is a young New York woman who can never seem to find the right man―perhaps because of her secret obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. When a wealthy relative bequeaths her a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-obsessed women, however, Jane's fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman suddenly become more real than she ever could have imagined. Is this total immersion in a fake Austenland enough to make Jane kick the Austen obsession for good, or could all her dreams actually culminate in a Mr. Darcy of her own?
What I Thought of This Book:
I read the book after I had already seen the movie starring Keri Russel. I know, I know.. you're sitting in front of your screen reading this and screaming "How could you! You never watch the movie first and then read the book!", but I did and that's that. Yes, the book is different than the movie, the book goes more into Jane's past failed relationships and instead of Jane being anxious to go, she's left the trip to Austenland in her Great-Aunt Carolyn's will. Overall I like both the book and the movie. Jane's experience in Austenland shows us than although living in Jane Austen's time sounds like a fantasy we'd all love to dive into it's not nearly as freeing as our lives as modern women. Kind of like the other book I read this week... My rating for Austenland: 5 of 5 Stars
Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler
Blurb:
After nursing a broken engagement with Jane Austen novels and Absolut, Courtney Stone wakes up to find herself not in her Los Angeles bedroom or even in her own body, but inside the bedchamber of a woman in Regency England. Who but an Austen addict like herself could concoct such a fantasy?Not only is Courtney stuck inside another woman's life, she is forced to pretend she actually is that woman; and despite knowing nothing about her, she manages to fool even the most astute observer. For her borrowed body knows how to speak without slaying the King's English, dance without maiming her partner, and embroider as if possessed by actual domestic skill.
But not even Courtney's level of Austen mania has prepared her for the chamber pots and filthy coaching inns of nineteenth-century England, let alone the realities of being a single woman who must fend off suffocating chaperones, condom-less seducers, and marriages of convenience. Enter the enigmatic Mr. Edgeworth, a suitor who may turn out not to be a familiar species of philanderer after all. What I Thought of This Book: I liked this book even better than it's sequel, Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict. It's good to go back and see how Courtney fared in Jane's 19th Century world. We're introduced to Jane's social climbing mother, Mrs. Mansfield, who's not far from Mrs. Bennet herself in Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Mansfield, Jane's artistic father who paints in styles far beyond his time, Jane's faithful maid Barnes, her close friend Mary, and the charming man whom Jane wanted at all costs to get away from; Charles Edgeworth. But is Mr. Edgeworth really the cheater Jane thought him to be? Courtney is in for a wild ride in this cute novel, that reminds me a lot of Pride and Prejudice in a way. The only thing I didn't like was the ending... Courtney almost seems to blend into Jane and become her completely. Does that mean that Courtney ceases to exist? That Jane is present in both the past and the present? That doesn't seem at all fair to Courtney, our favourite Absolut-drinking-Jane-Austen-addict.My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
January 22, 2016
All About Self-Publishing
It's been almost a year now since my first novel was published and I've learned a lot about self-publishing in that time. I've done things a certain way and learned what worked and what didn't, so I can only get better with each novel I release. This week's blog is all about my thoughts about self-publishing; what I've learned, what indie authors I look up to, what I think can be improved & more.
5 Things I've Learned about Self-Publishing
1) It's not as scary or intimidating as it seems in the beginning. I chose to self-publish after dealing with a small independent publisher for my first novel, The Haunting Love. I realized they didn't do anything for me that I couldn't do for myself. I admit, it seemed scary at first when I decided to self-publish Finding Elizabeth. I was afraid, "what if people think less of my book because it's self-published?" "What if I do something wrong?" "What if the finished product doesn't look as good as a traditionally published book?" I soon learned it wasn't as scary as I thought it was going to be, it was much easier than I thought. 2) Self-Published Authors are extremely helpful and friendly if you have questions or want to chat.Yes, we're all trying to promote our work, but beyond that indie authors are a community, and I've found that when I had a question, someone with more experience than I have was always happy to answer my question. And I love to return the favor as often as possible in any way that I can.3) You are Completely in Charge of Your Timeline / Deadlines When You Self-Publish.It is definitely a must to set up a timeline for your publishing process with a target release date included. It's not something you just wake up one morning and say "I'm going to self-publish a book today". Set up a timeline with deadlines and make sure you stick to it. At the end of the day, the only person to blame if you didn't meet your deadline is yourself. For me, I like setting my own deadlines because I tend to achieve my deadline goals far ahead of when I need to. I'm just weird like that. And then I don't have to wait for my publisher to catch up. 4) It doesn't pay to pay for book promotion servicesYou all know what I'm talking about, those twitter accounts that claim they will tweet your book out to 500,000+ followers. That's all great and good, but people glancing at the tweet doesn't necessarily translate to them clicking on your link. And the worst part is you're paying a fee for someone to not click on your link and those costs add up over time. Why pay $20-30+ per site claiming to boost sales to your book for nothing to come of it? I'm a big believer in karma, if you do something nice for someone they'll probably return the favor (including retweet your book to their followers, read your book and write a review, spread the word, etc.)5) If you want your print book to be released (available) on the same day as your ebook you should send for your proof copy about a week ahead of the release date so you have enough time for it to be printed, shipped, and approved by you.I learned this the hard way, people! The print copy of Finding Elizabeth wasn't available until a WEEK after the ebook version. Also, carefully review the book when you receive it to make sure there weren't any issues you missed!
4 Self-Published Authors I Look Up To These are authors that I've read books by, that's books are well put together, with original plots and unique stories. 1) G.J. Walker-Smith (Author of The Wishes Series. I absolutely love her books! I picked up Secret North from the library first and devoured it, the rest of the series soon followed.)2) Ripley Patton (Author of the PSS Chronicles. Ghost Hand was a completely new idea to me and I love that Ripley Patton also has her weekly "Ripley's Booklist" newsletters. What would I do without those?!?!?)3) Kimberly Loth (Author of the Thorn Chronicles. I loved Kissed and I can't wait to read the rest of her books)4) Jordan Elizabeth (Author of Escape From Witchwood Hollow. I loved her book and am going to read her latest novel Cogling soon. She also has an amazing Street Team behind her, getting her books into the hands of so many people, and I envy that so much!)
3 Ways Indie Authors Can Improve Self-Publishing 1) I think we should all band together and convince major brick-and-mortar bookstores to carry our books, regardless of returnability. We deserve as much exposure as traditional authors, if not more. 2) We should make sure to always turn out a quality product to dispell the nasty stigma that self-published books aren't as good as traditionally published books.Just the other day I bought an indie paperback and even though it was the second book in the series the spine read: Book Three. This goes back to making sure to check your book over when you get your proof! I understand, accidents happen, they've happened to me. Just make sure to correct them quickly. 3. Help to spread the word about other indie authors / booksThis is just a polite thing to do that brings good karma back to you and makes you feel good at the same time.
2 Resources I Recommend Ever Indie Author Use When Publishing Their Book: 1. Editors! - Grammarly- A Professional Editor- Beta ReadersSelf-Editing2. A Quality Cover ArtistIf you don't have the ability to create covers yourself I highly recommend using a professional cover artist. It will be worth the money you pay. You don't want to lose sales over a crappy cover!
1 Mistake I Made While Self-Publishing My Last Novel I lived and learned when self-publishing Finding Elizabeth. I learned that paid promotions don't work the way you want them to, the stuff about the print books, and definitely to do enough rounds of edits and proofing before you hit "publish".
And of course, don't forget to consult your furry writing partner!
5 Things I've Learned about Self-Publishing
1) It's not as scary or intimidating as it seems in the beginning. I chose to self-publish after dealing with a small independent publisher for my first novel, The Haunting Love. I realized they didn't do anything for me that I couldn't do for myself. I admit, it seemed scary at first when I decided to self-publish Finding Elizabeth. I was afraid, "what if people think less of my book because it's self-published?" "What if I do something wrong?" "What if the finished product doesn't look as good as a traditionally published book?" I soon learned it wasn't as scary as I thought it was going to be, it was much easier than I thought. 2) Self-Published Authors are extremely helpful and friendly if you have questions or want to chat.Yes, we're all trying to promote our work, but beyond that indie authors are a community, and I've found that when I had a question, someone with more experience than I have was always happy to answer my question. And I love to return the favor as often as possible in any way that I can.3) You are Completely in Charge of Your Timeline / Deadlines When You Self-Publish.It is definitely a must to set up a timeline for your publishing process with a target release date included. It's not something you just wake up one morning and say "I'm going to self-publish a book today". Set up a timeline with deadlines and make sure you stick to it. At the end of the day, the only person to blame if you didn't meet your deadline is yourself. For me, I like setting my own deadlines because I tend to achieve my deadline goals far ahead of when I need to. I'm just weird like that. And then I don't have to wait for my publisher to catch up. 4) It doesn't pay to pay for book promotion servicesYou all know what I'm talking about, those twitter accounts that claim they will tweet your book out to 500,000+ followers. That's all great and good, but people glancing at the tweet doesn't necessarily translate to them clicking on your link. And the worst part is you're paying a fee for someone to not click on your link and those costs add up over time. Why pay $20-30+ per site claiming to boost sales to your book for nothing to come of it? I'm a big believer in karma, if you do something nice for someone they'll probably return the favor (including retweet your book to their followers, read your book and write a review, spread the word, etc.)5) If you want your print book to be released (available) on the same day as your ebook you should send for your proof copy about a week ahead of the release date so you have enough time for it to be printed, shipped, and approved by you.I learned this the hard way, people! The print copy of Finding Elizabeth wasn't available until a WEEK after the ebook version. Also, carefully review the book when you receive it to make sure there weren't any issues you missed!
4 Self-Published Authors I Look Up To These are authors that I've read books by, that's books are well put together, with original plots and unique stories. 1) G.J. Walker-Smith (Author of The Wishes Series. I absolutely love her books! I picked up Secret North from the library first and devoured it, the rest of the series soon followed.)2) Ripley Patton (Author of the PSS Chronicles. Ghost Hand was a completely new idea to me and I love that Ripley Patton also has her weekly "Ripley's Booklist" newsletters. What would I do without those?!?!?)3) Kimberly Loth (Author of the Thorn Chronicles. I loved Kissed and I can't wait to read the rest of her books)4) Jordan Elizabeth (Author of Escape From Witchwood Hollow. I loved her book and am going to read her latest novel Cogling soon. She also has an amazing Street Team behind her, getting her books into the hands of so many people, and I envy that so much!)
3 Ways Indie Authors Can Improve Self-Publishing 1) I think we should all band together and convince major brick-and-mortar bookstores to carry our books, regardless of returnability. We deserve as much exposure as traditional authors, if not more. 2) We should make sure to always turn out a quality product to dispell the nasty stigma that self-published books aren't as good as traditionally published books.Just the other day I bought an indie paperback and even though it was the second book in the series the spine read: Book Three. This goes back to making sure to check your book over when you get your proof! I understand, accidents happen, they've happened to me. Just make sure to correct them quickly. 3. Help to spread the word about other indie authors / booksThis is just a polite thing to do that brings good karma back to you and makes you feel good at the same time.
2 Resources I Recommend Ever Indie Author Use When Publishing Their Book: 1. Editors! - Grammarly- A Professional Editor- Beta ReadersSelf-Editing2. A Quality Cover ArtistIf you don't have the ability to create covers yourself I highly recommend using a professional cover artist. It will be worth the money you pay. You don't want to lose sales over a crappy cover!
1 Mistake I Made While Self-Publishing My Last Novel I lived and learned when self-publishing Finding Elizabeth. I learned that paid promotions don't work the way you want them to, the stuff about the print books, and definitely to do enough rounds of edits and proofing before you hit "publish".
And of course, don't forget to consult your furry writing partner!
