L.J. Higgins's Blog, page 10

Finding Balance

Finding balance in life is something I’ve always struggled with. Between being a mum, a wife, an author and a friend, sometimes there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. Then when I feel like I’m finally getting the hang of things, one of these goes off track and I have to start all over again. As well as balancing my ‘roles’ in life, there’s also my health, fitness and mental wellbeing to keep in check.

Since both of my kids are in school this year I thought I had life sorted. “Great,” I thought, “I’ll have plenty of time through the week to get my writing done, and exercise, and catch up with friends. Then on weekends it will be all about my family.” And by the middle of last week I thought I had it all under control. I was exercising at least 30 minutes per day, eating healthy, meditating before bed and hitting my daily word counts. Then I started running out of energy, and by Friday lunch I was absolutely exhausted and run down. I spent the entire weekend sleeping and resting unable to find the energy to do much else and although I feel like I’m on the mend I’m still not 100% today.

So where did I go wrong? I didn’t listen to the signs. Although my body ached and was tired I ignored it and exercised anyway instead of resting like I needed. Despite feeling tired at 10pm I’d push on to get more writing done, watch my favourite tv show, read a book or meditate, and wouldn’t get to sleep until well after midnight. I was focusing on doing it all instead of working on one or two things at a time. I burnt myself out.

This isn’t the first time I’ve burnt out, a few years ago I ended up bed ridden for over a month with viral Labrynthitis (viral vertigo). You think I would’ve learnt my lesson but it doesn’t appear that way. So what now? Now I scale back my balancing act and work on what’s important. My health, which doesn’t necessarily mean working out every day to the point of exhaustion. My mental health, which means going to bed early to meditate. My relationship with my family, which means making the weekends all about them, and of course, my writing, which means not putting so much pressure on myself.

Do you have trouble finding balance in your life? Or do you think you’ve found the perfect formula? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Recent Reviews

In January I read some great books and I wanted to share my reviews of them with you!

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Dark Fire by Bethany Wicker

I picked up Dark Fire before reading Dark Lightning and although I recommend reading both, I didn’t feel as though it ruined the experience at all.

When Kyler’s mum decides Elemental Kyler will attend a human school to bridge the gap between elementals and humans, Kyler is less than impressed. Actually, she’s rude, bratty and all round mean to the humans she meets, making it hard to warm to her at all.

Enter Remy. The sweet guy with a not so sweet background who feels an irresistible draw to Kyler despite her bad attitude. You can’t help but love him and if it wasn’t for Remy there were times I may have given up on the story.

Although there were times I wanted to shake and yell at Kyler with her bad attitude, I think the story showed how easy it is to judge those you don’t really know and that if you were to just open your mind and heart you might find the people you think you are more superior than, aren’t as bad or as dim witted as you thought.

Dark Fire is available for purchase on Amazon HERE!

 

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Saving Illyana by Kayla Howarth

I couldn’t believe this was the last book in the Litmus world. I was excited to finally read Ilyana’s story while sad to see this series end.

Kidnapped from her family Illyana soon discovers her kidnappers aren’t all they might seem and she is thrown into a whole new world where she must decide between two impossible options. Without giving too much away, Saving Illyana is full of action, feisty characters and even a bit of romance.

Do yourself a favor and read the entire Litmus Series!

Savingy Illyana is available for purchase on Amazon HERE!

 

 

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Be Mindful & Simplify Your Life by Kate James

This was a short but inspirational read that gave me practical, achievable tips on how to enjoy the present moment mindfully. It’s a book you can refrence and go back to whenever you need a boost and I look forward to reading Kate James’ other books.

Be Mindful & Simplify Your Life is available for purchase on Amazon HERE!

 

 

 

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of the books I reviewed last month and if you want to see my other reviews you can find me on Goodreads!

 

 

Author Spotlight: Michelle Lynn

[image error]This month I spoke to Author Michelle Lynn and asked her a few questions to find out more about her. Michelle Lynn is the Author of The Dawn of Rebellion series, a dystopian series you won’t be able to put down. She is also the author of the New Beginnings series which were the first romance books I’ve ever read and enjoyed.

LJ: Other than writing what other hobbies do you have?

ML: My niece. Sounds weird to call her a hobby, but when I’m not writing, I’m hanging out with her. She’s two-and-a-half and my best friend. I have her two days a week, sometimes more. Other than that, I read, A LOT. I’m disabled and unable to do much so reading has always been an outlet and I get through about four books a week. I’m also a huuuuuge ice hockey fan. I never miss a Columbus Blue Jackets game on TV. I used to be more exciting. Lol. I used to scuba dive every week, but that’s no longer possible so I focus on what is.

[image error]Where Michelle Lynn writes.

LJ: What is your favourite quote?

ML: Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. – Helen Keller

LJ: Who is your favourite singer or band?

ML: Easy. Joshua Radin. I also love Train depending on the album.

LJ: Do you prefer to drink coffee or tea?

ML: Coffee even though I don’t drink much of it. The caffeine doesn’t do good things to me.

LJ: Who is an author you wish more people knew about?

ML: There are so many. We’re on LJ Higgin’s blog, so you already know about her. I just wish people knew more indie in general. There’s still an expectation of low quality that isn’t so true anymore. There are a lot of indie authors who deserve to have their names shouted from the roof tops – or whispered in libraries. I guess that’s more relevant.

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LJ: If you could travel back in time what year would you travel to?

ML: There are a lot of times that would scare the crap out of me, but that are very cool. England when it was right on the cusp of becoming England seems exciting, but it was a terrible time for women. The US when it was still the colonies seems charming and quaint, life being as simple as it was, but it was also very hard sometimes. The seventies look fun I guess. I don’t know. I’d rather go to the future to see how much farther we’ve progressed.

LJ: What is one thing you wish people knew about you?

ML: I am physically disabled and when my illness got to that point, I was twenty-three years old. I was angry and just so tired of feeling sick every day. It wears on you. But there was this hobby I developed. A little hobby called writing. Eventually it turned into more than a hobby, but it didn’t start out that way. It started with a girl who needed to make sense of her skewed world, who needed the hope it brought.

That girl didn’t expect to fall in love.

I guess what I want people to know doesn’t only have to do with me, but also with anyone else who is facing hard times.

Sometimes the best things in our lives are born out of the worst.

So, I’ll keep writing – even when people stop wanting to read my books. I want more than anything to feel better, but I can’t bring myself to hate my illness anymore.

As my quote from Helen Keller above implies – hope is a powerful thing.

Thank you to Michelle Lynn for taking the time to answer my questions! If you want to find out more about Michelle Lynn and her books you can find her on the links below.

www.michellelynnauthor.com

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

Michelle Lynn’s Books[image error]

The Dawn of Rebellion series

-Dawn of Rebellion

-Day of Reckoning

-Eve of Tomorrow

 

 

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The New Beginnings series

-Choices

-Promises

-Dreams

We Thought We Were Invincible (Coming March 2017)

 

How Books Inspired Me

If it wasn’t for my father telling me to ‘read a book’ every time I said I was bored when I was younger I may not have become a writer at all, although I like to think that my creativity and imagination would’ve lead me to it eventually without his help.

I remember loving reading from around the age of twelve/thirteen, and this is around the same time my love of writing began to evolve. I read books like Unreal by Paul Jennings and the Goosebumps series by R.L Stine. It was around this time I started writing my own stories, nothing great of course, but I enjoyed writing them all the same.

Through my teen years my tastes in reading changed. A book that stands out in my memory is Borrowed Light by Anna Fienberg, about a teenage girl going through pregnancy. I enjoyed books that focused on teen issues and they taught me the importance of being able to connect and relate to the characters.

Then came Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Wool Trilogy, His Dark Materials, The Hunger Games and the list goes on. All of these books showed me how amazing it felt to be immersed in a completely new world where the possibilities were endless. They taught me the importance of world building and feeling like you are in the story, not simply reading it.

Through my pregnancies I felt the sudden need to ‘find myself’. Who was I? What did I want in life? To help answer those questions I began reading books about philosophy and spirituality. Books like The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, the Celestine Prophecy series by James Redfield and The Five People you meet in Heaven by Mitch Album. All of these books helped me see the world through new eyes. I became more grounded, appreciative and grateful. I could really appreciate the beauty in the world and turn what might appear to be a negative into a positive lesson.

When I was twenty-nine my eldest child started Kindergarten and I decided I needed to find something for myself again. My whole life had become about being a mother to my two kids, and although I loved them more than I could express, I felt like I was losing part of who I was. So I started to write. At first it was a blog, then it was Dawn of the Dreamer. Once I was finished writing my first manuscript I started researching how to find a publisher and stumbled upon the amazing world that is Indie publishing (self-publishing).

Through my searches I met many inspiring and talented Indie Authors and I was introduced to an entirely new world of books. Not only was I reading the mainstream books you find in bookstores, I was enjoying reading stories that others had never heard about. Now I rely on many of the authors I met to guide me through the world of being an indie author. They encourage me when I doubt myself, they point me in the right direction if I make a wrong turn, and I like to think I can now do the same for them. At times I am in awe of the amazing writers they are, and that in turn gives me the drive to continue learning the craft of writing and I am becoming a better writer because of it.

Looking over my reading preferences over the years it’s easy to see how they helped develop my love for writing and help me grow as a writer. I’m enjoying writing dystopian/science fiction and contemporary at the moment, but I’m sure my tastes and writing style will continue to change and develop as I grow older.

Did you enjoy any of these books as you were growing up? Is there another book that inspired you?

Kindle Giveaway!

Win a Kindle + $50 Gift Card

I’m excited to be part of an amazing giveaway and wanted to share it with you! The winner will receive a Kindle and a $50 Amazon Gift Card! If the winner is international a Gift Card will be substituted instead of the Kindle. Make sure you head over and grab your entries HERE! And don’t forget to check out the amazing authors who have sponsored this giveaway.

Exciting News!

This will be a super short post but I have two pieces of very exciting news to share with you all!

First of all, thanks to the team at LODAS, I officially have a name for my new series. Utopia will be the first book of the Secrets of Aurora series and I can’t wait for you to read it! The series is science fiction/dystopian and I will be posting a blurb for Utopia over the coming weeks.

My second piece of exciting news it that Utopia has been sent to my beta readers! I’m eagerly anticipating their feedback and it means that Utopia is one step closer to being ready for release.

While Utopia is away with it’s beta readers I will be getting straight into book two of the series and you can follow my progress on both Facebook and Instagram!

It’s great to start the new year kicking the butt of some of my goals already. What goals have you already completed or made progress on?

Reflections and Goals

After the excitement of spending Christmas with my husband, kids and extended family, camping for three nights with my family, then seeing out 2016 with my husband while celebrating 11 years of being together, I’m finally back at my computer. There was a moment at camping where my son was pretending he was Harry Potter with a stick (wand) and he asked me what spell he should use. I insisted he try “Accio Mum’s Laptop,” but unfortunately he is either a muggle or a squib. As nice as it was to focus on my family over the past week or so, I am excited to get back into my writing. But before I get to work on finishing the first draft of my next book, I wanted to sit down and reflect on 2016. The highs the lows, what worked and what didn’t. It gives me the direction I need to sit down and write out my goals for the year ahead. So here are some of my thoughts on 2016 and whats to come in 2017!

What a year 2016 was! I experienced amazing highs, minimal lows and read some amazing books. I was able to release three books this year as well as reach many of my fitness goals. Here is a quick breakdown of the year that was 2016 for L J Higgins.

[image error]My Fitness Journey:

This year I really felt like I kicked butt with my fitness. I went on two great boot camp weekends and competed in both Tough Mudder and Miss Muddy with a great group of friends who supported me all of the way. Last month I was injured and broke my little finger which then needed surgery, but with my finger now on the mend I’m looking forward to training once again and get ready for Tough Mudder 2017. I truly believe my fitness goals go hand in hand with my writing goals. Exercise keeps me alert, my mind clear and has taught me discipline and concentration.

 

[image error]My Writing Journey:

At the end of January I launched the second installment of the Dreamer Trilogy, Fall of the Dreamer. I celebrated with friends, family and fans at my home with a boho themed party and a really cool book cake. Then came the final installment of the Dreamer Trilogy, Rise of the Dreamer. It was hard to say goodbye to Amelia and her friends, but the launch party was amazing, with over 70 people turning up to celebrate with me. Ready to write something new and different, I then went on to write and release On Delicate Wings. A book that I’ve wanted to write since I was a teen, and one that I am really proud of. Unfortunately, my broken finger also slowed down much of my writing, but now that it is healing I’m writing more than ever and well into the first book of my next series.

 

All of this with my daughter having her tonsils and adenoids removed, being a bridesmaid in my friend’s wedding (whom I’ve known since I was in primary school), holidays, fun with friends and new tattoo’s, made 2016 a crazy but amazing year.

2016 felt like it was a build up to what 2017 could be. I want to reach more fitness and writing goals, while also working on myself. In 2017 I plan to bring you a new dystopian/sci-fi series and another stand alone contemporary story while also focusing on sharing great content on both my blog and Facebook pages, marking up a bigger ‘read’ pile on Goodreads by reading more books by both Traditionally Published and Indie Authors and letting you into the life of L J Higgins via Instagram.

Thank you for your support and encouragement. Every review, like, share, comment, inbox and email pushes me to be the best writer I can be! I’d love to hear about your goals in the comments.

I wish you every happiness and many great books to read in 2017!

Top Reads in 2016

I fell in love with many new characters in 2016! With heroines like the tenacious and smart mouthed Bixby, and Nuka with her fierce attitude, I read many books I wasn’t able to put down. Who are these awesome heroines you ask? Well you can find out who they are and meet other amazing characters by reading my reviews for my favorite books released in 2016 below.

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Strain of Resistance (Strain of Resistance #1) and Strain of Defiance (Strain of Resistance #2)

By Michelle Bryan

Strain of Resistance – Strain of Resistance is a new twist on the end of the world, alien invasion story. When Bixby was 12 she witnessed an alien species (known as leeches in the book) viciously take over human bodies and destroy life as she knew it.

The new world has hardened her. and I loved Bixby’s tenacity and smart mouth humor. And the cast of survivors around her only added to my love of the story. Michelle Bryan sucks you right into the story and I found it almost impossible to put this book down.

This was an awesome read and I highly recommend you read it!!!

 

 

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Strain of Defiance – I was eagerly anticipating the release of Strain of Defiance and it didn’t disappoint!

After falling in love with the world Michelle Bryan created in Strain of Resistance, I was excited to be reading about Bixby and her friends again. Bixby hasn’t changed a bit and is as feisty as ever, which to be honest is why I love her! She’s still dealing with the internal battle between the grief of losing Sam, and her feelings that are growing for Luke. But with the prospect of finding a possible cure for those who have been infected, Bixby and her motley crew set off on an adventure.

I don’t want to say too much because frankly it would give away too much of this awesome story! What I will say is that if you love action, suspense, romance (Bixby’s idea of it anyway), and an ending that will make your jaw drop, then this is the book for you!

Find Michelle Bryans books on Amazon HERE!

 

 

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Losing Nuka (Litmus #1) and Protecting William (Litmus #2)

By Kayla Howarth

Losing Nuka – If you are like me and loved Kayla Howarth’s Institute series, you are going to LOVE Losing Nuka.

Set in the same world as the Institute series, after the events that unfolded in Defective, Nuka is all grown up and wants answers about her life and where she’s from. When she realises she isn’t going to get what she wants from the parents who raised her, she sets out in search of her birth mother. Little does she know that finding her will turn the world she knew on its head. Soon she is thrust into a world she never knew existed; Litmus, an illegal underground fighting arena.

I loved Nuka’s fierceness and attitude, and I really enjoyed the array of supporting characters (Brett was definitely a favourite), and I found myself truly despising the villains of the story.

Do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of Losing Nuka! It’s exciting, has twists you’ll never see coming, and hot guys and girls fighting it out in the ring. What more could you want?

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Protecting William – After being left on a cliff hanger at the end of Losing Nuka, I couldn’t wait to read Protecting William and it didn’t disappoint.

The story picks straight back up where we were left at the end of Book One and the long anticipated reunion of William and Nuka is better than I could imagine. Williams’s introduction to Nuka’s new life is definitely a baptism of fire, which drags you straight back into the story.

Although William’s story has the same setting and fast pace as Nuka’s, the story remained interesting and I loved how Williams relationship developed with Sasha.

All I can say is bring on Book Three of the Litmus Series!

Find Kayla Howarths books on Amazon HERE!

 

 

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Choices (New Beginnings #1)

By Michelle Lynn

As someone who doesn’t usually read romance novels I picked up Choices with an open mind, wanting to read something different. I enjoyed the way Michelle Lynn writes, and I found myself caring about what was going to happen to the characters in this story.

Michaela Matthews has lived a highly privileged life, and her parents have her future all mapped out for her. Only problem is Michael doesn’t think that it’s the life she wants for herself. When she moves to the city with her brother she meets his friend Jason, the owner of a local bar, who helps her see what life could be like. She must find the courage to make her own choices.

Find Michelle Lynn’s books on Amazon HERE!

 

 

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The Retreat (The After Trilogy #1)

By Kelly St. Clare

Living and working in outer space, Romy and her knot (friends) are sent to help battle the alien race (The Critimal) that are trying to invade planet Earth. No-one has lived on Earth since The Retreat, and Romy is one of many humans living in outer space protecting their planet while they wait for it to be inhabitable again. During a battle against the Critimal their ship is hit and Romy awakes to find she has crash landed on Earth.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Retreat by Kelly St. Clare. I loved every one of the characters and every bit of the story line. It had action, romance, adventure, intrigue and much more. I highly recommend you read this book and can’t wait to read the sequel!

Find Kelly St. Clare’s books on Amazon HERE!

 

Do any of these books sound like books you’d enjoy? Have you read any of them? Let me know in the comments below!

Christmas Reads

I love Christmas! Watching the kids decorate the tree, sliced ham on warm toast for breakfast, time with family, the smile on the kids’ faces Christmas morning when they see their Santa sacks filled with gifts, warm summer days, what’s not to love? So I thought, why not combine my love for Christmas with my love for reading? And I’ve done some research to see what holiday themed books I should read these holidays to get into the Christmas spirit. Here are a couple I think you might enjoy and that I’ll be reading myself.

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May all your wishes…

Love that outlasts flesh, a mother’s sacrifices for her children, joy and heartache, and holiday memories nestle together like a miscellany of Christmas ornaments in this collection of drabbles. These short stories and poems, written by Fiction Writers Group members from around the world, give readers a glimpse into the very heart of the holiday season. Turn the page and celebrate Chanukah and Christmas with them.

Purchase on Amazon HERE! for only $1.20 AUD

 

 

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Winter Wishes: The Dragon’s Rocketship Presentation

Winter. That wonderful time of the year, filled with celebrations, festivities galore, walks through a crisp, frosty wonderland, and nights filled with magical stories told by the fireside. Some dark, some funny, some touching, and all suitable for readers from one to ninety-two.

This collection of seasonal short stories is brought to you by up and coming authors, and all proceeds will be donated to the very special Make A Wish Foundation. Everything you find between these covers–and on them!–has been donated by the authors and editors for this charity.

So laugh, smile, or cry, and enjoy this little book of holiday magic!

Purchase on Amazon HERE! only $3.99 AUD or FREE for Kindle Unlimited readers.

 

 

Top 10 Bookish Gifts

Christmas is nearly here! For me Christmas means driving around looking at Christmas lights, a hot day floating in the pool, watching the kids unwrap their presents, a game of backyard cricket and bocci, eating delicious food and drinking a beer. And while I love Christmas day, sometimes it can be hard to find the perfect gift for the people you love. So I’ve put together a list of my top 10 bookish gifts for the book lover in your life.

WARNING: This list may be a little bias towards people who love drinking Tea, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and Lord of the Rings.

1. A Bookish Mug

 

The truth is most book lovers favourite thing to enjoy with a good book is a cup of tea or coffee. And you can’t enjoy a hot drink if it isn’t in your favourite mug! These mugs I found on Etsy would make great gift ideas and there are so many book quotes to choose from.

Coloured Quote Mug & Hunger Games Quote Mug

 

 

 

2. Mini Books

 

 

 

 

 

 

How cute are these mini books? They can be add to a necklace, bracelet, key ring or bookmark and they come in many different cover choices so you can pick your favourite.

Harry Potter Mini Books & Hunger Game Mini Books

 

3. Stamped Teaspoons

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why not add one of these stamped teaspoons with a Harry Potter themed mug? They are super cute and any HP lover will think they are the most thoughtful gift.

Stamped HP Teaspoons

 

4. Bookish Quotes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every book lover has their favourite book quotes. These are two of mine but there are so many to choose from you are bound to find your book lovers favourites.

Harry Potter Themed Quote & Lord of the Rings Themed Quote

 

5. Dictionary Art

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I already have a Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4 one of these, but would love to collect more. They come with many different images and quotes and if you are arty you could even attempt to create your own.

Lord of the Rings Dictionary Art

 

6. Notebooks & Journals

 

 

 

 

 

I haven’t met many book lovers that didn’t have a borderline obsession with notebooks and journals. There’s just something about drawing, note keeping and lists that puts a smile on a book lovers face. And the best part is there are so many out there that it’s easy to find the perfect one for the perfect price.

J.K Rowling Quote Notebook  & Lord of the Rings Quote Journal

 

7. Bookmarks

You can’t read a book without the a bookmark right? And trust me, you can never have too many in your collection.

Harry Potter Magnetic Bookmarks & Feather Bookmarks

 

8. Quill

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a book lover and a writer I’ve always had a thing for anything to do with quills and would love to own one of my own, and learn to write with it one day.

Feather Quill

 

9. Book Lamps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So you have a good book, a bookmark at the ready, the perfect mug with a freshly brewed tea and all you need now is the perfect lamp to read by. How about one of these book lamps?

Book Stack Lamp & Open Book Lamp 

 

10. Bookish Cushions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Okay, so you have all of the above presents and you’re trying to get comfy on your favourite reading chair, you’re going to need a nice soft pillow to cuddle into to make your night of reading perfect.

Harry Potter Book Pillow & Reading Quote Pillow

I’m sure there are many bookish gift ideas I’ve missed. There’s book themed candles, folded books into your name or favourite words, literary teas and many book themed pop characters. But I think if you buy one or even all of the gifts above you will make your favourite book lover very happy.

What is the best bookish gift you’ve ever received?