Hailey Rose's Blog, page 8

Book Review / / Unblemished by Sara Ella

 

First of all, this is the most beautiful hardback I own! The dust jacket is an absolute work of art…and it feels soo good to touch!!!

This story is so deep, thick, and original!!! Wowza! I’m still in awe. I so enjoyed the depth of the secondary characters, and the little details spread throughout the story. And the worldbuilding was fantastic! I could quite easily picture what Sara Ella was taking me through–even as a non-fanatasy person! I’m not a huge fan of fantasy, and often found myself a little lost while reading. However, I’m sure if I were more the fantasy type it wouldn’t have been an issue. My only real gripe (which isn’t even a valid gripe because it’s just a personal preference) was the love triangle. I’m just not a huge fan of those in general. BUT. The story was amazing and I would absolutely recommend this book to all fantasy lovers. I’m looking forward to the next book!

Truly, I’d probably buy these books just for their stunning covers. But, since the story is so good, why not knock it out of the park, Sara Ella?? :)

 

 

And look at book 2!!! *hyperventilates*  I cannot wait for July, when this beauty will find it’s happy home on my shelf!!!!

 

 

 

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Have you read Unblemished?
Are you excited for Unraveling?

The post Book Review / / Unblemished by Sara Ella appeared first on Lakeside Publications.

VAVC #5 / / April-June

 

(This is a scheduled post that I will not be replying to comments to for several days because of my surgery last week. I can’t wait to come back and chat with you all!)

 

VAVC #5 from Ivy Rose on Vimeo.

 

Don’t forget to add your link to the Linkup!

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Second Chances

A Monday post? Wutttt????

I know. You’ll see why. :) This is the “very specific reason” I mentioned in the previous post.

 

 

This is a continuation of last week’s post about my chronic illness. And about why I decided to share it with you at all. And why I’m going to be MIA for the next few weeks.

 

The short answer: I’m having surgery tomorrow to fix my leg.

 

The long answer: Over the years, EDS has caused my legs to become crooked (it’s way too complicated to explain how in this post). They’ve only gotten more crooked and painful as I’ve grown older, and it will continue to worsen unless the crookedness is repaired.

So how do they repair it?

(Skip the next paragraph if you’re squeamish)

 

My orthopedic surgeon is going to perform a closing wedge high tibial osteotomy. (Say THAT ten times fast. ;) ) Google it if you want to know the details, but in short, they will be breaking my leg, taking a wedge of bone out, realigning the bone, and securing it in place.

 

(Squeamish part over)

 

As you can imagine, the recovery for this surgery is pretty intense. And long. And requires a lot of sitting still. None of which I’m very excited about. (And I have to have this surgery twice…the second one will be six months from now.)

It will be at least three months until I will be able to function at a semi-normal level, without the use of a wheelchair/crutches.

And that scares me.

BUT.

There are so many verses in the Bible about fear–or rather, about not being fearful!!! My sweet friends have been pointing those out to me, encouraging me to memorize them, and pointing me to Christ and His promises to care for His children no matter what.

Since I’m such a music-oriented person, I turn to music when I get scared. I have a LOT of music in iTunes/Amazon/Spotify, but here are a couple of my “chill out” songs that have been playing on repeat lately.

 

 

 

Though it sounds cliche, I really do try to focus on the positives in all situations–but especially in this situation with surgery. Anyone with a chronic illness knows that if you can’t find positives and take joy in little things, life will be 100% more miserable.

One of the huge positives about this surgery is that it gives me (or rather, my legs) a second chance. I know my body will never work “right” or “normally,” but this particular surgery is supposed to give me significantly more function, as well as less pain, than I have right now.

And that alone makes the prospective struggle of recovery worthwhile.

 

Tomorrow (Tuesday), my parents and I will be making a short road-trip to a (relatively) close city. We’ll be going to the hospital where my amazing orthopedic surgeon works to have the procedure will be performed on my right leg. I’ll stay at the hospital overnight for sure, maybe longer depending on how things are going. (Not even kidding…one of my biggest fears is that the food will be nasty. Yes, I am a snob. ;) )

As with any surgery, there are a lot of things that can potentially go wrong. And because I have a bleeding disorder than keeps my blood from clotting properly, there is an even higher likelihood of something going awry. My doctors are working together and taking every precaution to ensure that my body cooperates like it should, but there is always the possibility of something going wrong.

So if you think about it tomorrow, would you be praying that there are no complications during surgery? I would sincerely appreciate it!

I’ll be keeping my Instagram updated with surgery/recovery things as much as possible. Be sure to follow that if you want to stay up to date–I won’t be posting surgery-related things on the blog. :)

I’m going to be out of commission for a while, but never fear…I’ve got exciting several blog posts scheduled and ready to go! :)

What Few Ever Know

 

Just so you know, I don’t want to write this post. And I REALLY don’t want to post it for the entire interweb to see. I don’t like being vulnerable with everybody. And with this post, I’m really putting myself out there. But. I also want to tell you because you’re mah frens.

Let me begin with this relatable infographic from Pinterest.

 

 

I have a chronic illness.

It’s taken me a long time to be able to say those words. I still hate them, but after all this time, I’ve reached a level of acceptance.

What is my chronic illness? (actually I have a few including asthma and hemophilia but today I’m talking about one in particular)

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

(If you’ve ever heard of this, PLEASE tell me. I’ve met one person who actually knew what it was without me explaining.)

 

What is EDS?

I have EDS type III, also known as hypermobility type (there are 13 different “types”). Feel free to google it for a more in-depth explanation, but here’s a brief run-down.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome type III is a genetic, degenerative, collagen defect that causes every part of my body to be extra stretchy. My tendons and ligaments aren’t tight enough to hold joints together–causing daily dislocations or subluxations (partial dislocations). My intestines aren’t firm enough to properly digest/move food through. My skin is soft and tears easily–I have a lot of scars. My blood vessel walls aren’t firm enough to keep blood circulating–hence my feet/hands are perpetually cold–and I tend to pass out if I stand up too fast.

 

 

The thing with EDS is that even though parts of my body literally become disconnected at times, EDS is an “invisible illness.” People with EDS look perfectly normal.

And that, sadly, causes a lot of people to think folks with EDS are making everything up.

 

What’s is it like to have EDS?

Here’s how one mom describes her daughter’s pain:

“Chronic, severe pain is common in EDS. My daughter describes it as layers of pain: there is the pain of bendy joints, slipping in and out. There is muscle pain, from overworked muscles spasming as they try to compensate for the laxity in the joint. There is nerve pain, thought to be from nerves being stretched when joints dislocate repeatedly. Vitamin D deficiency is common in people with EDS and can lead to bone pain.” -Unknown

The common theme here? Pain. EDS is an incredibly painful condition. Not only are people with EDS more prone to injuries…

… but there’s little that can be done to prevent symptoms/chronic pain.

EDS affects every person differently. Some are affected to the point where walking becomes so painful they use a wheelchair as their primary mobility. For others, they have few noticeable symptoms, except maybe an ankle that sprains frequently.

Individuals with EDS are often clumsy.

(I wish my falls were as magnificent as Mr. Caution. ;) )

 

They are also active, fidigity people:

 

What can be done?

Braces, shoe inserts, and compression wraps are all treatments for the notoriously dislocating joints. Some people use crutches to preserve the life of their hips (but crutches cause their own set of problems and often cause shoulders to dislocate). Others use wheelchairs. It varies with each person.

Personally, I have a massively large box of assorted braces. Ankles, knees, back, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers… you name it I have it. I have special crutches that are easier on my shoulders. And I also have a wheelchair (it’s purple. Purple is very important. ;) ). Do I wear all of the braces every day? No. Do I use the crutches or wheelchair all the time? Nope. I only use what devices I need when I need them. Believe me—I don’t want to use any of the devices, so I only use what I absolutely must!!!

 

Each day is different. Each new day brings new challenges and victories. Some days, I do need my wheelchair for long shopping trips. Some days, I don’t even need to wear my knee brace. No two days are ever the same.

 

Why am I just telling you now?

To be honest, I’m scared. Having an invisible disease is tough. People judge. Think I’m making it up. Think I want sympathy.

I DON’T. That’s the very last thing I want.

This infographic is shockingly accurate:

So yeah. Pretty much all of those describe me.

But God is helping me to see that it doesn’t matter in the least what other people think of me. He made me this way to accomplish His perfect plan. And His amazing plan isn’t changed by others’ opinions of me. He’s showing me how being vulnerable can help me help other people through their own struggles. And I love helping others.

But really, I do have a very specific reason for telling you now. However, that will come in a different post in a few days. :)

 

Let me again state that I’m not asking for sympathy, pity, or attention. I’m not saying all of this to have a little “poor me” session. Not in the least! In fact, it frustrates me when people say “I’m so sorry for you.”

This is who I am. God made me this way for a very specific reason. And because He made me, no one, including myself, should be sorry!

Yes, this is a blog about writing. But it’s also a blog about me. And EDS is a part of me just the same as writing is.

But I don’t want to focus on the negatives. I want to focus on the beauty and blessings Christ has given me, and fortunately, I have a bit of a “Polyanna Complex” / “Glad Girl” disposition. ;)  So every now and again, I’ll do a lifestyle/EDS post. Because I want to show everyone how amazingly blessed I am, even living with a chronic illness.

 

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*exhale*

Okay. Well. Kudos if you’ve made it this far.

Now. Your turn:

Do you have any questions about EDS?
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Letter to My Book // Left to Die

Last year, I was inspired by Katie Grace and her fantastic letter to her novel. I wrote a letter to my first book, The Old River Road. It was such grand fun that I did it again with Left to Die. Perhaps this will become a habit of mine???

 

Dear Left to Die,

Never, ever, ever has a book come together so fast. YOU WERE SO EASY! Too easy. Easy enough I was afraid you would be one of those horrible hidden-away-forever manuscripts. Two weeks is all it took to get the rough draft down. Two weeks.

You, my beauty, go down in the record book as fastest, easiest book ever. Less than six months from first draft to publication. Yes, it did help that you were less than 3o,000 words. That makes all things easier.

On the more serious note, you forced me to look into the “what if’s” of my own beloved sister’s story. To imagine what could have happened to her. To mingle personal experience, what I learned from books, and what I’ve heard from missionaries, and imagination. More so, you forced me to do things I didn’t want to do. Forced me to remember things I wanted to forget. Forced me to search a part of myself I wanted to leave alone.

But it was worth it. Well worth it. The response to you–to the story you tell–has been incredible. Yes, it is true that some are put off by the intensity of the story you tell. But that’s not your problem. Already, God is using you to do amazing things. I can’t wait to watch and see what happens over the next few years.

lovingly,

your author

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Silencing Your Inner Editor / / Guest Post by Abigayle Claire

I’m super excited that my amazing critique partner and sweet friend, Abi, is here to talk about editing! Abi and I have worked together on various projects over the past year and a half, and I can definitely say that she’s one of the most amazing editors I’ve ever worked with. And today, she’s sharing some tips from her personal experience being both an author and an editor, and how to keep those elements separated. Enjoy!

 

 

I am a freelance editor and a novelist. Being able to keep those roles separate is really not as hard as you might think. It all comes down to silencing my inner editor–something every writer has to learn how to do.

There are times to write and there are times to edit. It’s really as simple as that. Only do one at a time.

When I’m editing a novel for someone, I’m reading slowly, questioning everything, and searching every word for something off. I want to do that only when I’m editing.

When I’m reading a book, I try to avoid doing that. But if something stands out to me as awkward, my brain immediately jumps to what sort of suggestion I would leave the author. That’s not a bad thing, but try not to pull yourself out of the book. Reading an engrossing book is excellent practice for silencing your inner editor so that you can still enjoy the story.

When I’m drafting a novel, I also want to silence my inner editor as much as possible so that I can focus on writing. Editing comes later. But at the same time I want to write a solid draft.

I attain the balance by:

 

Keeping in mind my bad habits and avoiding them where I can. For example, passive voice is an issue of mine, and POV can be as well. If I can make those decent from the start, it will save me editing.

NOT being lazy about writing. Like I just said, just because you’re drafting doesn’t mean you have to forget how to write. Spelling and punctuation should all fill their proper roles still. Save yourself work where you can.

NOT rereading what I’ve written. This can be really hard for me. Rereading the last few sentences of what you wrote to pick it back up again is one thing. But do not reread entire paragraphs or pages! It will switch your brain from writing mode to editing mode.

Changing very little as I write. This goes back to not rereading. Sometimes you don’t even have to reread to know that you’ve written words that need help. Now is not the time to change them! Once you’ve put the period on the sentence or ended a paragraph, consider it sealed until the editing process.

Thinking about what to write next. I sometimes spend a long time thinking about how best to word a single sentence or piece of dialogue. Not every time, but it doesn’t hurt to spend a few moments being purposeful.

Rethinking the direction. Sometimes, more than just an individual sentence, I have to consider what the story lacks as a whole. Figuring out where a chapter is going can save you a lot of pointless words and thus make editing easier.

Leaving myself notes when I know I’ve made a consistency error. This is a huge one! If you know you’ve written something that doesn’t line up with something previously, or you need to fact check, leave yourself a note! Your editor self will want to know that. Sometimes I leave myself a note in all caps in the middle of a sentence and sometimes it’s more subtle and I use the comment feature on whatever program I’m writing in.

 

Those are just examples of some of the things I do while writing. They may not all fit your writing style and I’m sure there’s more you can add. But silencing your inner editor just enough is a huge part of writing an effective draft.

All those fears and concerns that are tied up in the words of your book? Set them aside while writing and focus on each word.

Once every word is written, give yourself a small breather. Then come back with fresh eyes and read it as an editor, looking for things that need to change.

Even though I am an editor for other people, editing for myself will always be different. For others, I only have to find a problem and give a solution. For me, I have to do that and fix the problem myself. That’s the scary part, because until that book is published it’s just a bunch of words that can easily be changed for better or for worse.

It’s a big responsibility! But don’t let your fears strangle your confidence or your progress. The biggest thing you can do is not edit alone. Because the words are yours, there are some things you will never see. As long as you know that, get some trusted friends to help you out. You still have to make the changes, but they can help you know how and what to change. They’ll also share the good things of your story and remind you why you began in the first place.

Once you feel your story is there, hire an editor to get that professional finish.

Keeping the roles of writing and editing distinct will help make the time you spend with your words more effective. Don’t lose your passion for the story just because the middle gets messy! You will see that book on a bookshelf.

 

~~~~~

Are you currently in the writing or editing stage? How do you silence your inner editor?

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Deliver by Tricia Mingerink / / Blog Tour

 

The final book in one of my favorite series is being released! I’m so excited. I already got to read it *grins* but I want the paperback NOW. Right now.

 

Can something broken ever heal?

Martyn is broken. After torturing his best friend, he doesn’t belong anywhere in Acktar. No matter how far he runs, he can’t lose his guilt.

Leith is broken. While healing from the torture he received at Nalgar Castle, he struggles to find his new role. But can a Blade ever outrun his past?

The country is broken. Bitterness divides town against town, neighbor against neighbor. What will it take to deliver Acktar from itself?

They face their hardest battle yet.

Peace.

 

 

~My Review~

All I really feel like doing is  fangirling over this book, but since that isn’t exactly helpful to anyone, I’ll restrain myself. (or, at least, try to.)

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Deliver, as Defy seemed to adequately wrap up the story. I was in for a surprise. Deliver was just as engaging, nail-biting, and addictive as the other books. Martyn’s character development was off-the-charts fantastic…I’ll admit, if I hadn’t been reading an eBook, I would definitely have skipped to Martyn’s parts. And the new characters!!!! AHHH!!!! One in particular was my favorite for SO MANY REASONS, but, because I spoilers…I will be quiet. I cannot wait to add this book to my shelf. And read it again. And again. And again.

 

 

 

~About the Author~

Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn’t writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country.

You can connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, Twitter, Instagram, and her blog.

 

 

 

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Blogging Tips for Those Who Have No Time

*ahem ahem ahem* (can we all just ignore the fact that it’s 12:30am on Wednesday morning and I forgot until now that I needed a post to go up TODAY? *facepalm* The irony. I wish I could say I’m just being sarcastic, but… -_- )

 

 

Let’s face it: Bloggging is HARD.

Ever wonder why I miss posts? Disappear without explanation?

The short answer is I have a life.

The short solution is that I should find time in that life for blogging.

Well. I tried that and IT DIDN’T WORK.

So. After much trial and error, I present to you a random conglomeration of blogging tips for busy people.

NOTE: Don’t hold any of this over my head because I’m about to divulge my deepest darkest blogging secrets.

 

ONE

Plan out posts a month in advance. You don’t have to completely write the posts and get them scheduled (though if you can do that, great!). Just write down on a calendar what post is going up on what day. And a week or two (or the night before like I’m doing right now) that, finish up the post and schedule it.

 

TWO

Find a graphics template you can use over and over again. I use Canva to make the graphics for my post. I use the same template every. Is this boring? Probably. Do I care? Not really. It gets the job done and looks mildly professional. (Note mildly.)

 

THREE

Have a few book review post drafts formatted, grammar-checked, and ready to go live. If worst comes to worst, just click GO on a book review post and voila, you’ve got yourself another week.

*clears throat* no I’ve never done this why do you ask?

 

FOUR

Keep a running tab of EVERY SINGLE post idea you ever get. It doesn’t even have to be a complete idea. ANY idea you get should be written down. Who knows…it might be weeks, months, or even years before you use it–or you may never use it–but it’s there. It’s already thought-of. If you’re scrambling for time, pulling an old idea out can be one of the best options.

 

FIVE

Plan out, write up, and completely draft a three or four month long series. If you post just one of those posts each month (be sure to link back to previous posts), you’ve just 1.) created a reason that readers might wish to return to your blog, and 2.) bought yourself some time.

 

~~~

What’s something that has helped you stay on-track with blogging?

(tell me all your secrets because I’m a miserable little human writing a post of blogging tips at 12:45am. *rolls eyes*)

 

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The Very Awesome Vlog Challenge #5 / / April-June 2017

It’s that time again! First, make sure to watch everyone’s amazing vlogs from the fourth challenge.

Victoria @ Ruffles and Grace

Hope Ann @ Writing in the Light

Abi @ The Left-Handed Typist

Ivy @ Lakeside Publications

And, as promised, the winner of the $10 Amazon Gift Card drawing is…

Victoria!

Congrats! You should get an email from Amazon shortly. :D

 

 

Questions for VAVC #5, April-June:

If you were going to spend one year away from home in a cabin in the woods and were only allowed to bring ONE suitcase of belongings, what would you pack?
Do you believe in “Writer’s Block”?
What is one fiction book that helped you grow spiritually?

 

You have until June 15th to add your link on the Challenge Page. And remember, entering in the challenge also enters you to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

Happy Vlogging!

 

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Long Overdue UPDATES!

I know, I know, this post has been too long coming. Many apologies! *bangs head* bad author, bad author.

 

ONE

My contemporary novella, Left to Die, is FINALLY available as a paperback! It might take a day or two for it to show up on Amazon, but it will be there.

 

TWO

I have taken a few weeks off from writing. There are several reasons for this that I won’t go into, but the reason I’m even bringing it up is because I HIGHLY RECOMMEND DOING THIS. My mind has been so much clearer to think and process and prioritize and goal-ize and focus on my relationship with Christ. It’s been wonderful. Highly, highly recommended.

 

THREE

This is sad news. Get your tissues out.

The second Long Lake Legacy book will not be published in 2017.

*cowers*

I’m so, so sorry. Again, there are several reasons why that I won’t bore you with. It makes me sad, too, especially because I know how excited many of you are for the next installment in Clara and William’s story. It is coming, just not as quickly as I had hoped.

The new approximate publication date is Summer, 2018.

 

FOUR

This is more of an FYI than anything, but I’ll smack it here as number four. :)

Instagram is my new favorite media platform. It’s awesome. And I even post semi-regularly. So if I ever let my blog fall into the depths of despair and/or I completely ignore it, feel free to hop onto my Instagram.

A post shared by Ivy Rose (@author_ivyrose) on Mar 30, 2017 at 11:27pm PDT

FIVE

I’m actually considering writing a book by hand? Like…I think I’m crazy. But I think I might enjoy it. I mean…I used to write primarily by hand. Surely I can do it again?

Still trying to make a decision on this one. I’ll be sure to let you know. :)

 

 

SIX

I survived having my wisdom teeth removed.

Let me say, I’m exceptionally glad that this is a one-time deal. I won’t post pictures of my swollen face to be sensitive to those who may be fainthearted, but I did put a few on Instagram for whomever may enjoy viewing such hysterical contortions of me face.

 

~~~

 

What have you been up to lately?
Are you doing Camp NaNo?

(or are you hiding in the bushes eating smores while all the productive little writers do the thing?) *stuffs face*

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