Nadette Rae Rodgers's Blog, page 10

Illusion Playlist!

A while back I was asked in an interview with Enchanted Readers if I had a playlist for my book Illusion.

Well, I do. And today I’m sharing it with all of you!

I’ve seen some authors do this in the past and absolutely love listening to the songs once I’ve read their books.

I’ve listed all of the songs below, but there is also a link at the bottom for the Spotify playlist I made. (If there was a specific chapter or scene I thought of with the song, I put that in parentheses next to the song below.)

I selected these songs based on either the lyrics, the meaning, the instrumental part or melody, or the overall vibe I get listening to the song. Some of these are about dreams, and others are just general songs that I listened to while I wrote my book. *note: none of these songs/artists are in any affiliation with Illusion. These are just songs that I really enjoyed and that inspired me while writing. 

Enjoy!

[image error]Follow me on Spotify  (Nadette Rodgers)

Illusion Playlist:

Sleepsong by Bastille (I feel that this song really captures the meaning of my book. It has a bit of the creepy factor, while also having a bit of a romantic sound to it. This song really inspired me during the writing process. Bastille just seems to get me!)
You Found Me by Kelly Clarkson (a song played at the dance)
In the Shadows Tonight by Megan and Liz (Prologue)
Just a Dream by Carrie Underwood
Lights by Ellie Goulding (Chapter 2)
Out of My League by Fitz and the Tantrums (Chapter 4)
Paranoia by Max Frost (Chapter 2)
Somewhere Only We Know by Keane (Chapter 13) 
Wait by M83
Don’t Wake Me Up by Chris Brown
Eyes Open by Taylor Swift
Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics (I also really like Fitz and the Tantrums cover of this song)
Burning House by Cam (Chapter 38) 
Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye (Chapter 20-21) 
Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day
I’m with you by Avril Lavine (Chapter 13)
Dark Paradise by Lana Del Rey (Chapter 35)
I Was Made For Loving You by Tori Kelly feat. Ed Sheeran (Chapter 23)
 River Flows in You from the Twilight Soundtrack 
 Midnight City by M83
Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day (Chapter 39) 
 Shatter Me by Lindsey Sterling feat. Lzzy Hale 

[image error]Click here to purchase.

If you guys thought of any songs while reading Illusion be sure to let me know! I would love to hear your ideas too! 

~Nadette

Spotify Playlist: click here!

Winter Reads: Just Listen

Book: Just Listen

Author: Sarah Dessen

My Goodreads Rating: 5 stars

[image error]Instagram: @nadetterae

Synposis (via Goodreads):

Last year, Annabel was “the girl who has everything” — at least that’s the part she played in the television commercial for Kopf’s Department Store.

This year, she’s the girl who has nothing: no best friend because mean-but-exciting Sophie dropped her, no peace at home since her older sister became anorexic, and no one to sit with at lunch. Until she meets Owen Armstrong.

Tall, dark, and music-obsessed, Owen is a reformed bad boy with a commitment to truth-telling. With Owen’s help, maybe Annabel can face what happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends.

* * *

So I actually read this a while ago, but recently re-read it and realized I never reviewed it on here for you guys. So here is the review I wrote on Goodreads right after reading it plus some thoughts I had after rereading it.

I must say Just Listen was a very good book. It’s a close second to Lock and Key. I enjoyed them both but for very different reasons.

I just love the way Sarah Dessen writes. She really makes the story come to life on the pages, and I find myself getting completely wrapped up in her books. I really also admire her writing style and the way everything is so realistic.

She consistently has some of the best endings of books that I’ve read in a while. She wraps everything up so beautifully, no lose ends, there’s no wondering if two people end up together or if the main character will ever be happy again. You just know because she tells you or at least hints at their future in the end of her books. Every time I finish a Sarah Dessen book I just feel…satisfied, as in I’m happy with how it ended and it’s what I hoped would happen to the characters. Sometimes when you finish a book, you feel depressed (in a way) that it’s over. But with her books, I always feel happy with the endings. That’s what I hope to achieve in my writing.

And Just Listen left me with that feeling. I think she wrapped up this story in such a great way, and I just knew Annabel and Owen and Whitney and Kirsten, and all the other characters are going to be okay.

Because a story doesn’t always end when the book does, there’s more to it than that.

Just Listen is a very realistic book in that the characters are all dealing with very real issues. This YA book touches on some very difficult situations and emotions that teens face.

I thought the symbolism of the glass house she lives in was so interesting. It’s like people look in their beautiful glass house and see a perfect family living inside. But no one knew the struggles that were going on within that house. It appeared one way- put together and perfect- but in reality, nothing really ever is that way.

This book was very well written and was a real page-turner. I definitely recommend it!

Have you read Just Listen? What did you think? What’s your favorite Sarah Dessen book?

Happy Reading!

~Nadette

Winter Reads: The Grift of the Magi

Book: The Grift of the Magi 

Series: Heist Society (#3.5)

Author: Ally Carter 

My Goodreads Rating: 5 stars 

[image error]Instagram: @nadetterae

Synopsis (via Goodreads): 

Katarina Bishop is a thief. To many it wouldn’t matter that she now uses her considerable skills to re-steal valuable works of art and return them to their rightful homes.

She’s still a thief.

So that’s why Kat’s surprised when an Interpol agent comes to her one snowy evening, asking for Kat’s help.

The Magi Miracle Network was set to auction off a very rare, very valuable Faberge egg two days before Christmas, but the egg’s been stolen and now the charity’s reputation—and their future—is on the line.

Kat’s family and Interpol might be opposite sides of most jobs, but someone just stole Christmas.

Now it’s up to Kat and her crew to steal it back.

The Grift of the Magi is a Heist Society novella and is approximately half the length of the other novels in the series. It stands alone, but if you want read more about Kat and her crew check out Heist Society, Uncommon Criminals, and Perfect Scoundrels.

* * *

I downloaded this novella on Christmas Eve so I could have a fun, Christmas-y story to read over the holidays. It was so good! I read it in a couple hours! 

I’ve always been a fan of Ally Cater books, especially the Heist Society series. All the books in Heist Society are a pretty fast read, and they’re really interesting- quite a page turner! 

The Grift of the Magi has everything the other Heist Society books have from con artists, to the teen romance between Kat and Hale (totally love them as a couple by the way!), to the heist they must pull off on a major time crunch. 

I thought the plot of this book was really intriguing. And it all went with the Christmas theme really well! 

I really love the way Carter throws plot twists in at times when you think the heist simply won’t work. I also like how the Heist books all have an event or a date that each chapter leads up to (like how it says “Ten days until Christmas”). I’m constantly saying “one more chapter, then I’ll go to bed” when I read Heist Society books because I just need to know what happens next. I need to find out if they pull off the heist, if they get conned by some great con artist, and if something is a real artifact or if it’s a fake. 

I love all the characters in the series. I love how Gabrielle will swoop in and save the day or surprise everyone with her skills. I love Uncle Eddie! When all the characters are gathered in his kitchen and Kat says it feels like home to her, I can feel that sense of warmth and comfort too. The family aspect really comes through in these books. I think Hale is a really interesting character, and I honestly think he is perfect for Kat. I love the story of how they met and I’ve really enjoyed being able to see their relationship grow through the first three books to the point it was in this novella. You know they’d do anything- and steal anything-for each other. Hale wants to give Kat the world.

I can’t wait for the fourth Heist book! These books make me want to find my own Hale and go plot a heist! 

Also, Ally Carter wrote a little author’s note at the end of this novella about writing reviews for books you like reading. As a fellow author, I really appreciated that author’s note. It is so important that readers write reviews for books they liked; it helps the authors, it helps other readers decide what books to get, and it starts discussions about the books. As the authors of the books you guys review, we really really appreciate all the kinds words you say about what we write. (So that’s why I wanted to write this review because I really enjoyed her book!) 

Even though Christmas is over, this book is still such a fun one to read. You should go download it and read it! And write a review or comment below with your thoughts of The Grift of the Magi! 

Happy Reading! 

~Nadette 

#MLKDay 2017: “I Have a Dream”

Happy MLK day to all! 

On this day, I like to think about Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech and all that he dreamed this country could be. 

So I thought I’d write a post today in the topic of dreams. 

Now I know what you’re thinking. “Nadette, you always write about dreams!” 

And that is true. I do. But I typically post about the dreams you have in your head while you sleep. Today I want to discuss dreams with you as in aspirations, goals, and what you hope for your future. 

“I have a dream”… 

What do you dream will happen in the next five years? Five months? Five days even? 

What did you dream about being when you grew up? Are you there yet? 

[image error]Instagram: @nadetterae

So instead of New Years Resolutions, here are my 17 dreams for 2017: 

I dream of finishing the current project I’m working on. #wip #theillusiontrilogy 


I dream of releasing that book this calendar year, so my readers can know what happens next. 


I dream of interacting more within the bookish community. I have loved this last year getting to know people who share my love of books and words! 


I dream that I can continue to meet other authors through my book and this blog. It is always so inspiring to get to talk to people who have been through the publishing and writing process and to hear how the writers I admire write. 


I dream of having the time to read books that I want to read! (Not assigned for homework) 


I dream of a world where books are the key to unlocking imagination and escaping everyday life, if only for a little while. 


I dream of fixing my typewriter and hearing that click-click-click again as I write! 


I dream of blogging more often and sharing my thoughts and words with you all! 


I dream of getting the opportunity to meet more of my young readers. Hearing their stories and seeing their own writing really inspires me! 


I dream of writing everyday, even if it is just journaling or writing posts. 


I dream of taking more pictures, to capture some moments in life I may otherwise forget. 


I dream of covers for book two! So many ideas! 


I dream of reading 30 books this year. 


I dream that this year will be full of words and books and laughter and memories and hope for the future. 


I dream that no matter what your 2016 or 2015 or 2014 etc. held, that you take this year in stride and truly chase after what you deserve and dream of. 


I dream of a world and a country where words have the power to bring people together. 


And lastly, I dream that all of you may have the chance to follow your dreams, take that first step, and make your dreams a reality in 2017. Today is the perfect day to start. 

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So tell me, what is your dream for 2017 and how will you get there? 

Sweet dreams! Dream big! Always follow your dreams! And remember that “no person has the right to rain on your dreams”. 

~Nadette Rae 

A Dreamer’s Choice: Guest Post by Katharyne Reitsma

Hi all,

I am beyond excited to share this #WritingWednesday post with you today! Writer, and very good friend of mine, Katharyne Reitsma (of Finding Fairyland), was inspired to write a poem after reading Illusion.

This poem really captures the vibe I wanted for my novel, and I wanted to share it with all of you!

Thank you, Katharyne, for this beautiful poem!

Happy Reading Everyone!

~Nadette

* * *

A Dreamer’s Choice
By: Katharyne Reitsma
To be in love is to be in a dream.

When dreams turn to menacing visions

When visions make reality extreme

Love will force you to make a decision.


Forced to choose between reveries and reality

Forced to choose between mortality and vitality


How to decide what choices to make

When around each corner new terrors await

What’s the difference, asleep and awake,

When evil forces are controlling fate.


Forced to choose between reveries and reality

Forced to choose between mortality and vitality


Suddenly there’s nowhere to escape

The unavoidable trap has been laid

On every side enemies await

And now a decision must be made


Forced to choose between reveries and reality

Forced to choose between mortality and vitality

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Author Interview Series: J. D. Wylde

Hi everyone,

Today I have an interview with an author I met at the Passages & Prose event I attended in the Fall. She has been so supportive of Illusion and I wanted to share her story with you all.

So read below and be sure to check out her website too!

~Nadette

* * *

Author Interview:  J.D. Wylde

Hi, Nadette! Thank you for inviting me to be a guest on your blog. I’m honored to be here.

What genre is your favorite read?

I love romance. Can I let you in on a little secret? I’m a hopeless romantic.  I love reading stories where boy meets girl and they overcome all the obstacles in their path to find their forever-after happiness. I’m like an addict. I can’t get enough of them.

Who is your author role-model?

I would have to say Debbie Macomber. I was just starting out with no idea of what to do. I had just finished reading one of her books and decided to write to her asking what I should do. I never expected to hear from her, but she took time from her busy schedule to write me with some really good advice. I never forgot her graciousness.

How old were you when you began writing?

Imagination was my best friend growing up. It was also my passport to an amazing world beyond the farm I grew up on.  And with it as my constant companion, I wrote my first short story at age eight. I went on to write poems and little stories for my kids when they were growing up.

Is writing your career or something on the side?

It is my career now. Being “Penny” to a Big Bang Theory think-tank of software engineers, physicists, and theorists was already taken. (Just teasing!)  Seriously, I have always loved to write. Being able to leave my day job of actually taking care of a think-tank of software engineers to pursue my dream is a blessing.

What inspires you to write?

When someone says, “I loved your book.” Or, “I, too, have known that kind of love,” is all the inspiration I need.

Do you base characters off of people in your life?

Not really. I may take a few character traits from them. Sometimes something they have experienced, or said inspires me, but I don’t base my characters off them. My mind is more a mental Motel Six. I leave the mental porch light on, and they come.

Read the book or see the movie first?

Always, always, always read the book first!

How do you read a book (i.e., cover to cover, sometimes finish it, will tear through it in a day, read the last page before starting)?

I read a book cover to cover, starting with the author dedication, or author acknowledgements. I love to read who and what has inspired them, or the story.

What is a writing goal you have?

To have one of my books made into a movie. Bradley Cooper, I have a hero perfect for you!

What is your advice for aspiring writers?

Never give up. Write every day. Take classes to learn the craft and find a writing group in your genre. There’s joy in like-minded individuals sharing and caring. Trust me, they understand the writing things that your family and other friends can only scratch their heads at.

And always, follow your dream. It will lead you to amazing places.

* * *

Author Bio:

J.D. Wylde is the author of sweet and sexy romance. She has a line of sexy contemporary romances, as well as a line of sweet inspirational romances of faith. She writes stories with strong heroines, sexy heroes, and always, a happy ending.

Her books are available in e-format and paperback at http://www.amazon.com and Barnes and Noble (on-line paperbacks).

You can follow J.D. on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Or visit her website at www.jdwylde.com.

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Sarah K. Stephens Update!

Hi all!

A little while ago I interviewed author Sarah K. Stephens in anticipation of her novel’s release.

I wanted to update you all and let you know that her book is out!

A Flash of Red was released on December 13th with Pandamoon Publishing. It is Sarah’s debut novel, a psychological thriller.

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You can click here to purchase the book on Amazon.

And if you want to read the interview with her click here.

Congratulations, Sarah!

Latest 5 star review of Illusion!

Hi guys,

So this morning I woke up and noticed a new review on Barnes & Noble of Illusion. I wanted to share it and also say thank you to the reader who wrote this! It honestly made my day

Hello 2017!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

[image error]Happy New Years! 2017 

I hope you all had a great 2016 and that you’ll have an even better 2017!

This past year has been full of milestones in my life- a major one being publishing my first novel. It was such an incredible feeling, and often I think I’m dreaming. But I did it, I finally got my book out there!

And your response to it has been so amazing! You all will never know how much your emails, comments, and reviews of Illusion mean to me. All your questions and enthusiasm for the rest of the trilogy is my motivation.

So thank you, 2016, for being the year I finally got my words out there! And thank you, readers, for reading it and caring about my book!

This year I also was invited to attend a couple book shows and book fairs, which was such a great experience for me. I’ve had the opportunity to visit local middle schools and high schools to talk about writing and being an author. If you would’ve told me a year ago all the people I would meet through writing this book or this blog, or all the book events I would go to, I don’t think I would have believed you.

So this year, for 2017 I have another challenge for you, my fellow writers and readers. And that challenge is:

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!

Seriously, you all can do anything you put your mind to. Make 2017 the year that you go and make things happen.

If you want to be an author, share your novel with people, spread the word about your words. It takes time, believe me, but the feeling of holding your finished book is well worth it!

If you want to be a songwriter, get those lyrics out there.

If you want to be a photographer, take pictures. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

But whatever you do, pour your heart into it!

Your dreams can (and will) become reality. All you have to do is decide what it is you want to do and take some small steps to get there.

Always remember that “Everything starts as somebody’s dream.”

So my fellow writers, painters, readers, dancers, actors, etc… always follow your dreams! AND dream big!

2017 will be the year that you say “this is what dreams are made of”! You just have to take the chance.

Love always,

~Nadette Rae Rodgers

 

“Curl up and Enjoy!”

Hi everyone!

Fall is turning to winter and the snow is starting to fall. Today is the type of day I like to cozy up in my reading chair with some hot cocoa and a good book!

Are you the same way?

If so, check out this review of Illusion I noticed on Amazon today!

So grab your copy of Illusion or download it on Kindle (or the Kindle app) and curl up and enjoy!

I love hearing from you guys! It’s such an incredible feeling reading the reviews you all are posting or seeing the neat pictures readers are sending me of the book. So if you’ve read Illusion, please review it or contact me and let me know your thoughts. What characters did you love? Who did you hate? Who do you want to know more about?

I’m currently working on the next book in the trilogy and would love to factor in my readers’ input.

Thank you to everyone who’s reviewed Illusion so far. I really appreciate it!

I hope you like the book and I look forward to hearing from you when you’re done!

Happy Reading,

~Nadette