Reena Jacobs's Blog, page 34
June 18, 2011
Special Post: Kickstarter Project Launched
Well, it's out there. I've launched the Kickstarter Project for I Loved You First. Head over and check it out. And if you're so inclined to push I Loved You First on to publication, feel free to pledge. 
Ever wonder where I get my ideas? Everywhere. Until then, check out the origin of I Loved You First.
June 17, 2011
Authors Helping Authors: Kickstarter
I'm your guinea pig.
If you've visited my blog or website over the past week, you'll know I'm working to launch a Kickstarter project. So here's what I'm thinking. My creative buddies might like regular updates on the successes and (hopefully not) failures. That way, if you decide to launch a Kickstarter project, perhaps my experience will help you.
One or two updates a week should keep my readership in the know without driving them away. So we've got Working Wednesday where I do my regularly weekly updates. Starting next week, I'll add the Kickstarter goal to the list.
Then we have one of two options:
Friday Authors Helping Authors: Okay. This feature has had a dry spell lately. The novelty has faded, authors asking to post have dwindled, and I've done nothing to revive it. Like today, I'll work to fill the Authors Helping Authors feature since this definitely fits under the category. If an author comes to me requesting to do a Friday post, I'll definitely open the day up to them first. I'm sure you'd rather listen to someone else share their experience than me ramble about a 30-day project.
Second option is to do a Saturday Special Post. I have absolutely no feature on this day. Although, I'm liking the name Saturday Special. Has a nice ring to it, yes? There. I just added that to my categories. Not sure what I plan to do with it, but it's there now. Perhaps I'll use it for New and Upcoming releases. Yes. That sounds wonderful. So if you have a release, let me know (ReenaJacobs at ReenaJacobs dot com) Tell me which Saturday you'd like it posted, but make sure the release date is within a week of the Saturday. Include your website, the release date, the buy link(s), an online link where I can find a picture of the cover art, and a link where I can find the blurb. If you have any discounts you're planning for your release, definitely include that information. That'll make the Saturday Special all the more special. Sound good? Great!
Back to the regularly scheduled program… Kickstarter. So we have one or two updates happening.
Now to share with you my first set back. What?!!? The campaign hasn't even started and you're already talking setbacks? Yeah.
Apparently, Kickstarter campaigns require you to have an Amazon business account… or something like that. I knew that. However, I figured I'd get to it at the last moment. Well, I did. The thing is, there is an account verification process which goes along with this. After all is said and done, it can take anywhere from 5-7 days. Bummer. Let's hope it doesn't. With that in mind, I'm already thinking of extending the tentative end date from Saturday, July 18 to Saturday, July 25 or even the beginning of August, Saturday, August 2. We'll see. I really want to get those 30 days in.
Other than that, this week has gone very well. I've been hella busy trying to get videos for I Loved You First finished. They aren't the greatest, but this little amateur put a little something together.
Today, I present to you the Kickstarter video.
June 15, 2011
New Release: Werewolf Descent by Elizabeth Kolodziej
Great things are happening for my writing buddy Elizabeth Kolodziej! This week, the second novel of her Last Witches Series hit the shelf. I'm currently about 20% into this book and enjoying the story line. Despite not reading her first novel, Vampyre Kisses, I'm not lost. So if you missed the first, don't be afraid to start here. If you're not one to start a series in the center, you know Vampyre Kisses is always waiting for you… well, unless the apocalypse comes or something. Then you might have trouble finding any books. I can't read the future, so I'm not sure… I'm just speculating.
Head over to her Facebook page, congratulate her. Better yet, pick up her books!
Last witch in the world, Faith Scott, and her Irish vampire boyfriend Trent have just come back from fighting for their lives to recover the Vampiric Blood gem and Werewolf Moon gem. Thinking they could finally relax and work on the romance growing between them, they now meet a mysterious psychic vampire named Vincent who has his heart set on being with Faith.
Soon bizarre killings of Zou Tai's werewolf pack begin, with rumors of an alchemist possessing the famed philosophers stone being the assailant; which, causes Faith to turn to Vincent for help in figuring out why the werewolves are being murdered.
It isn't long before all those around them test Trent and Faith's love, along with their abilities, once again. It is all Trent can do to keep Faith safe by his side while both go up against a deadly alchemist, deceptive gods, and having to rescue the werewolf prince; yet, after a deal with the God of Werewolves will Trent be able to save himself too?
Werewolf Descent is available at: Smashwords, Amazon, and Barnes & Nobles.
Looking for Vampyre Kisses? Find it at:
Working Wednesday #9
It's Wednesday again. I have no idea how much progress I've made, but I'm thinking not much. Well, let's find out together.
Edit Chasing Shadows
Three scene a week
Last update 8/57 scenes
This week's progress 8/57 scenes Once again, I've brushed this aside. I'm not worried though as I'm working to get I Loved You First prepared for publication first. Right now, my goal is to have Chasing Shadows available by the end of the year.
Edit I Loved You First
Four scenes a week
Last update 23/29
Currently at 27/32 scenes. Okay… I'll be honest. I had no idea I met my goal here. I've been so involved in other things, I don't remember the last time I worked on I Loved You First. Of course, when I get busy, one day seems like two sometimes, and I lose track of time. Well, 5 scenes left to polish.
We're coming to the end of the road folks!Maintaining 100+ words a day over at Word Count Union
This will be accomplished either by working on Trinity's Awakening
Last week's word count: 24,386
Current word count: 24,386 Another goal I didn't bother with.
On the other hand, I have been working with I Loved You First and adding fresh words during the editing phase. Last check in, I was at 39,995 words. Today I'm at 40,416 words.
Clean up blog and update link
I'm not sure I've worked on this. At least I don't recall doing anything in terms of the blog other than the typical blog posts.
2011 Reading Challenge ~ Apparently I lost my lead, and now I'm right on track. This week I'm reading Werewolf Descent by Elizabeth Kolodziej. I'm making an effort to finish it this week, since I have the review scheduled for Monday. So stay tuned.
2011 Reading Challenge
Reena has read 18 books toward her goal of 60 books.
hide
18 of 60 (30%)
view books
In Other News!!!
I've posted the first chapter of I Loved You First. I'm also gearing up for a Kickstarter Campaign, featuring I Loved You First.
My best friend was more than just a best friend to me. Three words summed it up: I heart him. I'd never tell him though. I wasn't stupid. Besides, what he'd told no one, but me, was a little something I wished I could forget… or ignore. He was gay. I guess gay wouldn't be bad if I wasn't so in love with him. Now it was just cruel.
Stereotypes run amok in this college love story: Parties, alcohol, hookups, and breakups. Alexandria Carmichael may find it a bit much as she deals with the unreturned love from the boy who completes her. When all is revealed, not only does she risk losing her best friend forever, but also herself. Without her childhood companion for support, Alexandria takes a journey of self-discovery but fears what she'll find at the end.
Add it to your Goodreads list.
June 14, 2011
Teaser Tuesday: I Loved You First by Reena Jacobs
My stomach does that tops- turvy thing once in awhile with I Loved You First coming to an end. I have just a few scenes left to polish before it'll be ready for an editor. Today, I thought I'd offer my readership a little teaser–the first chapter. Though I've had a sample edit, I haven't corrected any of the errors since I'll be sending this same sample to other editors to see if our style matches. So, if you find errors, please be forgiving and overlook them. In fact, please don't even mention them. That'll be for the editors who do a sample edit. The anticipated release date for I Loved You First is August 2011. Until then, you can add it to your to-read list on Goodreads. And if you haven't checked out the rewards for my upcoming Kickstarter Compaign, please do.
A little about I Loved You First:
My best friend was more than just a best friend to me. Three words summed it up: I heart him. I'd never tell him though. I wasn't stupid. Besides, what he'd told no one, but me, was a little something I wished I could forget… or ignore. He was gay. I guess gay wouldn't be bad if I wasn't so in love with him. Now it was just cruel.
Stereotypes run amok in this college love story: Parties, alcohol, hookups, and breakups. Alexandria Carmichael may find it a bit much as she deals with the unreturned love from the boy who completes her. When all is revealed, not only does she risk losing her best friend forever, but also herself. Without her childhood companion for support, Alexandria takes a journey of self-discovery but fears what she'll find at the end.
Chapter One
The music blared throughout the house at full blast–Pretty People by Dexter Freebish. Yep, that pretty much summed it up. They surrounded me. Only thing, I didn't want to be like them. Sometimes I was just so tired of the games the so-called "pretty people" played. Yet here I was, the girl hiding in a corner, decorating a wall.
The party was in full swing. Already people had consumed enough alcohol to loosen inhibitions but not enough to send them puking over the balcony. It'd get there though. I'd been to enough of these parties to know it was only a matter of time.
Through the mass of bodies, I could just make out the guys in the kitchen guzzling beer bongs. A few of the more slutty chicks hung off to the side laughing and cheering them on. Once in a while, one of the braver girls joined in and make a mess of her outfit. The whole thing was stupid, and they'd certainly regret it in the morning.
So why was I here?
The answer pushed through the crowd–my best friend, Seth. BFF since I'd saved him from a beat down in the first grade. Well, actually, I'd bitten the girl's arm who'd bullied him. Nothing like a nip to send a kid crying. I'd gotten in trouble but earned a forever friend in the process. Totally worth it.
Seth chatted to random frat boys as he made his way to me. He was one of the "pretty people." Sandy blond hair, blue eyes, six foot, and a rising star on the baseball team–he was what girls wanted, and he knew it.
I, on the other hand, was just his sidekick. Nearly invisible. I didn't mind so much. It was the same role I'd played in high school. Why should college be any different? He got me into all the good parties I'd preferred to avoid, and I stood by his side as his gossip buddy.
"Here, Alex." Seth pressed a plastic cup of frothy something into my hand. "This is great, huh?"
I shrugged. "Yeah, I guess."
He grinned a toothpaste smile and punched me lightly on the shoulder. "You're such a party crasher."
No. I would just rather be anywhere but here. I took a sip of my urine colored drink, wishing it were a soda instead.
"Oh great. Here comes Cheyenne." Seth down his drink like he needed fortification. No doubt he did. His Adam's apple bobbed with each gulp, like a buoy on the waves. He took one look at his empty cup then at my full one. I handed it to him, not sure why I took the first taste anyway. After all, I was the DD.
"Thanks." He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and leaned close, whispering in my ear. "I wish she'd just leave me the hell alone."
I dittoed his sentiments exactly–but for different reasons. My best friend was more than just a best friend to me. Three words summed it up: I heart him. I'd never tell him though. I wasn't stupid. Besides, what he'd told no one but me was a little something I wished I could forget… or ignore. He was gay. Gay wouldn't be bad if I wasn't so in love with him. Now it was just cruel.
Of course that didn't stop him from playing the dating game. Oh no. He was all into burning through the girls. After all, we couldn't have our All American Jock batting for the other team.
I felt for him; I really did. But at the same time, I was bitter. Yeah, I admit it. It hurt watching him with other girls, wishing it was me instead. I wanted him for myself but knew I'd never have him. So, I settled for the next best thing–being by his side… being the one he shared his hopes and dreams with. What more could a girl in love ask for?
Cheyenne Gordon–cheerleader extraordinaire stepped up to the plate with her personal entourage creating a semi-circle around us. It didn't matter she was a third-year student and we were only freshmen. Young. Old. Every girl wanted a little "sumpin sumpin" with Seth.
She gave me a cursory glance before turning her attentions to my buddy.
Like I said, sidekick. Worthy of notice, but not that much. I blended into the background, the official fly on the wall. Times like this I felt like nothing more than Seth's mascot.
"Hey, Cheyenne." Seth gave her the full smile. I'd told him a million times he should major in drama. He really did have talent. I hadn't even known about his little secret until he'd told me in ninth grade. By then, the girls had started to take notice of his beach boy looks. I guess my best friend just couldn't take the pressure of impersonating straight folks and had to get it off his back.
We'd talked about him coming out of the closet, but in reality we both knew pigs would fly first. He couldn't even bring himself to tell his father. I understood in a way. His dad, Brandon Richards, was everything Seth wanted to be. Mr. Richards really was a great dad–never missed a school event. Even I'd hate to disappoint him. Then again, considering how supportive the guy was, I doubt Seth had much to worry about. But then it was Seth's secret to share and mine to keep for him.
Talking to Cheyenne, Seth made all the right moves. A nod at the appropriate moment, a quick peek at her near non-existent breasts, then the hand on her hip.
I knew the routine, but those touches belonged to me. Hadn't I waited long enough? My only consolation was the fact it'd all lead to nothing. He'd probably date her–for appearance sake. It'd last for a few weeks–longer if things stayed platonic. When it turned serious, he'd brush her off like dirt on his jersey after a home run. Yesterday's old news. It was the way things always played out.
Cheyenne twirled her dull brown hair around her fingers. I knew the girl thought she was cute. But really, my wavy black hair was better. Genetics–a combination of a black mom and white dad gave me kickass hair. Of course no one would ever know since I kept it in a single braid going down my back. I'd learned at an early age people couldn't keep their hands to themselves. If I let my hair loose, they were all over it. If I could ever find my voice, I'd scream respect the bubble.
My mom was convinced one day everyone would be like me–dark hair, olive skin.
"So you wanna get something to eat?" Cheyenne stepped closer, bringing her body flush with Seth's. I envisioned myself snatching her away by her scraggy hair.
Seth looked at me. "Alex?"
All eyes drifted to me.
"I guess." Bummer. My voice squeaked. Heat spread through my body, concentrating on my face and chest.
"Alright. Let's go," Seth said and set the empty cups in a nearby planter.
"Well…" Cheyenne looked at me, hesitation written all over her face. "We kinda don't have room for everyone."
Quick tally–Seth, Cheyenne, her three groupies, and me. Unless she had a mini-van–
"That's okay. I brought my bike." Seth nodded to the helmets I guarded–another one of my invisible girl lackey chores. "We'll meet you there."
Cheyenne bit her lip, and I could see the wheels turning in her mini-brain. She pouted. "Fine."
I tried to hold back a grin. I think I succeeded. Cheyenne frowned at me. Okay, maybe my lips curled a little. But really, I could be happy over little things, right?
Cheyenne turned to Seth and found her smile again. "Gretel's, okay?"
A shrug from me and Seth said, "Sure."
"Great." Cheyenne left, taking team cheerleader with her.
Seth took a deep breath and released it. "Let's do this thing."
As glad as I was to escape the crowd of funky bodies, I couldn't keep my mouth shut. "I don't know why you always go along. You could say no, you know."
The are-we-really-going-to-get-into-it-now look Seth gave was all I need to drop the matter, at least for now.
On our way out, Bruce Derrick stopped Seth on the porch with a slide of the hand and knuckle bump. "'Sup, dude."
"Heading to Gretel's. Wanna join?" My friend knew how to play it cool. Seth had never told me, but I wasn't fooled. He had a secret crush on Bruce. I saw it in the stray glances, the look of longing for something just out of reach; the same kind I probably gave my good buddy when he wasn't watching. Yeah. I got that. Totally.
Bruce would probably kick Seth's ass, if he got a whiff. He could do it too.
The guy was at least six-three and ripped. I'd seen him enough times without his shirt to know.
Seth was big into dragging me to Bruce's football practices. His excuse–he liked football, and freshmen couldn't try out for sports at Van Buren University, so might as well enjoy his time in the bleachers while he had the chance.
Yeah, whatever. We'd never gone to the football practices in high school. So what changed? Simple–Bruce wasn't a showcase in our school. Not being into football and all, my best guess was the guy was a receiver or something.
Bruce planted a hand on Seth's shoulder and leaned close as if bestowing a great secret. Bruce's dark hair mixed with Seth's light. God how I wished Seth would get in close with me like that. "Look, I can put in a good word for you to coach. I've seen you toss a pretty good ball, you can run, catch. He might let you try out for the team if you can get in some practice, bulk up a little."
"I don't know. Baseball's my thing." Seth actually flushed as he gave a shy grin.
After all these years, I should have been immune. But really, he was just too yummy. I yearned to rest my head against his chest and run my fingers through the soft hair at the nape of his neck.
"Think about it, man." Bruce slapped Seth on the shoulder. "See ya."
Seth stood entranced as Bruce walked off. The boy had it hard. Though the football stud was too bulky for me, I could see the appeal he might have for Seth.
At 5'1″, I was still clawing my way to 100 pounds. Seth was more than enough for me. I knew from the hugs I'd snuck here and there, that I fit comfortably in my buddies arms. No doubt, he'd want a guy who could do the same for him–a guy like Bruce. I couldn't blame him really, not when it felt so good.
"Come on. Let's go." I didn't wait for him to follow as I headed to Seth's Kawasaki.
It was obvious Mr. Googly-Eyes needed a little time to get over his crush. That was fine. I could wait. The longer we wasted here, the less time I had to spend with Cheerleader Cheyenne. I pulled my helmet on, loving the snug fit, and swung my leg over the seat.
Alright. Enough was enough. My boy might be able to pass the love-struck look for deep thought. But if he kept it up, eventually someone would catch on to his little secret.
I snapped my fingers and held out a hand. "Keys."
Seth moped over, dropped them in my palm, and got on behind.
I loved when he road bitch. The warmth of his body pressed tight against my back, his hands around my middle. Yeah–this was the life. I should have felt bad about taking pleasure in something meant to be innocent, but I was too busy loving it to care. Seth laid his chin on my shoulder. We'd probably beat the cheer squad to the diner–the benefits of being able to weave through the cars on a motorcycle.
I took off with a jerk. Seth hated when I did that, but it forced him to grip me even tighter. He scooted forward with his thighs encasing mine, and his groin pressed against my butt. I smiled as we left the college scene behind and headed toward the city.
*********************
Did you like the sample? Look for it August 2011. Until then, you can add it to your to-read list on Goodreads.
June 12, 2011
Novel Review: The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon
Lately, I've been trying open myself to non-paranormal romances (PR). If you've ever read my post on why I choose to write in the paranormal romance genre (see here), you probably figured out I have no loyalty to genres. After several years of reading PR almost exclusively, I'm wanting something more. When I happened upon The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon, I couldn't help but request it from NetGalley and was approved for a review copy. Before we go into the review, the blurb from Ms. Simon's website.
It is 1968. Lynnie, a young white woman with a developmental disability, and Homan, an African American deaf man, are locked away in an institution, the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded, and have been left to languish, forgotten. Deeply in love, they escape, and find refuge in the farmhouse of Martha, a retired schoolteacher and widow. But the couple is not alone-Lynnie has just given birth to a baby girl. When the authorities catch up to them that same night, Homan escapes into the darkness, and Lynnie is caught. But before she is forced back into the institution, she whispers two words to Martha: "Hide her." And so begins the 40-year epic journey of Lynnie, Homan, Martha, and baby Julia-lives divided by seemingly insurmountable obstacles, yet drawn together by a secret pact and extraordinary love.
This work started out well–abandoned baby to an older woman, missing man, and a woman taken against her will. Definitely an intriguing set up. Once the stakes were set, I had a difficult time staying involved. Starting with Martha, the elderly lady: she tended to ramble and jump back and forth between the past and present in ways which were jarring. Her general purpose seemed to be to show the baby's location. Though Martha encountered quite a few people, I cared very little for the side characters in her story as the mentions were brief and typically mundane.
Of all the characters, I enjoyed Lynnie the most. Though she had mental deficiencies, she seemed strong in social skills and managed to communicate in unconventional ways. I loved her strength and the compassion she showed to others… even those whom deserved little.
Homan, I thought, had the most interesting story. His theme was out of the frying pan, into the fire. However, I had a difficult time connecting with him. He had humongous gaps in his education, which seemed preventable considering the connections he had prior to going on the run. I guess it was just hard for me to understand how someone with family and friends who loved him would not know simple things, like how to spend money. Thankfully for him, he had quite a few lucky breaks. Add that to his resourcefulness, and he managed to stay afloat well enough.
In some ways, the story had a spiritual undertone in which the characters believed in the big picture (someone in the sky watching over them or having a greater plan), but the book never really made the actual connection. It was almost as if the author wanted to plant a seed in the readers' mind but failed to go all the way. It would have been nice for the author to make a commitment in this area–either present a spiritual message or not, rather than a lukewarm message with no spiritual resolution.
Really, this work had a lot of potential. In many ways, it reminded me of the literature I read when I was younger: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Of Mice and Men, Flowers for Algenon. Not that the writing style was similar, but more on the lines of realism… where suffering happens because that's just the way life is. Unfortunately, the presentation was lacking.
You can find The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon at:
The Book Depository
Sunday Showcase #7
Welcome to another edition of Sunday Showcase. I happened to land three reads this week.
Last witch in the world, Faith Scott, and her Irish vampire boyfriend Trent have just come back from fighting for their lives to recover the Vampiric Blood gem and Werewolf Moon gem. Thinking they could finally relax and work on the romance growing between them, they now meet a mysterious psychic vampire named Vincent who has his heart set on being with Faith.
Soon bizarre killings of Zou Tai's werewolf pack begin, with rumors of an alchemist possessing the famed philosophers stone being the assailant; which, causes Faith to turn to Vincent for help in figuring out why the werewolves are being murdered.
It isn't long before all those around them test Trent and Faith's love, along with their abilities, once again. It is all Trent can do to keep Faith safe by his side while both go up against a deadly alchemist, deceptive gods, and having to rescue the werewolf prince; yet, after a deal with the God of Werewolves will Trent be able to save himself too?
Why I Picked It up: Ms. Kolodziej has a blog tour coming up this week, and I'm lucky enough to be a participant. She offered an ARC, and I accepted. So far I'm enjoying it. Be sure to stop by next week, as she'll be making several stops.
Available at: I'll have to update this after her novel releases next week, so stay tuned.
Now with this striking new adult novel from author and creator Francine Pascal, millions of devoted fans can finally return to the idyllic Sweet Valley, home of the phenomenally successful book series and franchise. Iconic and beloved identical twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield are back and all grown up, dealing with the complicated adult world of love, careers, betrayal, and sisterhood.
Why I Picked It up: I actually won this late last year in a giveaway over at Addicted 2 Novels. Somewhere along the lines, it didn't make its way to my place. I sent off a quick email, and my copy made an appearance last week. Woot! The simple reason I wanted this book… okay the only and main reason is I was a fan of the Sweet Valley Twins as a girl. Now they're back, and I'm interested.
Available at: Barnes & Nobles and The Book Depository
Cris De Niro worked his way up to the top of the hedge fund world. Yet, all of his money couldn't protect him from losing his wife on 9/11. 10 years passed since the tragedy. De Niro and his sons relocated to a sprawling ranch near Las Vegas. Turning to his faith to overcome his anguish, De Niro now lives for a higher purpose. From a biblical passage, he reads about the "Watchman of Ephraim," a defender who kept watch over the land. De Niro decides to acquire a lackluster counter-terrorism agency in order to transform it into a modern-day version of The Watchman for the United States but there's not a moment to lose.
Aref Sami Zamani is planning a terrorist attack on American soil – codenamed "Antioch," a plot to detonate a nuke over the city of Las Vegas. The Watchman uncovers a connection between Zamani and a Mexican drug cartel but their agent goes missing before they can learn more. That's because Zamani has a spy working for The Watchman. Strange events start to unfold near the Nogales border crossing. References are discovered to something the Mexicans are calling "Noche Del Espantada" …Fright Night," but can it mean something else?
September 11, 2011 and the sun hasn't risen yet in Las Vegas or Nogales. Antioch is in motion! At the border, Noche Del Espantada has begun and there are intruders at De Niro's ranch. De Niro has to protect his sons and someone new in his life, Dr. Moriah Stevens. She too, lost her spouse on 9/11. Moriah finds herself in love with De Niro but his devotion to his wife is proving too powerful for him, even after 10 years. It's the 10th anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on American soil and unless De Niro and his new team are successful, the day will be known as "The 2nd 9/11."
Why I Picked It up: Mr. de Marigny offered me a copy for review. Originally I turned it down, since it didn't fit into a genre I read. HOWEVER, I couldn't help but read the first page or two. The next moment, I was eating crow.
Available at: Barnes & Nobles, The Book Depository, and Smashwords
June 7, 2011
Working Wednesday #8
I often do this post late in the evening, trying to squeeze in as much work as possible before midnight… just to show I've done something, anything productive. Today, I'm hitting it early. I've done so well this week, I'm bursting to share. Let's see what we've done this week.
Edit Chasing Shadows
Three scene a week
Last update 8/57 scenes
This week's progress 8/57 scenes Major FAIL this week. I've done so well in the next area, I totally don't care.
In fact, I'm feeling quite wonderful about Chasing Shadows, cause when I'm done with my current editing, I'm thinking I can delve into Chasing Shadows with plenty of motivation. In fact, Chasing Shadows has been on my mind a lot lately. My excitement to get this published is really building.Edit I Loved You First
Four scenes a week
Last update 10/29
Currently at 23/32 scenes. I totally went gungho on this one! I don't know why I'm at 32 scenes since I only remember adding one or maybe it was two. I'm considering taking one scene out since I stole some parts of it to create another. That'll put me at 31 scenes…. but we'll see. Anyway, 13 scenes edited plus 1-2 written–I'm breaking my arm patting myself on the back. I'm hoping I can finish this up by next Working Wednesday update. Maybe by then, I'll have also settled on an editor. Tee hee
Maintaining 100+ words a day over at Word Count Union
This will be accomplished either by working on Trinity's Awakening
Last week's word count: 24,386
Current word count: 24,386 Another fail.
I've been so into I Loved You First, I haven't even bothered with this Trinity's Awakening. HOWEVER, I have been putting in some writing. If we count the extra scenes for I Loved You First, I've done quite well in this area. I started around 37, 800 and now I'm at 39,995.
Clean up blog and update link
I did work on this a wee bit this week. I've added author tags mostly.
2011 Reading Challenge ~ I'm currently one book ahead of schedule. The Story of Beautiful Girl is taking me a bit longer than I'd expected. I think I'm about about 90% done. It's not a bad read. Just not interesting enough to really capture my attention for more than a significant period of time.
2011 Reading Challenge
Reena has read 18 books toward her goal of 60 books.
hide
18 of 60 (30%)
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So that's about it. I'm just really excited about I Loved You First. Tonight I'm going to research a few editors and hopefully get my name in a queue so when I'm done polishing, I Loved You First will be closer to the top of the editor's list.
My best friend was more than just a best friend to me. Three words summed it up: I heart him. I'd never tell him though. I wasn't stupid. Besides, what he'd told no one, but me, was a little something I wished I could forget… or ignore. He was gay. I guess gay wouldn't be bad if I wasn't so in love with him. Now it was just cruel.
Stereotypes run amok in this college love story: Parties, alcohol, hookups, and breakups. Alexandria Carmichael may find it a bit much as she deals with the unreturned love from the boy who completes her. When all is revealed, not only does she risk losing her best friend forever, but also herself. Without her childhood companion for support, Alexandria takes a journey of self-discovery but fears what she'll find at the end.
Add it to your Goodreads list.
June 6, 2011
Novel Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth
I first saw the cover of Divergent by Veronica Roth MONTHS ago and loved. I'm typically not a sucker for covers these days. I've found the promise on the front often doesn't match the crap on the inside, while books I'd normally pass over because the cover (The Hunger Games and Mind Games), I absolutely loved. Well, I let myself get drawn into this one, but only because the reviews were so wonderful. Before we get into whether the book lived up to the cover, how about the blurb from Goodreads:
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.
So I hopped into this book and my first thoughts were this is rather telly. I have to admit, I was a bit worried. However, the idea of the different factions piqued my curiosity. My worries didn't last long, because the story line kept me engrossed to the very end. This mammoth of a book (nearly 500 pages) took me all of two days to finish. I'm an avid reader, but I'm no speed reader. But it was good enough I devoured it. Rawr!
One of the aspects I loved about Divergent was the characters… they were all human. And I don't mean human as in not the shape-shifters I so love, but rather human as in flawed. Not one person in the novel was invincible. Though it's generally unheard of the heroine to meet her demise, even Tris had vulnerabilities which made her susceptible to a quick end. She certainly had her fair share of injuries. So Tris had her physical weaknesses, but mentally she was a tiger. At times she was even overconfident. I could relate to her.
As for the story line, it often reminded me of The Hunger Games. The stakes weren't nearly as high–there can be only one–but that's not saying much considering the outcome for the characters who didn't meet their goals. Looking at my notes, I made a few predictions. All but one came to be true. I'm still holding out for the last prediction which might occur in a sequel. That's not saying the story was predictable… just a few character aspects.
Back to the book living up to the expectations of the cover art. I'll say yes and no. The book was great. I loved it! However, when I found out the meaning of the symbol, I was a bit disappointed at the one dimensional aspect of it. Still wicked looking cool though. If you enjoyed The Hunger Games, I say give Divergent a try. Lots of entertainment to be had.
I had a couple of passages I loved. And now I'm sharing them with you.
I don't understand why, but I don't want Eric to look at me any longer than he already has. I don't want him to look at me ever again.
"What is the point in providing food and shelter for an animal that just soils your furniture, makes your home smell bad, and ultimately dies?" ***OMG! I so get this. I've mentioned this before, but I'm totally not an animal lover. But I married a husband who owns a dog. I want the best for this dog for my husband's sake… but really, I can't stand the thing. He stinks… and I'm not just talking about the typical dog odor… I'm talking about old gym sock stink because he needs to be bathed more often than my husband thinks. When I became the alpha female of the house, I ruled no dogs on the furniture. The rule holds up when someone's in the house, but when we leave, it's on. This weekend we came home and the filthy beast had ripped a hole in my loveseat. GRRRR Thanks for listening.
So I was thinking about which faction I'd fit into best. My ex-husband once told me that I didn't care enough to lie. I wouldn't say that. I do care, a lot. I just think lying is more hassle than it's worth. HOWEVER, as I've gotten older, I've learned to say less about things I dislike… sometimes. But I swear it's like having Tourettes and trying to hold back a twitch. Eventually, the truth builds up and explodes out of me. So I'm going to say Candor would welcome me with open arms.
What faction would you be?
You can find Divergent by Veronica Roth at:
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.
Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.
June 5, 2011
Sunday Showcase #6
Okay… I admit it. I'm on an angel kick. So here's what I've received this week.
Xandir has been exiled to earth until the end of time. But when his cherub trainee disappears, Xandir makes a deal with rogue angels and giants that could restore life to the mortal woman he loves and end his assignment as a destroying angel in exchange for helping them bring about the end of the world and all of mankind.
Why I Picked It up: Fallen angels have been on my mind lately, so when I saw this, I was curious. The premises is a bit sketchy. Don't get why an exiled angel would be responsible for training a Cherub or where the whole in love with a mortal woman comes into play, but hey! I'm willing to give this one a chance. I received this from the Netgalley.
Available at: The Book Depository and Barnes & Nobles
In Mescota County, Michigan, an angelic visitor's words inspire Judith to a future she never imagined.
After a barn raising accident, Judith Fischer's convinced she's met an angel. However, her attempts to convince others end up frustrating her Old-Order Amish community. Only Andrew Lapp believes her, but the rest, including Levi Plank, the man's she's waited to marry, demand she forget the nonsense. Meanwhile, her younger sister Martha has taken a fancy to Levi and sees her sister's controversy as a perfect distraction for turning Levi's head.
In a dream, the angel tells Judith she must choose her path. As her faith continues to grow, so do her feelings for Andrew. Will she continue to place her hope in the angel's message, even if it means losing all she knows and loves?
Why I Picked It up: This one is totally out of my normal reads. I'm trying to be adventurous these days and step out of my comfort zone. Amish? Yeah… that's totally new for me. However, it has angels, so I'm hoping for a bit of supernatural happenings, which totally is my thing. I'm looking forward to the novelty of Amish meets Angel. Another Netgalley read.
Available at: The Book Depository and Barnes & Nobles
What did you get this week? What are some of your favorite angel stories?
