Jenni Merritt's Blog, page 12

Don't Mind My Absence

Yesterday was a gorgeous day.  Bright, sunny (I believe it hit well into the 90's) and very very busy.

I was given the opportunity to photograph a friend's wedding.  After renting a hefty, awesome lens.  Prepping myself.  Drinking lots of water and reminding myself I can do this... It was a gorgeous wedding.

The set-up.  Had to be at least 7 lbs.  Muscle woman!
Needless to say: I have lots of work ahead of me.
This week I start in on the sifting, sorting, and narrowing down of all the photographs I snapped.  Then on to editing.  Meaning I won't be around nearly as much as I would like.  I wanted to give you all a heads up, that if you notice my blogging silence... this is why.  I am in photo world at the moment.

If I get a chance, I will for sure try to stop by and do my usual blogging.  But no guarantees.  This wedding owns my attention!  Until my photo life has calmed at least a smidge... 

Don't mind my absence.  I WILL be back!

A little peek at my day.  Have I mentioned that I love what I do?

Don't Mind My Absense

Yesterday was a gorgeous day.  Bright, sunny (I believe it hit well into the 90's) and very very busy.

I was given the opportunity to photograph a friend's wedding.  After renting a hefty, awesome lens.  Prepping myself.  Drinking lots of water and reminding myself I can do this... It was a gorgeous wedding.

The set-up.  Had to be at least 7 lbs.  Muscle woman!
Needless to say: I have lots of work ahead of me.
This week I start in on the sifting, sorting, and narrowing down of all the photographs I snapped.  Then on to editing.  Meaning I won't be around nearly as much as I would like.  I wanted to give you all a heads up, that if you notice my blogging silence... this is why.  I am in photo world at the moment.

If I get a chance, I will for sure try to stop by and do my usual blogging.  But no guarantees.  This wedding owns my attention!  Until my photo life has calmed at least a smidge... 

Don't mind my absence.  I WILL be back!

A little peek at my day.  Have I mentioned that I love what I do?

Across the Universe NEW TRILOGY COVERS

What's this?  New covers?

That's right readers!  Just released are the NEW covers for Beth Revis' ACROSS THE UNIVERSE trilogy.
I had no idea they were changing it up.  After logging onto the good old net to do my morning routine of catching up with the world, I found the post on GeekDad about the new covers.  Of course I had to instantly jump on board and see what was going on.

My opinion?  I love them.

Penguin decided to redo the covers in an attempt to help market to a broader audience.  While we all might have loved the original cover work, it did tend to only pull in YA readers.  And if you have read Across the Universe, you know that readers of all ages and genders should pick this book up.  The new covers are vague enough make you wonder.  Techy enough to let you know.  And just down right pretty.  I would pick up those books in a heart beat!

We are told to never judge a book by its cover.  But we all do.  Admit it.

SHADES OF EARTH, book 3 of the Across the Universe trilogy, is slated to be release January 15, 2013

So there you have it!
As bummed as I will be that book three will not be made to match the original covers, I am still all over the new look.  I guess I will just have to splurge and buy an all new trilogy set once book three is released!

The original covers.  Still oh so pretty!

Prison Nation Book Two - Title Reveal

I know.  I teased you.
Last week I shared that there will, in fact, be a sequel to Prison Nation.  Of course, I had to leave it at just that.  It is just how I am.  Teasing is fun.  But, as promised, I am back today to tell you more about what I have up my sleeve.
Ready?
Here are a few answers to some most likely to be asked questions:
I will be writing Book Two for NaNoWriMo 2012.  It only makes sense.  Prison Nation was written and completed as my NaNovel 2010.  It is only fitting that I carry the tradition on with Book Two.I am currently in the plotting stage.  While I am finishing up my current WIP, and busy with my photography filled summer, I am also planning what will be taking place in Book Two.  Oh, I have things in store.  Many things.  Such as characters I originally planned to be in Prison Nation who ended up not fitting in.  And trials that will test the love and friendship between characters.  And fighting.  More fighting.No, I do not have a synopsis written.  Yet.  Once I get more of my plotting under way, I will get that thing written up for all of you to read.  At this time I am not sure if it will simply be a sequel or book two of a trilogy.  That decision will be made as I am writing Book Two.  We will see where it takes me.
Now for something fun to share.THE TITLE!
That's right, I have the title.  And am telling you it here, today.  I have made up a simple place holder cover just for the time being.  Nothing amazing, and this is not the actual cover.  But hey, I needed something.  So, without any further delay... The title of Prison Nation Book Two is:

I am all kinds of excited!  Announcing it makes it that much more real.  And awesome.  And scary.  But I can tell you I am biting at the bit to dive back into the world of Prison Nation and see what happens next.  Millie is waiting for me.  Lady Justice is waiting.  The adventure is about to continue.  Are you ready?

WIP Day - Chugging Along

Today is a beautiful day.

So beautiful, I finally broke the norm and took my kiddos to the park.  After a few hours of running, swinging, sliding and exploring I finally convinced them we could go home.  And nap.  By the time we got back to our apartment, my youngest was already conked out.  Yay for parks and their ability to wear you out!

*Yawn!*

I have spent the rest of today enjoying the sun with my kiddos on the back deck.  No doubt getting more new freckles than I want.  And waiting for tonight.

Why tonight?
Well, because I will be writing.  And it will be awesome.

Update time.


- Have you noticed my blog look?
A bit back I asked about blog names.  And was overwhelmed with pretty much the exact same answer from every person.  Thank you so much to everyone who gave me their two cents.  I really do appreciate it. I have decided to keep my blog named after me.  Because... well... this blog is me.

I am still craving some sort of change though.  So, instead of a naming overhaul, I have decided that my blog needs a face lift.  It may take a little time to get it to a place I love, so bear with me as things (aka the banner, side bars, overall look...) change.  It will get there!


- Did you catch my Monday Post?  About Prison Nation?
I know, I love being a stinker.  It is just too fun.  But I do promise that this coming Monday I will talk more about Book 2.  Until then, here is a hint: The title has to do with a character in PN.


- I posted this fun thing on my Tumblr.
Just something random.  But I couldn't resist.  Read it, pick a word, and ask me it in my 'Ask' box.  Go on you know you want to.  It is always fun to get to know someone just a smidge more.  Here is your chance.


That seems to be about it for my update post this week.  As soon as hubby gets home, I will be writing.  I can't wait.  This schedule of mine really helps to build my anticipation!  (Yay for schedules!)

How about you?  Will you be writing tonight?  Any awesome updates?  Do share!

Happy Writing!

An Answer to a Prison Nation Question...

I have noticed a trend, dear readers.

There is a certain question I keep getting asked.  Over.  And over.  On my Facebook page.  Twitter.  In my email.  Right here on this very blog.  It tends to be the same question again and again, and it sounds something like this:

"I loved Prison Nation.  Will there be a Book 2?"
I have been trying to decide when I really want to answer that question. While I have hinted at it here and there, I haven't made any sort of "official" post about anything yet. Partly because I was battling which answer to give to begin with. Partly because I like keeping the mystery in my life. And my main reason... because I am chicken.

There. I said it.

Today, I will answer that question.  Finally.


My answer:"YES!"
*commence jittery nerves as I finally officially answer*
Now then, just because I feel like being a stinker, that is all I am going to say.  Today.  I know I know.  How sweet of me, right?  Come back next Monday for a title reveal and more.  Until then...

Happy Writing (and reading!)

Book Review - Cinder

Cinder
by Marissa Meyer

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, the ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Why I Picked This Book: I always love retellings of old stories.  When I saw this robotic, futuristic tale was based off of good old Cinderella, I had to give it a try.

My Thoughts:
Long story short: I loved this book.

Cinder is a cyborg.  She is looked down upon for not being fully human.  Her own stepmother and sisters use her pretty much as slave labor.  This is just her life.  Working at her repair booth, keeping the family afloat, and digging around for replacement feet once she outgrows her old ones.  Then one day she gets a new client.  A handsome young man who needs his android repaired, fast.  The man just so happens to be Prince Kai, and the android has important information that could potentially save his father's life.

The story takes place in China after World War 4, after a plague has started to rampage the earth.  While scientists scramble to find a cure for this seemingly incurable disease, life struggles to go on.  People who have cyborg parts are looked down on.  The upper class rules, even though the world is seemingly united in peace.

Oh, and there are aliens.  Did I mention that?

Yup.  Lunars.  People who moved to the moon long ago, and evolved.  Now separate from the human race, and barely accepted, they live on their own.  Except that isn't good enough.  They want Earth back, and Queen Levana has plans to take control.

Cinder is an awesome character.  She is tough.  Smart.  And always dreaming that she could just be a normal girl.  I instantly bonded with her and couldn't wait to see what step she took next.  Her bond to her younger stepsister and her personal android helps to pull the story along.  Including heart-breaking moments that almost make you hate Meyer for creating them.  (Which is a good thing, I promise!)

Prince Kai had me swooning at times, pining at others, and a few times had me wondering what it was that made me swoon and pine in the first place.  His love for his family, and his dedication to the throne pulls him through the story as a guy I wouldn't mind going to the Ball to meet.  Though I still am not sure I would fight for the crown.

Then there is Queen Levana.  Man, that is one creepy Queen.  Everything about her oozes "woman from the moon who I would never want to cross paths with" and I loved every moment of having her as the antagonist.

Yes, some aspects of the plot were guessed from early on.  Honestly though, I didn't mind.  It was fun watching the characters discover what I already knew.  And yes, the ending is a cliff-hanger.  There, I said it.  But we all know this is book one of a series.  (If you didn't, now you do!)  Knowing that, I accepted the complete hanger.  Even if I did grumble.  A little.

I loved the overall package.  It had science fiction.  It had sickness and death.  It had love, fighting, and true family.  In the end, it was a fairy tale, twisted for our modern day reading and filled with so much more.

Meyer does a great job of creating this new world, full of history, struggles, and life while still weaving in aspects of the classic fairy tale.  If this was just a debut novel, I cannot wait to see what Meyer has up her sleeve next.


My Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)

Fall of Angels - NEW COVERS

Have you seen?
Keary Taylor has decided to revamp her Fall of Angels covers.  The entire trilogy is getting a new look, and I have to say: I love it!  

Keary decided to stick with the same images (Which I agree with.  It ties the old to the new, not to mention I love those images...) and constructed a beautiful, eerie blue cover around them.  I have to admit, I am drooling a bit over these covers.  Once you read her books (if for some reason you haven't yet) you will agree.  The covers are perfect.

Currently she has only changed the copies over for her digital editions (Kindle and Nook) though I am pretty sure the change for the paperback copies will happen sooner than later.  If you haven't read this trilogy yet, you should.  Keary took angels to a new frightening level, and I love this world that she created.

Take a moment to ogle them.  I know I have. 

Branded
Forsaken
VindicatedGreat job Keary.  I can't wait to add these to my already awesome Keary shelf!

WIP Day - Me and My Smart Phone

I got a smart phone.
That's right.  I have now officially joined the 21st century.

I have been sporting a simple slide-out-keyboard phone for some time now.  It called people.  And texted them.  Everything a phone should do.  Don't get me wrong, I loved it.  That is, until Apps happened.  And I saw all of my friends' cool Apps.  And got App-Envy.  Still, I didn't get a smart phone.  They aren't cheap, and I justified it saying that pretty much everything the phone can do I can do on my very own computer.  Which I am at (most of the time.)

Regardless, that App-Envy persisted.  

I saw Instagram and all the awesome little photos that flooded my Facebook newsfeed.  I thought about how cool it would be to be able to check my Twitter with a tap of the finger, wherever I am.  I wanted to slice that fruit faster than you.

my son's writing on the back deck. aw...Then, a few weeks ago while I was taking my son on a tour of the little Preschool he will be attending this Fall (Ah!  School!), a little boy saw me with my simple phone.  He asked if I had any games.  When I told him: "No, this phone is just for calling and texting," he scrunched up his little face in pure confusion and asked: "Why?"

I went on the defensive.  Right then and there I decided I was going to get a cool phone and show that scrunchie face a thing or two.  I told the boy I was getting a new phone.  Soon.  So there!

Wow, way to make myself sound like a four-year-old.

Long story slightly shorter, I got my phone.  It is an Android.  And I love it.

The book currently taking over my mindThe funny thing is, somehow since I got this phone... I have been writing and editing more.  It's like I subconsciously want that excuse to take an Instagram pic of what I am doing, or quickly tweet from my touch screen goodie.  Then I get all excited that I am writing/editing.  So I keep going.  And update again.  I read a book.  And tell the world that I have been reading it.

I tell you.  From my phone.

Because, you know, it is easier to type it out on my phone and send it via touch screen then to type it out on my computer and hit send... the computer I am sitting at... as I use my phone...

Still, the point of this entire, long winded post is this: I have been working.

See?  I HAVE been editing!I have now rewritten the first few chapters of ITB, converting it from past to present tense.  I am still wondering if it is the right move, but I am commited for the time being.  Only time will tell.  It has been awesome finally diving head first back in to this WIP.  I love it.  And can't wait to love it even more as I polish it to shining.

Tonight is an editing night.  
I am already itching to get going on it.  Bedtime for the kiddos cannot get here fast enough.  (I love you kiddos, mommy loves you.  But her imaginary worlds are calling to her, and she can't put them on hold for too long.)  If you find yourself on Twitter tonight and feel the urge to shoot me a "you better be editing" tweet, or remind me to #writeshove, please do.  I love being yelled at. (Um, yelled at to write that is.)

No doubt I will mention something about how my night is going, via Instragram and Twitter, on my Android Smart Phone.

Because, you know, I have one. *end nerdy bragging ramble right about... now*


How about you?  How is your WIP Day?
Happy Writing!

What's In My Title?

Titles.  We as writers and readers know how important a title is.  It is what grabs our eyes, sets the mood for the book to come, and stays in a memory long after the story is over.

While I have spent a fair share of time slaving over the titles to my WIPS, I have to admit I never thought much about titling something I use almost daily: My blog.  I love going to blogs with catchy titles (I Am A Reader Not a Writer, Book Briefs, Imaginary Reads, to name a few...) and many times have found myself perusing a blog mostly based on the title they sported.

Then I come back to mine.
Jenni Merritt

Okay, yes, my title makes sense.  It is who I am.  My blog mostly focuses on my discovery of this writing world, and I love having my name clearly out there for all to know who I am.  I have seen many authors out there stick with a blog simply titled with their name, and it works.

But is it a good title?

I have been bouncing this question around in my head for some time now.  As you know, I love to take part in Blog Hops.  I have also been signing up to help with blog tours, guest posts, and more.  (Fun things are in store!)  So of course this brings up the question on whether my blog simply titled "Jenni Merritt" will be good enough.

So, this is where I turn to you, my wonderful followers

- What do you think of blog titles?

- Do you prefer ones with a catchy name, or ones simply named after the author/blogger?

- Do you think I should keep "Jenni Merritt" or go for something more... title-like?

I do have a title in mind.  It is actually one I used to use for an old blog, and I do love it.  But I am always open for suggestions as well!  Do you have title ideas you think would work for me, or do you think sticking with just my name is the perfect move?

Please, do share.  I am digging for thoughts here.  So... think away! (And type.  Please type.  I have not perfected my mind reading skills as of yet.)