Jenni Merritt's Blog, page 16

Super Cleaning...Joy?

I need superpowers.  Badly.  (image source)
Today I am in a mad cleaning frenzy.
Partly because I have two of my closest friends visiting me this weekend.  Partly because I have finally gotten to the point that this exploded home is barely recognizable.  And a smidge part because I almost want to.

Closets are jam packed with junk, laundry is still waiting to be put away, the boys' bedroom... don't get me started on the disaster zone that once was the bedroom of my two boys.

My, what I would give right now to have time freezing powers, never ending energy, super speed...

Because of this, I seemingly have no time for 'me' today.  I know busting out a great blog post shouldn't take much time at all, but at this moment I am wrestling one boy away from the drawer full of utensils.  Telling the other that no, he in fact may not have candy no matter how much he dresses up and insists it is Halloween.  And in the back of my mind, that laundry pile taunts me with horrible insults.

If I find time later, I will write a proper WIP day post.  If I survive that is.
And off I go... *plays epic superhero music in attempt to rally energy*

To all of you who get the chance: Happy Writing!

BE a Writer

Photo of yours truly, by Vince James Photography
Photographer and awesome friend of mine, Vince James, has just revamped his website and blog.  Yes, the very Vince James who did my author photos (and my couple shoot, and my family photos and yet another shoot coming up this weekend... Can you tell I love his work?)

He is currently taking an online Pro class from yet another amazing photographer (Brooke Snow) and has redesigned his entire site in preparation for the weekly posted assignments.

(First assignment of which he should be posting anytime now.  I had the chance to video this shoot and let me tell you: it was too much fun!)

A few days ago Vince wrote a post about 5 things he has learned in regards to being a photographer.  Though it is written with a photographer in mind, every thought he wrote can easily (and perfectly) be applied to all us creative types out there.  It has literally been stuck in my head since first reading it.

I won't repost the entire post.  If you would like a chance to read his thoughts, check it out here.  (Do it.  Just do it.)  I do want to share the 5th point he made though.  In Vince's words:

BE a photographer, cherish those unique experiences. Driving home from a shoot with that amazing feeling, knowing that you nailed it. Seeing your photos in print and realizing how much they mean to your clients. Shooting a session for free because the person honestly needs it and cannot afford it. Looking back at your old work and marveling at how bad it looks to you now, but being grateful that it got better. Those moments make everything else worthwhile.  Hold on to them and remember them, for those days when seemingly everything goes wrong.

Now, I know not all of you are photographers out there.  This is a writing blog.  All about writing.  Books.  Literature mayhem.  So let me take a moment to translate me thoughts into Vince's, so you can all see what I read in my hectic mind:

BE a writer.  Cherish those unique experiences.  Finishing that final chapter with that amazing feeling, knowing that you nailed it.  Seeing your writing in print and realizing how much your words mean to your readers.  Writing a simple poem, blog post, email or letter solely to share yourself with the people who will read it.  Looking back at your old work and marveling at how bad it is to you now, but being grateful that it got better.  Those moments make everything else worthwhile.  Hold onto them and remember them for those days when seemingly everything goes wrong.

See?  Even advice written for photography can so easily bleed over into our writing world.  Thank you Vince for your words of awesome inspiration.  One artist to another.

I hope you all take a moment today to BE a writer.  I know I sure will.

Happy Writing!

Book Review - Pandemonium

Pandemonium
by Lauren Oliver

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

I'm pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

Why I Picked This Book:  After enjoying Delirium, I knew at some point I would need to dive back into the world of no love.  As soon as I won a free copy of the book (yay!) I knew it was about time to take the plunge.

My Thoughts:
Pandemonium, book two of the Delirium series by Lauren Oliver, was a read worth devouring.  I can honestly say: I wasn't fully sure if I wanted to read it at first.  While I did enjoy Delirium, I wasn't on pins and needles waiting for book two.  But man, I am happy I read it.

Pandemonium picks up pretty close to where Delirium ended.  (Meaning, if you haven't read Delirium yet, the rest of this review just may be a major spoiler.  Reader beware.)

I love how the POV was written for this book.  Instead of doing what has become the trend (bouncing back and forth between two different characters), Pandemonium jumps back and forth between "then" and "now" while staying in only one character's head.  I loved it.  The way the story unfolded, explaining itself with glimpses into the past, completely pulled me in.

Then - Lena escaped Portland.  Alone.  Sick, exhausted, and spent, she passes out.  When she comes to, she finds that a group of uncureds have taken her in and nursed her back to health.  As she mourns the loss of Alex, Lena must learn to survive in a world completely different than the one she always knew.  This world is all about love, but it is also about fighting to stay alive.

Now - Lena is living undercover in Manhatten.  She was told to stay close to Julian, lead youth supporter of children being allowed to get the Cure.  Now it is his turn, even though the very procedure might kill him.  Little did Lena expect that the day would end in a riot that would land Julian and herself prisoners for a rogue underground movement.

I love the new characters that were thrown in.  Raven, the woman who nursed Lena back to health.  Full of tacks and steel, but hiding pain and love in every word.  Blue, the little girl with huge eyes that tugs at your heart the moment you first see her.  Oh Blue.  And Julian.  I loved Julian.  Though there were aspects of him that did get at me, the overall creation of this new guy was awesome.  Watching him learn that everything he grew to believe was a lie... I am rooting for him.

I think the only thing that did get at me about this book was the love aspect.  Again.  Though I know the entire basis of this series is love, every time Lena does "fall in love" it feels... fake?  Rushed?  Though I know for a fact that is how love can be in the teenage world, I always felt slightly off once Lena declared it was love.

Overall, I very much so devoured this book.  If I did half star ratings, it would have earned a 4.5 in my book.  I can definitely say I enjoyed it much more than book one, and I can't wait to see where book three will take us.  What with how Pandemonium ended, it should be fantastic.

My Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)

WIP Day - Weekly Misplans

Hello internet world.
Here is something that I have come to realize about my week:

Wednesday:
WIP Day.  I sit down to write my update post, and realize that my updates are no where near where I want them to be.  I make a vow to myself to do better this next week.

Thursday:
Still on a high from the newly stoked fire under my butt, I work a little on my WIP.  It feels great.  I can do this.

Friday:
I wake up in the morning, set on making it an epic Friday night, full of caffeine, chocolate, and lots of creative juices.  This ends up being a 50/50 event.  Half the time I stick to my goal and 'git er done.'  The other half... I find myself watching yet another episode of Supernatural, The Walking Dead, Make it or Break it, etc...

Saturday:
But that's okay.  Because it is now Saturday.  Hubby is home and I have all day to sneak away and do my thing.  But how can I resist the cuddle time?  And the fort building?  Oh, and laundry needs to be folded.  And we need groceries.  And I was so going to write tonight, except hubby turned on Supernatural again and I don't want to get behind...

Sunday:
Most of the day consists of getting ready for church, going to church, coming home from church, making dinner, picking up, bedtime... Night time rolls around and I manage a little bit of creative me-time... then Pinterest and Facebook updating calls and I...

Monday:
Okay, honestly, is my writing week almost over?  Goodness me!  I need to get caught back up.  Then I realize I still have a photo editing backlog I need to finish before I do my next shoot.  And my kids want their third peanut butter sandwich of the day, and look at that they dumped out their toys all over their bedroom, again.  By the time they are in bed, I am ready to conk out too.  Mondays.  Uhg.

Tuesday:
I have one day left to break out my awesomeness and get back to my goal.  I can do this.  I can.  I write some... then remember those pesky photos... then somehow I find myself watching yet another episode of Supernatural cuddled up with my hubby while my word doc is sitting open on my computer.  Crying.

Wednesday:
Rinse.  And repeat.
____________
This is how the last few weeks have been for me.  What happened to my groove?  I was doing so great most of last year.  And now... I lack a groove.  I have become that awkward geeky white girl who went to the party and is thrashing around on the dance floor, smacking people in the face and begging to be thrown out.

Yes, I went there.
And yes, I have done that.  I am not ashamed.  Mostly.

And here is where I make my promise to myself that I will do better this week and show last week what is what.

I have decided the promise is not enough.  Today, I am going to sit down and work out an actual schedule for myself.  I hate planning, but it has gotten to the point that if I don't plan something soon, I will be thrown out of the party, thick rimmed glasses in tow.

Total, complete side note: 
I was checking out the website for the library I grew up snagging books from.  Ah, memories.  Well, I decided to type in my name and see what happened.  I wasn't expecting anything.  Lo and behold, Prison Nation popped up!  And even better?  It was checked out!

I know it is a small town library.  But man, I can't explain the feeling of awesomeness I felt at that moment.  I even took a screen shot.  And I know you want to see it.  *beams*



That is it for me.
How about you?  Weekly plans making or breaking?  Do share!

Happy Writing!

And the YA Paranomal Hop WINNER is...

Hello Hello!
I will make this post short and to the point, being as I still have to get my bum in gear and write my other post for the day.  Oof.

I am popping by real quick... To announce the winner of the Young Adult Paranomal Giveaway Hop YAY! (Yes, I said typed that in one breath)

Drumroll please...


The winner is:Michelle Joy Hampton
Congrats Michelle!  
I have already emailed you about the awesome win.  Please make sure to respond within 48 hours, otherwise I will have to redraw the winner.

And as always, to those of you who weren't super lucky this time... (That's okay.  I didn't win any of the giveaways either)  Stick around!  If I could hug you all, I would.  But I won't.  One, because it is kind of hard to hug through the computer monitor.  And two, I think everything would get just a little weird...

*shakes it off*

Have a great Wednesday!

Another Note about Following Me

March 1st is just around the corner.
And with that, so is the change coming with GFC (Google Friend Connect).  For those of you who may not know:
After March 1st GFC will no longer be available to non-Blogger folk.

Sad day, I know!

I have worked pretty dang hard this last year building my blog and meeting all of you awesome people.  I don't want to lose any of you!  Please, take a moment to make sure you are following my blog in at least one other way aside from GFC.

The stalking following options:

E-mail/RSS - This option is listed just under GFC on the left.  Simple.  And done.Linky - This is a new following option, pretty much the same as GFC.  I just added it, and am liking it so far.  Help me build its list!  It is listed just under the e-mail option.  And go!Networked Blog - This one works alongside Facebook, and helps you (go figure) network blogs.
And as always, I also have Facebook and Twitter.

I have tried to not repeat this info too much, but with March just days away, I thought it was about time to repeat myself:

I don't want to lose you!  Follow me! 
*skips away into the night*

Young Adult Paranormal Giveaway HOP

Welcome to the Young Adult Paranormal Giveaway Hophosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer and vvbb32 reads
Books with paranormal elements are some of my most favorite to read.  Whether it is about unsettled ghost encounters to alien take-overs, all the way to full blown super powers or angsty glittering vampires... Paranormal is a world I love to dive into time after time and seldom want to leave.

To celebrate the awesomeness of paranormal elements, I have decided to give away one of three amazing books.  I have read all three, and absolutely loved all three.

Rules:- This hop will run until midnight of the 28th
- Winner will be announced on the 29th
- Winner will get their choice of ONE of the books listed below
- Please make sure that The Book Depository ships to you
- Follow what the Rafflecopter tells you to do... and have fun!

Make sure to check out all of the other blogs participating in this hop, here

Here are the books up for the Paranormal taking:

Hourglass by Myra McEntireParanormal Element: Ghost like mystery, special powers, time travel... the list goes on!(Read my review here)

Shatter Me by Tahera MafiParanormal Element: Superpower awesomeness(Read my review here)

Fall of Angels: The Complete Trilogy by Keary TaylorParanormal Element: Angels. Fallen angels, judging angels. You name it.(NOTE: This book will only be available to a US winner.  Who knows, it might even be signed...)


a Rafflecopter giveaway
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WIP Day - Snapping Photos

This week hasn't been much of a writing week for me.
I blame the writing slump, or whatever it truly is.  This slump.  It has to go.  
Like... Yesterday.

Regardless, I have still had a great week of creative awesomeness.  If you don't know, my other passion aside from writing is photography.  When I am not writing, editing my writing, plotting and scheming, I can usually be found behind my camera or sitting in front of my computer, editing photos.

I love it.

This last week I had the chance to do a very impromptu shoot of an awesome friend, Vince.  (Yes, the very same Vince who did my author photos.)  We were working on his new site, then suddenly realized: We needed a photo of him!

Luckily, I had my camera with me (As always.  I think it is literally glued to my hand.) and we ran out to take photos.

It was an awesome shoot, done behind a local grocery story and full of tons of laughing, goofing around, and bloopers.  I am now in the process of editing those photos.  And loving it.

Along with that, I met with the bride of the wedding I will be shooting this summer.  Ah!  I am so excited!  We have so many ideas, not to mention she is just gorgeous, and I cannot wait for July to roll around.  I have been in wedding La-La land every since.

Maybe I should try to write some short stories about a photographer.
There is more than enough material there to make some great pieces.  And I need to write again.  ITB is in bad repair, due to my neglect.  It is just so hard to say no to editing these photos... that I stop editing my WIP.

Bad Jenni, I know.

Quick Question for you all:  I am taking part in yet another blog hop, starting this friday.  I need to think of a good Young Adult book with Paranormal elements to give away.  Any suggestions, wants, desires?

To leave you this WIP day, here are a few of the shots of Vince I have edited thus far.  And you should check out his own work as well. He is awesome!  (I will update this link once his new site is up and running.)




 

How about you?  Has it been a week of creative at all?  Do share!

Happy Writing!

What Post?

Today I severely lack in a decent blog post, due mostly to two factors:
We got a new TV.  Yes, we have now joined the 21st century.  And even watching Toy Story 3 on it with my two kiddos is an all out mind-blowing experience.I had a meeting with a client today, planning out her wedding day of which I have been given the honor of photographing.  My head is still in wedding photo land.  And I love it.So sadly, I have no awesome Monday post for this week.  I couldn't leave you with nothing though.  Here is an amazing quote from Ira Glass that I think every artist must hang (or post) somewhere.

Remember everyone: You are awesome.

Book Review - Pure

Pure
by Julianna Baggott

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .

Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . .

There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.

When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

Why I Picked this Book:  I had heard some great hubbub about it, and come on: Look at that cover!

(I received this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.)

My Thoughts:
Pure, a dystopian novel set in the not too distant future, was quite a different read than I was expecting.  The world inside Pure is a scary place, full of deformities, fear, and struggles.  Julianna Baggott has proven herself to be quite the creator of worlds, though sadly this was a world I wasn't too keen on staying inside of.

Overall, it was a good read.
In Pure, some sort of detonations (atomic I gathered) ended up ending civilization.  Those who were lucky escaped into the Dome and are now living in a utopia (or so they think... aside from the genetic tests done on young men, the brain washing of young women and the utter control of everything...)  Then there are those who were unlucky enough to be outside when the detonations happened.  The people who are now simply known as the Wretches.

Something was in the detonations.  Something that managed to cause people to fuse to whatever they were closest to at the time of the big boom.  People are mutants now.  Some fused together, some melded with fans, auto parts, toys, animals...  Some even became so unlucky that they lost most of their humanity, become Dusts: monsters in the sand.

Yes, this is a scary, scary world.
Picturing all of the mutations... imagining what it would be like... that was pretty intense.

Pure ends up bouncing between 4 point of views.  Pressia, who has lived outside the Dome and has a doll permanently fused to her hand.  Partridge, who has lived inside the Dome but has now escaped, intent on finding his lost mother.  The other two POVs were seldom, and honestly: Felt completely unneeded.  I feel as if the story could have felt more solid and gripping if those two hadn't been thrown in.  If I had been given a choice, I personally would have chosen to stay solely inside Partridge's head the entire read.  His was the story I wanted to hear.

Though the world was scary, the overall story fascinating, something about this read fell a little short for me.  I am a fast reader: It took me two weeks to read this book.  There was a ton of info dumping (via rants), many parts I cannot even remember, along with the unneeded POVs.  Because of this, I felt myself dragging to finish this read.  I wanted to.  But picking it up to read became a chore more than a desire.

Then there was the ending.

Okay, I get that this will most likely be some sort of trilogy.  But the way this book ended made me mad.  Because... it didn't end.  I honestly felt no true resolution.  Though I will most likely read the next book whenever it comes out, I felt cheated at the end of this one.  Two weeks of reading, and nothing but the frustration that I now have to wait for book two to help me understand most of what I just read.

Like I said: Pure was a good read.  There was something about this book that I did love.  The creativity Baggott had in forming the people/creatures, the world, all of the in depth histories, left me impressed.  I have a feeling many people will enjoy this read.  As for me: It will rest on the "that was good" shelf.

My Rating: (3 out of 5 stars)