Meradeth Houston's Blog, page 16
September 19, 2016
How important is the plot in a novel?
Happy Monday! Okay, so today's post comes to you from the novel I'm currently reading. I'm not going to name names, though this is perfectly available information over on my goodreads page. Anyhow, here's the thing I've noticed 200+ pages into the book: there is absolutely no plot. I keep thinking "oh, the author is going to tie this all in together, surely!" And then it doesn't happen. And continues not to happen. And I'm kind of frustrated. Yes, I could put this book down, but it's for our city-wide reading program and I'm supposed to run some kind of activity based on it at the library writing group I run...so I'm still reading. And wondering why I'm reading these little shorts about characters that loosely tie together but I don't really care about.
So, plot. The main sequence of events in your novel. I'm going to be really honest: I can't stand books
without it. I've read a few, many for English classes or things along those lines, as many times these are classified in the Literature section. Many have amazing language and incredible characters and are generally the type of books that make me jealous of the author's word mastery. But the thing is: if there is no driving force behind your amazing language and characters I DO NOT CARE. I want a story, something to happen, something that's going to pull me in and make it so that I cannot put that book down. And that, for me, is the plot. The motivating force, the events that force the characters to grow, that tie together a whole sequence of events and make me step back and exclaim "OH!" and let the tale rattle around in my head while I'm giving a lecture later in the day. That's what I want. A novel that lacks that is not really, in my humble opinion, a novel. Even if your mastery of language makes me weep at your perfect sentence construction.
Clearly, I have some strong feelings about this. Hah! I am writing this and it's just kind of appearing in the dialogue box, so it's a bit of news to me as well :)
Novels have been published, and will be published for many years, without this main unifying force that is a central plot. I will admit that I think they need another reference name--something other than "novel." But, maybe that's just me. There are plenty of novels out there with weak characters or lacking a strong arc, and to some, I imagine there's hesitation calling them novels. For me, plot is central, and I can overlook other aspects so long as something that I find interesting is pulling me into that world and making me want to continue to read.
What about you? Do you need some strong central plot to enjoy a book? Or are characters more important? (Or a solid mix of the two? :)
So, plot. The main sequence of events in your novel. I'm going to be really honest: I can't stand books
without it. I've read a few, many for English classes or things along those lines, as many times these are classified in the Literature section. Many have amazing language and incredible characters and are generally the type of books that make me jealous of the author's word mastery. But the thing is: if there is no driving force behind your amazing language and characters I DO NOT CARE. I want a story, something to happen, something that's going to pull me in and make it so that I cannot put that book down. And that, for me, is the plot. The motivating force, the events that force the characters to grow, that tie together a whole sequence of events and make me step back and exclaim "OH!" and let the tale rattle around in my head while I'm giving a lecture later in the day. That's what I want. A novel that lacks that is not really, in my humble opinion, a novel. Even if your mastery of language makes me weep at your perfect sentence construction.
Clearly, I have some strong feelings about this. Hah! I am writing this and it's just kind of appearing in the dialogue box, so it's a bit of news to me as well :)
Novels have been published, and will be published for many years, without this main unifying force that is a central plot. I will admit that I think they need another reference name--something other than "novel." But, maybe that's just me. There are plenty of novels out there with weak characters or lacking a strong arc, and to some, I imagine there's hesitation calling them novels. For me, plot is central, and I can overlook other aspects so long as something that I find interesting is pulling me into that world and making me want to continue to read.What about you? Do you need some strong central plot to enjoy a book? Or are characters more important? (Or a solid mix of the two? :)
September 15, 2016
Thankful Thursdays: is it Fall yet?
As we plow into mid-September, I'm doing my best to keep from drowning in work, life, and just general stuff. Some days are better than others. We all get there, don't we? When it just seems like a little too much--a few extra rocks in our pockets in the swim of life :) Anyhow, I often try to spend some time reflecting on what's good in my life at these times, just for a little balance. Blogging is a great way to do that, for me at least, so here goes:
I have a great job, even with the added stress sometimesKate the Great is the best dog in the world :) (Yes, I am so biased, haha!)Two of my Sary Society novels are going to be in print shortlyMy agent is awesomeI have a roof over my head and food in my pantryMy mom, sister, and brother are the best (especially for discussing The Great Burrito War of 2021)Don't ask about the Burrito War. Really.It's pumpkin season! I love all things pumpkin flavoredMy new-to-me car will handle the snow so much better this winterThe small landscaping project in my yard a month ago is looking awesome
This is outside my office at work, and I see it walking home every day. Lovely, isn't it? :)This is just my random little list. 2016 has been a strange year filled with some crazy stuff in my personal life (death and divorce are just two of the biggies), so I find this helpful.
What are you most grateful for today?
September 12, 2016
Cover Reveal: TIMELESS by Crystal Collier with a #giveaway
TIMELESS (#3 Maiden of Time) by Crystal Collier #CoverReveal
Book Title: TIMELESS (Maiden of Time #3)Author: Crystal CollierGenre: YA Paranormal HistoricalRelease Date: November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror, or inspiration. She practices her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and “friend†(a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her Blog, Facebook, Goodreads, or follow her on Twitter.
Want the first chapter free? Sign up HERE.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Book Title: TIMELESS (Maiden of Time #3)Author: Crystal CollierGenre: YA Paranormal HistoricalRelease Date: November 1, 2016
TIME IS THE ENEMY
In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.
In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.
Can Alexia escape her own clock?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror, or inspiration. She practices her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and “friend†(a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her Blog, Facebook, Goodreads, or follow her on Twitter.Want the first chapter free? Sign up HERE.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 7, 2016
Book Blitz: SOUTHERN FRIED WICCAN by Susan Sipal #amreading
I have a lovely BookFish Books novel to share with you all today. Isn't that cover amazing?
When Cilla Swaney returns to her Southern roots from traveling the world as a military brat, she's eager to break free of her life-long role as the major's "good little daughter." She vows to, for once, explore her own interests...especially magick and Wicca.
However, adjusting to life in the homeland she barely knows is keeping her from seeking out her inner goddess. First her church-going grandmother threatens to rat her out if she sets a Wiccan-wandering toe out of line. Then, at her new charter school, the first girl she meets steals her grimoire and casts a spell that sets their shared locker afire. Finally, when that same girl invites her to a coven, Cilla's sister argues she doesn't have the guts to attend.
But it's the dark-haired hottie at school who really ignites Cilla's flame. When Emilio shows up at her coven, she starts believing in her ability to finally conjure her own magick.
Until all Hades breaks loose with a prank gone wrong, and Emilio is possibly to blame. Will Cilla be able to keep the boy, her coven, and the trust of her family, or will this Southern Wiccan get battered and fried?
SNAG A COPY! (it's only $0.99!)
[image error] Born and raised in North Carolina, Susan Sipal had to travel halfway across the world and return home to embrace her father and grandfather's penchant for telling a tall tale. After having lived with her husband in his homeland of Turkey for many years, she suddenly saw the world with new eyes and had to write about it. Perhaps it was the emptiness of the Library of Celsus at Ephesus that cried out to be refilled, or the myths surrounding the ancient Temple of Artemis, but she's been writing stories filled with myth and mystery ever since.
Over the last several years, she's also developed and presented A WRITER'S GUIDE TO HARRY POTTER, which helps writers of all genres (including those writing fanfiction) improve their craft with Harry Potter as their text.
When Cilla Swaney returns to her Southern roots from traveling the world as a military brat, she's eager to break free of her life-long role as the major's "good little daughter." She vows to, for once, explore her own interests...especially magick and Wicca.However, adjusting to life in the homeland she barely knows is keeping her from seeking out her inner goddess. First her church-going grandmother threatens to rat her out if she sets a Wiccan-wandering toe out of line. Then, at her new charter school, the first girl she meets steals her grimoire and casts a spell that sets their shared locker afire. Finally, when that same girl invites her to a coven, Cilla's sister argues she doesn't have the guts to attend.
But it's the dark-haired hottie at school who really ignites Cilla's flame. When Emilio shows up at her coven, she starts believing in her ability to finally conjure her own magick.
Until all Hades breaks loose with a prank gone wrong, and Emilio is possibly to blame. Will Cilla be able to keep the boy, her coven, and the trust of her family, or will this Southern Wiccan get battered and fried?
SNAG A COPY! (it's only $0.99!)
[image error] Born and raised in North Carolina, Susan Sipal had to travel halfway across the world and return home to embrace her father and grandfather's penchant for telling a tall tale. After having lived with her husband in his homeland of Turkey for many years, she suddenly saw the world with new eyes and had to write about it. Perhaps it was the emptiness of the Library of Celsus at Ephesus that cried out to be refilled, or the myths surrounding the ancient Temple of Artemis, but she's been writing stories filled with myth and mystery ever since.
Over the last several years, she's also developed and presented A WRITER'S GUIDE TO HARRY POTTER, which helps writers of all genres (including those writing fanfiction) improve their craft with Harry Potter as their text.
September 5, 2016
Happy Labor Day!
It's a holiday in the States today, so to all those enjoying the day off from work, I hope you have a great day!
As much as I love the day off, and the chance to recoup a little from the first week of classes (WHY must the first week always seem like it lasted an eternity?), Labor Day also heralds the end of summer. The leaves are turning on a few trees around town, and I know all too soon it'll be bitterly cold and impossible to go outside. Summer, with its long days and high temperatures, is my favorite. No about of pumpkin spice will change that :)
What about you? Doing anything fun for the long weekend? Ready for fall, or sad to see summer go?
(Also, I'm working through read-throughs on The Chemistry of Fate and Surrender the Sky, as they're going to print here SOON! Yay!)
August 31, 2016
After Reading: MURDER BY MASSAGE by Stuart R. West
Zach is back! And he hasn't learned one darn thing since the last time he ended up as the number one suspect in a murder case. But just like last time, big sister comes to the rescue. And what a big sister! Zora LeFevre's a private investigator. The only down side is she's usually got her four kids with her.
Join the laughs, chaos and mystery as Zach and Zora race against the clock. No clue is too big, no clue is too small. Even if it involves dancing cops, ex-radical hippy militants, pompous pastors, or a creepy set of "Furries" (don't ask!).
Preorder on Amazon!
I love West's books, and the first in this series, Bad Day in a Banana Hammock, was hilarious. With that title, how could it not be? :) The second book in the series doesn't disappoint. Filled with wonderfully amusing characters, laugh your butt off chase scenes, and of course a murder, it's sure to make anyone enjoy themselves. As usual, Zach is clueless though well intentioned--and very much wanting to ensure that absolutely everyone knows that he is a Male Entertainment Dancer and NOT a stripper (hehe!). Of course it's Zora who I really love in these books. She's smart, spunky, and dealing with altogether too much, though of course she's the one who gets the job done. West has a knack for strong and wonderful female characters and Zora is certainly among these ranks. Overall, a quick, great read that's perfect for anyone looking for a little escape!
Has anyone read any of West's work?
August 29, 2016
Blog Tour: Using the Pomodoro Technique to Get Words on Paper by Stephanie Faris
I have a fabulous guest post to share with you all today, by the lovely Stephanie Faris. Check out her fabulous advice:
Everyone procrastinates, but it seems like it’s worse for writers. Even though I realize most writing-related procrastination comes from fear, I still find myself putting off important projects. I often find myself thinking, “What if the next paragraph I write takes the story in the wrong direction and the book is 100 percent ruined?”
Of course, when I sit down and make myself write, the words eventually start flowing. But even when they’re flowing, my mind automatically begins thinking of excuses to get me back on my feet again. Isn’t there a load of laundry that needs to be done? Maybe I should get something to drink.Sometimes the best way to keep yourself on your butt, typing away, is to play a game with yourself. The Pomodoro Technique was developed in the 80s as a productivity tool. “Pomodoro” is Italian for tomato, which was the type of timer the inventor was using when he came up with it. Here are the steps you need to take to make the technique worked for you:Write Down a GoalWith the Pomodoro Technique, you write down a list of goals you want to accomplish in the session, which is generally 25 minutes. For writers, this will probably be a word count goal instead of a list of tasks.Set the TimerYou can use a standard kitchen timer or an app designed specifically for the technique. Set the timer and start writing. At the end of the time period, if you’ve reached your word count goal, you’re entitled to a break.Set a Break TimerThe technique calls for a three- to five-minute break if you’ve achieved your goals. You can extend this if you choose, but make sure you set a timer so that you’re back in your seat at the end of the break. After four Pomodoro sessions, you can take a 15-20 minute break if you’re following the plan.You can adjust the times to find what works for you. The point is to make yourself continue working for the entire designated time. No checking Facebook, no blogging, and no opening the new email that pops up. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll get done.
Piper MorganWhen Piper Morgan has to move to a new town, she is sad to leave behind her friends, but excited for a new adventure. She is determined to have fun, be brave and find new friends.
In Piper Morgan Joins the Circus, Piper learns her mom’s new job will be with the Big Top Circus. She can’t wait to learn all about life under the big top, see all the cool animals, and meet the Little Explorers, the other kids who travel with the show. She’s even more excited to learn that she gets to be a part of the Little Explorers and help them end each show with a routine to get the audience on their feet and dancing along!
In Piper Morgan in Charge, Piper’s mom takes a job in the local elementary school principal’s office. Piper is excited for a new school and new friends—and is thrilled when she is made an “office helper.” But there is one girl who seems determined to prove she is a better helper—and she just so happens to be the principal’s daughter. Can Piper figure out how to handle being the new girl in town once more?
[image error]
Stephanie Faris knew she wanted to be an author from a very young age. In fact, her mother often told her to stop reading so much and go outside and play with the other kids. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism, she somehow found herself working in information technology. But she never stopped writing.
Stephanie is the Simon & Schuster author of 30 Days of No Gossip and 25 Roses. When she isn’t crafting fiction, she writes for a variety of online websites on the topics of business, technology, and her favorite subject of all—fashion. She lives in Nashville with her husband, a sales executive.
Website:Blog:Facebook:Twitter:Instagram:Amazon
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Everyone procrastinates, but it seems like it’s worse for writers. Even though I realize most writing-related procrastination comes from fear, I still find myself putting off important projects. I often find myself thinking, “What if the next paragraph I write takes the story in the wrong direction and the book is 100 percent ruined?”
Of course, when I sit down and make myself write, the words eventually start flowing. But even when they’re flowing, my mind automatically begins thinking of excuses to get me back on my feet again. Isn’t there a load of laundry that needs to be done? Maybe I should get something to drink.Sometimes the best way to keep yourself on your butt, typing away, is to play a game with yourself. The Pomodoro Technique was developed in the 80s as a productivity tool. “Pomodoro” is Italian for tomato, which was the type of timer the inventor was using when he came up with it. Here are the steps you need to take to make the technique worked for you:Write Down a GoalWith the Pomodoro Technique, you write down a list of goals you want to accomplish in the session, which is generally 25 minutes. For writers, this will probably be a word count goal instead of a list of tasks.Set the TimerYou can use a standard kitchen timer or an app designed specifically for the technique. Set the timer and start writing. At the end of the time period, if you’ve reached your word count goal, you’re entitled to a break.Set a Break TimerThe technique calls for a three- to five-minute break if you’ve achieved your goals. You can extend this if you choose, but make sure you set a timer so that you’re back in your seat at the end of the break. After four Pomodoro sessions, you can take a 15-20 minute break if you’re following the plan.You can adjust the times to find what works for you. The point is to make yourself continue working for the entire designated time. No checking Facebook, no blogging, and no opening the new email that pops up. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll get done.
Piper MorganWhen Piper Morgan has to move to a new town, she is sad to leave behind her friends, but excited for a new adventure. She is determined to have fun, be brave and find new friends.
In Piper Morgan Joins the Circus, Piper learns her mom’s new job will be with the Big Top Circus. She can’t wait to learn all about life under the big top, see all the cool animals, and meet the Little Explorers, the other kids who travel with the show. She’s even more excited to learn that she gets to be a part of the Little Explorers and help them end each show with a routine to get the audience on their feet and dancing along!
In Piper Morgan in Charge, Piper’s mom takes a job in the local elementary school principal’s office. Piper is excited for a new school and new friends—and is thrilled when she is made an “office helper.” But there is one girl who seems determined to prove she is a better helper—and she just so happens to be the principal’s daughter. Can Piper figure out how to handle being the new girl in town once more?[image error]
Stephanie Faris knew she wanted to be an author from a very young age. In fact, her mother often told her to stop reading so much and go outside and play with the other kids. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism, she somehow found herself working in information technology. But she never stopped writing.
Stephanie is the Simon & Schuster author of 30 Days of No Gossip and 25 Roses. When she isn’t crafting fiction, she writes for a variety of online websites on the topics of business, technology, and her favorite subject of all—fashion. She lives in Nashville with her husband, a sales executive.
Website:Blog:Facebook:Twitter:Instagram:Amazon
a Rafflecopter giveaway
August 24, 2016
Blog Tour: LUCY GET YOUR GUN by Valerie Capps
Thank you Meradeth for hosting me today. This is all new to me--blogging, blog tours, marketing--so your assistance with my first blog tour is greatly appreciated.
Because of recent gun violence in the news there is currently a lot of debate over the second amendment, but Lucy Get Your Gun isn't about that controversy--it is about survival during a time when help wasn't as close as your phone. It is about an adult decision a 10-year-old must make when an unscrupulous man shows up at her farm with plans to take Lucy and her younger siblings away.
If a stranger came to your house to take you or someone you love away and there wasn't anyone to help you, how far would you go to stop them?
Lucy Get Your Gun: It was a different time. Somewhere between the taming of the wild west in the 19th century and the insane indiscriminate violence of the 21st century. People like to think it was a time of innocence. In some ways perhaps it was, but there was evil lurking about in the shadows back then as well. Not everyone lived a "Leave it to Beaver" existence. People in rural areas often had to depend on their own resources. It was a world before 9-1-1. A world where sometimes people had to stand firm and protect their own. That was where 10-year-old Lucy Rhys found herself one day in the summer of 1959. A day of reckoning so to speak. A day when she found herself caught between a child and an adult and had to make a life or death decision that would determine the fate of her family. Lucy Get Your Gun is the fourth in a series of Proctor Hollow short story books released through Amazon.com. Lucy Get Your Gun is the fourth in a series of Proctor Hollow short-story/quick-read Kindle eBooks released through Amazon.com.
Valerie Capps is a freelance writer and author. Her short stories and articles have appeared in various magazines and newsletters with world-wide circulation. Valerie's latest project is a series of short stories with a paranormal theme set in a mid-twentieth century town called Proctor Hollow. The first four books in the Proctor Hollow series, The Holler Witch, Incident at the Diner, Occurrence on a Country Highway, and Lucy Get Your Gun, are available on Amazon.com.
Valerie lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and their Welsh Corgi.
Contact Valerie at: Blog| Amazon| Twitter | Goodreads
Because of recent gun violence in the news there is currently a lot of debate over the second amendment, but Lucy Get Your Gun isn't about that controversy--it is about survival during a time when help wasn't as close as your phone. It is about an adult decision a 10-year-old must make when an unscrupulous man shows up at her farm with plans to take Lucy and her younger siblings away.
If a stranger came to your house to take you or someone you love away and there wasn't anyone to help you, how far would you go to stop them?
Lucy Get Your Gun: It was a different time. Somewhere between the taming of the wild west in the 19th century and the insane indiscriminate violence of the 21st century. People like to think it was a time of innocence. In some ways perhaps it was, but there was evil lurking about in the shadows back then as well. Not everyone lived a "Leave it to Beaver" existence. People in rural areas often had to depend on their own resources. It was a world before 9-1-1. A world where sometimes people had to stand firm and protect their own. That was where 10-year-old Lucy Rhys found herself one day in the summer of 1959. A day of reckoning so to speak. A day when she found herself caught between a child and an adult and had to make a life or death decision that would determine the fate of her family. Lucy Get Your Gun is the fourth in a series of Proctor Hollow short story books released through Amazon.com. Lucy Get Your Gun is the fourth in a series of Proctor Hollow short-story/quick-read Kindle eBooks released through Amazon.com.
Valerie Capps is a freelance writer and author. Her short stories and articles have appeared in various magazines and newsletters with world-wide circulation. Valerie's latest project is a series of short stories with a paranormal theme set in a mid-twentieth century town called Proctor Hollow. The first four books in the Proctor Hollow series, The Holler Witch, Incident at the Diner, Occurrence on a Country Highway, and Lucy Get Your Gun, are available on Amazon.com.
Valerie lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and their Welsh Corgi.
Contact Valerie at: Blog| Amazon| Twitter | Goodreads
August 22, 2016
After Reading: HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne
It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places. (Goodreads)
This play has received a lot of flack from people, and I know it is a bit odd to read about Harry Potter in play format, and yeah there are a few holes in the time-travel component, but it's still Harry Potter. Personally, I liked reading about the different families and their adult lives in particular, as they are now close to my age and it feels much more relatable. That, for me, made this so much more fun. Albus does seem a bit whiney and kind of irritated me a bit, but I can understand where he's coming from. It's not easy being him, and Harry went through a similar stage (hello, book 5, we all remember your beginning and the angsty Harry). Anyhow, overall, this was a really fun look into the Harry Potter universe, with shout-outs to some famous (or infamous) characters. I really, really wish I could see it on the stage...maybe if I win the lotto or something, haha!
Who else has managed to read this? Any thoughts?
August 15, 2016
After Reading: LIPS TOUCH: THREE TIMES by Laini Taylor
Three tales of supernatural love, each pivoting on a kiss that is no mere kiss, but an action with profound consequences for the kissers' souls:Goblin Fruit
In Victorian times, goblin men had only to offer young girls sumptuous fruits to tempt them to sell their souls. But what does it take to tempt today's savvy girls?
Spicy Little Curses
A demon and the ambassador to Hell tussle over the soul of a beautiful English girl in India. Matters become complicated when she falls in love and decides to test her curse.
Hatchling
Six days before Esme's fourteenth birthday, her left eye turns from brown to blue. She little suspects what the change heralds, but her small safe life begins to unravel at once. What does the beautiful, fanged man want with her, and how is her fate connected to a mysterious race of demons? (Goodreads)
UGH, I love a good short story or novella, but the absolute worst is desperately wanting a story to continue and having it end far, far too soon. Hundreds of pages too soon. Sigh. This was the case with Lips Touch, which basically just left me wanting more. Of course, pretty much everything of Taylor's does this to me, so it should not of come as any surprise. Still, what a beautiful book. The language was superb and I just love what she can do with a character is just a few paragraphs--build and grow a whole person just from a few perfectly chosen words. Really, my only issue was this book was wanting more of each of the worlds. Even the last story, Hatchling, which neatly wound itself up at the end, was achingly interesting and beautiful, and I would gladly have kept reading. I should also mention that the artwork inside was quite amazing, even though the cover is distinctly not to my taste. Not that I particularly care about that--I removed the dust jacket and that was that. Anyhow, Taylor has a new book due out soon and I can't wait to get my hands on it!
Have you read any of Taylor's books?
