Meradeth Houston's Blog, page 35
February 23, 2015
The Source of Creativity: portals for story ghosts
Thanks so much to everyone that read and commented on my last post, on The Socially Awkward Genius. I loved hearing everyone's opinions and thoughts. Thanks!
So, today, I was thinking about sources of inspiration. I recently wrote my short story for the Lightening Quick Reads blog that I participate in, and well, I got someone else's voice stuck in my
head. All you authorly types will know what I'm talking about (and if you're not of the authorly ilk, well, I swear I'm not totally crazy...I hope). I'm fascinated by this woman. I read the story to my in-person group and they were all hoping that I managed to get to more of her tale down on paper. (You can read it March 4th.) I know this character will have to have her own story at some point. What that story is, well, I have utterly no idea what it is. Yet. That'll come.
At least, I'm pretty sure it will! :)
Anyhow, this got me started thinking about where stories come from. For me, they tend to come from songs (Colors Like Memories came from a Linkin Park song), or a scene (the opening of Surrender the Sky was just that horrible opening scene that got into my head I had to write it out), and Radiolab programs (Coincidences, which I'm currently shopping around, came from listening to these crazy, insane coincidences people had had). Anyhow, whatever the source, somehow there was something came along and demanded that I write about it.
Recently I was listening to NPR (yeah, I love RadioLab, which probably says more about my demographics than I comfortable with, but it is still amazing and I learn so much random, cool stuff that I just don't care), and Elizabeth Gilbert was talking. She's the author of Eat, Pray, Love (which, I swear, every time I write, I accidentally type out 'prey', which amuses me to no end). And I just kind of loved what she had to say about the was stories float around and try to find a home. And especially how we have to demand a lot from our "muse" so that they know we're serious. I kind of love this idea!
Also, I kind of love the thought of stories floating around in the air like ghosts, looking for vessels. It's both elegant and distinctly creepy. And yet, it feels that way sometimes. Like something just hits and all the pieces just snap together and viola! A book! Like the woman in my little short story (which I really wish I could share now, because I kind of love it, lol!).
I'm embedding the radio program here for anyone who's interested, or you can listen here. The Gilbert bit starts around 3:30.
So, today, I was thinking about sources of inspiration. I recently wrote my short story for the Lightening Quick Reads blog that I participate in, and well, I got someone else's voice stuck in my
head. All you authorly types will know what I'm talking about (and if you're not of the authorly ilk, well, I swear I'm not totally crazy...I hope). I'm fascinated by this woman. I read the story to my in-person group and they were all hoping that I managed to get to more of her tale down on paper. (You can read it March 4th.) I know this character will have to have her own story at some point. What that story is, well, I have utterly no idea what it is. Yet. That'll come.At least, I'm pretty sure it will! :)
Anyhow, this got me started thinking about where stories come from. For me, they tend to come from songs (Colors Like Memories came from a Linkin Park song), or a scene (the opening of Surrender the Sky was just that horrible opening scene that got into my head I had to write it out), and Radiolab programs (Coincidences, which I'm currently shopping around, came from listening to these crazy, insane coincidences people had had). Anyhow, whatever the source, somehow there was something came along and demanded that I write about it.
Recently I was listening to NPR (yeah, I love RadioLab, which probably says more about my demographics than I comfortable with, but it is still amazing and I learn so much random, cool stuff that I just don't care), and Elizabeth Gilbert was talking. She's the author of Eat, Pray, Love (which, I swear, every time I write, I accidentally type out 'prey', which amuses me to no end). And I just kind of loved what she had to say about the was stories float around and try to find a home. And especially how we have to demand a lot from our "muse" so that they know we're serious. I kind of love this idea!
Also, I kind of love the thought of stories floating around in the air like ghosts, looking for vessels. It's both elegant and distinctly creepy. And yet, it feels that way sometimes. Like something just hits and all the pieces just snap together and viola! A book! Like the woman in my little short story (which I really wish I could share now, because I kind of love it, lol!).I'm embedding the radio program here for anyone who's interested, or you can listen here. The Gilbert bit starts around 3:30.
February 18, 2015
The Socially Awkward Genius
The lovely Bish Denham got me started on this topic and you should definitely go and check out her post here, because she's got some awesome points and I completely agree with what she's got to say. After reading her post, I started thinking about the topic more, and then I went and saw The Imitation Game this weekend (have you seen it? Wow, what an amazing film! I cried--not ashamed to admit it--learned a ton and love Cumberbatch even more for his amazing acting skills), which led to
several long conversations with hubby...and this blog post.
Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself. What's got me wound up is the fact that in nearly all instances when a very smart individual is portrayed in film, TV, books, or plays, they are completely socially awkward. Some to the point where interaction is completely impossible. This can be because they view other people as beneath them (Sherlock), or just don't understand people (Alan Turing or Sheldon Cooper), or some other combination of social ineptitude (Bish has a great list, but think Dexter, Monk, The Doctor, etc etc).
IT MAKES ME ANGRY.
I'll admit it. I'm sick of this trope. I know smart people. I'm married to one. I work with them and have studied under them. And the number of social incompetent ones I've met? Maybe one, and I still think that was just a bad day. Sure, people can be quirky, but do ALL smart people have to have this same/similar character flaw? Or is that just how people humanize smart people, to bring them to a level that makes them accessible? (Yeah, that's kind of a low comment, but I wonder, so I'm asking it.)
So here's my plea: the next time you write about a scientist, don't make him "mad." The next time you have a genius character, give him or her a flaw other than debilitating social anxiety. Need a theoretical physicist? Let me know--I can give you all kinds of interesting character traits :) But for the love of Pete, can we let these people be somewhat normal for once? It's sending such a lousy message to our youth that screams "if you're smart, you're going to be weird too!" And not that there's anything wrong with being weird, but it's not a one-to-one correlation!
Before I step down from my soap-box here, I just have to add something that may annoy some of you, and I apologize in advance, but The Big Bang Theory? That show makes me SO annoyed. It's exactly what I'm talking about here, times ten. If you're smart, you're going to be weird, and it's okay for everyone to laugh at you because of it. GAH. I told my students this the other day and we argued about it for a while, some of them feeling that the show allows for the glorification of nerd culture (something that I'd be behind 100% if it were done in a way that said how cool it can be to be smart and nerdy), but as much as I think the show began that way, it's devolved into this laugh-track parody of smart-but-socially-stupid individuals. Ugh!
Now, I'll step down. But I want you to prove me wrong! Where are there super smart characters who aren't suffering from some sort of social issues?
several long conversations with hubby...and this blog post.Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself. What's got me wound up is the fact that in nearly all instances when a very smart individual is portrayed in film, TV, books, or plays, they are completely socially awkward. Some to the point where interaction is completely impossible. This can be because they view other people as beneath them (Sherlock), or just don't understand people (Alan Turing or Sheldon Cooper), or some other combination of social ineptitude (Bish has a great list, but think Dexter, Monk, The Doctor, etc etc).
IT MAKES ME ANGRY.
I'll admit it. I'm sick of this trope. I know smart people. I'm married to one. I work with them and have studied under them. And the number of social incompetent ones I've met? Maybe one, and I still think that was just a bad day. Sure, people can be quirky, but do ALL smart people have to have this same/similar character flaw? Or is that just how people humanize smart people, to bring them to a level that makes them accessible? (Yeah, that's kind of a low comment, but I wonder, so I'm asking it.)
So here's my plea: the next time you write about a scientist, don't make him "mad." The next time you have a genius character, give him or her a flaw other than debilitating social anxiety. Need a theoretical physicist? Let me know--I can give you all kinds of interesting character traits :) But for the love of Pete, can we let these people be somewhat normal for once? It's sending such a lousy message to our youth that screams "if you're smart, you're going to be weird too!" And not that there's anything wrong with being weird, but it's not a one-to-one correlation!
Before I step down from my soap-box here, I just have to add something that may annoy some of you, and I apologize in advance, but The Big Bang Theory? That show makes me SO annoyed. It's exactly what I'm talking about here, times ten. If you're smart, you're going to be weird, and it's okay for everyone to laugh at you because of it. GAH. I told my students this the other day and we argued about it for a while, some of them feeling that the show allows for the glorification of nerd culture (something that I'd be behind 100% if it were done in a way that said how cool it can be to be smart and nerdy), but as much as I think the show began that way, it's devolved into this laugh-track parody of smart-but-socially-stupid individuals. Ugh!Now, I'll step down. But I want you to prove me wrong! Where are there super smart characters who aren't suffering from some sort of social issues?
February 16, 2015
Cover Reveal for SUPER BAD by Kai Strand
Kai is the mastermind behind Lightening Quick Reads (you've had a chance to check that out, right?) and her latest cover is awesome. Be sure to say hello! :)
Watch out. Things are about to get really bad.
Excerpt from Super Bad :
Looking around the room Sandra asked, “Is this an FVA party? It seems too far away.”“No. SVA. You didn’t even know which school’s party you were crashing?” Disdain dripped from Oceanus’s words.The condescending tone was too much. Hadn’t she been nice to Oceanus when she dropped by unexpectedly? Anger surged inside Sandra. “What does it even matter? The schools are all balanced now anyway. Thanks to you!”Lexa’s mouth dropped open.Oceanus clenched her fists. “I told you, I had nothing to do with it.”Before Sandra could spit back a reply, a boy sidled up to Oceanus, his eyes scanning the partygoers.“Hey, babe. Those mozzarella things you made were a huge hit. Can you make more?” The boy ran his hand down her back and finally dropped his gaze to Oceanus. “What’s wrong?”He followed her glower and squinted at Sandra. “Do I know you?”“Aaaahhh!” Sandra yelled. “You arrogant jerk.”She spun toward Lexa, who was all but drooling over the boy. “Let’s go!”“What?” Lexa exclaimed.The boy frowned. “So obviously I’m supposed to know you.”“Set, it’s Sandra. Polar’s sister,” Oceanus grumbled.“Ah, right. You cut your hair,” he said.“Yeah, one does that after it’s burned off!” Sandra tugged on Lexa’s arm. “We can’t stay here.”
SUPER BAD The unexpected conclusion to the Super Villain Academy series.
The world is in chaos. Violence and thievery reign. And with the supers still balanced, it’s only getting worse. Without good versus evil, the supers care less and less. In order to restore purpose, the world needs its super heroes and its super villains, but the one who balanced them in the first place is missing.
Sandra’s concern over finding her brother, Jeff, isn’t her only problem. Her pathetic excuse for super powers has left her needing a new ankle. And though she’s still very much committed to her boyfriend, Source, she’s growing unreasonably attracted to Set, the boy who double crossed Jeff by stealing his girlfriend.
When Sandra is taken and held as bait by kids who want to unbalance the super world, it becomes the inciting event that changes things for supers everywhere and forces them to answer the question, “Hero or villain?”***Super Bad is scheduled for release in June, but there have been whispers of it releasing sooner. Don’t miss out. Subscribe to Kai’s mailing list and be among the first to know. ***
King of Bad - Jeff Mean would rather set fires than follow rules. He wears his bad boy image like a favorite old hoodie; until he learns he has superpowers and is recruited by Super Villain Academy – where you learn to be good at being bad. Is Jeff bad enough for SVA?
Polar Opposites - Heroes and villains are balanced. After Oceanus is kidnapped, Jeff learns the supers are so balanced, they no longer care to get involved. Ironically Jeff’s superpowers are spiraling out of control. Will they find Oci before he looses it completely, and will they find her alive?***Win a $10 Amazon gift card or an ecopy of either King of Bad or Polar Opposites. Plenty of chances to win. Open internationally. Enter here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the author:
When her children were young and the electricity winked out, Kai Strand gathered her family around the fireplace and they told stories, one sentence at a time. Her boys were rather fond of the ending, “And then everybody died. The end.” Now an award winning children’s author, Kai crafts fiction for kids and teens to provide an escape hatch from their reality. With a selection of novels for young adult and middle grade readers and short stories for the younger ones, Kai entertains children of all ages, and their adults. Learn more about Kai and her books on her website, www.kaistrand.com.
Watch out. Things are about to get really bad.
Excerpt from Super Bad :
Looking around the room Sandra asked, “Is this an FVA party? It seems too far away.”“No. SVA. You didn’t even know which school’s party you were crashing?” Disdain dripped from Oceanus’s words.The condescending tone was too much. Hadn’t she been nice to Oceanus when she dropped by unexpectedly? Anger surged inside Sandra. “What does it even matter? The schools are all balanced now anyway. Thanks to you!”Lexa’s mouth dropped open.Oceanus clenched her fists. “I told you, I had nothing to do with it.”Before Sandra could spit back a reply, a boy sidled up to Oceanus, his eyes scanning the partygoers.“Hey, babe. Those mozzarella things you made were a huge hit. Can you make more?” The boy ran his hand down her back and finally dropped his gaze to Oceanus. “What’s wrong?”He followed her glower and squinted at Sandra. “Do I know you?”“Aaaahhh!” Sandra yelled. “You arrogant jerk.”She spun toward Lexa, who was all but drooling over the boy. “Let’s go!”“What?” Lexa exclaimed.The boy frowned. “So obviously I’m supposed to know you.”“Set, it’s Sandra. Polar’s sister,” Oceanus grumbled.“Ah, right. You cut your hair,” he said.“Yeah, one does that after it’s burned off!” Sandra tugged on Lexa’s arm. “We can’t stay here.”
SUPER BAD The unexpected conclusion to the Super Villain Academy series.
The world is in chaos. Violence and thievery reign. And with the supers still balanced, it’s only getting worse. Without good versus evil, the supers care less and less. In order to restore purpose, the world needs its super heroes and its super villains, but the one who balanced them in the first place is missing.Sandra’s concern over finding her brother, Jeff, isn’t her only problem. Her pathetic excuse for super powers has left her needing a new ankle. And though she’s still very much committed to her boyfriend, Source, she’s growing unreasonably attracted to Set, the boy who double crossed Jeff by stealing his girlfriend.
When Sandra is taken and held as bait by kids who want to unbalance the super world, it becomes the inciting event that changes things for supers everywhere and forces them to answer the question, “Hero or villain?”***Super Bad is scheduled for release in June, but there have been whispers of it releasing sooner. Don’t miss out. Subscribe to Kai’s mailing list and be among the first to know. ***
King of Bad - Jeff Mean would rather set fires than follow rules. He wears his bad boy image like a favorite old hoodie; until he learns he has superpowers and is recruited by Super Villain Academy – where you learn to be good at being bad. Is Jeff bad enough for SVA?Polar Opposites - Heroes and villains are balanced. After Oceanus is kidnapped, Jeff learns the supers are so balanced, they no longer care to get involved. Ironically Jeff’s superpowers are spiraling out of control. Will they find Oci before he looses it completely, and will they find her alive?***Win a $10 Amazon gift card or an ecopy of either King of Bad or Polar Opposites. Plenty of chances to win. Open internationally. Enter here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the author:When her children were young and the electricity winked out, Kai Strand gathered her family around the fireplace and they told stories, one sentence at a time. Her boys were rather fond of the ending, “And then everybody died. The end.” Now an award winning children’s author, Kai crafts fiction for kids and teens to provide an escape hatch from their reality. With a selection of novels for young adult and middle grade readers and short stories for the younger ones, Kai entertains children of all ages, and their adults. Learn more about Kai and her books on her website, www.kaistrand.com.
February 14, 2015
Cover Reveal for LOOKING FOR LOVE by Ashelyn Drake
I am a day late and a dollar short on this reveal (so sorry!!), but it's been a madhouse around here this week. Thankfully my two days of interviews (12 hours each, ugh!) are over, and I'm still alive. Sort of. But be sure to check out this cool cover in this awesome series!
And HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
Fans asked, and Ashelyn Drake agreed. Mike from the Campus Crush companion series needed another story. The final installment of the Campus Crush series, Looking For Love, will release on March 17th. Because this is a companion series, the books stand on their own and do not need to be read in order.
Right now, you can read the other books in the series for FREE. Find them on Kindle and Nook as individual books
or all together in one boxset. (The boxset does not include Looking For Love.)
And now for the cover of Looking For Love!
Mike Hannigan is looking for love in all the wrong places. Maybe that’s because having his heart torn to shreds by who he thought was the perfect girl left some emotional scarring. But that’s about to change.
Summer Patterson isn’t like anyone Mike’s dated before, and he can’t help but be intrigued by her. Now if only he could keep his foot out of his mouth long enough to win her over. But when a secret involving Summer brings Mike’s past crashing back to the present, he’ll need some backup from his best friend and wingwoman, Mindy, to sort out the mess.
Will Mike find love before he leaves Timberland College for good?
Add it on Goodreads.
*This is a New Adult title and is not suitable for younger readers.*
Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author. While it’s rare for her not to have either a book in hand or her fingers flying across a laptop, she also enjoys spending time with her family. She believes you are never too old to enjoy a good swing set and there’s never a bad time for some dark chocolate. She is represented by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary Agency.
Blog: http://ashelyndrake.wordpress.comFacebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AshelynDrakeGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7075461.Ashelyn_DrakeTwitter: https://twitter.com/AshelynDrake
And HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
Fans asked, and Ashelyn Drake agreed. Mike from the Campus Crush companion series needed another story. The final installment of the Campus Crush series, Looking For Love, will release on March 17th. Because this is a companion series, the books stand on their own and do not need to be read in order.
Right now, you can read the other books in the series for FREE. Find them on Kindle and Nook as individual books
or all together in one boxset. (The boxset does not include Looking For Love.)
And now for the cover of Looking For Love!
Mike Hannigan is looking for love in all the wrong places. Maybe that’s because having his heart torn to shreds by who he thought was the perfect girl left some emotional scarring. But that’s about to change.
Summer Patterson isn’t like anyone Mike’s dated before, and he can’t help but be intrigued by her. Now if only he could keep his foot out of his mouth long enough to win her over. But when a secret involving Summer brings Mike’s past crashing back to the present, he’ll need some backup from his best friend and wingwoman, Mindy, to sort out the mess.
Will Mike find love before he leaves Timberland College for good?
Add it on Goodreads.
*This is a New Adult title and is not suitable for younger readers.*
Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author. While it’s rare for her not to have either a book in hand or her fingers flying across a laptop, she also enjoys spending time with her family. She believes you are never too old to enjoy a good swing set and there’s never a bad time for some dark chocolate. She is represented by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary Agency.Blog: http://ashelyndrake.wordpress.comFacebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AshelynDrakeGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7075461.Ashelyn_DrakeTwitter: https://twitter.com/AshelynDrake
February 11, 2015
Cover Reveal for EXTRAORDINARY SAM by Kevin A. Springer
My next release from BookFish has some other fun titles coming out soon and I'm here to share their first Middle Grade cover with you all :) Be sure to say hello to Kevin, the author of EXTRAORDINARY SAM & THE ADVENTURERS' GUILD.
“This box may seem empty,
But there’s more than meets the eye…”
Sam Miller seems like an ordinary 12-year-old boy, until he discovers a mysterious box. Suddenly, he lands in a magical world in which he must battle deadly pirates, savage warriors, giant man-eating spiders, and a fire-wielding tyrant. To survive, Sam must overcome his fears, solve riddles, and most of all, be extraordinary.
Kevin Springer grew up on a farm in Maryland where his imagination could run free. He was able to reconnect to that creativity through telling bedtime stories to his two boys. One of those stuck and evolved into Extraordinary Sam. What started out as a simple story of a boy who had a magical hatbox turned into an exciting story of adventure and self-discovery.
Kevin is a self-proclaimed dreamer and a kid at heart. When he’s not writing or reading, he is watching movies or helping with homework. He lives outside of Atlanta with his wife, kids and dogs.
Find him online:
Twitter: @kevinaspringer
Website: kevinaspringer.wordpress.com
“This box may seem empty,
But there’s more than meets the eye…”
Sam Miller seems like an ordinary 12-year-old boy, until he discovers a mysterious box. Suddenly, he lands in a magical world in which he must battle deadly pirates, savage warriors, giant man-eating spiders, and a fire-wielding tyrant. To survive, Sam must overcome his fears, solve riddles, and most of all, be extraordinary.
Kevin Springer grew up on a farm in Maryland where his imagination could run free. He was able to reconnect to that creativity through telling bedtime stories to his two boys. One of those stuck and evolved into Extraordinary Sam. What started out as a simple story of a boy who had a magical hatbox turned into an exciting story of adventure and self-discovery.Kevin is a self-proclaimed dreamer and a kid at heart. When he’s not writing or reading, he is watching movies or helping with homework. He lives outside of Atlanta with his wife, kids and dogs.
Find him online:
Twitter: @kevinaspringer
Website: kevinaspringer.wordpress.com
February 9, 2015
UNSPEAKABLE by Michelle K. Pickett Release Day!
Michelle is absolutely one of my writing besties and Tuesday is her release day, which is definitely cause for celebration :) If you haven't, you really MUST go check out Unspeakable. It's a wonderful read, with a profound story that is sure to move you. Aaaand, Brody. Trust me, he's about to become your next book boyfriend!
“Breathe. No one will break me. I’m strong. Breathe. Just breathe.”
On the outside, Willow appears to have it all. She’s beautiful, smart, from an influential family, and she dates the most popular guy in school—Jaden. But she would walk away from it all in a second. Willow is tormented by lies and suffocating guilt, not the hearts and flowers people believe her life is full of.
She carries a dark secret. Plagued by nightmares and pain, the secret dominates her life. If she hadn’t walked away. If she had just…but she didn’t. And now she has to live with her choice. But when someone uncovers her family’s past, they use it against her, crushing her spirit little by little. She tells herself she just has to make it to graduation. Then she can leave Middleton, and her secret, far behind.
When Brody transfers to Cassidy High, he turns Willow’s life upside down. He shows her what it feels like to live again, really live. And suddenly, she isn’t satisfied with just surviving until graduation. She wants a normal life—with Brody—and he wants her. But the closer they become, the more it threatens to unravel the secret she’s worked so hard to hide.
Willow finds true love with Brody. Will she let his love save her, or walk away from him to keep her secret safe? (Goodreads)
Here's my review of this phenomenal book:
You know those books that make your heart ache? The ones that leave you wishing you could read that last chapter really slow, just so it won't end? Unspeakable is one of those. It's going to make you wish you could give Willow a big hug, get a pedi with Jenna, and definitely get to know Brody. Oh, Brody. I'm seriously going to have to make a t-shirt that says "Team Brody". *Swoons* He's definitely book-boyfriend worthy and then some! Willow is stuck in an impossible situation, one that makes you cringe and want to wrap her in a giant hug. Her strength in dealing with it all is amazing, but sometimes the hardest part is learning how to get help. I know you'll be cheering her on, and praying things work out well for her all through the book. That, and loving her snarky t-shirts! Beyond the amazing characters, this book also has a message that I think is vital for women of all ages. The portrayal of an abusive relationship is all too real, especially in its contrast to how Willow and Brody work together. No one deserves to be stuck in a relationship that's abusive and I think that is so clearly expressed through Willow's story that I wish teens everywhere should read this book. Find the strength to get out and get help. There are so many layers to this novel, and I don't want to give away spoilers, but it's a heartwarming novel that's stuck with me and I can't say anything better than just Go Read It!
So WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Go grab a copy!! Amazon link right here :)
And if you have a chance, could you PLEASE help out with this Thunderclap??
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Unspeakable by Michelle K. Pickett Giveaway ends March 05, 2015.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win
“Breathe. No one will break me. I’m strong. Breathe. Just breathe.”On the outside, Willow appears to have it all. She’s beautiful, smart, from an influential family, and she dates the most popular guy in school—Jaden. But she would walk away from it all in a second. Willow is tormented by lies and suffocating guilt, not the hearts and flowers people believe her life is full of.
She carries a dark secret. Plagued by nightmares and pain, the secret dominates her life. If she hadn’t walked away. If she had just…but she didn’t. And now she has to live with her choice. But when someone uncovers her family’s past, they use it against her, crushing her spirit little by little. She tells herself she just has to make it to graduation. Then she can leave Middleton, and her secret, far behind.
When Brody transfers to Cassidy High, he turns Willow’s life upside down. He shows her what it feels like to live again, really live. And suddenly, she isn’t satisfied with just surviving until graduation. She wants a normal life—with Brody—and he wants her. But the closer they become, the more it threatens to unravel the secret she’s worked so hard to hide.
Willow finds true love with Brody. Will she let his love save her, or walk away from him to keep her secret safe? (Goodreads)
Here's my review of this phenomenal book:
You know those books that make your heart ache? The ones that leave you wishing you could read that last chapter really slow, just so it won't end? Unspeakable is one of those. It's going to make you wish you could give Willow a big hug, get a pedi with Jenna, and definitely get to know Brody. Oh, Brody. I'm seriously going to have to make a t-shirt that says "Team Brody". *Swoons* He's definitely book-boyfriend worthy and then some! Willow is stuck in an impossible situation, one that makes you cringe and want to wrap her in a giant hug. Her strength in dealing with it all is amazing, but sometimes the hardest part is learning how to get help. I know you'll be cheering her on, and praying things work out well for her all through the book. That, and loving her snarky t-shirts! Beyond the amazing characters, this book also has a message that I think is vital for women of all ages. The portrayal of an abusive relationship is all too real, especially in its contrast to how Willow and Brody work together. No one deserves to be stuck in a relationship that's abusive and I think that is so clearly expressed through Willow's story that I wish teens everywhere should read this book. Find the strength to get out and get help. There are so many layers to this novel, and I don't want to give away spoilers, but it's a heartwarming novel that's stuck with me and I can't say anything better than just Go Read It!
So WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Go grab a copy!! Amazon link right here :)
And if you have a chance, could you PLEASE help out with this Thunderclap??
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Unspeakable by Michelle K. Pickett Giveaway ends March 05, 2015. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win
February 5, 2015
After Reading: SEVERANCE by Chris Bucholz
Quick recap before I dive in: My most recent short story is up on Lightening Quick Reads. If you liked Bea from Surrender the Sky, you'll enjoy this one :)
After 240 years traveling toward Tau Prius and a new planet to colonize, the inhabitants of the generation ship Argos are bored and aimless. They join groups such as the Markers and the Breeders, have costumed orgies, and test the limits of drugs, alcohol, and pain just to pass the time.
To Laura Stein, they’re morons and, other than a small handful of friends, she’d rather spend time with her meat plant than with any of her fellow passengers. But when one of her subordinates is murdered while out on a job, Laura takes it as her responsibility to find out what happened. She expects to find a personal grudge or a drug deal gone wrong, but instead stumbles upon a conspiracy that could tear the ship in two.
Labelled a terrorist and used as a pawn in the ultimate struggle for control, Laura, with help from her friend Bruce and clues left by a geneticist from the past, digs deep into the inner working of the ship, shimmying her way through ductwork, rallying the begrudged passengers to rise up and fight, and peeking into an unsavory past to learn the truth and save their future. (Goodreads)
Thanks to LibraryThing and the publisher for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Okay, here's the thing: I've decided that I'm not too much of a fun of books set on spacecraft. I really don't know why this is, but it's the truth. I have a hard time with them, even when it comes to books like this where the craft is gigantic and most of the time it's not like they're on a ship at all. Except for the roving bands of really bored people. That being said, there was still some fun aspects to this book that kept me reading. For starters, it was hilarious. Laura and Bruce made me laugh quite a bit. And the antics that happen onboard were enough to keep me interested, if not a little frustrated at times (bureaucratic nonsense at it's finest), and I did find myself cheering on Laura and her quest to keep the ship together. There were definitely parts where I wondered why things were drawn out quite so much (and often this seemed to be more for a witty punchline than anything else), and I skimmed a bit when it was more tedious than I really needed/cared for. Overall, it's an interesting book, though not as high up my list as some others!
Have your read this one? Thoughts about books on spacecraft? Other comments?
After 240 years traveling toward Tau Prius and a new planet to colonize, the inhabitants of the generation ship Argos are bored and aimless. They join groups such as the Markers and the Breeders, have costumed orgies, and test the limits of drugs, alcohol, and pain just to pass the time.To Laura Stein, they’re morons and, other than a small handful of friends, she’d rather spend time with her meat plant than with any of her fellow passengers. But when one of her subordinates is murdered while out on a job, Laura takes it as her responsibility to find out what happened. She expects to find a personal grudge or a drug deal gone wrong, but instead stumbles upon a conspiracy that could tear the ship in two.
Labelled a terrorist and used as a pawn in the ultimate struggle for control, Laura, with help from her friend Bruce and clues left by a geneticist from the past, digs deep into the inner working of the ship, shimmying her way through ductwork, rallying the begrudged passengers to rise up and fight, and peeking into an unsavory past to learn the truth and save their future. (Goodreads)
Thanks to LibraryThing and the publisher for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Okay, here's the thing: I've decided that I'm not too much of a fun of books set on spacecraft. I really don't know why this is, but it's the truth. I have a hard time with them, even when it comes to books like this where the craft is gigantic and most of the time it's not like they're on a ship at all. Except for the roving bands of really bored people. That being said, there was still some fun aspects to this book that kept me reading. For starters, it was hilarious. Laura and Bruce made me laugh quite a bit. And the antics that happen onboard were enough to keep me interested, if not a little frustrated at times (bureaucratic nonsense at it's finest), and I did find myself cheering on Laura and her quest to keep the ship together. There were definitely parts where I wondered why things were drawn out quite so much (and often this seemed to be more for a witty punchline than anything else), and I skimmed a bit when it was more tedious than I really needed/cared for. Overall, it's an interesting book, though not as high up my list as some others!
Have your read this one? Thoughts about books on spacecraft? Other comments?
February 3, 2015
Guest Post by Stuart R. West author of The Secret Society of Like-Minded Individuals
Stuart's one of my writing friends--the one who I end up chatting with in facebook about marketing and my general question of "WTF am I doing this for?" Thankfully he hasn't gotten *too* sick of me yet! And he's here to celebrate another awesome release, which I've read and loved. I enjoy a dark twisty tale, and I know some of you are going to absolutely have to check this out too!
Leon Garber has his reasons for ridding the world of abusive people. Justifiable homicide is a risky business, but someone needs to take out the trash.
Opportunity comes knocking from Like-Minded Individuals, Inc., a global company fulfilling the needs of people like Leon. LMI’s clientele are provided with new identities, security, and even lists of potential “projects.” But let’s not call it “serial killing.” Such a nasty business. For uncouth serial killers, it’s a good deal. For Leon, it’s a dream come true.
LMI’s put a target on Leon’s back. He has no idea why. Forced to defend his territory in Kansas, Leon clashes with other Like-Minded Individuals: The Good Samaritan Killer, The Mad Doctor, and Donnie and Marie—a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n roll, a whole lotta’ killing.
LMI, the police, sanctioned hitmen, and a vicious psychopath are after him. Heads are chopped, dropped and swapped as Leon fights for his life and freedom. But nothing will keep Leon from finishing his current project. Nothing. Not even the chance to fall in love with the woman at his day-time job.
Sometimes a killer business idea is just that. Killer. (Goodreads and AMAZON)
Take it away Stuart:
I’m in trouble. Big trouble.
I set out to write my new book, The Secret Society of Like-Minded Individuals, with not a worry in mind, business as usual.
It’s about an evil global corporation that funds serial killers for a hefty fee. Sounds like fantasy, right?
Wrong.
Shortly after the book became available for pre-order, I received a phone call. “Caller unknown.” Huh.
“Hello?”
“Mr. West?” I nodded even though the man couldn’t see me. I mean, it had to be a sales pitch, right? Right? “I would strongly recommend you not publish your new book, The Secret Society of Like-Minded Individuals.”
Okay, fine, whatever, one of my friends was having a chuckle. “Yeah, well, too bad. The damage is done? Who is this? Howard? Real funny.”
“I am not one of your acquaintances, Mr. West. I strongly implore you to heed my advice. The consequences could be…shall we say…irreparable. You’ve stumbled upon information you should not be…privy to.”
Even though I knew it was a gag, I hung up. Too little time in the day to deal with this stuff.
But. Here’s the deal. It wasn’t a joke. Soon, I started noticing men in business suits—tailor-cut and braggy looking—following me. Watching me. Talking into their shoulders while wearing sunglasses inside of coffee houses, for God’s sake. What, am I in a Bourne situation suddenly?
People look at me funny. Even funnier than usual. No one answers my phone calls. My cable bill has suddenly sky-rocketed, like I’m watching a kingdom of gold in TV.
My phone clicks like a cricket when I use it. Not ideal. And the van…the van. “Stanley Steamer’s Carpet Cleaners.” Always just down the street, always. They’re not fooling me.
Please, please, help me.
I implore you to read The Secret Society of Like-Minded Individuals. It’s an exposé, apparently more truthful than I realized. But if someone reads it, maybe my word will get out.
Before it’s too late.
Help!
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Society-Like-Minded-Individuals-ebook/dp/B00S73C3UW/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
My life depends on it.
February 2, 2015
Why I haven't Quit Publishing (Yet)
I've ruminated on this post for a while now and haven't been quite sure how to tackle it. Honestly, that's mainly because I can sum it up in one word: stubborn. The reason I haven't decided that this whole writing and publishing game is not my thing? Because I am probably the most stubborn person I know. But in a good way. I think :)
"Stubborn" kind of has a lousy connotation though: in reality for me it's more like dedicate, steadfast, or determined. But somehow, I end up back at stubborn every time I think about it, haha!
So, yeah, lately I have been contemplating why I haven't decided that I'm done trying to get my books out in the world. It has nothing to do with the writing itself (I know I can't give that up because it's the only thing keeping me marginally sane) but the querying and agent hunting and marketing and book sales that make me wonder if it's worth it. I work full-time in a job that is incredibly demanding and leaves me little time to market, nor funds to have someone help me out. And I worry constantly that I'm "serving two masters" and spreading myself way too thin.
Should I just stop writing and focus solely on my day job? I must ask myself this at least ten times a day.
But I haven't. And it's not born out of some inner confidence that I'm some amazing writer (I know I'm not--and I'm not fishing for compliments or anything, just being honest :), or some hope that someday I'm going to "make it to the big time" (because as cool as that would be, the odds are vanishingly slim). Nope. It's just because I'm stubborn, and I like telling stories, and there's still a thrill in the hope that someone out there may at some point enjoy one of my books. So, I'm plugging along, sleeping too little, pretty certain that I'm someday going to get a massive ulcer, but that's okay. I'm just going to continue on, a little pig-headed (where did that saying come from??), and try to have fun with it. Because, at the end of the day, what else is there to do? :)
So, inquiring minds wish to know: what are you stubborn/dedicated about?
Oh! And announcements :) I've been tagged in the Facebook Art Challenge and posting some of my favorite photos over on my page and instagram--that's been fun! And on the 4th, I'm over on Lightening Quick Reads with another short story. This one's a kissy one with Bea and Nathan from Surrender the Sky, lol! (Hey, it's February--what do you expect?)
"Stubborn" kind of has a lousy connotation though: in reality for me it's more like dedicate, steadfast, or determined. But somehow, I end up back at stubborn every time I think about it, haha!So, yeah, lately I have been contemplating why I haven't decided that I'm done trying to get my books out in the world. It has nothing to do with the writing itself (I know I can't give that up because it's the only thing keeping me marginally sane) but the querying and agent hunting and marketing and book sales that make me wonder if it's worth it. I work full-time in a job that is incredibly demanding and leaves me little time to market, nor funds to have someone help me out. And I worry constantly that I'm "serving two masters" and spreading myself way too thin.
Should I just stop writing and focus solely on my day job? I must ask myself this at least ten times a day.
But I haven't. And it's not born out of some inner confidence that I'm some amazing writer (I know I'm not--and I'm not fishing for compliments or anything, just being honest :), or some hope that someday I'm going to "make it to the big time" (because as cool as that would be, the odds are vanishingly slim). Nope. It's just because I'm stubborn, and I like telling stories, and there's still a thrill in the hope that someone out there may at some point enjoy one of my books. So, I'm plugging along, sleeping too little, pretty certain that I'm someday going to get a massive ulcer, but that's okay. I'm just going to continue on, a little pig-headed (where did that saying come from??), and try to have fun with it. Because, at the end of the day, what else is there to do? :)So, inquiring minds wish to know: what are you stubborn/dedicated about?
Oh! And announcements :) I've been tagged in the Facebook Art Challenge and posting some of my favorite photos over on my page and instagram--that's been fun! And on the 4th, I'm over on Lightening Quick Reads with another short story. This one's a kissy one with Bea and Nathan from Surrender the Sky, lol! (Hey, it's February--what do you expect?)
January 30, 2015
After Reading: INTO THE FIRE by Ashelyn Drake
Don't forget, today's the last day to enter my giveaway! Details here!
Seventeen-year-old Cara Tillman’s life is a perfectly normal one until Logan Schmidt moves to Ashlan Falls. Cara is inexplicably drawn to him, but she’s not exactly complaining. Logan’s like no boy she’s ever met, and he brings out a side of Cara that she isn’t used to. As the two get closer, everything is nearly perfect, and Cara looks forward to the future.
But Cara isn’t a normal girl. She’s a member of a small group of people descended from the mythical phoenix bird, and her time is running out. Rebirth is nearing, which means she’ll forget her life up to this point—she’ll forget Logan and everything they mean to one another.. But that may be the least of Cara’s problems.
A phoenix hunter is on the loose, and he’s determined to put an end to the lives of people like Cara and her family, once and for all. (Goodreads)
I read this a while ago and have been meaning to post on it for ages! I really enjoyed this quick read, and especially the unique way that phoenixes are portrayed. Their world was fascinating. The book opens with a scene that was utterly gripping, too--definitely one of the better opening chapters I've read in a very long time. And the ending certainly left me wanting more! Cara and Logan are cute together and I could definitely understand her struggles with knowing she'd forget him shortly. I did wish there were a bit more explanation as to what the imprinting thing was, as I didn't feel like I understood it completely (and couldn't help thinking about Twilight ;), but that was a minor thing. Overall, a fun read!
Have you read anything by Ashelyn Drake/Kelly Hashway?
Seventeen-year-old Cara Tillman’s life is a perfectly normal one until Logan Schmidt moves to Ashlan Falls. Cara is inexplicably drawn to him, but she’s not exactly complaining. Logan’s like no boy she’s ever met, and he brings out a side of Cara that she isn’t used to. As the two get closer, everything is nearly perfect, and Cara looks forward to the future.But Cara isn’t a normal girl. She’s a member of a small group of people descended from the mythical phoenix bird, and her time is running out. Rebirth is nearing, which means she’ll forget her life up to this point—she’ll forget Logan and everything they mean to one another.. But that may be the least of Cara’s problems.
A phoenix hunter is on the loose, and he’s determined to put an end to the lives of people like Cara and her family, once and for all. (Goodreads)
I read this a while ago and have been meaning to post on it for ages! I really enjoyed this quick read, and especially the unique way that phoenixes are portrayed. Their world was fascinating. The book opens with a scene that was utterly gripping, too--definitely one of the better opening chapters I've read in a very long time. And the ending certainly left me wanting more! Cara and Logan are cute together and I could definitely understand her struggles with knowing she'd forget him shortly. I did wish there were a bit more explanation as to what the imprinting thing was, as I didn't feel like I understood it completely (and couldn't help thinking about Twilight ;), but that was a minor thing. Overall, a fun read!
Have you read anything by Ashelyn Drake/Kelly Hashway?
