Lauryn April's Blog: April Books, page 3

Fictional Bucket List

I have lots of things on my bucket list, most of which involve wanting to do more traveling. And, hopefully, over the next sixty or so years, I'll be able to cross most of those things off my list. There are a few things, however, that I know I'll never be able to do because they involve fictional people or places. Every now and then I read a book and wish I could be a part of it somehow. Below is a list of those book-related bucket list wishes.


If Books were worlds I could jump into I wish I could...


Have tea with the Mad Hatter

Go shoe shopping with Cinderella and Dorthy

Attend a class at Hogwarts

Plant a flower in the Secret Garden

Binge watch The Selection

Learn alchemy from the vampire Myrnin

Ride a horse across the moors surrounding Wuthering Heights

Flip into the Territories

Ditch out on digging holes to eat jarred peaches

Attend a Lascivious concert and swoon over Kaidan Rowe

Join the search party to find Amy Dunne

Support the Nosferatu Presumption of Innocence Bill

Learn archery from Katniss Everdeen



What's on your fictional bucket list? Share in the comments below.

Review for Veiled by Stacey Rourke

4 Stars. V for Vendetta meets Buffy. Veiled is a gritty crime drama with vampires that looks at the politics of a world aware of the undead deciding whether or not to allow them to integrate into society. Filled with witty dialogue and a fast-paced plot this was a fun read.

There are some really beautiful descriptions in this book and a few scenes that are downright creepy. You really get sucked into the writing. Veiled is dark and intense and the vampires felt real and scary.

What I enjoyed most about this book was how it used vampires to look at racism and make a smart commentary on how one group views another and how stereotypes form peoples' opinions. The lead character, Vincenza, or Vinx, goes through a lot of character development from the beginning of the book until the end as she seeks both vengeance and acceptance. I had a hard time connecting with Vinx in the beginning of the book. She was bitter and a little full of herself at first. It took me a little while to warm up to her, but by the end of the book, I was definitely rooting for her. Vinx is witty and a little vulgar and a truly interesting character. Her story is complicated and as you learn more about her it's hard not to relate to her.

I loved Vinx's relationships with her friend Mics, who I also thought was a solid character. However, I felt like there needed to be more backstory to Vinx's relationship with Finn and to the relationship that forms between her and Carter. There needed to be more build up to their attraction. I didn't really feel the connection between Vinx and anyone, with the exception of her friendship with Mics which I thought was really well written. Overall, Carter and Finn felt like weaker characters and I wish both of their story arcs had been fleshed out a bit more.

As for the story structure, I liked the alternating flashback chapters at first, but by the halfway point of the book, they started to make the story feel a little disjointed. The storyline definitely didn't flow as smoothly as I would have liked.

By the end, the book left me with some questions that I'd want to read the next novel in the series to know more about. However, while I found the ending satisfying overall, there were a few plot holes that took away from the believability of how things concluded. <spoiler> For example, Vinx and Carter get into a bad situation at the end where they are nearly killed. Carter escapes and saves Vinx, by pulling out his phone and filming what's going on. But, it's not clear why the bad guys don't just kill him and take his phone. </spoiler> There are a few conclusions that are jumped to and a character, <spoiler> Amber,</spoiler> who really just acts like an idiot. But, there are a few twists at the end that suggest the second book in the series will be worth reading.


Was the writing/editing solid?

5/5 - Veiled is really well written with beautiful imagery and was free of errors.

Did the book have a well-formed plot/subplots?

3/5 - The romantic subplots needed more fleshing out.

Could you relate to the characters?

4/5 - Vinx is a little hard to love at first, but she grew on me.

Did the story make you feel?

4/5 - I definitely had the feels at times but wished I could feel more of the chemistry between Vinx and Carter.

Was the book unputdownable?

4/5 - I set it down a few times, but never for real long.



Indie Book Goal 2018 Notes

This is the first book I've finished for my #IndieBookGoal2018 where I've pledged to read at least 10 Indie books before the end of the year.

Reading and Writing Wrap-Up February

I know February is a short month, but it feels like its short a week instead of just a few days. This month flew by and I definitely didn't get as much done this month as I wanted.



READING:

Books Reviewed in February:

None. :(

Books Read in February:

I'm almost done with Veiled by Stacey Rourke. So far it feels like V for Vendetta meets Buffy. 
I'm also about halfway through Where Worlds Meet by Lucinda Elliot and have been enjoying that as well.

Books to read in March:

I plan to start another book from my Indie Book List after I finish Veiled and Where Worlds Meet. I have a few books in mind that I plan to look at next, but I haven't officially picked one yet.



WRITING:

Big picture editing for Unraveling in the Night (Book 2 in the Cereus Vampire Chronicles) is officially done. I'm currently doing some "search and destroy" of my usual overused phrases and I plan to start stage one of beta reading this month. I like to get chapter by chapter feedback from betas on Scribophile, and after that, I'll be looking for a few betas to read through the book as a whole.


BLOGGING:

I didn't blog a ton in February, but I did finally create an Instagram account! You can now follow me on Instagram at laurynaprilwrites. 

My Favorite Blog Posts in February:
Favorite Post Written: Ways It's Gotten Harder to Self-Publish: I vent a little in this post talking about things that have changed in the self-publishing world since I published my first book almost six years ago.

Favorite Post Read: What is Magical Realism on Book Riot: This is a genre that's interested me and Book Riot does a good job explaining just what it is.



PERSONAL:

My day-job this past February was a little less crazy than it'd been in January, but I was still working a lot of overtime. The snow also started to melt and my yard has been a mud-puddle for weeks, except for those two days where everything froze solid, but that's Wisconsin for ya.


How was your February?

Made-Up Word of the Month: Disreadspect

Once again I'm blogging about those feelings and experiences that only book lovers can understand, by making up words to describe them. Each month, on the last Monday of the month, I'll post a new word.


Disreadspect
[dis-reed-spekt]
noun.
1. A lack of respect for reading; discourtesy; rudeness toward those who read.
verb.
2. To regard or treat readers without respect; regard or treat books or readers with contempt or rudeness.

“He disreadspected me with his negative comments about my favorite book and hurt my feelings.”


This is a word for all of us with non-reader friends who sometimes say things like "reading is dumb," or "why do you keep all those books?" Often they mean well, and sometimes their comments are harmless, but every now and then booklovers are left feeling disreadspected by some thoughtless non-literary-person. This is a word to describe that feeling when someone dares to suggest that "the movie was better," or worse when a trusted friend loses a book you lent them.

Do you have friends who just don't quite understand your love of books? Have a good story of a time you felt disreadspected? Share in the comments below!

If you liked this word, you might like:Prebookupied

Ways It's Gotten Harder to Self-Publish

When I first got into self-publishing in 2011/2012 it was hard work to put out a quality book and get sales, but I did it, and I was able to do it without spending an arm and a leg. My first novel, Into the Deep, quickly made me back the money I'd spent to publish it. The self-publishing world is a lot harder today, not only in terms of making sales but also when it comes to getting free downloads or even just getting reviews. Below are a number of reasons why I think it's harder to publish a book today.


1. Amazon has gotten stricter: From deleting reviews to changing their algorithms, getting attention on Amazon is harder than ever.

2. KDP Select free promotions don't hit numbers like they used to: Like I mentioned above Amazon has changed a number of things, one of them being how they count downloads.

3. It's harder to get Book Reviews: Books bloggers are overwhelmed with review requests and the average reader isn't as enticed by a free book in exchange for a review as they used to be because there are a lot more books out there.

4. Goodreads doesn't let you add your own books to lists anymore: I love Goodreads Lists and getting your book in a few relevant lists can help you get discovered by more readers, but Authors can no longer add their own books to lists.

5. Facebook just doesn't work anymore: Facebook has changed how your posts appear in your follower's feeds meaning they don't get the views they used to. Facebook also used to be the go-to place for book promotion but buying ad space there seems to yield few results now.

6. It's harder to grow your following on Twitter:  Twitter is paying more attention to the number of users you follow and unfollow and free services like Crowdfire are now implementing smaller caps, making it harder to grow your following.


So what still works?

Having readers stumble across your book and take a chance on it is a thing of the past. The only way that seems to still work for being successful self-publishing is to gain loyal fans.

Tips to gaining loyal fans.

1. Write GREAT content: With more competition, it's more important than ever to produce a quality product with professional editing and an eye-catching cover.

2. Take care of your mailing list: Use sites like Instafreebie to grow your list and have a sign up for your mailing list on your website. (You can find mine at www.laurynapril.com)

3. Connect with your readers: Respond to comments and discuss relevant content on social media.

4. Support other Indie Authors: Don't forget writers are readers too and we're all in this together!


What things have you noticed have changed in the self/indie publishing world? Have any publishing tips? Share in the comments below.

Reading and Writing Wrap-Up January

January was a crazy month. I posted the 2018 Indie Book List and plan to keep adding to it over the year. I've already picked out my first few reads from the list to meet my pledge of reading 10 indie books this year. I also started a new monthly post called Made-up Word of the Month that will post on the last Monday of every month.



READING:

Books Reviewed in January:

I finished Mind Hunter by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker. It took me a little longer to get through this book than I planned as parts drag. Overall it's just a really long book, but it is really interesting.

Books Read in January:

I'm working my way through Veiled by Stacey Rourke and liking it so far. The writing is witty and entertaining.

Books to read in February:

I plan to read Where Worlds Meet by Lucinda Elliot this month. It's one of my #IndieBookGoal2018 books and a sequel to a book I read a few years back, so I have high hopes that I'm going to like it.



WRITING:

I did some major big-picture editing of Unraveling in the Night (Book 2 in the Cereus Vampire Chronicles) last month. I have one more major scene to do edits on then I plan to start posting it on Scribophile for line edits. I've also been poking at my fantasy WIP a bit. If I could just figure out how to stay focused on one project at a time I might actually get something done.


BLOGGING:

I've put together the list for the #IndieBookGoal2018. If you're looking for an indie book to read this year, check it out. I'm also still accepting suggestions and will update the list throughout the year. I've also decided to add a new monthly post to my blog schedule that I'm calling Made-Up Word of the Month. January's word was Prebookupied. Check back on the last Monday of the month to see the next word.

My Favorite Blog Posts in November:
Favorite Post Written: Made-up Word of the Month: Prebookupied: As I mentioned before, this is a new monthly post I'm going to be doing and it's been a lot of fun creating these words.

Favorite Post Read: 6 Paths to Diversity in 2018 on Book Riot: I'm always interested in reading books from different viewpoints. This post gives some suggestions to diversity your TBR pile in 2018.



PERSONAL:

I worked A LOT in January, and not like writing-work -- work-work. My "real" job has been really stressful lately and I've been working some crazy hours. I barely had time to read all month. Here's to hoping February finds me with more free time to read and write.


How was your January?

Made-Up Word of the Month: Prebookupied

I realized the other day that there are certain feelings and experiences that only book lovers can understand, but the words to explain these things simply don't exist in the English language. So, I've taken it upon myself to invent some new words for book-lovers. Each month, on the last Monday of the month, I'll post a new word.


Prebookupied
[pree-book-yuh-pahyd]
adjective.
1. To be completely engrossed in a book or story to the effect of being unable to focus on regular activities.

“I was so prebookupied this weekend that I didn’t get any of my chores done around the house.”


This is a word I find myself needing all the time. "I was prebookupied," is basically my excuse for why I didn't finish pretty much everything else that I'm responsible for in my life. Didn't do the dishes - I was prebookupied. Didn't go grocery shopping - I was prebookupied. Didn't hear a word that my husband just said to me - I was prebookupied. Anyone who's ever been sucked into a good book knows how easy it can be to put off all the other things they're supposed to be doing for the sake of "one more chapter."

So, what do you think? Is prebookupied a useful term? Have a good story of a time when you did't get something done because you were prebookupied? Comment below!

Review of Mind Hunter by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker

4 Stars. Completely Fascinating. I was completely sucked in for the first half of this novel. I couldn't put it down. If you have any interest in the psychology of serial killers and why they do what they do, this book will interest you. However, the author can be a little arrogant at times and my interest waned a little for the second half of the book. 
I read a lot of fiction, so for me, this book lost steam about half-way through. Maybe that's because it's a memoir? You get a lot of information about John in the beginning and how this behavioral science unit originally came about, but after a while, you're just reading about one case after another and in a way it got a little repetitive. The stories were still interesting, but you came to expect certain things from them. I will say though that it was definitely worth pushing through until the end. There were a number of times where something a little different would happen and things got interesting again, but I didn't fly through the end of the book like I did the beginning.
Also, I liked the bit of information on Jack the Ripper at the end, but I almost wish it had just been left out. I would have read an entire book just on Jack the Ripper and only getting a short few pages about him didn't feel like enough. It felt a little out of place.
Overall, I feel like I learned things reading this book and truly enjoyed reading it.

December Reading and Writing Wrap Up

I have so many fun things to share from last month! First, my website, blog and all of my social media outlets got a facelift. I hope everyone likes the new look. Second, I did a lot of planning last month to set up the awesome indie reading challenge that I posted on New Years Day! And, finally, there was plenty of reading and writing that got done.



READING:

Books Reviewed in December:

I finished The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware last month. I liked this book. It was a good mystery and I found the ending satisfying.

Books Read in December:

I'm almost done with Mind Hunter by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker. I really wanted to finish this in December, but I lost interest in it as I got toward the end. Really, it's a fascinating book, it just felt a little too long.

Books to read in January:

I'm reading  Veiled by Stacey Rourke. I just started this so I don't have much to say yet, but I am liking it.



WRITING:

I'm back on the Cereus Vampire Chronicles bandwagon. I've been editing the sequel to Unearthed After Sunset and hopefully will be sending it off to betas soon. I know I said this a few months ago, but then I added a few new scenes and had to do another read through. 


BLOGGING:

As I mentioned earlier, the blog got a new look just in time for the new year. I also had a lot of fun last month setting up the Indie Book Goal Movement. I'm pledging to read 10 indie books in 2018, and I'm hoping other readers, bloggers and writers will join me in this pledge. I'm really excited to see what books people suggest for me to read. I'm also still working to grow my mailing list and am still giving away FREE copies of Into the Deep to anyone that joins.

My Favorite Blog Posts in November:
Favorite Post Written: Writing Bad-Boys and Unhealthy Relationships: I really liked writing this post because I think this is a really important thing to discuss, especially when we look at YA fiction. I really wanted to look at how to write a redemption arc for a tortured anti-hero the right way. I love bad-boys in books, but authors need to be wary of romanticizing unhealthy relationships.

Favorite Post Read: 5 Tips On How To Properly Write a Love Scene at Falling Down the Book Hole: Love scenes can be some of the hardest scenes to write and this guest post offers some great advice.



PERSONAL:

Christmas was busy. My husband and I split the holidays between our families so we did a lot of driving, but we had a wonderful time getting to see everyone.


How was your December?

New Years Resolution: Read More INDIE Books

Last year for New Years, I did a book tag, setting goals for the books I wanted to read over the year, and last month I looked at how well I did at meeting those goals. There was one thing I realized. I may have read 15+ books last year (which isn't a lot for some, but for a full-time writer, working 50+ hours a week in Youth Services and renovating a house, that's a lot) but I only read 6 indie books, and only one of them was self-published.

As a self-published author who supports other self-published an indie writers I feel a little ashamed. So, this year my New Years resolution is to read more indie books!


My 2018  New Year's Resolution is to Read AT LEAST 10 Self-Published or Indie BooksTo do this, I will need your help. If you have read a good indie book in the past year, I want to know about it. I've set up a form at the bottom of this page for readers and authors to submit books. From the list that generates, I will pick my 10 books. I will pick a new book after each book I finish, and I will post the entire list in a blog post for anyone else that wants to participate in this challenge.

[Note: I am not looking for free books. I intend to purchase the books I pick. Please do not e-mail me with inquiries.] 
Rules for Submitting Books:
1.Books must have been published in 2017 or 2018
2.Books must be self-published or published by an independent publisher
3.You CAN submit your own book if you are the author
4.Books submitted must have been professionally edited 
5.You can submit a book in ANY genre, however, I am more likely to decide to read your book if it is in the following genre's: [Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Thriller, Suspense] I read a lot of books with supernatural elements, but like non-supernatural suspense as well. I also like books with romantic subplots. I do not read erotica. That said, I will post the list for anyone who wants to do the challenge.

Rules for Completing the Challenge:
1.Set a goal for yourself to read a certain number of indie books in 2018
2.Choose books from my list, or find books of your own that are self-published or independently published, or generate your own list (If you make your own list, please share it in the comments below!
3.Use the #IndieBookGoal2018 to share about the indie books you're reading
4.Write Reviews!
I want to encourage all of you to join me in this resolution! Set a goal for yourself to read more indie books, read them, and post reviews. I will post the list I get of books if you want to pick books from there, or you can pick your own.

If you're going to participate, please share links in the comments below!

SUBMIT A BOOK TO THE LIST
or scroll to the bottom of this page.

Free images for participants: