Colby R. Rice's Blog, page 22

Weekly Hustle & Creative Wins: WEEK 15 (4/11/16)

THOUGHTS, RAMBLINGS, WHATEVS

This past week was all about relaxing, regaining my strength, and spending some amazing quality time with my family. And yes, I count that as an AMAZING creative achievement.

Sometimes you don’t know how hard you work and how tired you are until you finally get a minute to slow down! Sometimes, you also don’t get to process or even feel much emotion while on the run, either. Apropos, I was actually able to get some “me” time away from the baby, and while it was great, I (surprisingly) felt so incredibly empty when I was away!

This was a HUGE shock to my system. As I’m with her pretty much 24/7 and was DYING for a break, I thought I’d be happy to be away. But when I finally got my wish, I missed my little boo SO MUCH. It was insane how much I missed her. I really have no clue what I’m going to do when she finally goes off to daycare in the summer, lol. #breakbreakdownprobably I’m definitely going to have to prepare for it emotionally, by eating lots of ice cream, baking cookies, and lining up tons of movies and episodes of TV that I’ve missed over the past two years.

Aside from that surprising emotional revelation, I did have the pleasure of making some great strides in my creative life both intangible (dreaming, wishing, reflecting, planning) and tangible (kicking ass on my next novel, The Iron Maiden). So here’s what went down for last week, and of course, this week’s plans followed closely behind:

LAST WEEK’S HAUL

What I wrote: I wrote A LOT of The Iron Maiden, and I also developed more of its marketing package. These two things are pretty much all I’m focusing on for the next two months.

What I edited: Nothing, really. Just my sleeping schedule, I guess (more sleep, woot!)

What I read / watched / listened to: Finished reading “Gerard’s Beauty” by Marie Hall, and I LOVED it! (Check out my review of it here!) I never thought I’d enjoy romance or paranormal romance, as I hadn’t read anything like that since the age of 10. But I’m really enjoying it, and am especially grateful that I jumped back into this genre with Hall’s Kingdom series. I look forward to expanding my world from there, as I know there are TONS of awesome romance indie authors to check out! I’ve also been on my steady diet of podcasts (Rocking Self Publishing Podcast, The Creative Penn), and I added the Science Fiction & Fantasy Podcast w/ Lindsay Buroker and friends. Wasn’t feeling this podcast at first but ONLY because the hosts lacked a little energy, but they’ve since become a bit more upbeat and easier to vibe with.

Book Review: “Gerard’s Beauty” by Marie Hall

Gerard’s Beauty by Marie Hall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BRUH. BRUH!!!!!!

Talk about a HOTT n’ sexy story!! I have to say (once again) that Marie Hall’s Kingdom series was an instant favorite of mine. And I have to say (once again) I’m not a romance reader by any stretch. Though I’m obviously becoming one, thanks to Hall.

I’m not going to summarize the story as the synopsis does that pretty well. But wow, can this woman write some damned good romantic tension. I pretty much highlighted a turn of phrase on each page of this titillating tale, so that I could savor her use of language. Love it! So sultry! So passionate! The manuscript could’ve used a final scrub as there are very minor errors (missed apostrophes, etc), but they do not distract from what is a superbly-written tale of love, lust, and all the grays in between.

Some heartwarming parts give this story a surprising level of emotional, NON-romantic depth and realism. Hall addresses issues surrounding genetic disorders AND gives us a great look at geek / cosplay culture, which brings a surprising and delightful twist on an otherwise “normal” leading lady. And, of course, the promises of incredible, mind-blowing sex with French jilted lovers drip from each page. The last chapter is definitely worth our long and deliciously agonizing wait.

Hall has definitely brought an awesome twist to the genre of fairy tale retells and romance, and I’ll definitely be picking up the other books in the series!

View all my reviews

Write on, rock on, and READ on,

The post Book Review: “Gerard’s Beauty” by Marie Hall appeared first on Colby R. Rice.

Weekly Hustle & Creative Wins: WEEK 14 (4/4/16)

THOUGHTS, RAMBLINGS, WHATEVS

This week was actually pretty good in getting stuff done! I spent a lot of time on my first quarter wrap ups as well as my goals for this coming quarter. I felt pretty good about where I landed and how I was launching, so no complaints here!

This coming week is going to roll along a bit slowly, though, because I’m making some room for family time, fun, and frolicking! I won’t have nearly as much time to write, but I’ll be getting in some good ole fashioned relaxation, catching up on my reading, sleeping more, doing the coiffure ;-), and obvs, catching up on some of my favorite shows I’ve missed out on.

Carpe diem! Still, this is what I did last week and am trying to get done this week:

LAST WEEK’S HAUL

What I wrote: The Iron Maiden + The Iron Maiden copywriting materials. End quarter wrap up, Q2 Writing and Author Goals, and a sci-fi romance book review!

What I edited: In terms of a manuscript? Zip, zilch, and nada. But I DID do a LOT of social media scrubbing. Of ALL my accounts. And there’s more to come. I’m preparing for the second half of my brand revamp, which is going to bring my author brand to the next level!

What I read / watched / listened to: I read The Descendant by Ally Capraro, and wrote an honest review in exchange for a free book!

What I researched / developed: Actually, did a lot of prep and research for Arizona, including signing my lease officially, researching Tucson, AND making a dream and vision board for how I wanted my new apartment to look, lol! SO excited!

What I learned: How to relax. Also, listened to a whole host of interviews from byRegina.com’s #GoIndependent course, and got really inspired!

THIS WEEK’S HUSTLE

What I’m writing: The Iron Maiden. Blood & Ink (The next book in the series). AND I’m putting together my marketing / copywriting materials for The Iron Maiden. It’s all raw and “mind-dumpy” right now, but the point is that it gets written. I think I’ll have my materials perfect around mid-April. Deadlines are currently chomping my ass, so I can only pray and type as fast as the wind, lol.

What I’m editing: Not much. Trying to stay firmly in the “second draft” / “vomit draft” zone and just writing, writing, writing.

What I’m reading / watching / listening to: I needed something super light this week, because I’m actually trying to slow my work schedule down in the interest of spending more time with the fam. HAVING SAID THAT, I’m eating “Gerard’s Beauty” by Marie Hall ALIVE. I’m loving this woman’s fairy tale re-imaginings with a romantic twist. Hall definitely knows how to keep our loins warm and our hearts aflutter, and this is coming from ME, who doesn’t even really read romance like that! (But I will now!) Anyways, Hall’s Kingdom series has got me totally hooked! Also, in more responsible news, I’ve also started reading The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson.

What I’m researching / developing: I’m actually working on designing (in more details) each of the 52 guilds in The Books of Ezekiel saga! From history to major innovations, to notable Alchemists trained there, to much much more! I’ll probably only get about 2 guilds done this week, but it’s a start!

What I’m learning: I’ve taken the week off from school, it seems. (Again, in the interest of spending family time.) I’m actually just lazing about and devouring lots of podcasts and audio interviews, which are not as kinetic as actual coursework, note-taking, and “doing homework”, but still incredibly powerful and enlightening! Next week, I’ll resume my regularly scheduled course program, starting with a reprise of Nick Stephenson’s course “Your First 10K Readers“!

Writing on, rocking on, and forever journeying towards creative badassery,

The post Weekly Hustle & Creative Wins: WEEK 14 (4/4/16) appeared first on Colby R. Rice.

Book Review: “The Descendant” by Ally Capraro

The Descendant by Ally Capraro

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Great premise and interesting storyline with tons of potential!

The Descendent is a solid first act in a sci-fi romance series, with an interesting premise, an eternal battle, and a tender romance that will intrigue your mind and touch your heart. I look forward to seeing more of Ally Capraro as the series, her voice, and her craft all develop. Let loose, dear writer! We want to see your spirit and hear your authentic voice as you release the stories inside of you.

Writing & Author Goals for Q2 2016 (April 1 – June 30)

Surprisingly, I don’t really have too many goals for Q2.

Just six big ones. Lol! (Talk about raising the bar…)

Believe it or not, keeping my goal list small makes my focus all the easier to maintain, lol. Oh! And I’ve also included my writing & book production schedule, as well as my creative training / course schedule, so that you can get a sneak peek at what I’m doing every day I’m not on here postin’.