Zara Hoffman's Blog: Zara Hoffman's Goodreads Author Blog, page 35

Why Good Grammar Matters

Today, I read a post with some tips from one of my favorite authors Wendy Higgins, author of the Sweet Trilogy—swoon (I mean soon) to be Quartet once Kaidan's POV book, Sweet Temptation , comes out—and See Me . The top 2 tips had to do with editing, which is no big surprise. It is really hard to get published (traditionally) if your grammar is messy. Even through self-publishing, readers won't trust you if they find a bunch of errors in your sample chapters, and the rest of the book.

I definitely know the importance of good grammar. My grandma, the grammarian, took great care to teach me that lesson at a young age. Also, I'm a high school student whose grades are dependent on writing intelligent and well-written papers. On top of that, I am also currently editing my friend Sierra's book, The Fifth Queen  (based on The Nutcracker), and two of my own.

Online, I always use Grammarly to double check everything I do. Even if you don't use their software, the Grammarly Cards are hilarious. Below is a slightly inappropriate example. Grammarly did a study where they studied the correlation between number of grammar errors and earnings for writing freelancers on Elance. Below is a pretty infographic, detailing the results. click the image to open in a new window

A Blogger Recognition Award

The Rules:
♥ List the rules.

♥ Thank the person who nominated you and leave a link to their page.
♥ List 7 facts about you.
♥ Give a brief story about how you started blogging, and share some tips.
♥ Nominate 15 other bloggers
♥ Notify your nominees by email or comment

First: Thank you, Adriana Gabrielle for nominating me!

7 Facts About Me:
I'm adopted from China.I learned to type when I was 5. I can do it with my eyes closed, too. And with one hand, if necessary, like I'm doing now (because my right, and dominant, wrist is fractured).I wrote my first novel when I was 9 years old. It was a blatant Nany Drew knock-off.I have no siblings, but my older cousins have always treated me like their little sister.I know how to make handmade books. It's really fun and almost meditative.My debut novel came as a result of two previous book ideas and a new slew of dreams, which added the main plot and magic to the story.I have finished writing the first draft for the 2nd and 3rd books in The Belgrave Legacy , but am writing Glowing Embers while I wait on my editor.
I started blogging a little over three years ago. I had just started high school, decided I wanted to take my writing seriously, and thought that blogging would get me a lot of exposure. I've learned the last part is mainly true only if you run giveaways, talk about YA dystopian fiction, or are part of a blog hop (or award chain like this one). And you need to share your links everywhere, multiple times.

I nominate (in random order):

Melissa and Jennifer @ The Dragon BlogWendy HigginsCora CarmackJulia CraneHafsah @ IceyBooksStephanie and Jill @ GoTeenWritersJohn @ Teens Can Write TooAlex @ Get It Write TonightSierra @ Yearning To ReadStacia Joy Aisling Eva @ Scribblings of a JaneiteYvonne and Tia @ The Shadow RealmJenny @ Supernatural Snark

End of a Trilogy

Today I finished the first draft of the 3rd book in The Belgrave Legacy . This book was previously called The Witch's War, but I just changed it to Prophecy. I cannot express how happy I was to write the Epilogue to this trilogy, and I hope you all will agree when you finally read it. As you can see in the word meter below, I way overshot my original word count goal. It may change between now and the final draft, but whatever.  While I may be feeling like this is the end for my relationship with these characters, I still have editing to go through (this book and the 2nd). Readers also still have a lot of time to read them before they, too, will say goodbye to Fawn and her friends. 40252 / 30000
(134.17%)

Book Review: Hit

About the Book After receiving a full-ride scholarship to Mills College for Girls, it appears Sarah's future is all laid out before her ... that is until she walks into a poetry class led by Mr. Haddings, a student teacher from the nearby University of Washington. Suddenly, life on the UW campus seems very appealing, and Sarah finds herself using her poetry journal to subtly declare her feelings for Haddings. Convinced Mr. Haddings is flirting back, she sets off for school in the rain with a poem in her back pocket---one that will declare her feelings once and for all. 

Mr. Haddings has noticed Sarah's attention; the fallout from any perceived relationship with a student is too great a risk, and he has decided to end all speculation that morning. 

But everything changes when Mr. Haddings feels a thud on his front bumper when he glances away from the road, and finds Sarah in the street with blood pooling beneath her.
My Review I was disappointed in this book. The premise and book cover really drew me in, and I not only had expectations of liking the story, but also genuinely wanted to enjoy it. While the book was well-written, the short scenes seemed too fragmented for me. The constant switching between points of view (Haddings and Sarah), it was hard for me to establish a firm connection with either of them. Most of the secondary characters were understandably angry at Haddings for what happened, but it seems that is all there is to them. I will exempt the father from this harsh judgment because he seemed to be the least annoying and most three-dimensional "person" in the book.

That all being said, I still couldn't put the book down because I wanted to know how the author would conclude such a story. I can't say I was surprised by how it ends. It is a realistic solution, but I was still disappointed with it. About the Author Lorie Ann Grover was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She used to pretend to read before she could by carrying around Nancy Drew books and flipping through the pages. She studied ballet for ten years and was a member of the Miami Ballet Company. When she grew too tall for the profession, Lorie turned my focus to fine art at the University of Miami. Eventually, her love for the written word yielded verse novels and board books. Her fantasy novel, Firstborn, received a Kirkus Starred Review, and her board book, Bedtime Kiss for Little Fish, was named a Parents Magazine Best Children's Book. Lorie co-founded readergirlz and readertotz. Living with her husband in the foothills of Mt. Rainier, Lorie writes, practices weapons tai chi, and watches hawks take flight.    

Jason and the Draconauts

About the Book The creature hiding in the barn can’t exist. Fifteen-year-old Jason Hewes knows it’s impossible. A live dinosaur would be more believable; at least dinosaurs once roamed the land which is now the Hewes Montana farm. But this beast from legend? Quite impossible—although it doesn’t seem to be going away just because it shouldn’t exist. 

Jason is about to reevaluate what is or isn’t possible. His discovery is very real, leathery wings and all. Nor is his new friend alone. Others of his kind are awakening from a centuries-long slumber. Realizing how traumatic contact between mythological beast and modern life could be, Jason and his impossible new ally devise a plan to integrate the newly awakened creatures into society through teenage interaction. What could possibly go wrong?

As the sound of giant wings becomes a common occurrence on the Hewes family farmstead, a malignant force senses his old enemies are flying again. Determined to end an eons-long war forever, this being turns his attention to a small rural Montana town, a family farm, and Jason Hewes.

Buy on Amazon | Read a Sample Interview 1. When did you start writing?
I started writing several years ago on some on-line fan fiction sites. I got a lot of great responses over the three stories that I did

2. What inspired you to be an author?
I enjoy telling stories and exercising my imagination. When I wrote fan fiction, I knew it really couldn't go anywhere since they were in established and copyrighted world. That led me to decide to write something that was completely original and that my own kids would enjoy reading.

3. What was your favorite book as a child?
I am a HUGE comic book fan, so those were my favorites. Walt Simonson's Thor run and the Chris Claremont/John Byrne years on the X-Men stand out to me. But the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit were also really huge for me.

4. What is your current favorite book?
I am currently really enjoying Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn and Stormlight Archive series. But I really recommend a book by Andy Weir called The Martian. Good stuff!

5. How did you think of the idea for Jason and the Draconauts?
I love dragons but I feel like most dragon stories are set in the time of knights and castles. The movie Reign of Fire intrigued me because it brought dragons back in modern times (even though the movie was quite the stinker). So I decided to go the route of bringing dragons back in the 21st century and put my own take on what would happen.

6. What was the best part about writing/publishing this book?
The creativity, the bringing of ideas to life, and when someone tells you they enjoyed your book.

7. The worst?
The marketing :(

8. What is some advice you have for other writers?
Take your time telling your story. Don't try to rush to what you think is the "good stuff". The readers want you to take them on the journey, go give them a journey they can enjoy. About the Author Paul Smith lives in upstate New York with his wife and two sons, where he works with emotionally disturbed and mentally ill children. He earned a master’s degree in social sciences from Binghamton University in 1999.

A lifelong love of science fiction, fantasy, and superhero stories influences Paul’s writing. His most recent work was a popular weekly online series that generated over 20,000 views. Jason and the Draconauts is his first novel.

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NaNoWriMo 2014

I probably should have posted this on Saturday, but I was too busy writing. Anyway, here's an update to let you all know that I'm doing NaNo and doing well! I'm happy to say that I'm making a lot of headway in the conclusion of The Belgrave Legacy , The Witch's War. I'm about 4 chapters in, but I may switch them around so that it might end up being 5. Whatever, the point is, I'm writing (in addition to doing homework and college applications and everything else necessary to being a teenager).

If you're in NaNo, comment your current word count and username below and I'll add you as a writing buddy. 

Happy writing!

3rd Blogoversary Book Giveaway

It's hard to believe that I've been blogging for a little over 4 years, and have since published a book and come up with many other novel ideas. As an avid reader, I love sharing my love of reading with other people.

To celebrate this year's blogoversary (today, don't listen to the Blogoversary button in the side; it's not working), I will be giving away a slew of great books (total worth=$378.31), with one winner per book. The first winner picked gets first dibs on their prize, the second chooses from what's left over, etc, etc.

Sound fun? Enter below.

P.S. Here are more links related to some of the books I'm giving away:
Read my review of Pride and Prejudice Read my blog post on strong female characters in regards to Queen of the Tearling Read my review of Kiss of Deception Read my notes on Guy Kawasaki's BEA13 presentation about self-publishing (which extrapolates on his book APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur) Read my review of Freak of Nature Prizes a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: All Broke Down by Cora Carmack

Title: All Broke Down (Rusk University, #2)
Genre: NA Romance
Published: October 28, 2014

Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one.

Environmental issues, civil rights, corrupt corporations, and politicians you name it, she's probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail overnight, she meets Silas Moore. He's in for a different kind of fighting. And though he's arrogant and infuriating, she can't help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause.

Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it's trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He's met girls like her before fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn't think he's broken, and he definitely doesn't need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about: his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help.

Because Silas Moore needs some fixing after all. My Review I cannot praise this book enough. Before I read All Lined Up, I thought the Losing It series was the best NA series in the world. And don't get me wrong, it's still my Top 2, but the Rusk University novels have taken the #1 spot. As you can see, Cora Carmack is still my favorite NA author.

I loved Carson and Dallas' story, and while they're not the focus of All Broke Down, they are still in the picture. I thought I would miss them too much to enjoy Silas and Dylan' story, but I was WRONG. And thank God for that. Dylan reminded me more of myself, so that may have to do with it. That, and Silas is just as delicious as Carson was—different, but just as sexy.

Okay. I'm done with the general fangirling. Now onto the awesome reasons why I'm obsessed. I'll keep it short, so you can go read it instead of staying here longer than necessary:
It's a great opposites attract story The backstories are three-dimensional and sprinkled throughout the story without being overwhelming Similarly, the characters aren't perfect. They have issues, like most people do, but they deal with them It's a college love story (and I'm going to be a freshman next year, so I'm already hooked by the setting) And... like I said before, the characters are people I would love to date/be friends with

5 Stars All Lined Up, #1 Don't forget about Book 1 of the Rusk University Series

Title: All Lined Up (Rusk University, #1)
Genre: NA Romance
Published: May 13, 2014

In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.

Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.

But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.

Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.

Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter.

And neither of them know how to walk away from the attraction they feel.
And don't forget... About the Author Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

Fallen Son, Darkest Night (a Stars & Souls Novella) by Melissa A. Petreshock

About the Book After four millennia of waiting for change, the Mother Goddess sees no other recourse but to summon Theo Pendragon to perform his sacred duty as one of the Dracopraesi, imprison her only son in the Underworld, and save her people. 

Given the vast destruction Dante has caused  in the Earthen Realm, Theo is prepared to fulfill Dana's request without hesitation , but when confronted with  unexpected events and a plea for mercy, will the dragon  find him worth redemption, or is it too late for this dark soul to seek forgiveness?

Fallen Son, Darkest Night is a ​short story companion to Fire of Stars and Dragons (Stars & Souls, Book 1). ​Three thousand years before Caitriona Hayden is even born, Dante's actions and Theo's decision impact the destiny that awaits them all. My Review Seeing as Fire of Stars and Dragons  is one of my favorite novels, I was so excited when I heard about Fallen Son, Darkest Night—the prequel story of Dante's past. If you haven't already read FOSAD, here's what you need to know about him before reading FSDN. He's a powerful demigod. He's handsome. And while he's very refined in FOSAD, he used to be a terror on Earth.

And what did I think of this darker side of the blue-eyed beauty?

I LOVED it! Because I love him, and know you will too.

So what are you waiting for? Go read it now! About the Author Melissa A. Petreshock is a full-time writer and member of the Romance Writers of America with past experience in the medical and educational fields, though she has primarily devoted her adult life to raising a family.

Born and raised in Kentucky, Melissa spent a number of years in Massachusetts, living outside Boston and in Springfield before returning to her home state where she now resides on a small farm.

She enjoys quiet married life and the silliness of her three children, indulging hobbies of music, Zumba, and a minor television addiction in what little free time she finds. Melissa’s interests include causes demanding social change such as mental health awareness and teen suicide prevention. Fire of Stars and Dragons is her debut NA Fantasy Romance novel.

Queen of Hearts: The Wonder

About the Book An Exiled Princess. An Ancient Tribe. A Dangerous Stranger with Unknown Loyalties.

Dinah, the former Princess of Wonderland Palace, has been chased into the wilds of Wonderland after the brutal murder of her brother and the ruin of her impending crown. Now, as her half-sister Vittiore sits on the throne beside her Father, the brutal King of Hearts, Dinah finds herself alone in the forbidding Twisted Wood with only Morte, a homicidal beast, for company.

Hunted by the King and his army of Cards, Dinah struggles to evade those who long for her head, including Cheshire, the King’s clever advisor, who is slowly tightening his grasp around her. Spurred on by her rising terror, the former Princess finds herself at the center of a web of conspiracy reaching far beyond the Palace and deep into the mysterious Yurkei mountain tribes.

Even with the balance of an entire Kingdom at stake, Dinah knows something that her allies and enemies do not: that the most dangerous conflict of all has already begun as she battles the rage that beckons her ever closer as love slips further from her grasp.

The second book in the bestselling and award-winning Queen of Hearts Saga, Volume 2: The Wonder takes readers back to the most wondrous and curious places in Wonderland, and continues this darkly addictive tale featuring one of the most infamous villains of all time.

But be warned…not every fairy tale has a happy ending.

This is the story of a princess who became a villain.

Add on Goodreads | Buy on Amazon My Review For those of you who haven't read the first book, Queen of Hearts: The Crown yet, (buy it now and/or read my review).

I don't want to spoil anything so I'll try to keep the fangirling to a minimum lest I accidentally let something slip. First, let me proudly announce that I finished this book in 3 hours. Now, those who personally know me already recognize the rarity of this. While I can always read that quickly, it only happens when I have an unputdownable novel in my hands. And boy, did Queen of Hearts: The Wonder fit the bill. I didn't think it was possible for me to like the 2nd book more than the 1st, but I was wrong. Dinah's journey becomes even more engaging as she struggles with staying alive and discerning who she can trust.

Without revealing too much of the plot, just know that:
Stakes are raised
Dinah's temper begins to resemble the infamous one of the Queen of Hearts
You learn how people begin calling her the Red Queen, although in the Carroll books, they were 2 different queens.
I cannot express how much I loved this book. 5 crowns! About the Author Colleen Oakes is the author of the Elly in Bloom series and the upcoming YA fantasy Queen of Hearts Saga, both published via SparkPress, a BookSparks imprint. She lives in North Denver with her husband and son. When not writing, Colleen enjoys swimming, traveling, and immersing herself in nerdy pop culture. She is currently at work on the last Elly novel and her second YA fantasy series, Wendy Darling.