Margo Kelly's Blog, page 36
March 9, 2015
#Book Review: BIG LITTLE LIES
Big Little Lies by Liane MoriartyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is by FAR the best book I've read in a long time! It's moments like this that I wish I belonged to a book club so I could discuss this book with other people! BIG LITTLE LIES is the first book I've read by Liane Moriarty, and I can easily say that I've found a new favorite author. I can hardly wait to read her other books.
BIG LITTLE LIES is a fantastic mystery, which is slowly unwoven thread by thread. Every once in a while, the author gave a big yank on the plot line or a character's development ... one time I almost tripped on the treadmill and another time I sat up in bed - - - both times with a dropped jaw and a "What the heck?" mentality.
Moriarty got me.
She surprised me more than once both with the plot and with the characters. And I love that in a book.
The story is based in Australia, and I found that interesting. Since I live in the U.S., most of the books I read are written by U.S. authors and set somewhere in the U.S. ... so this was a great cultural change for me as well as an adventure in reading.
The book is primarily about three moms ... with very different lives ... who become friends because their children are going to school together. On page 122 it reads, "It had never crossed her mind that sending your child to school would be like going back to school yourself."
But it is so much more than that.
The reader is told at the very beginning that someone has died, but the reader doesn't know who died or who killed that person. Therein lies the primary mystery; however, as layers and layers are revealed, the story is so much more complex than just a murder. The story is told from different perspectives, and it's such a great study of our current society and the way we interact with each other.
Are the photos we post on Facebook an accurate representation of our lives? What messages are we trying to send each other? And likewise, when judging others, do we immediately jump to a critical conclusion? Or do we try to give each other the benefit of the doubt and realize we are all doing the best we can to lead happy and healthy lives?
"She felt like a caricature to Madeline. It was impossible to imagine her doing anything normal. Was she ever grumpy? Did she ever yell? Fall about laughing? Eat too much?" (page 305)
"It's because we live in a beauty-obsessed society where the most important thing a woman can do is make herself attractive to men." (page 196)
If you are in a book club - choose this book! If you are not in a book club - choose this book, and then feel free to message me with your opinion about it! :)
There is domestic violence in this book. I think there was one sex scene (as a flashback). There was minor usage of the F word.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. The writing was excellent. The plotting was fantastic. And the character development was wonderful.
View all my reviews
March 5, 2015
Why #Writing Skills Matter
It's important to know basic #grammar skills, and here's a great graphic from Grammarly to explain why:
Visit Grammarly - the awesome grammar checker: grammarly.com/grammarcheck
Visit Grammarly - the awesome grammar checker: grammarly.com/grammarcheck
March 4, 2015
#IWSG: Spark Your #Writing Intentions Today!
Here are six #inspirational #quotes to help motivate you toward your writing goals!
www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com
"In the unity of opposites, the hero cannot run away from the challenge. The hero is "in the cauldron," ... without it, the audience thinks, Why doesn't the hero just get the hell out of there? When you have it, the audience understands that the heroes are bound to keep up the fight" -- James Frey (How to Write a Damn Good Thriller).
"Conflict that holds our attention for long periods of time is meaningful, immediate, large scale, surprising, not easily resolved and happens to people for whom we feel sympathy" -- Donald Maass (Writing the Breakout Novel).
"If your every sentence admits a doubt, your writing will lack authority. Save the auxiliaries would, should, could, may, might, and can for situations involving real uncertainty" -- Strunk & White (The Elements of Style).
"In a good script, every character must speak differently" -- Blake Snyder (Save the Cat).
"Teens don't focus on why they or others behave as they do; they just judge, act, and then react to the consequences" -- Deborah Halverson (Writing YA Fiction for Dummies).
"What makes every story unique in today's marketplace is execution. That's what you bring to the table as a writer" -- Mary Kole (Writing Irresistible Kidlit).
Do you have a favorite or inspiring quote for writers? Please, share in the comments!
www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com "In the unity of opposites, the hero cannot run away from the challenge. The hero is "in the cauldron," ... without it, the audience thinks, Why doesn't the hero just get the hell out of there? When you have it, the audience understands that the heroes are bound to keep up the fight" -- James Frey (How to Write a Damn Good Thriller).
"Conflict that holds our attention for long periods of time is meaningful, immediate, large scale, surprising, not easily resolved and happens to people for whom we feel sympathy" -- Donald Maass (Writing the Breakout Novel).
"If your every sentence admits a doubt, your writing will lack authority. Save the auxiliaries would, should, could, may, might, and can for situations involving real uncertainty" -- Strunk & White (The Elements of Style).
"In a good script, every character must speak differently" -- Blake Snyder (Save the Cat).
"Teens don't focus on why they or others behave as they do; they just judge, act, and then react to the consequences" -- Deborah Halverson (Writing YA Fiction for Dummies).
"What makes every story unique in today's marketplace is execution. That's what you bring to the table as a writer" -- Mary Kole (Writing Irresistible Kidlit).
Do you have a favorite or inspiring quote for writers? Please, share in the comments!
February 27, 2015
Thrive During the #AtoZChallenge
You can merely survive the challenge, or you can choose to thrive during it. If you want to thrive, you must plan now, write your posts, and be ready to hit the ground running on April 1st.
If you've already chosen a theme, then alphabetize your topics and get those posts written. If you're still struggling for a theme or overall concept ... then make a list of things you'd like to write more about in general. The items do not have to be related. Start your research - and write those posts. Keep them short and simple. Include a picture with the post if you can. If you take the time in March to write your posts, you will be able to enjoy visiting other people's blogs and commenting on their posts during April.
THRIVE = to grow or progress toward a goal
Utilize this challenge as a personal opportunity to grow.
You can do it.
I have confidence in you, and I look forward to reading your posts.
If you've already chosen a theme, then alphabetize your topics and get those posts written. If you're still struggling for a theme or overall concept ... then make a list of things you'd like to write more about in general. The items do not have to be related. Start your research - and write those posts. Keep them short and simple. Include a picture with the post if you can. If you take the time in March to write your posts, you will be able to enjoy visiting other people's blogs and commenting on their posts during April.
THRIVE = to grow or progress toward a goal
Utilize this challenge as a personal opportunity to grow.
You can do it.
I have confidence in you, and I look forward to reading your posts.
February 25, 2015
Writer's Resources - #AtoZChallenge 2014 Revisited
So … you want to be a writer? Where do you start? How do you get there? No worries. Below is my A to Z list of writer’s resources: books, blogs, and beyond! These helpful resources will guide you to improve your writing and navigate your way through the publishing industry.
Agents
Browne & King
Conferences
Donald Maass
ELEMENTS OF STYLE by Strunk & White
Flogging The Quill
Guide to Literary Agents Blog
HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD THRILLER by James Frey
International Thriller Writers
Jane Friedman
Kidlit.com
Lamott, Anne
Mystery Writers of America
Nathan Bransford
ON WRITING by Stephen King
Predators & Editors - and - Publisher's Marketplace
Query Shark
Rachelle Gardner
SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder
THE STORY BOOK by David Baboulene
University of Chicago Grammar Resources
Visuwords
Writer Unboxed
eXactly Write
YOUNG ADULT FICTION FOR DUMMIES by Deborah Halverson
Zone
Do you have a favorite resource that you often turn to when you're writing? Share it in the comments! It can be a book, a blog, or beyond. :)
Agents
Browne & King
Conferences
Donald Maass
ELEMENTS OF STYLE by Strunk & White
Flogging The Quill
Guide to Literary Agents Blog
HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD THRILLER by James Frey
International Thriller Writers
Jane Friedman
Kidlit.com
Lamott, Anne
Mystery Writers of America
Nathan Bransford
ON WRITING by Stephen King
Predators & Editors - and - Publisher's Marketplace
Query Shark
Rachelle Gardner
SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder
THE STORY BOOK by David Baboulene
University of Chicago Grammar Resources
Visuwords
Writer Unboxed
eXactly Write
YOUNG ADULT FICTION FOR DUMMIES by Deborah Halverson
Zone
Do you have a favorite resource that you often turn to when you're writing? Share it in the comments! It can be a book, a blog, or beyond. :)
February 23, 2015
Grammar Rules - #AtoZChallenge 2013 Revisited
Do you love grammar? Do you struggle with grammar? If you're working to improve your writing and speaking skills, below are links to dozens of worthwhile tips for you. Knock yourself out with the brain-loads of fun. ;)
Apostrophe S
Do You Misuse Your BUT?
Use a Freaking Comma!
The Dash
EXCLAMATION POINT ! ! ! ! !
Figures of Speech
Grammar Makes You Stammer?
Hyperbole: Extreme Exaggeration
Italics = Insecure Writing
Just Joking - There Are No Rules!
I KIND OF like you ...
Lay or Lie?
Me or I?
Not Only, But Also
Oxford Comma
Prepositions
Questions About Quotations?
Reflexive Pronouns
Split Infinitives
That or Which
Underlining
Vulgarisms
Well Versus Good
Xceptions to Grammar Rules
Years
Zombie Grammar Rules
Is there a grammar rule not on the list that you'd like some help with? Let me know in the comments, and I'll follow up with it!
February 20, 2015
Creating a Theme for the #AtoZChallenge
Options for themes are endless. Flop open a dictionary and point ... there's your theme. ;) Or you could utilize a more prescribed plan. Think about the purpose of your blog, and devise a theme based on the content you want to provide for your readers.
My blog is about the publishing world - - - writing, specifically. So in 2013, my A to Z theme was "Grammar Rules" and in 2014 my theme was "Writer's Resources."
Having a theme gave me a direction to go with each post. I began a list with the letters of the alphabet and picked a coordinating topic for each letter. Then I wrote the posts and scheduled them ahead of time, so that during the month of April, I could spend my time visiting other blog participants instead of stressing about getting my own posts published.
I hope you'll come back on April 1, 2015, to discover what my theme for this year's challenge is!
How about you? If you're participating in the A to Z Challenge, will you be utilizing a theme this year?
My blog is about the publishing world - - - writing, specifically. So in 2013, my A to Z theme was "Grammar Rules" and in 2014 my theme was "Writer's Resources."
Having a theme gave me a direction to go with each post. I began a list with the letters of the alphabet and picked a coordinating topic for each letter. Then I wrote the posts and scheduled them ahead of time, so that during the month of April, I could spend my time visiting other blog participants instead of stressing about getting my own posts published.
I hope you'll come back on April 1, 2015, to discover what my theme for this year's challenge is!
How about you? If you're participating in the A to Z Challenge, will you be utilizing a theme this year?
February 18, 2015
I Keep Coming Back for the #AtoZChallenge
This April will mark my FIFTH year as an A to Z participant! Holy moly! Why do I keep coming back? And how have I survived the challenge for so many years?
I keep coming back because:
1. It's a great writing challenge.
2. I've met great people along the way.
3. It's motivated me to create content for my blog readers.
I've survived the challenge because:
1. I've written or at least planned my posts ahead of time.
2. I've created themes the last two years, and that has really helped.
3. I have utilized sheer determination! ;)
So over the next several blog posts, I will share with you tips for not only surviving the challenge, but also thriving because of the challenge.
Are you participating in the A to Z Challenge this year? Why or why not?
I keep coming back because:
1. It's a great writing challenge.
2. I've met great people along the way.
3. It's motivated me to create content for my blog readers.
I've survived the challenge because:
1. I've written or at least planned my posts ahead of time.
2. I've created themes the last two years, and that has really helped.
3. I have utilized sheer determination! ;)
So over the next several blog posts, I will share with you tips for not only surviving the challenge, but also thriving because of the challenge.
Are you participating in the A to Z Challenge this year? Why or why not?
February 16, 2015
10 Tips for Better #Blogging
Would you like to INCREASE your blog traffic? Well, scroll on down for ten simple tips for better blogging!
[This is a simultaneous post with the UncommonYA Blog. If you've not yet checked it out ... hop on over there, because it is an AWESOME resource for writers, readers, educators, and more!]
10 Tips for Better Blogging:
1. Blog Because You WANT to: If you only write blog posts because you want followers, you may be sorely disappointed. If you hate the idea of blogging, don’t do it.
2. Write Posts that Interest You: Followers will more naturally find you if you’re sharing content that matters to you. Sincerity is valuable.
3. Shorten Your Post Length: Followers tend to visit a lot of blogs, and when there's a LONG post, it slows the process down.
4. Silence the Autoplay Music: It's fine to have a playlist or player, but give your visitors the option to hit play rather than requiring them to hit stop.
5. Eliminate the Word Verification: Do you REALLY need it? It discourages comments and slows down the process.
6. Make Sure Your Page Loads Quickly: If your blog takes forever to load (because of complicated elements) people will close the window and move on to a different blog. Streamline your site to allow the page to load quickly.
7. Post Regularly: You define how often, but when someone visits your blog and you haven't posted in two months - - what's the motivation for them to ever return?
8. Promote Your Blog Posts on Social Media: Utilize Twitter, Facebook, and other social platforms to share a teaser about your post.
9. Promote Other Bloggers: When people retweet or share your teaser, be sure to return the favor and promote their blogs, too.
10. Be Kind: Remember the “Golden Rule” and treat others (both in your posts and in your comments) with kindness. What is your best tip for blogging?
[This is a simultaneous post with the UncommonYA Blog. If you've not yet checked it out ... hop on over there, because it is an AWESOME resource for writers, readers, educators, and more!]
10 Tips for Better Blogging:
1. Blog Because You WANT to: If you only write blog posts because you want followers, you may be sorely disappointed. If you hate the idea of blogging, don’t do it.
2. Write Posts that Interest You: Followers will more naturally find you if you’re sharing content that matters to you. Sincerity is valuable.
3. Shorten Your Post Length: Followers tend to visit a lot of blogs, and when there's a LONG post, it slows the process down.
4. Silence the Autoplay Music: It's fine to have a playlist or player, but give your visitors the option to hit play rather than requiring them to hit stop.
5. Eliminate the Word Verification: Do you REALLY need it? It discourages comments and slows down the process.
6. Make Sure Your Page Loads Quickly: If your blog takes forever to load (because of complicated elements) people will close the window and move on to a different blog. Streamline your site to allow the page to load quickly.
7. Post Regularly: You define how often, but when someone visits your blog and you haven't posted in two months - - what's the motivation for them to ever return?
8. Promote Your Blog Posts on Social Media: Utilize Twitter, Facebook, and other social platforms to share a teaser about your post.
9. Promote Other Bloggers: When people retweet or share your teaser, be sure to return the favor and promote their blogs, too.
10. Be Kind: Remember the “Golden Rule” and treat others (both in your posts and in your comments) with kindness. What is your best tip for blogging?
February 8, 2015
A Valentine's #Giveaway!
If you love BOOKS - this is for you! Visit the blogs listed below for your chance to win some terrific giveaways! As for me, I will be giving away a signed hardback copy of WHO R U REALLY?!!Wahoo! (Right?)Just enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win. (This contest is open for United States shipping.)
Here are the website links for you to easily click: www.jessicaleake.comwww.amberhartbooks.comwww.elizagordon.comwww.laurensabel.comwww.vanessabarneveld.comwww.sharonfisher.blogspot.com
a Rafflecopter giveaway
When fourteen-year-old Thea discovers a new role-playing game online, she breaks her parents’ rules to play. And in the world of the game, Thea falls for an older boy named Kit whose smarts and savvy can’t defeat his near-suicidal despair. Soon, he’s texting her, asking her to meet him, and talking in vague ways about how they can be together forever. As much as she suspects that this is wrong, Thea is powerless to resist Kit’s allure, and hurtles toward the very fate her parents feared most. Who R U Really? will excite you and scare you, as Thea’s life spins out of control.
Buy online: Walmart
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Merit Press
Here are the website links for you to easily click: www.jessicaleake.comwww.amberhartbooks.comwww.elizagordon.comwww.laurensabel.comwww.vanessabarneveld.comwww.sharonfisher.blogspot.com
a Rafflecopter giveaway
When fourteen-year-old Thea discovers a new role-playing game online, she breaks her parents’ rules to play. And in the world of the game, Thea falls for an older boy named Kit whose smarts and savvy can’t defeat his near-suicidal despair. Soon, he’s texting her, asking her to meet him, and talking in vague ways about how they can be together forever. As much as she suspects that this is wrong, Thea is powerless to resist Kit’s allure, and hurtles toward the very fate her parents feared most. Who R U Really? will excite you and scare you, as Thea’s life spins out of control.
Buy online: Walmart
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Merit Press
