Miranda Atchley's Blog, page 29

October in Review

I can't believe that October is over. It just doesn't seem possible! It's been a pretty good month. It hasn't really felt like fall much, though, so that's a letdown. But other than that, I can't really complain. I read some good books, and worked more on my novel. I also had a great birthday. Here are some highlights from the month.
Books Read in October:
Bleeding Heart by Amber Stokes Close To You by Kara Isaac Woman's Suffrage: A Short History of a Great Movement by Millicent Fawcett Emma by Jane Austen How Women Got the Vote: The Story of Women'sSuffrage in America by Ida Husted Harper
My favorites from this month were Bleeding Heart, Close To You, and Emma. I liked all the books I read this month, but those are my favorites. Bleeding Heart was a nice story with lots of twists and turns. Close To You was different sort of contemporary romance that I enjoyed. And as for Emma- well, you can't go wrong with Jane Austen!
Favorite Blog Posts From October:
Lately 10.13.2016Non Bookish HappeningsBook of the Week#62 "Bleeding Heart"
Thank you all for reading A Real Writer's Life this month. See you later with more anecdotes from this writer's life.
-Miranda Atchley

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Books I'd Like to Read in a Group

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish .
This week, our Top Ten Tuesday topic is book club. I've never been a part of a book club, but I've always wanted to. It seems like a lot of fun; reading books, discussing them with others, and making friends with people who like similar books. Even though I've never been part of a book club in person, I have participated in online read-alongs, and that is fun. If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, then you'll know that I love the classics. Classic novels are perfect for book club; the offer a lot for discussion. Today I've listed ten classic books I'd like to read in book club if I were in one.
10: War And Peace by Leo Tolstoy
You can't get anymore classic than War and Peace. It would probably be a good book to read in a group.




9: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte






8: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie BarrowsI read this book during the summer and I loved it. Someday I wouldn't mind re-reading it in a book club. Reading a book about a book club in a book club? That sounds like fun!


7: Moby Dick by Herman MelvilleOne of the most classic novels on Earth, Moby Dick has been on my to-be-read list for a long time. It'd probably be great book to discuss with others.


6: The Grapes of Wrath by John SteinbeckI started reading this book, but got distracted with other books. But, I did think it seemed like a good book, and hopefully, I can pick it back up.


5: Anna Karenina by Leo TolstoyAnother great classic that would be perfect for book club.




4: David Copperfield by Charles DickensThis is the next Charles Dickens novel on my list. I think it would be a neat book to read in a group.


3: Jane Eyre by Charlotte BronteI'm finally going to attempt to read Jane Eyrethis month after saying I was going to forever. Even though I'm reading it on my own, I still think it'd be a good book to read in book club.


2: The Hobbit by J.R.R. TolkienThe Hobbit has been on my to-be-read list forever. It would be so fun to read in a group; perhaps with hobbit themed discussion nights?


1: Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
I'm getting pretty close to having read all of Jane Austen's novels. I like reading them as part of a group and discussing them. I'd love to do a Mansfield Park read-along someday.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween, readers and friends! Hope you all have a great day.

-Miranda Atchley

Anne of Green Gables Tag

I saw this tag over on Kara's blog. It seemed like fun, so I decided to do it, too!

How did you get introduced to Anne of Green Gables?
My grandma loved the movies and we started watching them together when I was a teenager.

Are you more like Anne or Diana? Why?
I'd say Anne. I'm not nearly as talkative as Anne, but when it comes to imagination, the love of books and words and beauty, we're just alike.

If Rachel Lynde called your hair as red as carrots, how would you react?
I don't think I would have the outburst that Anne had, but I would be very hurt and probably cry.

Gilbert or Morgan Harris?
Gilbert! No question.


Honest opinion on the third Anne film.
I like the film. It brings back good memories of my grandma and of being a teenager.

Have you seen the New Anne film?
No. I've only seen the Megan Follows/ Jonathan Crombie adaptations.

What in your own words is a Kindred Spirit?
A good friend that you can go to for anything, that will always be there for you. Luckily, I have some of those! :)

Movie Gilbert or Green Gables Fables Gilbert?
I've never Green Gables Fables so I can't say.

Does anyone know where we can watch Road to Avonlea online?
No. :-/

Favorite book cover?


The films or the books?
As much as I like the movies, I'd have to say the books. No one can write like L.M. Montgomery.

If you'd like to do this tag, be sure and leave a link in the comments!

-Miranda Atchley

Emma Read-Along Discussion #2

Hey readers and friends! I'm pretty late with this, but today I'm checking in with my post for the second Emma read-along discussion. Discussion questions were written by Amber.
Discussion Questions
Has your opinion of Emma changed at all during this past week's reading? What stood out to you most about her words and thoughts regarding Harriet, Mr. Elton, Frank Churchill, and/or Jane Fairfax?I think Emma is beginning to see where she was wrong in the way she treated Harriet. She doesn't fully understand it yet, but she's starting to. I think she regrets trying to fix Harriet and Mr. Elton up and feels responsible for her friend's broken heart. I think Emma is very jealous of Jane Fairfax, because she seems to be beloved by all. I still think that Emma is selfish and bossy, but I'm hoping to see her change her ways throughout the rest of the book.
What was your first impression of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill? Do find one more intriguing/ mysterious than the other?I may sound crazy when write this, but to me it kind of seems like Jane Fairfax is that girl that you have an issue with, but it seems like everyone around you adores her, and that just makes everything she does that much more irritating to you. She seems nice when you meet her, but I don't know; something feels a little off, like later we'll see why Emma is so annoyed by her. Perhaps I'm wrong, but that's what I think for now.
Which character do you admire the most at this point?Probably Mr. Knightley. I feel like we haven't seen a ton of him yet; he pops in from time to time, but he hasn't been as prominent in the story as some of the others. But, when he has been a part of the story so far, he seems to have been the most sensible and level headed character in the book.
If you were a character in the book, which character do you think you'd like to be matched with from what we know about everyone so far in the book? [I'm thinking romantically but you can also say who would be best matched as your friend or relative :)]I'd like to have Mr. Woodhouse as a relative. Maybe not as my dad, but more as a grandfather or an uncle. He seems like he would be amusing.
Favorite Quotes
"Perfect happiness, even in memory, is not common."
For those that are participating in the read-along; what do you think of the book so far? Do you have any favorite aspects of it? For those that aren't currently reading Emma, but have in the past; did you enjoy the book when you read it? What were some of your favorite things about it?
-Miranda Atchley

Top Ten Tuesday: Halloween Freebie

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish .
This week, The Broke and The Bookish gave us the topic of a Halloween Freebie for our Top Ten Tuesday. I love Halloween. It's a fun time of year, between the costumes, the candy, the spooky decorations.... but I'm getting ahead of myself. I decided to make half of my list five books that would be good to read around Halloween, as well as five reasons why I love Halloween.
Ghoulish Books


10: Of Dubious and Questionable Memory by Rachel McMillanMystery stories always seem Halloween-ish to me. Who wouldn't love to sit outside on a nice fall day with a cozy mystery and a cup of tea? That sounds like the perfect day to me. Rachel McMillan is my favorite mystery author and Of Dubious and Questionable Memory, which takes place in the fall, would be the perfect quick read for a rainy day.
9: Thrillers and More ThrillersThis is a collection of thriller stories from different authors. I haven't read all the stories, but there are some spooky good tales in this book.


8: For Elise by Hayden WandThis little novelette is a delightful and quirky story that is just the thing to read on Halloween.


7: Dracula by Bram StokerThis is the book I'm currently reading as a "Halloween read." I don't think I'll finish it by the end the of the month, though.




6: The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar AllenPoe by Edgar Allen PoeNo list of books to read during the Halloween season would be complete without Mr. Poe. Reading a collection of his poems and stories during the month of October will certainly put you in a spooky mood.
Why I Love Halloween
5: My birthdayMy birthday is four days before Halloween, and I think this plays into my love for the holiday. It just makes it that much more fun for me.


4: The costumesIn the past I've done some pretty elaborate Halloween costumes. My favorites have been Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Bride of Frankenstein. I don't have any plans other than watching Hocus Pocus this year, put I'm still planning on doing some fun make-up for Halloween.
 

3: The pumpkinsThis is probably a pretty typical answer, but I do love pumpkins. It just makes me happy to see those pops of orange appear everywhere. I love all the different ways you can decorate them. Contestants on Halloween Wars on Food Network always do such neat things with carved pumpkins. And then there are the painted pumpkins. This year I painted some pumpkins to look like Jack and Sally. I've seen people paint them white and then use black paint to write lines from The Raven on them, and that is really neat. Aside from decorating pumpkins, I love to eat them, too. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake (!!!), pumpkin bread and muffins.... I just love pumpkin.



2: The movies and television specialsI'm not a horror movie enthusiast by any stretch of the imagination. I don't like gory or super scary movies, but I love to watch quirky movies like Tim Burton's films and the like during October. And I love watching Halloween specials of my favorite shows.
1: The decorationsI love decorating my room for Halloween. It's so much fun. I have string lights in candy corn colors and green/purple. I put pumpkins here and there and spooky looking lights. Jack-o-lantern garland, anything black-and-white-striped. It's just the best.
I understand that Halloween isn't for everyone, and I respect that, but it's one of my favorite times of the year. For those who celebrate, what are your favorite parts about Halloween?

-Miranda Atchley

Lena Goldfinch's Triple Cover Reveal!

In celebration of Lena Goldfinch’s upcoming release, HAUNTING JOY: BOOK 2, she’s revealing three brand-new book covers! The two HAUNTING JOY books are light paranormal stories, and SONGSTONE is a fantasy romance. All three books are sweet—and slightly spine-tingling—young adult reads, perfect for cozy autumn nights!


HAUNTING JOY: BOOK 1
“A sweet and charming ghost story that completely won me over.” —Lena Coakley, Witchlanders
Joy’s new dress has a secret—one with a little supernatural history, one that’s a little more than she expected.

It all starts one ordinary afternoon, when seventeen-year-old Joy tries on some thrift-store clothes. The little white dress fits perfectly. Trouble is, now it won’t leave her alone. Soon Joy is swept up in an extraordinary journey to help a ghost complete some unfinished business.

If only that didn’t involve Joy driving through dangerous intersections...
Or calling up her high-school crush, Nick...
Or getting stuck in a cemetery after dark.

Just how much is Joy willing to risk to uncover the truth?HAUNTING JOY: BOOK 2
Joy’s story continues with another ghost, this time a boy who seems intent on disrupting her senior year…
SONGSTONE
“An original fantasy world inhabited by superstitious tribal nations and intriguingly developed characters.” —Serena Chase, USA Today’s Happy Ever After blog

A dark, twisty tale of sorcery, tummy-tingling romance, and adventure, inspired by the folklore of New Zealand's Māori people.

Kita can meld song into stone—a skill called “storytelling,” which is greatly honored in a world with no written word. But Kita is slave to a sorcerer who practices black magic using drops of her blood. She fears he’ll use her beautiful gift for a killing spell, so she conceals it. Yet each day, his magic tightens around her neck like a rope.

Then Pono, a young journeyman, arrives from the other side of the island. He’s come to fulfill a pact between their villages: to escort a storyteller back to his village. Finally, in Pono, Kita sees her one slim chance at freedom—and she’ll risk her life to take it.
BOOK LINKS
HAUNTING JOY: BOOK 1Kindle | Nook | Kobo | Audible | Paperback
HAUNTING JOY: BOOK 2Coming soon!
SONGSTONEKindle | Nook | Kobo | Paperback
AUTHOR BIO
LENA GOLDFINCH writes sweet historical western romance / inspirational romance and books for teens. She’s always been a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She enjoys life in a quiet, small town with her husband, two kids, and two very spoiled Black Labs.
Amazon | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Twitter | Website

No tricks with this giveaway—just a treat for three lucky winners! Each winner will get a copy of one of Lena’s featured books (winner’s choice): Haunting Joy: Book 1; Haunting Joy: Book 2; OR Songstone.
Note: Paperback copies are only available to winners who are US residents. Ebook versions are available to all winners.


Discover which hero from Lena’s YA books is yourdream hero! Possible results include Nick from  Haunting Joy , Pono from  Songstone , Rundan from  The Language of Souls , Jovanni from  Aire , and Troy from  Take a Picture .
a Rafflecopter giveaway TAKE THE QUIZ

Good luck to all those entering the giveaway!
-Miranda Atchley

Book of the Week #63 "Close To You"

Close To You by Kara Isaac
Dr. Allison Shire is the most over-qualified tour guide on the planet. Her lifelong love of Tolkien compelled her to earn a PhD in English Literature from Oxford. When she met Derek, the two married after a whirl-wind romance and moved to Allison's home country of New Zealand where she got a lecturing job at her Alma Matter Auckland University, which is where a woman she'd never met before informed her that she was married to her husband. Now, after Derek has racked up thousands of dollars of debt in her name, Allie finds herself working as a tour guide of the movie locations from The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings in New Zealand. Taking the job and the fact that Derek is stringing their annulment out in an excruciating fashion has left her bitter and she's forgotten why she loved literature and Tolkien in the first place. Jackson Gregory is in a similar boat. He's worked hard to become as successful as he is and prove himself to be above his farm-boy upbringing in Iowa. Yet when his girlfriend leaves him for his biggest business competitor, he's lost everything- his "friends," his living, his business, and the money he planned to use for his family's farm. Though he couldn't care less about Tolkien's works, he agrees to accompany his great-uncle, Louis, on a trip to New Zealand for a luxury Tolkien tour. He hopes that if he can get Louis to believe he loves Tolkien as much as the next, that he'll loan him the money to pay back his investors, save the family farm, and start a new business. Yet he may be in for a lot more than he's bargained for.
I don't read a ton of contemporary romance. From time to time, I'll find one that I'm interested in, but it isn't one of my favorite genres. When I read about Close To You, I was interested in it. Recently, the Kindle edition was on sale for $1.99, and that seemed like a good time to try it out. I wound up enjoying the book. It has lots of twists and turns, and that made me like it more than if it had just been a plain romance. And I like the Tolkien theme. Granted, I haven't read any of Tolkien's books, but they are on my list and I think that made the whole book more interesting.
I like Allie and I felt sorry for her after what Derek had put her through. He's definitely what my mom would call an "unsavory type." He was just mean and had no concern for anyone but himself; the very definition of a villain. Jackson sort of got on my nerves in the beginning, but the more the story unfolds, the more you see why he was as bitter as he was in the beginning. Time and getting to know Allie softened him, and I was glad to see that. I liked Louis, too. He's very wise and seems like a nice guy; the sort of person you'd want to be your grandfather.
All in all, Close To You was a nice read that any die-hard fan of contemporary romance will adore, and occasional fans will enjoy as well.

I give this book a 4 out of 5.

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Names For Cats

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish .
Today at The Broke and The Bookish, we were asked to pick ten fictional characters we would like to name something after. Kids, pets, etc... I decided to go with pets since I've had pets all my, and cats in particular. I picked ten characters that I  really like, and that I think have neat names that would be great for anyone's pet cat.


10: Cress, Cress The name "Cress" sounds like it would be a neat name for a cat.


9: Boo, To Kill A Mockingbird Any name from To Kill A Mockingbird would be great for a cat (I used to have a cat named Atticus) but Boo is the most fun, I think.


8: Gatsby, The Great Gatsby Any debonair feline fellow would suit the name of Gatsby. Or Catsby? Eh? Eh?


7: Valancy, The Blue Castle Another unique name that would suit a sweet kitty just fine.


6: Merinda, Herringford and Watts Mysteries Merinda is a really neat name, and seeing as she's always described as having green cat eyes, I think her name would be delightful for a cat. Of course, if you had a Merinda, you would need a Jem to keep her compnay.


5: Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice When I graduated high school my parents threw a combination graduation party for me/ birthday party for my grandma. One of my cousins gave me the DVD of the 2005 Pride and Prejudice and another cousin gave me a stuffed penguin, so naturally, I named him Mr. Darcy. It would also be an excellent name for a feline friend.
4: Lizzy, Pride and Prejudice If you have a Mr. Darcy, why not have a Lizzy, too?


3: Topaz, I Capture the Castle Topaz is a really neat name and would be purrfect (okay, I'll stop with the puns.) for a cat.


2: Heathcliff, Wuthering Heights In A Castle in the Sky , Abi gets a cat and names him Heathcliff. I thought that was the perfect name to christen a cat for a book lover like Abi.


1: Anne, Anne of Green Gables I had to. What would be better than an orange cat named Anne (with an "e," of course)?
Are any of you cat lovers? Have you named your cats after fictional characters? Let me know in the comments!
-Miranda Atchley

Non Bookish Happenings

Hey readers and friends. I hope October is treating you well thus far. If not, well, there are 21 more days for it to start treating you well. Today I thought I'd check in with a few non-bookish tidbits going on in my world. For a while, I was really struggling with the project I'm working on. Things just weren't moving. Thankfully, that has passed and I'm getting back on track. When things like that happen, I think it's best to step away and take a break for a week or two. I like to work on something else, whether it's other writing projects or painting, and come back refreshed. In this case I went with working on paintings (and some blog posts; the girls over at The Broke and The Bookish have picked topics for Top Ten Tuesday all the way into next year, so I've been working on some of those posts.) and a few other crafty things.
I painted some Mason jars to look like candy corn, as I've seen others do online. I know Mason jar are oh-so-trendy right now, and I must admit I'm not one of those people that is all about the Mason jars, but, when you do things like this with them, I think they're cute. I made them to sell at this local event our town holds the first Saturday of each month called "Trade Days." It's basically an open flea market where they close off both ends of Main Street and let people set up to sell things. I usually bring my books and a few items that I no longer use, and my mom sells things, too. Sadly, I didn't sell anything, but that's just the way it goes sometimes.

The one pictured above was the first one that I painted. In person, you can still see the jar shining through the yellow and orange paint, so when I worked on the others, I painted them solid white, and then put the yellow and orange on and that worked much better. The white sort of acted like a primer. I'm sure you could find primer for these and that would work even better, but I didn't have any of that so I improvised.

We had some pumpkins grow in back yard voluntarily this summer. They're pie pumpkins, so they're small. I painted a few, and my favorites are the Jack and Sally ones. The Nightmare Before Christmas is my favorite movie. I also painted one to look like a Jack-o-lantern with glow-in-the-dark paint.
Can you all tell that I love fall? As if I hadn't written about it all summer.... But it's true; October is my favorite month of the year. I love Halloween. I know most don't expect Christians to love Halloween, and I respect that it isn't for everyone, but I love it. I don't view it as a satanic holiday; I just see it as a time of the year in which you can decorate with spooky decor and eat lots of candy. Plus, my birthday is four days before Halloween, and that always makes this time of year even more fun for me!
Thank you all for stopping by today. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

-Miranda Atchley