Miranda Atchley's Blog, page 31

An Ode To Autumn

Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I love having sixty degree days after a long hot summer. To me, there's nothing like those fall days when there's a steady and light drizzle of rain falling from a cloudy grey sky. They're the best days to pull out your favorite book or movie and just relax. And the leaves... Oh! I think the leaves are the best part. Seeing those lovely shades of crimson, gold, russet, and sometimes burgundy hanging off the trees gives me the queer ache. I love seeing pumpkins appear on front steps and in our food. And there's that distinct hint of melancholy that's so sweet, you can't be sad about it.
Fall is simply the best.
Thanks for stopping by A Real Writer's Life today. Happy first day of autumn! I hope it's a wonderful season for you all.
-Miranda Atchley

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Songs

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

I do like music, but it's hard for me to pick favorites, especially since my music taste varies upon my mood. But these are some of the most played songs on my iPod and ones that I've been listening to for a long time, and that I really love.
9: Hydraby Showbread
8: Backwards by Merriment
7: I Can See It In Your Eyes by The Like
6: When We Were Young by Sucre
5: I Could Be There For You by Eisley
4: Cedar Branches by Rising Fawn
3: Tonight, Tonight by The Smashing Pumpkins
2: Smarterby Eisley
1: Lost Connection With The Head by Showbread
What are some of your favorite songs, readers and friends?

Book of the Week #60 "The One"

The One by Kiera Cass
After announcing on live television her wish to end the caste system in Illéa, America Singer was quite nearly sent home. Yet Maxon pulled some strings with his father, King Clarkson, and America was able to stay. Still, King Clarkson, who in no way wants Maxon to marry America, has been putting ideas in her head about Maxon and the other girls. All the while, the rebel attacks are becoming more frequent and deadly. When the sister of fellow Elite, Natalie, is killed, and Natalie is sent home to grieve, the Selection is now down to four. The competition is tough, and America still doesn't feel like she's cut out for life as a princess. Yet she very well may be what Illéa needs.
I have mixed feelings about this one. I think what I like about this series the most is that it takes place in a palace, and that makes it neat to read about. It gives a lighthearted aspect that makes it fun to read. And it definitely is a fast paced, page-turner series. But again, Maxon got on my nerves a little is this book. The thing that made me the most mad was the scene where he found America talking to Aspen. He got so mad that he didn't know they were a couple before the Selection (and secretly during the Selection, when Aspen arrived at the palace as a guard) when he wasn't all that truthful himself. I mean, in The Elite, he had done things with the other girls when America was upset about Marlee, when he had made it pretty clear that he was going to choose America. And he only confessed about the French girl after King Clarkson spilled the beans in front of America! Ugh, it just got on my nerves. It's like because he's the guy, and he's the one going through the selection, he gets to have all these secrets and do whatever he wants, and still call off the engagement when he saw America and Aspen talking. Oh well, enough ranting. Another thing I didn't like was some of the really steamy moments between Maxon and America. I noticed them in the other books, and I didn't like this aspect in this series, especially considering that it's Y/A. I just don't think that it's appropriate, nor does it add anything to books. You can have romance without giving it all away.
What I did like about this book was America's unwillingness to cave for King Clarkson's suggestions no matter how high the stakes were, when she knew that it was wrong. And then of course, we got the happy ending we all were looking forward to since reading The Selection.
All in all, The Onewas definitely not my favorite book in The Selection series, but I'm glad that America and Maxon got their happily ever after.
I give this book a 3 out of 5.

Write What Makes You Happy

You've probably heard this before. "Write what makes you happy." People say it so often that to most people, the phrase has lost most of its meaning. Yet, I'm here to tell you, there is plenty of meaning in those words.
Sometimes when you're a writer, you begin to think of altering your stories to fit another's ideas. That's not the best option. Writing is a personal thing, and something that you shouldn't base on other's opinions. If you're inspired to write by someone, then great! But don't feel like you have to write a story that would please someone else. Writing is never good when it begins as a plea for someone to like you.
I've tried to write what I thought others would want me to write, and it was not good. I wasn't happy, and the writing just didn't work. Nothing sounded right, nothing flowed. I didn't want to write anymore- and that's scary. But when I write what makes me happy, things move at a much better pace and feel so much better. True, just because you're writing what makes you happy doesn't mean that everything will be perfect. You'll still hit bumps in the road and struggle here and there, but it's much more worth it when you're writing something that nourishes your soul as opposed to only writing something you think others will want to read.
Thanks for stopping by today. What sort of things are you writing right now?
-Miranda Atchley

Lately 9.15.2016

Happy September, readers and friends! I know it's been September for a while, but still.... We've had a few days that felt like fall here in Arkansas, though summer is still hanging on for now. At least we've had some nice, cool breezes that get us through and remind us that autumn isn't too far off now.
Today I thought I'd pop in write a little bit about what I've been writing, reading and watching lately.
Writing
Still working on a sequel to A Castle in the Sky. Actually, this is a different book. Originally, I had started a novel that takes place three years, in 1919, after A Castle in the Sky ended. But one day it hit me that I needed to have a separate novel in between the two. So, I've started a new sequel that picks up a few months, at the beginning of 1917, after A Castle in the Sky left off in the fall of 1916. The other book has been put on hold for now, though I'll get back to it when I've finished this book. Is that confusing? Sorry, haha. Neither have titles yet, but I'm hoping that I can get this book out in December, and the next book out in the spring of 2017.
I've also been working on a new monthly feature for the blog. It requires a lot of research, but it's fun. I'm looking forward to sharing it with you all later in the month.
Reading
I'd been looking forward to Rachel McMillan's latest release, A Lesson in Love and Murder, all summer. It came out on September 1 and I loved it. You can read my review here. My reading momentum has slowed down a bit, but I'm hoping to get into some of the books I have right now.
The sequel to A Castle in the Sky deals quite a bit with the suffragette movement, and so I wanted to read about a real suffragette. I downloaded a book on my Kindle about Susan B. Anthony. If any of you have more suggestions for books about the suffragette movement, particularly in the Edwardian era, please, leave them in the comments! I'd love to hear what you think.
Watching
We have Dish at our house, and as you others that use Dish know, we were without CBS for the summer. We finally got it back on September 3, and I'm pretty glad. I never really considered that I might miss it, but I did. I'm looking forward to the 10th season of The Big Bang Theory, as well as some of the new shows that are premiering this fall. Recently I purchased the film adaptation of I Capture the Castle. I'd never seen it before. It didn't quite live up to my expectations; I didn't really like movie Topaz and I don't like that they made her a nudist, especially since she wasn't one in the book. I think they focused too much on the sensuous aspects of the book and made them bigger than they were in the book. But, despite those things, I still like the movie; I just fast-forward through the parts I don't like.
I hope September is treating you well, readers and friends. Thanks for stopping by today.

-Miranda Atchley

Book of the Week #59 "A Lesson in Love and Murder"

A Lesson in Love and Murder by Rachel MacMillan
In 1912, the anarchist movement is gaining speed. Shouting for equality, those involved in the movement seem to have a great goal in mind; a goal that is appealing to a liberal minded lady detective in Toronto. Yet they use deadly means to get their point across. When Detective Constable Jasper Forth's colleague is killed in an explosion caused by one of the anarchists, Merinda Herringford finds that the attacks are hitting too close to home. Meanwhile, Jem receives some news that is surprising to everyone. As this all takes place, Jem and Ray discover how short their courtship really was as they butt heads over Jem's determination to continue pursuing detective work. Add to this the fact that Ray's brother-in-law Tony has moved Ray's sister Viloa and her son Luca to Chicago and isn't fulfilling his duties, leaving Ray responsible for taking care of their finances, things get stressful for the newlyweds.
Amidst all the chaos, Benny Citrone of the Royal North-West Mounted Police is hunting for his cousin Jonathan. Jonathan has become enraptured by the anarchist movement, leaving the wilderness of northern Canada for the bustling city of Toronto. Being more used to tracking lynx and moose, Benny finds himself lost in an attempt to find his cousin in the city. So, he hires the first detectives he finds. He's shocked to learn that Herringford and Watts are women, but his astonishment doesn't last long when he finds himself falling for the boisterous Merinda. And despite herself, Merinda doesn't find Benny entirely repulsive either.
When Viola sends for Ray after things go downhill in Chicago, Ray leaves a note to Jem and boards the first train south, though the two are not on the best of terms given their problems. Soon, the search for Jonathan leads Herringford and Watts to Chicago, in the heart of Theodore Roosevelt's rally for equality in the states. Danger is lurking around every corner, but there's a lesson to be learned for everyone connected to Herringford and Watts.
Oh, Ms. Merinda, what can one say about this spitfire? I love Merinda. True, she has a very hard shell, most of which I think she uses to protect herself. Her ways may be unorthodox, though she is ultimately after the greater good. Jem is such a sweetheart and I love her too, though I feel that I relate to Merinda more in her pursuit of equality and unwillingness to conform. This book seems to center more around Merinda, whereas The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder was more focused on Jem.
I liked Benny Citrone. I liked that he let Merinda have her space. He wasn't always trying to be a big protector to her and didn't treat her like a "lady detective." He simply treated her the way he would any of his other friends; he was there for her when she needed him, but he didn't smother her. Though there is a scene toward the end that's a little more than friendly, though that's all I'll say about that. I still like Jasper, though. He's just pitiful in his love for Merinda.
Jem and Ray had a bit of a tough go in this book. Ray worries about Jem pursuing such a dangerous career, and this is amplified by their finance issues and the stress of Tony dragging Viola and Luca around the world and not really doing anything for them, leaving Ray responsible to keep them going. By the end of the book, things aren't totally resolved, though we're led to believe that things will work out for Ray and Jem in the future.
I really love that through everything, Jem and Merinda stick together. Friendships like theirs only come around once in a lifetime, and are far too rare to throw away simply because other aspects of life change. I can just see them when they're old and grey, still solving cases, Jem still trying to keep Merinda out of trouble.
All in all, A Lesson in Love and Murder is another wonderful installment to The Herringford and Watts Mysteriesseries that any fan of cozy mysteries, strong female characters, or simply good fiction would enjoy.
I give this book a 5 out of 5.

Book of the Week #58 "The Elite"

The Elite by Kiera Cass
The Selection has been narrowed down to the Elite. Six women remain in the competition to become the wife of Prince Maxon, future ruler of Illéa. America is almost sure that she wants to marry Maxon, until her former boyfriend, Aspen, arrives at the palace as a royal guard. After spending so much time trying to forget, seeing him at the palace brings back the feelings she had for over two years. When America's best friend Marlee is caned for treason after being caught with a palace guard, America realizes just how dangerous her relationship with Aspen could be. The incident also changes her feelings for Maxon. Now that the contest is down to the Elite and America finds herself without her best friend, she begins to see that the competition of the Selection isn't quite as friendly as she had thought.
I'll admit that America kind of got on my nerves just a little bit in this book. It was kind of annoying that she kept going back and forth between Maxon and Aspen. And Aspen definitely got on my nerves. He's too pushy. Maxon got on my nerves toward the end, too. Everyone was getting on my nerves in this book! Haha. But I did like seeing America stand up for what she believed in no matter the consequences.
All in all The Elite may not have been my favorite book in The Selection series, though I still liked certain parts about it.
I give this book a 3 out 5.

Book of the Week #59 "The Elite"

The Elite by Kiera Cass
The Selection has been narrowed down to the Elite. Six women remain in the competition to become the wife of Prince Maxon, future ruler of Illéa. America is almost sure that she wants to marry Maxon, until her former boyfriend, Aspen, arrives at the palace as a royal guard. After spending so much time trying to forget, seeing him at the palace brings back the feelings she had for over two years. When America's best friend Marlee is caned for treason after being caught with a palace guard, America realizes just how dangerous her relationship with Aspen could be. The incident also changes her feelings for Maxon. Now that the contest is down to the Elite and America finds herself without her best friend, she begins to see that the competition of the Selection isn't quite as friendly as she had thought.
I'll admit that America kind of got on my nerves just a little bit in this book. It was kind of annoying that she kept going back and forth between Maxon and Aspen. And Aspen definitely got on my nerves. He's too pushy. Maxon got on my nerves toward the end, too. Everyone was getting on my nerves in this book! Haha. But I did like seeing America stand up for what she believed in no matter the consequences.
All in all The Elite may not have been my favorite book in The Selection series, though I still liked certain parts about it.
I give this book a 3 out 5.

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Television Shows

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish .
This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic is a little tricky. This week, we were asked to list ten television shows. I like to watch T.V. but there just aren't a whole lot of shows that I really get involved in. I have a few favorites, and some that I only watch from time to time. But, since most of my favorite shows have been canceled, I'd love to find some new ones to watch. If any of you have suggestions, please, leave them in the comments! I'd love to hear what shows you all love/recommend.


8: The Mary Tyler Moore ShowThis was one of my mom's favorite shows when she was a teenager. We started watching it again recently, and I like it, too.

7: Miss Fisher's Murder MysteriesI'm fairly new to this show and have only watched a handful of episodes. I've passed on some of the more gruesome episodes, but I like the show most of the time. I love the setting (1920s Australia) and the protagonist Phryne Fisher.


6: Sabrina The Teenage WitchThis show is just lighthearted fun. I remember watching it when I was little, and I had a Sabrina Barbie doll that came with a little plastic Salem with glowing eyes. I still like to watch it when I see reruns of it on television.

5: The King of QueensThis show is pretty silly and good for a laugh. Arthur is my favorite part of the show. He says the most random things.


4: 3rd Rock From the SunI know this show isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it makes me laugh. It aired from 1996-2001 and is about a group of aliens who come to Earth disguised as a human family in order to study Earth.

3: The Big Bang TheorySheldon Cooper. Enough said. Wait, no.*Knock, Knock* Penny!*Knock, Knock* Penny!*Knock, Knock* Penny!Who doesn't love The Big Bang Theory? It's just funny.
2: Gilmore GirlsI've mentioned this show many times here on my blog. It's one of my all-time favorites. It's funny, quirky, and comforting. Oy with the poodles, already.

1: Downton AbbeyThe costumes, the castle (!!!), the drama, the Edwardian era, the English setting....*Sigh* What's not to love about Downton Abbey?
So there you have it; eight of my favorite television shows. Thanks for stopping by today, readers and friends. And if you're new to my blog, welcome! Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments.

-Miranda Atchley

Girl of the Woods

Hey readers and friends. Things have been a little quiet around here for a while, and I really don't like that. I still do Top Ten Tuesday, Book of the Week, and a Lately post once a month, but I want to do more. I have some ideas that I'm working on, but for now, to fill up some of the void, I thought I'd write a little bit about where I live.
I live in a really small town called Waldron. The town consists of a small Walmart, a grocery store, and a few restaurants. We have a McDonald's, Sonic, Subway, and Pizza Hut, and that's it for the chains. There's a church on nearly every corner in town. There just isn't much to Waldron.
I live on the outskirts of town. Our house is about eight miles out of town. The house is situated by the highway, but it's mostly trees behind us, and across from us. We have neighbors, but you can't see their house from ours for the trees. It's pretty quiet, save for the traffic, mostly truck drivers traveling through on their way to make deliveries.
I have sort of a love/hate relationship with living out here. Maybe hate is too strong a word, though. My least favorite part of living out here is summer. I think I would hate summer no matter where I lived, but summer in the woods of Arkansas is terrible. We live in a very humid climate where the air grows so thick and sticky sometimes it's suffocating. There are bugs of every sort; fire ants, spiders, mosquitoes, scorpions (!). It is terrible. And snakes. Ugh, the snakes. Thankfully, though, they're mostly king snakes, which are not poisonous. I like to keep my distance all the same. I've never seen a bear, but a few years ago, a neighbor told me she'd seen the biggest bear in her life near our house on her way to work early one morning. Thankfully, I never saw it. I hope I never do.
Spring is okay, at least for the first few weeks. We have some pretty flowers that grow of their own accord, and some of them smell fantastic. But spring doesn't last long here, and by the middle of May, we're back into summer.
When I talk about living out in the woods in the summer, it sounds awful. But then we have autumn, and that is wonderful. I think it would be a waste to live in town during the fall. We have so many trees around us that turn glorious shades of gold, russet, red, and even burgundy. The weather feels so lovely and I just long for that feeling fall brings. There isn't anything like it. We usually try to grow pumpkins in our back yard. Last year, the bugs got them before they were ready to be picked, but we're getting closer to harvest time and the ones that have grown voluntarily this summer are still here. They've grown wildly this year, more than they ever have before. I can't wait to decorate them.
The glory that is fall.

While living out in the middle of nowhere has its downside, there are plenty of things that I love about it. I hope you're all doing well today. Have a great weekend.

-Miranda Atchley