Why writers should read

What is an Alpha Read? How can you support both the hungry a...

Why writers should read

2022 Read Battle and the Winner is!!!

The Head, the Heart, and the Heir (The Head, the Heart, and the Heir #1) by Alice Hanov

Princess Elizabeth wants nothing more than to be reunited with her father, her kingdom, and her people. Instead, she’s spent the last twelve years in the forest, hiding from her grandfather who killed her mother while she looked on. Then the only heir to the Kingdom of Warren is discovered by her childhood playmate and crush, now the Crown Prince of the allied Kingdom of Datten, and everything changes. Her grandfather has died which means it’s safe for her to return to her kingdom in advance of her seventeenth birthday…when sorcerers like her manifest their powers. But the girl who now calls herself Alex is nothing like the lost princess the kingdom remembers. She’s headstrong, fearless–and already wields powers beyond their wildest imaginations. She can predict the future, control the weather, make plants magically grow, and manipulate fire, causing unusual things to happen when her emotions are heightened. As she struggles to gain control of her powers, Alex causes chaos in the castle, where she’s never quite the princess they want her to be. When she uncovers the secret behind the murder of her mother and her own lineage, Alex’s powers threaten to destroy everyone around her including her father who hid the truth from her for so long. Alex doesn’t want to be feared or controlled. She’s not the type to stand by and let someone else decide her fate–but is she strong enough to turn her back on the only family and friends she has left?

Here is why it won:

Review: The Head the Heart and the Heir By Alice Hanov. I’m very picky about my epic fantasy reads and this read met all of my boxes. Strong characters, grounded world-building, and intrigue. I love political intrigue and family secrets and this novel gives me just what I want. Don’t pass this novel up, grab it today. You won’t regret it. One Princess Secreted Away. Two Kingdoms in Peril. Three: Will Rise. Princess Elizabeth wants nothing more than to be reunited with her father, her kingdom, and her people. Instead, she’s spent the last twelve years in the forest, hiding from her grandfather, who killed her mother while she looked on. Then the only heir to the Kingdom of Warren is discovered by her childhood playmate and crush, now the Crown Prince of the allied Kingdom of Datten, and everything changes. Her grandfather has died, which means it’s safe for her to return to her kingdom in advance of her seventeenth birthday..when sorcerers like her manifest their powers. But the girl who now calls herself Alex is nothing like the lost princess the kingdom remembers. She’s headstrong, fearless-and already wields powers beyond everyone’s wildest imaginations. She can predict the future, control the weather, make plants magically grow, and manipulate fire, abilities which cause unusual things to happen when her emotions are heightened. As she struggles to gain control of her powers, Alex causes chaos in the castle where she’s never quite the princess they want her to be. When she uncovers the secret behind her lineage and the murder of her mother, Alex’s powers threaten to destroy everyone around her, including her father, who hid the truth from her for so long. Alex doesn’t want to be feared or controlled. She’s not the type to stand by and let someone else decide her fate-but is she strong enough to turn her back on the only family and friends she has left?

My year in books

Every year for the last few years, I’ve taken part in Goodreads’s Yearly Reading challenge. This year I made the goal of reading 100 books. I didn’t make it but I did this!

The bracket

My 2023 reading goal is 100 books again and I’m happy to report that my first review of 2023 went out last week.

I also love Bookish’s monthly bingo cards. Here is how I’m doing so far in January.

I recently reviewed Unlife by Selina Fenech (Heartsblood #1)

Unlife Heartsblood #1 audio book review Selina A. Fenech’s 1st novel in the Heartsblood series Unlife. Held captive by a vampire in love with her blood… Kaitlyn knows her new role as a vampire’s victim is dodgy, but as an out of work actress, she needs the cash. She never thought it would leave her at the mercy of a real vampire… A vampire who thinks she’s the tastiest of them all. She’ll do anything to escape his cold lips alive, because being part of a blood-sucker’s ongoing meal plan isn’t high on her list of life goals. She’s playing a dangerous game, but she’s in too deep to stop. Learning vampires are real is one thing. What happens after that she would never see coming… Unlife is the first book in the Heartsblood series by Selina A. Fenech. If you love brooding vampire men, sassy, food-obsessed heroines, and a happily ever after with a twist, sink your teeth into this fresh and fun vampire series today. I was lucky enough to review the new audio book for this title. Last year (2022) I got the chance to interview Selina A. Fenech. She’s an amazing artist and I’m delighted to say fantastic story teller. This audiobook is 5 stars, the reader did a wonderful job conveying all the emotions of Kaitlyn has in her sticky situation. She handled the confusion of Owen beautifully well. I highly recommend this audio book to anyone who loves paranormal romance with a kiss of blood.

I’ve also finished Raven’s Cookbook 2, a charity cookbook for Meals on Wheels America, you can preorder it here.

Letters to the Universe by Kelsey Aida Roualbes

A Year of Writing Dangerously by Barbara Abercrombie *Finished yesterday

Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson on audio book

It Ain’t Me, Babe (Hades Hangmen #1) by Tillie Cole

The Medicine Way by Kenneth Meadows

How I’m keeping track of my reads besides on Goodreads this year I keep a reading journal on my Notion.

Keeping track of your goals and tasks made easier with Notion!

Notion allows you to create a custom workspace to organize all of your information. To keep track of what you need to do, you can create kanban boards, to-do lists and project timelines. You can also add notes and documents, so everything you need is in one place. You can set reminders to help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines. With Notion, everything you need to accomplish this year.

I like to share something with you!

A giveaway this month featuring Rachel D. Adams novel

A friend has a Wattpad story to share at Miranda Magic

The Write Notebook Subscription Box

Starlight Fairie Design Company, who did my beautiful branding

Don’t miss out on our spring Mad Hatter Book Party where you can meet some new authors, win books, swag, and maybe some gift cards. Head over to our Facebook group and join today so you don’t miss the event on March 22nd, 2023.

Why writers should read especially novels in their genre

Writers should read especially novels in their genre because it helps them become more familiar with the conventions of the genre, the common themes and topics, the typical structure, the language used, and the typical character types. Reading novels in your genre can help you identify which elements work well and which do not, as well as what resonates with readers. It can also help you develop a better understanding of the genre, which can give you an edge when it comes to creating stories that stand out. Reading novels in your genre can also help you develop your writing skills by exposing you to different writing styles, techniques, and ideas. Ultimately, reading novels in your genre can help you become a better writer.

Do you want to learn more about the genre? Are you not sure if you're writing in either? Book a free consult today! We’ll get your answers and inspire you.