Let's Talk About Books

So lately I've been reading. A lot. You see, January was a big month for new releases and Apocalypsies debuts. And with edits behind me I've been in book heaven.

Here's what I've been reading:

Fracture by Megan Miranda

*Apocalypsies!

I read the first two chapters of this book before it came out and I was sooo excited to read more. It did not disappoint. I was on my way to her book signing, finishing the book on the train, and it nearly brought me to tears. I love when paranormal books have depth and emotion. I can't wait to read more from Megan.



Slide by Jill Hathaway

*Apocalypsies!

Funny thing is... when I got home from Megan Miranda's book signing this ARC was waiting for me!! I was so excited, I started it that night. I loved this book. I loved Vee. She's strong and kind and I genuinely liked her. I keep reading reviews for paranormal books where the reviewer loved the book but hated the main character. I have to admit, that has also happened to me. But Vee Bell is not in that category. Not only is she strong, she has heart. She was pretty much awesome. I can't wait for Slide 2!!



The Fault in our Stars by John Green

Okay. So. I don't usually read books that I know will make me cry. But the new book I'm writing has a touch of the sad so I've been reading sad books and listening to sad music. I'm basically a ball of fun to be around. And I probably should have warned my husband when I started reading this book because he didn't know whether to comfort me or medicate me when he came upstairs and found me sobbing with my Kindle. Good thing the pharmacies were all closed.
This book is beautiful and lovely and real. And when it was over my heart was a bit broken. But in a good way.



Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Here's another Apocalypsie book that I've been waiting FOREVER to read. The cover is eye-catching and I'm such a fan of Brodi's blog. She always makes me laugh. So when I read how dark the premise was I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Let me just say, not once did I laugh out loud while reading this book. Not even a little. But it definitely gripped me. And the ending was beyond intense. Loved it.



Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Have you read Unearthly? Have you??! If you haven't, go do it now. And then when you're done you'll see why Hallowed is so amazing. Truly. It's rare that I love the second book in a series more than the first. Or maybe I shouldn't say that because where Unearthly was love and Tucker and wow, Hallowed was sad and beautiful and strong. So I'm not sure I can compare them. They were each my favorite.




Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

*Apocalypsies!

So last night I wasn't supposed to be reading but my husband was watching one of those the-world-is-going-to-end-and-the-planets-are-crazy-big-and-strangely-colored shows and all I wanted to do was watch an episode of 30 Rock that we'd missed but he was so into it that I opened my Kindle and decided to start reading.
And... it has been a really long time since I started a book and finished it in one sitting. I'm a big reader but I have two kids and a husband and, oh yeah, a book I'm supposed to be writing and if I'm up late at night while everyone else is sleeping it had better be because the book is flowing. But. Ahem. That wasn't the case last night. I started reading Catching Jordan and I couldn't stop. No really. At some point I thought to myself, why am I not tired yet? And then I realized it's because this book is too dang good. So. For someone who doesn't like football and doesn't read a lot of contemporary YA you totally hooked me, Miranda Kenneally! This book is going up next to my other two favorite contemps: Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door. The three of them can hang out on my bookshelf and talk about how awesome they are.

Happy reading!!

Writing

This weekend I spent a lot of time writing. And also a lot of time staring out the window. I find in order to get a story down I need to do a whole lot of both.
I'm not sure how other writers work but for me I need solitude, which can make for a very lonely day. Sure my characters keep me company but in the beginning we're in that awkward getting-to-know-you stage and sometimes it feels like I'm deleting more than I'm saving.
My husband keeps encouraging me to try writing in a cafe or a coffee shop and I have to say I'm always intrigued by writers who can do this. But I'm pretty sure I'm not one of them. I'm too easily distracted. Here's how it would go:
Drive to Starbucks
Find a seat where there's little risk of someone spilling liquid on me or my laptop
Turn on laptop and while it's doing its thing immediately notice the couple to my left who appear to be on some kind of date
Decide that she's not as into him as he appears to be
Text husband with update: This is great. I'm glad I left the house.
Go back to subtle observation of Starbuck's date
She keeps shifting away from him. Bad sign.
Glance back at screen and find I haven't even opened Word yet
Open Word
While Word is doing its thing notice two teenage girls texting while eating
Wonder why people text when they're out with other people
Text husband: Why do people text when they're out with other people?
Husband's reply: Are you getting any writing done?
Me: Tons.
Open new book project
Notice that keyboard is rather dirty under the Starbuck's lights
Get up and look for napkin
Return to laptop and find that Starbuck's couple is now leaving
Watch as he holds the door open for her
Notice how she doesn't seem impressed
Text from husband: Are we out of peanut butter?
Me: Don't bother me, I'm writing. =)Kisses!

<-------- I think I should stick to my own little writing corner. Less distractions.

This weekend when I emerged from writing I found that my children smelled different. They usually smell like maple brown sugar oatmeal, strawberry yogurt or peanut butter. But after spending the weekend with their Mima and consuming an entire bag of ginger snaps they now smell like the inside of a health food store.
I have to admit, it keeps throwing me off.