One Word Wednesday

Posted on May 22, 2013 | 24 Comments


Serendipity
{I was running on the beach the other day and apparently forgot to turn off the camera setting on my phone. When I got home, I found this image, which turned out sort of perfect without any effort at all. Love when that happens!}

  
Glorious
{I rarely miss a sunrise. They’re always lovely here in California, but lately we’ve had some exceptionally beautiful mornings. Seeing the sun come up over the ocean makes me feel all kinds of fortunate, no matter how many times I get to witness it.}


Brilliant
{The other day I finished Quintana of Charyn, the final book in the Lumatere Chronicles trilogy, and I was completely blown away. Melina Marchetta has a gorgeous, effortless way with language, and she crafts layered characters and builds complex worlds — I am in awe of her writing. Full review of this book to come tomorrow. Now I’m reading Chelsea Pitcher’s debut, The S-Word, a YA contemporary that’s fantastic so far.}


Delicious
{Last week when I got over my bout of Kindergarten Plague, I was craving something sweet and warm and comforting. This Cinnamon Roll Cake totally hit the spot. It’s so much easier than making actual cinnamon rolls, and it works as both a dessert and a really decadent breakfast. Recommend!}

  
Awesome
{I might be *slightly* biased, but my girlie is pretty much the coolest kid ever. While she appreciates a good pedicure and can spend hours dressing up her American Girls, she also loves to get her guitar on and run around on the ball field. She’s not afraid to pick up a snail or go down a water slide, and she’s memorized The Dixie Chick’s Travelin’ Soldier and sings it like she’s been there. Love her.}

Adoration
{Yep. She’s my favorite.}

Tell me: How’s your week going?

→ 24 Comments

Posted in Inspiration, One-Word Wednesday, Pretty Things..., Randomness, Tasty Treats, What I'm Reading

Tagged , ,

Bookanista Rec :: FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK

Posted on May 16, 2013 | 22 Comments

Today’s Bookanista recommendation is Finnikin of the Rock, an amazing high fantasy by one of my very favorite contemporary authors, Melina Marchetta.

From Goodreads ~ Finnikin of the Rock and his guardian, Sir Topher, have not been home to their beloved Lumatere for ten years. Not since the dark days when the royal family was murdered and the kingdom put under a terrible curse. But then Finnikin is summoned to meet Evanjalin, a young woman with an incredible claim: the heir to the throne of Lumatere, Prince Balthazar, is alive. Evanjalin is determined to return home and she is the only one who can lead them to the heir. As they journey together, Finnikin is affected by her arrogance . . . and her hope. He begins to believe he will see his childhood friend, Prince Balthazar, again. And that their cursed people will be able to enter Lumatere and be reunited with those trapped inside. He even believes he will find his imprisoned father. But Evanjalin is not what she seems. And the truth will test not only Finnikin’s faith in her . . . but in himself.

I’m a contemporary girl through and through, which is probably why fantasy is often a hard sell for me. When magic, invented languages, great battles, and epic journeys are involved, when there is a complicated map of an imagined world printed at the beginning of a novel, one of two things is sure to happen: I’ll end up so lost I don’t finish the book, or I’ll fall head-over-heels in love with every single thing about it.

When Finnikin came out a few years ago, I was under the (false) impression that it was a story aimed at the middle grade audience. I’m not sure why I thought that (it’s definitely not — I’ve since discovered that Finnikin is nineteen and this story’s themes are very mature). While I’ll give YA fantasy a shot (the romance!), MG fantasy isn’t usually my thing, which is why I never bought Finnikin. But it’s bothered me, not being a  part of The Lumatere Chronicles fan club, because I absolutely adore every contemporary novel Melina Marchetta has written. So, after listening to lots of bookish people rave about how fantastic Finnikin and its follow-ups are, I  decided to dive in.

I’m so glad I did. Like Jellicoe Road and Bitterblue and If I Stay, and Stolen, Finnikin of the Rock is one of those rare books that gave me physical reactions. Fifty minutes into a sixty minute elliptical workout (sweating my arse off!) Finnikin gave me chills — twice in a few pages. I had to continuously check myself while reading in public because, thanks to this story, I was constantly cringing or smiling or swooning. I even had to put the book down a few times because it was just so powerful. I ended up incredibly invested the characters, and I was terrified to read on and find out that something awful had happened to one of them.

Finnikin of the Rock is everything I look for in a story: a sweeping, sizzling romance, an intricately layered, breathtakingly twisted plot, unique and vibrant characters who leap off the page and demand that I  care deeply about them, and emotionality that is genuine and profound. Here are some of my favorite things about Finnikin of the Rock (as spoiler-free as possible)…

  1. Finnikin and Evanjalin’s banter, and the natural, astonishingly intense progression of their bond. 
  2. Finnikin’s relationship with both Sir Topher and Trevanion. So different, yet so heartfelt.
  3. Finnikin’s intelligence and sensitivity and selflessness, and his commitment t0 his peoples’ greater good. Same goes for Evanjalin.
  4. Trevanion’s backstory with Lady Beatriss. Romantic and heartbreaking.
  5. The complex Land of Skulendore — its diverse people and languages and landforms.
  6. Froi’s slow transformation. I was amazed by the way he grew on me.
  7. The magic. Curses and dreams and, sometimes, the unexplainable. It was all so clever, so creative, and so well thought-out.
  8. The writing. Of course. Melina Marchetta’s style is so evocative and compelling and seemingly effortless — enviable.

So, I have a new favorite fantasy to add to my list. Finnikin of the Rock is a big ol’ recommend. Oh, and yesterday I finished Froi of the Exiles, and it most definitely lives up to Finnikin’s awesomeness.

Have you read any of the Lumatere novels? Do you have a favorite fantasy to recommend? 

And don’t forget to check out what my fellow Bookanistas are up to:

Lenore Appelhans  is blown away by REBOOT by Amy Tintera

 Carrie Harris adores BEYOND DINOCALYPSE by Chuck Wendig
– with giveaway!

 Tracy Banghart  & Debra Driza join THE GIRL GUIDE
by Christine Fonseca book blitz!

 Corrine Jackson is stunned by BREAKING BEAUTIFUL by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

 Nikki Katz  wonders at THE GRAVE WINNER by Lindsey Loucks

 Gretchen McNeil talks TRUTH OR DARE by Jacqueline Green

 Elana Johson admires INSOMNIA by Jenn Johannson

 Tracey Neithercott celebrates THE YEAR OF SECRET ASSIGNMENTS
by Jacqueline Moriarty

 Rebecca Behrens is wowed by THE FIFTH WAVE by Rick Yancey

→ 22 Comments

Posted in Bookanistas, Fantasy, Great Books

Tagged ,

What’s Up Wednesday

Posted on May 15, 2013 | 28 Comments

Today I’m jumping in on “What’s Up Wednesday,” a fun weekly meme started by my friends Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk. From Jaime: It’s similar in some respects to the Currently… post, but it’s been whittled down to only four headings to make it quicker and more manageable on a weekly basis. You’re invited to join us if you’re looking for something to blog about, a way to let your blog friends know what’s been going on with you.

Fantastic, right? Here’s what’s up with me this week…

What I’m Reading: Last week I finished Melina Marchetta’s Finnikin of the Rock, which is absolutely glorious. I’ll post a Bookanistas recommendation tomorrow, so stay tuned. I started Finnikin‘s follow-up, Froi of the Exiles, immediately, and I’m now more than halfway through. It is amazing. So, so amazing. There’s something about these books, their characters, and their world, that gives me all the feelings. I ordered the final book in the trilogy, Quintana of the Charyn, yesterday so that I can start it as soon as I’m done with Froi. I think it’s safe to say that I’m obsessed with The Lumatere Chronicles, and, honestly, with every other book Melina Marchetta has ever written. Recommend!

It’s a rare book that makes me choose the elliptical over running on the beach.

What I’m Writing: I’m as finished with my revision as I can be, for now at least. I just got (brilliant) notes back from one beta reader, and I’m awaiting notes from another (millions of thank-yous, Jaime and Elodie!), then I’ll incorporate their feedback and be done. (Again.) Here’s a favorite bit from the manuscript:

I give him the faintest of smiles, and his whole face lights up in response. He stretches his hand across the distance separating us, letting it rest on the couch cushion palm up. An invitation. Holding his gaze, I slide my hand into the warmth of his. His fingers find their way through the space between each of mine in this deliberate, intimate way that erases the last bit of doubt from my heart.

Once this revised manuscript is off to my agent, I’ll dive back in to my WiP, the one that’s gritty and dark, about love and betrayal and the wildness inside all of us. Also, there’s kissing. (Of course there is.)

What Else I’ve Been Up To: My daughter has been sick with a stomach bug for the last two days. Boo. She rarely gets sick and I feel so bad for her. She’s weak and tired and bummed about missing school, and she has no appetite to speak of. I’ve been playing nurse (and puke catcher) and I’ll be excited when this passes and my house is healthy again.


Lots of sleeping, lots of bland, boring food, lots of movies. Good thing mama has a good book to read!

In other, far better news, I won a fantastic prize pack from Erin Bowman‘s #TakenWithTAKEN giveaway. I’m super lucky when it comes to contests, but this has got to be my best win to-date. That ampersand tote is adorable, and the books… I’m overwhelmed by their awesomeness! The best part? Erin included an annotated ARC of Taken, in which she added all kinds of cool anecdotes about the story, its drafting and editing, and her favorite parts. It’s fascinating!

What Inspires Me Right Now: All of the honest and encouraging comments you lovelies left on yesterday’s post, On Insanity, as well as a thoughtful (and similarly-themed) post from Lindsey Roth Culli titled Confessions of Rejection. Check it out.

Tell me: What’s up with you?

→ 28 Comments

Posted in Cross My Heart, Family, Inspiration, Randomness, The Writing Journey, What I'm Reading, What's Up Wednesday

On Insanity…

Posted on May 14, 2013 | 45 Comments

(This is one of those posts in which I attempt to make myself feel more normal by commiserating with all of you. Thanks in advance for humoring me. ♥♥♥)

By “the same thing over and over again,” I’m referring to revising and/or rewriting repeatedly with the goal of one day launching a publishing career.

So. I understand that with each completed draft I become a stronger writer. And that makes me SO happy. And I understand that publishing can be slow and frustrating and that there are no guarantees. I understand that not every writer becomes a published author, and I get that all writers experience moments of doubt and defeat. I have a well-researched, realistic view on the industry, and I realize that no matter how glamorous an author’s life may seem, no one has had an easy go of it. Writing is hard. Rejection is hard. Publishing is hard.

That being said, I  have a determined (stubborn?) streak that will not let me give up. I will continue to march toward my goal for as long as I am mentally capable of imagining and physically capable of typing. But…

Lately, when  family and friends (who are very sweet and well-meaning) ask me the dreaded, “Hey, when’s your book going to be published?” question, I have to suppress cringe. Because… I don’t know. I don’t know when my book’s going to be published. I don’t even know if this particular book will  see the light of day, ever. It’s kind of out of my hands at this point.

So, when asked that dreaded question, I end up answering with mumbles about an umpteenth revision, and then the family member or friend ends up giving me The Look. You probably know the one: It’s kind of confused and kind of piteous. Like, Oh, you cute girl (or bored housewife or crazy person). You must have such fun with your imaginary friends. Another revision, huh? How many revisions have you done on that book, anyway? When will the madness end? 

Yes. Yes, I am revising again. Yes, I know that probably sounds insane. Yes, sometimes I feel insane, and that sucks. But my story is better for it. And when my first book sells, trust that I will shout about it from the rooftops. In fact, you’ll probably be sick to death of hearing about it by the time the book ever sits on a bookstore shelf.

Until then, I’m going to embrace the insanity and continue to plug away, honing my craft, reading everything I can get my hands on, and just… writing.

Want to get in on my brand of crazy?

→ 45 Comments

Posted in Drafting, Quotables, Revising, Rewriting, Tales from the Trenches, The Writing Journey, WIP, Wisdom

Bookanista Links

Posted on May 9, 2013 | 2 Comments

I have review links for tons of incredible books to share today. And stay tuned for some exciting new things coming from the Bookanistas on May 30th…
Happy reading! 

Christine Fonseca  marvels at MILA 2.0 by Debra Driza – with giveaway!

Corrine Jackson is blown away by BRUISED by Sarah Skilton

Elana Johson  buzzes about STUNG by Bethany Wiggins

Stasia Ward Kehoe fawns over THE FIFTH WAVE by Rick Yancey

Jessica Love raves about THE RULES FOR DISAPPEARING by Ashley Elton

Shannon Messenger  shares an exclusive excerpt from INSOMNIA

Tracy Banghart  swoons for THE NAME OF THE STAR by Maureen Johnson

Lenore Appelhans celebrates 17 AND GONE by Nova Ren Suma

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Bookanistas

One Word Wednesday

Posted on May 8, 2013 | 19 Comments


Fortunate
{I mentioned last week that we had to say goodbye to our loyal dog Lucy, which was a terrible experience. But, we still have Daisy, and we’re feeling very fortunate to have her wagging her tail around the house these days. She’s an old, tired lady, but she’s still up for walks and treats and snuggles. Lucky us.}

   Sad
{Speaking of Lucy, we’re all dealing in our own way. My husband left her a sweet message on our family chalkboard, and my girlie drew the most adorable picture of her at school. I got a little teary when I took it out of her backpack.}


Thankful
{It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! My daughter has a wonderful teacher and we wanted to do something nice to acknowledge all her hard work. I thought about sending an apple to school for her, but then I recalled my own teaching days and decided that Apple Strudel would be a much tastier after-work treat.} 


Fantasitcal
{This book is amazing. It’s taking me forever to get through  because last week sucked and I’m in the middle of a revision (that’s finally starting to take shape!), but yeah… I love Finnikin and Evanjalin. I love this world. I love Melina Marchetta’s writing. Recommend!}


Decadent
{Nordy Bars are one of my favorite treats. My mom used to make them at Christmastime, but they’re super tasty any time of the year. In fact, I made them for a barbecue last week and they got all kinds of compliments. Butterscotch, chocolate chips, marshmallows, pecans… What’s not to love?}

 
Diligence
{My little miss has been writing books these days, just like her mama. Usually she’s much more focused than me, but lately we’ve both been hard at work. My goal is to finish my revision this week. Then it’s off for a beta read. Yay!}


Gratuitous
{I know I’m *slightly* biased, but I think she’s pretty darn cute.}

Tell me: What have you been up to lately? 

→ 19 Comments

Posted in Family, Fantasy, Great Books, One-Word Wednesday, Randomness, Revising, Tasty Treats, The Writing Journey, What I'm Reading

Tagged , ,

April Reading Wrap-Up

Posted on May 2, 2013 | 20 Comments

I read some fantastic books last month. Here are the best of the best (click on cover images for each book’s Goodreads profile):

Impossible by Nancy Werlin - I  have difficulties expressing how much I enjoyed Impossible, but truly, this book is fantastic. It’s a surreal sort of fairytale with a contemporary setting and wonderful, likeable characters. It’s such a romantic book, and there’s a curse that becomes a mystery to be unraveled. If you read Impossible solely to meet sweet and supportive love interest Zach, you will not be disappointed. My full review is HERE.

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller – Another military novel I was hesitant to pick up. So glad I did, though, because my love for Something Like Normal runs deep. Protagonist Travis is everything I look for in a fictional romantic interest. Tough, sarcastic, damaged, a little bit irreverent, but loyal and sensitive when it really counts. He’s a close second to Jonah Griggs on my Awesome YA Boy list. And Harper, Travis’s longtime crush, is adorable. I loved how she refused to take crap from him. Something Like Normal is one of my new favorite contemporaries… Recommend!

Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt – This book is an in-depth, unflinching look at what it’s like to live in protagonist Anna’s shoes. Throughout most of the story, she’s is just trying to survive. Yes, she makes some crappy choices. Yes, she sleeps with a lot of boys, and yes, several of them are one night stands. Yes, there were several occasions when I thought, Oh, Anna, don’t do that! But Anna has some  legitimate reasons for behaving the way she does. While I may not have been able to relate to her experiences,  I was certainly rooting for her to find happiness. My full review is HERE.


This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith – All kinds of adorable! A feel-good book that is unique in its genuine, unmanufactured conflict. Happy‘s romantic leads  are likable and show each other absolute respect — I totally understood their connection and it was easy to buy into their feelings for one another. I particularly loved the email messages sprinkled throughout the story, especially the ones at the beginning that gave us a glimpse into the earliest days of Graham and Ellie’s relationship. This story made me want to take a summertime trip to Maine with a swoonworthy movie star! ;)

Love and other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo –  A quiet novel that builds its characters and their relationships slowly. It’s the sort of book you don’t realize you’re falling for until you’re nearly done. In other words, Love is my favorite kind of story: slow-burn, full of longing and wit, populated by vibrant, dynamic characters, and with authentic voice that leaps off the page. Perfect for fans of contemporary YA, and especially those who remember those first feelings of unrequited love, appreciate nuance and authenticity, and enjoy an Aussie setting. My full review is HERE.

The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting – I’m a fan of The Body Finder series and have been since I  read the first novel a few years ago — the premise is unique and very cool. I’ve heard Kimberly Derting speak at several events and she is delightful: smart, funny, and real. I’m not at all surprised that The Last Echo was a pageturner, but I am surprised at how fresh these stories continue to be. I’m not at all tired of reading about Violet’s “gift,” I love the creepy mystery element of each novel’s plot, and I continue to be captivated by Vi’s (steamy!) relationship with Jay. I’m very much looking forward to picking up the fourth book in this series, Dead Silence, which released last month.

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire – My mom showed up at my house a few weeks ago with a copy of this novel. After she read it, she insisted I read it too. Her review was hot-and-cold and she wanted to know what I thought. My honest opinion: Travis is possessive and needy, and Abby is wishy-washy. The plot is rather implausible and occasionally slow. The conclusion of the story included some major eye-roll moments. And I definitely would not want my daughter to read Beautiful Disaster and think the relationships it portrays are in any way healthy. All that being said… Trav and Abby had amazing (albiet dysfunctional) chemistry. I was utterly entertained by all the angst in this novel. I flew through it in a weekend and I don’t regret a single second I spent reading. A sure sign of an enthralling story, right?

Check out what my fellow Bookanistas are up to today:

Jessica Love covets the cover of THE LOST PLANET by Rachel Searles
Tracey Neithercott is pepped about PIVOT POINT by Kasie West 
Shari Arnold marvels at THE REECE MALCOM LIST by Amy Spaulding
Nikki Katz delves into SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY by Susan Dennard

What’s the best book you read in April? 

→ 20 Comments

Posted in Bookanistas, Contemporaries, Fairytales, Great Books, New Adult, Paranormal