If We Were Having Coffee

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Good morning, friends! 

For the most part, my life lately has been looking pretty much the same. Work, write, read, sleep, repeat. But, when I go out and see friends I still find there's things to talk about. So... a quick life update for you!

 

If we were having coffee... I'd order my usual iced vanilla latte. Or if I have a sweet tooth, some sort of mocha frappachino! However, as September comes closer and closer you know I have my eye out for when the pumpkin spice latte will be released for the season! I know it's slightly early but... I love me some PSL because I'm super basic. I am over the heat and ready for fall! Or at least temperatures in the 70s. 

If we were having coffee... I'd talk about how my family and I are moving - again. We moved into the condo we're in last year, and now we're going to a rented house. The house itself is nice (needs some updating) and we should be able to stay there for awhile, which is great! But, moving is such a pain and while the location isn't bad - it's not my ideal. It's okay though. I'm warming up to the idea and again the house itself is nice. I'm looking forward to setting up my new room and work space.

If we were having coffee... I'd talk about how I'm slightly taking a step back from reading. I finished two or three books right away at the start of the month, but now I've been working on the same book for almost a week! And it's not even that long of a book! (So basically... I'm reading at the same pace as everyone else, haha.) It's weird, but I've been focusing on writing and other things lately. Which, I think is a good thing. Don't get me wrong- I don't expect this to last long. But, it's different.

If we were having coffee... I'd talk about how unhealthy I've been lately. I completely fell off the yoga train, and I don't have an appetite. Then, when I do have an appetite, I end up eating a whole bag of chips and don't have an actual meal. Then, I feel awful about myself. It's not that I need to go on an extreme diet or work out every single day or anything like that. But, I do need to get out of this bad cycle I'm in. 

If we were having coffee... I'd talk about how I'm on a slight social media hiatus. Mostly Twitter and Facebook (I'm having a harder time letting go of Instagram...) because I'm getting closer to completing this draft. If I can get myself to focus, having it done by the end of August is doable. My direct messages for all social media are still open so people can always reach me there, and I might pop in for things like #PitchWars and #ThursdayAesthetic but my hope is to step back so I can focus. At least for the time being. We'll see how long it lasts. 

If we were having coffee... I'd share with you pictures of my niece because I'm that person. She just turned 9 months, has her first tooth, and pulled herself up to standing in her crib! She's just so stinking cute. 

If we were having coffee... I'd gush about how I'm listening to Johnathan from Queer Eye's podcast, "Getting Curious." I'm OBSESSED. I'm listening to all of the episodes where he interviews the other cast members of Queer Eye and I can't wait to get to the rest of them. Basically, each episode he picks something he's curious about and interviews someone who is an expert in that field. I loved the episode about Renaissance Art and now I totally want to go wander around the Art Institute for a few hours. Can all of the guys from Queer Eye just be my BFFs? Cause seriously. They're amazing. 

 

Honestly, that's about it for me! Life is pretty steady at the moment, and I have a novel to finish. 

How is your life lately? If we were on a coffee date, what would we talk about?


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Pitch Wars Boost My Bio

Well, hello there! It is Pitch Wars season and I am excited! (Ready? Not so much. But the excitement is there!) Not sure what Pitch Wars is? Click here to find out more! It's basically The Voice for writers and it's amazing. 

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I participated in Pitch Wars for the first time last year and submitted my urban fantasy novel, Guardians of the City. It didn't go anywhere, but it was such an awesome experience! I connected with already established authors (one of them I'm now part of her "brigade" on Facebook and months after Pitch Wars another author DM'd me on Twitter to help give me feedback on my first chapter and some other writing/publishing advice) and other aspiring authors like myself. 

I'm currently working on another project and want to submit it this year! To be completely honest - I'm not sure if it's going to be ready in time. It's highly doubtful it will be. However, I am working my tail off to have it done by the end of August and I'm doing everything I can to prepare and connect with the Pitch Wars community. Which is why for the first time I'm participating in Boost my Bio! (You can learn more about that by clicking here. It is 100% optional for Pitch Wars Participants!)

 

About My Book

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Title: White Rose

Genre: Fantasy/Fairy Tale Retelling

Summary:  I've nick-named this project my "fairy tale mash-up" because it is a blend of six fairy tales with four different points of view. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has always been my favorite, and I've written a few different versions of her tale. But, there's also another story called Snow White and Rose Red. A different Snow White, and this one is about sisters. I wondered, "what if they were the same Snow White?" Then, one by one, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and Beauty and the Beast all found their way in as well. 

Princesses Eira and Rose may be almost as opposite as can be, but they are also as close as two sisters can get. Eira, the poised and elegant heir to the throne, as well as the goddess Luana's Chosen. Then Rose, the wild and temperamental girl with a deformed ankle who dreams of being in the royal guard.  When their father is poisoned and left in a sleeping death spell, they find themselves on the run for their lives from the queen and on a quest to find the cure. 

What to Expect: Magic and interaction with the deities. (Including magic tattoos!) Classic fairy tale elements. Dragons. Wolves. Talking bears. Adventure. Women who kick ass - but aren't always killers. Relationships between siblings, children to parents and grandparents, friends, and romance. (A LOT of romance.)

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About Me

My name is Emily, I'm a proud Hufflepuff in my early 30s in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, graduated from Concordia University Chicago, work at a hotel, dog mom, actual fairy godmother, Starbucks addict, and 9/10 times NaNoWriMo winner. You'll usually find me reading, playing my ukulele, binge watching something on Netflix, or belting out show tunes/pretending I can rap along with the Hamilton cast. If you give me any combination of coffee, chocolate, and nachos, I'll be your BFF. I'm also on a constant mission to find the perfect budget friendly lipstick. 

You can see my "official" head shot in my About Me page but... it's also 2 years old and I've changed my hair since then. So... here's a recent selfie.

You can see my "official" head shot in my About Me page but... it's also 2 years old and I've changed my hair since then. So... here's a recent selfie.

Favorite Books (Some of Them):

  • The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling
  • The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  • The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick
  • The Chicagoland Vampires Series by Chloe Neill
  • The Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas
  • The Nevernight Chronicles by Jay Kristoff
  • Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
  • Song of Blood and Stone by L. Penelope
  • The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross
  • An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole
  • A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
  • The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
  • The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
  • Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
  • His Fair Assassin Trilogy by Robin LaFevers

Favorite TV Shows:

  • Boy Meets World
  • Friends
  • Glee
  • How I Met Your Mother (not the finale)
  • Reign
  • Vampire Diaries
  • Doctor Who
  • Sherlock
  • Gilmore Girls
  • Queer Eye
  • Firefly
  • The Tudors

Favorite Movies:

  • Anything Disney
  • Mama Mia!
  • 10 Things I Hate About You
  • Clueless
  • Letters to Juliet
  • The Princess Diaries
  • Mirror, Mirror
  • Rent
  • Wonder Woman
  • Love, Simon
  • When Harry Met Sally
  • Love Actually

 

I can't wait to see everyone else's Boost Your Bio posts and to get to know you all! 


Like what you read? Consider buying me a coffee.

July Reading Round-Up

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*This post contains affiliate links. 

I had a huge batch of library books I'd requested come in all at once in July - so almost any plans I had for reading went out the window as I read all my library books! Which, ended up being great because there were so many great ones. However, I was slightly stingy on giving any a full 5 stars. 

Some notes on how I do wrap ups:  I rate books on a 1-5 star scale. (1= worst book ever why did I read this?; 2= did not enjoy; 3= this was good!; 4= I really liked it! 5= OMG LOVED THIS IT'S THE BEST EVER!) For the most part, you're going to see 3-5 star ratings from me and not a lot of negative simply because if I don't like a book, I'm not going to finish it.

 

That Could Be Enough* by Alyssa Cole

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  • Genre: Historical Romance Novella (#ownvoices)
  • Format:  ebook
  • Rating:  3.5 stars

Quick Summary:  A servant in Eliza Hamilton's household meets and falls for a flirtatious dressmaker. 

I discovered Alyssa Cole earlier this year and when I heard she had a F/F romance novella inspired by Hamilton, I knew I had to get it! This novella takes place after A.Ham's death and a servant in his household is helping Eliza gather stories about him. 

I loved the opposites attract and the throw back to Hamilton! (So many references to the musical!)

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  Hamilton, F/F romance, historical fiction/romance, opposites attract

Trigger warnings:  I can't remember a lot of them, I feel like there's reference to child abuse/abandonment/poverty. There might be some mild violence. 


My Lady's Choosing* by Kitty Curran and Larissa Zageris

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  • Genre:  Historical Choose Your Own Adventure Romance
  • Format:  Library Paperback
  • Rating:  4.5 Stars

Quick Summary:  Become a penniless (yet very appealing) young woman in Regency England and choose form countless romantic love interests and adventures. 

I wish I had taken my time with this book! It's a choose your own adventure, and SO FUN! When I picked it up one night (not long before it was due back at the library) I thought it would be a fun quick read. I'd choose one path to go on, then go back and quickly skim the other couple options. 

Um... WRONG. 

This book will take you several sit downs to get through even half of the options it gives you! There's four "main" roads you can go down, but each of them has an uncountable amount of directions they can go! (Yes, F/F are options!) If I could go back, I'd have taken my time and chosen one path each day the whole time I had the book so I could experience as many as possible.

It's also completely hilarious and makes fun of all of the classic romance novel tropes which made it even better!

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  choose your own adventure, historical romance, paranormal romance, gothic romance, F/F romance, Scottish romance, humorous books, making fun of romance books

Trigger warnings:  There are references to poverty, fire, sexual assault, and violence. 


Trail of Lightning* (The Sixth World #1) by Rebecca Roanhorse

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  • Genre:  Urban Fantasy (#ownvoices)
  • Format:  Library Hardcover
  • Rating: 4.5 Stars

Quick Summary:  A monster hunter investigates recent disappearances caused by a supernatural monster and enlists the help of a young medicine man. 

This book was so fantastic. I'd heard a lot of people getting excited for this #ownvoices Native American urban fantasy and it did not disappoint! There were so many twists and turns, I loved our heroine, Maggie, as well as Kai, and it was a gritty look at an alternate universe/post apocalyptic America where Native Americans take the spotlight.

The only reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars was because there were a lot of times I had a hard time following the plot and had to go "wait... what's going on?"

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  While it's not exactly the same genre, I can see fans of The Nevernight Chronicles enjoying this book, as well as fans of other urban fantasy series like Kate Daniels.

Trigger warnings:  This book is very violent and intense, so not for the feint of heart! Violence, child abuse and death, murder, (I think) sexual assault. Basically, every trigger warning ever. 


The Calculating Stars* (Lady Astronauts #1) by Mary Robinette Kowal

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  • Genre:  Historical Science-Fiction
  • Format:  Library Paperback
  • Rating:  4.5 Stars

Quick Summary:  Elma wishes to be one of the first lady astronauts after a meteorite hits the USA and the danger of Earth being uninhabitable looms in the future. 

I went from one outstanding book to the next! I've only read three of Mary Robinette Kowal's books so far - and this most definitely my favorite yet! 

It's a sci-fi, but has more of the feel of a historical novel. Elma and her husband are the ultimate relationship goals and I am IN LOVE with them. You have and awesome and diverse group of female pilots, mathematicians, and scientists. There's discussion about mental illness, racism, and sexism. The research Kowal did for the time period, the math, piloting, and NASA is absolutely incredible!

The only reason it didn't get a full five stars from me is because there were moments I felt the story was dragging. 

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  Hidden Figures, historical fiction, space, awesome/happy/healthy marriages, women in STEM

Trigger warnings:  racism, sexism, anxiety, references to sexual assault and suicidal thoughts, plane crashes, survival


Since You've Been Gone* by Morgan Matson

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  • Genre:  Young Adult Contemporary
  • Format:  ebook
  • Rating: 4.5 Stars

Quick Summary:  Emily's BFF mysteriously moves away, but leaves behind a summer bucket list for Emily to complete. 

After reading a few more intense books, it was time for something a bit more light hearted. I've had Since You've Been Gone sitting on my Kindle app for literally years, and decided it was high time I read it. (And yes, I did have the song by Kelly Clarkson in my head each time I picked it up.) This was the perfect fun summer read!

I loved Emily's journey of figuring out who she was without her best friend, facing her fears, making new friends, and making mistakes. I loved her parents who were playwrights and I wished there was more to that story line! This was also a great balance between friendship and romance, where one didn't seem to overpower the other. I'm so glad I picked it up and I can't wait to read Matson's other books!

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  Other fun YA contemporaries like Stephanie Perkins and Rainbow Rowell, shy characters coming out of their shells, bucket lists, theatre people, summer, sweet romance

Trigger warnings:  abandonment, drinking, horses


Slaying It (Chicagoland Vampires 13.5)* by Chloe Neill

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  • Genre:  Urban Fantasy Novella
  • Format:  ebook
  • Rating:  3 stars

Quick Summary:  (If you don't want spoilers for the series - skip ahead to the next book review.) Merit is very pregnant and is almost kidnapped by another vampire.

I was so excited when I heard Neill was writing a final Ethan/Merti novella while Merit was pregnant! I was super bummed we didn't get to see her during that time in the final book and knew it would be great! But... this wasn't quite what I was expecting. It was more about Jonah than it was about Ethan/Merit. Which, I did appreciate seeing his story get wrapped up more. But, I still really wanted to see Ethan and Merit. It was still fun though, and I'm anxious for the first book in her spin-off series!

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  Chicagoland Vampires, learning more about Jonah, novellas, vampires

Trigger warnings:  almost-kidnapping, reference to past emotional/physical abuse in a romantic relationship


If I Fix You* by Abigail Johnson

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  • Genre:  Young Adult Contemporary
  • Format:  Library Paperback
  • Rating:  4.5 Stars

Quick Summary:  Jill is the only one who knows the real reason her mother left and struggles to deal with the aftermath the months after. 

This book came as a pleasant surprise! Abigail Johnson was a guest on Mindy' McGinnis' podcast, Writer Writer Pants on Fire, a couple of weeks ago and I just loved her interview! (Also, she's a disabled writer and while her books aren't #ownvoices, I'm all for supporting other disabled writers like myself!) I requested her debut book from my library and it was available almost immediately.

It was a fast read, but also intense. There are some big and serious themes in this book, some of which I expected and others I didn't. I was completely swept up by it and loved the characters and seeing how Jill navigated her life after her mom left. I also loved her friends and her dad!

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  Mindy McGinnis books - they have the same knack for gritty YA that grapple tough topics, girl mechanics, boy next door trope, bad boys trope

Trigger warnings:  divorce, spouse and child abuse (emotional and physical), neglect, really top notch awful parenting, sexual assault


Currently Reading:

Queen of Shadows* (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J Maas

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  • Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy
  • Format:  Hardcover

Quick Summary:  Our heroine returns to the empire to rescue her friends, family, and people, as well as for vengeance for all she's lost. 

With all of my library books I wasn't able to get to QOS as soon as I liked! But I should have it done in the next couple days.


Brief Cases (The Dresden Files 15.1)* by Jim Butcher

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  • Genre:  Urban Fantasy Short Story Collection
  • Format:  Library Hardcover

Even when I do finish this book, technically I never finished it because I decided to skip some of the short stories because either I'd already read it, or I just didn't have intrest in that particular character or story.

This was a fun compliation, and I particularly am enjoying the Big Foot stories. But, it just makes me want Peace Talks more. Butcher is pulling a George RR Martin on Dresden Files fans and I'm like "JUST WRITE THE BOOK ALREADY."


Love over Lattes (Desert Monsoon #1)* by Diana A. Hicks

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  • Genre:  Contemporary Romance
  • Format:  ebook

Quick Summary:  A young mom and college graduate falls for the guy she's been eyeing at the coffee shop - who also happens to offer to be her landlord when she's in need of a place to live. 

This book has been sitting on my Kindle app (along with many others) for several months, and I needed something to occupy my time while sitting at the hair salon waiting for my hair to dry. So, I pulled out my phone and started this one. I've only read the first few chapters but it's cute so far!

 

What have you all been reading in July? What are some of your favorite genres to read in the summer? Do you have the same problem as me where you'll put holds on a ton of library books thinking they'll come in gradually but they all arrive at once?


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If you like YA, check out this promotion from Barnes and Noble!*

The Mid-Year Freakout Tag

The Mid-Year Freakout Tag is an annual tradition in the "BookTube" world where people make videos to do a mid-year summary of what they've read so far. Basically, ending with everyone freaking out realizing that the year is half over and no one has read all of the books they intended to so far.

Oddly enough, I never did this tag when I made YouTube videos. But, when I saw it floating around lately and I needed a blog post for this week... I thought it would be fun to give it a go!

Original Creators:

Chami from ReadLikeWIldfire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03gz6...

Ely from Earl Grey Books: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_Wh0...

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

 

QUESTIONS:

1. Best book you’ve read so far this year?

UGH. You had to start with the hardest question? Really? I've read so many good ones! How do I pick?????

I'll instead, share my favorites from each month. Because I can't pick only one and YOU CAN'T MAKE ME.

January- Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kauffman (YA Science-Fiction)

February- An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole (Historical Romance)

March- Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (YA Fantasy)

April- A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare (Historical Romance)

May- The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross (YA Fantasy)

June- Song of Blood and Stone by L. Penelope (Fantasy/Romance)

July - the month isn't over so you'll have to wait and see!

 

2. Best sequel you've read so far this year?

That's another tough one! But, I do have to say I'm still thinking about and loving Tessa Ever After by Brighton Walsh which is the second book in her Reluctant Hearts series. It's my favorite out of all four and I'm IN LOVE with Jason!

 

3. New release you haven't read yet, but want to?

Way to make me feel guilty cause... there's so many!

Right now, I'm really wanting to dig into Dread Nation by Justina Ireland. It was a Kindle Daily Deal recently so I have it sitting on my iPad waiting for me. I also have Chloe Neill's most recent novella, Slaying It on my iPad, as well as Charlie N Holmberg's newest book, Veins of Gold.

So many books - so little time.

 

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year?

Well... considering I'm reading one Throne of Glass book per month leading up to the release of the final book, Kingdom of Ash, at the end of October... it's safe to say that's my most highly anticipated book this year. 

But some others I'm excited for...

  • Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill (Urban Fantasy) 
  • What if it's Us? by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (YA Contemporary)
  • Lethal White by Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling) (Mystery)
  • Catwoman:  Soul Stealer by Sarah J Maas (YA Fantasy/SciFi),
  • Jack of Hearts and Other Parts by Lev AC Rosen (YA Contemporary)
  • Vengeful by VE Schwab (Sci-Fi) 
  • A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole (Contemporary Romance) 
  • The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee (YA Historical/Fantasy)

 

5. Biggest disappointment?

People are probably going to hate me for this one... but The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (YA Fantasy). I was super curious about this book, and SO MANY people were gushing and raving about it. But... I don't know! It didn't grab me. I read maybe the first 50 pages or so and I didn't care about the characters or plot. So, I didn't finish it. 

 

6. Biggest surprise?

I definitely have to say the The Queen's Rising was the biggest surprise! A friend of mine read it and messaged me saying I HAD to read it too. I'd seen it around and had a feeling I'd enjoy it. But I loved it SO MUCH MORE than I ever anticipated! I need the next one immediately. But sadly... I have to wait until March of 2019. 

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Also, isn't that cover gorgeous?

 

7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you)?

This is another tough one. I've read a lot of debut fantasy authors the last couple of months, and they are all KILLING IT. I've not just been enjoying their books, but LOVING them. The Poppy War by RF Kuang, Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse, Song of Blood and Stone by L. Penelope, Children of Blood and Stone by Tomi Adeymei, and of course The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross. I want to read all of the books these authors write!

But I also am reading my first Morgan Matson book (YA contemporary) and it is completely delightful and I understand why everyone loves her so much! I've discovered Tessa Dare who writes historical romance and can't wait to keep going with her books. Then Alyssa Cole who's written both historical and contemporary romance has also become a favorite!

 

8. Newest fictional crush?

Ooooooo well there's so many to pick from...

I really loved James from Fortune's Flower by Anetha Lawson. He was like a 19th century Indiana Jones! What's not to love?

I'm still crushing on Jason from Tessa Ever After by Brighton Walsh. How can I not with a guy who'll dress up for tea parties for his love interests daughter? Swoon.

Then, I just finished The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal and Elma's husband is THE BEST. I would totally marry a man like him. They are the ultimate #relationshipgoals. 

 

9. Newest favorite character?

I guess I need to accept the fact that ALL of these questions are hard... It's just that I've read 57 books so far this year. So... that's a lot of characters to pick from. That being said:

I really loved Grimm from Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Mariller. He's slightly terrifying while also being a big teddy bear and I want to give him a hug and tell him everything is going to be okay. 

Rin from The Poppy War by RF Kuang was strong and stubborn and I loved her.

Xandra from God Save the Queen by Kate Locke is a total bad ass and I love her dedication to her family.

The vampire Constantine from Sunshine by Robin McKinley I'm completely fascinated by and I wish there was a sequel.

I'm currently reading Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson and I am LOVING Emily and Frank. They're both adorable!

 

10. Book that made you cry?

Okay, this question was hard because once I thought about it, there weren't many books from this year which have been sad or made me super emotional so far. (Other than some re-reads, but I want to talk about new books I've read.)

The ending of Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse (Urban Fantasy) kind of gutted me!

While A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas (New Adult Fantasy) was not her best, there were moments that totally broke my heart!

Then, Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman (YA Sci-Fi) definitely had some tear jerker moments!

 

11. Book that made you happy?

So many!

New Heights by Quinn Anderson (Contemporary Romance) had me grinning from ear to ear from page one!

A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare (Historical Romance) was literally laugh out loud funny!

The Plastic Magician by Charlie N Holmberg (New Adult Fantasy) made me SUPER happy because her Paper Magician trilogy is one of my favorites and I loved going back to that world and seeing guest appearances from those characters!

 

12. Favorite book-to-film adaptation you saw this year?

LOVE, SIMON WHICH WAS BASED ON SIMON VS THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA BY BECKY ALBERTALLI! OBVIOUSLY.

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Granted... it's the only adaptation I've seen this year. But it was still very well done and will always be number one in my eyes. 

 

13. Favorite video you have done so far in this year?

Considering I haven't made any videos and only written blogs this year.... I'm really proud of my Flash Fiction series. I haven't been keeping up with it as much as I'd like, but what I have done I think is really good. 

 

14. Most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received)?

The Children of Blood and Bone cover is fantastic! 

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Shadowsong is just lovely.

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I LOVE the new cover for Vicious.

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15. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

Too many... You don't even want to know how many books I have sitting unread on my Kindle app! But here's my top priority books:

  • Dumplin' by Julie Murphy (YA Contemporary)
  • Ghost Rebellion by Pip Ballentine and Tee Morris (Steampunk)
  • The Autumn Throne by Elizabeth Chadwick (Historical)
  • An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir (YA Fantasy)
  • The Burning World by Issac Marion (Zombies)

 

 

Anyone else have reading goals they've made this year? Are you accomplishing them? What have been some of your favorite books so far? What are you excited to read in the last half of the year?


Like what you read? Consider buying me a coffee.

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Books Worth a Re-Read

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I am a huge fan of re-reading books. Granted - I read faster than most and average about 6-10 books a month. So... I can afford to slip in a re-read here and there. I love being able to revisit favorite characters and stories. Many times I end up noticing things I didn't before and appreciate the work and detail the author puts into the book. 

Here's some of my favorites to read over and over again!

The Night Circusby Erin Morgenstern

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This is one of my all time favorite books. After Harry Potter, it's The Night Circus. Which means, this book and I are in a very committed long-term relationship. Ever since I first read it, I've re-read it at least once a year. There are so many nuances and details that you end up missing the first time around, and I've had friends who when they read it the first time they liked it. But then when they read it a second time they loved it even more because they were able to see more threads and how the magic and the competition worked. So, I always encourage people that if they are able, give it a re-read. 

 

Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda* by Becky Albertalli

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Again - another all time favorite book. I could read it a million times and never grow tired. The reason I'm adding to the list though is not just because of my personal preference. I loved it the first time around, following Simon's journey to figuring out who Blue was. Then, maybe a few hours after I finished, I started to read it a second time. It was SO FUN to go back and see all of the clues as to who Blue was! 

 

Any Favorite Series

I'm not giving a specific book series for this because everyone has their own favorite! Lately, I've been re-reading the Throne of Glassseries by Sarah J Maas leading up to the release of the final book in October. It's been so awesome to go back to the start and I am picking up on SO MANY little details and clues I missed before. Hints at characters to come, plot lines, world building elements, etc. This has happened for me with many book series and I think if you find one you really love, it's 100% worth going back and reading them again because you can see everything from a big picture point of view and see all of the threads and elements which were being built up from page one book one that you may have missed the first time around. 

 

Pick a Different Format

Again, this isn't a specific book. But, I've found that sometimes I like to re-read a book, but choose a new format. If I read the physical book the first time, maybe the second time I'll listen via audio. Or vise versa. When I first tried the Kate Daniels* series by Illona Andrews I listened to the first book via audio. I was not a big fan. It was okay... but not great. But, friends kept on saying how awesome the series was! So, I tried it again, but this time as a physical book. It was so much better! 

Or, other times I loved the book the first time around, but want to experience it in a new way. A classic example would be Harry Potter*. I've read all seven via the physical book, but the audio is fantastic and fun to listen to as well! I also have read the book Illuminae* by Jay Kristoff and Amy Kaufman via the hardcover physical book, but the audio has a full cast and some other elements which the physical book does not have. (And vise versa.) So, I know at some point I'm going to read it again, but this time via audio.

 

My Lady's Choosing* by Kitty Curran and Larissa Zageris

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This book is a new discovery for me and it is SO MUCH FUN! If you like romance - you need this book in your life! 

It's a pick your own adventure romance novel. Yeah. Just like when you were a kid - only with smut. So... not just like when you were a kid... please don't let your kids read this book.

First, it's hilarious. It takes all of the romance tropes we're overly familiar with but pokes fun at them. (So, even if you aren't a fan of smut, you still might like it because it makes fun of all of that!) I was laughing out loud as I read!

When I sat down to read this book I chose one path and followed it, with the intention of going back later to pick another path and see where it went when I was done. I figured each story line had maybe 2 or 3 different endings. WRONG. Each story line had AT LEAST 3 different directions they could go - and went in VASTLY different ways. (And yes, there are options for a female/female relationship too!) I thought I could breeze through it in one evening. Nope. 

This is a book where you want to read it over and over again - because it will take you a long time to find each scenario and path. I can see this as a book I keep and when I need a palette cleanser or something fun to read really quick, and picking it up and choosing a new direction each time. Trust me, it'll last you awhile!

 

Holiday or Seasonal Books

Like many people, I have my favorite movies I watch every holiday season. But, I also have started a small collection of books I'll read each year too! Particularly if they are on the shorter side of things. Some of my favorites are A Christmas Carol* by Charles Dickens, My True Love Gave to Me* edited by Stephanie Perkins,  and Dash and Lily's Book of Dares* by Rachel Cohen and David Levithan. 

But it doesn't have to be just December or winter holidays! Maybe there's a book that always puts you in the mood for summer, or you have favorite spooky reads for when Halloween comes around. 

 

What are some of your favorite books that you could read over and over again?


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Please note:  while I have affiliated links, my posts are not sponsored! If I ever do a sponsored post, I'll let you know! All of the books I recommend are ones I've genuinely enjoyed and I only join affliate programs because I link to their sites anyway!  

Thoughts On Turning A Year Older

***Author's Note:  I debated on if I should edit/revise this blog post because as I read it back to myself, I realized it was such a "downer." But, I'm not going to, because it's real. I think it still ends on a hopeful note though.***

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I had a lovely birthday last week.

It was filled with well-wishes posted on my Facebook, spending time with my family and friends, seeing a musical (Waitress, it was fabulous!), free Starbucks, gifts, great food, and relaxation. I couldn't have asked for more. 

Then once the (in this case, symbolic) confetti falls, the balloons are popped, and the cake is eaten, life returns to normal. 

It happens this way each year. Even as a child you're so excited for your birthday to arrive and you realize that you don't feel all that different at the age of 10 as you did when you were 9. Yet, each year we think it will be different. We'll feel more mature. We'll be smarter than we were before. We'll be more relevant and important. Or we worry we'll be less relevant and not as important as we once were.  We think "this will be the year I..." But not much changes. Not really. The daily routine stays the same and life goes on.

Getting older is a wonderful thing. It's a gift many people do not get to receive, and I am grateful. I lived another year, and from what I can tell I'll live for another one. It's great.

But, I still can't help but feel slightly "ho-hum" about the whole thing. It's not that I don't like my life, who I am, or how I was able to celebrate. It's all wonderful. I know I've accomplished a lot in my life and I'm blessed. As I think about it, I realize as you get older, sometimes it's more difficult to measure said accomplishments and blessings.

When you're a child, you can see your progress. With my niece for example, each month she looks different. She's doing something she hadn't before. She's growing in a new way.

When you get a little older, there's other accomplishments. You finished Kindergarten and now you move onto the 1st grade. You go from elementary school to junior high. You were on the junior varsity team, and now you're on varsity. High school is completed and then you move onto college, a job, the military, etc. You can more easily track your progress in life.

As an adult, those milestones don't come as frequently for many of us. When I think back on my life and where I was when I wrote my birthday post last year, save for my niece being born (which is more of a milestone for my sister and brother-in-law, not me), not a whole lot has changed. A lot of us don't have a lot of change year to year I don't think. Particularly if you aren't getting married and having children. 

Not that I want those things or envy those who do. If I were married right now, it would be to someone who wasn't good for me, nor I for them. If I had a baby right now they would be born into not the most ideal of situations. 

Career-wise though, unless you're getting promotions and new positions each year, that also is difficult to look back and think that you've accomplished something. Perhaps little projects here and there, or a challenge might come up at work you solve, but overall, things stay the same. 

I've never been one for the big "five year plans" or anything like that. I remember in college our professors would ask us about where we saw ourselves in a few years. While, for the most part I did have a vision for what I saw. (Probably working at a church as a youth director, my BFFs on staff with me, either dating someone or married to another church worker.) But, I never wanted to share a concrete "this is what I want" because part of me knew that things change. Your plan doesn't always go the way you think it will and God points you in new directions. 

Well... I did not stick to those plans I had for myself back in college. Thankfully. 

Or when I moved back to Chicago I may have had an idea of "After a year or two I'll be writing full time" or "I'll be working in a bookshop" etc. But, I was open to possibilities and didn't have an exact plan. Just willing to let God lead me where he thought I should go.

Yet, sometimes I wonder if there is some merit to creating those five year plans. Because then maybe at least you would have something you're striving for and as each year passes. You can look back and say "I did X, Y, and Z so I can get to..."

Then again - life changes and you can't always predict where you're going to go. I can proclaim "I will have a book deal by the time I'm..." until I'm blue in the face. But honestly? It's not something I can control. (Traditional publishing takes forever. So even if I were to randomly get a book deal at a certain time, it would still be at least another year until the book hits shelves.) Even goals I create for myself that I can control, don't always work the way I think they will. I planned to have a complete draft of a novel done by spring. Then, major writers block happened, and I switched gears. 

I'm not sure if I'm exactly in a rut. Because when I think about other people in my life we're all somewhat in the same type of situation. Life keeps moving on, even if we don't see the big achievements all of the time. I don't see them as being in a rut - so why would I be?

It's more of being on a straight open path and you keep moving forward.  Like driving from Missouri to Chicago. It's a lot of flat land and not many landmarks. But, you're still moving forward. The only difference is that I'm not 100% sure what my destination is. I have a general idea of where I think I'm going, but there could be a turn ahead that I'm not aware of yet and I'll end up somewhere completely different.

So, I'm not sure where my mind is this year for my birthday. I don't have any particular feelings about getting older. I'm simply here, still living and still moving.

Which even that, is a gift.


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June Reading Round-Up

June's reads were full of fantasy! Which, fantasy is usually a staple in my reading lists as it is. But this month I read almost exclusively fantasy. (With a couple of contemporary romance novellas in honor of Pride this month.) Particularly of the epic variety! 

Some notes on how I do wrap ups:  I rate books on a 1-5 star scale. (1= worst book ever why did I read this?; 2= did not enjoy; 3= this was good!; 4= I really liked it! 5= OMG LOVED THIS IT'S THE BEST EVER!) For the most part, you're going to see 3-5 star ratings from me and not a lot of negative simply because if I don't like a book, I'm not going to finish it.

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Song of Blood and Stone (Earthsinger Chronicles #1) by L. Penelope

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  • Genre: Fantasy Romance (Own Voices)
  • Format:  Library Hardcover
  • Rating:  4.5 Stars

Quick Summary:  When ruthless soldiers take shelter in Jasminda's home, she falls for one of the spies, Jack. Together they escape captors and save their homeland, Elsira. 

This book was somewhat on my radar and one day as I was picking up a hold from the library, I saw it on the new releases shelf and figured "why not?" Coincidentally, my friend Caitlin (BookChats on YouTube) recently picked it up from her library as well so we did a buddy read. Oh goodness! Both of us are OBSESSED.

Song of Blood and Stone definitely is a romance and has some of the same beats as others in the genre, but if you aren't a fan of romance don't fear - there is a great balance of the romance and the fantasy elements so you'll really enjoy it still! There's magic, adventure, a quest, royalty, secrets, plot twists - all of those things you want in an epic fantasy! The romance was wonderful, and I loved Jack and Jasminda. (There was one moment where Jack was slightly too possessive for my taste, but it was resolved well. I just hope it doesn't become a recurring thing in future books.) But, then you also have a lot of themes about black lives matter, refugees, family, and duty that really ring true. Particularly in the world today.

What makes things really interesting is that L. Penelope originally was a self-published author. She has some paranormal romance books (which I'm picking up ASAP) and then this one was picked up by a publisher, they edited it, then re-released it. So, if you see reviews from a few years ago - that was when this was self published. A lot has changed since then!

Now, I'm eagerly waiting the second book - but Goodreads doesn't have a release date yet! When is it coming out?????

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  Romance, fantasy, African culture inspired fantasy, Black Lives Matter, secret relationships, royalty, independent female characters, inner-racial relationships

Trigger warnings:  On page sexual assault, violence (against adults and children), loss of parents, war, racism


The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her Own Making (Fairyland #1) by Catherynne M. Valente (Re-Read)

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  • Genre:  Middle Grade Fantasy
  • Format:  ebook
  • Rating:  3.5 Stars

Quick Summary:  September is taken away by the Green Wind to Fairyland where danger and adventure awaits.

I read The Girl Who Circumnavigated... a couple of years ago because a friend of mine, (My Name is Marines on YouTube) LOVED it and gave me a recommendation. I know a ton of other people love this series as well. I liked it the first time around, but didn't love it. Then, another friend of mine a few weeks ago invited me to join our local library's book club and this was their pick for June. I said I'd give it a go. I liked it a lot more this time around! Maybe the first time I was in a weird mood? Who knows. But, I definitely see more of why so many people have been raving about this series.

It's so whimsical, September is strong and courageous while still being real, all of the characters are fun and unique (there's a wyvern who is actually a library), and I loved all of the author's plays on words and the thoughts about children, being courageous, losing your heart (and whether or not children have one!), and growing up. 

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  The Chronicles of Narnia, The Wizard of Oz, and other books about children running away to magical lands, whimsy, fantasy, middle grade, adventure, 

Trigger warnings:


The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang

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  • Genre:  Epic Fantasy (Own Voices)
  • Format:  Library Hard Cover
  • Rating:  5 Stars

Quick Summary:  Against all odds, Rin gains acceptance to the most elite military school in the country, is chosen by one of the gods, and must save her people. 

Oh this book was so fantastic! Everyone has been raving about this book and with good reason! 

Poppy War could have gone the Harry Potter route where Rin goes to school and each book covers one year of her time there. But, it didn't. The first half or so is when Rin is preparing to go the school and when she's there. Her school years somewhat are crammed together, but it doesn't feel rushed at all. Then the second half is focused on her time in the military during the war. 

Rin is such a headstrong and driven character - almost to a fault, and I love seeing the pros and cons to this aspect of her personality. The use of magic was unique and something you as the reader need to grapple with on how "moral" it is (Drugs... basically. Which I enjoyed that inner struggle, at least for myself. It made me think about the book more than I would have otherwise.) The other characters were complex and interesting. The world was intense. 

It took me longer to read this book than I anticipated, and it's not necessarily a fast read. But once I had the opportunity to sit and dig deep, I couldn't put it down!

You'll like this book if you also enjoy: Mulan... but A LOT darker, low fantasy, Chinese history, Chinese folklore, academy settings, military and war stories, feminism

Trigger warnings:  drug use and abuse, violence, sexual assault, rape, torture, child abuse,... basically ALL the trigger warnings. 


Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J Maas (Re-Read)

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  • Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
  • Format:  Hardcover
  • Rating: 5 Stars

Quick Summary:  Celeana travels to a new land to confront the truth of her heritage. 

Continuing on with my Throne of Glass re-read before the final book in October!

Heir of Fire is one of my favorites of the series. We get introduced to awesome new characters. (Hey there, Rowan and Mannon.) We learn more about Celeana's past, and I love the journey Dorian starts on. As I was re-reading HoF, I realized that Sarah J Maas excels at writing books about emotional recovery. 

In the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, the best book is the second one where Feyre is struggling with PTSD, depression, and getting out of an abusive relationship. The heart of the book is her recovery and coming out stronger in the end. I would say HoF is similar in this way. Celeana is at one of her all time lowest points emotionally at the start of the book after all which has happened in the previous books. The heart of her journey in HoF is learning to face her inner demons and come out stronger at the end. Which is why it's one of my favorites.

Also- Mannon, witches, and wyvrns. The first time I read this book I was like "who are these witches and why do I care" but now I'm all "MANNON IS MY QUEEN."

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  epic fantasy, witches, dragons (wyvrns to be specific), the other Throne of Glass books, stories about someone learning to use magic

Trigger warnings:  PTSD, demon posession, violence, abuse


Fearless by Shira Glassman

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  • Genre: Contemporary Romance Short Story
  • Format:  ebook
  • Rating: 3.5 Stars

Quick Summary:  A band mom falls for the high school's orchestra director. 

I realized about half way through the month I hadn't read anything in honor of Pride and I felt like a terribly ally. So, I found some novellas to read.

This one was cute! It gave me high school band flashbacks, but I loved that it was about the adult chaperones and not the students. It just felt a bit rushed at times. 

You'll like this book if you also enjoy: contemporary romance, F/F relationships, sweet/clean romance, novellas, snowed in plots, single moms

Trigger warnings: none I can think of? Being stranded in a hotel during a blizzard?


Knit One, Girl Two by Shira Glassman

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  • Genre: Contemporary Romance Short Story
  • Format:  ebook
  • Rating: 4 Stars

Quick Summary:  Knitter Clara teams up with local artist, Danielle, for a yarn project. Romance ensues!

I liked this one even more! It's the same author as Fearless and too cute! It didn't feel as rushed, but still would have loved even more!

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  knitting, F/F relationships, own voices, cats, artists, sweet/clean romance, contemporary romance, novellas

Trigger warnings:  Again... none I can think of. Identity theft?


New Heights by Quinn Anderson

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  • Genre: Contemporary Romance Novella
  • Format:  ebook
  • Rating: 5 Stars

Quick Summary: Opposites attract when two men meet at an airport and their flight is delayed.

And the novellas just kept getting better! This couple was so cute, I thought I was going to die. It was this great setting of being trapped in an airport due to delayed flights, opposites attract, prank war, and romance. I was rooting for them and shipping them before they even met! It was also longer than the other novellas, so it didn't feel quite as rushed. It was the perfect length.

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  airports, opposites attract, M/M relationships, prank wars, hate to love

Trigger warnings:  Again... none really unless you have PTSD from delayed flights.


Currently Reading:

Dreamer's Pool (Blackthorn and Grimm #1) by Juliet Mariller

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  • Genre: Epic Fantasy
  • Format:  mass market paperback
  • Rating: 4.5-5 stars as of right now, unless something drastically changes in the next 100 or so pages.

Quick Summary: Blackthorn gets a chance at a new life as a healer and teams with one of her prison-mates. 

I was sucked into this book from the first chapter! The main character, Blackthorn, is so fierce! I don't always connect with characters whose main motivation is revenge, but she comes from it more from a justice perspective which I really liked. Then Grimm is one of those big terrifying criminal type of characters, but at the same time you just want to give him a hug and tell him everything is going to be okay. Oran was my least favorite point of view character. Which was odd because he was one of those "I'm a prince but I'm also a hopeless romantic and a genuinely good guy who wants to do good for my people" types. But, was a tad over the top for me where he kind of felt like an idiot. Yet, I was never not rooting for him. So, there's that. 

A lot of this book focuses on women's rights and rape culture which was hard to read at times, but I think was very well done. 

Unless something goes terribly wrong in the last 100 pages or so, I'll for sure be wanting to pick up the next book!

You'll like this book if you also enjoy:  Irish Folklore, Fae, Healers, fantasy that feels more historical, multiple POVs

Trigger warnings:  (As of the first 300 pages, most of these are off page but definitely talked about, sometimes in detail) rape, violence, torture, loss of spouse and child, prison


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Finding the Perfect Critique Partners, Beta Readers, and Sensitivity Readers

For days, weeks, months, maybe even years you slave away at your writing project. Agonizing over the plot, developing the characters, and starting into space trying to think of the exact perfect word. Your manuscript has been washed with blood, sweat, and tears. But it is finally complete. 

You think "Yes! Now I can query to literary agents or slap on a cover and self-publish my book! It's all over!"

WRONG.

Please, do not submit your manuscript over to agents or self-publish it just yet. Because as much as you wish it were true, your first draft is not going to be brilliant. Even your second draft won't be a masterpiece. It's not because you're not a good writer - it's simply because that's now how it works.

What you need next are critique partners, beta readers, and sensitivity readers.

As in, you need other people to read your work and give feedback. I know, it sounds terrifying. But, wouldn't you rather get the feedback now from friends, fellow writers, and trusted readers, rather than when you submit to a literary agent or publisher and they give it to you?

There's this image of writers where they are these solitary creatures living in drafty European apartments by themselves typing away by candlelight (on a typewriter of course because there's no electricity), with an overgrown beard, and only the pigeons or a charming squirrel to keep them company. Now, there might be some famous writers who lived that way.

But let's be real - not all of us are Emily Dickenson or Henry David Thoreau. So get that lone writer image out of your head right now. You need other people.

Yes, the writing itself is (usually) a solitary endeavor. Only you can write your book. But, that's the only part of the process that is. 

Your critique partners and beta readers are your cheer squad. The people who have your back. The ones who can dish out the tough love. When you're in "the depths" and wonder why you started writing in the first place, they pull you back up and remind you how awesome you are. Most importantly, they help you to clean up and polish your manuscript as much as you can so when the time comes for you to submit to editors, agents, and publishers, you're confident in the work you created.

While I come from this at a novel writing perspective, I think having people like this in your life is important no matter what sort of writing you do. Non-fiction, blogging, short stories, etc. 

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Critique Partners (CPs)

A Critique Partner is a fellow writer or group of writers where you share your work, give each other feedback, and offer support during the writing and publishing process.

I have two "permanent" CPs where we have an almost constant messaging thread going and we are always sending each other chapters and scenes, brainstorming our novels, encouraging each other when we're down, and also talk about what's going on in our lives too. (It's a perk of having CPs who are also friends you've had for several years.) We're each others sounding boards, givers of tough love, and writing support group. Basically, I could rave and gush about how awesome our little writing group is for pages and pages. They're basically my life line when I feel like I should give up on this whole endeavor. 

These two CPs see my work as I'm drafting, as well as after. One of my last manuscripts they saw multiple drafts. They are the ones who hear my ideas and see any of my work before any one else. Other than my family - maybe. 

It can be hard to find the perfect CP. I kind of lucked into my writing group because they were people I've known for a long time. One of them approached me a few years ago because she was starting to take her writing more seriously and knew I wrote novels as well, and was like "we should read each others books and help one another out." A year or two later she suggested we added another girl to our group, and it's been that way ever since. 

But, not everyone is that fortunate. I know I've had to go through a lot of trial and error with other CPs and not everyone you exchange pages with is going to be a good fit.

What to look for in a CP? It all depends on what you need, your style, your schedule, and your genre.

You need to have at least one CP who writes in your genre. Not that people who don't write other genres can't be helpful to you. They absolutely are and it's important to have people who work with other genres to read your book too because you can learn from them! But, you still need someone who writes and reads what you write because they're going to understand the nuances of that genre. My CPs both write fantasy, but they aren't familiar with urban fantasy, so when I was writing that genre, I went out and found another CP or two so I could have their feedback as well. 

Find other people who fit your schedule. Some people are part of dedicated writing groups who meet at a regular time each week or month. Which is awesome! My work schedule though? It would be nearly impossible for me to do this. Even though one of my CPs lives in the same area as I do, the other one does not. So, we have an ongoing chat online and share our manuscripts via Google Docs. Usually, we don't have time limits on when we need certain things done and can be flexible. If you are on a time limit, be sure you communicate with your CPs about this.

Find CPs where you enjoy reading their work as well. The key word is partner. Having a CP isn't a one way street. You need to give them feedback and support as well. You need to have CPs where you feel like you can enjoy reading their work and give the feedback they need. If you find that you don't like their writing style or don't think you're a good fit for feedback, then you need to have that conversation with them. If you don't, you're doing both them and yourself a disservice. Usually, it's a good idea to swap a chapter or two with a potential CP to test out and see if you're a good match before you get too deep into one another's manuscripts. 

As to how many CPs to have? It all depends on what you want and need. I don't think it's a good idea to have more than 2-4 because you don't want too many cooks in the kitchen. But, that's just me.

 

Beta Readers

A beta reader is someone who reads your manuscript to give you their thoughts and feedback. 

Beta readers are different from CPs for a few reasons. 

  • They don't necessarily need to be fellow writers. They can be, and I think there is great value in having another writer or two act as a beta reader. But, it is also important to have beta readers who simply enjoy reading. Particularly those who like to read books in your genre. Ideally, you'll have a mix of both. 
  • You don't have to be their beta reader back. You can, and I think there's value in that as well. But, it's not necessary. It all depends on your relationship with your beta reader(s). 
  • The purpose of a CP is to give you feedback and critique as a writer. How I see it, CPs can do more line edits, tough love, technical feedback, and digging really deep into the book. While beta readers give you feedback and critique as a reader. How the story flows as a whole. 

What to look for in a beta reader? Like with CPs, it all depends on your schedule, style, and needs. 

Someone who reads in your genre. Yes, you can have beta readers who don't read your genre. But, if you write science fiction and your beta reader reads almost exclusively historical, they're probably not going to enjoy your novel or give the feedback you need. There are exceptions of course. Recently, a friend of mine wrote a book of poetry which had an overarching story line and asked if I could give her my thoughts. I know NOTHING about poetry, but she said she wanted more of my thoughts on the narrative vs. the words themselves. So, I was able to read and give her my feedback. 

Someone who isn't a writer. As I said before, you can absolutely have people who are fellow writers as a beta reader and I think you should. But, you need to have at least one person who does not write and can come at it with a strictly reading perspective. If you plan on publishing, a majority of your audience will have zero interest in having a writing career of their own. Therefore, you need the viewpoint of someone in the same mindset. 

Someone who fits your schedule. If you are on deadline, find readers who are willing to stick to that deadline. (But also be reasonable. If you wrote a 500 page book, don't expect them to give you all their thoughts by the end of the week.) If you want to meet someone in person to talk about their thoughts, find people nearby. Or if you're okay with sharing online, you can poke around to find people who don't live in your area. 

How many? As many as you like and need. Like CPs, I would avoid having too many because too many voices can be overwhelming and make you more confused. But be sure to have a variety of people. 

 

Sensitivity Readers

A sensitivity reader is someone who identifies with a marginalized group and reads your manuscript to identify any representation issues. 

This. Is. So. Important.

It's not about being politically correct or not offending people or censoring your freedom of speech. It's about being sure you are being respectful and inclusive to people who are different than you.

An article with the Huffington Post states,

Sensitivity readers say to the author, “We exist too, and we ought to exist on our terms.”

Basically, if you have a book which has characters who are somewhere on the LGBT+ spectrum and you are not, find someone who is to read your book. If you identify as one race, but you have characters who are of a different race, have people who are that race read your book. 

Heck, even if you do identify in a marginalized group, have others in that group read your book as well. When I wrote my flash fiction piece, The Living Porcelain Dollit was about the disability I have. But, I still wanted to be sure I was being respectful and handled the representation well. So, I reached out to a friend of mine who also has a divisibility to take a look in case there was anything I missed. 

Your sensitivity readers can act as your CPs and beta readers as well. So, don't feel like you need to find a separate third group of people. Or, you can have someone look at your book specifically and only for sensitivity reading as well. It's up to you. Just be sure you have multiple because each person is going to come from a different point of view and will have something else to offer. 

 

Where to Find Them

This is the tricky part. But you have a few options.

People in Real Life

  • I was lucky and had a couple of friends from college who were writers and they make up my writing group. They have introduced me to other writers. In fact, in a few weeks we're going to have a small writing retreat and I'll be able to make more writing friends.
  • Check out your local library and book stores. Many times they'll have writing groups who meet there and are welcoming new members!
  • Take a writing class. It might cost money and time, but it's a great way to know that the people you're meeting are just as serious about writing as you are!
  • Go to a writing conference. This is another one that has a price tag and you might need to do research to find the best conferences for you. But, they're great places to network!

The Internet

 

Sending off your manuscript to have someone pour over and read is completely terrifying. I know. You've worked hard on your manuscript and put pieces of yourself into it. Having others read it and give feedback can be difficult. But, it's totally worth it.

You want your work to be the best it can possibly be, and these readers will help you get there. You deserve to have an awesome novel!

Finding the perfect fits for these readers is also hard. You need to be patient and willing to do the leg work to find the best people for the feedback you need. I've had a lot of flops when it comes to this, but it's worth it once you find the right people. And you might need different people for different manuscripts. That's okay!

How have you found your Critique Partners, Beta Readers, and Sensitivity Readers? What tips do you have for others to network? What other questions do you have about connecting with other writers?


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12 Audio Books for Your Next Road Trip

First - an announcement! I decided to start sharing my short stories on WattPad! I'll publish my flash fiction here on the blog first. But then I'll share them to WattPad. It's a great place to post and read fiction and I'm really excited to build a platform there! You can follow me by clicking here

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Long ago (so like... a few months), I was a part of a thing called Booktube. Basically... people on YouTube who talked about books. I burned out on it a bit and that was when I switched back to blogging, which has been good for me. But, some of my friends host Monthly Recommendations on Goodreads where each month there is a topic and people share their recs for said topic. It's open to people who blog too and I realized the other day... there is literally zero reason why I can't still participate in Monthly Recs here on the blog. 

So... here I am!

This month we're talking about favorite audio books. Which is perfect because I associate audio books with travel and driving, and what better time than summer to be planning what you'll listen to on your next road trip? When I had a longer commute to work, I realized it was a ton of wasted reading time so I started to listen to audio books and podcasts. I loved it! My commute for work these days is much shorter, so I mainly listen to podcasts now because they're faster to get through. But I still download audio books to my phone here and there. It's such a great opportunity to experience a book in a different way. 

You absolutely don't need to be in the car or on a road trip when listening to books - of course. That's simply my favorite way. Even when I'm road tripping with friends and family, sometimes it's fun to have an audio book to listen to along the way. Once, I listened to an audio book when I had to fly and it was completely delightful because the whole trip I could close my eyes, shut out the world, and listen to my book.

I have a lot of friends as new moms love to listen to audio books because it's the easiest way for them to read while taking care of their baby, some people listen while working out, other while doing things around the house, etc. 

 

The Night Circus written by Erin Morgenstern, Narrated by Jim Dale

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  • Genre: Historical Fantasy
  • Length: 13 hours 39 min

This is one of my favorite books of all time - so it must go at the top of the list. Jim Dale is also the narrator for the Harry Potter books (which, you should listen to those as well if you haven't yet because it brings the books to life n a whole new way!) and he's the absolute perfect person to narrate The Night Circus

It is a book full of magic, romance, mystery, and everything that is beautiful and wonderful in this world. This book follows two magicians who, since childhood, are pitted against one another in a magic competition where a circus which only opens at night is the arena. If there is only one audio book you ever listen to, make it this one. 

The only hitch is that the narration does go back and forth between years and locations, so be sure you're paying attention at the start of each chapter so you know what year and location you are in.

 

Neil Patrick Harris:  Choose Your Own Autobiography written and narrated by Neil Patrick Harris

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  • Genre: Autobiography/Memoir
  • Length:  7 hours 15 minutes

Some of my favorite audio books are memoirs which are narrated by the authors. In fact, I read celebrity memoirs almost exclusively as audio books because I love feeling like I'm sitting down and hanging out with the author as they tell me their life story. 

I loved Neil Patrick Harris' memoir! It's a bit tricky to listen to because it's set up as a "choose your own adventure book" where you do the "to pick this ending jump ahead to..." sort of thing. Which, this is still an option in the audio book if you aren't driving and have your hands available to skip around to different pages and chapters. However, it still totally works and makes sense if you don't because you can listen to it straight through and hear all of the alternate endings of the chapters. 

He also has exclusive audio clips in the audio book you can't get in the regular book, so that's pretty awesome as well.

 

A Madness So Discreet written by Mindy McGinnis, narrated by Brittany Pressley

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  • Genre:  Young Adult Historical
  • Length:  9 hours 34 minutes

When I talk about books by Mindy McGinnis, I always want to remind you to not let the "young adult" label turn you away from her work if you aren't a fan of YA. Yes, it is a YA book. But, a majority of her fan base are adults and her books don't always have the same tone of other YA's. They're very gritty and deal with some intense topics. (Not that other YA books don't, but it's slightly different with Mindy's books.)

This was the book I listened to on an airplane a couple of years back. It was the day after the election and usually I enjoy flying, but that day I just wasn't in the mood for dealing with people. This book was the perfect solution. I loved closing my eyes and letting the narrator take me away with the story. (Also, the subject matter and story was kind of perfect for how I was feeling that day. So, if you were like me a pretty sad that day, this book is for you!) A Madness So Discreet is still one of my favorites by Mindy McGinnis. I wish she would write a sequel so badly!

 

The Paper Magician Trilogy by Charlie N Holmberg, narrated by Amy McFadden

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  • Genre: New Adult Historical Fantasy
  • Length:  7 hours 25 minutes (the first book- The Paper Magician)

When I first read The Paper Magician series it was via audio book and I was so into the final book, I switched back and forth between the audio and the Kindle version so I could keep reading no matter what. But, switching to the "regular" book was weird after listening to the audio for so long! Not that the "regular" book was bad, it wasn't at all! I think it just shows what a great narrator Amy McFadden was for the series!

This trilogy is my favorite of all of Holmberg's books, and I loved the spin-off as well. It's fun, magical, sweet, but also has some dark twsists that I loved! Also, I've heard Disney has picked up these books so... I say get on the train!

 

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz, narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda

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  • Genre:  Young Adult Historical (Technically it's historical... it takes place in the late 1980s)
  • Length:  7 hours 29 minutes 

The first time I read this book, I read it via a "regular" paper back and completely fell in love. It's another one where yes it's young adult, but I firmly believe that even if you don't typically like young adult you'll like this book. It's beautiful, heartfelt, honest, and the characters are some of my favorites. It totally deserves all of the awards it was given!

Then... I heard Lin-Manuel Miranda narrated the audio version. Naturally, I checked it out of my library and listened.

If Lin-Manuel Miranda doesn't convince you to listen, I don't know what will. 

 

Binge written and narrated by Tyler Oakley

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  • Genre:  Autobiography/Memoir
  • Length:  7 hours 16 minutes

I adore Tyler Oakley and love his videos and his podcast. So, when he released a memoir I was all over it. I went back and forth between the hardcover and the audio and both were great! I loved his stories (even if some of them made me feel like a concerned parent and I was like "please be careful and make good and safe life choices...") and getting a deeper insight into his life. 

 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, narrated by Rosamund Pike

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  • Genre:  Classic
  • Length:  11 hours 35 minutes

Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite classic novels! I've seen nearly every adaptation roughly a million times. When I saw Audible had a narration by Rosamund Pike (she was Jane in the 2005 movie) I was all over it! I loved how she told the story and really nailed each character! Sometimes it's odd hearing a female voice read a male character, but with her when she did the men's dialogue it wasn't weird at all! 

There are times when it is hard for me to read classic novels because the writing style is so much different than what authors use today, so audio books can help with that!

 

The Selection series by Kierra Cass, narrated by Amy Rubinate

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  • Genre:  Young Adult Romance/Dystopian
  • Length:  8 hours 7 minutes (the first book- The Selection)

Now, The Selection series, it is completely 100% young adult. If you don't like fluffy YA that takes place in a dystopian America and is basically The Bachelor with royal teenagers filled with love triangles and drama - you can pass on this one.

But if that sounds appealing to you, you'll LOVE The Selection. A friend of mine read it a few years ago and told me to read it and to text her all of my reactions because she thought they would be funny. I had so many feelings and reactions to these books, and it was 100% filled with fun. I listened to all three on audio and enjoyed every moment. 

 

Shades of Milk and Honey written and narrated by Mary Robinette Kowal

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  • Genre:  Historical Fantasy
  • Length:  7 hours 37 minutes

Do you know what's just as awesome as authors of memoirs reading their own books? Authors reading their own novels as well. Thankfully, Mary Robinette Kowal has a history in puppetry, so she's an amazing audio book narrator! She does the best voices and it feels like she's reading you a bed time story. 

Shades of Milk and Honey is the first in her Glamourist Histories series, but it doesn't end in a cliffhanger and is it's own complete book so if you don't want to dedicate yourself to a whole series, you'll still enjoy this one. It's basically like reading a Jane Austen book - but with magic!

 

The Cormoran Strike novels by Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling), narrated by Robert Glenister

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  • Genre:  Mystery/Thriller/Detective
  • Length:  15 hours 54 minutes  (the first book - The Cuckoo's Calling)

I only listened to the second and third books of this series on audio - but they were fantastic so I'm confident the first book is just as good on audio as it is in print form!

I'm not usually a huge fan of mystery and thrillers, and when it comes to detective stories I prefer them as movies or TV shows. These books are one of the exceptions and I simply adore them! They each have their own "flavor" and theme, but the third one so far is my favorite. It was creepy (which I'm usually not a fan of) and exciting. So much so that once I missed my exit coming home from work because I was so engrossed, and once I had to turn it off and wait until I got home to keep going because I was getting so creeped out! (But in a good way.) I need the next book as soon as possible.

 

Talking as Fast as I Can written and narrated by Lauren Graham

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  • Genre:  Autobiography/Memoir
  • Length:  4 hours 38 minutes

If you are a fan of Gilmore Girls and/or Parenthood and you haven't listened or read this book yet, why haven't you? It's wonderful, fun, and I loved hearing more about how Lauren Graham became an actress and her experiences on set. 

A plus is that it's pretty short. I listened to this on a quick road trip and it was the perfect timing!

 

The Diviners by Libba Bray, narrated by January LaVoy

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  • Genre:  Young Adult Historical Paranormal/Fantasy/Horror
  • Length:  18 hours 14 minutes

For my grand finale we have one of the best audio books I have ever listened to! This is another one where if you enjoy paranormal/horror/fantasy/history, but not young adult - don't turn away from this book because it's labeled YA! I think anyone who enjoys these genres will like The Diviners!

I listened to this in October for Halloween and it was the perfect pick. It was creepy and mysterious, but so much so that I couldn't sleep at night. Our main character Evie is fun and delightful, and I am in love with this inclusive cast of characters! The narrator does each voice so well, which is difficult because this book has a BIG cast! She also has moments where she has to sing and sometimes with audio books that can feel awkward, but in this one it's completely perfect. I have zero complaints about this book and I can't wait to listen to book 2!

 

There you have it! 12 audio books for you to listen to on your next road trip - or whatever it is you're up to and you want something good to listen to!

Do you listen to audio books? What are some of your favorites?

Ready to read? Check out this promotion from Barnes & Noble:


Like what you read? Consider buying me a coffee.