tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13996535547151189102024-03-11T02:44:31.725-05:00Prose Before WoesThe life and times of a (former) English Grad student trying to make it in the real world.Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-46787453408199533412014-02-05T15:37:00.005-06:002014-02-05T15:37:45.756-06:00New HostWell, I did it.<br />
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I joined many others and switched my blog over to wordpress. I would love it if you all would keep reading me over there!<br />
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Here's the <a href="http://prosebeforewoes.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">link!</a>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-79343275228102756852013-08-15T16:11:00.000-05:002013-08-15T16:11:15.812-05:00Remember When Writing Was Fun?I might've written something like this before...<br />
<br />
Anyway, I've hit this wall. This wall of just not caring about my craft and it totally sucks.<br />
<br />
Writing used to be my passion. I mean, I used to have so many ideas and just such energy that I filled notebooks up with scrawling. Seriously, everywhere I went, I spent 90% of the time writing. Restaurant: wrote on the back of paper napkins. Church: Wrote all over the bulletin. School: well...notebooks. I even wrote fanfiction.<br />
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But now...<br />
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Now it's like another job. I have contests I want to enter. Samples I'm preparing as samples for Agents. Articles that I write for <a href="http://culturemass.com/" target="_blank">culturemass.com</a>. I'm trying to build a web presence, a publishing history, and maybe even make a little money along the way (because isn't that part of <i>why </i>I got an MFA?).<br />
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So, in other words, now there's all this ....pressure. And it's all from me! I'm putting all this pressure on me and my craft. That it <i>has </i>to work out. That it <i>has </i>to be done. And just thinking about it all is exhausting. Then, I sit down to write and nothing comes out.<br />
<br />
...Which freaks me out even more.<br />
<br />
I know what it all comes from.<br />
<br />
I'm not writing for <i>me </i>anymore. I'm writing for my career. It's become work, and it's less fun. Which is also scary and freaks me out. (I think this is why authors do writing retreats, but I can't afford a writing retreat so what's a girl to do? Push through it.)<br />
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This big question here is: HOW DO I MAKE IT FUN AGAIN?<br />
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The answer: *shrug* I don't know.<br />
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My plan for now is to just power through it. That's all I can do. It'll be fun again one day. I'm not going to give up on that day.Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-47508929455133241412013-08-05T16:15:00.003-05:002013-08-05T16:16:43.477-05:00Agents: Why Do Writers Need Them?As mentioned in my last post, I am looking for finding an agent so I can get my book published. But agents aren't editors. They don't work for publishing companies. Then, why do I need one?<br />
<br />
Well, the short answer is that because they work for me.<br />
<br />
Okay, that's a super short answer. An agent is the support staff for a writer. One thing that I've heard from countless lectures I've gone to with editor/agent speakers, is that the publishing business would crumble without the writer. Therefore, everything is pretty much built upon what the writer produces. Publishers want you to produce something awesome that will sell. Editors, and mostly agents, are the ones that help the author do this.<br />
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This is the breakdown of what an agent does as far as I know:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>They support the writer</li>
<li>Help the writer manage their career</li>
<li>Manage the rights to the books</li>
<li>Be the writer's advocate</li>
<li>Act as a bridge between you and the editor </li>
</ul>
The agents are going to be the star quarterback for team Writer. A legit agent doesn't get paid until you, the writer, does. They take a small percentage, but for what they do it seems worth it. They're the ones who help you with revision. They're the ones with the connections in the publishing world. They make sure they you get the most you can for your work.<br />
<br />
Finding the right agent is like dating. You want to make sure that you click with one another. So, when you're looking for an agent, make sure you do your research. This is some great advice that one of my professors passed on to me this summer. <a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Literary Rambles</a> is a great resource. They've got links to various agents and have collections of interviews and articles with the agent listed online.<br />
<br />
Lastly, two things to keep in mind.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Most publishing houses won't look at manuscripts if a writer <i>doesn't </i>have an agent</li>
<li>Even with an agent, there is a chance that your book won't be picked up for publication</li>
</ol>
So that's what I got. Agents = good. As writers we need them, and they need us. When I finally get an agent, cookies will be sent.<br />
<br />
In a little while, I'll post about the querying process (the process of trying to get an agent to take you on), so until then, have a good one!Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-71084856896826171862013-07-29T17:40:00.000-05:002013-07-29T17:40:33.279-05:00Life After Grad School*waves sheepishly from slumped down position in chair*<div>
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<div>
Hello. I know it's been FOREVER since I posted here. I haven't forgotten about my blog. Nope. I've just been super busy. Not a fantastic excuse, but when you're working on a thesis it's what happens. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Well, I am totally done with my thesis! </div>
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<div>
Some of you may have forgotten or are new here and may be asking, "What was your thesis?"</div>
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It was (and it still exists but now as my WIP) a YA novel that is a little bit urban fantasy. I say a little bit because it's not so much urban, but its not high fantasy. However, that is a discussion for another day! (Along with writing a YA novel, I also had to write a 12-15 page paper that went with it. That got me doing a good bit of research on the whole "urban fantasy" category).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Okay, so my thesis is done. What have I been doing since then?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Trying to figure life out. And reading whatever I want! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
So.... trying to figure life out is not super fun. I mean, I love life. I love my husband and where we are in our lives right now, but I have this thesis and MFA and I need to do something with it. That means trying to figure life (as a future author) out. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am starting the querying process and trying to find an agent. Why do I need an agent? Why not just straight to an editor? Well, the market keeps changing and it's good to have someone on your team. I'll write a whole blog post about why you need an agent and my querying process. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, reading whatever I want.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Holy crap. I haven't been able to do that since... I don't know, like, middle school. I've always gone to fairly competitive schools and have always had a pretty heavy reading list handed out to me at the beginning of each semester or summer.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But now. Now I don't. </div>
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It's been amazing! Right, so there's a phrase "happy as a kid in a candy store." That's me. It's not candy though. It's books. If you'd like to keep up with my reviews and whatnot you should check out <a href="http://culturemass.com/author/caroline/" target="_blank">my articles on CultureMass</a>. Also, I have a goodreads widget that keeps track of what books I'm reading this year (just incase you're dying to know....)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
So. Now that I have free time I'm planning on posting a good bit more. I promise. For real this time. </div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-89949585289683657322013-02-11T15:16:00.002-06:002013-02-11T15:16:27.922-06:00What I Learned Today<span style="color: #660000;">It's been rainy today.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Any yesterday.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">And for like the last couple of weeks.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">BUT - I had today off and I needed to get work done on the thesis. So after running some errands, I came to my local library. I love this place. It's just... amazing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Anyway, I learned several things today. I thought I'd share...</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I learned how swords were made/ forged way back in the day. Surprise, they were made by swordsmiths that had to mix up their own steel alloys and whatnot. How intense is that? From the essay I read, it was all very complicated. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">I discovered a plethora of webpages on how to make a sword at home. None of them were helpful for what I was researching for thesis, but it was intriguing to know that my next DIY project could me making myself a sword. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">This:</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.swordsknivesanddaggers.com/assets/images/anatomy-of-a-sword.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://www.swordsknivesanddaggers.com/assets/images/anatomy-of-a-sword.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000;">4. ANNNND that I can checkout as many CDs and video games from my library. From what I understand I can check out 10 DVDs at a time, as many CDs, games, and books as I want. This is dangerous knowledge but AWESOME since I'm trying to save money. No I don't need to download Florence + The Machine's new CD from iTunes - I can check it out! Holla!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000;">5. Also, turns out I get a lot more homework done on rainy days and when I force myself to go the the library where my bird and the TV can't tempt me. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">6. Back to swords and smart things: I now know what steel is made of and the best type to make a sword out of. You want carbon steel. That stainless steel is fine for a blade under 12" but for anything longer than that you want carbon steel (which is made up of iron and carbon). Ha! Look at me, being all scientific. Also, the steel needs to be heat treated so it's not too brittle. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Hmmm.... I wonder what I'll learn about tomorrow</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
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<br />Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-90488191785789047632013-02-09T23:10:00.002-06:002013-02-09T23:15:31.970-06:00Book Review: Paper Valentine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1350335466l/12109772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1350335466l/12109772.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #660000;">I did it! I'm so very proud of myself. I read one of my books on my <a href="http://prosebeforewoes.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-debuts-im.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Debuts 2013</a> and <a href="http://prosebeforewoes.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-ten-tuesday-books-i-want-to-read-in.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Want to Read in 2013</a> lists. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">And now, now I'm going to review it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Why I do book reviews, I really have no idea. They aren't really anything in-depth. If I was an outsider reading it, I'm not sure it would sway me one way or the other to read the actual book... but here I go anyway.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">So, <i>Paper Valentine</i>. I had pretty high hopes for it. It promised super natural elements (Hannah the main character is being haunted by her dead best friend), romance, and suspense (someone is going around killing girls - of <i>course </i>our narrator is going to get mixed up in it). </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Buuuut, I found this book oddly disappointing. The little blurb on the book jacket made it sound so fun. There was even an intense heat wave and some weird disease going around killing birds -- that could totally be awesome if it lead back into the overall plot. But it didn't. So, I feel like I was set up to be disappointed. I mean, why put that in the hook if it really doesn't relate back to the plot at all? Sure, it sets the scene. But it's not like the weather is influencing the killer. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">And then there's Hannah's best friend that's a ghost. I mean, it was weird, and the relationship that the two of them had (when Lillian was alive) was pretty complicated, but Lillian's death doesn't really relate back to the killer at all. (Not much of a spoiler - you find out pretty early on what happened to her). And, I don't know, that just rubbed me the wrong way. I mean, the way that she died, and her death, are important to the development of Hannah's character, but not the driving force behind her growth. Again, I felt like I was set up a bit.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">What I did really like about this book though was how it was written. The main reason that I kept reading it was to observe the character dynamics (they are very similar to the ones I'm trying to produce in my thesis/novel) and just the flow of her writing. It was pretty amazing, in describing lover boy Finny Boone's hair we get a memory of the day he first died it that also correspondes with a big moment in Hannah's life. Also, in this memory, we get character insight into more than one main character. So, I found the way that she interwove her backstory and details and whatnot all together pretty fascinating. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Also, she did a really great job of incorporating all the senses in her scenes. Another thing that I'm trying to work on - thus I noticed it. She did it so well, that I think, only if you were looking for it, you would notice that in some cases she weaves all 5 senses onto one page without throwing it in your face. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">So... yes, that was a bit better than I've given before... I think. Anyway, I don't think I would recommend this book. I mean, the aspects that I enjoyed in it were all craft related and mostly things I wanted to do better that she did well. If I hadn't been looking for those things and found them in this book, I would've returned it to the library before I finished it. Just saying. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">However, this is all a matter of personal taste. Lot's of people on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/" target="_blank">GoodReads</a> loved it - so you can check out reviews there, but this wasn't a favorite of mine. You win some, you loose some.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">BUT! Please, if you've read the book and disagree or agree let me know. Or, you know, other thoughts are welcome. Leave a comment and if you hit me up with a link to you're blog I'll try and comment back. </span>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-54857901037663780412013-02-02T22:27:00.001-06:002013-02-02T22:27:50.043-06:00BWAAAAAA!<span style="color: #660000;">Okay, so this is me freaking out a bit.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">I really wanted to keep up with the Top Ten Tuesday. I really did. It's been super fun and easy to do several posts at once in advance... but I just can't commit to it anymore.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">I'm sorry to say, but I really just can't commit to my blog right now. Here's a list of what on my plate....</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">Thesis (research, reading models, planning, writing, thinking...)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">Reading</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">This writing project I'm doing with some Peace Core Volunteers where I write a short story (in English) based on the town/village that these children live in in Ethiopia</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">The 12-15 page paper that goes along with the novel portion of my thesis</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">Housework/ being a non-slacker partner to Husband (who has been working 12 hour shifts on top of school and is just plain worn out) and trying to keep some order in the house to balance the chaos of his schedule</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">My job</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">Having a life</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">Oh... and sleep</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #660000;">That's a lot on one plate. And look, my blog isn't even on it. Oh, and I'm going to be helping my buddy Cameron and some others out with a new entertainment blog that launches in March. The only reason that that isn't stressing me out is that it's not a whole blog/project that is on my shoulders alone. I get to make up lists and whatnot. On this blog I feel that I have a bit of a difference audience. I know that some of you enjoy the personal aspects of the blog and I do to...</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">I also enjoy writing about the books I've been reading. But that's not happening.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Last night I did finish <i>Paper Valentine</i> one of the books on my 2013 Top Ten that's being released this year. It was...okay. I stuck with it because a lot of the relationships in the book were similar to ones in mine and I wanted to see how the author went about <i>showing </i>these relationships and not just <i>telling</i>. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Okay... whew. I would say I feel better but it's late, I need to unload the dishwasher and write one more chapter before tomorrow and all I want to do is sleep.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">WHEW! </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">WHERE IS THE CAFFEINE DRIP WHEN I NEED ONE? </span>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-32216130999406971692013-01-19T15:01:00.000-06:002013-01-19T15:01:03.893-06:00Libraries as Crack HousesRight, so in one of my super early posts I talked about how books can be like crack to writers (and just general book-lovers). For real, if it wasn't for my husband and having to be a partner in a grown-up relationship, I'd most likely blow all my grocery money on books. I can never have enough. It's a problem. I think they need to get some support groups up in here.<br />
<br />
For example: I have about 185 books on my shelf (this includes reference books and the like but it <i>doesn't </i>include all the books I still have at my parent's house) and I haven't read about 75 of them. It's even worse at my parents house. Like, how is this possible? I have all these books I bought <i>wanting </i>to read... then I don't get to them and just go buy more. WHY? IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE!<br />
<br />
But crack addiction doesn't really make sense to me either. So, there's that.<br />
<br />
Now, I'm circling back to my central thesis here.<br />
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Libraries are freaking awesome. A whole building full of books and movies and audio books that you can borrow for FREE. <i>FREE! </i>Okay, not free... taxes and all that. But whatever, I don't have to pay for each book.<br />
<br />
But libraries, while super awesome, are really bad for bookish people. Here's a chance to just get MORE books that you intend on reading. It's like letting a former alcoholic walk through an ABC store. It's so tempting. And all those books you own that you haven't read, they'll just gather more dust. And you'll renew these books until you've run out of renewals and then probably get some late fees. <br />
<br />
It's just dangerous.<br />
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And so wonderfully delightful.<br />
<br />
<i>(Note: I want to make clear that I really do think real addiction is not something to joke about. Yes, I"ve trivialized it a bit in this post, but I really don't think being addicted to books is anywhere near as damaging as other addictions. There, I feel better...)</i>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-74726775766915423472013-01-15T17:24:00.000-06:002013-01-15T17:24:20.151-06:00Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Debuts I'm Looking Forward To<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cI033kLUs0uIwOqhZ1nGhJsW33W52bfno-7acBW5YYMndmIUL3WKNSpciSIZfbb_9B0AS4ALObUezYaSApyTAlL3PV0DzVpPzW13z7yjGxHFPUI-3F0Fug9ABU-DFe5tZREiipY5SXFl/s1600/top+ten+tuesday+2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cI033kLUs0uIwOqhZ1nGhJsW33W52bfno-7acBW5YYMndmIUL3WKNSpciSIZfbb_9B0AS4ALObUezYaSApyTAlL3PV0DzVpPzW13z7yjGxHFPUI-3F0Fug9ABU-DFe5tZREiipY5SXFl/s320/top+ten+tuesday+2+copy.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, I decided that I wanted to try and at least update my blog every Tuesday (with my Top Ten post) and then on Thursdays with something more personal</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">That didn't happen this past week... So, forgive me. I promise that my blog will <i>not </i>just be top ten posts, but anyway...</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, here we are again. Another week and another Ten Top to go with it! Top Ten Tuesdays are brought to you by <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/p/top-ten-tuesday-other-features.html" target="_blank">The Broke and the Bookish</a>. Click the link to learn more about Top Ten Tuesdays.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, this week is Top Ten Debutes that I'm looking forward to. For me, this was a really fun one to research. Usually, I don't know what books are coming out until I walk past the "New Releases" shelf at the bookstore. So, for this, I had to do some investigating. I found a list of 2013 books at goodreads via Google. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And now, on with the list!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1) Divergent #3 - by Veronica Roth</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">No cover or other info released yet</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Publish Date: Fall 2013</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2) <i>Awaken </i>- Meg Cabot </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The third in her Abandon Trilogy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13061500-awaken" target="_blank">goodreads</a> has to say: <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Death has her in his clutches. She doesn’t want him to let go.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera knew by accepting the love of John Hayden, she’d be forced to live forever in the one place she’s always dreaded most: the Underworld. The sacrifice seemed worth it, though, because it meant she could be with the boy she loves.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">But now her happiness — and safety — are threatened, all because the Furies have discovered that John has broken one of their strictest rules: He revived a human soul.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">If the balance between life and death isn’t fixed, both the Underworld and Pierce’s home back on earth will be wiped away. But there’s only one way to restore order. Someone has to die.</span></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Publish Date: May 7, 2013</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3) <i>Scarlet </i>- Marrisa Meyer</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The second in the Lunar Chronicles</span><br />
<i><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(Note: I haven't read the first one yet, but have heard great things. I can't wait to read it and this one!)</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13206760-scarlet" target="_blank">goodreads</a> has to say: <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the </span><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">New York Times</em><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.</span></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Publish Date: February 5, 2013 </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4)<i> </i>Raven Cycle Book 2 - Maggie Stiefvater </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">September 2013</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">No cover or other info released yet</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5)<i> S<span style="color: #274e13;">hards and Ashes - </span></i><span style="color: #274e13;">editor Melissa Marr</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14811468-shards-ashes" target="_blank">goodreads</a> has to say: <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Gripping original stories of dystopian worlds from nine New York Times bestselling authors, edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">The world is gone, destroyed by human, ecological, or supernatural causes. Survivors dodge chemical warfare and cruel gods; they travel the reaches of space and inhabit underground caverns. Their enemies are disease, corrupt corporations, and one another; their resources are few, and their courage is tested.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Powerful original dystopian tales from nine bestselling authors offer bleak insight, prophetic visions, and precious glimmers of light among the shards and ashes of a ruined world.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Stories from:</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Kelley Armstrong</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Rachel Caine</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Kami Garcia</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Nancy Holder</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Melissa Marr</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Beth Revis</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Veronica Roth</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Carrie Ryan</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Margaret Stohl</span></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Publish Date: February 19, 2013 </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6) <i>The Coldest Girl in Cold Town </i>- Holly Black</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Expected Publish Date: September 1, 2013</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">No other info released yet.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">7) <i>Paper Valentine </i>by Brenna Yovanoff </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12109772-paper-valentine" target="_blank">goodreads</a> has to say: "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">The city of Ludlow is gripped by the hottest July on record. The asphalt is melting, the birds are dying, petty crime is on the rise, and someone in Hannah Wagnor’s peaceful suburban community is killing girls.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn’t there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again"</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Publish Date: Jan 8, 2013</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">8) <i>Taken </i>by Erin Bowman</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11044367-taken" target="_blank">goodreads</a> has to say: "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends…and he’s gone.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">They call it the Heist.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?"</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19px;">Publish Date: April 16, 2013</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">9) <i>The Madness Underneath </i>by Maureen Johnson </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12937427-the-madness-underneath" target="_blank">goodreads</a> has to say - "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">When madness stalks the streets of London, no one is safe…</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">There’s a creepy new terror haunting modern-day London. Fresh from defeating a Jack the Ripper killer, Rory must put her new-found hunting skills to the test before all hell breaks loose…</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">But enemies are not always who you expect them to be and crazy times call for crazy solutions. A thrilling teen mystery."</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19px;">Publish Date: Feb 26, 2013</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">10) <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><i>Splintered</i> - A. G. Howard</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">What goodreads has to say: T</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">his stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #660000; line-height: 18px;">Publish Date:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #660000; line-height: 18px;"> January 1, 2013</span></span></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-19146538546078564522013-01-08T15:58:00.000-06:002013-01-08T15:58:08.969-06:00Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Bookish Goals for 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Drumroll please!<br />
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Here we have it! Another <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/p/top-ten-tuesday-other-features.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Tuesday</a>!<br />
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This one was a bit easier for me to come up with. Why was trying to think of 10 books I wanted to read next year was slightly more difficult than I thought - I have no idea.<br />
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But here! This one, Top Ten Bookish Goals for 2013. I don't just love bookish things. I <i>live </i>for them.<br />
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So here we go!<br />
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1) <u><span style="color: purple;">Finish my Thesis:</span></u> Yes. This is totally a bookish goal. My thesis is a YA (or "New Adult" - I'll post on this later) novel. So finishing this up will be awesome.<br />
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2) <span style="color: purple;"><u>Submit my finished novel to literary agents (or editors that I've made connections with)</u></span>. This one, pretty straight forward...<br />
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3) Actually <span style="color: purple;">finishing my goodreads 2013 goal</span> of reading 35 books by the end of the year. Last year, I wanted to read 50. I barely made half of that. This year, I'm setting my goal to be about ten over what I actually did in 2012. Baby steps here people. Baby steps.<br />
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4) <span style="color: purple;">Revise that long <i>Harry Potter </i>paper I wrote last year and finally submit it to various journals to get it published</span>. Personally, I think that this might be a super far-fetched goal. Well, the getting it published bit is a bit far fetched... However, my advisor for the paper (who has been the editor of several collections of critical essays) kept suggesting it to me this past summer - so I'm thinking there's a slim hope...<br />
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5) <span style="color: purple;">Read things that our outside of my preferred genre.</span> So - really, getting out of the urban fantasy genre and trying contemporary fiction, science fiction, historical fiction, biography, etc...<br />
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6) <span style="color: purple;">Write some short stories.</span> I haven't really worked on anything apart from my thesis in...hell, I don't know how long. So yes.<br />
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7) <span style="color: purple;">Use the library more often.</span> I don't need to <i>buy </i>all the books I want to read. I can just wait for them to come into the library. Also, my library (and probably yours) lets you check out eBooks... so seize that book.<br />
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8) <span style="color: purple;">Devote more time in my day to reading and writing</span> than watching T.V. - again, that's pretty straightforward.<br />
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9) Try <span style="color: purple;">writing some in some different genres.</span> Break out of that YA fantasy genre (again) - try picture book or contemporary fiction.<br />
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10) <span style="color: purple;">Read all those books</span> that I've bought but never gotten to...<br />
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And boom! There we go. Top Ten Bookish Goals - or I suppose my Top Ten New Years Resolutions. Whatever you want to call it.<br />
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So, what about you? What bookish goals do you have for the next year? Let me know!Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-16154962337493973712013-01-07T14:09:00.002-06:002013-01-07T14:09:43.768-06:00Comfort Zones<span style="color: #660000;">You know that thing when you were little, the whole "if I can't see you, you can't see me" deal? I don't know about you all, but I don't think I ever out grew that instinct.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">When ever the weight of life is particularly heavy (bills, thesis deadlines, work, growing pains, etc.) I tend to do this thing. I go into my closet, turn off all the lights, and lay on the floor in the dark. There isn't a world outside that dark little room. Sure, you might see a girl laying in a pile of dirty clothes in the dark, but I know better. I know that she's picking up the little pieces. (And yes, go ahead and make your in the closet jokes - that's not what this is about...)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">I've found that things tend to sort themselves out in my closet. Plot lines fall into place. Characters' motives become clear. I make a plan of attack for laundry. Then, when I come out, the world doesn't seem so tough anymore.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Everyone needs a comfort zone. I don't think it really has to be a particular <i>place </i>either. I used to like to sit on steps. I know that's weird. But when I needed to think, I'd go find a step in my college dorm, or outside next to my parent's deck, even in the house. I don't know what it is about a flight os steps, but before the closet I was a fan of steps. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">But maybe that's just me? </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">What about you? Is there a place you like to think? Read? Write? Hide from everyone?</span>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-60115092571520408402013-01-03T15:00:00.000-06:002013-01-03T16:35:57.750-06:00A New Year<span style="color: #660000;">Well, I think husband and I are cursed for New Years Eves. Our first one as a married couple he had to work at 4 am the next day so we went to bed at like, 10. And then this year I was sick with a cold. BUT, we have many more to look forward to and it gave me time to think.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">I was going to discuss my New Year's Resolutions... but now I'm not. You may ask, why? Well, come back tuesday and you'll find out :-) I wanted to do goals rather than resolutions. I think they're pretty much the same thing, but the word "goal" just seems less daunting.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">I do want to talk about why I'm really excited about this year. Kind of like what I expect out of 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Before I go into what I'm looking forward to this year, I think you might need some background. I have been in school, like my whole life. The summer I graduated from college - about a month and a half later I began my graduate program. Then I think I've only taken one real semester off while in the program. So, think about it: That's grad school pretty much year round. I love my program, but here's one of the things I'm looking forward to....</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Not being in school. This idea just blows my mind. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Other things... I'll have a completed manuscript done that I can start sending out to literary agencies. Woah. Like, this isn't just a "some day dream" anymore. It's like, ahh - yeah, mid-May. Again. Mind blown.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Also, no required reading. So that's new. Um, time that would be spent on thesis and school can now be devoted to other things. Like cooking and running. Hanging out with husband more and doing lots of fun things. And writing other things that aren't my thesis.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">I say all of this, but I know, come September... I'll start to get antsy again. I'll begin thinking of research papers to write. I'll look into teaching programs or other degrees and everyone will call me crazy, but I can't go that long without school. I love to learn (yes, nerd and proud of it! What's wrong with that? Nothing.) and I love to hone my skills. I love to improve my mind. I think it's a genetic thing. My grandfather was a doctor and studied psychology and like, *fingerwiggle* other medical stuff. General doctor stuff *ends fingerwiggle* and he kept attending classes until he was like 75. Sure, he could pay for it (and that's my biggest restraint but I"ll just work harder). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">But no, getting off that tangent - I'm just really excited to be that person I've been working so long to be. I will have a Master's degree. I'll be a <i>Master </i>of something. How kick-ass is that? Very. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">So, I'm super excited about where I'll be at the end of 2013. What about you? Any big finish lines for you this year? Any goals? </span>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-92109905368783076762013-01-01T18:07:00.000-06:002013-01-01T21:08:59.331-06:00Top Ten Tuesday : Books I Want to Read in 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2tOmekmILwCNJLLh-K1W5p7snz1phVQEKxDMwe3smctBOIKC_dXxPsWZNatacAy2kTt5i6OkRBFbRo513D79T_i2jJyYnzY3gphLutwAwyJ1zadi2JYyfVsm9M9G0Kp0ZlNOJBBguvI1/s1600/TTT3W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2tOmekmILwCNJLLh-K1W5p7snz1phVQEKxDMwe3smctBOIKC_dXxPsWZNatacAy2kTt5i6OkRBFbRo513D79T_i2jJyYnzY3gphLutwAwyJ1zadi2JYyfVsm9M9G0Kp0ZlNOJBBguvI1/s1600/TTT3W.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #660000;">A new year and a new outlook on my blog... hopefully. Really, the outlook is that I just promise to post more. I got the BEST comment on Christmas Eve and it's totally got me reenergized! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">So, I am totally copying my blogger buddy <a href="http://hughesya.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">LHughes</a> and joining in on this Top Ten Tuesday feature that is being hosted by The Broke and The Bookish (<a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/p/top-ten-tuesday-other-features.html" target="_blank">click here for more info</a>). And check out their post for today's Top Ten <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/2013/01/julias-top-ten-books-i-resolve-to-read.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Pretty much they've got topics planed out and each tuesday you can post on that topic. Genius idea for those of us who are super busy and want to stock pile some posts (shakes fist at thesis)...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Anyway, this week is the top ten books I resolve to read in 2013. Fantastic topic. This will be the first summer in like 13 years when I haven't had a reading list all planned out for me thanks so school. Bawhahaha!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"> I'm not really going to include books that <i>will </i>be released - mostly books I want to read but haven't yet. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">So, in no real order... </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Drum roll please!</span><br />
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<a href="http://i43.tower.com/images/mm115345428/hound-baskervilles-sherlock-holmes-mystery-arthur-conan-doyle-paperback-cover-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i43.tower.com/images/mm115345428/hound-baskervilles-sherlock-holmes-mystery-arthur-conan-doyle-paperback-cover-art.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i>1) The Hound of the Baskervilles </i>by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Plot: "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Holmes and Watson are faced with their most terrifying case yet. The legend of the devil-beast that haunts the moors around the Baskerville families home warns the descendants of that ancient clan never to venture out in those dark hours when the power of evil is exalted. Now, the most recent Baskerville, Sir Charles, is dead and the footprints of a giant hound have been found near his body. Will the new heir meet the same fate?"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> - <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8921.The_Hound_of_the_Baskervilles" target="_blank">goodreads</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Reason: Well, lots of reasons. I bought a copy of it for practically nothing a few years ago and it's just been hanging out on my bookshelf - all sad and lonely. I really feel like I should make a dent in all those books I've bought but haven't had a chance to read yet. I could do a top ten list from just those alone... but I'm not. OKAY! Back on topic... Another reason is that I adore the TV shows ("Sherlock" and "Elementary") and really feel like I need to check out the source material. PLUS, I used to listen to Sherlock Holmes stories on tap when I was a kid and feel like I owe it to Sir Doyle to read it for real.</span></div>
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<a href="http://maggiestiefvater.com/wp-content/themes/maggiestiefvater/images/scorpio/cover_scorpioraces_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://maggiestiefvater.com/wp-content/themes/maggiestiefvater/images/scorpio/cover_scorpioraces_300.jpg" width="136" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">2) <i>The Scorpio Races (along with Lament and Ballad) </i>by Maggie Stiefvater</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Plot: "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Some race to win. Others race to survive.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Some riders live.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Others die.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn't given her much of a choice. So she enters the competition - the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #073763;">As she did in her bestselling Shiver trilogy, author Maggie Stiefvater takes us to the breaking point, where both love and life meet their greatest obstacles, and only the strong of heart can survive. The Scorpio Races is an unforgettable reading experience." - </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scorpio-Races-Maggie-Stiefvater/dp/054522490X/ref=la_B001JSBZZ6_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1355867533&sr=1-3" target="_blank">amazon.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Reason: I heard her speak not long ago and totally fell in love with her. She's great. She combines so many aspects of different writers that I admire and has them all rolled up into one package. I pretty much want to read anything she's ever written. Also, her blog is fantastic - check it out here. But a better reason, I love the way she takes real folktales and whatnot and retells them in her own way/ is influenced. This one involves a death race on fantastical horses and love. How could you <i>not </i>want to read it?</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">3) <i>Days of Blood and Starlight </i>by Laini Taylor</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Plot: "<em style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.</em></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br />This is not that world.</em><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">what</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Daughter of Smoke & Bone</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Days of Blood & Starlight</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">hope</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> - <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12812550-days-of-blood-starlight" target="_blank">goodreads</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Reason: I adored the first book in this series(?). Taylor has amazing descriptions and just really did a fantastic job of world building. I loved the characters and the plot. She really left me hanging at the end of her first one, <i>Daughter of Smoke and Bone, </i>and just craving more! </span> </div>
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<span style="color: red;">4) <i>Paper Valentine </i>by Brenna Yovanoff (Jan 8, 2013)</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Polt: "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">The city of Ludlow is gripped by the hottest July on record. The asphalt is melting, the birds are dying, petty crime is on the rise, and someone in Hannah Wagnor’s peaceful suburban community is killing girls.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn’t there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> - <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12109772-paper-valentine" target="_blank">goodreads</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Reason: While I might not have picked this book up on my own, I loved her breakout novel, <i>The Replacement</i>. This book isn't due to come out until 2013, so it's not one that's just waiting for me on my bookshelf. This sounds crazy, I know, but I'm very intrigued by novels that deal with serial killers. This one does, someone is killing girls during the hottest summer a town has ever seen. And ghosts? Awesome. To me, it seems very promising. Dark with a hint of romance</span>. </div>
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<span style="color: red;">5) <i>Taken </i>by Erin Bowman (April 16, 2013)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Plot: "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends…and he’s gone.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">They call it the Heist.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?" </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">- <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11044367-taken" target="_blank">goodreads</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Reason: Another book that won't come out until 2013 and another one I might not have picked up on my own. This one seems to fall into the whole dystopian thing. A forbidden wall? Cryptic notes that turn the world upside down? Things not being what they seem? This book promises to have a lot of tension and action. </span></div>
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6) <span style="color: red;"><i>Cinder </i>by Marissa Meyer</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Plot: "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future."</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> - <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11235712-cinder" target="_blank">goodreads</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Reason: My friend LHughes loves it so much, and her blog is going to be mentioned in the paperback's acknowledgements section. All the reason I need...</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">7) <i>The Last Dragon Slayer </i>by Jasper Fforde</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Plot: "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #073763;">In the good old days, magic was indispensable—it could both save a kingdom and clear a clogged drain. But now magic is fading: drain cleaner is cheaper than a spell, and magic carpets are used for pizza delivery. Fifteen-year-old foundling Jennifer Strange runs Kazam, an employment agency for magicians—but it’s hard to stay in business when magic is drying up. And then the visions start, predicting the death of the world’s last dragon at the hands of an unnamed Dragonslayer. If the visions are true, everything will change for Kazam—and for Jennifer. Because something is coming. Something known as . . . Big Magic."</span> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Dragonslayer-Chronicles-Kazam/dp/0547738471" target="_blank">amazon.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Reason: I've read some of Fforde's adult books before and loved them. He does a great job creating a believable alternate reality than what we have. So yes, very good at world building and whatnot. Also, how can you turn down something that puts dragon slaying in a modern context? Well, I suppose you could hate dragons... but I'm very excited to see how he constructs this new world and how he translates to YA. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">8) <i>Kenny and the Dragon </i>by Tony DiTerlizzi</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Plot: "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">What do you do when your new best buddy has been designated a scourge by the community and marked for imminent extermination? Just ask Kenny Rabbit. When the simple folks in the sleepy little village of Roundbrook catch wind that there's a dragon running loose in the countryside, they get the wrong idea and the stage is set for a fight to the death. So it's up to Kenny to give his neighbors front-row seats to one of the best-known battles in history -- the legendary showdown between St. George and the dragon -- without losing a friend in the fray." -</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3418156-kenny-and-the-dragon" target="_blank">goodreads</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Reason: It has a bunny and a dragon that are best friends. If you know anything about me you know I love bunnies. If you don't know me, then well, how can you turn down a retelling of Sir George and the dragon that involves a bunny that rides a bicycle? You just can't.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">9) <i>The Madness Underneath </i>by Maureen Johnson (release date: Feb 26, 2013)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Plot: "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">When madness stalks the streets of London, no one is safe…</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">There’s a creepy new terror haunting modern-day London. Fresh from defeating a Jack the Ripper killer, Rory must put her new-found hunting skills to the test before all hell breaks loose…</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">But enemies are not always who you expect them to be and crazy times call for crazy solutions. A thrilling teen mystery."</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> - <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12937427-the-madness-underneath" target="_blank">goodreads</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Reason: I loved the first book in this series and can't wait to revisit these characters and the streets of London. Her characters are so real and the last book dealt with the whole crazy serial killer thing... Freaky and awesome. What more could you want?</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">10) Anything by Maggie Stiefvater (or more specifically the next book in <i>The Raven Boys </i>cycle), the third <i>Divergent </i>book by Veronica Roth, or anything else by a favorite author and I don't know when the release date is...</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Reason: Because! </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Better reason: I've been so hooked by the first books that I want more! I just don't know when they come out...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">So there we have it! My top(ish) 10 books to read next year! I'm excited. Game plan, made. Boom!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Stay tuned for next week's Top Ten!</span></div>
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Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-3114536666329935892012-12-18T15:15:00.003-06:002012-12-18T15:15:52.435-06:00She's ALIVE!See, I'm not dead. I'm very not dead.<br />
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Thesis stuff is just taking over my life and sorry, but the poor little blog falls between the cracks. I'm not the only one though. A bunch of my blog buddies (or at least 2...) have done the same thing and are revamping them.<br />
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I'm thinking that I'll try and blog more next year. I mean, hopefully things will shift and my time will be a bit more free...<br />
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Well, if you are following my plight, I'll give you an update on how the thesis is going.<br />
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Pretty damn well. I'm re-writing a lot of it from scratch, but I'm totally okay with that. I wrote the first 5 chapters or so in college and I think that they were very good for where I was at that time in my growth as a writer. But, I've come so far that they weren't doing my thesis justice.<br />
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You might think that I would be bitter at having to do all that hard work again. Well, I'm not. Seriously. I've fallen back in love with my characters. My thesis advisor is amazing and is giving me such great feedback - I write scenes now and think to myself, "Okay, I'm getting the action plot down right now. I'll need to go back and add the emotional plot later." Or "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? You are not showing, you're telling... don't need that right now."<br />
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So, I think each time I go back and rewrite scenes and add them, I'm not throwing away all that old work. It's saved in a nice little folder on my computer (and jump drive) and it's just the younger version version of this WIP. It's like a little kid that's eaten their veggies and is all grown-up into a teenager. It's still a little rough around the edges, but we're growing together and it's fun. I like seeing the novel that my idea is turning into, and I want it to be the best thing I can produce.<br />
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Anyway, that's my update and my little soapbox speech about how practice really makes you better...as do super awesome thesis advisors.Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-87106189777307362062012-11-12T17:40:00.000-06:002012-11-12T17:40:52.866-06:00Pressure<span style="color: #660000;">Right. So, this blog is a little bit about my life, a little bit about my writing/writing in general, and mostly about what it's like being a creative writing grad student out in the "real" world.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Recently, I've been posting about life and hardships and inspirations and whatnot. Now I'm coming full circle back to writing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">I know what you're thinking, "Ahhh - she's a writer. It's November. This is her National Novel Writing Month token post."</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Well, you're wrong. I'm working on my thesis. I don't have any time to write <i>another </i>novel on top of this one.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">This is a thesis writing post.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Sorta.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Today has been brought to you by the letter "P"</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">P is for <span style="font-size: x-large;">PRESSURE</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Who is under pressure here? *I raise my hand*</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Why - you may ask.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Well, I'll tell you. So I rewrote chapter one. And it's pretty awesome as far as I'm concerned. My thesis advisor even said it was some of the cleanest writing she's ever seen from me. So naturally, I'm all like "woooooooo"</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Then I sit down to write chapter 2. And the freaking cursor just sits there blinking on the damn page and no words are appearing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Here's what's going through my head....</span><br />
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<i>"<span style="color: red;">What if I can't get back into that voice?"</span></i><br />
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<i>"<span style="color: #674ea7;">What if my characters feel forced?"</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: lime;">"What if chapter 2 is not nearly as good as chapter one?"</span></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #45818e;">"What if I can't finish my thesis?"</span></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #b45f06;">"What if this is all I have in me?"</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></i>
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<i><span style="color: orange;">"What if this chapter is epically shorter than that last one?"</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d;">"WHAT WAS I THINKING?"</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Yeah. It's awesome. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">And really, who the fuck cares about most of that? Page count? I mean, come on...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Then I close the computer and read or watch TV and think, "Alright. All I need is a break. I just need some space." </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">ANNNNND then the cycle starts all over again. However this time it's accompanied by that David Bowie and Queen song, <i>Under Pressure.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">You know, this one...</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xtrEN-YKLBM" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Well, I know how to beat the cycle! I will open the document and pretend that I'm not writing for my thesis. My masters degree doesn't ride on this. No one else will see it. EVER. Just me. So really, all I need to do is have fun and write because it's fun. Get back to the basics as it were. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">That's what made chapter one so awesome. I was having FUN while writing it. </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">This is a new plan of attack. We'll see how it pans out... updates will follow.</span>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-75970702601461510852012-10-31T18:00:00.000-05:002012-10-31T18:00:04.464-05:00Happy Halloween! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">Happy Halloween all you ghosts and ghouls! </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">When I'm not poor (border-line starving artist) I very much want to go get lots of books from thrift stores and pass them out at Halloween. Rock out All Hallows Read!</span></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-36594691803440095582012-10-30T21:10:00.000-05:002012-10-30T21:10:54.808-05:00The Right Words<span style="color: #b45f06;">A few posts ago (<a href="http://prosebeforewoes.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-dangers-of-being-true-to-yourself.html" target="_blank">The Dangerous of Being True To Yourself</a>) I mentioned how many inspirational quotes there are out there and that words can only go so far.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06;">I don't admit this often, but I was wrong.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Let me start of with this awesome quote from Mark Twain:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">I think this really applies to "inspirational" crap as well.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">It's not about the words- it's about finding the <i>right </i>words to inspire <i>you</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">See the difference? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">What gets me inspired and pumped up to write and just be plain awesome might not be what gets other people'e juices flowing. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Here's what gives me strength:</span></div>
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"SOME NIGHTS"</div>
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Some nights, I stay up cashing in my bad luck<br />
Some nights, I call it a draw<br />
Some nights, I wish that my lips could build a castle<br />
Some nights, I wish they'd just fall off<br />
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But I still wake up, I still see your ghost<br />
Oh Lord, I'm still not sure what I stand for oh<br />
What do I stand for? What do I stand for?<br />
Most nights, I don't know anymore...<br />
Oh whoa, oh whoa, oh whoa oh oh<br />
Oh whoa, oh whoa, oh whoa oh oh<br />
<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
This is it, boys, this is war - what are we waiting for?<br />
Why don't we break the rules already?<br />
I was never one to believe the hype - save that for the black and white<br />
I try twice as hard and I'm half as liked, but here they come again to jack my style<br />
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And that's alright; I found a martyr in my bed tonight<br />
She stops my bones from wondering just who I am, who I am, who I am<br />
Oh, who am I? mmm... mmm...<br />
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Well, some nights, I wish that this all would end<br />
Cause I could use some friends for a change<br />
And some nights, I'm scared you'll forget me again<br />
Some nights, I always win, I always win...<br />
<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
But I still wake up, I still see your ghost<br />
Oh Lord, I'm still not sure what I stand for, oh<br />
What do I stand for? What do I stand for?<br />
Most nights, I don't know... (come on)<br />
<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
So this is it? I sold my soul for this?<br />
Washed my hands of God for this?<br />
I miss my mom and dad for this?<br />
<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
(Come on)<br />
<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
No. When I see stars, when I see, when I see stars, that's all they are<br />
When I hear songs, they sound like this one, so come on<br />
Oh, come on. Oh, come on, OH COME ON!<br />
<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
Well, that is it guys, that is all - five minutes in and I'm bored again<br />
Ten years of this, I'm not sure if anybody understands<br />
This one is not for the folks at home; Sorry to leave, mom, I had to go<br />
Who the fuck wants to die alone all dried up in the desert sun?<br />
<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
My heart is breaking for my sister and the con that she call "love"<br />
When I look into my nephew's eyes...<br />
Man, you wouldn't believe the most amazing things that can come from...<br />
Some terrible lies...ahhh...<br />
<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
Oh whoa, oh whoa, oh whoa, oh oh<br />
Oh whoa, oh whoa, oh whoa, oh oh<br />
<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
The other night, you wouldn't believe the dream I just had about you and me<br />
I called you up, but we'd both agree<br />
It's for the best you didn't listen<br />
It's for the best we get our distance... oh...<br />
It's for the best you didn't listen<br />
It's for the best we get our distance... oh...</div>
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Or, you know, if you want to hear the song if you haven't already check out the video:</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qQkBeOisNM0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">To me, this is a song about being an underdog. It's about doubt. It's about figuring out who you are and what it might cost you to be true to yourself. It's about weather or not it is worth doing what you do if you feel like no one understands. To me, it pretty much sums up my <a href="http://prosebeforewoes.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-dangers-of-being-true-to-yourself.html" target="_blank">Dangers of Being True To Yourself</a> post. </span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06;">When I need a kick in the pants or when I need to feel like "YES! I may be super nerdy! I may want something that isn't easy (a life where I can be a writer and just <i>write</i>) but NO! I will <i>not </i>give up!" I listen to this song.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Also, sometimes just one or two lines - like the hook or part of the chorus of a song - really empower me. So this one from Imagine Dragons' song "It's Time" is one I shout at the top of my lungs in my car when I need some reassurance. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; text-align: center;">I'm just the same as I was</span><br style="border: 0px none; font-family: Verdana, Arial; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; text-align: center;">Now don't you understand</span><br style="border: 0px none; font-family: Verdana, Arial; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; text-align: center;">That I'm never changing who I am!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Then - I also have this lovely picture hanging in my bathroom. Every morning when I brush my teeth I see it. Every night when I get ready for bed, I take it in.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHksHGb1pL5GHVkik9wTn2Wq0jJREW347mvScoAADWUvbAZ7ErvOFeoiAPoNrCZJbOP9ptVf9af3-G7bAvzArMIFjwF7l2YN5vTkOpja3t5gtODb5TPpKIbGnsaANz1muNsRpfc0k7QMkJ/s1600/DSC04261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHksHGb1pL5GHVkik9wTn2Wq0jJREW347mvScoAADWUvbAZ7ErvOFeoiAPoNrCZJbOP9ptVf9af3-G7bAvzArMIFjwF7l2YN5vTkOpja3t5gtODb5TPpKIbGnsaANz1muNsRpfc0k7QMkJ/s400/DSC04261.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">It's "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Some days that road is hard and bumpy. But I am better for it I think, "And that has made all the difference."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">I'll wrap this up now - but I do want to share that I made an iMix on iTunes that I think you can search for and download. It's called "Music For Writers" but I really think it can be for anyone who might need a bit of inspiration. Just incase, here's the track list:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><i>Die Vampire, Die </i>- [title of show] </li>
<li><i>Some Nights - </i>fun.</li>
<li><i>Through Heavens Eyes -</i> The Prince of Egypt soundtrack</li>
<li><i>Defying Gravity </i>- I like the Glee version and the original so whatever floats your boat</li>
<li><i>Just Dance - </i>Lady Gaga</li>
<li><i>I Want It All </i>- Queen</li>
<li><i>Eye of the Tiger </i>- Rocky Soundtrack</li>
<li><i>Stronger - </i>Kelly Clarkson</li>
<li><i>It's Time - </i>Imagine Dragons</li>
<li><i>Paperback Writer - </i>The Beatles</li>
<li><i>Open Book - </i>Cake</li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">What songs empower you? What words? Share them here or just find them and hold on to them. The right words make all the difference. </span>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-61016742715822480232012-10-23T17:36:00.000-05:002012-10-23T17:36:41.332-05:00Wherein I Feel Like A Rock Star and English Saves A Life<span style="color: purple;">Well, enough of me talking about the downsides to being a writer and whatnot. I'm sure we'll come back to it at some point, but today, I want to touch on two things:</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="color: purple;">When/how being an English Person makes me feel like a rockstar </span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;">What the world would be like if everything depended on English </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="color: purple;">So- as some of you may know, Husband is in nursing school. He's brilliant when it comes to scientific things and numbers. All the things that completely confound me. He also knows grammar very well. But papers (while he's good at them, he hates them) are his Achilles' Heel.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">Yesterday morning the alarm buzzes far too early for me, and he hops out of bed to get a jump start on the mountain of homework he has to have done before he goes into the hospital after lunch. Well, I just roll over and go back to sleep for a little while. Then, once it's a reasonable hour for me to get up on an off day, I walk out of the bedroom bleary eyed into the kitchen where he's set up shop.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">Picture this:</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><i>I walk out of the bedroom. The sun, a bit too bright for my still sleepy eyes causing me the squint and rub them. My sock-footed feet shuffle on the hardwood floor to the kitchen. Half way through a yawn </i>HUSBAND <i>looks up at me. His face brightens.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i>
HUSBAND: Will you proof read this for me? And maybe help with the citations? <i>He shoves a handful of papers into my hand. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i>
<i>I look down at them and the wheels in my brain start to move. I need to answer him. I glance back up.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i>
ME: Yes, but only if you make me eggs and an english muffin</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">HUSBAND: Agreed! You rock baby!</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">And here's how I feel:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gBNxGZP49ls" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Awesome. Simply awesome. </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">I love it when my talents as an English major kick in. It's times like this, and when I can help my mother solve literary questions on her crossword puzzle, that I feel like a total rockstar. </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">This is what the world kinda looks like when I'm all pumped up on feeling awesome:</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.trinda.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/audience.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://www.trinda.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/audience.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">It's a great view.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">So, this brings me to point two. If the world depended on English.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Right, so there are days when I come home from work, particularly grumpy over having to make what feels like a million salads while helping horrible customers. I walk into the house and see Husband, sitting on the couch totally deflated. This is about the time when he tells me that one of the patients he was working with died, or had major complications, or is just in a horrible situation with terrible injuries and no insurance.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">As you can imagine my day gets put into perspective. And really, there are some days where I totally beat myself up about this. Even if I get my dream job as a kick-ass writer, it's still not like I'll be saving lives. My career won't be anything like what Husband will have to deal with. But after I think really long and hard about it, I'm okay with that. I'm okay with being a part-time English rockstar. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Here's why....</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">DOCTOR: Quick! This man is dying! There's no pulse! We need some literature! FAST!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">ME: What? What kind?<br />DOCTOR: Anything you silly girl. Just recite something!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">ME: (floundering for something and watching the medical people scurry around the poor man that's dying on the bed in front of me.) 'To be, or not to be -- that is the question...'</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">DOCTOR: Good! Keep going!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">(There's a slight beep on the heart monitor and then it flat lines again)</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">ME: 'Whether 'tis nobler to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune or to take arms against a sea of troubles...' </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">(The heart monitor starts producing a steady beeping sound and a smile breaks out across the Doctor's face.)</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">DOCTOR: You did it! Thank God, he has a pulse once again. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">ME: (shaking and horribly glad I didn't have to recite the entire thing. Because let's face it, I couldn't really remember any more than that) Yeah, any time. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">(And then I run like hell away from the hospital and hide under my bed for the rest of my life)</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Yes, I'm very glad we <i>don't </i>live in a world where life and death matters are solved by english instead of sensible things, like medicine. *shivers* I don't think I could handle the pressure.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">When I think of things like this, and that quote about fish and flying, then I am very glad that I am an English person. No, I may not ever drill a hole in someone's leg in order for the to be able to walk again one day. And no, I may never have to incubate anyone. But I really REALLY glad of that. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">The way I look at it is, maybe I can't save their lives in a hospital but I can save them on a different level. I can create stories and characters that make them feel happy, or not so alone in the world, or even just connected to an idea that's bigger than themselves. I can entertain them. I can't attend to their physical needs, but maybe to their emotional needs.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">And <i>that</i> will make all the difference. </span></div>
<br />Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-31106672159927959742012-10-21T14:06:00.000-05:002013-01-03T16:39:53.725-06:00The Dangers of Being True to Yourself<span style="color: #660000;">There's all this emphasis on being true to yourself. Google "being true to yourself quotes" and you get like a million hits of a million pages all full of inspirational quotes.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Well, words will only get you so far.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">I'm not sure how many of you watch <i>The Big Bang Theory</i> but at our home if one of the few channels we get has it on, we're watching it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">If you're not familiar, I have a clip.</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-1Sglky042g" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;">So, a lot of days I feel like the guy in the blue shirt. "It's not that I think you are worthless. Just what you do (or let's substitute in the word "like") is."</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">Yep. That's how I feel most days.</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #660000;">I am someone who...</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">loves <i>Star Wars </i>- so much so my license plate reflects this love. Also, there is an R2-D2 action figured super glued to my dashboard</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">is falling in love with <i>Star Trek</i>. I didn't want to really, but it happened. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">watches Dr. Who</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">reads like a meth-head smokes</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">loves children's and young adult literature</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">enjoys discussions on how the<i> Disney</i> princesses reflect various views of women/ why Sleeping Beauty sucks/ how Disney himself sticks to the tradition of fairy tales much like the Grimm brothers</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">enjoys debates on the psychological undertones of <i>Harry Potter</i></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">loves animated movies - I can't wait to see <i>Hotel Transylvania </i></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">is getting a Masters degree in not only creative writing, but in Children's Literature</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #660000;"><i> </i>None of these are horrible traits. However, when they're all combined ...well, let's just say I tend to feel like a minority. I know that there are other people like me out there. That's why I love my program. I can totally walk around in this shirt ...</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.entertainmentearth.com/images/AUTOIMAGES/RJDWJS2040lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.entertainmentearth.com/images/AUTOIMAGES/RJDWJS2040lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">... and people get it. I can have serious discussions about <i>Disney </i>princesses and not get ogled like I've just grown a second and third head. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">I would like to pause and mention that none of this comes from anyone in my family. They tend to share a lot (but not really all) of the things listed above, and support me none-the-less. Granted, on more than one occasion a few of my loved ones have exclaimed upon meeting my grad school friends, "Oh look! There <i>are </i>more people like you!" I know that's supposed to be encouraging but what I'm hearing is "Oh honey, you aren't as big of a freak as I thought." Is that what my loved one means? Hell no! They just are excited that I have people I can relate with.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">*sigh*</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Okay, here I am getting to the real meat of my post. I am who I am and that's not going to change. I'm damn stubborn enough to like what I like and march on. But the thing is, I just get so freaking tired some days.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Here's how I want some days to go at work:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">(PS - I work at a catering/ cafe/ bakery place)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Me: Hello there, can I help you with anything today? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Customer: I think I'd like a few frozen casseroles.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Me: Well, I can help you with that [INSERT CASSEROLE SPEIL HERE]</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Customer: (while I'm ringing them up) So, are you a student?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Me: Yes I am.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Customer: Oh, that's nice. What are you studying?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Me: Well, I'm getting a Masters in Creative Writing with a focus on Children's Literature.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Customer: THAT'S AMAZING! HOW IS IT THAT YOU ARE SO COOL?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Reality:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Customer: (while I'm ringing them up) So, are you a student?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Me: Yes I am.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Customer: Oh, that's nice. What are you studying?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Me: Well, I'm getting a Masters in Creative Writing with a focus on Children's Literature.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Customer: Oh, well, so what ...uh... what do you want to do with that?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Me: Well, write. And maybe teach. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Customer: That's sweet.</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Awkward silence</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Me: *sigh* well, my husband is going to be a nurse. He's finishing up his degree.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Customer: Oh thank God! Well, at least you'll have him and won't have to starve. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Yes, I am so thankful for my husband. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">But come on. I mean, upon reading those two different scenes to him out loud just now he laughed and said, "Oh dear, that's horrible."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">I know. I live it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">So like I was saying, sometimes I just get so tired of being unique. I mean, I know that there are more people like me. I see them when I go to other places in the US. But if there are any near me (and no, the creepy comicbook store guys don't count - why? Because the main adjetive there is "creepy.") I sure can't find them.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">What do I do? I mean really, how do you just keep on going all the time when people ask you what you like/ what you want to do and you get that same damn blank stare over and over again? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Really, I see two choices:</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #660000;">Suck it up and just keep going. You will find people who understand you and when you do, you should really develop those relationships and get fulfillment there and from yourself.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;">Give up</span></li>
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<span style="color: #660000;">I don't like choice number two. I don't want to force myself to like TV shows I hate just so I can relate to the general public.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">I guess what I'm saying here is yes, it's exhausting staying true to oneself when you seem to be in the nerd minority. But what other choice do you have?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">If you are reading this and are like, "Holy shit that's me!" Awesome. You are not alone. Keep it up. Keep doing what you do and loving what you love. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">On those days when I feel the weight of the world on me. Like I'll never fit in. Like I'll always get those blank stares and that no one will understand me again, my amazing husband comes through. He reminds me of this quote... </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.bradnash.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/every-one-is-genius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://www.bradnash.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/every-one-is-genius.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Ending thought: Stay true to yourself. </span><span style="color: #660000;">Sure, we may be some fish among birds, but at least we can breath underwater! Kapow!</span></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-71729869225200666822012-10-18T20:03:00.002-05:002012-10-18T20:03:48.098-05:00Pondering on Growing-UpWell, I've avoided it for as long as possible, but I think I have to admit something.<br />
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I'm not a kid anymore.</div>
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Am I an adult? I donno. I don't really <i>feel </i>like one. I feel like a kid playing dress up in my mother's clothes and then when I look at all the other kids (the real kids) I realize that I don't really fit in with them anymore.</div>
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I don't think it's a <i>bad</i> thing that I feel like this. But it does mix up some fears. </div>
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Let me start at the beginning...</div>
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Husband and I just moved out of our one bedroom apartment into a two bedroom (but now one bedroom one "library") house. I love it. I adore it. We can <i>breathe </i>in it and not choke the other person with our recently exhaled breath.</div>
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Moving was stressful, yes. All moving is. But it was welcomed. Since 2006 I have lived in either a dorm or this one bedroom apartment. Yes, there were vacations where I spent time at my parents house, but my space was always ... on the smaller side. </div>
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What does this have to do with growing up? Well, apart from the obvious (it's a house) I'm getting there.</div>
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So, I meet the neighbors that are two doors down. They're a super sweet couple. A bit older than me (maybe in their early 30's late 20's) but my age. With two little kids. </div>
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Here's where I start to feel awkward. In my life I have always been friends with the "children" in a family unit. My college best friends don't have kids (yet - most are still single or getting married) and didn't have kids in college. It's not like I befriended Husband's parents and then met him and got married. I have always been in that kid role. Understand?</div>
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Now, I'm not. I'm relating to the parents and they are my peers. Not the other way around. </div>
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And yes - still, I am okay with this.</div>
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But at the same time it kinda freaks me out.</div>
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And I feel it's not for the obvious reason of leaving childhood behind and facing my own mortality and all that hoopla. </div>
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It's because I'm scared my writing will suffer. I feel like I'm finally growing into my skin as the writer I want to be. Having to rewrite Chapter 1 has been so much fun and given me a chance to enjoy the characters a little bit before I turn their lives to hell. </div>
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But I write YA - YOUNG ADULT fiction. Will I be an adult that can still capture that voice, those feelings, everything that makes a young adult what they are once I'm totally through that phase? Will my work still be relatable or will readers pick up my stuff and toss it aside as crap because I can't tap into that teenager/early 20's side of me?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDt4zBvoXNjy1qu4UpM5DIaHM41TRaczL1jdKTUPJScptzK4EewK8nOmmy7q_qHnbfUV94X05cf72Hds_TBp1l7ocCKhZw6ledFZ_OcPOguc8HR1fhYRvh1bE2PGVBiTZxWqY2HvdK675b/s1600/writing_young_adult_fiction_for_dummies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDt4zBvoXNjy1qu4UpM5DIaHM41TRaczL1jdKTUPJScptzK4EewK8nOmmy7q_qHnbfUV94X05cf72Hds_TBp1l7ocCKhZw6ledFZ_OcPOguc8HR1fhYRvh1bE2PGVBiTZxWqY2HvdK675b/s320/writing_young_adult_fiction_for_dummies.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
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Honest to God, it freaks me the hell out. I don't have an answer on how to fix it either. Not even a game plan. </div>
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Updates on this matter in the future. Because despite being scared, I'm also determined (or freakishly stubbon as many might call it) and I <i>will </i>keep writing and I <i>will </i>keep telling the stories that are in my head that need to be told. </div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-34265245003545453512012-10-17T15:26:00.001-05:002012-10-17T15:26:39.247-05:00Update<span style="color: #660000;">Okay, so there are a few things I'll touch on this post. Hence the title, "update."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">First off, I did my first guest stint as a blogger recently! I reviewed a movie (<i>Trick 'r Treat</i>) for my friend <a href="http://cameronbcook.com/2012/10/09/trickrtreat-2007-by-caroline-todd-whitney/" target="_blank">Cameron's blog</a>. It was super fun. I have a link to his blog in my blog roll over here(ish) -----></span> </div>
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/dc/Trick_r_treat.jpg/220px-Trick_r_treat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/dc/Trick_r_treat.jpg/220px-Trick_r_treat.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">And really, don't just check out my post, but his whole blog. Right now he's reviewing different Halloween movies (holiday themed - not the <i>Halloween) </i>for the entire month of October. He knows his movie stuff - like epically better than I do. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Next, I think my whole vision for this blog has been a bit sporadic. I give out advice and book review. I plan on keeping that up. But really, I started this blog to be about the life of an English grad student and I think I want to head back in that direction. So yes, there will still be blog posts that focus on the craft, advice, books... but there will be more about my struggles with my thesis. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Lastly, I am so excited to be working on my thesis! I had my first video conference with my thesis advisor (Delia) and not only did I feel it went really well, but I kinda felt like I was in some awesome sci-fi movie. I mean, I'm not that old, but when we first got a computer, back when I was eight, I was stoked about being able to type. Now, I'm working face-to-face with my advisor who is like a thousand miles away. That's super cool.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">So - at the moment I am rewriting Chapter One. Not from scratch really, but I've tucked that other first chapter away in a saved folder on my laptop. Now, I'm working on a whole new chapter one. Originally I thought it would be super frustrating, but no. It's been kind of fun. And I think I'll save <i>that</i> for the next post. </span></div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-63555641736909608882012-10-06T11:12:00.000-05:002012-10-06T11:12:03.268-05:00Book Review: The Raven Boys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoM4xBx8i7bj7P63x2qhStqwvEe0hmAVlH2FNB186e970z8vW1DqYFCB0OoCgqmrnUsL75ZMprVO2PTEOkxUElPmISZz4cKrtFftm48bKKm-R3pW1rfqCaIZcS1GEGB_bK2qzI_ePOzA/s1600/13449693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoM4xBx8i7bj7P63x2qhStqwvEe0hmAVlH2FNB186e970z8vW1DqYFCB0OoCgqmrnUsL75ZMprVO2PTEOkxUElPmISZz4cKrtFftm48bKKm-R3pW1rfqCaIZcS1GEGB_bK2qzI_ePOzA/s320/13449693.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #660000;">This is the first book I have ever read by Maggie Stiefvatier and I'm kind of beating myself up thinking, "Why? Why haven't you read anything from her before?" I have no answer to that...</span><br />
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But, this post is all about her newest book, <a href="http://maggiestiefvater.com/the-raven-boys/" target="_blank"><i>The Raven Boys</i></a>. (Click the link to go to the book's webpage)</div>
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Holy crap. I loved it.</div>
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Usually I gobble books up. I let myself get lost in them and the world could be ending around me, and I wouldn't notice. </div>
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I didn't let that happen with this book. Like <i>The Night Circus</i>, I wanted to savor this book. But not just that. I didn't want it to end. I told my husband last night, "I'm so conflicted. I don't want to keep reading, because I don't want the book to end. BUT I DO want to keep reading because I want to know what happens next." To which he replied, "Well, you don't have to read anymore tonight. Let's watch a movie."</div>
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Why I loved this book:</div>
<ul style="color: #4c1130;">
<li>First and foremost, the characters. They just feel so real. So, easy to relate to. One of the things I love most about John Green is his ability to write characters that I feel I could be friends with. Maggie has done the same thing in this book. I think one of the hallmarks of a fantastic writer is that the characters in the books become more than imagined people, they become your friends in a weird way. </li>
<li>The magic. The magic in this book comes to the reader slowly. It isn't like "BAM!" There are little hints and then more and more come until it's totally okay if otherworldly things start happening. I mean, the characters still react believably, but Maggie does an awesome job at suspending the disbelief of the reader. </li>
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There are so many more reasons why I loved this book (and can't wait for the next in the cycle - there's supposed to be four books total), but I can't tell you any of them without spoiling the book for you. Therefore, you must read.</div>
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Things I didn't like about the book:</div>
<ul style="color: #4c1130;">
<li>Every so often (and this happens with every writer) I come across a bit of dialogue that I don't understand. I sit there and reread it. Reread the paragraph and try and puzzle it out. Now, that doesn't happen very often in this book. Really, to me it was just the last line of the book. I'm not sure what was meant by it and felt a tiny bit cheated.</li>
<li>Also, when the main characters discover something of importance regarding one of their teachers at school (I don't think this is a spoiler...) they seem to accept it a bit too easily for me. Just saying.</li>
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But that's it. I kinda adore this book and would seriously start rereading it right now if there wasn't a small colony of unread books on my bookshelf. </div>
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I highly recommend this book. And if you want to purchase a hard copy of it go <a href="http://www.fountainbookstore.com/autograph-maggie" target="_blank">here.</a> It's an independent bookstore that works closely with Maggie. So much so that you can order signed copies of her books for the same price that you would pay at Barnes and Nobel or Amazon. <span style="color: red;">SIGNED COPY! </span>And, you'd be supporting an independent bookstore. So, why would you <i>not </i>get it from there?</div>
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Lastly, here is the book trailer that Maggie made herself. That's right. She did the art. She did the music. She pretty much did it all. She's pretty much some kind of writing superhero... Anyway, to finish up this post, I'm going to go on record and say that she has now filled out my <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">TOP FIVE FAVORITE AUTHORS</span> - and I plan on reading everything she's ever written.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/nWzaJrJUP-w?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-53032188447488842282012-10-01T18:02:00.000-05:002012-10-01T18:02:31.547-05:00A Picture is Worth 1,000 WordsWell, I have been working on my thesis. If you follow my blog at all, you know this. I thought I'd post an update on how things were going, but then I had a better idea.<br />
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I'll let the pictures do the talking....<br />
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Feel free to take the pictures and post them on your own blog if you want to. Just leave me a comment with a link so I can check them out!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7SJ8uCfBfZ3ONY1UHsXk9HCWhPMTvXuhfiEMHB0n7iNqhSp842g_UNv9yvy0AO1e2cZ_uQQsYbT5muJnmiBFlbDsITwfscpl3ETYWO3mQhemY9rM0WWl2Vi7xfjmwpp1_tVSnltY9zbD/s1600/Revision+and+Frustration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7SJ8uCfBfZ3ONY1UHsXk9HCWhPMTvXuhfiEMHB0n7iNqhSp842g_UNv9yvy0AO1e2cZ_uQQsYbT5muJnmiBFlbDsITwfscpl3ETYWO3mQhemY9rM0WWl2Vi7xfjmwpp1_tVSnltY9zbD/s400/Revision+and+Frustration.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes it make me feel frustrated other times it makes me feel SUPER AWESOME -Take the picture how you will</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGmgRwOvWyJUD5MpE8iioKIqvW0ucQYQ6mSDr37ebzgsiDExBm5Q_8tx6xSGhe12zYgaslIXtYH9BJNKIfbP_ZRQvRD2sQYuHd5dskTTO1NQmmihvHmoFPv_bXoqNfBUGVPm5_xt9tMWG/s1600/Thesis+Energy+Level.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGmgRwOvWyJUD5MpE8iioKIqvW0ucQYQ6mSDr37ebzgsiDExBm5Q_8tx6xSGhe12zYgaslIXtYH9BJNKIfbP_ZRQvRD2sQYuHd5dskTTO1NQmmihvHmoFPv_bXoqNfBUGVPm5_xt9tMWG/s400/Thesis+Energy+Level.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-41974922680076613762012-09-27T20:35:00.000-05:002012-09-27T20:35:12.912-05:00Book Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://teenlitrocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/daughter-of-smoke-and-bone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://teenlitrocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/daughter-of-smoke-and-bone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #660000;">My friend <a href="http://hughesya.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">LHughes</a> practically forced me to read this book she loved it so much. Not that I wouldn't have read it on my own (eventually), but she sped the process up. While we were at school, she drove me to the bookstore, marched me in, and bought the paperback version of <i>Daughter of Smoke and Bone</i> before shoving it into my hands.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">It wasn't that I didn't want to read it right away, I did, but I was in the middle of <i>The Night Circus </i>and couldn't put that down.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Well, I finally read this book.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">And I am so glad that I did! It was so beautifully written. Her description is so vivid and unique. I almost wanted to go through as I was reading and take notes on the way she described things in new ways so that I could use it in my own writing. Not like, copy and paste what she said, but hopefully be influenced by it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">The novel takes place, mostly, in Prague. And while it's an amazing setting and Taylor uses it well, it's not overwhelming. I am lucky enough to have spent some time in Prague (just a few days) and I think that she does a fantastic job of setting the piece in a foreign city, but not making the reader feel left out if they've never been there themselves.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Okay, so what is it about? I can't tell you too much without spoiling the entire book, but I will tell you what I can. Karou is the main character of the novel. She is a mystery even to her self. She has been raised by a (for lack of a better phrase) family of monsters, but has no real knowledge of where she comes from. Who her parents are. Or where she got these unique eye tattoos on the palm of her hands. She exists between two words, the word of her monsters shop where they trade wishes for teeth, and the human world of Prague. Suddenly, black handprints are burned into doors all over the world, and Karou's family is threatened.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Taylor does an amazing job of world building here. Not only does she make the places in the human world so real and vibrant I'm convinced that she's spent many a vacation in both Prague and Morocco (a place where she runs errands for Brimstone, her foster father/ Wishmonger) AND this "Elsewhere" she's created.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">So there was only <i>two </i>things that bothered me.</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #660000;"> And this would totally ruin everything for you so I'll be vague, is when you discover who Karou really is. I felt it was just a bit easy at first. Not the discovery, but <i>who </i>she is. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #660000;"> Sometimes Taylor's sentence structure bothered me. I'm not usually one that pay attention to that sort of thing, but after about 2/3s of the book it was really popping out at me. She has this habit of doing this: <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Original thought, side note on something that pertains to the first part of the sentence but goes on for a bit, return to original thought. </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The only reason this bothered me was that I found myself forgetting how the sentence started and had to go back and reread the first half to figure out what the last bit what saying. </span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, here's the fun part. The sequel, <i>Days of Blood and Starlight, </i>comes out November 6th. So you totally have time to get out there and buy <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Smoke-Bone/dp/031613399X/ref=as_li_tf_sw?linkCode=wsw&tag=laptops247-20" target="_blank">Daughter of Smoke and Bone</a> </i>and read it. Which you should do. Don't trust me? Check out LHughes' review<a href="http://hughesya.blogspot.com/2012/01/book-review-daughter-of-smoke-and-bone.html" target="_blank"> here</a>.</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VrDAwyYEZWs" width="420"></iframe>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1399653554715118910.post-41168553531338527012012-09-18T20:49:00.002-05:002012-09-18T20:50:07.810-05:00Children and Thesis Writing<div style="color: #660000;">
Ah. </div>
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Children.</div>
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I don't have any, but that doesn't stop people from asking me (whenever I feel tired) "Oh, do you think your pregnant?" I suppose that question is fair game now that I'm married. </div>
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However the answer is always, "No."</div>
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But that doesn't mean I don't have a child... of sorts. </div>
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I have a thesis. </div>
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I've seen posts and things where people compare writing a novel to a bad relationship. I'm sure I've even done it myself.</div>
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But right now, I think my thesis writing (which IS writing a novel) is a bit more like having a baby. Disclaimer: I've never had a baby therefore my comparison is biased/uninformed. But here we go anyway.</div>
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How my thesis is like a baby...</div>
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<li>It keeps me up at night</li>
<li>I have to check on it every few hours to make sure it's okay</li>
<li>I don't like leaving the house without it. What if it needs me while I'm gone?</li>
<li>It needs to be looked after, and worked on, ALL THE TIME</li>
<li>I can't really think of anything else</li>
<li>Mostly, it's the only thing people ask me about anymore</li>
<li>I love it</li>
<li>And kind-a wish I could give it to a baby(thesis)sitter for just a few hours so I could relax and just not worry about it</li>
<li>It keeps me from my housework </li>
<li>I tend to forget why I walked into a certain room because I'm too busy pondering what the thesis may need next</li>
<li>I've put so much of myself into it</li>
<li>Once you start it your life will NEVER be the same</li>
<li>You really don't just have any "me time" anymore </li>
<li>It needs to be nurtured to grow</li>
<li>Really, it's the most ADORABLE thesis you've <i>ever</i> seen</li>
<li>It has a personality all of its own</li>
<li>Sometimes it does what it wants and just gets itself into trouble</li>
<li>Lastly, it consumes so much of my time/life/mind that I might be a little crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.</li>
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Thesis writing has been WHY I've been so MIA for the past...forever. And will be, until this spring. I hope. That is my goal. </div>
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So, until then expect sporadic and random updates. Many of which may focus around my thesis, because really, it's my life now.</div>
Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189947502012897579noreply@blogger.com2