Three months and still kicking!

You guys! I just realised what today is (a little slow of me, I know).

Black Friday. As in, Friday the 13th. Which makes it EXACTLY three months since I started my humble, little blog.

Black Fridays don't come around very often, but when they do, they're always pretty good to me. That's kind of why I started my blog on a Black Friday in the first place.

So, for this mini-milestone, I'm going to open up a question to you all that I've been stewing over for the last week. It's been uni holidays so I've actually been thinking about my writing. And that's allowed, okay.

I've just finished rewriting my first book (again) and now I need to give it some time to before I edit and write the dreaded query. Once I finally start querying again, I'll keep an updated tally just for shiz and giggles but until then, I'm left with the question;

What do I write?


There's four stories I have vying for my attention, and each of the characters and plot lines are at varying stages of development so below, I'll give you guys a brief overview of what I have. These are all young adult novels FYI, cos I'm kind of addicted to that shiz.

First is Addy. She's an Ellerwoman that works for the Court of Last Chances. It's her job to hunt down the humans the Court wants and deliver them safely. Most humans think the Court is a Utopia so she's never had a problem getting them there before. But then she meets Noah, who refuses, and the Court makes her choose between her life or his. This one would be an urban fantasy.

Second is Corvette. This one would be completing a rewrite that is long overdue. Corvette is a Banshee who finds out how to get into 'Death'. She hangs with the deathlings there, believing it is safer than being around humans. Then, a bunch of deathlings die and even though she's warned away from looking into it, she doesn't stop. So they take both the guy she likes and her best friend, and Corvette is left to chose which one she is going to save. This is paranormal/fantasy.

Third is Ebony. She's a witch. Jonathan is a Nephilim. The Nephilim (if you've read any of their history) believe the only way they can die and move on to heaven is to rid the world of witch's black magic. Ebony and Jonathan have been in love through the years but each time they meet, Jonathan makes her erase his memory of her. As you'd assume there's a lot of hunting both sides and fighting each other in this one. I'd say this would be paranormal. Probably.

And fourth is my newest idea. Jasmine and Jeremy are high school sweethearts but one day Jeremy disappears. No one hears from him except Jasmine. He shows up at her house whenever she's alone and every time she tries to follow him he disappears. The memory of the last time she saw him is woven throughout as she struggles to remember. There's lots of red herrings and mystery in this one. This would be my try at a thriller/mystery type of thing.

So what do you all think? Any of these ideas sound like something you've already read? Any of them grab your attention? Or are any of them just plain boring?

Please tell me even if you just hate the ideas because that will steer me off towards one of the hundreds of ideas floating around unestablished.

And happy Black Friday!

JK's casualty

When I woke up this morning, I had a lovely surprise message. JK Rowling's book had a title! And a release date for September THIS YEAR!

Hazzar!

Happy Days!

Then I stumbled upon the synopsis...

When Barry Fairweather dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock.

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils...Pagford is not what it first seems.

And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

Blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults.

Right. So.

I'm going to say it, this sounds boring. However it is definitely worth remembering that JK didn't set out to write another HP book and I'm glad it's something so different. I'm not glad it's about local politics and a potential murder mystery but that's just me.

Personally, I'll read this book to the end because JK really is just that great a writer. She could make anything amazing and believable and I'm seriously hoping this is no exception.

Would I have liked another fantasy? Hell to the yeah. But I guess she's defining herself elsewhere and I'm just going to have to roll with it. 

Scribble 'The Casual Vacancy' into September 27th kids! Way sooner than anyone could have hoped for I think.

But tell me, what do you guys think of the title and synopsis? And when it was released that JK was writing an adult novel, were you all picturing this?

Blogspiration (5): Music for the Soul

So this week's blogspiration isn't something I've given much thought too. I only just remembered today that I wanted to post something before I get back to all the heck load I have next week.

Sunday night; a time to remember why I put so much stress on myself. So much pressure. A good night to look back on the week and be happy with where I am compared to last week. A night to have a chill by myself and rejuvenate before it all begins again. A night to wonder about where I will be next week. A night to hope.

Then I realised that it's these little moments I have alone. No partner. No family. No characters beating on my brain. Sometimes you just need some downtime. Sometimes you need time to yourself to remember who you are and why you're that way. It leaves me feeling refreshed and relaxed. Even though I'm starting a new store tomorrow, and even though I have two uni assignments due next week; even though Jenna's rewrites still aren't finished and event though I'm STILL not published... it's okay. It'll happen. Everything doesn't have to be a rush. I don't need to be stressed ALL THE TIME to stay busy.

I have a CD (yes, A CD!) on and my creativity is flowing. My brain has relaxed and planted seeds of ideas for more books, a way to do my assignments, and even more plot points for Jenna. I may use some of them. I probably won't. But so long as I have Sunday nights like this, it's all good.

Just for the record, music is a massive part of this. I can't play an instrument and I definitely can't sing; but there's nothing better than finding an artist or album that has music to get you feeling a certain way.

My most recent inspiration, and the one I'm playing right now is:

What about you? Is there a time you dedicate just to down time? A person? A CD? A movie?

What is it that gets you thinking about all the difficult things you have to work out and just gets you through the working week?

Reaping Week presents Catching Fire! And a FIRST!

I reread this one. Firstly so I could remember, you know, the actual story. And second, to see if I was softened towards Peeta at all.

Put it this way, after reading this book I wanted to be gearing up for a Catching Fire release – not a Hunger Games one.

THERE WILL BE SPOILERY INFO AHEAD, SO IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THIS ONE YET, PROCEED WITH CAUTION GUYS. OR, YOU KNOW, CRAWL OUT FROM UNDER THAT ROCK YOU’VE BEEN OCCUPYING. YOUR CHOICE.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

This is the book that sets the bar for this series and every dystopian that followed it. I’m not ashamed to say I loved it. I know I told my fifi (fiancé) on at least one occasion that he would love this book and why doesn’thejustreaditalreadybecauseit’sreallyawesome! *deepbreath*

My review:

At Face Value: Meh. They go okay. Not as bad as the first cover but not as good as the new one. Still screamed Sci Fi like there was nothing else in the world that mattered.

Immediate Reaction: Holy to the muthacussing macarolli! What a cliffhanger! What a book! On the first read I nearly cried when I realised Mockingjay wasn’t out for MONTHS! Damn those forums and their engaging Team Gale/Peeta discussions!

High Five: OH MY GOD! YES! I can’t believe it. I’m actually giving a book 5! 5 people! I’ve been waiting for this day to come and I really can’t think of a good reason not to. It makes me a little sad to realise I’m replacing Cinder, though. BUT I'M FINALLY GIVING OUT  FIVE! *thud*

Favourite Quote: “I squint down at my feet and see that my metal plate is surrounded by blue waves that lap up over my boots. Slowly I raise my eyes and take in the water spreading out in every direction.

I can only form one clear thought.

This is no place for a girl on fire.”

For those lame-os that don’t know, Catching Fire is the sequel to the Hunger Games and occasionally, just rarely, a sequel comes along that blows its previous companion out of the water. This is that book. The title is clever, especially if read as ‘Catching Katniss’ and opens up a whole lot of questions before you even open that awful cover.

There are three main reasons why this book got a five. And one clear reason why it shouldn’t have. But we’ll get to the latter, later.

The magnificent first reason: the tributes. This time around I can see them all (at least the ones that are described). I loved Johanna Mason. To be honest, I kind of just wanted the book to be about her an itsy bit. She was fun, she was so alive, and she was the kind of character that just stays with you. Nuts and Volts were cute as a button, and Mags made me smile. And cry.

But let’s talk about Finnick Odair for a second. I love him. More than the others even. Maybe even more than Gale by a smidgeon (yep, can’t believe I just said that). He’s brave and strong and smart and just oh-so-good-looking. He’s a tease and has a big heart and THAT SCENE WITH THE JABBERJAYS! What a poor, tortured, pretty thing he is!

The second reason: the arena. The Hunger Games have been taken to a whole new level of disturbing, ladies and gentlemen. And of course they have; it’s the Quarter Quell! Instead of just having tributes hunting your arse, the arena is literally fighting back. Not just a flame ball here or a poisonous berry there, but real threats that attack your body and screw with your mind. There’s also less of Katniss acknowledging the viewers and more of her calculating her moves against the Capitol. It was like some warped game of chess. I’m not going to give away too much over the arena but Plutarch Heavensbee puts Seneca Crane to shame.

The third reason this book garnered a hard-to-come-by five is because of Gale. We get to see so much more from him in this one. He’s strong and knows exactly what he wants. He lights up every page and I reckon he and Johanna should get it on a little bit. The thing is though, the chemistry between him and Katniss is just so ALIVE! I know people will disagree with me, but it was clear, in this book at least, who Katniss chose. Her heart was Gale’s and if the series had ended there she would have chosen him.

Now let’s talk a little about Peeta. I promised to try and like him a little more and I actually did (surprise!) but he really took a back seat in this one (maybe that's why!). There were some really sweet moments between him and Katniss but it’s clear they don’t have the same spark as her and Gale. The strange thing is, even though Peeta inhabits a lot of this book, I hardly remember him having a really active role. He was more like Katniss’s shadow than a character in his own right. This is pretty much the only reason Catching Fire wouldn’t have gotten a five. Then I remind myself that if Peeta had more of a role, the others wouldn’t have, and suddenly I’m okay with how it all went down.

Katniss grows a heck load, and her already sarcastic inner self snarks up the pages. It’s awesome. I love how she reacts in the districts and to President Snow and towards the other tributes. I love pretty much any page that both she and Haymitch occupy.

Then there’s these scenes that the book would have been nothing without: Johanna stripping down after the chariot ride, the announcement – and Katniss’s subsequent breakdown – of the Quarter Quell. The visit to District 11, Katniss telling Haymitch who she wanted as allies, her prep team, any part with Cinna or Gale. AND THE ENDING! THAT I WILL NOT SPOIL BUT IS ABSOLUTE AWESOMENESS!

So, after my reread I think there should be more teams than just Gale and Peeta. I’d also like ones for Johanna, Finnick, Haymitch, Cinna and Wiress. Umm… I think that is all. Pleaseandthankyou.

Now onto Mockingjay!

Blogspiration (4): Inspirational Books

Blogspiration is a Brand Spankin' New weekly meme hosted by both GrowingUp YA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation and just a little SOMETHING.

Check out these gal's awesomeness:

http://saz101.blogspot.com.au/
http://growingupya.blogspot.com/

I've read so many inspirational books throughout the years so when Sarah emailed out the question 'which book inspires you?' I knew I had to take time to think it over. Would I go with Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland? The first book that took me to a world I never could have imagined.

Or would I go with the always acceptable and awesome Harry Potter series that got me through high school when not much else could?

You can imagine how hard these two were to strike off the list. But I haven't read either of them in a far longer time than I'd like to think about. So I went with a series that I make time to reread. A series I read when I'm a little stuck on my writing or drained massively of emotion. No matter which book of the series I pick up, I know I'll feel more when it's finished. There is so much real emotion, so much plot, so much friggen awesomeness that I'm just in awe with each reading. Richelle Mead is a writing queen.

So in answer to Sarah's question, the book I chose is:

It was hard to narrow down. Really hard. I love every one in the series but this is the one I remember finishing with tears streaming down my face. It ripped my heart out. It filled me with so much despair and hopelessness and hurting! I couldn't believe it. I just couldn't believe a book could end like that. I couldn't believe two characters could feel so much for each other, or that I'd feel the loss just as deeply as Rose. And each time I read it, each time I remember how it affected me, I'm ready to write again.

I know I'll never write something that amazing, or that affects people in the way this does. But if I come close, I'll be able to be proud of my work.

In short; this book inspires me to be more. 

Plus, Rose and Dimitri!

The Hunger Games' Premiere

What's that? Two posts in one day? Never!

Yep, I've got my blogging (procrastinating) pants on today friends and after looking through pics from the premiere, I am so excited I had to start my Hunger Games week now. And with one week until the Games - why not?

So this is my quick recap of the fashions at the premiere, and my two cents on Miley Cyrus.

Let’s start with the boys, shall we? Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutchinson, otherwise known as Peeta and Gale.

I lol’d a little when I saw EXACTLY how much shorter than lil' Hems Joshie was. You have to admit it’s funny. Poor Josh, Liam is just one great, big hulk of a guy. We make them good in Australia. Maybe we’re the real District 12 because even though he has his critics, there’s no one I’d rather play gorgeous Gale. Let’s just hope his acting backs it up.

Moving on to the tributes; Leven Rambin, Isabelle Fuhrman, Jacqueline Emerson and Alexander Ludwig. Glimmer, Clove, Foxface and Cato.

I think Isabelle, Jacqueline and Alexander all looked awesome. Not like anyone I should be afraid of, that’s for sure! As for Leven; that’s way too much on show, honey. Lionsgate worked hard for their PG rating.

Elizabeth Banks rocked her Effie look.

This orange number is so totally something you’d see in the Capitol. I loved that Elizabeth went there and looked so damn cute whilst doing so!

Now let’s talk a little about Miley, shall we?

Now, I’ve been a fan of hers for years but one look at this picture and my love for her plummeted. All I wanted to scream at my screen was PUT THOSE PUPPIES AWAY! For goodness sake, what’s with all the tits on this red carpet?

My thoughts on Miley’s outfit were twofold. One, she is dressed far to casually to be attending the red carpet event for her boyfs movie so she must either not think much of it or be after the attention herself. Which brings me onto my second point: you’re there as SUPPORT! This is not your movie! I still love her but this was DEFINITELY not the right choice.Wear something nice and a touch more conservative. Thanks.

(Although I'll admit, I did love that she said she was wearing her 'Liam shoes').

Which is why I nearly died when Jennifer Lawrence showed up in this. (That’s Katniss, like you didn’t know).

She looks so MOTHERCUSSIN EFFIN gorgeous! I love that she took on the gold! She looks so unbelievably stunning she put everyone else at the premiere to shame! SHE is the star of the movie and my God was she the star at the premiere! JLaw rocked this shiz!

So just one more of her and the boys:

And now, I’m going to leave you with a pic of the only person I haven’t mentioned. The image speaks for itself and all I can say is NOW YOU’VE SEEN IT I WON’T BE THE ONLY ONE SOBBING MY HEART OUT IN THE CINEMA!

RUUUUUUUUUEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Liebster Award - wha'?

That's right friends; I got gifted the Liebster award. And out of all the people in the blogosphere the person who awarded me this is - wait for it - A Zombie Enthusiast. That made me lol a little bit, and if you've read any of my other posts you'll know exactly why.

That said, I really enjoy Danielle B's blog. Know why? Because it's awesome. Her blog is currently filled with all things Hunger Games, Zombies and books. It's worth a visit to Entertaining Interests just for the terrifying (and oddly cool) pics she has of zombies. Even if I do need to bleach my eyeballs afterward.

Now, this award is given to bloggers who have less than 200 followers. It is given in order for more people in the blogosphere world to find your blog. And now for 'the rules'.

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.  

2. Nominate up to five (5) others for the award.  

3. Let them know via comment on their blog. You can even send them a tweet!  

4. Post the award on you blog.  

Geeky Tendencies continued a fifth rule via inspirenordic. 

5. Follow my blog and at least consider signing up for the A to Z Challenge. It is a great way to find new and interesting blogs, it help people find your blog, and meet new bloggers. Who knows? You might reach the 200 follower mark.

 Okay, so the fifth rule I've elected not to do just because I don't think I'll be able to blog every day - I'm having enough trouble with 'Blogspiration' :(. As much as I'd love too, life keeps on messin' up my plans.

Now, without further ado, here are the five blogs that I'm passing this award on to:

First goes to a new blog. It only has a few posts but I've read some of Bec's other work and trust me when I say it's going to be a good one. She is one creative woman and I don't see this blog being the exception. Work Love Life Write. Check it out!

Second goes to Laura at Stranger than Writing. I love fellow writers and it's really easy to connect with her through her blog posts - she's a writer-to-watch, I'd say. Always a pleasure to read!

Third is for Catherine at The Book Parade. She's just joined the Dystopian reading challenge (which I've had my eye on) and posts some awesome book reviews!

Fourth, A Trail of Books Left Behind. This is a really cool looking blog and you can tell she has put a lot of work into it. Another writer-to-watch.

And lastly, (but these were done in no particular order), goes to Rae Lynn at RaeLynn Writes!. Firstly - those shoes in her DP are HOT(EXCLAMATION MARK) and secondly, because her 'about me' section is one I most relate to. She posts reviews on books, movies, and has some of her stuff up there. There's also a handy little section called 'writer tools' that's always worth checking out.

So that's my list. Thanks again to Danielle B, and to my five - you guys deserve it!

I'm gonna send my lovin' to you!

For Friday the thirteenth, I shared a little something from Corvette that I hoped was on the darker side. So, in honour of Valentine’s Day (and my official 'one month' mark), I’d like to share a little love from Jenna. Out of context of course, but hopefully you’ll enjoy :)

The hand that wasn’t propping him up reached out and stroked my face. My eyes fluttered closed at his touch as tingles flowed through me and it was then I realised I’d gone too far. I had to pull away, to get out of there, but I couldn’t. He shifted closer.

“To think you’re possibly the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen…”

My last chance. My last chance to do something, say something. My mouth opened feebly but no words came out.

His hand covered the whole side of my face as he shifted to hover above me. I saw the green in his blue eyes right before he closed them.

Then he kissed me.

 

    ~Christian and Jenna, Chapter eleven, Illusion of a Majesty

Feel free to leave thoughts – all are appreciated. I’ve grown a tough skin so I can handle pretty much anything.

Except, maybe, zombies.

Don’t send a horde of those after me, okay?