Work In Progress Wednesday

Let's just say I'm a little overwhelmed with everything right now. I have all these fantastic goals that aren't working out and I'm frustrated. So, I won't be posting updates until next year (unless something incredible happens, like I manage to get time to work on my books). Adieu

Book Buzzin'--Variant

Take a look at what I'm hearing is a fantastic read! Variant by Robison Wells. Here's a blurb.

Benson Fisher thought a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.

He was wrong.

Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.

Where breaking the rules equals death.

But when Benson stumbles upon the school’s real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible.

And the gratitude winner is . . .

A big THANK YOU again to all my followers and those who entered to win. Random.org has spoken and the winner of PUMPKIN ROLL by Josi S Kilpack is . . . Mrs. Sherman of Moms Bookshelf & More. The winner has been notified. Come back in December for more giveaways!

Book Review--shiver, linger, forever

shiver, linger, and forever by Maggie Stiefvater. This is a threefer and I've had very mixed feelings on this one. I picked up this series because I met one of the agents that works with Maggie's agent and I loved her. So I've been reading what I can by those authors represented by the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. The covers have made me curious for awhile and meeting this particular agent just gave me the extra push that I needed to read them.

I can't say I was overly impressed with shiver. I thought the storyline was intriguing, but I felt Sam was too unsure of everything. Grace I

felt more attached to but their relationship just didn't sit right with me. However, I liked it enough to continue in the series.

Now linger held me more captive. I loved the chapters from the secondary characters points of view. I loved getting to know them, their attitudes and to me, they kept the story moving. If I had to pick, I'd say I liked Cole and Isabel more than Sam and Grace. This time I didn't feel Grace was what she needed to be. She wasn't as strong as in the first one, but Sam stepped up his game and it ended in such a way that I couldn't not finish the series.

forever had me from the get-go, hook, line, and sinker. I loved it. It solidified my liking of Cole and Isabel even more. I wanted to just skip over Sam and Grace's chapters just to continue their story. Grace's POV as a wolf was definitely more interesting than most her other chapters, however I still prefer Isabel and Cole. I loved their personalities and how Maggie just made then unique. That being said, I hated the ending . . . hated, hated, hated it. I feel like it left things undone and questions unanswered. Unfortunately it almost ruined the series for me.

So overall, shiver gets a :):):), linger a :):):):), and forever :):):):)

Here are blurbs about each, there are also links to chapters and extra stuff:

shiver

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can’t seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl.

linger

This is the story of a boy who used to be a wolf and a girl who was becoming one. Just a few months ago, it was Sam who was the mythical creature. But now it is spring. With the heat, the remaining wolves will soon be falling out of their wolf pelts and back into their human bodies…

forever

The conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy. In Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. InLinger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

Love to hear what you think!

Work In Progress Wednesday

Still working away. I have more critics coming in on Encoded Secrets and have had a blast getting back into The Black Orchid. I'm also working on some blog changes that should take place at the beginning of 2012. (Wow, that's weird to type). :)

Book Buzzin'--The Alias

Sounds exciting! Take a look. The Alias by Mandi Tucker Slack. Here's a blurb and a book trailer.

After a long and difficult divorce, Jacey thinks the worst is over. Little does she know she'll soon be forced to go undercover to protect her family, and in the process, she'll risk losing her identity, her future, and her heart. With a lightning pace, a good dose of humor, and a plot that's full of suspense, this thrilling novel is an edge-of-your-seat read.

Let's Celebrate!

By: Bonnie Harris

I recently attend the Northwest Writer's Retreat in Washington. First off, it was absolutely gorgeous. For us desert rats, I had a turtle neck, jacket, heavy coat, hat, and scarf on. It was a great change from the unseasonable warm weather we were having. At least it made everyone from up there smile. :) The presenters were fabulous and I got some valuable writing time in as well as much needed critics. So here's my shameless plug for it . . . if you haven't gone, you're missing out! Put it on your calendars for next year. (The first weekend in November, I believe).

*Stepping off soap box now.*

One thing that has really stuck with me was given my Sarah Eden, the keynote speaker. She was talking about a class given by Jennifer Wolf, where Jennifer reminded Sarah that you have to celebrate along the way. How easily we forget that. We get so wrapped up in that, "When I get this book finished," or "When I get an agent," or "When I get published," or "When I get so many followers on my blog," and the list goes on. We are constantly looking forward and getting bogged down when we can't see the light at the end. That turns to discouragement and stress and in drastic circumstances, quitting or giving up. Don't let that happen!

As a person, we/I need to feel validated in what I'm doing. I think we all do and when we don't we get frustrated. So, we need to remember to celebrate the small stuff. I've really been trying to take this to heart since I've been back and it has helped me in so many areas of life. Here are some of the small things I've celebrated (even if it's been as simple as patting myself on the back, I've acknowledged what I'd completed) . . .

• Finishing a revision
• Completing a chapter in one of my WIP
• Writing a complete thought before the baby wakes up
• Reading a chapter in a book
• Doing the dishes
• Being able to see the floor, even if you have to step over things (my sister and I celebrated this one as she is working on getting a room cleaned out)
• Vacuuming
• Making my bed
• Not getting angry for the small, silly things
• Getting to bed before 11
• Getting this blog post done

And the list goes on. Looking at this it makes me feel like I've actually done something. I can smile at what I've accomplished, even if it's done the one big goal that I'm working toward. All of these stepping stones are allowing and teaching me how to get there. So when I do, boy am I going to have a party!

So take a moment to celebrate the little things along the way. I'm speaking from experience when I say, it sure makes life a lot more fun!