20,000 Words!!

I am excited to share that I have reached a personal goal of mine today! That goal was to reach 20,000 words written for my first and yet untitled fantasy/sci-fi novel! At 20,000 words, it finally feels real and makes it feel like I will actually be able to finish this journey. Writing has been teaching me a lot about myself. For example:

  • I am not nearly as disciplined as I want to be. Being a writer means setting aside time to write. I know it sounds really simple but for me it isn’t. Ideally, I should be scheduling time to write everyday. I hope I get better at this.
  • The more I write, the more ideas for future projects pop into my head. Researching things for my novel is important to me. If I use a location or historical occurance, I want to be accurate. When I take concepts or incorporate parts from mythology, I want to present them in a new way while staying true to their essence. I can get lost in the research if I’m not careful, which takes away from my writing time.
  • I have SO MUCH to learn. Writing is an art, and it takes effort and intention. I am very grateful that there are many resources available at my fingertips (Thank you, Pinterest and Lord Google), that I can dive into to learn more about the process, the nitty gritty stuff, and that give me inspiration when I am plagued by writer’s block.

I think one of my favorite quotes really rings true for me on my journey to becoming an author.
“If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”- Sir Isaac Newton

Book Review- Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo (3rd Book in Trilogy)

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I really enjoyed this book and I thought it wrapped up the story well. I have really mixed emotions about how it all ended though. It was certainly a clean and tidy ending. I wanted so many things to happen that didn’t which is why I can’t give it the full 5 stars. As far as the writing itself goes, it was entertaining and exciting and I couldn’t put the book down. I read the book in one day. I really noticed how Bardugo’s writing improved throughout the series.

There were a few surprises that I didn’t predict, or kinda predicted but didn’t get exactly right. I loved all the characters, how they were developed, and even found myself laughing at some of their interactions that I feel really brought it all to life.

Having said all that though, I really wished for something that I can’t quite put my finger on, and I never got it. I am left wanting…

Book Review – Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo (Book 2 of Series)

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My first read of 2022 was the second in Leigh Bardugo’s series, Siege and Storm. I really loved this book. Even more than Shadow and Bone (Book 1 in the series). I read the whole thing in one day (432 pages, a new personal record), I could NOT put it down. The world is rich and while based on Tsarist Russia, still incredibly unique. Even with all the magic and fantasy, the story is relatable and covers elements of the human experience that we have all felt at some point. The characters are wonderful and I love where the story is taking them. Definitely a must read! I am starting the final book of the trilogy today!

Book Review – Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

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Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (Book 1 in series) was book 31 and my final read of 2021 (Dec 28th, to be exact)!

I gave it a rating of 3.5 stars. I had wanted to read this book for a long time (and definitely before watching the Netflix Series). I wasn’t really sure what I was expecting but it was an entertaining read. A richly imagined world of magic (I would have liked to see more), the characters were relatable and helped the story come to life. I know very little about Russian folklore and mythology, but this story has peaked my inner historian’s interest. I can wait to see where the story takes Alina next!

Good-Bye 2021, Hello 2022!

To say that a lot happened in 2021 would be an understatement, though it still remains true, especially for me. I decided to start taking some distance courses to slowly but surely, finish my university degree. I also wrote a book of poetry that is currently in the final stages of the publishing process. Deciding to write is really a dream come true. In addition to the poetry book I have started not only one, but TWO novels. The cherry on top was meeting my reading goal of 30 books and passing it by 1 (I will post the review soon)!

While I am very sad to be starting 2022 without Betty White, I am looking forward to another productive year, full of growth and continued self-discovery. I wish the same for you!

2021 Reading Challenge Complete!

I am very pleased to say that I was able to successfully complete Goodreads 2021 Reading Challenge! My goal was 30 books and I finished the last book today. Above are the last two books I read as part of that challenge and they just happen to also be part of my research/author development for my novel. I have challenged myself to annual reading goals every year since 2012. I haven’t always met my goal and some years I was definitely overzealous with regard to how many books I thought I could read but no matter how many books I finish the year with I am always grateful to have nurtured my love of reading. How many books have you read this year?

P.S. I do not count children’s books, articles or even my textbook for university towards my Reading Challenge Goal. That would be too easy 😉

Book Review: Graveyard Waltz by Jessie Thomas (Book 2 of Nickel City Necromancer Series)

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 I received a copy of Graveyard Waltz by Jessie Thomas from BookSirens.com.

This is the second book that I have read in this series, Nickel City Necromancer, and I was not disappointed. The story is written from first person point of view with a comfortable and easy to follow writing style. We first meet the Protagonist, Seraphina Mason in the first installment, Kiss Me Deadly, and after reading Graveyard Waltz, I just can’t get enough of her and the other cast of brilliant characters. With the right mix of humor, romance, action and even a bit of tragedy, the author kept my attention and the pages turning almost from beginning to end.  I did find the first five chapters or so somewhat slower paced while setting the stage, but the rest of the book made up for it. Graveyard Waltz had my emotions all over the place and I was able to empathize with the characters. I was totally invested. This series has everything you can hope for in Urban Fantasy with necromancy, witchcraft, vampires and more! It would be a mistake not to read this book and the others in this series, but be forewarned, this author does like a good cliff-hanger…

Book Review→ Ancient Egypt: Discover Fascinating History, Mythology, Gods, Goddesses, Pharaohs, Pyramids & More From the Mysterious Ancient Egyptian Civilization by History Brought Alive

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I received a copy of Ancient Egypt: Discover Fascinating History, Mythology, Gods, Goddesses, Pharaohs, Pyramids & More From the Mysterious Ancient Egyptian Civilization by History Brought Alive from Book Sirens.

I was super impressed with the condensed history of Ancient Egypt presented by History Brought Alive. As a lover and student of history, being able to dip my toes into various ancient civilizations through books like this one, is a great introduction and way to see if I want to explore further without having to pour through hours and hours of research. This is the second book I have read by the company, and it will not be the last.  Touching on all the most interesting parts of Ancient Egypt this book is great for someone just being introduced to the idea of Ancient Egypt. It’s an interesting and quick read. Peek into one of humanities oldest civilizations. The book is worth your time.

Writer’s Block: When Your Imaginary Friends Refuse to Talk to You (Author Unknown)

The quote I’ve used in the title always makes me laugh, but lately, it has been painfully true. I don’t know why but I can’t seem to find my creative spark for the last couple weeks. I am almost finished the first draft of Chapter 6 in my untitled Fantasy/Sci-Fi novel, but I can’t seem to finish it. I have been trying to do some reading, that usually helps but so far has proven to be a fruitless endeavor (not for the author’s whose books I am reviewing, but totally unhelpful to me). So that’s what’s up with my writing.

As for updates regarding my poetry book, I am just waiting to hear back from my publisher with the final proof of the book so I can give them the thumbs up to list it! I am still hopeful that it will be available before Christmas!

If you have any advice for creative inspiration, lay it on me.

Book Review: The Mentor’s Playbook by Doruk Cansev

I received a copy of The Mentor Playbook from BookSprout.com.  If I could sum up the entire thing in two words, they would be: Chaotic Good.  This book has a ton of excellent points, and the author has clearly spent a substantial amount of time collecting wisdom of the ages and has added some personal nuggets as well into these pages. I found the writing to be simple and easy to understand, and I enjoyed the way the author illustrated points using pop culture references and infused the wisdom with humor. What it ultimately lacked for me was flow. I felt like I was reading bite size pieces of wisdom that while valuable felt chaotically presented. However, the content alone makes this book worth the read.  An advantage to the way it is written, you can pick up where you left off between reads without losing anything or flip to the section that calls to you or the area where you feel you need the most work. I love leadership and personal development books, and this book will be one I refer to frequently, as I feel that each time I read it, I will get something new out of it.