Wednesday, September 17, 2014

What's Up Wednesday


What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's up, put on by Jamie Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join click on the links above!

What I'm Reading:
I finished Breaking Glass by Lisa Amowi and it was really quite interesting. I liked it, despite the fact that each character in the book is deeply flawed. I appreciate that the author made them REAL, not perfect by any means. Sometimes this can have a negative effect because the reader can't relate to the MC whatsoever, and I definitely had some issues with it, but I thought the plot was well thought out, had some creepy moments, and was quite intriguing. Now I'm in the middle of Fire and Flood by Victoria Scott and really enjoying it.

What I'm Writing:
I got in 5k for Keepsake this past week and I'm really happy with how the story is flowing now. The first 10k are a hot mess, but I hit a stride. I've also been working on revisions for my Pitch Wars entry and I can tell you most assuredly that I hate 35 word pitches.

What Works For Me:
Music. Quiet. The sound of the ocean. It all depends on the kind of mood I'm in. I've found that if I close my eyes and pretend like I'm going to sleep my brain suddenly doesn't want to shut off and I'm flooded with words.

What Else I've Been Up To:
Getting ready for the hubby and I's mini vacay next week! I'm looking forward to the sand and sun and having some alone time.

Monday, September 8, 2014

The Way Back Book Review: Two Moons In August by Martha Brooks

There are many books that have influenced me over the years. Or touched me in a way only a book can when you're going through some difficult experiences, especially in your teen years. Which is why I've decided to do something different. I want to review those books, the ones that changed my life and view of the world forever. It's only fair. Why? Because they deserve recognition, and maybe through my reviews they'll find their way to someone else in need of their words.

My first Way Back Review is for Two Moons In August by Martha Brooks.



I first read this book the summer before my freshman year in high school. Things around the house were tense. I didn't notice it at first, maybe because I was too wrapped up in Sidonie's world. In a few months I would learn the cause of the tension, and it would change my life forever. After this life changing event I'll turn to this book on several occasions to make it through the uncomfortable realizations about my parents.

Here's the blurb for Two Moons:
A year after her mother’s death, 16-year-old Sidonie and her family are still dealing with their tragic loss in different ways. Sidonie spends sleepless nights playing cards with her cat, Bogie. During the day she lies around and reads under the nose of her 19-year-old sister, Roberta, who angrily scrubs floors that are already clean and cooks meals that are inedible. Their father, a doctor, comes home only when he is too exhausted to remain at work. Only the jazz piano-playing of Roberta’s new boyfriend, Phil, brings some relief to the long, hot summer. Then Kieran, a 16-year-old stranger, comes to their lakeside community. Sidonie discovers that Kieran isn’t easy to ignore, and in the weeks that follow, her growing attraction to him is accompanied by more frequent, powerful memories of her mother.

One reason I love this book so much is because of the family dynamics, whether between Sidonie and her sister or her dad or her sister and dad. There's a lot going on in this short book. To be honest, I did have a wee bit of a crush on the love interest of this book, Kieran. it may have been my first literary crush.

Brooks subtly wove in the town's reaction to Roberta and Phil's romance, without being blatant about the racism back in the 50s. Though it was an important aspect to the story, it didn't overpower the other story lines. Roberta and Sidonie have what you would assume most sisterly relationships are like. They love each other, but that doesn't mean they always like each other. Both are dealing with their mother's death in their own way, and that at times causes a rift between them. Then there's their dad, who is gone so often you have to wonder what he's running from. And of course Kieran has plenty of secrets and drama in his own life.

If you're looking for a story about overcoming grief, family dysfunctions, and first loves, this one is for you. Looking at my own stories now, I realize just how much this story has influenced my writing. It shaped certain of view of the world, and helped me deal with the issues taking place in my life. And for that I could never thank the author enough.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

What's Up Wednesday

What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's up, put on by Jamie Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join click on the links above!

What I'm Reading:
I just downloaded Skylark by Meghan Spooner onto my Kindle and I'm pretty stoked to start reading! I'm in the middle of Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta and it's beautiful. I can't believe it's taken me so long to finally breakdown and read it. I loved The Lumatere Chronicles, which is a fantasy series, and wasn't sure what to expect from JR, but am pleasantly surprised. The woman can write!

What I'm Writing:
Added 2k to Keepsake. I hit a stride yesterday, but couldn't really ride the wave the whole way through because of kid things. I'm hoping to add another 5k by next week.

What Inspires Me Right Now:
New beginnings. Whether it's a new project, the beginning of the school year, of Fall. It's all very inspiring right now.

What Else I've Been Up To:
I got chosen as an alternate by the fabulous Monica Bustamante Wagner for PitchWars and I'm so flipping excited! I entered Fading, which would not have been ready if not for Ready. Set. Write! It pushed me to keep going when all I wanted was to be lazy all summer long. I'm so grateful for this opportunity. And to anyone else who didn't make it, keep going! I entered last year and didn't get chosen, but kept pushing. I have no idea if this will land me an agent or a deal, I'm just excited to have gotten this far. Progress!