Part thirteen! I, obviously, read a lot of books this year and can't believe how far I fell behind with these. I just kept forgetting about them and kept reading. But I've read a ton of books.
The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo (4/5, 5/5, 4/5)
I really liked this series and did a full series review - and I'm not sure why I liked it so much. I just think I got drawn in and attached to the characters and that was the end of it (I'm a character person, and they were fun and great).
Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke (4/5, 5/5, 5/5)
This was a fun middle grade graphic novel series that was a lot of fun and the characters were awesome and fun. And I really liked the illustrations and the covers. I'd highly suggest this if you like graphic novels and middle grade adventure - because this is both of those shoved together fantastically.
City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3) by Cassandra Clare (4/5)
This was a reread to me and I enjoyed it but it felt a little lacking in parts. Saying that - I read it in one sitting and almost cried, so there's that. I know some people just adore this series, have problems with it or the author - but I read the original three books in middle school, when they were first coming out, and so I might be a little too nostalgic to be objective. (Full series review)
Playing with Fire (Skulduggery Pleasant #2) by Derek Landy (5/5)
Second book in this series and I loved it probably just as much as the first one - the dialogue, setting, characters, plot. It was so much fun.
Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare (4/5)
For some reason - I like this series better. This one definitely isn't my favorite of this series and it was a reread, but I enjoy the setting and characters. I adore these characters, just all of them. (particularly our three, of course). (series review)
Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) by Cassie Clare (5/5)
I loved this one more then I expected - I didn't expect to like this series as much, and this one was just really good, especially considering it was a second in a series. I'm also not sure I can be non-biased with this one, they're just fun (I'm pretty sure this year, all her books I read, I finished them all in one sitting). (series review)
Clockwork Princess (Infernal Devices #3) by Cassie Clare (5/5)
This book. It hurt and I loved it - I think my favorite relationship in this whole series is the one between Will and Jem and it's so painful and kind of stupidly angsty and I kind of loved that? This one hurts. And it's so good. And you should definitely read this one before the end of The Mortal Intrusments. (series review)
City of Fallen Angels (TMI #4) by Cassie Clare (4/5)
Reread. And I honestly remembered almost less then I did of City of Glass, even though I obviously had read this one more recently. And sometimes these teenagers makes me want to shake them, but I also really enjoyed this book, especially having finished The Infernal Devices before this one. There was giggling, I have no regrets. (series review)
City of Lost Souls (TMI #5) by Cassie Clare (5/5)
New stuff! I hadn't read before! I didn't expect this, I don't know why I just didn't. And I think the reason I loved this one so much was because of how busy I was flailing over ID stuff, like I said, no regrets. But I did enjoy what was going on with kind of everyone - they're all ridiculous and I apparently just gave in embraced this? (series review)
City of Heavenly Fire (TMI #6) by Cassie Clare (5/5)
I finished this book the morning we were getting on a plane to fly to Orlando for LeakyCon (I woke up early, and I have just enough time to finish it). And I'm obviously not going to spoil anything here - but I really, really enjoyed it. It was still ridiculous at points, but also fun (junk food, addictive). I really liked this series and I wasn't going to pick up the next one but if certain characters are going to be in it, I will pick it up for them. (series review)
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Thursday, November 27, 2014
2014: Book Reviews (12)
I haven't done one of these since September and am now hopelessly behind. Well, not hopelessly, I hope to get most of the remaining up before the end of the year (maybe just not the last one or two, depending on how much I'm reading in December, which I'm hoping will be a lot).
I left off, in part eleven, on This is What Happy Looks Like - which I read in June, so I was behind them. So let's get right into it, then.
Never Stop Shutting Up by Mike Falzone (5/5)
Mike Falzone is a musician and YouTuber (a comedic one), and he's hilarious and a lot of things he says make you go "wow, he has a point there." I had a lot of fun reading this book, it made my six+ hour flight back from LA significantly less painful.
Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg (3/5)
Cute, interesting, fun. A bit too much of the stereotypical drama and the writing was lacking a little - but it was still fun to read.
Girl with Guitar (Kylie Ryans #1) by Caisey Quinn (3/5)
I think I'm remembering correctly - this was one of those romance books that I read in one sitting when I couldn't sleep at 4/5am (I read a lot of romance books at this time, I don't know why, they're just so easy to read), and this one was short. And surprisingly fun, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it unless you want something that's like 200 pages and doesn't really have too much depth (any depth, from what I remember).
Losing It (Losing It #1) by Cora Carmack (3/5)
Okay, cute. But also a ton of second hand embarassement and why are you doing that. Also pretty sure I read this in the same situation - early morning, couldn't get back to sleep, this book is 200 pages. Eh.
Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Bosh (5/5)
This book is freaking fantastic. You just need to read it - it's amazing and so good.
In the Shadows by Kiersten White, and Jim Di Bartolo (5/5)
I was surprised by this book, I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't this and I was very pleasantly surprised. And i really loved it, I've heard some mixed things, but I don't know if it was right book, right time - but I really enjoyed it, it was fun, the fantasy elements were fun and the illustrations were gorgeous.
I Think I am in Friend Love With You by Yumi Sakugawa
This was short and sweet and so freaking cute and good.
Boxers and Saints (Boxers and Saints #1 ) by Gene Luen Yang (5/5)
These are both fantastic and amazing. I've found I love this authors books, I love the magical realism elements. I'd definitely suggest giving this a try (and possibly crying, they're not happy, feel good books).
The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider (5/5)
I don't know why it took me so long to read this. I knew I was going to love it, I was just putting it off (I have an arc of this book, it's embarrassing). Anyway - I loved this book, so much. Highly recommended. And, also I will always think of it as Severed Heads, Broken Hearts.
Scepter of the Ancients (Skulduggery Pleasant #1) by Derek Landy (5/5)
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was fun and a little ridiculous and I loved it. That's it - go read it, there's a skeleton detective and a kick-ass girl.
And I think that's all I'm going to do for this one - have you read any of these books? Did you enjoy them? Do you want to read them / have them on your TBR?
I left off, in part eleven, on This is What Happy Looks Like - which I read in June, so I was behind them. So let's get right into it, then.
Never Stop Shutting Up by Mike Falzone (5/5)
Mike Falzone is a musician and YouTuber (a comedic one), and he's hilarious and a lot of things he says make you go "wow, he has a point there." I had a lot of fun reading this book, it made my six+ hour flight back from LA significantly less painful.
Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg (3/5)
Cute, interesting, fun. A bit too much of the stereotypical drama and the writing was lacking a little - but it was still fun to read.
Girl with Guitar (Kylie Ryans #1) by Caisey Quinn (3/5)
I think I'm remembering correctly - this was one of those romance books that I read in one sitting when I couldn't sleep at 4/5am (I read a lot of romance books at this time, I don't know why, they're just so easy to read), and this one was short. And surprisingly fun, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it unless you want something that's like 200 pages and doesn't really have too much depth (any depth, from what I remember).
Losing It (Losing It #1) by Cora Carmack (3/5)
Okay, cute. But also a ton of second hand embarassement and why are you doing that. Also pretty sure I read this in the same situation - early morning, couldn't get back to sleep, this book is 200 pages. Eh.
Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Bosh (5/5)
This book is freaking fantastic. You just need to read it - it's amazing and so good.
In the Shadows by Kiersten White, and Jim Di Bartolo (5/5)
I was surprised by this book, I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't this and I was very pleasantly surprised. And i really loved it, I've heard some mixed things, but I don't know if it was right book, right time - but I really enjoyed it, it was fun, the fantasy elements were fun and the illustrations were gorgeous.
I Think I am in Friend Love With You by Yumi Sakugawa
This was short and sweet and so freaking cute and good.
Boxers and Saints (Boxers and Saints #1 ) by Gene Luen Yang (5/5)
These are both fantastic and amazing. I've found I love this authors books, I love the magical realism elements. I'd definitely suggest giving this a try (and possibly crying, they're not happy, feel good books).
The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider (5/5)
I don't know why it took me so long to read this. I knew I was going to love it, I was just putting it off (I have an arc of this book, it's embarrassing). Anyway - I loved this book, so much. Highly recommended. And, also I will always think of it as Severed Heads, Broken Hearts.
Scepter of the Ancients (Skulduggery Pleasant #1) by Derek Landy (5/5)
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was fun and a little ridiculous and I loved it. That's it - go read it, there's a skeleton detective and a kick-ass girl.
And I think that's all I'm going to do for this one - have you read any of these books? Did you enjoy them? Do you want to read them / have them on your TBR?
Saturday, November 22, 2014
NaNoWriMo 2014 | Week Three
Week three was rough, this whole month has been hard because I'm an idiot and strive for ridiculous goals, but I always find week two and three the hardest. Week two is notorious for being bad, but I always find week three just as bad because for me the end isn't in sight yet, until the very end, maybe, and week four, I know, is going to be ridiculously hard in it's own right, but at least the end is close enough to taste then.
To break it down for you - my accidental goal is 400k, which is 400,000 words. Which means I have to write 100,000 words every week. This is the top I'll probably ever be able to do, and now that I'm so close, I just want to hit it, I want to be able to say - look, I did it. And then sleep for a week.
I wrote that beginning on day sixteen (maybe?), I believe, trying to just prepare this post a little early so I could have it up on time and blah, blah. And I just gave in on the twentieth. That's not how I feel anymore, and it's not my goal. I don't think I have enough planned out or can physically do it. I'm exhausted and worn down and so burned out that I can barely force myself to finish this post because I just want to stare blankly at something and sleep.
I don't know what I'm going to hit this year, for a goal, but I do want to keep writing. I did take kind of two days off so far, though, just because of exhaustion and burn outness.
I hope your NaNo's are going well - that last week down hill slide should kick in any day now and then it's like you're flying to 50k (or whatever you're goal it). I hope it kicks in for me, if I can find my brain again.
Day Fifteen (207,172)
Day Sixteen (223,603)
Day Seventeen (228,073)
Day Eighteen (242,053)
Day Nineteen (253,150)
Day Twenty (254,264)
Day Twenty One (255,525)
And while I may not have written on the twentieth, I did bleach my hair. And isn't that kind of win? (I've never done it before, I'm surprisingly pleased with how it came out. Do any of you guys do that or have done it? Or had it done? I'm curious).
To break it down for you - my accidental goal is 400k, which is 400,000 words. Which means I have to write 100,000 words every week. This is the top I'll probably ever be able to do, and now that I'm so close, I just want to hit it, I want to be able to say - look, I did it. And then sleep for a week.
I wrote that beginning on day sixteen (maybe?), I believe, trying to just prepare this post a little early so I could have it up on time and blah, blah. And I just gave in on the twentieth. That's not how I feel anymore, and it's not my goal. I don't think I have enough planned out or can physically do it. I'm exhausted and worn down and so burned out that I can barely force myself to finish this post because I just want to stare blankly at something and sleep.
I don't know what I'm going to hit this year, for a goal, but I do want to keep writing. I did take kind of two days off so far, though, just because of exhaustion and burn outness.
I hope your NaNo's are going well - that last week down hill slide should kick in any day now and then it's like you're flying to 50k (or whatever you're goal it). I hope it kicks in for me, if I can find my brain again.
Day Fifteen (207,172)
Day Sixteen (223,603)
Day Seventeen (228,073)
Day Eighteen (242,053)
Day Nineteen (253,150)
Day Twenty (254,264)
Day Twenty One (255,525)
And while I may not have written on the twentieth, I did bleach my hair. And isn't that kind of win? (I've never done it before, I'm surprisingly pleased with how it came out. Do any of you guys do that or have done it? Or had it done? I'm curious).
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
WWW Wednesday (20)
First off - I want to apologize just straight off because I'm writing this (starting writing it, at least), pretty late at night and I'm tired. And writing had sapped all of my energy and brain power, as I stated in an earlier post. And I'm sorry for any spelling, grammar, general errors, because I'm not sure what could happen but I'm sure I won't notice if it does. But, hey, BOOKS! (if you did one of these, link me to it, I will read over it during one of my view breaks where I can see the internet, hopefully).
Also, last note I promise, I'm going to just be talking about everything I've read since the month began because it's a surprisingly small amount of things. Well - not surprising, but it's sad.
WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by MizB at Should be Reading. She asks that you answer three questions:
- What are you currently reading?
- What did you recently finish reading?
- What do you think you'll read next?
Currently-reading:
As usual, I'm always currently reading way too many books, but I'm not really actively reading anything at the moment because NaNoWriMo. I did read about 30 pages of Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, which I'm liking so far.
Read:
The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater (5/5)
I was little unsure before starting this one. Mostly just because even though I was hearing amazing things about this series, I was hearing not so amazing things about her other series and that had me a little worried. I shouldn't of been, I should of just listening. This book was phenomenal. I think it was a case of perfect time for this book, but I love that so much and I loved this book so much. I'm currently putting off the third one because I don't want to be out of new stuff, the next book is at least a year away.
Click-Clack the Rattle Bag by Neil Gaiman
I got this for free from Audible because of the Halloween (All Hallows Read) promotion thing. And I wasn't sure when I was going to listen to it, but it's just twelve minutes and I had a migraine and couldn't so anything else. And I enjoyed it a surprising amount for it being so short, it was honestly a little creepy.
Hawkeye, Vol 3: LA Women and single issues: #13, #17, #15, #19 by Matt Fraction, David Aja
The way the volumes were split was to put the bulk of Kate's comics, her story, into a volume and then Clint's, and the end of the series, will be volume four. I'm sad to see this series end, I love it to bits and pieces. I will follow Matt Fraction wherever he goes, and probably David Aja, too, because the art is just gorgeous.
The Wicked and the Divine #3 by Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie
Oh man, this series is awesome. I'm trying to take it slow, bide my time until the next volume comes out. But it's so good. I don't know why I was so sold on this so quickly, but I'm sure it had something to do with - my obsession with gods/such on earth, the gorgeous art and coloring, and the almost instant intrigue of what the hell is going on I love it.
The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2) by Maggie Stiefvater
So much chatacter development and it didn't feel rush. I love the pacing. I'm just in love with this series - I just fell head over heels and I'm not sure it can do any wrong. And it's been a while since I've just kind of let go like that for a series (though Sanderson can't seem to do any wrong). But this world is magical and her writing is beautiful. And these characters. I'm not sure I could pick a favor, but I'm obsessed and I'll be sad to say goodbye to them. Maybe I'll read book three first thing December so I can put my full focus on it.
White Cat, Red Glove, Black Heart (Curse Workers 1-3) by Holly Black
White Cat was a reread for me, but the rest were new and I'm glad I reread it because I did not remember enough to go back and read it, but I really enjoyed all three of these books. They were exactly what I wanted them to be, pretty much, and I'm really glad I read them when I did. I'm very much a mood reader, if you didn't know, and I was just in the mood for con men being kick- ass and bad and that's what I got it was marvelous.
Chew, Volume 3: Just Desserts by John Layman, Rob Guillory
I'm really enjoying this serious - it's ridiculous and I love the art style. It does have gore, so I wouldn't recommend it if you don't like that, but the characters are a lot of fun. And this volume ended on a strange note that makes me want volume 4 immediately.
I was little unsure before starting this one. Mostly just because even though I was hearing amazing things about this series, I was hearing not so amazing things about her other series and that had me a little worried. I shouldn't of been, I should of just listening. This book was phenomenal. I think it was a case of perfect time for this book, but I love that so much and I loved this book so much. I'm currently putting off the third one because I don't want to be out of new stuff, the next book is at least a year away.
Click-Clack the Rattle Bag by Neil Gaiman
I got this for free from Audible because of the Halloween (All Hallows Read) promotion thing. And I wasn't sure when I was going to listen to it, but it's just twelve minutes and I had a migraine and couldn't so anything else. And I enjoyed it a surprising amount for it being so short, it was honestly a little creepy.
Hawkeye, Vol 3: LA Women and single issues: #13, #17, #15, #19 by Matt Fraction, David Aja
The way the volumes were split was to put the bulk of Kate's comics, her story, into a volume and then Clint's, and the end of the series, will be volume four. I'm sad to see this series end, I love it to bits and pieces. I will follow Matt Fraction wherever he goes, and probably David Aja, too, because the art is just gorgeous.
The Wicked and the Divine #3 by Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie
Oh man, this series is awesome. I'm trying to take it slow, bide my time until the next volume comes out. But it's so good. I don't know why I was so sold on this so quickly, but I'm sure it had something to do with - my obsession with gods/such on earth, the gorgeous art and coloring, and the almost instant intrigue of what the hell is going on I love it.
The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2) by Maggie Stiefvater
So much chatacter development and it didn't feel rush. I love the pacing. I'm just in love with this series - I just fell head over heels and I'm not sure it can do any wrong. And it's been a while since I've just kind of let go like that for a series (though Sanderson can't seem to do any wrong). But this world is magical and her writing is beautiful. And these characters. I'm not sure I could pick a favor, but I'm obsessed and I'll be sad to say goodbye to them. Maybe I'll read book three first thing December so I can put my full focus on it.
White Cat, Red Glove, Black Heart (Curse Workers 1-3) by Holly Black
White Cat was a reread for me, but the rest were new and I'm glad I reread it because I did not remember enough to go back and read it, but I really enjoyed all three of these books. They were exactly what I wanted them to be, pretty much, and I'm really glad I read them when I did. I'm very much a mood reader, if you didn't know, and I was just in the mood for con men being kick- ass and bad and that's what I got it was marvelous.
Chew, Volume 3: Just Desserts by John Layman, Rob Guillory
I'm really enjoying this serious - it's ridiculous and I love the art style. It does have gore, so I wouldn't recommend it if you don't like that, but the characters are a lot of fun. And this volume ended on a strange note that makes me want volume 4 immediately.
To-Read:
I have a lot of books I'd like to read very soon. Blue Lily, Lily Blue - which I'm putting off because the final book is a year away and I think this one is probably going to hurt in some way.
Ancillary Justice - I've had this book since it came out, it was a pick for the Sword and Laser bookclub one month, and I didn't get to it then. And then it won every award ever. And the sequel just came out.
There's more, of course, but I'll leave it at that for now, because this is suppose to be just immediately and I have no idea when I'm going to read either of those books, or be able to read again, for that matter.
Ancillary Justice - I've had this book since it came out, it was a pick for the Sword and Laser bookclub one month, and I didn't get to it then. And then it won every award ever. And the sequel just came out.
There's more, of course, but I'll leave it at that for now, because this is suppose to be just immediately and I have no idea when I'm going to read either of those books, or be able to read again, for that matter.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Sequels I Can't Wait To Get
Firelight (Reckoners #2) by Brandon Sanderson
First off, this is going to be far from the only Sanderson book on the list. Now - I loved Steelheart and I can't wait for this to come out in January. I'm debating rereading Steelheart before or just diving in. I remember Steelheart very well, but it's Sanderson.
Sex Criminals, Vol 2: Two Worlds, One Cop by Matt Fraction
I read volume one recently and was shocked about how much I enjoyed it. And, just to point it out, I saw that title and was just like: that is perfect, perfect. There are some comics I, apparently, am doomed to read in trade paperbacks, and speaking of....
Saga, Vol 4 by Brian K. Vaughan
This coming out soon - so soon, I can't wait, I"m so excited. This comic book is weird, graphic, strange, warped, and a little fucked up overall and I kind of love it for all of that.
Coffin Hill, Vol 2 by Caitlin Kitteredge
Apparently this comes out January 2015 - which I am super excited for. Volume one was dark and fucked up and a lot of fun (sensing a theme in my comic book taste? It's not all, but it's a lot).
The Inventors Secret #2 by Andrea Cremer
There isn't even actually a goodreads thing for book two, but it is suppose to be a series. So I have no idea when it's coming out, but that book was not a standalone - give me more of the weird, romping, steampunk, ridiculousness!
Salt and Stone (Fire and Flood #2) by Victoria Scott
I liked book one in this series a lot more then I expected too - so I'm looking forward to book two. I'm not... like yes, yes ohmygod gimme, but I am looking forward to it.
Empire of Night (Age of Legends #2) by Kelly Armstrong
I'm really, really excited for this - publication set as April 2015. I really loved the first book, it was a fast paced, fun ride and I'm hoping book two will be a lot like it.
Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson
The second book in the second Mistborn trilogy (the trilogy of trilogy, three trilogies. This would be book two in the second trilogy). I'm excited for this, because apparently it's coming out in 2015?, even though I haven't read The Allow of Law, yet. I just know I'm going to completely love it.
Stormlight Archives #3 by Brandon Sanderson
There is no way to know when this will be out, I haven't read book two yet - but I don't care. It's Stormlight and I want more and I know I"m going to fucking love it and cannot wait.
Public Enemies (The Immortal Game #2) by Ann Aquirre
I really loved book one, even though I know it got some mixed reviews - and I can't wait to get my hands on book two.
I'm pretty sure there are more books that I could add, but I think this a pretty good list. There's some sequels that are coming out, but I haven't actually even started the series yet or have only read the first books, so I wasn't going to count those.
What sequels are you looking forward to?
Monday, November 17, 2014
Accidental 24in48 (a readathon) Wrap-Up (+ tiny updates)
Saturday I was just really struggling to write anything, I didn't know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go with any of my stories. And this had been going on for a few days. So, Saturday, I took a break and only write 4k and then watched some people play video games. And then decided to read, because I haven't had a lot of time to read this much and I was miss it.
And I was seeing all these people going to be reading as much as they could over the weekend, so I thought I'd join in. I didn't end up reading for a long time, no where close to 24 hours, but I was able to finish a few books, start others, it was fun. And I'm glad I did it.
I got off the computer at about seven thirty on Saturday to read and I think I was 100 pages into White Cat - which I finished. And then picked up Red Gloves - finished. And then Black Heart - also finished. I read the whole series in about 7 hours, I want to say. I don't know how it happened, but if you know the books you know they're not that long, and I loved it.
I've learned I definitely enjoy series more when I just read them like that, one after the other. And maybe other people would like to take their time, and I definitely want to with some series, but others, that I know I'll like anyway, flying through them is so much fun. I love just being locked in that world and marathoning series has definitely become a favorite thing to do this year, I've always wanted to do it, but this year I've actually done it a few times.
Books:
White Cat (Curse Workers #1) by Holly Black - had already started, had been about 1/3rd of the way through, but finished it.
Red Glove (Curse Workers #2) by Holly Black - read start to finish
Black Heart (Curse Workers #3) by Holly Black - start to finish
Chew, Vol 3: Just Desserts by John Layman - a graphic novel, started and finished, and was a ton of fun
Time spent reading: 8 hours, 30 minutes
I wish I had been able to take more time to read, because I guess I technically failed the objective, but everyone else reading and posting TBRs definitely pushed me to read. And I definitely, actually, think it helped, because the only reason I haven't read anything more is because I've been writing since I woke up.
I really like this idea, though, reading 24 hours over 48, mostly because it involved sleep and I'm currently at the point where I really like sleep (the other point is thinking sleep takes too much time, too many things to do. Which can also be fun). I think I'll probably end up honestly trying to read for that time over two days in December, I'm kind of planning on most of December being about reading and blogging, I'm really excited about it.
What did you read this weekend? Did you participate? (WriMos - What's your word count?)
And I was seeing all these people going to be reading as much as they could over the weekend, so I thought I'd join in. I didn't end up reading for a long time, no where close to 24 hours, but I was able to finish a few books, start others, it was fun. And I'm glad I did it.
I got off the computer at about seven thirty on Saturday to read and I think I was 100 pages into White Cat - which I finished. And then picked up Red Gloves - finished. And then Black Heart - also finished. I read the whole series in about 7 hours, I want to say. I don't know how it happened, but if you know the books you know they're not that long, and I loved it.
I've learned I definitely enjoy series more when I just read them like that, one after the other. And maybe other people would like to take their time, and I definitely want to with some series, but others, that I know I'll like anyway, flying through them is so much fun. I love just being locked in that world and marathoning series has definitely become a favorite thing to do this year, I've always wanted to do it, but this year I've actually done it a few times.
Books:
White Cat (Curse Workers #1) by Holly Black - had already started, had been about 1/3rd of the way through, but finished it.
Red Glove (Curse Workers #2) by Holly Black - read start to finish
Black Heart (Curse Workers #3) by Holly Black - start to finish
Chew, Vol 3: Just Desserts by John Layman - a graphic novel, started and finished, and was a ton of fun
Time spent reading: 8 hours, 30 minutes
I wish I had been able to take more time to read, because I guess I technically failed the objective, but everyone else reading and posting TBRs definitely pushed me to read. And I definitely, actually, think it helped, because the only reason I haven't read anything more is because I've been writing since I woke up.
I really like this idea, though, reading 24 hours over 48, mostly because it involved sleep and I'm currently at the point where I really like sleep (the other point is thinking sleep takes too much time, too many things to do. Which can also be fun). I think I'll probably end up honestly trying to read for that time over two days in December, I'm kind of planning on most of December being about reading and blogging, I'm really excited about it.
What did you read this weekend? Did you participate? (WriMos - What's your word count?)
Sunday, November 16, 2014
NaNoWriMo 2014 | Week Two
Week two is notoriously the worst of the weeks. And it wasn't a good one for me this year. Saying that - I kept on track and I'm technically one day ahead as of writing this (early morning day fifteen as I remembered these, panicked because I felt like I missed one because it felt like months, and then realized I hadn't!)
Staying on track, though, and having a good week aren't the same in NaNoWriMo - mostly because i should of been able to stay far ahead, since I got that 50k jumps start, but a 50k jump start doesn't mean much when you oops, I'm going for 400k. No, that's fine, that's not completely terrifying.
If any of you have large NaNo goals, or are thinking of it for next year, literally the most important thing I can offer you (besides just write) is to take it in small chunks. Don't lie to yourself about where you are, but take it in small chunks. And being a day ahead probably wouldn't hurt, I try to stay a day ahead, we'll see how this goes.
I think the worst part of doing NaNoWriMo again is knowing that you can't stop week two from affecting you, at least I haven't found a way. I also haven't found a way to make those 50k chunks easier - 30k's are always so hard why.
Overall, I'll happy with my progress this second week. But I'm also very angry at myself. Why did I decide to do this? We were going to have a leisure NaNoWriMo. 100k, probably 200k, and plenty of time to do other things. Ha, nope. I apparently hate myself.
Day Eight (119,165)
Day Nine (135,439)
Day Ten (147,021)
Day Eleven (161,712)
Day Twelve (175,405)
Day Thirteen (182,102)
Day Fourteen (203, 092)
Looking back on 2013, it's kind of strange to think I was on track to hit 400k at this point then, I also hit 200k on the 14th. It seems I can't go much faster then this. We'll see if I can keep this up or I'll end up fizzling a bit, like in 2013 (there were a few days were it looks like I wrote barely anything, probably less the 5k).
Now that I'm trying to reach this goal, though, I do want to reach it. On the other hand, I'm not going to beat myself up if I don't because my own mental health is important to me.
I miss reading. And outside. (.... really, mostly reading)
If you're participating - what's your word count? Are you on track for your goal (be it 50k or whatever, I'm curious, week two is rough)? And how are you feeling - about the writing in word terms, and in story terms?
Staying on track, though, and having a good week aren't the same in NaNoWriMo - mostly because i should of been able to stay far ahead, since I got that 50k jumps start, but a 50k jump start doesn't mean much when you oops, I'm going for 400k. No, that's fine, that's not completely terrifying.
If any of you have large NaNo goals, or are thinking of it for next year, literally the most important thing I can offer you (besides just write) is to take it in small chunks. Don't lie to yourself about where you are, but take it in small chunks. And being a day ahead probably wouldn't hurt, I try to stay a day ahead, we'll see how this goes.
I think the worst part of doing NaNoWriMo again is knowing that you can't stop week two from affecting you, at least I haven't found a way. I also haven't found a way to make those 50k chunks easier - 30k's are always so hard why.
Overall, I'll happy with my progress this second week. But I'm also very angry at myself. Why did I decide to do this? We were going to have a leisure NaNoWriMo. 100k, probably 200k, and plenty of time to do other things. Ha, nope. I apparently hate myself.
Day Eight (119,165)
Day Nine (135,439)
Day Ten (147,021)
Day Eleven (161,712)
Day Twelve (175,405)
Day Thirteen (182,102)
Day Fourteen (203, 092)
Looking back on 2013, it's kind of strange to think I was on track to hit 400k at this point then, I also hit 200k on the 14th. It seems I can't go much faster then this. We'll see if I can keep this up or I'll end up fizzling a bit, like in 2013 (there were a few days were it looks like I wrote barely anything, probably less the 5k).
Now that I'm trying to reach this goal, though, I do want to reach it. On the other hand, I'm not going to beat myself up if I don't because my own mental health is important to me.
I miss reading. And outside. (.... really, mostly reading)
If you're participating - what's your word count? Are you on track for your goal (be it 50k or whatever, I'm curious, week two is rough)? And how are you feeling - about the writing in word terms, and in story terms?
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
November - Why there aren't going to be more posts here
Alright, that's a bit of a long title, and the answer is probably too simple: I'm writing. I'm literally putting all of my energy into writing and then, some lucky days, reading some. The thing is, I'd probably be able to write a few posts and get them up this month, but there's a problem - I don't know what I should write because I'm not really reading and all my brain power is being put into writing.
I have a few ideas for posts, the ones I've been circling around in my head, and I know there are some reviews that I'm long overdue for (and I'm still behind on my mini-reviews, as always). But I literally have no brain power at the moment to do that.
I actually forgot about writing up my NaNoWriMo week one wrap up until the day it was suppose to be posted (or the day after that, I can't remember. I also am pretty sure I mentioned that in said post, but it bares repeating to make the point).
Basically - I'm so sorry, I will try and make up for it in December, and I do have a lot of mosts I should be getting up that'll probably be going up then (I'll write them after I sleep for three days, read, and blindly stare at the wall). I also feel like I've just been in a blogging slump, mostly because I feel like I was in a little bit of reading slump (and then as soon as I wanted to read all the things... HA, sucker, it's writing time. Dammit). Anyway, I already can't wait for December to read, hopefully that'll stay around, and I am hopeful it will because stress needs books.
I hope your November is not sapping all of your brain power and energy. Or at least that it's worth it (like NaNo is to me). I hope to see you all in December, hopefully I'm still in one piece.
(Also - apologies for any mistakes, I wrote this in a few minutes and scheduled it, just making sure there were no red squiggles. I honestly did that and laid down to pass out - it's that kind of month, my friends. Maybe I could do a WWW Wednesday to talk about The Raven Boys and The Dream Thieves... maybe I'll save it for next week, talking to myself in posts is probably not a sign of sanity).
(You might have seen this accidentally go up after I wrote it - I'm sorry, forgot the scheduling thingy. This is the least... not profession, but maybe sane, post I hope you'll ever see here. Have a good and nice day/night/week/month/year/life).
I have a few ideas for posts, the ones I've been circling around in my head, and I know there are some reviews that I'm long overdue for (and I'm still behind on my mini-reviews, as always). But I literally have no brain power at the moment to do that.
I actually forgot about writing up my NaNoWriMo week one wrap up until the day it was suppose to be posted (or the day after that, I can't remember. I also am pretty sure I mentioned that in said post, but it bares repeating to make the point).
Basically - I'm so sorry, I will try and make up for it in December, and I do have a lot of mosts I should be getting up that'll probably be going up then (I'll write them after I sleep for three days, read, and blindly stare at the wall). I also feel like I've just been in a blogging slump, mostly because I feel like I was in a little bit of reading slump (and then as soon as I wanted to read all the things... HA, sucker, it's writing time. Dammit). Anyway, I already can't wait for December to read, hopefully that'll stay around, and I am hopeful it will because stress needs books.
I hope your November is not sapping all of your brain power and energy. Or at least that it's worth it (like NaNo is to me). I hope to see you all in December, hopefully I'm still in one piece.
(Also - apologies for any mistakes, I wrote this in a few minutes and scheduled it, just making sure there were no red squiggles. I honestly did that and laid down to pass out - it's that kind of month, my friends. Maybe I could do a WWW Wednesday to talk about The Raven Boys and The Dream Thieves... maybe I'll save it for next week, talking to myself in posts is probably not a sign of sanity).
(You might have seen this accidentally go up after I wrote it - I'm sorry, forgot the scheduling thingy. This is the least... not profession, but maybe sane, post I hope you'll ever see here. Have a good and nice day/night/week/month/year/life).
Sunday, November 9, 2014
NaNoWriMo 2014 | Week One
First off, if you don't know what NaNoWriMo is - it's a writing challenge that is to write 50,000 words in a month (November, to be specific). And I've been tweeting and updating my writing tumblr daily.
I meant to do this and post this on the eighth, after the first full week (seven days) of NaNoWriMo - but among all the writing and trying to squeeze reading in, it just completely slipped my mind. It might be a bit late, technically, but I still wanted to do it.
So I posted a picture of my stats on my writing tumblr for every day this week, so I won't post them here as well. However:
Day One (50,210)
Day Two (60,278)
Day Three (67,654)
Day Four (77,870)
Day Five (88,109)
Day Six (101,337)
Day Seven (109,087)
And I did it! I wrote 50,000 words day one. I wrote fifty thousand words on day one. I'm still bewildered and confused and it's a blur of sugar, caffeine, and never ending typing. I'm also ridiculously proud of myself, so there's that.
It's been a good first week - but I haven't made as much progress on one particularly story as I hoped. Still, I can't even be mad at myself because day one was fantastic, and that's the big thing I wanted to do this year. I mean it'd be great to beat last years total, but I know, and have fully accepted, that it isn't going to happen this year.
If you are doing NaNoWriMo - let me know how it's going! Are you keeping on par with your word count? Did you try and squirrel away some extra words for the coming week two blues? (Most people get it, it's like as soon as you hit the 30k's and just splat. If you don't - I salute and envy you!)
I hope you're all doing fantastic. And, if you're behind, keep writing - don't give up. It's only the end of week one, you have time to catch up. And, if you know you won't, keep writing anyway. You could get so much more done by keeping moving forward instead of giving up. I know it's hard and sometimes it's downright awful, but I think it's worth it.
Writing Tumblr
Twitter
NaNo Profile
I meant to do this and post this on the eighth, after the first full week (seven days) of NaNoWriMo - but among all the writing and trying to squeeze reading in, it just completely slipped my mind. It might be a bit late, technically, but I still wanted to do it.
So I posted a picture of my stats on my writing tumblr for every day this week, so I won't post them here as well. However:
Day One (50,210)
Day Two (60,278)
Day Three (67,654)
Day Four (77,870)
Day Five (88,109)
Day Six (101,337)
Day Seven (109,087)
And I did it! I wrote 50,000 words day one. I wrote fifty thousand words on day one. I'm still bewildered and confused and it's a blur of sugar, caffeine, and never ending typing. I'm also ridiculously proud of myself, so there's that.
It's been a good first week - but I haven't made as much progress on one particularly story as I hoped. Still, I can't even be mad at myself because day one was fantastic, and that's the big thing I wanted to do this year. I mean it'd be great to beat last years total, but I know, and have fully accepted, that it isn't going to happen this year.
If you are doing NaNoWriMo - let me know how it's going! Are you keeping on par with your word count? Did you try and squirrel away some extra words for the coming week two blues? (Most people get it, it's like as soon as you hit the 30k's and just splat. If you don't - I salute and envy you!)
I hope you're all doing fantastic. And, if you're behind, keep writing - don't give up. It's only the end of week one, you have time to catch up. And, if you know you won't, keep writing anyway. You could get so much more done by keeping moving forward instead of giving up. I know it's hard and sometimes it's downright awful, but I think it's worth it.
Writing Tumblr
NaNo Profile
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Want to Reread
Books to Reread Just for Fun:
It by Stephen King
I reread this book, normally, at least once a year. The first time I read it - I read it over and over for probably longer then is healthy and probably explains my complete obsession with King's books and the characters in them.
Harry, A History by Melissa Anelli
It's been a few years at this point and, since I've read it, a lot has changed - I've met Melissa a few times and a few LeakyCons have passed. I'm pretty sure I've already sold my soul to Melissa and I'm pretty sure I'm never going to regret it - and if you're confused she's a fantastic women who runs (with help, of course) LeakyCon and started TheLeakyCauldron (news/fan website) and is just all around kind of kickass.
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
I also loved The Adventures of Huge Cabret by him - but Wonderstruck stuck with me more, I adored it to pieces when I read it and would love to reread it at some point and take extra time to savor it.
The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archives #1) by Brandon Sanderson
This could probably go below, because I definitely want to reread it before reading Words of Radiance even though I'm sure I could continue on without doing so. Not surprising since I just read this book a few months ago. But I wanted to put it here because....
+ Anything by Brandon Sanderson or Stephen King that I've already read (possibly also Scalzi)
This is the sign of my favorite authors - where when as soon as I finish something of theirs, I want to start it over again immediately. I've already reread some of Sanderson's books and I just started reading them last year. And King - I've reread the books I've started with countless times, and I'm starting to feel like I'm ready for a reread on pretty much all of them (even though he probably has like 50 books or whatever I haven't read), like Bag of Bones or Duma Key or Dreamcatcher.
Books to ReRead So I can Continue With the Series
Sandman, Vol 1 by Neil Gaiman
I mostly remember this book, but I don't want to keep going unless I have a complete understanding of it - because I might not and then I'd been confused and bewildered and annoyed at myself.
A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle #1) by Libba Bray
Part of a trilogy and I loved this book and for some reason never continued on and now - I barely remember any of it so I couldn't continue on until I read this one.
Soulless (plus the other two) (Parasol Protectorate #1-3) by Gail Carriger
A fantastic series that I didn't continue on with because of spoiler-y reasons - not because I didn't like it, just because I was scared of where it would go. I love this series, the characters. It's so rich and interesting.
Camille (Camille #1) by Tess Oliver
I didn't actually realize, or just remember, that this was a series until I went to go look it up. I read this in 2011 and I just remember really loving and enjoying the whole thing and wanting more. To be fair, it's a pretty short book and apparently there is more, but I'd have to reread this first - I only remember faint snippets.
Whole Series I'd Like to Reread
The Strangely Beautiful series by Leanna Renee Hieber
I love the books of Leanna's I've read so far and her writing, the atmosphere. And these books were very strange, and I very much adored them when I first read them. They were so ridiculously fun and so, so good. I picked up the first when I met her, a little accidentally, at a book signing for her and Robyn Schneider (who my friend Haley and I had met before). And it ended with us sitting in the car, on the way back, reading the whole way - and I'd love to revisit this series.
The Midnighters by Scott Westerfeld
Also 2011. For some reason - I can't remember, apparently, a lot of the books I read that year. Anyway, I remember loving this series and I do remember a lot of it but I want to experience it again. And lately I've been seeing some things about it again. I've never read his Uglies series (not because I don't want to, just because so many books), but this series gets a surprisingly little amount of love - I really, really loved it when I read it. This and the Leviathan series, which I'd also love to reread.
As you can tell I'm a rereader. I love rereading books - because I've forgotten them, because it's not basically something I have to do every so often. I've reread a lot of books this year alone, it's been a very, very good year for it and I"m glad for that, I like making time for rereading books.
There are so many more that I want to reread, or even need to reread to continue on with the series. Do you participate in TTT? Have you reread anything lately?
Sunday, November 2, 2014
November TBR
I was, actually, considering not even making a post because NaNoWriMo - but I want to read this month and not just write. I want to write a lot and I have some ridiculous writing goals, but it's also a goal of mine to keep reading. And reading can help me write something, just to get out of my own head.
Saying that - I don't really know what I'm going to read, saying that. I'm still kind of in the horror mood, because I didn't get to read as much horror as I would of liked - but I also have a stack of recent releases that I've preordered and am super excited for all of them. Examples: Lock In by Scalzi (Old Man's War had cemented my love for him, saying that I could read The Ghost Brigades), Every Breath by Ellie Marney, Grace Helbig's book, Illusions of Fate, The Iron Trial, Snow Like Ashes - just a giant pile of books I want/need to get to because it's getting ridiculous and slightly terrifying.
And I'd like to read more of the Lovecraft book I'm working through and finished The Shining Girls, because it doesn't look like I'm going to be able to this month and I was really loving it. And also - graphic novels. I went on a bit of a graphic novel buying binge this month and I had bought some - and now I just have a backlog of them that is too big. So I'd like to read a few of them and they're quick, easy reads that are also fantastic and beautiful, so there are literally no downsides to them.
Also, I'm going to say it now, I don't know how much I'll be posting this month. I meant to pre-write a bunch of posts like an organized, mature, adult, and then life came out of fucking nowhere and I just haven't had the time or the energy to do it. It's been an insanely busy month and I've been exhausted, just worn out, for a very large chunk of it.
And November isn't going to make me feel less exhausted, by any stretch of the imagination. Hopefully, I'll be posting some stuff and I'd like to post weekly kind of 'wrap-ups' about my writing for NaNoWriMo. Though, of course, I'll be posting daily stats updates on my new Tumblr NaNo blog - I'll also probably be tweeting constantly.
If you're participating in NaNo - let me know! This is scheduled to go up the second so it's already started - off to a good start? Make sure to try and get ahead this first week to prepare for week two blues. (Also if you want to be my buddy on the site).
Saying that - I don't really know what I'm going to read, saying that. I'm still kind of in the horror mood, because I didn't get to read as much horror as I would of liked - but I also have a stack of recent releases that I've preordered and am super excited for all of them. Examples: Lock In by Scalzi (Old Man's War had cemented my love for him, saying that I could read The Ghost Brigades), Every Breath by Ellie Marney, Grace Helbig's book, Illusions of Fate, The Iron Trial, Snow Like Ashes - just a giant pile of books I want/need to get to because it's getting ridiculous and slightly terrifying.
And I'd like to read more of the Lovecraft book I'm working through and finished The Shining Girls, because it doesn't look like I'm going to be able to this month and I was really loving it. And also - graphic novels. I went on a bit of a graphic novel buying binge this month and I had bought some - and now I just have a backlog of them that is too big. So I'd like to read a few of them and they're quick, easy reads that are also fantastic and beautiful, so there are literally no downsides to them.
Also, I'm going to say it now, I don't know how much I'll be posting this month. I meant to pre-write a bunch of posts like an organized, mature, adult, and then life came out of fucking nowhere and I just haven't had the time or the energy to do it. It's been an insanely busy month and I've been exhausted, just worn out, for a very large chunk of it.
And November isn't going to make me feel less exhausted, by any stretch of the imagination. Hopefully, I'll be posting some stuff and I'd like to post weekly kind of 'wrap-ups' about my writing for NaNoWriMo. Though, of course, I'll be posting daily stats updates on my new Tumblr NaNo blog - I'll also probably be tweeting constantly.
If you're participating in NaNo - let me know! This is scheduled to go up the second so it's already started - off to a good start? Make sure to try and get ahead this first week to prepare for week two blues. (Also if you want to be my buddy on the site).
Saturday, November 1, 2014
October 2014 Wrap-Up
October was a very good reading month for me, which i was really happy about because NaNoWriMo is coming (here, as when this is set to go up, which is terrifying to think of). It helped that I really got into comics this month, I've always been interested in comics and I've ready some of them - but this month I found my local comic book shop and ended up going to one in Ithaca and found out Midtown Comics delivers (it's so bad - so bad, I can't buy anything in November, no time because of writing). Anyway - onto the list of things I read!
- The Thing on the Doorstep by H.P. Lovecraft (5/5)
- The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (4/5)
- The Lost Hero (The Heroes of Olympus #1) by Rick Riordan (5/5)
- The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus #2) by Rick Riordan (5/5)
- The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan (5/5)
- The Ultimate Guide by Rick Riordan (4/5)
- The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus #3) by Rick Riordan (5/5)
- The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus #4) by Rick Riordan (5/5)
- The Blood of Olympus (The Heroes of Olympus #5) by Rick Riordan (5/5)
- The Arrival by Shaun Tan (5/5)
- East of West, Vol. 1: The Promise by Jonathan Hickman + (5/5)
- East of West, Vol 2: We Are All One by Jonathan Hickman + (5/5)
- East of West, Vol 3: There Is No Us by Jonathan Hickman + (5/5)
- Chew, Vol. 1: Taster's Choice by John Layman (4/5)
- In Real Life by Cory Doctorow and Jen Wang (4/5)
- Ms. Marvel #1: Meta Morphosis by G. Willow Wilson (single issue comic) (4/5)
- Through The Woods by Emily Carroll (4/5)
- The Flash #1 by Francis Manapul (3/5)
- Captain Marvel, Vol 1 by Kelly Sue DeConnick (4/5)
- Ms. Marvel, Vol 1 by G. Willow Wilson (4/5)
- Wytches #1 by Scott Snyder (5/5)
- Wayward #1 & #2 by Jim Zub (4/5 for both)
- Alcatraz and the Scrivener's Bones (Alcatraz #2) by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)
- Fire and Stone: Prometheus #1 & #2 by Paul Tobin (4/5 for both)
- The Wicked and the Divine #1 by Kieron Gillen (5/5)
- Chew, Vol 2: International Flavor by John Layman (4/5)
- Injustice: Gods Among Us #1 by Tom Taylor (2/5)
- Hawkeye #12 by Matt Fraction (5/5)
- The Wicked and the Divine #2 by Kieron Gillen (5/5)
- Old Man's War (Old Man's War #1) by John Scalzi (5/5)
- 172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad (2/5)
- Half Bad (The Half Bad Trilogy #1) by Sally Green (2/5)
I couldn't put a finger on my favorite thing I read this month, a lot of things got 5 stars or have just stuck with me. East of West is definitely something that's stuck with me, and I keep thinking about - the art is stunning at points, the quotes between the chapters I loved, and I'm looking forward to what's going to happen next. And the H.P Lovecraft I've been reading (I'm working my way slowly though a book of a bunch of his short Cthulu mythos stories).
Wytches #1 actually gave me a nightmare, which hasn't happened in literally years from a something horror and it kind of made me more impressed with it. Also - Wayward #1 & #2 are visually gorgeous, the colors alone are just so good, and the setting is so interesting. I've always found Japan interesting and I liked that, at the back, there was background stuff which I thought was a really good, fun idea.
Chew is ridiculous and I fucking love it for that. The Wicked and the Divine is gorgeous and so good I could feel myself becoming obsessed as soon as I finished the first issue. The Arrival was such a pretty and strange book. And - The Blood of Olympus, I had my own problems with it, but they were few then some had and I just became obsessed with Solangelo so it didn't even matter, anyway.
Also - I want to mention very quickly Alcatraz and the Scrivener's Bones - this is definitely not a series for everyone, but if you like Sanderson and his sense of humor then you need to check this series out. Ignore it's middle-grade, because middle-grade is fantastic, and just give it a shot. And then Old Man's War by John Scalzi - I keep finding myself loving Scalzi's books and not being even slightly disappointed by them. They're funny, you're never bored, the characters are people you'd want to meet in real life (well, most of them), and I wanted to just push Scalzi.
Sanderson for fantasy, Scalzi for SciFi - read both of them and most likely you'll be ridiculously happy with your reading choices.
Overall October was a good reading month not just in quantity, but also quality. I've been wanting to read some of these comics for months and I'm glad I finally got to them. I have learned, though, I tend to binge read comics instead of just reading them. Which I don't think it's a bad thing, it kept me reading when at some parts I was just so burnt out and in series morning after The Blood of Olympus.
What did you read this month? Have you ready any of these books and what did you think?
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