I just wanted to say...
HAPPY HUNGER GAMES!
And may the odds be ever in your favor.
Team Peeta vs. Team Gale
There's never been a choice here for me. Never a question. From the start of the books to the finish, I've always been on one Team only.
To be honest, it wasn't until I finished Catching Fire for the first time that I noticed this was even a question. That people were dividing into different Teams. I was completely shocked by it. I mean, is there really any other options but one?
How can it ever be Gale? He's her best friend, that's it. Sure, he's a good guy. He provides for his family. They hunt together. He's good looking (Liam Hemsworth is a good choice for that argument). He's smart. He's tough. Him and Katniss have a special bond.
How could it ever be anyone but Peeta? I mean, really?
He's so giving, loving, perfect, selfless, and kind. Maybe he doesn't have the hunting skills like Gale, but he's strong. He can fight.
And for those who call him things like Nancy-boy because he paints and bakes instead of hunts? *Glares* I'd take the painter any day. And before you argue back, but if they were starving, how would he provide? Come on. He's Peeta. He'd find a way. He does whatever he has to, whatever it takes, to keep those he loves alive. Even if it means sacrificing himself. Because he's that kind of guy.
There was a post done about this on Monday over at YA Confidential. Alison does a much better, and more eloquent, job describing why it should always be Team Peeta. Check it out if you're not convinced. Or even if you are, you'll just fall more for Peeta than ever. Trust me.
Team Peeta for the win! (I need to get myself a t-shirt or something.) And I just had to add this last picture because it made me laugh.
So, what about you? Team Peeta, or Team Gale. Come on, you know the right answer.
To be honest, it wasn't until I finished Catching Fire for the first time that I noticed this was even a question. That people were dividing into different Teams. I was completely shocked by it. I mean, is there really any other options but one?
Team Peeta all the way!
Blah blah blah.
He's so giving, loving, perfect, selfless, and kind. Maybe he doesn't have the hunting skills like Gale, but he's strong. He can fight.
And for those who call him things like Nancy-boy because he paints and bakes instead of hunts? *Glares* I'd take the painter any day. And before you argue back, but if they were starving, how would he provide? Come on. He's Peeta. He'd find a way. He does whatever he has to, whatever it takes, to keep those he loves alive. Even if it means sacrificing himself. Because he's that kind of guy.
There was a post done about this on Monday over at YA Confidential. Alison does a much better, and more eloquent, job describing why it should always be Team Peeta. Check it out if you're not convinced. Or even if you are, you'll just fall more for Peeta than ever. Trust me.
Team Peeta for the win! (I need to get myself a t-shirt or something.) And I just had to add this last picture because it made me laugh.
So, what about you? Team Peeta, or Team Gale. Come on, you know the right answer.
Books to Movies
On someone else's blog this week (can't remember whose) they asked which books would they like to see as movies. Most people answered NONE, because they don't like their fave books butchered, as movies from books sometimes do.
I completely disagree. Yes, sometimes movies do butcher the books. I think my least favorite book turned movie was probably Confessions of a Shopaholic. I even liked the movie version of Eragon though most people don't. And when they turned Terry Goodkind's books into a TV show, I watched it religiously, even though they changed a lot of the major plot points from the books.
Most of the time, the movies actually make me like the book MORE. It's true. Movies bring on a completely different excitement for me. I can't really describe it, but there's something about seeing books I love come to life in a way I could never do on my own.
For example, The Hunger Games. I liked the books when I read them. Liked them. This time around as I'm rereading, I'm LOVING them. I'm super excited for the movie. I have ants in my pants waiting for Saturday night to roll around. While my hubbie thinks the movie is going to suck (I had to refrain from smacking him for that comment), I think it's going to be AWESOME.
Now maybe I'm just getting caught up in all the hype. Some would criticize me for this. But really, is that WRONG? I don't think so. Because of all the hype, because of my newfound excitement, I'm reading the books again, and I'm reading them with a lot more depth and focus. I'm appreciating them more this second time around. And I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who are rereading like me, or who will pick up the books for the first time because of the movie. How is that a bad thing?
When I go to The Hunger Games this weekend, I know things won't be exactly as I imagine them. I know things will be cut from a book. I know it won't be exactly the same. But that's okay. Because I'm getting to see a book I love come to life before me on the big screen. And that's an amazing thing.
Moments
This week's Road Trip Wednesday is the kind of question I wish I had days to prepare for. Here it is:
I can tell you though that for a long time I've been meaning to post about those moments books and movies have where you literally lose your breath for a minute. And even through rereadings and rewatchings, I still feel that way. Why I haven't posted about it? I don't remember all the ones I want to mention. But I'll try to think of a few.
Another moment which I just read last night in Catching Fire, was this:
"I'm not glad," says Peeta. "I wish we had waited until the whole thing was done officially."
This takes even Caesar aback. "Surely even a brief time is better than no time?"
"Maybe I'd think that, too, Caesar," says Peeta bitterly, "if it weren't for the baby."
I think one of the reasons the whole trilogy is so good is that it's chock full of these moments where you're like WHAT??? Even though you know what Peeta's doing here, it's still a total shock to read.
And of course, the queen of these bomb-dropping moments is JK Rowling. She is so good at twists and turns that leave you speechless. The best of all? One of the best moments I have ever read- from The Deathly Hallows:
There are millions more I could choose, millions more I don't even remember, but this post is getting long enough as it is. But I can tell you, it's those moments that do make you fall in love with a character, a certain part, the whole book. It's those moments that keep me coming back and rereading, because I remember the feelings I had experiencing it the first time. It is those moments that I hope to create in my own novels.
A long-awaited kiss, a surprise ending, a character's sudden decision… these are the moments that make us smile, gasp, and LOVE a book for the rest of our lives.
What is your favorite literary moment?
Why do I wish I had days? Well, I'm never gonna remember those moments. I have the WORST memory. One of the reasons I like to reread is because I'll finish a book, then my husband will read it and say something like, what did you think of when this happened? Or who is this person? And my answer is usually, Huh??? Cuz I don't remember.I can tell you though that for a long time I've been meaning to post about those moments books and movies have where you literally lose your breath for a minute. And even through rereadings and rewatchings, I still feel that way. Why I haven't posted about it? I don't remember all the ones I want to mention. But I'll try to think of a few.
*Warning, Major Spoilers Ahead*
Since it's Hunger Games week, I have to mention one of the best moments in The Hunger Games, a moment I reread over and over during just one sit-down because I want to fully capture it. Another moment which I just read last night in Catching Fire, was this:
"I'm not glad," says Peeta. "I wish we had waited until the whole thing was done officially."
This takes even Caesar aback. "Surely even a brief time is better than no time?"
"Maybe I'd think that, too, Caesar," says Peeta bitterly, "if it weren't for the baby."
I think one of the reasons the whole trilogy is so good is that it's chock full of these moments where you're like WHAT??? Even though you know what Peeta's doing here, it's still a total shock to read.
And of course, the queen of these bomb-dropping moments is JK Rowling. She is so good at twists and turns that leave you speechless. The best of all? One of the best moments I have ever read- from The Deathly Hallows:
There are millions more I could choose, millions more I don't even remember, but this post is getting long enough as it is. But I can tell you, it's those moments that do make you fall in love with a character, a certain part, the whole book. It's those moments that keep me coming back and rereading, because I remember the feelings I had experiencing it the first time. It is those moments that I hope to create in my own novels.
Catching Fire and LDS Blogfest
This is gonna be Hunger Games week on my blog. Just warning you. Since I'm reading Catching Fire right now, my teaser for Teaser Tuesday (hosted by Miz B. at Should Be Reading) comes from there.
"My nightmares are usually about losing you," Peeta says. "I'm okay once I realize you're here." (Catching Fire, page 86)
And just another little note, completely non-Hunger Games related: I'm signing up for the LDS Writer Blogfest again this year. Usually Krista over at Mother.Write. hosts it but this year Kayeleen over at Kayeleen's Creation Corner will be setting it all up. So if you're an LDS writer, head over to her blog and sign up. It's a great blogfest where we all blog about a favorite conference talk.
Happy Tuesday!
"My nightmares are usually about losing you," Peeta says. "I'm okay once I realize you're here." (Catching Fire, page 86)
Awww. Go Team Peeta!
And just another little note, completely non-Hunger Games related: I'm signing up for the LDS Writer Blogfest again this year. Usually Krista over at Mother.Write. hosts it but this year Kayeleen over at Kayeleen's Creation Corner will be setting it all up. So if you're an LDS writer, head over to her blog and sign up. It's a great blogfest where we all blog about a favorite conference talk.
Happy Tuesday!
Bella vs. Katniss
Well, I finished re-reading The Hunger Games yesterday, I have my tickets bought and my seats picked out for the movie this Saturday, and I've finally decided to cave and buy the boxed set of hardcover books instead of waiting for the paperbacks of books two and three to come out (what is the deal with that anyway???). So, I'm in full-on Hunger Games mode this week.
Yesterday, I was reading an article where they pitted Bella vs. Katniss in a three-round fight to the finish. Except the article focused more on the actresses Kristen Stewart and Jennifer Lawrence than the characters themselves. But it got me thinking...
I think it's obvious that if you put Katniss and Bella (pre-vamp) in a ring and had them duke it out, well duh- Katniss would whoop Bella's behind anytime.
BUT... and here's where people are going to start yelling and throwing things at me...
If we're talking about which character I RELATE more to? Well, I have to say Bella.
I know, I know, Bella is sometimes whiny, sometimes emotional, sometimes weak. Katniss, on the other hand, is the opposite of all those. She's one tough chick and a kick-butt heroine.
But I don't relate to Katniss. Barely at all.
***Disclaimer: it doesn't help that Katniss lives in a dystopian world- the kind of awful world I don't prefer to read about.***
Aside from that though, I get Bella. Not that I'm really like her, but I relate to her. Her awkwardness, her sense of unimportance, the fact that even though she's weak and human surrounded by supernaturals, she does what she can with what she has and who she is. Her emotions and actions make sense to me.
I don't relate to Katniss in the same way. Maybe if I lived in a world like she does, I might get her more (see Disclaimer above). But since she does, I can't help but think "why?" sometimes when she does certain things. Not, of course, when she takes her sisters place in the reaping. I'd like to think I'd do something that noble. But there are other times as I was reading- can't remember where exactly (wish I could)- when I'd shake my head and wonder about her, why she was doing or thinking a certain thing.
This isn't me saying that I don't like Katniss as a character or that I don't like the novels, because obviously, I do. I guess it's more me defending Bella who sometimes gets a bad rap when she's compared with a character so wildly different as Katniss.
One things for sure though, if I were in the arena, I'd much rather have Katniss as my ally than Bella.
Then again, I would definitely prefer to live in Forks with Bella over living in one of the Districts.
Yesterday, I was reading an article where they pitted Bella vs. Katniss in a three-round fight to the finish. Except the article focused more on the actresses Kristen Stewart and Jennifer Lawrence than the characters themselves. But it got me thinking...
I think it's obvious that if you put Katniss and Bella (pre-vamp) in a ring and had them duke it out, well duh- Katniss would whoop Bella's behind anytime.
BUT... and here's where people are going to start yelling and throwing things at me...
If we're talking about which character I RELATE more to? Well, I have to say Bella.
I know, I know, Bella is sometimes whiny, sometimes emotional, sometimes weak. Katniss, on the other hand, is the opposite of all those. She's one tough chick and a kick-butt heroine.
But I don't relate to Katniss. Barely at all.
***Disclaimer: it doesn't help that Katniss lives in a dystopian world- the kind of awful world I don't prefer to read about.***
Aside from that though, I get Bella. Not that I'm really like her, but I relate to her. Her awkwardness, her sense of unimportance, the fact that even though she's weak and human surrounded by supernaturals, she does what she can with what she has and who she is. Her emotions and actions make sense to me.
I don't relate to Katniss in the same way. Maybe if I lived in a world like she does, I might get her more (see Disclaimer above). But since she does, I can't help but think "why?" sometimes when she does certain things. Not, of course, when she takes her sisters place in the reaping. I'd like to think I'd do something that noble. But there are other times as I was reading- can't remember where exactly (wish I could)- when I'd shake my head and wonder about her, why she was doing or thinking a certain thing.
This isn't me saying that I don't like Katniss as a character or that I don't like the novels, because obviously, I do. I guess it's more me defending Bella who sometimes gets a bad rap when she's compared with a character so wildly different as Katniss.
One things for sure though, if I were in the arena, I'd much rather have Katniss as my ally than Bella.
Then again, I would definitely prefer to live in Forks with Bella over living in one of the Districts.
Inspiration
Since starting me new WIP last week, I've written a whopping... 1,193 words.
Pathetic.
After staring at the computer screen yesterday for about fifteen minutes and not typing a word, I was left wondering, well, first of all, what the heck's my problem??? then second of all, how do we find inspiration?
Immediately I came up with a zillion things we can do to find ways to help us along in our writing. There's of course the easy ones: read, go on a walk, people watch, do a writing exercise, and the most obvious: write anyway, even if it's crap.
I should've done the last one. Instead I walked away, choosing to finish the book I was reading.
There's other things I've done in a jam when I don't know where to go with my WIPS: brainstorm with someone, character studies, and something that works extremely well for me- cleaning or doing some other mindless task that let's my mind float free and come up with different ideas.
So the main question I have for myself is: Why didn't I do any of those things? Why haven't I for the last two weeks? Again- what is my problem???
Ahhhh, if only I had the answer. I don't. But I do have a determination to make next week a better one than the past two. And hopefully, if I find myself stuck with what to write next, I'll come back and read this post and try one of the things I mentioned to get me going.
Have Suitcase, Will Travel
Here's today's Road Trip Wednesday Prompt, hosted by the awesome girls over at YA Highway:
Pick anywhere in the world to go? Please? Can I??? I've got a suitcase, I'm ready.
Seriously, there are so many places in the world I would like to see. I'm not exactly a world traveler. I've been to five Canadian Provinces: BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. I've driven through most of the United States. When I was eighteen I got to visit a small town in France called Perigueux. And the cruise I went on last November allowed me quick glimpses of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas.
I feel lucky to have been where I have so far. BUT...
Top on my list? PARIS. This might be an obvious choice for a lot of people, but I took French Immersion all through school and have always dreamed of living there. Although it would take awhile for me to get the language back.
Second? Italy. Anywhere in Italy. Rome. Venice. That little town on the side of the mountain in the movie Only You. Anywhere. Ahhhh, I die just imagining it.
After that, I want to go everywhere. Hawaii. England. Scotland. Spain. Any tiny little gorgeous tropical island most people see only in magazines. I would go ANYWHERE. I love to travel. In another life, it's just me, and that's all I do.
And now I'm going to just sit and stare at this picture for awhile...
In honor of the release of Kirsten's WANDERLOVE yesterday--which is amazing, by the way; get yourselves to a bookstore if you haven't!--we bring you a travel-themed RTW prompt today! If you could wander anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?
Pick anywhere in the world to go? Please? Can I??? I've got a suitcase, I'm ready.
Seriously, there are so many places in the world I would like to see. I'm not exactly a world traveler. I've been to five Canadian Provinces: BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. I've driven through most of the United States. When I was eighteen I got to visit a small town in France called Perigueux. And the cruise I went on last November allowed me quick glimpses of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas.
I feel lucky to have been where I have so far. BUT...
Top on my list? PARIS. This might be an obvious choice for a lot of people, but I took French Immersion all through school and have always dreamed of living there. Although it would take awhile for me to get the language back.
Second? Italy. Anywhere in Italy. Rome. Venice. That little town on the side of the mountain in the movie Only You. Anywhere. Ahhhh, I die just imagining it.
After that, I want to go everywhere. Hawaii. England. Scotland. Spain. Any tiny little gorgeous tropical island most people see only in magazines. I would go ANYWHERE. I love to travel. In another life, it's just me, and that's all I do.
And now I'm going to just sit and stare at this picture for awhile...
Teaser Tuesday and a Contest!
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Miz B. at Should Be Reading. Here's my teaser for this week from Pride and Popularity by Jenni James:
My heart was beating so fast that if it had wings it would've fluttered away. He's got dimples! Guys should never have dimples. They get away with everything when they do. Breathe, Chloe. (page 41)
And a just-so-you-know... Ryann Kerekes over at Novel Addiction is hosting a contest. You send her your query and she'll choose her fave and pass it along to her agents at Literary Counsel. Check out her blog while you're at it- she wrote what sounds like a very fun YA circus novel. Can't wait to read it!
My heart was beating so fast that if it had wings it would've fluttered away. He's got dimples! Guys should never have dimples. They get away with everything when they do. Breathe, Chloe. (page 41)
And a just-so-you-know... Ryann Kerekes over at Novel Addiction is hosting a contest. You send her your query and she'll choose her fave and pass it along to her agents at Literary Counsel. Check out her blog while you're at it- she wrote what sounds like a very fun YA circus novel. Can't wait to read it!
Fear of Fantasy
I grew up reading Fantasy. It was my first love. I've read almost all of the Dragonlance books, all the Piers Anthony, loved David Eddings, and swooned over Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series.
With this love of Fantasy came the obvious wish to write Fantasy. It's what I always thought, hoped, and planned I'd write. I have a drawer-full of Fantasy stories started, but never finished.
Now I'm starting a new WIP. It's... yep, Fantasy. And I'm TERRIFIED.
Why?
No. Clue.
Maybe it's because I expect to WOW in my own Fantasy MS like the authors I read as a child wowed me. Maybe it's because I don't think I'll make up a world that is interesting and fantastical enough. Maybe, it's simply because I'm afraid I'm going to start yet another Fantasy story and never finish it.
Maybe it's something else entirely, because the one thing I do know, is that I've had this fear of writing Fantasy since I started writing as a kid. I've always failed at it.
What makes me think I'm going to succeed now?
That question alone makes me tremble in my leather office chair. Even though I've managed two complete novels (and a third 95% complete), I still have the fear of FAILURE. For some reason, Fantasy does that to me. I hope hope hope that I will be able to overcome it this time.
...
Now it's time for me to stop hoping and start doing.
Question- Need Answer. (And A Rant About Love)
I've read in the past that three months is the typical wait time before you nudge an agent on a full. Now I'm hearing it's six months. Anyone know? I've passed the three month mark but don't want to nudge too soon.
And in a completely unrelated and random thought... I watched the 2009 version of Wuthering Heights yesterday. Have I mentioned I HATE Wuthering Heights? I do. Why did I watch the movie then?Tom Hardy. Ahem. I mean, Tom Hardy. No, what I meant to say was, I'm trying to find something redeeming about the story. (But seriously, Tom Hardy.)
I didn't. Find anything redeeming I mean. Sure, you fans out there will argue what an epic love story it is, how much Cathy and Heathcliff love each other, so much so that Heathcliff begs Cathy's dead corpse to haunt him.
Ugh. They don't love each other! If they did, they would be nicer. They would let each other live their lives. They wouldn't torment each other. It's such a twisted, poisonous love, it makes me sick. It's awful. Seriously.
Call me... I can't think of the right word for me, but I like love stories to be a bit... lovelier. They don't always have to end well, it doesn't have to be smooth sailing the whole way through, but there needs to be something GOOD about love.
Okay, no more ranting about Wuthering Heights. Anyone know the answer to my agent question (the reason I'm posting in the first place)?
And in a completely unrelated and random thought... I watched the 2009 version of Wuthering Heights yesterday. Have I mentioned I HATE Wuthering Heights? I do. Why did I watch the movie then?
I didn't. Find anything redeeming I mean. Sure, you fans out there will argue what an epic love story it is, how much Cathy and Heathcliff love each other, so much so that Heathcliff begs Cathy's dead corpse to haunt him.
Ugh. They don't love each other! If they did, they would be nicer. They would let each other live their lives. They wouldn't torment each other. It's such a twisted, poisonous love, it makes me sick. It's awful. Seriously.
Call me... I can't think of the right word for me, but I like love stories to be a bit... lovelier. They don't always have to end well, it doesn't have to be smooth sailing the whole way through, but there needs to be something GOOD about love.
Okay, no more ranting about Wuthering Heights. Anyone know the answer to my agent question (the reason I'm posting in the first place)?
Random Thought Thursday: One Day More
I just have one random thought this week: I wish I could sing.
I watched the 25th anniversary Les Miserables DVD while exercising this week and the whole time, as I'm singing along and butchering that beautiful music, I can't stop thinking,
Sigh.
Since I won't ever play Eponine, watch this instead- my fave song.
And PS: I can't can't can't wait for the Les Mis movie coming out at the end of the year.
I watched the 25th anniversary Les Miserables DVD while exercising this week and the whole time, as I'm singing along and butchering that beautiful music, I can't stop thinking,
Iwishicouldsingiwishicouldsingiwishicouldsing
But let's face facts. I can't sing. This is one of those impossible dreams that I can dream about but will never happen. My writing dream is possible, with a lot of work, but I can't change my mediocre voice.Sigh.
Since I won't ever play Eponine, watch this instead- my fave song.
And PS: I can't can't can't wait for the Les Mis movie coming out at the end of the year.
Name This Life
This week's Road Trip Wednesday is a doozie. Well, maybe it's easy for some of you but for me... gah!
How can I possibly title my life??? Okay, wait... Some possible ideas...
Last night I finished The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson (LOVED IT!!!) and she used a word that I loved: messessentialist. How life is essentially messy. That's what my memoir could be called.
Or... the first title I had for Daze and Knights was this, which could easily be the title for my memoir:
You can see why I changed the title. No one wants to read about someone average. But, well, that is my life. Pretty average. Nothing majorly crazy, but with a few hiccups along the way.
Or... I can go with something that pretty much describes me in one sentence:
So, you can see I'm not great at titles. It takes lots and lots of brainstorming for me to come up with one (sometimes polls and surveys too and the use of the synonym thing on Word).
What would the title of YOUR memoir be?
NAME THIS LIFE: What would your memoir be called?
Last night I finished The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson (LOVED IT!!!) and she used a word that I loved: messessentialist. How life is essentially messy. That's what my memoir could be called.
Messessentialist.
Diary of an Average Girl
Or... I can go with something that pretty much describes me in one sentence:
She Lives in Her Head
What would the title of YOUR memoir be?
Teaser Tuesday
It's been awhile since I've done Teaser Tuesday (hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading) but I just have to do it today because I swear, every line of the book I'm reading now is pure magic.
This is what happens when Joe Fontaine has his debut trumpet solo in band practice: I'm the first to go, swooning into Rachel, who topples into Cassidy Rosenthal, who tumbles into Zachary Quittner, who collapses onto Sarah, who reels into Luke Jacobus- until every kid in band is on the floor in a bedazzled heap. then the roof flies off, the walls collapse, and when I look outside I see that the nearby stand of redwoods has uprooted and is making its way up the quad to our classroom, a gang of giant wooden men clapping their branches together. Lastly, the Rain River overflows its banks and detours left and right until it finds its way to the Clover High music room, where it sweeps us all away- he is that good. (The Sky is Everywhere, page 24).
I'm not quite halfway through, but this book is genius. Jandy Nelson is the kind of author that uses words in new and surprising ways, and her characters jump right off the page and into your lap. I'm crazy-loving it. Put it on your TBR list right now!
This is what happens when Joe Fontaine has his debut trumpet solo in band practice: I'm the first to go, swooning into Rachel, who topples into Cassidy Rosenthal, who tumbles into Zachary Quittner, who collapses onto Sarah, who reels into Luke Jacobus- until every kid in band is on the floor in a bedazzled heap. then the roof flies off, the walls collapse, and when I look outside I see that the nearby stand of redwoods has uprooted and is making its way up the quad to our classroom, a gang of giant wooden men clapping their branches together. Lastly, the Rain River overflows its banks and detours left and right until it finds its way to the Clover High music room, where it sweeps us all away- he is that good. (The Sky is Everywhere, page 24).
I'm not quite halfway through, but this book is genius. Jandy Nelson is the kind of author that uses words in new and surprising ways, and her characters jump right off the page and into your lap. I'm crazy-loving it. Put it on your TBR list right now!
2nd Campaign Challenge
For the Second Campaigner Challenge hosted by Rachel Harrie at Rach Writes, I'm going for Flash fiction with prompt #2. Straightforward and easy except I'm going to write in a genre I don't normally write in. So here I go...
I watch my son chase after the ball, wishing I could run after him.
I wish for a lot of things these days. Like the ability to kick the ball towards him. Or the strength to pick him up in my arms and squeeze him tight. I wish I could see his tiny hands grow strong. Maybe he'll use them to hold a hammer, or strum a guitar, or design beautiful buildings. I will never know.
I will never know what he'll wear on his first date. I will never see the baby fat fade from his chubby cheeks. Will he wear his head shaved or will his dark brown hair wave around his ears?
My son will turn into a man and I won't be there to see it. Who will soothe his first broken heart? Who will cheer on his first win? Who, in this entire world, will love him like I do?
There is no one.
I watch my son chase the ball and I ache for every second I will never spend with him. And my heart breaks inside my dying body.
I watch my son chase after the ball, wishing I could run after him.
I wish for a lot of things these days. Like the ability to kick the ball towards him. Or the strength to pick him up in my arms and squeeze him tight. I wish I could see his tiny hands grow strong. Maybe he'll use them to hold a hammer, or strum a guitar, or design beautiful buildings. I will never know.
I will never know what he'll wear on his first date. I will never see the baby fat fade from his chubby cheeks. Will he wear his head shaved or will his dark brown hair wave around his ears?
My son will turn into a man and I won't be there to see it. Who will soothe his first broken heart? Who will cheer on his first win? Who, in this entire world, will love him like I do?
There is no one.
I watch my son chase the ball and I ache for every second I will never spend with him. And my heart breaks inside my dying body.
Me Likey
I'm always late on trends. I swear, I get into things way later than everyone else. I didn't start Harry Potter until the fifth book was out and after the first movie, I didn't start Twilight until that first movie was out. I'm no trendsetter, that's for sure. So these two things that I'm loving right now- they are probably old news to a lot of you. But in case you haven't heard...
Yesterday I read The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han. Yesterday. Because I could Not Stop Reading. It was one of those books you just dive right into and don't want to loosen from your grip. When I wasn't reading it, my fingers were practically twitching to pick it back up again. The story is simple, it's not this big concept or anything, but I just loved it. And now, after reading it, I want to go lay on the beach. And I'm wishing I had a summer home for my kids to go to every year. Sigh. Check out this quote- probably my fave from the book:
I felt that old lurch, that gravitational pull, that desire to inhabit him- like wherever he was in this world, I would know where to find him, and I would do it. I would find him and take him home.
The other thing I'm loving right now? Hot Chelle Rae. I went on Wikipedia and was surprised to learn they've been around since '05. See? I'm way behind. Anyway, love the feel-good pop sound they have going on, love their whole album, and I especially love this song:
What are you loving right now? Anyone want to bring me up to date on what I might be missing?
Yesterday I read The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han. Yesterday. Because I could Not Stop Reading. It was one of those books you just dive right into and don't want to loosen from your grip. When I wasn't reading it, my fingers were practically twitching to pick it back up again. The story is simple, it's not this big concept or anything, but I just loved it. And now, after reading it, I want to go lay on the beach. And I'm wishing I had a summer home for my kids to go to every year. Sigh. Check out this quote- probably my fave from the book:
I felt that old lurch, that gravitational pull, that desire to inhabit him- like wherever he was in this world, I would know where to find him, and I would do it. I would find him and take him home.
The other thing I'm loving right now? Hot Chelle Rae. I went on Wikipedia and was surprised to learn they've been around since '05. See? I'm way behind. Anyway, love the feel-good pop sound they have going on, love their whole album, and I especially love this song:
What are you loving right now? Anyone want to bring me up to date on what I might be missing?
Late Late Late
I missed yesterday's Road Trip Wednesday. I spent most of the day at the airport or on a plane and didn't get home till late last night. (FYI- trip to Vegas was lots of fun except Celine Dion cancelled her concert- the whole reason we went in the first place! Argh!)
Anyway, I'm going to answer yesterday's prompt anyway, which is,
I LOVED Goliath- the end of Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan Trilogy. I've already mentioned it before but these books are a must read. I was also very impressed with Beautiful Chaos- the third book in that series so far. I liked it better than the second though not as much as the first, but then I like firsts. Like Mandarin was a great contemp read, and I was totally into Tempest- a whole time-travel world that is different from mine but very exciting (and I loved the boy POV).
But my favorite book of the month? Definitely Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare. There's something about her books that really draw me in. I have to confess a petty annoyance with the backwards dialogue tags she uses quite a bit (..." said Tessa) but that's my ONLY complaint! I love the world she creates in her books, the characters are memorable and mesmerizing, and I can't stop thinking about it all days afterward. Her books are the kind I wish I could jump right into and live in.
What was the best book you read in February?
Anyway, I'm going to answer yesterday's prompt anyway, which is,
What was the best book you read in February?
I read some great books in February and liked them all:I LOVED Goliath- the end of Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan Trilogy. I've already mentioned it before but these books are a must read. I was also very impressed with Beautiful Chaos- the third book in that series so far. I liked it better than the second though not as much as the first, but then I like firsts. Like Mandarin was a great contemp read, and I was totally into Tempest- a whole time-travel world that is different from mine but very exciting (and I loved the boy POV).
But my favorite book of the month? Definitely Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare. There's something about her books that really draw me in. I have to confess a petty annoyance with the backwards dialogue tags she uses quite a bit (..." said Tessa) but that's my ONLY complaint! I love the world she creates in her books, the characters are memorable and mesmerizing, and I can't stop thinking about it all days afterward. Her books are the kind I wish I could jump right into and live in.
What was the best book you read in February?
Viva Las Vegas!
I've been loving getting to know new bloggers and followers and reading all your blogs. The first campaigner challenge was harder than I thought it would be at first and then fun once I figured out what I was going to write about.
Now- I'm taking a break. Not really, but I'm going to Vegas tomorrow- Vegas, Baby! (sorry, had to do it)- until next Wednesday and I don't know how much blogging I'll be doing. But I'll still try to find time to check out your blogs and make comments. Know why? Cuz I think you guys are awesome. There, I said it. Now I'm gonna go away.
Celebrate Black History Month
Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.
This Week's Topic:
February is Black History Month and it's also the month of Valentine's Day. So let's show some writerly love by answering the following question: Who is your favorite African American author or fictional character?
I loved these books (and there's a third on the way). The main character in Chains is Isabel, a thirteen-year-old slave during the American Revolution. Here's the blurb from Anderson's website:
If an entire nation could seek its freedom, why not a girl?
As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight… for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.
From acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson comes this compelling, impeccably researched novel that shows the lengths we can go to cast off chains, both physical and spiritual.
In this compelling sequel to Chains, the perspective shifts from Isabel to Curzon and we learn what it takes for runaway slaves to forge their own paths in the midst of the chaos of the American Revolution.
In the desperate circumstances of the Valley Forge winter, Curzon the boy becomes Curzon the young man. In addition to the hardships of soldiering, he lives with the fear of being discovered as an escaped slave passing for free. Isabel is also at Valley Forge—against her will. She and Curzon have to sort out the tangled threads of their friendship while figuring out what stands between the two of them and true freedom.
These books were both really good. Laurie Halse Anderson is an amazing writer and she makes reading historical easy and fascinating. If you haven't read these yet, you should.
Crap Writers Say
*Disclaimer: I don't swear, so I'm using the word "crap".*
It started with Crap My Dad Says. Then those videos of that guy dressed as a girl doing, Crap Girls Say. Then there was Crap Agents Say.
What about Crap Writers Say?
Since I've got no acting or video-ing skills, I'm going to write this all down. But someone should make a video.
Have you said any of these before? (I know I have.)
What do you mean, show don't tell?
Is this showing?
I've got too many adverbs.
This book is awesome, I wish I could write like this.
This book sucks, mine is way better.
If he can get published then so can I.
I'll never get published.
She's my dream agent.
I've checked my email like twenty times today.
My query sucks.
My synopsis sucks.
What do you mean I can't do a prologue?
What genre is this?
Can I say paranormal urban fantasy with a romantic twist?
I got another rejection.
Why did I get rejected?
Is my word count too long?
I can't think of a title.
My title sucks.
I got a full request!
Please let the agent love me.
Why doesn't this agent love me?
I swear I'm not stalking this agent of twitter.
Hold on, I've just gotta check twitter.
Hold on, I've gotta check my email.
What's the difference between a critique partner and a beta reader?
I need a beta reader.
Will you be my beta reader?
I've gotta stop playing spider solitaire and write.
I've gotta stop watching tv and write.
I never have enough time to write.
I wrote like, two thousand words today!
I wrote like, one sentence, and that's it.
Do I have too many dialogue tags?
My character rocks.
My description here is lame.
Does this make sense?
Can you read this and tell me if it makes sense?
Should I have a comma here?
I'm tired of revising.
I need to revise again.
I'm so excited about my new WIP!