Tag Archives: Writing

Writing Wednesday: Love, Death, and Time

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Hey bookworms! I decided to share my most recent blurb/poem/ opening to my newest piece of a possible story. It is definitely something, I’m excited yet anxious to start, so please be honest and let me know if you’d be curious to read more of.

Love, Death, and Time

Love, Death, and Time

Are beings forever intertwined

Never Enemies as the Myths Say

But Lovers as old as creation itself.

Every era now and then they are forced to spend time among the humans that curse them.

A worse fate than that every time they are reborn they must find each other once again.

This is the tale of how they slogged through our most current time of cell phones, plagues, and worlds crumbling to find each other’s arms once more.

What do you all think would you be curious/excited to read more? Any constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated. Hope you all are having an okay week and are staying safe. Happy Reading and Writing!

Top Ten Tuesday: My Goals for 2021

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Hey bookworms, I am back! I know this topic was posted for a week or 2 ago, but I needed to write today, so why not start with this. I don’t know how many I am going to post or if they were be all book related, but I am gonna see what my fingers come up with. These Top Ten Tuesday themes can be found as posted by That Artsy Reader Girl. I am trying not to ramble too much, so let’s get started.

1. Get My Creativity Back

Now this may seem silly as I am writing this now, but it goes further. I want to create characters again, see the words flow out of my fingers, or even hear their voices in my head (yes, I know that can be a sign of other things), but I miss hearing them. I would even settle for writing a fanfiction, more poetry, no, I am not trying to pressure myself, but this was always the person I know I was meant to be. I want to help others find refuge as the same way these creators have helped me find in the past. My best Christmas gift was a subscription to Masterclass, gifted by my Tia. I am literally hanging on Gaiman’s words and I want to create, it’s just hard to know how to anymore. How to create? Question of my life lately, anyone else struggling with that, please let me know I am not on my own.

2. Get a Laptop of My Own

Now this may sound silly as I am writing on one currently, but this is mom’s chrome book, and it’s always different working on my own. The problem with that is the expense, and the guilt that comes with buying something of my own, but I don’t have the same guilt buying something just as expensive for others. My brain makes no sense to me, but I am determined to get past that even if it is buying it on credit and paying it down. The ability to just get on it whenever I want, always having it close buy.

3. Find a Job I Like

Now maybe this isn’t something I can accomplish in 2021 (COVID and having to only work remotely being at risk and living with my mom who is at risk), but I want to get on a path to a day job that makes me feel appreciated, that I feel doesn’t drain me to my core. I know writing is my passion, but can I as rusty as I am turn this into a career, am I ready to bare more to the world, would I be able to find a niche, or do I pursue going back to school to go into a different field? I know I always say age is just a number,but at almost 30 I can’t help but compare myself to my peers seeming to have found their purpose. It just seems to be a circle even if I don’t want the same paths they do. I feel like I am lost, when I used to have such a fire.

4. Read 100-150 Books

I read 147 books last year, and I want to definitely want to try to do better, but I also don’t want to pressure myself more. My current goal is set to, 100 on good reads, and as I am writing this I’ve read 17. I currently have a bit of free time on my hands and will post about that at a later time, right now I don’t feel secure to.

5. Read More Print

Now by no means am I belittling my audiobook reads, as I am currently reading one I am writing this. I adore that I can control the speed to read faster and have my hands free to do other things such as type, cuddle and chase around our new puppy. I feel bad that I have neglected my print books, whether they be E-books or Physical. There is so much on both shelves that I need to tackle, my concussion has long since healed there is no reason, I can’t ease myself back into them. Plus I have so many cute book marks that are begging to be used.

6. Read at least 3 different Genre Types

Now, I like most readers can be like Sheldon Cooper, sticking to genres I know and love, but one thing I am most proud of last year was how many different genres I read: contemporary fiction, historical fiction, memoirs. I want to keep this trend going.

7. Visit Another Country (Whether it Be Fictional or In Person)

Whether it’s in person to Canada again (although unlikely with COVID and committing to a 14 day quarantine is a bit much as much as I love my partner) reading would suffice reading a setting outside of the US. I want to be safe and the vaccine isn’t exactly accessible at this point. Hopefully they will work out the kinks sooner or later, so books are my trains and planes.

8. Get Back Into the Community and Make More Friends

The thing I miss most about this community is the feeling of belonging and having people I can go to. Talking of opinions even if we don’t agree and sharing recommendations. I just dunno how to step back in. Hopefully this year I can figure this out.

9. Practising Self Care and Not Feeling Guilty about it

I have had so many days even this month where I feel guilty for not being able to do much physically because my body is screaming for rest. I want to learn to be gentle with myself, asking for help when I need it, and not pushing people away. Also in this when I am able to get things back in order is getting medical and mental health help, see a dermatologist, a orthapedist, etc. I know it seems simple but it’s getting over my fears and accepting my body for what it is and not fighting it anymore.

10. Write More Reviews

This circles back to my first goal and number 8, but how am I supposed to be strong in my own writing, if I am not brave enough to voice my own opinions. I want to build up my skills again and be proud of sense of voice again. I want to help the authors that I read and part of that is writing reviews. Now I am not committing to a number as of yet, but I would be proud to at least do 2, whether it is book or movie reviews.

Well that’s all for today. If you do want to keep up with what I am currently reading as always you can check my Goodreads and Insta(plus my insta has cute puppy stories!). I hope you all are staying warm, safe, and well. Do your part to help us all stay safe if you can please, because those of us that are at risk are finding it hard to be apart from the ones we love. Did you do this topic? What are your goals? Leave me the links or let me know in the comments below, please. Happy Reading!

Life Update: Chaos and the Coming Days

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Hey Bookworms! I needed to write something and I didn’t know what to write in this fog of sadness and pain. This isn’t just going to be about books, but about my LDR, the weather, a few points about my cerebral palsy, COVID-19, but yes I will talk about books. Let’s get started!

Chaos and the Coming Days

LDR

So first off let me start off by saying today is hard. It was supposed to be my first day with my boyfriend. I work hospitality, so when at work I receive all the updates about what we’re canceling, borders that are closing, and travel bans. When we got the notification that cancellations were happening at least until the 14th of April (it is my weekend, so I haven’t seen any newer updates since Sunday).

I knew on Saturday, I would have to change my ticket. It hurt like hell to do because at this point I haven’t seen him in 4 months.  I was supposed to leave in 2 days at that point to spend, 6 nights, and 5 days together. The most time we have spent together in a while. Not to mention this is the first time in 2 years, we have spent a birthday a part, this is what hurts the worst.

While I have a new flight booked for May with a new flexible change policy, just in case. (I am so grateful for Westjet being so helpful and understanding). I am praying this all calms down by then. My family and friends are all saying at least you are both healthy and safe, but it doesn’t mean it didn’t crack our hearts open.

I am trying to remain patient and hopeful as this is what all LDR’s are built off of. I am sending my positive thoughts out to others separated by these closures. I am trying to find comfort and not jealousy of the couples that are currently together even when it’s hard, as this is what we have to look forward to.

The Weather, Cerebral Palsy, and COVID-19

This is probably one of the few times you’ll hear me talking about my CP because although it a part of me, I try to not let it define me. I also don’t want people to assume my experience with CP is the same as another person with  CP.  Like most disabilities and disorders it is on a spectrum and has different types (which is what I hope anybody who writes about this disability includes this notes because it can set false expectations and be harmful to those who are uneducated).

While COVID-19 is affecting a lot of people with different immune deficiencies, disabilities, disorders, the young, and people over 50.  Some people with Cerebral Palsy do have weakened immune systems, thankfully, I have not been one of those people. I have only been sick at least once a year in my life if that (not including allergies), and some of those were self inflicted by being a stubborn child by and not eating when I was supposed to, often times for a full day, or weather changing rapidly.

With this extended winter we’ve been facing (the groundhog lied…), my body has been paying the price. I have been aching and swelling for weeks as the weather is on the roller coaster it is and possibly having another disability that may tie into this pain (which I can’t get checked until Fall again). I am more afraid of how my body pain is affecting me more this year than it has before than I am of a virus, because I know my body can fight it. I know I am practicing the right things, and I am trying to remain calm, because stress and anxiety can weaken the immune system.

Work

I don’t tend to talk much about work on here. Thankfully I still have work, and I am trying to stay calm and positive again. Putting money in savings and trying to be diligent. I am sending all good thoughts for those of you who can’t go to work and I am hoping my work stays consistent.

Days I am Home

On my days I have off which is a 3 day weekend this weekend because I didn’t feel it was fair to go into work on my birthday this year due to everything that went on last week. I am spending my 28th on March 18th at home, with my family, cake, books, and a movie binge. I know a lot of us are worried with the actual libraries shut down, but there is still Overdrive and Libby if you have WiFi or data access to download when you don’t have access to either.

We have each other, this blogging community, our words to reach each other even when these borders are shut down.

Want to work out, look up exercises to do at home, when I am not in pain I try to move as much as possible.

Board games, so you can keep your mind going, video games, movies and books that will make you think.

Sing, get lost in music, dance, write a poem, if your mind starts to wander in the wrong way redirect it or at least distract it.

Create don’t let your mind focus on the panic as that’s when we become our worst selves. Most importantly be kind, try not to panic buy, to help others who need the resources. This is something I stick buy as I can’t always get out due to my current state.

We are all stronger that the remenants that 2019 is holding over us. I refuse to blame 2020 for this as this started last year hence the name. 2020 is trying to teach us to be strong, calm, patient, and kind. Don’t let 2019’s left overs turn is into scared sheep.

I am going to try and practice all these suggestions, and I hope you all do too. I hope this rant stayed somewhat coherent. Happy Reading Bookworms, stay calm healthy, and safe!

 

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Book Talk: Reading Books We Hate

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Hey bookworms! I have finished a few books this week, and not all of them were ones I loved, and part of me wanted to DNF them. So, why didn’t I? Good question, in our reading community, we all often … Continue reading →

Book Talk: Bookish Goals for the Year!

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book talk

Hey bookworms I know I am about a month late for goals, but I guess you can say I am taking the time to really think about them. I don’t want to put any pressure on life goals this year, just want to put positive energy and thoughts out there and chase. Talking always at least holds me accountable (well at least that I have it in print)

I actually need a distraction today as the wind is wailing and my bones are aching. So I am gonna sit here talk to you, and get my mind off of everything, get comfy and let’s chat.

2020 Book Goals

1. Read More Print/Ebooks

book

Now this is not a crack against my audio books at all because I love them and they are my saviors on commutes, but I need to pull myself back into the written. I want to write down quotes, inspire myself to write them down, and maybe write my own.

2. Read More Nonfiction/Memoirs

snoopy

I read one this year and I like hearing people’s voices in a whole new way and relating to things that actually happened. They are more easy to make you laugh out loud because you feel like you’re talking to a friend. A lot of time they make you feel less alone, plus the good ones have other books recommended in them.

3. Read More Graphic Novels/Comics/Manga

sheldon

I feel like I didn’t read that many last year and I really want to get lost in images, find an art style I love. These are the type of things I missed getting hooked on and just binging the heck out of them.

4. Read More Books from an Animals Perspective

snoopy2

These were the books I enjoyed most over the last few years. I love the honesty of their perspectives and I hope I can find more of them, if anybody knows more please drop them in the comments.

5. More Magical Realism

Doctor Who

This is one of my FAVORITE genres EVER! I love the books that make me question what is true reality, or believing that magic can happen in every day life. I need more of these wonders in my life, whether it be YA or adult fiction.

6. Historical Fiction

Pride and Prejudice

I am so very happy that I have fallen back in love with this genre. The few books I have read this year have taught me about wars or eras I didn’t know/ remember much about. I hope I even find different periods I didn’t even pick up.

7. Read Books Set in Somewhere other than the US

globe

There is a big wide world out there and even more to explore, and while I can’t afford to fly everywhere I wanna go, the library will let me travel for free.

9. Read More Books in Letter Format

Letter Writing

I find books in that format are the most authentic format, as it allows character to be the most raw.  This is where I find most authors thrive at making you feel the feels.

10. Read More Adaptations

movie

I know 20%-25% of what I read last year I read were adaptations, but I want to read more. Get to know deeper characters or a story line more. I have a few more on my goodreads TBR list that I want to see if the library has.

11. Read More Books of the Books I Already Own

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I know this is probably on a lot of people’s goals this year, but I want to read more of what covers my shelves. I also want to try and get braver in my review writing in both books and movies.

12. Read 85+ books

Matilda

Now I am probably going to increase how much I am reading later on in the year,  since I don’t know where the year will take me. I am hoping I can read at least 85 as that’s what I put on Goodreads. My goal and longing is more than 100 books! We’ll see what I get up to though.

Well that’s all for now bookworms, what are your goals? Please share them or any recommendations in the comments below. I hope you have a good reading year, good books to keep you company, and are stay warm! Happy Reading!

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January Wrap-Up: New Year, New Me?

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Hey Bookworms! Long time, no talk! I know I am the worst blogger ever, and some of you probably are wondering, why I still try? Or maybe it’s just me??? I have said this a zillion times over, but I … Continue reading →

Book Talk: Is Anne of Green Gables Bi?

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Hey bookworms! I am back! I won’t make the same excuses, and the only thing I will say is, I am trying to get my own laptop soon. Along with a laptop my brain and heart is missing school, and … Continue reading →

Book Talk: Let’s Talk Subscription Boxes

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Hey Bookworms! I hope you’re all having a wonderful start of your week, for me it’s my Sunday (Monday is the last day of my weekend) and I ‘ve had a pretty relaxing day, besides a phone interview, that turned … Continue reading →

Book Talk: Hitting a Plateau

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Hey bookworms! I hope you’re having a good and rested Memorial Day Weekend. I know I’ve been AWOL but I am trying to get better at this. I am getting glasses soon, so it may get easier to post more … Continue reading →

What kept My Mind Off the Cold: January, February, & March Rap Wrap-Up

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Hey bookworms! I know I haven’t posted in a bit, but it’s been a bit busy lately. I  know I wanted to try and do month, but winter was busy for me with my Birthday trip and all the overtime it took to save. But, anywho, you’re here for the books not to hear me whine, so let’s get started!

 

January Reads

 1. The Rose Society by Marie Lu

The Rose Society

So for those of you who have seen my signature, will know I had to pick up this sequel due to the cover. I mean can you blame me. I wish I could say I felt the same for the story that I did the cover. Although I love the idea of this series because it sings to my X-Men loving heart. It is like a retelling of it in a way at least to my mind. Adelina reminds me of a friend that really hurt me last year, and I can’t help but want this character to be redeemed. Magiano was the one that kept me reading. I gave the book a 2.8 out of 5 stars.

 

2.  Dumplin’ By Julie Murphy

Dumpling

I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I related to the mother-daughter relationship. In the way the mother assumes she is helpin g the daughter with her opinions that maybe ended a bit blunt and sometimes hurtful without meaning to. The female friendships made me so happy because I feel so many stories are lacking friendships lately. Friendships are starting to become minor points in stories and I don’t want to think they are becoming minor points life as well.

3. Nothing by Annie Barrow

Nothing

I gave this a 2.8 stars although it was a cute coming of age of age it really irked me the names these girls called each other. It wasn’t okay.

4. Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer

Between the Lines.jpg

I gave this one 3.3 stars. I loved the idea of the characters having personalities outside of the ones that were written for them in their story. The romance felt a bit lacking for me, but the story stuff rang true to me. Especially the part where the author said she heard the character’s voices in her head. As a writer myself that is my favorite sound and I miss that the most.

6. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Saint Anything

4 stars! This book reminded me of everything about Dessen’s writing that made me feel less alone when I was younger. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone with the problems I faced. That other people faced them too. This book was like comfort food in her writing style if that makes sense.

6.  Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray

Before the Devil Breaks You

This book got 4 stars from me only because of that cliff hanger! I was ready for this series to be over, but I do how much that I greatly care for these characters so I’m not too angry about getting to see more of their stories.

7. Birthmarked by  Caragh M. O’Brien

Birthmarked

I gave this book  3 out of 5 stars. For a dystopian book I still don’t know what to think of it but it had some really good action parts that kept my attention.

February

1. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl

3 stars I like the writing process and Cath’s professor’s advice, but I feel this would’ve made more of an impact on me if I read this 4-5 years ago. It did make me miss writing fanfiction and just writing in general. Maybe one day I will feel the pull again.

2. Cleopatra’s Moon by  Vicky Alvear Shecter

Cleopatra's Moon

I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars there was a bit of lag in some parts, but this book reminded me why historical fiction and royalty pulled me in when I was younger. I am hoping this means it has reignited my craving.

3. Made You Up by Francesca Zappia

Made You Up

This book was a 4 out of 5 stars for me it was really good to hear about mental health especially a disorder you don’t hear much about. This story really put you in the main character’s head and shoes. It made you experience her feelings and struggles in such a vivid way.

4. Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire

Down Among the Sticks and Bones

This shows how horrible of a bookworm I am. I loved the first book and didn’t even know that the next two books were out. I loved learning about the twins and the LGBTQ elements in these books and the backstory and magical realism mixed with the fantasy is my favorite thing ever. It was an amazingly good short devour and I gave this a 4 out of 5 stars and now I need to own these books!

5. Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

Beneath the Sugar Sky

After finishing the last book and knowing the third was already out. I had to buy the third audio book for myself and it did not disappoint. The world building is AMAZING! 5 out of 5 stars!

6. Marked by PC and Kristin Cast

Marked

4 out of 5 stars because sometimes a reread is all the comfort and happiness you need in the world.

7. One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake

One Dark Throne

I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars. It would have been 5 out of 5 but there were some parts that lost my attention due to lag, but it has all the things to keep me picking up a book. I can’t wait to see what happens at the end.

8. Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Uglies

I have this a 3 out of 5 stars. I think I would’ve enjoyed this more in my teens when I was into dystopian but I only read it on a rare occasions now. It was an interesting twist on conformity though.

9. Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

Finding Audrey

I know I’ve been reading a lot of contemporary, but it’s not my favorite genre truly. I will admit it is easy to read though. For not loving Contemporary I found I love Sophie Kinsella. Her humor and her books always make me laugh. 3 out of 5 stars.

10. City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong

City of the Lost

I started this book last December but didn’t get to finish it before my turn was up at the library. Let me tell you these plot twists definitely made it worth the wait! 5 out of 5 stars!

March

My favorite month of the whole year! My birthday month! These are the books that helped me get to and celebrate 26!

1. Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys 

Out of the Easy

When I say I don’t like contemporary that of course excludes Historical Fiction. I know I am so odd, but historical fiction has always been one of my deepest loves for as long as I can remember. This book was such a great reminder of that. I gave this a 4 out of 5 stars.

2. Unbecoming by Jenny Downham

Unbecoming

This was one of my random picks for the month and I pretty much went in blind because to be honest I think I skimmed the summary. This is a great example of the when going in blind works out great. The story telling and the three perspectives were great for world building and was enough to have flash backs. It was perfect to fill all my fictional cravings when I picked it up. 4 out of 5 stars.

3. NTR – Netsuzou Trap Vol. 1 by Naoko Kodama, Catherine Ross (Translator), Shannon Fay (Adaptation), CK Russell (Lettering)

NTR - Netsuzou Trap Vol 1

This yuri was a little disappointing because it felt Hotaru was too forceful on Yuma. If she was just honest I feel this was honest, maybe even a bit more seductive this would’ve been so much better. I gave this one a 2 out of 5 stars. I might try and see if it’s available at the library instead of picking up and buying the next copy.

4. Citrus Vol 7 by Saburo Uta

Citrus

Although Mei’s and Yuzu’s love did have a forcefulness in the beginning you could tell the underlying feelings were there. I fell behind on this series, but then I remembered it was becoming an anime! So I needed to devour what was out to hype myself up and I was disappointed by neither the adaption or this volume. I gave this one a 4 out of 5 stars.

5. Midnight Jewel by Richelle Mead

Midnight Jewel

Although there was some parts of this book I didn’t like like pretty much retelling the first book… The romance in this one though was hot, and I like the couples with conflict. That argue that does not fall easy are my favorites. They are the more realistic to me and draw me in too easily. 4 out of 5 stars for just the romance alone! Don’t judge me she writes good friction and tension!

6. Bloom into You, Vol. 1 by Nakatani Nio

Bloom into You 1

I loved the idea of this manga that love can grow. It doesn’t have to be hot it can be slow and patient. It was so sweet I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.

7. Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac

This was a 2.8 stars for me because how fickle Naomi became kinda irked me and ruined the good parts for me.

8. Far from the Tree by Robin Benway

Far from the Tree.jpg

The tagline got me guys! “For fans of This is Us” which is my mom and my favorite show and it was not a disappointment. The bond between the siblings was so sweet and true. It also hit on adoption which I feel isn’t a topic covered by many books. 4 out of 5 stars.

Well guys that what I read this winter! I am so sorry this took forever to post! I am trying to get better I promise. Have you read any of these? Feel free to let me know in the comments below because I really do miss you all. Have a wonderful week and most importantly Happy Reading!

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