I'm a slave to the world of the internet!
I'm just kidding. What I mean is that I finally gave in and decided to believe in myself and consider myself a published author (even if my novel has not seen the light of day yet). Therefore, starting a couple of days ago, I've launched the official fan page on Facebook. It's pretty barren for now, but I plan to fill it with many writing-related thoughts.
Yes, this is my official launch of the page. So virtual champagne and scones for everyone!
So, if you're interested in how the publishing process will work for me from this point on, don't be afraid to wonder over and give me a shout. You can find it here.
In other news, I've just edited chapter 5 of Hunters (first go - using the crits). I'll have to go through it again soon and see what I want to say in it that I haven't already.
Also, coming soon, news about Saving Grace and where it will be going.
Just wanted to take the time and thank everyone for their support and virtual love. It's given me confidence and kept me going all this time. The 4000 hits my blog has received makes me long to give away free stuff. Hopefully, by the time I get to 5000 hits, I'll actually have what to give away ;)
So, until then, virtual hugs for everyone!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Some news
So, I went and saw The Hunger Games last night. I'm sort of on the fence about it. Knowing the books and the film industry, I know it could have been much worse. On the other hand, I found myself getting bored during. And the action shots were just terrible. The camera moved around so much, I couldn't tell who was fighting whom and who was doing what.
The screenplay felt pretty solid to me. I had trouble with the directing and the soundtrack. The lack of background sounds made me... well, notice that there aren't any. They could have played out the suspense a lot better with some sound.
I did like the scenes from behind the cameras. Those were really interesting and nice. :) Overall, I think the movie worked and could have been worse.
On to other news. I'm excited that in April, the page for the Fire&Ice devision of Melange Publishing will be out -- cuz that's where Hunters is coming out. It was apparently deemed YA (not exactly sure why, but I guess it's pretty clean), so... I can't wait :D. I still haven't gotten news about the cover, and I'm still very excited to see it (the official one).
Mysti Parker (yeah, you know her), had me do a guest post on her blog. I managed to put that in at work (oopsy, almost forgot), but in the flurry of it, I discovered something about myself. If you're curious, you can read the guest post here.
I've been wondering if to make an author Facebook page for myself. I've been toying with the idea for a while and decided to have one once I am a published author. Now that I'm contracted, I'm a bit scared to call myself that. Like if I exaggerate and get over excited, the good thing will go away. And I'm pretty nervous about that. Though I've seen unpublished authors with Facebook pages. Hmmm... not sure what to do about that. I'm just sure I won't be giving out news of my books on my personal page (since most of the stuff going on there is in Romanian and for Romanians) Most of the people there don't even know I write (yup, let alone that I'm contracted - ha! I can't get enough of saying that).
So, this is me for now. I'll be giving you more news soon. Right now, I'm getting excited with wedding planning and such. Already gave the order for my invitations. :D Hope to get back here with some good news and/or a potential cover/Facebook page.
Over and out!
The screenplay felt pretty solid to me. I had trouble with the directing and the soundtrack. The lack of background sounds made me... well, notice that there aren't any. They could have played out the suspense a lot better with some sound.
I did like the scenes from behind the cameras. Those were really interesting and nice. :) Overall, I think the movie worked and could have been worse.
On to other news. I'm excited that in April, the page for the Fire&Ice devision of Melange Publishing will be out -- cuz that's where Hunters is coming out. It was apparently deemed YA (not exactly sure why, but I guess it's pretty clean), so... I can't wait :D. I still haven't gotten news about the cover, and I'm still very excited to see it (the official one).
Mysti Parker (yeah, you know her), had me do a guest post on her blog. I managed to put that in at work (oopsy, almost forgot), but in the flurry of it, I discovered something about myself. If you're curious, you can read the guest post here.
I've been wondering if to make an author Facebook page for myself. I've been toying with the idea for a while and decided to have one once I am a published author. Now that I'm contracted, I'm a bit scared to call myself that. Like if I exaggerate and get over excited, the good thing will go away. And I'm pretty nervous about that. Though I've seen unpublished authors with Facebook pages. Hmmm... not sure what to do about that. I'm just sure I won't be giving out news of my books on my personal page (since most of the stuff going on there is in Romanian and for Romanians) Most of the people there don't even know I write (yup, let alone that I'm contracted - ha! I can't get enough of saying that).
So, this is me for now. I'll be giving you more news soon. Right now, I'm getting excited with wedding planning and such. Already gave the order for my invitations. :D Hope to get back here with some good news and/or a potential cover/Facebook page.
Over and out!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Move it, pal!
Hi everyone.
I know I've been MIA for a long, long time, but things have been hectic lately. With everything. I think my life will slow down a bit only in November this year, because until then, I have many things to do. You already know that, so I won't be getting into it again. All you need to know is, I'm blogging today because I have a day off ;)
You're probably confused about the title. Don't worry, I'm not addressing you directly. I'll take the long winded way to explain what's going on.
Recently (if you can call Christmas recent), I've acquired a kindle, which means I've automatically tripled the number of books I read a year. I've read over 14 books in 3 months, and I usually read that many per year. I also love that I got to read books by many of my friends. Which was awesome.
Now, while reading my way through many books (including something by the now infamous Amanda Hocking), I came to the following conclusion: action has taken the place of good old fashioned character development in many books.
What's character development?
What, you call yourself a writer and dare to ask that? No, I'm just kidding here - character development is the change that goes on in your character after he/she goes through all the mayhem you put him/her through in your book. So character goes from point A to point B and is better for the experience. (as in grows by the end of this stuff).
After reading some YA lately (including more of the Fallen series and the first 2 Hush Hush books - I know, my choice in literature isn't exactly the best), I've realized that characters DON'T GROW anymore. And I finally realized why The Hunger Games left me with a bitter taste in my mouth - because Katniss didn't grow - she started out as a paranoiac loner and ended just the same. Yes, she has other, redeeming traits, but she starts with them and ends with them. No growth what-so-ever. The same with most YA heroes and heroines these days.
And that's just wrong! I mean YA should be the genre that should preach evolution and development the most - teach the kids that they have to fight for what's right and grow with the experience. Even if there's nothing else to learn from that book.
I'm not saying I'm doing it, but at least I'm trying.
In my YA series, Sam's a rich, pretty clumsy city kid who has to learn to trek through a jungle and shoot and fight because he'll be dead by the end of the book if he doesn't. He also has to fight his insecurities and believe in the decisions he makes because they could get everyone he cares about killed. At some point, he has to even overcome his fear of heights. He struggles and almost fails, but he grows with it.
In Hunters, Rachel actually has to tone down her badd-ass-ness and learn that positive feelings are just as driving as anger. She also evolves and learns how to use what she has without doubting herself. I admit she doesn't grow much - maybe just softens and finds her inner balance - but something about her does change.
Grace, my newest character to torture, grows A LOT. People reading the book know how annoying she was at the beginning and how she started growing a spine and building confidence.
I want to see that in books. People overcoming their condition - struggling to succeed. And here's where the title gets explained (told you it would be a lng and winding road). Move it and evolve, you damn character!
Plot is important, I couldn't agree more. But if you send a cardboard piece (or a stone block in case the character is 3D) down an interesting road, its not going to make me love the book. Enjoy it, sure. Find the plot amazing - maybe. Be happy with the experience - nope, not me. The proof is that I've spent months since I've read The Hunger Games with a bitter feeling that something was wrong with that series. And when I found the flaw, I was very relieved and ready to put it behind me. And, no, I won't be reading those books again.
Honestly, it's going to take a very long time for something as good as Harry Potter to come out for the YA audience. My thoughts.
So yes, three dimensional characters can still be bad. That is my conclusion for the day.
In other news, I've started editing Hunters again - one chapter at a time. I'm gonna need to work on the last chapters because I've changed them pretty much and I need to see if the idea works or not.
Hope to get back here some time this month.
I know I've been MIA for a long, long time, but things have been hectic lately. With everything. I think my life will slow down a bit only in November this year, because until then, I have many things to do. You already know that, so I won't be getting into it again. All you need to know is, I'm blogging today because I have a day off ;)
You're probably confused about the title. Don't worry, I'm not addressing you directly. I'll take the long winded way to explain what's going on.
Recently (if you can call Christmas recent), I've acquired a kindle, which means I've automatically tripled the number of books I read a year. I've read over 14 books in 3 months, and I usually read that many per year. I also love that I got to read books by many of my friends. Which was awesome.
Now, while reading my way through many books (including something by the now infamous Amanda Hocking), I came to the following conclusion: action has taken the place of good old fashioned character development in many books.
What's character development?
What, you call yourself a writer and dare to ask that? No, I'm just kidding here - character development is the change that goes on in your character after he/she goes through all the mayhem you put him/her through in your book. So character goes from point A to point B and is better for the experience. (as in grows by the end of this stuff).
After reading some YA lately (including more of the Fallen series and the first 2 Hush Hush books - I know, my choice in literature isn't exactly the best), I've realized that characters DON'T GROW anymore. And I finally realized why The Hunger Games left me with a bitter taste in my mouth - because Katniss didn't grow - she started out as a paranoiac loner and ended just the same. Yes, she has other, redeeming traits, but she starts with them and ends with them. No growth what-so-ever. The same with most YA heroes and heroines these days.
And that's just wrong! I mean YA should be the genre that should preach evolution and development the most - teach the kids that they have to fight for what's right and grow with the experience. Even if there's nothing else to learn from that book.
I'm not saying I'm doing it, but at least I'm trying.
In my YA series, Sam's a rich, pretty clumsy city kid who has to learn to trek through a jungle and shoot and fight because he'll be dead by the end of the book if he doesn't. He also has to fight his insecurities and believe in the decisions he makes because they could get everyone he cares about killed. At some point, he has to even overcome his fear of heights. He struggles and almost fails, but he grows with it.
In Hunters, Rachel actually has to tone down her badd-ass-ness and learn that positive feelings are just as driving as anger. She also evolves and learns how to use what she has without doubting herself. I admit she doesn't grow much - maybe just softens and finds her inner balance - but something about her does change.
Grace, my newest character to torture, grows A LOT. People reading the book know how annoying she was at the beginning and how she started growing a spine and building confidence.
I want to see that in books. People overcoming their condition - struggling to succeed. And here's where the title gets explained (told you it would be a lng and winding road). Move it and evolve, you damn character!
Plot is important, I couldn't agree more. But if you send a cardboard piece (or a stone block in case the character is 3D) down an interesting road, its not going to make me love the book. Enjoy it, sure. Find the plot amazing - maybe. Be happy with the experience - nope, not me. The proof is that I've spent months since I've read The Hunger Games with a bitter feeling that something was wrong with that series. And when I found the flaw, I was very relieved and ready to put it behind me. And, no, I won't be reading those books again.
Honestly, it's going to take a very long time for something as good as Harry Potter to come out for the YA audience. My thoughts.
So yes, three dimensional characters can still be bad. That is my conclusion for the day.
In other news, I've started editing Hunters again - one chapter at a time. I'm gonna need to work on the last chapters because I've changed them pretty much and I need to see if the idea works or not.
Hope to get back here some time this month.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Contests, reviews and updates
Hello peeps!
I'm back before the end of the month, which in itself is a miracle. :)
So let me hit you with some news. First, I've qualified for the top five in the Unwritten 'Love at first sight contest'. Which means I have the chance to win some yummy amazon gift certificate to buy books. So, why not hop on over and vote (for me or for whomever you like). Here's the link: contest.
In other news, I've received another contract offering for Hunters. As flattering as that is, I'll have to tell them it's taken already. And speaking of which... I can't wait to see what cover they'll be cooking up for me :D
Now let's get to the point. I've been owing people some reviews of books. So, today, I'm going to give you my short thoughts on Rae of Hope by Wanita May.
Standard disclaimer: The opinions to follow are my own and you should keep in mind that different people have different tastes.
I read this book maybe a month ago.
The basic story is that Rae Kerrigan (loved the name) is enlisted in an exclusive boarding school for people with special talents. She doesn't know she has a special talent, but discovers it when she gets there. At the age of 16, she would sprout a tattoo(tatu) which gives her super powers. Also, she finds out that her father was kinda evil and her mother set fire to their house to kill her father (I guess that's a bit of a spoiler).
Rae tries to get used to this world and adapt, and also prove that she's not like her father. Some events take place and Rae learns to use her powers and trust herself.
As a whole, I liked this story. The concept was interesting and the writing flowed well. It was easy to get yourself lost in Rae's world. Also, the whole tatu thing was an awesome idea. The school was well thought out and easy to imagine.
There were some things in there that sort of bugged me as well. For instance, there is very little detail on what happened at their training courses. Also, there was a jumble of characters I found hard to keep track of, especially because most of them seemed to be acting the same.
Also, at some times I couldn't connect with Rae. Though she was mostly a nice girl and good character, the thing with Devon sort of bugged me - especially since she hated his girlfriend without any objective reason.
I found that bit a little unbelievable as well. Devon and his girlfriend had been together for a long time - couples like that don't just break up without a real reason.
As a conclusion to this rant, Rae of Hope is an enjoyable read. It makes me want to read the next book in the series and see where the author will take the story.
My rating for it: 3.5 stars
Well, this is it for now. I have more reviews to do, but I'll have to find more time. Meanwhile, check out Mysti's contest ;)
See ya!
I'm back before the end of the month, which in itself is a miracle. :)
So let me hit you with some news. First, I've qualified for the top five in the Unwritten 'Love at first sight contest'. Which means I have the chance to win some yummy amazon gift certificate to buy books. So, why not hop on over and vote (for me or for whomever you like). Here's the link: contest.
In other news, I've received another contract offering for Hunters. As flattering as that is, I'll have to tell them it's taken already. And speaking of which... I can't wait to see what cover they'll be cooking up for me :D
Now let's get to the point. I've been owing people some reviews of books. So, today, I'm going to give you my short thoughts on Rae of Hope by Wanita May.
Standard disclaimer: The opinions to follow are my own and you should keep in mind that different people have different tastes.
I read this book maybe a month ago.
The basic story is that Rae Kerrigan (loved the name) is enlisted in an exclusive boarding school for people with special talents. She doesn't know she has a special talent, but discovers it when she gets there. At the age of 16, she would sprout a tattoo(tatu) which gives her super powers. Also, she finds out that her father was kinda evil and her mother set fire to their house to kill her father (I guess that's a bit of a spoiler).
Rae tries to get used to this world and adapt, and also prove that she's not like her father. Some events take place and Rae learns to use her powers and trust herself.
As a whole, I liked this story. The concept was interesting and the writing flowed well. It was easy to get yourself lost in Rae's world. Also, the whole tatu thing was an awesome idea. The school was well thought out and easy to imagine.
There were some things in there that sort of bugged me as well. For instance, there is very little detail on what happened at their training courses. Also, there was a jumble of characters I found hard to keep track of, especially because most of them seemed to be acting the same.
Also, at some times I couldn't connect with Rae. Though she was mostly a nice girl and good character, the thing with Devon sort of bugged me - especially since she hated his girlfriend without any objective reason.
I found that bit a little unbelievable as well. Devon and his girlfriend had been together for a long time - couples like that don't just break up without a real reason.
As a conclusion to this rant, Rae of Hope is an enjoyable read. It makes me want to read the next book in the series and see where the author will take the story.
My rating for it: 3.5 stars
Well, this is it for now. I have more reviews to do, but I'll have to find more time. Meanwhile, check out Mysti's contest ;)
See ya!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
February
I kinda miss you guys :) Just wanted you to know that.
I'm nearing the end of exam session on my Master's course, and only have one project to go. Work is going just a tiny bit better, but eats up even more of my time - hence, I get less critting done. And I'm sorry, since I really enjoy the novels I'm reading.
I'm still editing Grace bit by bit. Also, I have some book reviews to do and I'll try to get them done soon. The two books I have in mind are Rae of Hope by Wanita May and The Calling by Ashely Lynn Willis. - They're both worth it, so if you haven't read them yet, you should if you get a chance.
In other news... hmmm, I don't really have much other news. Except that my country is going to blow up. :D It's actually pretty fun. It's hella cold here - like -25 degrees Celsius and getting to work is a bit of a bitch. Roads are snowed, people snowed in and cars stuck in parking lots. Also, the prime minister just quit and it's like mega-political crisis down here. Also, people have been protesting in the streets to bring down the president in... I think over 3 weeks. Almost a month. I lose track of things sometimes. I do watch the news, but you can't actually believe half the stuff those guys say :p
Other than that... I guess I'm okay. I've bought my wedding dress, veil and shoes and I'm pretty excited about that. Can't wait to have a party.
I also can't wait to see the cover my publisher cooked up for my book. I don't know when that will happen, but I'll let you all know as soon as possible. You can bet! :D
These are my updates for now. I really wish I had more time to visit all the blogs I usually read and leave some comments. Jay, just so you know, I read all of yours ;) Ditto Mysti.
Signing off for now - hope to get back here soon enough.
I'm nearing the end of exam session on my Master's course, and only have one project to go. Work is going just a tiny bit better, but eats up even more of my time - hence, I get less critting done. And I'm sorry, since I really enjoy the novels I'm reading.
I'm still editing Grace bit by bit. Also, I have some book reviews to do and I'll try to get them done soon. The two books I have in mind are Rae of Hope by Wanita May and The Calling by Ashely Lynn Willis. - They're both worth it, so if you haven't read them yet, you should if you get a chance.
In other news... hmmm, I don't really have much other news. Except that my country is going to blow up. :D It's actually pretty fun. It's hella cold here - like -25 degrees Celsius and getting to work is a bit of a bitch. Roads are snowed, people snowed in and cars stuck in parking lots. Also, the prime minister just quit and it's like mega-political crisis down here. Also, people have been protesting in the streets to bring down the president in... I think over 3 weeks. Almost a month. I lose track of things sometimes. I do watch the news, but you can't actually believe half the stuff those guys say :p
Other than that... I guess I'm okay. I've bought my wedding dress, veil and shoes and I'm pretty excited about that. Can't wait to have a party.
I also can't wait to see the cover my publisher cooked up for my book. I don't know when that will happen, but I'll let you all know as soon as possible. You can bet! :D
These are my updates for now. I really wish I had more time to visit all the blogs I usually read and leave some comments. Jay, just so you know, I read all of yours ;) Ditto Mysti.
Signing off for now - hope to get back here soon enough.
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