Skin Hunger

Ok, truth and honesty.  I am completely frustrated at this point.  Not with the book...just the sequel.

Here's the deal.  I bought Skin Hunger by Kathleen Duey in late spring.  It had already been out for quite some time, so it got pushed to later in my reading pile for the sake of more current books.  Being overly practical for once in my life, I decided to wait buying the sequel until I had completed it.  Why continue a series you don't enjoy?

I read the book and loved it.  It's a little darker than my normal read, with the torture of children and all.  However, every action in the book was there for a purpose.  We actually follow two stories, separated by over 200 yrs, but united in this odd twist for control and understanding of magic in the world these characters dwell.  Hahp is boy abandoned by his family to wizard school.  (Do not be misled.  It is nothing like Hogwarts.)  Sadima is a young woman torn between her love of a man and the cruelty of this man's master.  Her ability to understand animals in a world where magic has been extinguished is only a small part of who she is.

The ending to this story is a nightmare.  Not that it is written poorly, it just doesn't exist.  The book is clearly meant to lead right into the next book in the series, Sacred Scars.  Which is where my frustration really begins.  I have searched all my local book stores and many ebook stores.  I can not find the second book in this series.  I'm perplexed as to why book stores are not carrying it.  It was released by Simon Pulse for goodness sake.  I am now resigned to the fact that I will have to wait even longer to read the next installment of this trilogy by ordering the book to be delivered to my home. (Something I have not been forced to do since returning to the US from Germany.)

And yes, you did read right.  Skin Hunger was the first of three books to be written in the Resurrection of Magic trilogy.  The final book has not been released yet, and I could not even find a hopeful title for it on the author's web page.  Let's just hope it is easier to find, once released, than book two currently is.

Adding to the Writing Process

There is a lot of talk floating around the web about the actual process a writer uses when writing to create clear images.  Apparently, many create collages.  I'm not one to read magazines, so there just aren't any floating around my house.  I have two versions of my own collage created.

1. The wall above my computer is neatly stacked with unframed pictures from places I have been
2. I create a new desktop for my computer

I'm completely unsure how logical either method may be.  The pictures leave that blue goo residue on my wall when I change them, and the desktop could be a complete waste of time on my computer. (Kind of like all the internet time too many writers struggle with.) 

Anyway, here's my inspiration for a couple different projects.

Anything different that you choose to do when writing?  Share it below and feel free to add a link to your own blog!

Hot Local Vacation Spots

Summer is finally in full swing!

With Nashville, and most of the surrounding area recovering from flood damage, my family has been looking for alternative outings on the weekends. The weather is way to beautiful to just sit inside all day. I thought it would be fun to put up a couple of the cheesy (yet so much fun) places we have been this summer.


1. Lost River Cave - Bowling Green, KY
Too much fun. How many people get to say they took a boat ride through a cave? I know I didn't care that the water was only about three feet deep. There are also some pretty hiking trails around the cave.

2. Cooter's Place - Nashville, TN
After driving by Cooter's four times, we realized it wasn't a funny little restaurant to eat at, but rather a museum dedicated to the Dukes of Hazzard. My husband was like a kid in a candy store. I know he'll have a picture of himself standing by the General Lee on Facebook any day now.

While I'm here, I have to give a big shout out to Ft. Campbell for there wonderful fireworks display. We had a blast at the carnival. My only regret is that we missed the parachute team.

Anyone been to any great spots this summer not normally found on the map?

Wake...Fade...Gone

5/5 Books (As Always, Stars Don't Seem Right)

In the last few weeks I've managed to read about ten books. When things get hectic, I bury my head in book just to slow back down. (Sometimes I go a bit overboard once I have started. Like yesterday, in which I read this entire trilogy.) I read Wake and Fade quite a while back, but somehow managed to overlook Gone when it released. Slapping myself in the forehead while at the bookstore when I realized it had been out since February of this year, I came home knowing I had to read it.

Lisa McMann's Wake trilogy, in general, is the coming of age story for a poor city girl trying to figure her life out. Like most things I read, it has a definite paranormal twist to it. Janie, the main character, is a dream-catcher. Since the age of eight, she has been shockingly thrown into others' dreams. This 'ability' is destroying her body and sometimes her ability to make rationale decisions. Through a series of book worthy events, Janie is partnered up with her boyfriend to work as a narc for the local police.

However, the wake trilogy is not your typical teen light read. McMann does a fantastic job exploring some of the more difficult aspects teens today are faced with, and I am not necessarily referring to drugs and sex (though these issues are there, too). The main character is forced to parent her own mother, who lives in her own drunken stupor. Janie is degraded and blamed for everything wrong in the world any time her mother bothers to leave her bedroom, which is normally just to get another drink.

I would recommend these book to anyone. I feel that, while the story may be completely paranormal fiction, a voice of truth pores from the pages. Life is hard sometimes, and tough decisions must be made.

Really TIME? Arizona is Targeting Immigrants?

Rarely do I put my opinion out there quite so publicly, but I'm appalled slightly more than usual.

Here's a link to an article running from TIME on yahoo news.

Arizona's Next Immigration Target: Children of Illegals
http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100612/us_time/08599199606400

The article's opening sentence instantly puts a negative vibe on new legislation soon to be proposed in the state of Arizona. In general, this newest illegal immigration bill would prevent children born to illegal immigrants from receiving a birth certificate, and therefore American citizenship. Within the article, it was mentioned that, according to recent polls, 58% of Americans are in favor of such legislation. However, the article then began tearing apart the constitutionality of such a bill. It also gave opinionated voice to those who oppose any of the new immigration laws being introduced in Arizona.

Only recently have I given significant thought to the immigration problem our country faces. My husband and I decided to home school our son. In following my states regulations, I gathered the necessary paperwork to register him with our local school district. When I arrived, I was appalled that a birth certificate is not even necessary to register your child for school. I found it ironic that the regulations stated that if your child were born abroad (as mine was due to my husband's military service) that you must provide proof of PPD testing (Tuberculosis). However, no documentation was requested of me because she was unable to look at any of his citizenship birth abroad forms or social security card due to new legislation. There was no way for this woman to know where my son was born.

How safe are our American children if these things are being overlooked so we don't offend illegal immigrants. To overlook such things would be similar to ignoring sexual offender lists within a school district. Whether you agree with me or not, both are illegal and possibly risk the health and safety of our children. I live in TN, where there is a no child left behind policy. While I firmly believe that children should not be punished for the actions of their parents, I do believe it is wrong for our government to expect hard working American citizens to pay taxes to support non-citizen children.

I also found it ironic that individuals could question whether this bill was constitutional or not following the recent government takeover of our freedom of choice in respect to our individual health care. The new 'anchor baby' bill is being designed to protect our American citizens and their resources. My husband is a soldier willing to risk his life to protect the freedoms our country is supposed to provide. He has sacrificed dearly in Iraq to earn the right to call himself a proud American. My son and myself also live a life with sacrifices many Americans will never know to support my husband and our country. Why should I feel bad for the deportation of illegals who are taking advantage of our country when they can't even be bothered to apply for citizenship?

Frankly, I don't believe that Arizona is targeting immigrants. I believe that immigrants are targeting the over generous nature of the American people, and Arizona is finally willing to take a stand that the rest of the country should follow.

House of Night - Burned

3/5 Books (As Always, Stars Don't Seem Right)


Need a light read?  This is your series.  It is fun and light, but with a million things always going on.  Zoey is typically a very unique character who always does her own thing, even if it backfires on her.  Oh, and did I mention, there's VAMPIRES.


In Burned, book 7 of the HON series, Zoey basically takes a back seat when her soul is shattered.  Though emotionally exhausted and battling an evil immortal, her team must pick up the pieces to save both Zoey and the book.  Aphrodite is one of my absolute favorite characters because she is real.  A realistic teenage hag, who just happens to be on the side of light! 

I'll be completely honest about this series.  I almost quit reading it after the first few books.  As a Christian, I hated what felt like a brutal assault against my faith.  It has been nice to see a change in the feel of the books, as far as religion is concerned.  It is each person's right to find what is best for them in their own time.  As a Christian, I believe it's important to trust God in all matters.  Love people and leave judgment where it belongs.  (Which is not in my hands.)  Like all faiths, mine isn't without hypocrites and over-bearing individuals.  The demonstration of completely different faiths working together for a true positive outcome in the world was a refreshing change that kept me coming back. 

Busy...Lazy...You Decide

Well, laziness has taken over once again.  It's not like I have been doing nothing.  I've just not had much time to write, or blog, or even really spend much time on FB.  Truly, I have been running around like a crazy chicken with its head cut off.  I had this misconception that school (for James and me) would get out, and I would have all this free time.  Yeah, it just doesn't seem to have come.

For starters, I have this odd inability to tell people NO!  Because I don't 'work', so many think I just don't have anything better to do with my time than help them with their problems.  While this is partially true, and it is also true that I love to help people, I seem to get myself in over my head.  Some projects I love...others, not so much.

One of my favorite projects was the cakes I made for my husband's unit BBQ.  They turned out pretty good, though I am clearly no professional. 

I also had the chance to edit about 40k words of a first novel by a sweetie I've known for a few years.  She is a teen with huge potential and great future ahead of her.  Keep pushing forward Marie!  This was an absolute blast for me.  Besides, she was the motivation that pushed me so hard to get book #1 finished.  I can still remember her asking weekly for the next chapter. 

I have one more project left.  I thought it would be the easiest of any I have taken on, but it has been a bit of a nightmare.  Nothing major or anything, I just can't get margin measurements correct for it.  Oh well.  Anyway, once it is done, I'm out of excuses.  I will start pushing out a minimum chapter a week, or I will never meet my self-imposed deadline.  

I say that they are all excuses because I still managed to read two books (in the same series).  Of which, I will put a post of what I thought hopefully tomorrow.  Either way, I will definetely get an update to my running 'words to move forward by' section.  I started this blog for some accountability, and I can't have it if I don't actually put up my numbers.

Anyone else have any summer projects already done or coming up?

Spirit Bound

Another week, another book. 

3/5 Books (Stars Don't Seem Right)

I completed Richelle Mead's Spirit Bound a couple of days ago, which released on May 18th.  It is the fifth book in the Vampire Academy series.  I want to begin by stating that I am a little torn by my own rating of this book.  It really was great.  However, compared to the suspense built throughout the series this one lacked a little of the usual luster. 

For example, in book 4, Blood Promise, we went through this gut wrenching journey with Rose as she hunted down her one true love to destroy after he was unwilling turned evil.  It was truly his desire to be killed than 'live' such a horrendous life.  We are also introduced to Rose's father, a handy person to know regardless of his sketchy lifestyle.  Book 4 made me cry almost from start to end.  When I look at Spirit Bound, it moved the story of Rose and her friends forward, it was entertaining to read, and even ended with an awesome set up for the next book.  It simply did not have the wow factor that I have come to expect from this series.  I had been anticipating this title since completing Blood Promise, and after reading it was left going, "Hmmmm." 

I particularly enjoyed the change we are seeing in Rose's character as she matures.  She is still overly quick to jump into situations many would think crazy and even a bit reckless.  She is beginning to realize, though, that she has endured more than most her age.  Her experiences have forced her to grow and try to do the right thing for others, even when those actions are not her first choice.

I do not mean to hinder anyone from reading it.  I love the series!  It's just hard to top the many climactic events Rose has endured in earlier books.

The Van Alen Legacy

4/5 Books (Stars Don't Seem Right)

Now that I have finally finished classes (at least for now), I finally have time to catch up on some of the reading that I feel I have been getting behind on. One of the books I finished reading this week was the fourth installment of Melissa De La Cruz's Blue Blood series, The Van Alen Legacy.

I enjoy following Schuyler, Oliver, Bliss, Aphrodite, and a host of other characters from the initial discovery of their true ancestry through the overwhelming trials since. While the main plot for the series revolves around Schuyler's half blood status and how she fits into the world, a connection is made with many of the other characters as well.

In this latest installment, Schuyler and Oliver are on the run, literally for their lives. Bliss is dealing with a personality disorder from out of this world. And finally, a softer, more responsible Aphrodite is temporarily revealed. Overall, The Van Alen Legacy was as expected. I enjoyed the read enough to stay up far to late into the night to finish it. A word of caution to those easily confused. The multiple names for different characters (and the historical stories that pull them all together) are crucial to the story but occasionally difficult to keep straight in this installment as more characters are introduced.

New Layout!

Had a blast redoing the look of my blog. I've not been running it very long, and had no clue what I was doing designing it to begin with. I finally found time to do some digging and realized it was far easier to do than I had figured. Hope you all think it looks as good as I do!

words to move forward by

Day Clear - 1,300 Words

Sent request material from FTOD to super agent!








So, yet again I'm feeling pretty pathetic. In the last two weeks I have only managed to write about 1300 words in one of my projects. In my defense, we did spend a lot of time cleaning up flood damage in the basement. Then I had even more time go towards catching up laundry from the mess. All in all, these are just excuses.

Since accountability here on this blog is not working as well as expected, I have developed a schedule for the next two weeks to get more done. (After that I will have to make a new schedule because James will be officially done with public school.) I swore this blog would solve my procrastination issues. When I had my wonderful friend Marie begging for a new chapter each week, I could deliver. Now that we no longer live ten minutes from each other, or even the same state, I am struggling to find motivation for my self. Again I say, as I have before in my blog, feel free to harass me to keep writing.

I love to write but rarely allow myself 'me' time to do it. Since I am not a paid author, it is still a pleasure in my life instead of a job. One day I will be able to write guilt free. Until that day, I will simply do it anyway. The guilt is self imposed and I plan to eliminate it. Through sheer will, if necessary. This is my guilty pleasure, and I plan on making it more pleasure and less guilt.

Anyone else deal with this? I would gladly take suggestions on how to deal with it.

stupid monospaced typewriters!

Finally! Finally, I have completed my last assignments today. They are turned in, and I could not be more ecstatic. It is kind of an odd feeling. I can't say that I'm really all that proud, just glad that it is over. I have time to decide if I'll be going back later for more torture. Probably...

On to another completely random question though. I recently had a request for more material on my book by a super, awesome (and many other fun crazy words) agent. Even if she hates my writing, it has been a blast going over her blog. Anyway, on her page, she specifically outlines that submitted manuscripts should have only one space after the period. I started flipping out and scoured the web to find a way to eliminate my double spacing.

The solution was relatively simple. Use the find/replace function in word and presto. All 5,000+ changes made with one simple push of a button. However, I also stumbled into this hefty argument over which way is correct. Turns out, the way I was taught is wrong! Something about it going back to mono-spacing on typewriters or something. Newsflash, not even 30 yet. I've had a computer in my classroom since early elementary. Still, this did not stop my teachers from drilling me about inserting two spaces after end punctuation.

So now, back to what I really wanted to know. Should I try to change this terrible habit of double spacing, even though I cannot seem to keep my thumb from doing it automatically? Or, should I simply not worry about it except for manuscripts and then just do a simple change at the end? I truly fear it is hopeless if it's best for me to just change after all this time!

words to move forward by

Day Clear - Approximately 500 Words

What an insanely crazy week! I don't even really know where to begin.

Overall, school is getting a little tiring. May 11 is my last day and I have 4 assignments left to go. It's not really that much, it just seems to be taking a lot of time. May 27 is James' last day. I cannot wait for him to be done. It is a blessing to be allowed in his classroom everyday. I will just be able to get more done when four hours a day is not spent out. I'll try to explain. I am a person strictly dictated by how I start my day. If I get up early and start working I get a ton done. If I get up early and leave, when I get home I get nothing done. And finally, if I get up and start reading a book, my day is gone before I realize that I have not left the couch. I try hard to not allow myself that last one. Long story short, Monday, Tuesday, and part of Friday were all devoted to me completing this degree.

Wednesday...I thought this was going to be my miserable day for the week. I was wrong. On Wednesday, I had that one yearly doctor checkup that all women know they need, but spend the entire year hoping there was a way to avoid. After volunteering all morning and three hours spent between the doctor's office and pharmacy, I still managed to come home and write a couple pages. Sadly, this is the only 'writing' I completed this week.

That just leaves Thursday, the rest of Friday, and this weekend. I'll put it out there now that Thursday is my one night a week to indulge in TV. I love Bones, Supernatural, and Vampire Diaries. Sadly, I'm always one week behind on VD because it and Bones are on at the same time. Friday night is also family night. We eat pizza in the living room while watching movies. This week James helped make homemade pizza and we watched Where the Wild Thing Are. It should have stayed only a book.

And now for my bad day(s)...Just thinking about it is disgusting. I live in Tennessee. My basement started flooding Saturday. My wonderful husband and I have been working almost nonstop to minimize damage. Right now, it looks like our efforts have paid off, but we will not know for sure until Monday night when trash has been hauled off and the flooring is up. We were lucky, though, and I send my prayers to the families dealing with so much more.

Any unaccounted for time was surely spent wrangling my monkey or trying, and failing, to keep my house clean. As always, feel free to harass me for whatever it is next week that tries to keep me from writing. I need it after the travesty that was last week.

The Job

I initially started this blog to keep me on track writing my books. Frankly put, I'm far to random for it to stay that way. And so, here begins the first of many odd misadventures that seem to find their way into my life.

Over the last few months Justin and I have decided to home school our monkey man, James. (Though he often informs us that is a gross miscalculation, and we should call him ape because he doesn't have a tail.... 5 year olds...sigh) Anyway, we have searched out our choice curriculum and started converting the office into a school room. James is a little nervous about the idea because he is sure he will miss his friends from Pre-K. He completely forgets them when we remind him he will get to start Taekwondo when he turns six. He also wants to learn to play the guitar, and we have discussed starting lessons for him when we start home schooling.

I explain all this only to show the complete irony in my job endeavors. Last fall I put in a few applications with the schools on post. I was going to go back to work when James first started school. I heard absolutely nothing back from any of the application submissions. Because we moved in December/January and I had to drive James back and forth to the military post for school, I began volunteering each day at the school. In the last few days, I have been offered a job. Twice! What's a girl to do?

Ultimately, I have kindly declined. My son comes first, and my husband and I do not want him in public school for many reasons. The money would be nice, but is not necessary. I am blessed that my husband has a job that completely provides for us. And should something change, the vice principal, who is in charge of hiring for the school, told me to come see him.

words to move forward by

First Touch of Dark - Words=79,315 Pages=253 - In Editing

Second Stroke of Shade - Fully Outlined

Day Clear - Words=8,249 Pages=30

Other Projects -
General Outline for Alyce's Story Series
2 Book Ideas on back burner



Between the decision to go back to school and volunteer time with James' school, my writing time has severely suffered. In an effort to keep me moving forward, I will now be posting exactly what I have completed each week actually writing. This is not including any so called research. Reading a million YA books will never get my own written, although I wish it could sometimes. Buried in a book is a great place to be! This also does not include the time I spend over obsessing about the agent I do not have...yet!

Here's where I stand at this moment. I am working on Day Clear (a running title I like, but am still unsure of). It is a lot of fun and pays great tribute to the five years I lived in Germany. First Touch of Dark is currently with Amy, otherwise known as Superwoman, who makes everything look effortless. Hopefully she has completely ripped it apart. I love brutal honesty. It has done nothing but improve the book so far. The other projects are just waiting to be picked up. Finishing book two is priority one right now. Which really means I should get done with chapter 3. (LOL) I am also debating the idea of submitting some shorter work to journals. Any thoughts on this?

In other words, feel free to harass me about playing on Facebook or any of my other outlandish addiction that keep me distracted from actually writing. I also want to give a shout out to Literary Agent Jennifer Jackson for her 'letters from the query war', which gave me the idea of accountability in my writing. Thanks!

Just Getting Started

So, I've decided I'm a bit behind the times. I love to write, and what better way and place than here is there? The road for a writer is a long and winding one. I've learned that patience and determination are the only things that will get me where I want to be.... Well, that and to just keep plugging along on this broken-in keyboard. The shiny groove left on the space bar where my thumb is placed calls to me. Daily. I must say that I'm excited and nervous both to be sitting here. First time and all! It brings back awful memories of Jr. High Band recitals. I didn't always want to be a writer. I even started college with the intent to be a math teacher. It's too bad I hadn't learned earlier that I hate math. So many other authors say in interviews that they knew from a young age it was their dream to write. My passion simply fell into my lap one day, mostly in the form of an early-life-crisis. At least that is what I am calling it. I began truly writing just before I turned 25. Don't ask me why it was that birthday that scared me, I haven't a clue. Underneath all the craziness going on in my own life, a story started to unfold. I was going to write it, even if no other soul ever saw it. Still now, few have read it. I'm good with that. I do laugh at the wit and eccentricities I find in many other YA authors out there. I would feel lucky to call myself among them one day. Sadly, wit is not my specialty, though eccentric is completely within the realm of possibility.