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Love at First Sentences

Books. How do I love thee?

Enough to go on a book buying frenzy!

So after abusing the “BUY” button on Amazon’s website, I began to wonder what possessed me to buy a virtual truck load of books? What about them drew my attention?

The first few sentences.

It’s said that these sentences are the most important part of the book and I agree. It’s usually what readers use to determine if they want to buy your work or not. For me, the first sentences simply have to grab my attention and make me wonder what’s going to happen next.

Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy) by Susan Kaye QuinnimagesFZTDAOJE

“A zero like me shouldn’t take public transportation.

The hunched driver wrinkled a frown before I even got on the bus. Her attempt to read my mind would get her nothing but the quiet of the street corner where I stood.

Defiance Rising (Book 1 of the Rising Trilogy) by Amy Miles

“I’ve been told that this world used to be a beautiful place, filled withuntitled twinkling electric lights and tables overflowing with food. A place where children played in parks and couples took leisurely strolls on Sunday. A time when humans weren’t slaves to aliens or nature. Staring out over the concrete graveyard before me, I find that hard to imagine.”

Artificial Evil (Book 1 of The Techxorcist) by Collin F. Barnesuntitled (2)

“In 2153 the lottery didn’t just change lives, it ended them. And Gerry Cardle’s numbers were up.”

 

What steps do you take before buying a book?

 

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Book Review: In Cold Blood by Mark Dawson

“He pulled the trigger just as she drove the heel of her hand into his face. The round missed her head by an inch, striking the wall and ricocheting away, stone chips drawing blood as they pinged into the nape of her neck.”

While I received this book for an honest review, I do not have an actual cover image. However, I can direct you to Mark Dawson’s blog where you can read up on all of his upcoming projects. Now for the book review:

Beatrix is a caring mother willing to do anything to protect her daughter. The catch? She’s an ex-assassin out for revenge. Years ago, when he daughter was young, others like Beatrix (assassins) were sent to her home to kill her. They took her daughter from her and killed her husband. Now, after finally being reunited with her beloved daughter, she’s out for blood. But there’s a time limit! Since Beatrix is diagnosed with lung caner she only has a year to enact her revenge.

I enjoy all of Mark Dawson’s novels because of the vivid imagery. Here’s an author that takes the time to set you up in his world before pushing you over the edge. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind a bit of gritty action or enjoys a good thrill, then this definitely the novel for you.

Lastly, you can check in on Mark Dawson’s blog for the cover reveal as well as the actual release date. I may post it up on the Tavern too so be on the look out.

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Camp NaNoWriMo Update: Did Time Grow Legs and Run Away?!

There’s sixty seconds in a minute, sixty minutes in an hour, and twenty-four hours in a day but is that enough time to write? Pssh, if only.

For me, studying has made time is as expensive as buying a brand new Lamborghini. What about you? Do you work? Do you go to school? Kids? How much time does your responsibilities take away from your writing?

Go ahead, tell me…

…mhmmm….mhmmm…you’re kidding!…mhmmm…

Wow, that sounds bad but guess what: you aren’t ever going to have time to write. Harsh? Well life usually is.

But (like etching a statue with no stone, breathing with no air, or moving with no leg room) you have to make time when there is none.

I don’t mean to get philosophical with you but if you’re serious about writing–or anything–you’ll do what you have to do to make sure that it’s done.

Now. With that said. Lets go write!

 

How do you write when there’s no time to?

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What Type of Writer are You?

When you pick up two sticks, are they the same? Course not! Just likes those sticks no two writers are the same. We all have our own quirks, likes, dislikes, and, most of all, our own methods to writing.

Consider the type of writer that just sits down and writes. They don’t chart their course they just hoist their sails and go where the wind takes them.

On the other hand, there’s the type of writer who will not write unless they’ve mapped out the route to their treasure troves.

Then there are writers who are a hybrid of the two. They outline, write and then turn around to edit everything that they’ve written.

Lastly there’s the fourth writer who outlines, writes and then changes their initial outline along the way.

There may be many more writing methods out there, but for simplicity sake, we’ll stick with these four. I’m the fourth type of writer. I don’t outline an entire story, instead, I may only outline the first act and then write. Normally the story changes so I plan out the next act based on those changes. Rinse and repeat.

Can you relate to any of the four method’s mentioned?

 

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Camp NaNoWriMo Update: Exorcising the Delete Key

Throws holy water on delete key.delete

Begone foul demon!!

Four days into Camp NaNoWriMo and the delete key is trying to possess me. Just a few moments ago I was tempted to enter the “select all” command and punch in the delete key. But then I reminded myself of something:

First drafts are meant to be written horribly.

You aren’t suppose to think about the sentence structure or if the story makes sense. It’s about having fun! So, if you’re suffering from post writer’s block (like me), I want you to take a step back and breathe.

And remember that you can tear the manuscript to shreds later on. Promise!

Or…

Hands you the holy water

See if that helps.

So how’s your Camp NaNoWriMo, A to Z challenge, or NaPoWriMo coming along?

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Monthly Wrap Up: A Toast to March and You!

With the end of March and National Reading Month, April and Camp NaNoWriMo are just around the corner. But before March ends, I wanted to take a look back. Some of you may (or may not) know this but March was the grand opening for the Tavern. It’s been such a joy to see it become as fantastic as it is. Thanks for following and making this such a success! I’ve met a lot of awesome bloggers, writers and authors whose words have either entertained, educated, or influenced me. Thanks! I hope the Tavern will keep on growing! 😀

Toasts a glass to you.

Alright, alright, alright enough with the mushy stuff.

Here are the past posts for this month:

 

So…are you ready to dominate April?

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The Call of the Herald by Brian Rathbone

“The majestic grove that had drawn them was no more. Not even one of the greatoaks remained standing. They were strewn about the plateau as if felled by a mighty hand. Some were almost whole but has been torn from the soil and apparently flung about. Others had been twisted then sheared off, leaving fingers of wood sticking out from stumps like splinters of bone protruding from grisly wounds.”

Admittedly, I first snagged this book because it was free (and still is) for the kindle. And I don’t regret doing it! In fact, I also have the second book (also free) waiting for me to dig into. But enough of that…lets get to the review.

Catrin has no idea about the ancient powers that she controls. In fact, once she accidentally uses them on a schoolmate it frightens her 6513600and the people of her town (who ridicule her). While Catrin is dealing with that headache there’s battleships sailing from the mainland with the intent of capturing her. I wont spoil anything for you, but the rest of the book involves Catrin hiding in the forest and eventually using her powers to protect her friends.

I found this story to be an entertaining read! It was interesting to see Catrin turn from a vulnerable young woman to…well the Herald. Once she finally realized that there was no going back to her old life she immediately got with the program.

Also there’s an intricate backstory for Godsland. In fact, Catrin’s teacher spent pages explaining the history of Godsland to his class. I’m not a fan of excessive info dumping (which happens a lot in the story) but I was able to forgive it since it allowed me to further understand the story.

If you’re someone who enjoys soft fantasy stories, then you’ll definitely like this book.

 

What type of books do you like to read?

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Preparing for the Evils of Camp NaNoWriMO

Hand grenades?

Check.

Squadron of elven archers?

…

Oh, didn’t see you there.

I don’t know about you, but writer’s block has a tendency to ambush me in gorilla warfare fashion. I can’t afford any surprise attacks during Camp NaNoWriMo. Afterall, camp is suppose to be fun! So I prepared a list of evasive maneuvers that’ll keep me on my writerly toes.

 

  • Read Before Writing

When I first participated in NaNoWriMo I had fun during the first few days. Then after a week I started to slow down and procrastinate. In order to keep myself excited about writing I read for fifteen minutes before committing words to my manuscript. It worked like a charm.

  • Read After Writing

People usually stretch when they’re done exercising. The same should go for writing! I read for an extra fifteen minutes after a writing sessions just to cool down my imaginative muscle.

  • Write Without Restrictions

Having no restrictions on your imagination is easier said then done. But once you write without worrying about the way something sounds you’ll end up surprising yourself.

  • Outlines Aren’t Set in Stone

Don’t waste your energy struggling to keep close to your outline. It’s okay to veer away from it. Welcoming new ideas is a good thing not a bad thing.

  • Absolutely NO Editing

You can always do this after you’re done writing something. But doing it at the same time is a recipe for disaster. Ignore that inner critic, you can do it!

  • Freewrite Often

Freewriting or flash fiction is the equivalent of a warm up before a jog. I just sit back and write down whatever comes to mind. Once I’ve gotten in my creative groove, I jump into my manuscript.

  • Keep A Notebook Handy

I often tell people that I write even when I’m not in front of a computer. It’s true! I’m always—always—thinking up new ideas, themes, scenes, or whatever. But I can’t keep up with every thought. So I keep a notebook (or some device) around to log my flash thoughts into.

 

Do you have any writer’s block surviving tips?

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