Hey, bookworms! It feels like forever ago since I last talked to you. (I’ve been saying that a lot lately, haven’t I?) Of course, there was my workshop recap just a few days ago, but I haven’t been very active in the comment section. Since I’ve been seeing this list floating around both on the book blog community and booktube, I decided to give it a go. These types of “about me” posts are lots of fun. I love getting to know you and see what we’ve got in common in the comments.
1. I’ve been a bookworm since I was little – I couldn’t get enough of those picture books! I should thank my parents for that, because they’re both avid readers themselves and have always supplied me with lots of books.
2. I’ve only recently gotten into audio books, but now I’m addicted. I listen to them all. the. time. (Folding laundry, taking a shower, making my bed — basically anything that requires the usage of both of my hands.) 🙂
3. Historical fiction is my favorite genre. (Ever since I read Kit Kittredge in ’08.)
4. I prefer book covers with no photo; simply a gorgeous font and illustrations and/or curly-cues surrounding the title. Or something simple, like an outline of a photo or a pretty color background.
5. I’m a book sniffing addict. I don’t smell books in public anymore, however, because I got teased as a young child for it. But really. The scent of books? *melts*
6. I love the idea of used or old books books. How many owners had this book before me? Where was it originally sold? Why was it given away? Who scribbled in crayon on the front page? Is the spine worn because it was loved? Was it taken on vacation? Who dog-eared the pages? They’re just neat.
7. Ruta Sepetys, Rachel Coker, Elizabeth Wein, Morgan Matson, and Marie Rutkoski are my current favorite authors. (I’ve been lucky enough to meet two of them!)
8. I’ve attended two author signings: Kiera Cass in May 2015 and Morgan Matson in July 2016.
9. There’s an independent bookstore in my family’s favorite vacation spot in Florida called The Hidden Lantern Bookstore. It’s my favorite!
10. My favorite book-to-movie adaptation is The Book Thief. The producers did such a wonderful, beautiful job of bringing the story to life – in keeping with the same unique tone Markus Zusak wrote in the book.
11. I own around three hundred books.
12. It is my DREAM to own an independent bookshop someday. (I’ve got the location picked out and everything.) I’d love to major in some sort of writing degree and minor in a business degree to work towards that little fantasy of mine. 🙂
13. I love reading aloud.
14. My favorite place to read is on my front porch during a thunderstorm. Otherwise, I love curling up near a window. Natural lighting is key.
15. If I’m already well-into and absorbed in a story, I can zone out any sound around me. It’s a gift.
16. I send fan mail to authors all the time. The first author I admired enough to write to was David A. Adler, author of the Cam Jansen Mysteries, in the first grade. I got a personalized email back! (Unfortunately I never printed the email, and for the life of me I can’t track it down.) Seven-year-old Emily was over the moon. (And told all her friends about it at school.) (To be perfectly honest, seven-year-old and fourteen-year-old Emily haven’t changed much at all.) 😀
17. My favorite fictional character is Maxon Schreave. I don’t think people believe me when I say I’m emotionally attached to this boy.
18. I would certainly call myself an advocate for physical books… but I’m a big fan of my Kindle Paperwhite. (Speaking of, bookbub.com is basically my favorite thing ever. It sends you weekly emails with allllll the e-book steals for your favorite genres – from $3 to free books.)
19. I frequently spill things on my books. By this I mean: I love FOOOOD. I love snacking and reading. So food + books = often messy. I once dropped a cream cheese pie on my hardback copy of Winter by Marissa Meyer. It still smells vaguely of spoiled milk. (I’m clumsy in general, so I probably shouldn’t eat near books, but it’s a habit I refuse to give up.)
“Eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably.” – C.S. Lewis
20. I came up with my blog name whilst brainstorming cute bookshop names. (For that dream of mine, remember? Since then it’s been decided it will either be called Wonderland Books or The Shop Around the Corner.)(Spot that reference, dahling.)
*swoons*
21. I so adore recommending books to people. I try to recommend ones based on what I think the individual would like, and I’m proud to report I’ve converted several friends and family members into book devourers. (Hush devourers is too a word.)
22. The most prized books on my shelf would be Interrupted: a Life Beyond Words by Rachel Coker (personally signed with one of my favorite inscriptions that I’ve gotten) and three of my great-grandmother’s old books I was given. (One dated as far as 1927 in the front, which is so cool. An eighty-nine year old book is pretty amazing.)
23. My favorite part about browsing a bookstore is stroking the spines of books I’ve already read. It’s like saying hello to all of my old friends. It’s also nice to think that they’re there for everyone else to pick up on a whim and love them as much as I do.
24. I take a book with me wherever I go. Even if I’ve loaded a kindle or audio book onto my phone – I never leave the house unprepared.
25. This is quirky, but I pay a lot of attention to the fonts in books. I love love love the font used in Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. (and the paper and cover and dedication page and story and EVERYTHING in that book. it’s the reason for the teardrops on my pillow. READ IT.)
YOUR turn! Do you dare eat while reading? How many books do you own? What’s your favorite genre, above all others? And if your house was on fire and you could take one book off your shelf, which prized copy would it be? I’m dying to know. (ha. dying. because if my house was on fire then i might actually be dying to know… heh. heh.)
P.S. Do take a moment to appreciate my featured image because I am SO PROUD OF IT. The furry thing in the front would be my dear desk buddy Mittens. (Also ignore my messy desk with tape and hair ties and pens and other such writerly things.)
“Stuff your eyes with wonder. Live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s morefantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” – Ray Bradbury
Many of you know that last weekend, I was blessed with the opportunity to drive to Virginia for a storytelling workshop with one of my favorite authors. For three nights, I stayed in the home of Rachel Coker and four other girls who share my love of storytelling. I’ve been looking forward to the dream factory workshop for months, and I am so thankful and amazed at everything my friends and family did to get me there. It’s incredible how close I became to four strangers from every corner of the country and I learned so much from Rachel and the other talented storytellers I met this week.
Our shoes when we were all dressed up in our Sunday best 🙂
My parents were gracious enough to make the long drive up to Virginia on Thursday night. By the time we pulled into Rachel’s driveway, my stomach was a flurry of butterflies and excitement. I couldn’t believe I was actually there! Rachel, her sisters Hannah and Ruth (both of whom I was also thrilled to meet), her parents, and four girls welcomed me on the front porch and introductions were made. I was exhausted from the trip and starstruck by Rachel and Hannah and these four girls I knew I would become fast friends with. Soon we were curled up on the sofas in the spare room above Rachel’s garage, cracking up at Napoleon Dynamite and spreading sleeping bags out on the floor. Every night felt like a sleepover with friends I’d known for years, and I miss it already.
a behind-the-scenes photo of… a photo! 🙂
Despite our long trips the day before, the girls and I were wide-eyed and bushy-tailed at six-thirty Friday morning. We positively couldn’t wait to see what Rachel had in store for us the first day. After breakfast we piled into the car to explore the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Taylor Swift was our chosen car playlist the whole weekend, which I certainly didn’t complain about. 🙂 We split up in groups once we got to the museum, and Rachel told us to pick out one piece that really stood out to us. Some of the art was odd or silly or confusing, but I personally loved the French Impressionist exhibits.
My favorite painting, which unfortunately I didn’t get the name of. I just love the beach, and all the little detail in the sand.
After the museum we drove to a park for a picnic lunch. It was drizzling a bit, so we sat beneath a gazebo to eat our sandwiches and share the photos from our favorite paintings or sculptures. As we ate, Rachel began discussing the big picture of why we write and are all drawn to certain stories. When we look, read, or experience art that we grow to love it is because it reminds us of something already in us.
Our little group looking all artsy in the museum.
She taught us that as storytellers, reflecting our roles and our own experiences is key to telling good stories. In a painting or photograph, you are only seeing one small story or frame of the whole big picture. It’s like reading one sentence of a book. The same can be said of a book or essay. When writing a story, you have to decide what you want it to mean. That is the small story of the big picture a reader needs to walk away from. It is as if you are viewing one perspective from, say, WWII. It’s only one little story of an even bigger one, but it still carries weight.
Later that day we shopped around Carytown. There were such adorable boutiques, thrift shops, and vintage stores! I ended up buying a pleated skirt from one of my favorite higher-end brands for a great price. (I’m ridiculously happy about this skirt, you guys have no idea.) 😀 When we got home, we spent a few hours of quiet time to write and go through our cameras and reflect on what we learned. That night we tuned in to the opening ceremony of the Olympics (rating all of the countries’ outfits) and chowed down on Olivia’s giant bag of Reese’s cups. (my biggest weakness.)
Hannah on the left and Rachel on the right. That would be me in the middle, feat. my fab new skirt.
On Saturday morning (after we slept in a bit more!) we were up and ready to go the farmer’s market. One of the girls bought sunflowers to take pictures with, but mostly we walked around with our cameras and got the prettiest of flowers and tomatoes photographed. Virginia gave us its all in the humidity department that weekend, so popsicles were a must. (Unless you get the fresh peach flavor. Apparently those taste more like carrots.)
Just past the farmer’s market was, in Rachel’s words, “the magic portal that brought us back to the nostalgia and wonder of yesteryear’s stories”: Mermaid Books. There were oh-so-many old books, post cards, and first editions. To be perfectly honest poetic, it was like walking through a wonderland of possibilities. I bought a copy of Emma by Jane Austen (even though I already owned a copy, but this edition was just so pretty) and an old bookmark about Beatrix Potter. Rachel asked us to find a book that reminded or was a favorite of our childhood. I chose a copy of Little Women, because my grandmother gave it to me in the second grade and introduced me to Louisa May Alcott.
After time spent browsing Mermaid Books, we went to Yorktown Beach for another picnic (this time underneath a tree, because SHADE.) We all discussed which books we loved as kids. This time Rachel talked about the books that first captivated us as children; the way we would became so enamored in those worlds that we marveled at them and pretended and played as if we were in the books. As we get older, we’re not encouraged to marvel and wonder at these worlds anymore; much less our own world.
In Rachel’s words, “if you let yourself be in awe of a skyscraper you look like a tourist. There are so many things that we’re told should just be ‘normal’ or everyday things that we don’t allow ourselves to marvel at because of embarrassment or shame.” But allowing ourselves to be fully immersed in feeling and wondering and excitement is apart of being storytellers. By being comfortable with gushing over things we marvel at in our lives, we can appreciate the wonders of our stories and reflect the magic of life in a truly honest way.
Our new album cover.
After lunch, we made our way down the street (melting in the heat) in search of Ben & Jerry’s and a chance to dip our feet into the water. Yorktown Beach was beautiful, and the perfect place for pictures.
In the car ride home, Rachel explained an assignment that we’d share on Sunday. We would write our names on paper and draw a name from a hat. The name of the girl we drew would be someone we would write about — the workshop through their eyes, what we learned from them, what we observed about them. During our quiet time, I wrote down words that came to mind when I thought of Mary. I wrote down notes and a page on my computer about everything I learned that day. There was so much to be written that I thought of all that I wanted to say before my fingers could move fast enough on the keys. We finished the night by sharing our writing from that afternoon, and Rachel made strawberry shortcake for us to eat while watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
On Sunday, I woke up early to finish writing about Mary and we joined Rachel and her family at their church. We came home for lunch and packed the last of our things before settling down for one last sharing time. The weekend had flown by. I felt (and feel!) so full of new things to experience, observe, and write about. Just before our parents arrived, Rachel pulled out her laptop to read a scene from the draft of her third novel (!!!) and we all listened in awe and excitement. (It was wonderful, and I can’t contain my excitement to read the entire book.)
And so concluded my wonder-filled weekend at the dream factory workshop. I’m brimming with ideas and an itch to create a new story, so I’m off. Thanks for making it all the way down here, if you’ve read everything. (It’s taken me a week to complete this post, but hey, my teacher – aka mom – is printing it to count as school. Win/win.)
I have been in a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad reading slump lately. So today I asked my best friend and pen pal Brooke to offer some of her best advice on how to break book slumps. I’ll be back Saturday with a monthly recap. Until then, here’s Brooke! – Emily
Hey guys! Today I thought I’d talk about something most bookworms face at some point… Book slumps.
I know, I know. The idea of a a book slump is horrifying. While I haven’t faced one this year (yet), I understand the struggle. So when I volunteered to do a guest post for the lovely Emily, I knew I needed to address this life threatening predicament. So without further ado, here are a few things to do when you’re in a book slump.
1. RE-READ SOME OF YOUR FAVORITES. Read a book(s) that you know you love. Revisiting some of your favorite characters and settings may help you get that reading itch again. And even if it doesn’t, at least you read a fabulous book. A few of my favorite books are Harry Potter, anything by Rick Riordan, The Lunar Chronicles, The Book Thief, and The Maze Runner.
2. MAKE SOME BOOKISH THINGS. By making something book themed, maybe you’ll get inspired to read. Even if you don’t you’ll be left with some gorgeous things. I usually make bookmarks or book necklaces. But you could make anything. A Ravenclaw scarf (Ravenclaw for the win!), fan art, a book clutch, ect. Play towards your strengths.
3. LISTEN TO AN AUDIO BOOK. The change from reading to listening to a book may be what you need. I like to listen to audio books when I’m too busy or distracted to read. That way I can listen to a book while doing whatever I need to get done.
4. TRY READING SOMETHING LIGHT. Being in a reading slump is the perfect time to pick up that fluffy contemporary you’ve been meaning to read for ages. I’m more of a fantasy person, but sometimes after a few of the same type of books they start dragging. So I like to change it up to make sure I don’t get bored. I recommend Morgan Matson, Amy Clipton, and Heather Vogel Frederick.
5. EMBRACE THE SLUMP! Now is the perfect time to do all of the things you’ve been meaning to do. Without the draw towards books, you’ll probably have some free time on your hands. Watch that show you’ve been eyeing on Netflix. Go to this mysterious place called “outside”. Start a business. Make a friend IRL. Even if you don’t have the motivation or time to get anything done, don’t feel guilty. You deserve a break! Eventually you’ll find yourself picking up a book and getting sucked back into the book life. But until then, enjoy yourself!
So there you have it! My tips for getting out of a book slump. I hope you enjoyed reading this. 🙂 What are some of your guy’s tips for breaking out of a reading slump? I’d love to hear them! Hopefully you’ll be seeing more of me around the blogosphere soon… *wink* *wink*
There has been a supreme lack of blog posts here on FTB this summer. I know. How very un-Emily like. But I have excuses. I’ve been busy. Off meeting authors and such. (I want to give a huge shout-out and thank you to my mom and dad, who will get dedications in books and invitations to movie premieres someday. Ya know. When I become a famous author.) (I’m so humble, right?) *whistles*
Last night I was thrilled to meet Morgan Matson. Morgan Matson! She is the author of four summer contemporaries, all of which I adore. (Second Chance Summer is my personal favorite, though a heavier read. The Unexpected Everything comes at a close second.) There were about thirty people at the event, and it felt much more personal and intimate than the big and busy Kiera Cass signing I attended last year.
Morgan talked a bit about her newest novel The Unexpected Everything and read a snippet from the book. I asked two questions (and give my input on who Taylor Swift should be dating – the most important conversation of the night) and hear her talk about dogs and book contracts and important legal meetings in New York about the use of emojis in her book. (It’s apparently a big deal in the book industry.)
After chatting and taking questions from the audience, there was a raffle. At every signing, Morgan gives away two CD mixes of songs that remind of her books and the state she’s visiting. She also gives away t-shirts and pins and fun swag like that. Unfortunately I didn’t win anything, but everyone came home with a signed pouch with the title of her book and a sticker! (She posted the list of songs on the CDs on her instagram. Some of which include The Devil Went Down to Georgia and We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together. It’s easy to say I love her music taste.)
The front and back of my pouch.
I was in the front of the line to meet her, and I got to give her a letter I wrote! … Which she then posted on her instagram and twitter, saying she loved my detail on the front of the envelope. (I asked her to say hi to her dog Murphy for me.) 😀
Since there are emojis in The Unexpected Everything, there has been a trend at Morgan’s signings for her to draw an emoji on the cover of the book. Of course I had to be in on that, so I requested one. Then she took a picture of my emoji to post on her instagram. Yep. The top right of her collage? That’s my book. *hair flip*
I brought three of her four books (the one I didn’t have – Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour – I couldn’t get in time, and since it’s my least favorite I was okay.) She signed all of my books (saying she loved my name, because she has a main character named Emily.) (Again, great taste, really.) At which point I was grinning like an idiot. Morgan brings her polaroid camera to all of her events and we took a selfie, which she signed. By the time we left, I was on cloud nine. (And refreshing her social media pages every five seconds to see if she’d posted a photo of my emoji or note.)
Yeah. It was a great night.
Have you read any Morgan Matson books? Which one is your favorite? And if not, which ones do you want to read? 🙂
Hey bookworms! I know I’ve been missing blog posts lately, but I’m finally moved into my new house. (Which means I have my beautiful books back from storage! *throws virtual confetti* YES!) You can expect to see more regular posts on FTB and more comments from me on your blogs again. Today I’m joining Purposeful Pages – a brand-new link-up launched on Amanda and Hannah’s blogs this month, and I finally get to join! The questions are so creative and fun, and I’m excited to answer them. 🙂
What exactly is Purposeful Pages? Purposeful pages is a monthly link-up designed to unite bloggers on answering questions about life, blogging, the Bible, writing, and books. Visit Amanda or Hannah’s blogs for more info!
What verse and chapter of the Bible inspired you the most this past month, and why? I’ve been thinking about Matthew 6:31-34 and 2 Corinthians 5:7 lately. My family has been in the transition of moving, and it’s been a challenge for all of us to exercise patience and trust in God as we are in between houses – which involves a lot more homesickness, frustration, and tears than I bargained for. This summer in particular has taught me that it’s easier said than done to completely put faith in God. Both of these verses tells us not to worry about tomorrow, and hand your worries to God. I love them.
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:31-34
I will walk by faith even when I cannot see. – 2 Corinthians 5:7
What’s a book (fiction or nonfiction) that you read or continued reading this past month that reminded you of an important truth? Miniatures and Morals: the Christian Novels of Jane Austen by Peter J. Leithart. In his analysis of Jane’s writing, Leithart explains that the seemingly insignificant details of daily life (portrayed often in Jane’s books) make up the most important parts of our lives. I definitely recommend this book for an appreciation of Jane Austen’s literary genius.
“If ‘nothing happens’ in Austen, it is because ‘nothing happens’ most of the time. Yet, precisely because of this limitation, because so little seems to happen, every nuance and contour of what does happen takes on considerable importance. We begin to realize that men can be cads without kidnapping women and confining them in dark towers, and women can be vicious without poisoning their rivals. Men can be cads just by being male […] and women can kill as effectively with words as with arsenic.
“If we read Austen sensitively and begin to see things through her eyes, we begin to see that much is happening in our lives even, or especially, at those frequent moments when ‘nothing is happening.'”
Do you have any goals for yourself this month? If so, what are they? 1: Practice piano more often (and diligently.) 2: Help my family get our new house in order. 3: Get more active. 4: Draft August blog posts. 5: Listen to more audio books.
Have you discovered anything new or changed your blog around this past month? I’m still working out a consistent blogging routine, but I changed my blogging schedule to Wednesday and Saturdays instead of Mon/Wed/Fri. I also updated my review policies page, which I love doing. I probably nitpick my about and reviewpolicies more than I should. I’ll never perfect them. 😉
What is your favorite blog post that you wrote in June? That would be my May Recap. Monthly recaps are by far my favorite posts to write.
Can you share one quotable thing from your novel/book (if applicable) that you recently wrote? agghhhh…. *frantically scrolls through WIP for snippet most worthy of sharing*
“I couldn’t begin to put into words what stars in the Seaside sky looked like. There were millions of them strung like popcorn in the inky sky, aligned in a quiet corner of the universe. Seaside. I couldn’t get enough of it. I took everything in: the sound of the waves crashing against the shoreline. The breeze rustling my hair. The sticky salty air.” – Emily @ For the Bookish, April 2016
What biblical character would you get along with the most, and why? I had to think a lot about this one. But I finally decided to agree with Hannah and say Moses. He got tongue-tied often but was a great writer. (He wrote five books of the Bible!) I can SO relate to that, and I think we’d understand one another well.
“Please, Lord, Iamnot a talentedspeaker. I have never been good with words. I wasn’t when I was younger and I haven’t gotten any better since You revealed Yourself to me. I stutter and stammer. My words get all twisted.” – Exodus 4:10
Favorite new word unearthed from the dictionary? saxicolous // one who lives under a rock
In the blogging world, what’s one thing you have learned about yourself? I much prefer writing than talking. For one thing I have a bad habit of saying ‘like’ in place of a billion other perfectly good English words. (It’s a habit that annoys even myself.) I’m an eloquent writer but not an eloquent speaker. (Unless I prepare beforehand.) I can write and rewrite my words until I’m satisfied. I also don’t have to speak over large groups to be heard. Typically in social situations I’m overthinking what I want to say, and then the conversation moves on. (Thus making me the kid sitting quietly observing everyone.) So in writing I’m more relaxed and can be myself.
Since I’ve also made so many friends through my blog, I think I’ve become more confident in the two years that I’ve had FTB. I don’t feel as if I’m the onlyone who reads a lot or likes to write. I love meeting people with common interests as me all the time.
What fictional character would you spend the day with, and what would you do? Maxon Schreave from The Selection. It’s cheesy, but I’ll admit it: he’s my dream prince. We’d go to the beach (the best place to get lost in a book) and take hundreds of photos (since he’s a photographer.) And find strawberry ice cream someplace. (I hear he likes a girl with an appetite for strawberry tarts, but ice cream will have to do in a pinch.) And be awkward and dorky together, as one does when in the presence of beautiful Maxon Schreave. *internally cries for that whole “fictional” thing*
Do you follow Amanda and Hannah’s blogs? Have you joined in the link-up? What fictional character would YOU spend the day with? (Ah, decisions, decisions.) 🙂 Talk to you soon!
So, this whole “reading” thing isn’t going well for me. I read two books in June. Both re-reads. *shields eyes in shame* For the past month, everything has just looked so unappealing. But! There is hope. I put three books on hold at the library and I’m very much looking forward to getting them. Fingers crossed they don’t disappoint. In the meantime, despite my lack of reading lately, acquiring books is a whole different story.
The majority of the stack are school-required books for my ninth grade year. (Next month! The summer flew by!) The Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare, Billy Bud, Sailor & Other Stories by Herman Melville, Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, The Call of the Wild by Jack London, Born Again by Charles Colson. These are just a few, and I’m really excited to have so many classics to read this year. (Though I’m sure halfway through I’ll have a meltdown and get all stressed about finishing them in time. Yay, school… heh heh.)
The rest are free-time fun reads that I will *hopefully* finish in a timely manner and enjoy. I’m still waiting for my reading slump break-through…
MINIATURES AND MORALS: THE CHRISTIAN NOVELS OF JANE AUSTEN by Peter J. Leithart: I’m not too far in, but I am so enjoying this! Peter Leithart dissects Jane Austen’s writing in a truly fascinating and thoughtful way. This is from the synopsis: “From theological and literary angles, Leithart analyzes character and theme while summarizing each of Austen’s major works.” Jane is one of my favorite classic authors and this book really highlights the talent of her genius literature – beyond “bonnets and nineteenth-century romance.”
SECOND CHANCE SUMMER by Morgan Matson: If I had to recommend *one* contemporary romance perfect for summertime… it would be this. I’m a huge Morgan Matson fan (I’m meeting her in just a few weeks!) but this is definitely my favorite book of hers. I love the focus on Taylor’s family and the lakefront setting puts me in such a happy summery mood. And the romance. It’s clean, innocent, and so sweet you’ll get a cavity. Fair warning: the ending is bittersweet. Prepare yourself with tissues.
BLACK DOVE WHITE RAVEN by Elizabeth Wein: Elizabeth Wein’s Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire are award-winning-classic-school-required-worthy-well-researched masterpieces. I can’t go on about them enough! Elizabeth Wein is an author worthy of having the phrase “It’s a Wein book and it’s flawless. But what did you expect?” become famous. But… I’m not feeling this one as much as I do CNV and RUF. Maybe it’s because her other two historical fictions are set in WWII, which I’m much more partial to. Maybe it’s because her characters in previous books were more relatable to me. I’m a hundred pages in and though the story line is good, I can’t help but feel a bit let down. After Code Name Verity, can she pull off another masterpiece?
PIPPI LONGSTOCKING by Astrid Lindgren: Well well well, what do we have here? Pippi Longstocking is a childhood favorite of mine; one I first read in the summertime, so it coincides a lot with my summer memories. I typically borrow this gem from the library every year around this time, and finally bought myself a copy. Isn’t this edition adorable?
I also got an e-book and audio book that I want to talk about before I forget!
THE CANDYMAKERS AND THE GREAT CHOCOLATE CASE by Wendy Mass: In elementary school, I was Wendy Mass’ biggest fan. I ate up The Candymakers (ha, ha) and now, six years later, she’s back with a sequel! It hits shelves August 2 and I was lucky enough to get an e-ARC. I’m thinking I’ll try to re-read the first since it’s been many years and then onto the sequel. Let’s hope it does ten-year-old Emily’s favorite stand alone book justice. 😉
OPEN ROAD SUMMER by Emery Lord: Yay for summery contemporaries! Confession: I only bought this audio book because Morgan Matson said she liked it. And Morgan Matson is queen of summery contemporaries so read it I shall. Two chapters in and the MC is a little annoying but we’ll see how it goes.
What books have you acquired recently? Read any of these? Any advice to push through my slump??
Hey bookworms! Miss Grace at Pens and Castles On A Cloud (can we take a moment to appreciate her blog name?) nominated me for the wisteria writer tag. I was so excited; the questions look so fun. Thanks for tagging me, Grace!
The Rules:
Thank the blogger who nominated you.
Answer the ten questions asked.
Add ten (writing or book related) of your own.
Nominate ten people. (I’m cheating and nominating seven!)
Do you write for yourself or for others? Myself! Sometimes I struggle to share my writing with others (if it’s something I’ve spent a long time on – school assignments are a bit different) because my stories are near and dear to my heart. For me, writing has always been a coping mechanism. Most of my stories even mirror things I was going through in the point of my life when I wrote them. There are several storylines I’ve been working and expounding on for years; I like to think that the characters grow with me and become my friends.
Who has helped you improve your writing? My parents (even though I’m too often picky about their constructive criticism) have always challenged me and stretched my abilities in writing. I’ve also spent two and a half years with one of my favorite authors Rachel Coker (whom I get to meet next month!) doing writing lessons through email. She’s become a mentor to me and has advised and challenged my writing sometimes to the point of frustration. But I’ve learned so much through her and simply having a mentor like herself has taught me so much about the writing process, editing, and truly refining a piece of work.
Name three books that have been central in your writing (as in, they inspired you to write, or write a specific story, etc.) Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards, The Family Tree Series by Ann M. Martin, and Interrupted by Rachel Coker. Each of these books have a certain writing style and story telling that I aspire to. They all have similarities in the way that I hope to tell stories. The fact that I’ve read them all more than once and still feel inspired and touched each time by the stories makes me dream of my own writing someday living up to these books.
What is your least favorite genre and why? I’m going to answer this question assuming it’s asking what my least favorite genre to write is; in which case that would be anything other than historical or contemporary fiction. I can’t say I’ll never write anything else, but I’m a bit too terrified to venture out into fantasy/sci-fi/dystopian/etc. I don’t read enough of other genres to feel qualified writing them.
If you could, would you try to change the landscape for young adult novels of this generation? How? (if this question is confusing: the norms of young adult novels today are pretty obvious–would you want to change them with your writing and how?) Absolutely! Yes, yes, yes. Frankly it makes me sick to look at what the young adult genre has become. Don’t get me wrong: reading is becoming more popular among teenagers as the genre widens and there are thousands of books made to be appealing to that age group, which is new to even the last two generations. I think that’s amazing. But a good majority of YA books make it sound like all that appeals to teenagers is getting physical, swearing, and making adults out to be hypocritical, misunderstanding idiots. I have to read a content review on practically every young adult book I pick up.
I would love to be able to write literature that challenges a young adult’s thinking past what social media and the world is pushing us to conform to. I want to write age-appropriate books for teens. That’s not to say my books will shy away from the world’s tragedies but that they will not be focused on vulgar, unnecessary content that doesn’t need to occupy young people’s minds.
If you could write/collaborate on a novel with one author, who would it be? Jane Austen. I know, I know! It’s going to have to wait for Heaven (which will feature a library a thousand times bigger than in Beauty & The Beast and ten dozen independent coffee shops for all our writerly needs.) But with our sarcastic humor, avoidance of humans, and romantic sides I feel like we’d be best friends and a hilarious writing duo. Beyond that, c’mon, she’s Jane Freakin’ Austen. Who *wouldn’t* want writing advice from her?
What’s your writing process? Ahem. As follows: Grand idea! Must write it! This sucks. Let’s plan! Write some more! Ugh, more planning. Writing! This is the best thing ever! Writing. Planning. Burnout. Break. Plan. Write. Repeat. I’m a planster. I’m not a panster or plotter. I go for it and then do minimal outlining, and go for it some more. I think people might be surprised by the fact that I despise outlining for rough drafts considering I like detailed plans for everything else in life, but writing is the one thing I do by the seat of my pants.
What do you do to get out of writer’s block? I have absolutely no advice regarding writer’s block. I’M STILL FIGURING OUT WHAT TO DO ABOUT DIS. My problem is I never get this thing people keep calling “writer’s block.” Oh no. I get a total burnout. It’s a complete disaster. I work on a story for three, five months max. It’s the best thing to ever be written; my characters are the bomb.com. I’m a creative master mind. And then I hit a brick wall that I never get through. So I’m still trying to learn how to handle this and complete my novellas.
Do you like to listen to music when you write? Why or why not? Absolutely! Music can put me in any mood depending on the song; nostalgic, happy, angry, sympathetic, wintry. (‘Wintry”s a mood hush.) It’s the perfect solution to let myself fall into the world I’m trying to create. I even make playlists for each story I write. Sometimes I do overthink and can’t focus with the beat of the music. In which case, I use rainycafe.com for either a thunderstorm or cafe background noise. (Either way, I can’t ever work in complete silence. I need noise.)
How has writing changed your life (if it has–and it’s OK if it hasn’t!)? Oh my goodness, what a question. I’ve been writing fictional stories since I was little and keeping a journal for four years. Through writing (or even just jotting) things down, I’ve learned to observe people. I like to think that it has given me a sense of patience. Crafting words to keep memories, tell stories, or share feelings is a wonderful outlet and vital skill. I think everyone can do it. 🙂
Nominees, here are your ten questions!
When did you start writing?
What do you use to document inspiration and ideas?
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
What genres do you like writing best?
How do you begin the outlining of your novels? (Characters, plot, etc.)?
Can you share a snippet of one of your current pieces of writing?
(Quick shout-out to the best friend ever Brooke who, upon my realization on FaceTime that I had yet to get a post up due to lack of bookish photography, stepped outside onto her little Japanese plot of land and took a photo of her copy of The Winner’s Kiss. *collective deep breath because that was a run-0n sentence* And isn’t it beautiful?)
MARIE RUTKOSKI DID IT AGAIN.
This book is the third in The Winner’s Trilogy. I read the first two books in January and was forced to wait another two months before the final book was published. (Three if you count the month I was agonizingly broke and couldn’t buy the book.) I adore everything about these stories.
1) The writing is purely a masterpiece. So poetic I savored every word; right up my alley indeed. It’s elegant and vague but effective.
“She didn’t like to open the box. The sight of her heart was unsettling. It always looked both smaller and bigger than she expected. It thumped against the white porcelain. A fleshy red knot.”
2) The political intrigue is my favorite part. The war strategy and positions and race and slavery and MUAH it was so wonderful! I appreciated the fact that the main character’s strengths lie not in her physical attributes but her mental strategy. She is quick and intelligent. Every detail of the war ensuing in Marie Rutkoski’s world is believable and realistic.
3) The love story obviously tickles the romantic bone in my body. (Who am I kidding, every bone in my body is romantic. *swoon*) Kestrel and Arin had enough of both struggle and affection to have me fully invested in their relationship. I love them because they’re not the average frustrating immature couple that is portrayed in a majority of young adult books. They would literally walk the ends of the earth for each other in the midst of a war that divided them in half. It was beautiful and endearing.
Can we talk about the cover(s) for a moment? There are two completely different covers, both US editions, and it really irks me. To me, both are completely misleading and I feel like there ought to be one that’s a combination of both. The first looks too feminine and the second looks not enough. I prefer the first though it still sends me into a tailspin. whyyyy.
I can’t say it enough: The Winner’s Kiss is a winner.
CONTENT DETAILS: For cautious readers, my one complaint was a steamy scene in the end of the book. I was annoyed and very frustrated that it had to be added right at the end. As a heads-up, it is easy to skip over in the chapter and won’t interfere with your understanding of the plot.
Well hello there bookworms! It’s been a while. I know. I’m sorry. Life has been crazy. We’re talking supreme cheese pizza with olives and pineapple and bacon and sausage and the whole nine yards crazy. Since my summer isn’t going to settle down anytime soon, I’ve decided to switch up my blogging schedule. Instead of three times a week, I will be blogging on Wednesdays and Saturdays. My posts will be more spread out but hopefully more consistent and a better quality. I’ve missed chatting with you all so much! Here’s what I’ve been up to. Let’s catch up in the comments. 🙂
CURRENTLY FANGIRLING about… the fact that Wonder by R.J. Palacio is going to be a movie with JULIA stinking ROBERTS as Auggie’s mom! Um??? SoOOOoOO many MG and YA adaptations have been announced recently (Red Queen, Between Shades of Gray, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and more I’m probably forgetting) and I’m just over here like
and then to all the teenagers who look at me odd when I talk about stuff nobody hears about:
CURRENTLY WATCHING… I’ve read a mere two books thus far in June (the shame, the horror, the guilt — I know) so you’d think I’d be binge watching Netlix. But alas I’ve even betrayed my own life support. I’m looking forward to seeing Finding Dory because I have been on top of that one since before anyone knew it was a thing. I’d like to watch more Downton Abbey with my dad but I just haven’t had a chance to fully invest myself in the show. So in the meantime, Gilmore Girls reruns it is ’cause: Jess.
(Telly recommendations welcome, I beg of you.)
CURRENTLY LISTENING to… I will refer you to my complete favorites list on Spotify (x) where I have been compiling every song that has caught my ear in the past two years. Scroll to the bottom for the most recent listenings, which include “Just be Held” Casting Crowns, “Can’t Stop the Feeling” Justin Timberlake, “Save My Heart” Jason Reeves, “Baby Girl” Sugarland, “Keep on Lovin’ You” Steel Magnolia and just about a thousand others.
CURRENTLY ANTICIPATING…oh sweet pancakes guys. For the past four years, I have been stalking and fangirling over Miss Rachel Coker. Her books are amazing, her photography is inspiring, her words are like chocolate, her wardrobe is to die for. I’m pretty sure my family is sick of hearing me talk about her. And I get to MEET HER in August. At a writer’s workshop. In her home. For a whole weekend. With several other girls I’ve met online. *And* her adorable sister Hannah Everly (the one who makes the skirts.) I’m a little excited maybe. Just a lil bit. Expect photos. And blog posts. And fangirling. I might just die y’all. RIP me.
CURRENTLY READING… My ten year old self is through the roof right now. I have been waiting for a sequel to The Candymakers by one of my favorite childhood authors Wendy Mass for five years. It’s going to be here AUGUST 2ND. And I have an ADVANCED READER’S COPY. I’m thinking I’ll give the first book a re-read since it’s been five years, and then onto the sequel!
CURRENTLY READING… ignore my “currently reading” widget. I’d update it but at this point I’d have to update it everyday because I’ve been so off about my books lately. I HAVE NO DISCIPLINE. None. No self control. #moodreader (ha. more like all-around queen procrastinator.) SO. I’m not reading a Jewish memoir of a man who survived a Nazi imprisonment camp. Oh noo. I’m reading Pippi Longstocking. (For the thousandth time. No shame.) Riveting stuff. But hey, if that’s what it takes to get through this month with a respectable number of books read, then so be it. (Let’s face it, not gonna happen.)
CURRENTLY WEARING… only the shirt made for me. The manufacturers were all “Oh hey you know that girl Emily? This shirt is for her.” Thanks mom for the sweet surprise. Extra fries please yo. (Dipped in milkshakes because that’s the only way to eat them.)
Thus concludes this blog post of “Emily Being Sporadic and Ramble-y and Probably Boring Her Readers.” I didn’t know how much I missed blogging and being myself to all of you sweet bookworms. There was so much to say! Do tell me what you’ve been currently up to! I MUST CATCH UP. Since we established that I’m going to die upon meeting Rachel Coker we need to say everything that needs to be said prior to my departure.
