I am such a bad blogger. I promise you guys posts, and I don't deliver. I feel so bad. If you can think of an appropriate punishment (something blogging related and not terribly embarrassing or illegal) let me know and I will attempt to make amends!
Anyway. I've been slacking in the writing side of things as well (like that's a surprise). My new project stands at a whopping 161 words. And this is like the fourth attempt at a beginning. Usually beginnings come easy for me. I know exactly where to start the story, I know how to kick things off with the right blend of action and characterization so it's interesting, but not in that blind, who-is-this-girl-and-why-should-I-care-that-she's-running-for-her-life? sort of way.
But this story is different. I originally had a great first line, that I planned to flip a bit for the last line of the novel because I love symmetry like that. But then I realized that it didn't really work as a first line, and the situation involving the first line didn't really fit the character. So I was back at square one.
I think I have a decent grip on the opening now, and I plan to make some actual progress and maybe get to 500 words by the end of the month. Lofty goals, eh?
In the meantime I've been reading, and I recently came across two fantastic books that I want to tell you guys about.
Shade by Jeri-Smith Ready
The premise of this book is so fascinating. It's hard to put into words exactly what I loved about this one, because the whole thing was just amazing-- the characters, the romance, and especially the mystery involving the Shift. The only aspect I didn't like was that it ended way too soon and with a total cliffhanger.
White Cat (The Curse Workers) by Holly Black
I really love stories like this one and Shade where the whole world is different, where history has been rewritten, but where everyone in the world knows about the magic. This was a great read, filled with cons and shocking secrets. No cliffhanger with this one (for which I was thankful!) but the ending was jaw dropping. I had to read the last few pages twice, and it still makes me sad to think about.
So those are two of the books I've read recently and haven't stopped thinking about. Definitely recommended.
And now it's your turn. Recommend a book you read and loved! I'm always on the lookout for more, and, for the first time in along time, my TBR pile is rather small.
I heard Shade was a fabulous read. I'm reading Shadow Hills and it is to die for!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your writing. We're rooting for ya!
I'll keep those in mind. Thanks for the recommendations. I just finished reading a YA novel titled "Twenty Boy Summer." It was heartbreakingly awesome!
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ReplyDeleteThese two sound like great books, thanks for the recommendations. Don't feel bad about not blogging much and putting your writing on hold for a bit, I totally understand...it happens to me a lot.
ReplyDeleteBut, since you asked about a punishment (are you sure you want to do that?)...I assign you to come by my blog and say hi. Hahaaaaaa
Have a wonderful week, Kat.
Dust of 100 Dogs, by A.S. King. And thank you for the recommendations, also there is an award for you over at my blog.
ReplyDeleteI've thought of your blog-punishment. You must post six of your most embarassing moments (and your not allowed to use the blog post as #6).
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Sounds like a challenge with your writing--I hope you get inspired.
ReplyDeleteI blame blogging challenges on summer--there is just too much around here competing for my time.
Beginnings are almost always the most difficult part of the process for me. Takes me fifty pages usually to find my groove. But I've been lucky so far with my WIP. I actually wrote thirty pages in, then decided I was starting in the wrong place, ditched what I'd already written and started over. But the thirty pages weren't wasted, since I'll probably reuse them later in the novel.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I love symmetry in opening and closing lines too!