Ten Reasons to Date a Geek From a Girl who Married one

• They rarely care what's on TV. This allows you to watch terrible reality shows. They won't have a clue because they had their headphones on, talking to guild members about what dungeon they're going to do, or how they kicked tail in PvP (Player vs. Player).
• This is somewhat synonymous with the first one, but still worth mentioning. They never hog the remote.
• They typically encourage the purchase of the latest electronics and gadgets.
• You will own every console system ever made. Yes, this includes the original Nintendo (and if you're lucky they'll still have Tetris and Super Mario 3).
• When talking/texting friends, girls never come up. The most risqué topic of conversation is whether they should get the breastplate (gasp) or the helmet with their arena points.
• Most geeks I've met have vivid imaginations. This makes conversation fun and enjoyable for all.
• They can live off a diet of pizza and Dr. Pepper (infinitely).
• Geeks are usually content staying home. 
• They can entertain themselves.
• You never have to worry about what they're doing or where they're going because you know exactly where they'll be and exactly what they'll be doing...gaming.

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

From Goodreads:
Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she's a girl who doesn't believe in second chances...a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom's diner and obsessing over what might have been.

So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life...and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She's got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who's been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.

It's time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she's willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last...

My review:
Hockey boys and cupcakes? Yes, please! I found myself fixing a couple of cups of hot chocolate while I read this book (and I haven't done that in a while). I also found myself watching a lot of Cupcake Wars on Food Network. I won't be surprised if my husband walks in with a confused look on his face because I'm suddenly watching hockey games. But Bittersweet isn't all hockey boys and cupcakes (don't get me wrong, there's plenty of both)--it's so much more.

The emotions in this book are so real. The reader feels Hudson's frustration, confusion, and longing to figure out her own path in life. She's forced to grow up rather quickly with a lot of responsibility. She's had to make sacrifices most teens don't have to worry about. She's the "Cupcake Queen," waitress, and babysitter.

Speaking of babysitter, the secondary characters in Bittersweet are rich and real. I found immediate love for Hudson's little brother, Bug. If anything were to happen to him, I would be devastated. The way Sarah describes him caused me to tear up. I could just picture him pushing his little glasses up on his nose, and taking his pet hamster, Mr. Napkins, everywhere he goes. He has a little piece of my heart.

Not only is this a great story, but Sarah has pretty much mastered the dreaded "show vs. tell." If you're a writer, I encourage you to study her books. She grounds you in the story using all five senses. I could hear Hudson nervously zipping her jacket up and down. I could hear the pop of Hudson and Josh's homemade fire in the abandoned Fillmore Steel Mill. The sounds really immerse the reader in the story.

If you're looking for a fabulous book to cuddle up to while drinking a big steaming mug of hot chocolate (and perhaps a cupcake from the local bakery), then you must read Bittersweet. If you're looking for a book with real, raw emotions, you must read Bittersweet. And if that doesn't convince you, don't forget about the whole team of sexy hockey boys that will surely win you over! ;)

Villains - Darth Vadar

My husband and I got the Star Wars bluray for Christmas, and we've been watching all six of them. I've seen them all before, but never really analyzed the characters from a writer's perspective. Now I have become somewhat obsessed with Darth Vadar as a villain. He's such a complicated character.

I told my husband I've been thinking about Anikin and Padme. Their love story is one of tragedy. He replied that you wouldn't know to feel sympathetic for Darth Vadar just by watching the last three films. But George Lucas didn't write six films for nothing. I think it's imperative to see all six films to really grasp Darth Vadar's character and motivation.

Anikin goes to the Dark Side out of his love for Padme. Padme dies from a broken heart because Anikin turns to the Dark Side. How much more tragic can you get? How can you really blame someone who turns bad out of love?

If you haven't watched all six films, I highly encourage you to do so.

Who are some of your favorite villains? What draws you to a "bad guy"?

Writer's Digest - 15 Creativity-Boosting Websites

I picked up the Writer's Digest The Writer's Guide to Creativity and wanted to share the 15 Creativity-Boosting Websites. I've been to some of these sites, and I've found them really useful. Hope you enjoy.

Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest

Creativity Portal

Easy Street Prompts

Six Sentences

Six-Word Memories

The Teacher's Corner

Absolute Write

Backspace

Critique Circle

Critters Workshop

My Writers Circle

National Novel Writing Month

WritersCafe.org

The Writer's Chatroom

Writing.Com

Writer Wednesday - Books on Editing

Last Wednesday's post was about my favorite writing books. This week I'm going to list some of my favorite books on editing. I've worked as a journalist, an editor, scientific editor, and scientific writer. I've collected a lot of writing books over the years and still visit them pretty often.

The Oxford Dictionary for Writers and Editors - This book is fabulous. It has whether a word should be hyphenated, two words, one word, the spelling, correct usage, etc. It's pretty small and easy to carry around. I use this book constantly.

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King - Another fairly small paperback book. This book helps with the craft of writing as well as editing. Your writing will improve and become much stronger if you do the exercises in this book.

The Chicago Manual of Style - I have the 15th edition of this book, but I also have an online subscription. I love this manual. It's a bit heavy, so not a book you'll want to tote around all the time. I use this one mainly at home.

The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White - This is a really useful, tiny, hardcover book. It's 105 pages of grammatical goodness. This book is a must have for every writer.

What are some of your favorite books on editing?

Things to get Your Writer for Christmas

It's that time of year again. Christmas lights shine at night. Santa figurines guard the mantle. The Christmas tree is decked out with ornaments that your cat will knock down in his effort to climb to the top. Your Writer spends all their free time getting words down, neglecting their personal hygiene, putting the laundry off for "one more day" in order to meet a deadline, word count, or writing goal. You may be asking yourself, "What do I get my Writer for Christmas?" Whether it's the love of your life, a friend, or family member, I have some ideas that will have your Writer laughing, smiling, and squealing this Christmas.

A Mandala Workbook - Mandala means "circle" or "wholeness." I've been coloring mandalas in order to free up the right side of my brain. I plotted an entire novel while coloring mandalas. Needless to say, I am hooked. There are all kinds of different patterns and coloring books. Pick out one you think your Writer will like best. Don't forget to get some Sharpies (any ultra-fine point marker will do) or colored pencils.

Writing Shirts - Your Writer can write in style while wearing a writing t-shirt. Your Writer can walk with comma confidence while wearing the Grammarian, or let the entire world know what you already know...they'd Rather Be Writing. With the Not Now, I'm On Deadline shirt, your Writer won't have to explain why they're sleep-deprived, ornery, or constantly switching from manically happy to crying in a corner--the shirt says it all! Once your Writer has completed that manuscript, sent in those edits, or met that deadline, they can strut their stuff in the Writing Goddess tee.

2012 Calendar - Help your Writer remember what day it is with a 2012 Page-a-Day Calendar. There are several out there to wake your Writer's brain and provide inspiration. Don't leave your Writer defenseless. Prepare them for the unexpected with the 2012 ZombieSmarts Calendar. This calendar is complete with facts, history, and questions (there's even space for your Writer to answer) about the undead. For something a little more lively, give your Writer the 2012 Book Lover's Calendar or the 365 New Words-a-Year Calendar.

Stress Reducer - Writing. Is. Stressful. I know this, and your Writer knows this. Help ease some of their stress with this Doctor Who Adipose Stress Toy. It's adorable! Your Writer can also relax and de-stress with this Anti-Stress Pillow.

Caffeine - It's no secret that writers love caffeine. Whether it be tea or coffee, chances are your Writer will be happy with some sort of gift related to caffeine. Labeled as "one of the most convenient teapots you'll find anywhere" (did I mention that writers LOVE convenience), the Adagio Teas Ingenuitea Teapot is something your Writer will want to cuddle. Is your writer more of a coffee connoisseur? Your Writer will enjoy the Aerobie AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker.

Sleep - Writers love sleep, probably because a writer's brain rarely takes a break long enough for us to get a whole lot of it. Help your Writer make the most of their precious hours with this Dream Essential Kit.

Homemade Cards - Help your Writer out by dedicating your time. Take some cards and write "This card is good for..." it can be anything from laundry, dishes, massages, a movie date, dinner date, etc.

Books - You can't go wrong here. Get your writer some books on writing, editing, reading, or get them a fiction book you know they've been dying to read. If all else fails, get them a gift card to your local bookstore.

Journals - A writer can never have too many journals. Help your Writer find their muse mojo with this Journal of Choices. The Inner Truth Journal, I Can't Sleep journal will give your Writer's brain something to do on sleepless nights. My personal favorite, Inner Truth Journal, My Dysfunctions, is an excellent present for any writer.

Spend some time with your Writer this holiday season. Pry the pen from their hand and hide the notebook. Drink eggnog and eat lots of goodies. Your Writer's eyes will light up when they see one of these gifts underneath the tree. Whether they laugh, smile, or squeeze the Doctor Who stress ball, your Writer will think, "You get me! You really really get me!" And sometimes, that's the best gift of all.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

The Liebster Nomination

Lieb is love in German.

My dear friend, Tonia Marie Houston nominated me for the Liebster Blog award. This award is given to growing blogs with 200 followers or less. As Tonia says, "We are small, but we are mighty." I agree 100%. Everyone has to start somewhere. The blogs with over a thousand followers were once in our mighty shoes. And I know it's only a matter of time before make that leap from 200 to 2000.

The Three Rules of Lieb
1. Show some gratitude.
2. Share the lieb with five others, let them know they're special.
3. Shine. You've earned it.

Nominations:
1. We Heart YA. This blog is by a group of passionate women sharing the good word on reading and writing.

2. Rebecca Fields. Rebecca is a dear friend and critique partner. We built our friendship around the written word, and I cherish it. Show her blog some love :)

3. Stephanie Mooney. Stephanie is an extremely talented writer and graphic designer. She is responsible for my blog design and my upcoming website.

4. Tonia Marie Houston. Tonia (yes, I'm going back to her even though she nominated me) is an amazing person. She's full of encouragement and talent. Can't wait to work with her more in the future ;)

Thanks again for reading my blog and following me as I follow my dreams.

Writer Wednesday - Favorite Books on Craft

I will never stop learning the craft of writing, and for that, I'm grateful. I have a whole bookshelf full of writing books, and many more I want to buy. I wanted to talk about my favorite books--the ones I find myself reading often.

The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler is a tremendously helpful book about storytelling. Vogler takes Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey and modifies it for writing. This book covers the three act structure. From The Writer's Journey: Act One covers: Ordinary World, Call to Adventure, Refusal of the Call, Meeting with the Mentor, and Crossing the First Threshold. Act Two covers: Tests, Allies, Enemies, Approach to the Inmost Cave, Ordeal, and the Reward. Act Three covers: The Road Back, Resurrection, and the Return with the Elixir.

Writing Fiction A Guide to Narrative Craft by Janet Burroway is a book I used in one of my graduate classes. It's a bit pricey, but I've found this book to be full of valuable information on the craft of fiction writing. Since it is used as a textbook, topics are covered in great detail. There are a lot of writing exercises as well.

The Fire in Fiction by Donald Maass is probably my favorite book (and relatively inexpensive). This book is full of exercises, examples, and information. It's a quick read, but the knowledge stays with you.

Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass is another fabulous book.

Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell is my second favorite. This book covers how to plot your novel and structure it to tell a great story. Another one I highly recommend.

These are a few of my favorites on writing. I'm going to do another blog post on books on editing since I have a ton of those as well.

What are some of your favorite books on the craft of writing?

News and NaNo!

Happy Friday! This month has been nuts (like most months). I've been working on a personal project for awhile, and it's finally up and running. I decided to start offering editing services. I absolutely adore editing and critiquing. For more information, please check out my new website. I have other news coming soon, which I'll post on the blog and on the site.

Are you participating in NaNo? I'm about 33k words in and counting. I had a very detailed outline going in. I'm actually happy with how the story is going, but it will be a long time before this piece sees the light of day. I do look forward to the revision process--my favorite!

I'll be staying at the Stanley Hotel tomorrow night for a write-in. I'm excited! The ghost tour is at four, and the write-in is 6:30pm - 11:30pm. I will take lots of pictures while I'm there!

What's going on in your world? Are you in crazy NaNo mode?

Monday - Book Review Roundup: Fracture by Megan Miranda

From Goodreads:
Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled front he icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend, Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine-despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

For fans of bestsellers like Before I Fall and If I Stay, this is a fascinating and heart-rending story about love and friendship and the find line between life and death.

My Review:
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading FRACTURE, but I was captivated from the start. Delaney is such a believable character--she's smart, logical, practical, and sympathetic. When she dies in the lake that day, she is saved by her best friend, Decker. Decker and Delaney have been friends since they were five--always inseparable. After the accident, their relationship becomes strained by Delaney's new ability to sense death. Delaney starts to think everything in her life is falling apart. She feels this pull, yet everyone thinks she's crazy.

Delaney starts to become self-destructive, and I didn't blame her at all. She endures so much, and I'm not sure how she handled it all in the first place. I loved the characters in this book. The development is believable and real. The relationships are spot-on. Delaney's relationship with her parents, her best friend, friends, and even Troy are emotional, thought provoking, and fantastically written.

I really enjoyed this emotional book that leaves the reader with a sense of hope in all the dark in Delaney's life.

FRACTURE will be available on January 17, 2012 from Walker and Co. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the chance to read this book before the release.

Monday - Book Review Roundup: The Poison House by Michael Ford

From Goodreads:
The year is 1856, and orphan Abigail Tamper lives below stairs in Greave Hall, a crumbling manor house in London. Lord Greave is plagued by madness, and with his son Samuel away fighting in the Crimea, the running of Greave Hall is left to Mrs. Cotton, the tyrannical housekeeper. The only solace for the beleaguered staff is to frighten Mrs. Cotton by pretending the house is haunted.

So when a real ghost makes an appearance - that of her beloved mother - no one is more surprised than Abi. But the spirit has a revelation that threatens to destroy Abi's already fragile existence: she was murdered, and by someone under their own roof. With Samuel returned to England badly wounded, it's up to Abi to nurse him back to health, while trying to discover the identity of the killer in their midst. As the chilling truth dawns, Abi's world is turned upside down.

My Review:
I always enjoy a really good historic YA book. THE POISONED HOUSE was a quick read. The book starts off with Abigail Tamper trying desperately to escape Greave Hall and Mrs. Cotton, the evil caretaker. She is dragged back to the house to resume the tortured life of a slave/servant girl. Abi is only fifteen years old, and her mother died when she was very young.

When Mrs. Cotton receives a visitor, the servants grow curious and Abi is sent to spy on their meeting. When a spiritual consultant walks in, Abi learns Mrs. Cotton is afraid a ghost is haunting the house. Abi is even more shocked to find out she's right. Abi's mother desperately tries to get her out of the house before her daughter receives the same fate as her.

Michael Ford created very believable characters. I felt for Abi and struggled with her during her journey to seek out the truth. The creepy factor was definitely there for this piece. The sinister house, the dark staircases, the ouija board, war, Mrs. Cotton--it was all very creepy and sinister. I found myself looking around me when reading it alone at night. It's refreshing when a book does that to me.

The plot was well developed and left you trying to guess what all this family is hiding. The house master is on the brink of insanity, always talking to himself, holing up in his room upstairs. There's a lot of mystery to this book--lots of secrets.

If you're looking for a quick and creepy read, you'll enjoy THE POISON HOUSE.

Monday - I Love Dark YA Blogfest

I have the privilege of being part of the I love Dark YA Blogfest, and I couldn't be more excited! I know the topic has been in the media a lot recently, and it's a subject I love talking about. This week I'll be blogging about my favorite dark YA book(s).

First off, what is considered "dark"? Can it be categorized? Or is it personal preference? Some of my favorite YA books are what some people have labeled as their version of "dark."

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma
Shine by Lauren Myracle
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Curse Worker series by Holly Black

I could go on and on! Some of these books may be fantasy, but there's still real issues there. The Hunger Games is about selflessness, love, caring, and survival. Twenty Boy Summer is about a girl trying to cope with loss after love and then figure out who she is. There's a positive message of hope in most YA novels. I can't think of one where there isn't.

What are some of your favorite "dark" YA books?

Monday - Book Review Roundup: The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff

From Goodreads:
Everything is made of steel, even the flowers. How can you love anything in a place like this?

Daphne is the half-demon, half-fallen angel daughter of Lucifer and Lilith. Life for her is an endless expanse of time, until her brother Obie is kidnapped--and Daphne realizes she may be partially responsible. Determined to find him, Daphne travels from her home in Pandemonium to the vast streets of Earth, where everything is colder and more terrifying. With the help of the human boy she believes was the last person to see her brother alive, Daphne glimpses into his dreams, discovering clues to Obie's whereabouts. As she delves deeper into her demonic powers, she must navigate the jealousies and alliances of the violent archangels who stand in her way. But she also discovers, unexpectedly, what it means to love and be human in a world where human is the hardest thing to be.

This second novel by rising star Brenna Yovanff is a story of identity, discovery, and a troubled love between two people struggling to find their place both in our world and theirs.

My Review:
THE SPACE BETWEEN is probably my favorite book this year. First, just look at that cover. How beautiful is that?? It's stunning. Second, I will probably end up rambling on and on about this book because there is just too much to say. The writing is so real and raw. The emotions are heartbreaking. I cried, cursed, laughed, and cried some more. I struggled with Daphne and Truman like I was there living their problems.

I absolutely fell in love with Brenna's take on angels and demons. I'm not a huge fan of angel books, but Brenna's angels are brilliant. Demons aren't typically good. While most of the demons are tricksy, conniving, and hungry--Daphne and Obie are good. All they want is love. They want to prove to themselves and to their mother, Lilith, that they can resist their innate urges. How heartbreaking is it to have a good demon, like Daphne, fall in love with a troubled boy who is hell bent on destroying his life? It's EXTREMELY heartbreaking!

I highly encourage you to pre-order this book. It comes out November 15. I will be reading this book again very soon.

Book Signings

This month has been quite spectacular in terms of author visits to the Colorado area. I've had the pleasure of seeing Mary Pearson, Jessica Brody, Gabrielle Zevin, and Alyson Noel at the Pen Fatale tour.

Claudia Gray, Kiersten White, Amy Garvey, and Jocelyn Davies at the Dark Days event.

And the fabulous Laini Taylor.

This week Jay Asher will be visiting. I think it's such an inspiration to see these authors and hear them read from their books. I've had a great time!

What authors have you seen recently?

Monday - Book Review Roundup: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Summary from Goodreads:

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation:  He kills the dead. So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead--keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside the ordinary:  track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rate, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958:  once white, now stained red and dripping blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and ever person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.

My Review:

Ahhhh!! I loved this book. I read it in one sitting and now I want to read it again just writing about it. I've mentioned I'm a sucker for a male point of view, and Cas is awesome. He has a bad-boy attitude with a side of sweetness. His relationship with his mom shows how he is underneath the ghost-slaying lifestyle he lives. His goal is to kill enough ghosts until he feels he's ready to face the one that killed his father.

When he meets Anna Dressed in Blood, she's every bit as terrifying as the locals say she is. She rips apart anyone who comes into her house...except for Cas. Anna is the most powerful ghost Cas has ever met, and  knows he has to figure out what made her that way before he can kill her. With the help of two unexpected (but welcome) friendships, Cas and crew set out to solve the puzzle. Cas has to come to grips with his feelings for Anna so he can do the job he set out to do.

Again, I loved this book. It's funny, quirky, heart-breaking, and wonderfully written.

Monday Review Roundup - Elemental Reality by Cesya MaRae Cuono

From Goodreads:

When Callie Pierce was ten, her mother disappeared without a trace. On the eve of her disappearance twelve years later, the earth seemingly comes alive. The elements speak to Callie, and that's only the beginning. Everything she has ever known was a twisted fabrication to protect her. Now the truth is set free. Callie and her sister are more powerful than any Faerie ever born. Now they have to use their powers to save their mother and family from the evil hands of fate that threaten to tear them apart. Welcome to her elemental reality.

My Review:

Odd things start to happen to Callie on her 22 birthday that she can't explain, she's sensitive to heat, electricity, the weather, all of the elements seem to be calling to her. When she goes out to celebrate, she meets Caden, a guy she can't seem to get enough of, but she's unsure why. Her best friends try to warn her that he's bad business, but she brushes it off. Soon after, Callie meets a hot Aussie named Oli. She's instantly attracted to him, but she's still unsure of her feelings for Caden. As things heat up between Oli and Callie, Caden makes an appearance. It turns out he's not such a good guy after all.

Callie is a likable character with an awesome sister named Lola. They are both snarky and have great personalities. I love their relationship; it was very believable and realistic. I think the relationships in this story are well developed and you desperately want Callie and Lola to find their mother. With evil at work, only time will tell if they succeed. Callie and Lola must learn how to use their powers if they stand a chance against the evil holding their mom.

Overall, I enjoyed Elemental Reality. If you're looking for an energetic read, Elemental Reality may provide you with the jolt you're looking for.

To learn more about Oli, check out this character interview I did with him.

Thanks to Revolution Publishing for allowing me to review this book.

Monday - Book Review Roundup: The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe

Summary from Goodreads:


It starts with an itch you just can't shake. Then comes a fever and a tickle in your throat. A few days later, you'll be babbling your secrets and chatting with strainers like they're old friends. Three more, and the paranoid hallucinations kick in.

And then you're dead.

When a deadly virus begins to sweep through sixteen-year-old Kaelyn's community, the government quarantines her island--no one can leave, and no one can come back. Those healthy must fight for dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest.

Because how will she go on if there isn't?

Megan Crewe crafts a powerful and gripping exploration of self-preservation, first love, and hope. Poignant and dizzying, this heart-wrenching story of one girl's bravery and unbeatable spirit will leave readers fervently awaiting the next book in this standout new series.

My Review:


What can I say? I majored in biology and journalism for my undergrad and have a masters in environmental science...viruses absolutely fascinate me. I think we all wonder, "What would happen in the face of a pandemic?" Megan Crewe gives us a glimpse into one possible scenario.

The Way We Fall started out a little slow, but it wasn't too long before I was pulled into the story. Kaelyn's dad is a doctor on a small island in Canada. When people start coming down with a new virus, the island is shutdown. Kaelyn's mom, dad, and brother do the best they can to survive, but hope starts dwindling pretty fast.

It's hard to give a spoiler-free review because this story constantly broke my heart, but I never cried. I felt Kaelyn's emotions, her self-loathing, and despair, but wanted to feel it a little more. There were times when I asked myself, "How can anyone survive this?" And I'm not talking about just the virus; Kaelyn loses so much.

The story is supposed to be written in a series of letters to her best friend, Leo, but besides the date and an occasional reference to him, it mostly followed novel prose. I know a lot of reviewers had a problem with this, but I was able to look past it.

Overall, I enjoyed The Way We Fall. I think the premise is believable and real. If you like viruses and tales of hope, you'll enjoy this book.

Monday - Book Review Roundup: Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Summary from Goodreads:

Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a super volcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet. Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone super volcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.

My Review:


Ashfall is an entertaining dystopia/post-apocalyptic book. I'm a sucker for a male point of view and Alex doesn't disappoint as a narrator. He is real, gritty, 16, and has to go through so much in such a short amount of time. It was really interesting to watch his character transformation. Alex starts out as somewhat self-centered. He detaches from his family to play video games or just to be alone. When his parents leave to visit his uncle's farm, Alex finds himself alone in the ash wishing he was with them.

When Alex sets out to find his parents, he has to fight off desperate people, looters, criminals, etc. Alex doesn't get many breaks, but the ones he does get are life-saving. Dara and her mother take Alex in after they find him bleeding to death on their barn doorstep. They stitch him up, feed him, and let him rest there. A sweet romance forms between Dara and Alex, and they start relying on each other to survive.

Overall, Ashfall is a fast-paced, high-risk read. I've seen many documentaries on the super volcano under Yellowstone, so this book was quite terrifying in that it could actually happen.

Monday Recommendations - Conferences (Oh, and I'm Alive!)

This Monday I'm recommending writers' conferences.

First off, I want to apologize for my absence. I've been writing like a crazy woman! The past two months have been insane. I attended the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference and the Rocky Mountain Chapter SCBWI conference (back-to-back weekends). Needless to say, I'm worn out, but it was worth every bit of exhaustion.

Both of the conferences were fantastic. I was immersed in the art of writing for a total of five days and each day filled me with motivation, encouragement, and inspiration. I came home and applied everything I learned to my manuscript (and I'm still applying, hence my absence). I received two requests for pages and after attending Sara Megibow's First 30 Pages workshop, I realized I needed to make my inciting incident stronger, and I'm rewriting the first sixty pages (give or take) based on her workshop before I submit. It's amazing how much stronger my story is now. Don't get me wrong, my novel had been rewritten, critiqued, workshopped, edited, etc., but after hearing Sara Megibow's talk, I knew it could be stronger, and it is.

Then I started thinking, "Does anyone ever think their novel is 'finished'?" Even if several close, trustworthy critique partners tell you, "It's good! Submit already!" You've studied the craft, taken classes, sought advice, etc. At what point do you take the plunge? I often find myself getting in my own way. What about you? How do you know when yours is ready?

Hope everyone is having a fabulous start to the week!

Review: Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

Ari's long silver hair and teal eyes draw (unwanted) attention everywhere she goes. Ari was raised in foster care and doesn't know much about her past. She desperately wants to know more about her mother and why she is is so different for everyone else. Her search takes her to her birthplace of New 2, the rebuilt city of New Orleans, that is no longer part of the United States. When she arrives in New 2, she notices immediately that she isn't different. In New 2, Ari is seemingly normal. Will she find the answers to her questions? Or will her search leave her asking even more questions?

Darkness Becomes Her was a quick read. I love New Orleans, so it was interesting to read about a new version of the city. Ari is a tough girl who tries to figure things out by herself and not rely on others. She soon realizes that in New 2, she needs all the help she can get from the people she's met. Overall, the book was entertaining and the story was captivating. If you like paranormal fiction, you will enjoy Darkness Becomes Her.