It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Jan 30th)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date. Each week we post what we've finished, what we are currently reading and what we plan to read next. We then visit other blogs to see what our friends are up to.

What I Finished:

My review for this one is up. I thought it was pretty good, though I wish it had done more to show the reasons for Maddie's behaviors and that it had made better use of its cast.

J just finished this yesterday morning. Definitely worthwhile for anyone questioning whether they are, or could be, a femenist. I found Roxane's thoughts on many of these topics insightful and refreshing. Definitely want to read more from her.

What I'm Reading:

This book is hilarious and reminds me, in many ways, of how obsessed I was with Confessions of a Shopaholic. Definitely going to be happy to wrap it up. I really love Sofia's voice and the tight friendships and family bonds found here. A delightful read that has made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion.

What's Up Next:

I got this for $4 on Audible and it's been tough going holding off from reading it earlier than I scheduled it for during the Reading Assignment Challenge.

With Valentines Day just around the corner, I knew I would need something cute to read this month. Adorkable looks like it should be totally up my alley and I can't wait to dive in.

So, what are you reading this week? I'd love to know, so feel free to leave a comment. 

Wicked Wildfire Read-a-thon 2014

The Wicked Wildfire Read-a-thon is hosted by My Shelf Confessions. I've been taking part in these read-a-thons for years now, but what are the odds that one would be happening right when I decided to get back to blogging? The timing could not be more perfect. :)

This is probably the longest read-a-thon I've participated in, and I think it will be interesting to see how that turns out. At the same time, I need to get back into the habit of blogging, and I have a novella rough draft and novel revisions going on, so I'm not trying to win any awards with the number of books vs. number of days here.

What I'm Reading: 

The next few days will likely be all about contemporary YA and NA. Why? First off, books in these genres tend to be quick and are likely to easily grab my attention. Second, I have a ton of paranormal and fantasy reviews to write and these will complement them. And third, contemporary tends to be what I want to read when I am drafting, which is what I'm doing with the Sealer's Promise prequel, To Grant A Dark Gift. With all that in mind, here's what I hope to devour during the read-a-thon:

GoodReads

GoodReads

GoodReads

1. Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry --  I've promised to read this book a zillion times and have made a thousand excuses why I haven't. I finally got it for Kindle, so my days of excuses are over. It's time I see what all the fuss is about. I'm very interested in the premise of Katie McGarry's latest book, but I like reading things in order, so let's do this!

2. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell -- I bought a print copy of this and the print was too small. So now I've got it for Kindle and will finally be able to enjoy it. Yay! I've been excited to read this for a while, as part of my own writing history is being involved in several fandoms. I haven't written for one in years, but that + the whole college thing should meld together in interesting ways.

3. Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally -- I'm sure you've all heard my thousand and one excuses for not getting this one done. And I'm sure you know none of them were that I disliked the part I read. So again--let's ditch the excuses and get this done. It's long overdue and a book I've wanted to get back to for a while.

GoodReads

GoodReads

GoodReads

4. Finding It by Cora Carmack -- This is pretty much guaranteed to be great. I've read and loved other books by Cora, so I figure, why not read this one as part of the read-a-thon? I'm taking a few chances on new authors, so I may as well have a couple books in here that are by people whose stories I already know I enjoy. :)

5. Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker -- I have heard so much good about this book and I want to know why. The premise sounds promising, the cover is gorgeous, and it's under 300 pages. What have I got to lose?

6. Played by Liz Fichera -- I absolutely loved Liz's first book, Hooked. So reading Played is an absolute no brainer for me. I liked Sam and Riley in book #1, so finding out how they get together should be a fun journey to take.

Challenges: 

N/A ... for now.

Daily Updates:

Tuesday, July 15th

Wednesday, July 16th

Thursday, July 17th

Friday, July 18th

Saturday, July 19th

Sunday, July 20th

Monday, July 21st

Tuesday, July 22nd

Wednesday, July 23rd

Are you taking part in this year's Wicked Wildfire Read-a-thon? Feel free to tell me what you're reading or to link me to your post. :) 

Blogging Pros and Cons

The Book Blogger New Year's Challenge is being hosted by Parajunkee's View.

Like all things worth doing, there are good and bad factors to running a blog. Here I'll share a few of the reasons I keep going and be really brutally honest about some of the things that drive me insane.

The Good: 

1. The Community. I've made some awesome friends since I started I Write, I Read, I Review. Without people who are interested in my blog, I'm not sure how well I would do at keeping it going. (Writing + reading + blogging + life is challenging enough!) Whenever I get too overwhelmed and wonder whether this is still for me, it's ALWAYS something to do with the community we share that makes me decide to keep going. And my favorite memories as a blogger tend to be of people, rather than books or events or any of that stuff. It's nice, yeah. I won't lie about that. But without people... what's the point? (Do not confuse this with an inability to recognize that one must first blog--much as one must first WRITE, for oneself. Just wanted to make that really clear.)

2. Discovering books and authors I might otherwise have missed. I can't begin to count how many awesome stories I might never have read if I hadn't started my blog and met other bloggers. As a writer, being exposed to a wide variety of stories is important to both improve my craft and nourish my own imagination. I read a LOT more now than I did prior to blogging.

3. Blogging takes a very solitary hobby and allows it to become more social. I love getting involved in events where I can discuss what I am reading, or where I can see what others are reading and what they think. Sometimes having, say, a read-a-thon pop up during a draft I'm writing can be a good reminder to take a step back and replenish the well and take a bit of a breather, for example.

4. The ability to help authors ensure that their stories are read by more people. I know how much I want people to read and enjoy my own book, so when people approach me for help with promoting theirs, I tend to feel very honoured and I tend to feel that, as a fellow writer, it is my responsibility (provided I think the book is GOOD). That's gonna be me this year, and I tend to believe in good karma.

The Bad: 

1. When I review books I often feel that I am repeating the same things. This gets really boring and has lead to me fiddling with my review structure and trying to find a way that works better. I often feel that I have things I really WANT to say, but also feel that I CAN'T say them because a review is suppose to be for someone who hasn't read the book yet. It's a vicious cycle that drives me crazy! Six paragraphs of "this book is great!" or "this book freakin' sucks!" isn't going to change my mind, but if I talk about what I really think or feel I risk ruining things for people. Maybe THAT's how I need to sort my reviews? With Spoiler and Spoiler Free sections? That might be an idea... *ponders*

2. Agreeing to review something and discovering it *sucks*. I'm not talking, "Eh, this is getting 2 hearts" okay. I'm talking "What were you THINKING, person?!" levels of cringeworthy. I've only had this happen a couple times and I've never had a "bad" experience in response to a book not working out. But it makes me feel TERRIBLE. Despite my liking or not liking a book, I know somebody out there put their heart and soul into the thing and I know what that's like. I know that tough skin is part of being an author, but I hate being the arrow that has someone racing to grab a shield.

3. What I call the "cycle of writing". In short: "If I'm writing I feel like I should be blogging. If I'm blogging I think I should be reading. If I'm reading I think I should be writing.". It leads to a soul-draining, brain numbing paralysis where I do NOTHING and it totally screws me up sometimes. A lot of the time the only way to get back up is to drop a ball (i.e. let one of these things go momentarily) like I am a juggler who still can't manage three items yet. What I know for certain is that it is probably my biggest source of blogging / writing / reading kryptonite and it is the thing I wish I could master the most.

So, what are your blogging pros and cons? I'd love to know so feel free to link me up! 

2014 Blogging Resolutions

The Book Blogger New Years Challenge is being hosted by Parajunkee's View.

I'm a bit late to this party, but this post was long overdue anyway. I'm honestly a bit hesitant to do this post. Resolutions always seem so negative to me--they often end up being promises made that we (or at least I?) have no intent of keeping. So instead of focusing on things I wish I would do, I'm going to focus on things I want to do. There are big changes on the way for I Write, I Read, I Review. I may as well lay 'em on the table for you all right here.

1. I am going to read for the love of reading. As a writer, if I lose sight of this it's game over. And I must admit that there are times when I am trying to juggle blogging, read, and writing where this can make me get really overwhelmed. That's why this year I'm going to focus my attention on my writing, and read what I want. For the time being I'm going to close review requests so I can get things back in order. If I'm not giving my all here, then something is wrong and I need to address that before I can help others.

2. I am going to focus my blogging on the things I am good at: picking books I love and actually DISCUSSING them, rather than vaguely reviewing them. (Don't misunderstand--I do still intend to review books. This is something else!) I am finding that, as I head toward my third year of blogging, everything I have read is becoming this muddy brown blur. That has to stop. That's absurd. I'm also going to be doing posts about writing--both my process and advice that may help other writers (hey, one more opinion never hurt, hm?) and am going to work to hold my reader related discussions here.

3. I am going to get involved in more social reading events. Read-a-thons? Read-a-longs? Blogging events (like this one)? Challenges? I'm game for pretty much anything if its with others and if it is going to encourage me to read something I *want* to read. I must also remember to be careful, though. I have a tendency to spread myself too thin and that can lead to stress.

4. I'm going to try and comment more. I already "try" to do this. I must admit that sometimes it's very hard. What can one say to a slew of cover reveals or promo posts about the same book? (Something I'm really thinking of a solution for as my own novel heads toward the final lap and toward the finish line.) Even commenting on reviews can be tough. I refuse to simply write "Great review!" as that means *nothing*. At the same time, though, there are times I see someone talking passionately about a book I, too, loved and I want to reach out. But it can be difficult to do this without risking spoilers for other readers. *ponders*

5. I am going to find a way to navigate the social media labyrinth known as Twitter. Three years and I still don't really understand it. You'd think that something where you type 140 characters and hit "post" would be simple. And maybe I'm just overthinking it? But I don't get how conversation is really suppose to flow on there. I'm constantly worried I'm butting in on conversations (which is kinda absurd--if they were meant to be private wouldn't they be in DM format?) I know the basics: don't spam. Don't be stupid, etc. but I guess it's little things I worry about.

Anyway, that's it for me. I'm going to be doing a more detailed (and more far-reaching) resolution list on the 7th as part of Top Ten Tuesday, but I wanted to make sure I put this here.

What are YOU doing different in 2014? What are your (blogging) goals, hopes and dreams? I'd love to know, so feel free to link me up! 

Get Read-y for 2014 -- Reading List!

Get Read-y is an event being hosted by Loving Books. It runs from December 1st 2013 to December 31st, 2013. The goal is to read some of the stuff on our TBR Piles to help clear up some space for 2014 books, or to re-read series favorites so they are fresh in our minds when new books come out.

I haven't been reading much since I sat down in August to do the (*hopes, prays*) final re-write of Sealer's Promise. And I still haven't read much since completing it. In fact, I've kinda been...stuck. I need to give myself more time before I do the final revision, even if that means pushing the book back.

I have several books on my shelf that I'm totally DYING to read. I'm gonna list a bunch and y'know what? If I don't get to them all, that's OK! (For my benefit there, not yours. :) The only one who puts pressure on me here is me, after all.) Anyway, enough babbling about me. Let's get to the books!

The weather might turn frightful, but I'm sure these books will be delightful! Ready to see what I'm hoping to read?

GoodReads

GoodReads

GoodReads

1. The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead -- I read Bloodlines earlier this year and really enjoyed it. I've also read several of the Vampire Academy books as well, and liked those too. So this should be an easy, fun read and I'm behind on this series so I'd like to move a little more ahead before requesting The Fiery Heart as a Christmas Gift. (The Indigo Spell is on my shelf.)

2. The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas -- I know, I know! I promised I would read this and I intend to. The Burning Sky sounds like it should totally be my kinda book--except I didn't know it had a historical element when I chose it. I don't *hate* historical fiction, but when I don't see it coming it can throw me for a loop. I hope I love this as much as I *think* I will.

3. The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar -- I can't choose a book as my most anticipated read of 2013 and not read the darn thing. This is a terrible injustice and I need to fix it. It also doesn't hurt that I read and loved the sample from Amazon last week.

GoodReads

GoodReads

GoodReads

4. Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas -- I totally loved Throne of Glass and I've put off reading the sequel way too long. This book + a hot mug of cocoa should be an absolute joy.

5. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell -- I just grabbed this tonight after checking out the sample a few days ago and I totally can't wait to dive in. I may or may not wind up waiting til December to read it, but I'll jot it down anyway.

6. The Elite by Kiera Cass -- My most anticipated sequel for 2013, which is probably why I've put off reading it for so long. I may or may not read it this month--I've heard it's a very 'middle-y' middle book so this may get read in March. We'll see.

GoodReads

GoodReads

GoodReads

7. Finding It by Cora Carmack -- I totally loved the first two novels in this series, so I'm betting that Kelsey's book will be no different. It's also great to have some stuff I can dive into on my Kindle and this is one of the series that has wound up there.

8. The Liberator by Victoria Scott -- Considering how much I loved The Collector I'm way behind on this one. I know that the next book doesn't release til May, but this is one of those series that make me want to read *now*, so it's time I finally did that.

9. This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith -- Another book from my list at the start of the year. I really need to go back to that thing and make sure I've at least checked the sample for each of them. Anyway, I got this in a trade at the Ontario Book Blogger Meet Up a couple weeks ago, and I'm really excited to read it.

GoodReads

GoodReads

GoodReads

10. Prodigy by Marie Lu -- I ordered this for my birthday in February! Why on Earth haven't I read it yet? I really need to move it on this book, because I plan to ask for Champion as a Christmas gift.

11. Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo -- After the fuss (all good) I made about Shadow and Bone, I think it's way past time that I read the sequel. This should be a super easy read for me if this book is as good as the first (and I'm really hoping it is.). I guess I'll find out soon. :D

12. Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi -- Rumor has it that Tahereh Mafi might wind up beating me at my own game--namely, I'm very much Team Warner. I don't plan on wasting any time find this out when Ignite Me comes out in February, so I'd better get Unravel Me read so I'll be ready!

GoodReads

GoodReads

GoodReads

13. Revealed by P.C. & Kristen Cast -- The House of Night is the series that got me into YA fiction, so it usually doesn't take me long to grab and zip through the latest book. My brain is totally reeling with what might happen in this book, but I'll keep quiet about that here since I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't started this series.

14. If You Leave by Courtney Cole -- I keep saying I'll read this and crap just gets in the way. It's not the book's fault at all. It's that I need to slow down and read some stuff. If this is anywhere near as good as If You Stay, though, life will get put on pause the moment I've read page one and won't get resumed until I finish reading.

15. My Soul To Steal by Rachel Vincent -- Did you know I love the Soul Screamers series? Might be a little hard to tell with the fact that I only have a review up for book one. But there's a reason for that! My reviews of My Soul To Save and My Soul To Keep are on my video camera. I need to quit being lazy and format them and get 'em up on YouTube.

And the number one book I'm absolutely DYING to read in December is... 

GoodReads

Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles -- Words cannot describe how anxious I am to actually download this onto my Kindle and read it. But there's a reason I'm waiting. I'm getting a brand new Kindle Paperwhite for Christmas and Jay's getting me a case for it. This will be one of the first books that go onto my new Kindle, so I'm waiting on purpose. (Yes, I know that sounds insane.) Considering that I gave 5 heart reviews to all three books in the Perfect Chemistry series, this seems like the perfect book to be my first read on my new Kindle. :D

And that's "it" for me. :D I know, I listed a *lot* of books. It just shows how much I've actually missed this year--and I didn't list everything I have here / am dying to get to.

Anyway, are any of you taking part in Get Read-y for 2014? What are you hoping to read in December? I'd love to know, so feel free to leave a comment.

Book Tour: If Only We by Jessica Sankiewicz

Today I'm thrilled to have Jessica Sankiewicz here to talk about her debut novel, IF ONLY WE. I have a totally awesome guest post for you guys today about the rewards and challenges of genre blending, thanks to the time travel mechanic that is such an important part of what makes this book unique.

On Genre Blending

When If Only We began, I had no idea it would become what it is: a contemporary featuring time travel. The original idea was just one scene—the one in the first chapter. As I started to work that scene into a story, the time travel aspect just happened. It wasn't my intention to write such a complex novel right out of the gate, but this story just couldn't be told any other way. Although I enjoy reading books and watching movies with those kind of elements, writing one is entirely different.

I started writing it during NaNoWriMo 2011. It was underdeveloped in my outline, but I figured I would be able to fill in the gaps after the month was over during rewrites and revisions. I am positive that a decent amount of what I wrote that month was out of place in the storyline. It didn't matter at the time, since it was NaNoWriMo, but it definitely mattered once I came back to it later.

One of the hardest things about writing this kind of story, is keeping your time-line. I had to have it firmly set in mind as I wrote, being careful not to mix up the days and to keep everything consistent. Since Adrienne is reliving practically three whole months, she knows a lot of what happened the first time around. So I had to make sure that she recognized these things, acknowledging them without giving herself away to the people around her who aren't reliving the summer.

Another challenge is making it believable to your audience. Is it possible for someone to travel back in time like Adrienne does? If it were science fiction, I could get away with it. But since it's contemporary, and phenomenons like this don't happen in real life, most people wouldn't be quick to believe it. What I think helps my story is the focus on second chances. Adrienne's experience is more about fixing things than how it happened, and that's something everyone can relate to. Plus, it's nice to imagine the possibility, isn't it?

Writing If Only We was bumpy here and there, but it was very satisfying how it all came together in the end. So if you ever decide to combine two different genres, be it time travel in a contemporary or otherwise, be sure to map it out well. The results will be well worth it.

They say all it takes is one wrong move and you lose the game. One false step and you’re trapped. One slip-up in your choice of words and you ruin a friendship forever. That is what they say. They say I lost.

I do not believe them.

At the end of the summer after graduation, Adrienne wonders what happened to cause her life to be in ruins. She isn’t getting along with her mom, her stepsister isn’t talking to her, and, to top it off, the boy she’s been in love with doesn’t want anything to do with her. She believes the turning point was a choice she made at graduation. When she wakes up the next day, she has been transported back three months to that moment, the one where everything started to fall apart.

Adrienne realizes she has been given a second chance—and this time she doesn’t want to mess anything up. Reliving the entire summer, though, turns out to be a lot harder than she thought. As the same days and weeks go by, she starts to see how simple decisions can make a huge impact on the world around her. Despite knowing some of what lies ahead, there are some things she didn’t anticipate. She thought she knew what mistake led her to where she ended up the first time. She was wrong.

And by the time summer is over, she discovers what was really at stake.

Intrigued? Add it on GoodReads!

Jessica is the 28 year old author of IF ONLY WE, a YA contemporary. You can often find her either reading or marathon watching TV on DVD, her favorites being Castle and Veronica Mars. She frequently mismatches her clothes and giggles uncontrollably. She knows almost every Billy Joel song by heart. She collects books and toys, and she has an intense love of cats and lemurs. Currently in the midst of her quarter-life-crisis, she is still takin' names and getting very close to reaching an epiphany.

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So, are you planning to read IF ONLY WE? Feel free to share your thoughts! :)