The Writer's Life Tag

Hey everyone! Today's post will be on the 'Writer's Life' tag! I recently found this tag on another book blog and I've been dying to try it out for the heck of it. So basically, this tag is asking ten random questions about you as a writer and it was created by the author Kelsey Macke. Let's get started shall we? :)

1.       Writing Fuel: What do you eat/drink while writing??

Lots of water & ginger ale, and the once-in-a-while fancy drink. I like to eat cookie dough bites and peppermints, and popcorn.. :P

2.       Write Sounds: What do you listen to while writing?

 I love to listen to Japanese music (from various anime shows), anything random that’s on my you tube playlists or spotify.

 

3.       Write Vice: What’s your most debilitating distraction?

The internet, loads of books, and self-doubt.

 

4.       Write Horror: What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you while writing?

 
Before I discovered the saviors that are google docs and flash drives, I saved my files in random email drafts and in folders on my laptop. But, I’ve had terrible luck with laptops due to my own mistakes and other peoples’ spilling drinks on it, so I had to literally restart my laptop a bunch of times and bawl my eyes out until I realize that I outline a lot on paper. Though, somehow I manage to ruin or loose the papers from moving everywhere and the bawling continued till I kept everything by my side and not let people touch my shit... So save & watch your work people: paper and files.. Watch them like a hawk.. >_>

5.       Write Joy: What’s the best thing that’s ever happened while writing or how do you celebrate small victories?

I managed to complete the first draft to my first full-length novel back in late ’13 and managed to win my first ever NaNoWriMo with its rewrite last November. ^-^ It made me happy to see that I can be the writer I’ve always dreamt of being. As a reward, I did buy the scrivener program for my laptop and give the amazing parents, boyfriend, and Cheshire cat the good news. (Only a couple of people I’ve met in college were happy for me, otherwise I just worked on homework soon after I won the event.)

6.       Write Crew: Who do you communicate with or not communicate with while writing?

I always communicate with my Cheshire Cat Greg. He’s the brother I’ve never had despite the fact we only met back in late 2011. We support each other as writers, siblings, and friends. I’m glad he understands the depressing self-doubt we both develops while writing because writing can be lonely. If people like myself ever needs that support system, he is literally the best person with his honesty and encouragement. He’s also a great person to discuss ideas with and will agree with the blood and gore things.. hehehe. I also talk to my boyfriend when I need the emotional encouragement when facing reality when not writing. He’s my purple rock to my craziness and I love how he can be logical when we discuss things even though I don’t agree to it sometimes. Plus I can hit him with pillows and he won’t yell at me. He’s not a writer like my Cheshire cat, but he’s always there for me when I need him for hugs and anime time. He also cooks really good food like my dad, yay food! :P

7.       Write Secret: What’s your writing secret to success or hidden flaw?

I have a secret?? Um, I guess my secret would be to blast music in my room and pretend that I’m living in my characters’ world to understand the scenes they want in the story. Sometimes I would act them out in private, but I guess I’ve been caught a couple of times in the act and have been accused of having schizophrenia when I don’t have it at all. I encountered to many idiots in my lifetime..

8.       Write-spiration: What always makes you productive?

I constantly wear my grandfather’s navy tag as a necklace so it brings me good luck. I carry notebooks and my pencil bag for motivation when I’m not in my room. And I also create playlists of music to get things rolling. (Also staying up really late doesn’t kill 40% of the time haha)

9.       Write Peeve: What’s one thing writers do (or you do) that’s annoying?

I find it annoying when writers are arrogant in a negative way. They act like hot shots when they’re not. If the story is good, it’s good. But, if they’re popular based on the constant pushing of getting others to read their books instead of their actual writing, and then forget it. Learn how to support other writers instead of going, ‘oh he/she sucks, don’t read their story. READ my stories instead.’ It doesn’t help others get that positive vibe to continue writing. I get you have to promote yourself and your stories, but it doesn’t help to support others too.

10.   Write words: Share one sentence from a project. Past or Present

Aww do I have too?? Um, okay I guess. It’s from a short story I started planning yesterday called “December Wind”. Enjoy. :P

‘There was a time when I thought snow used to meant peace and tranquil. With tiny speckles of it gently falling into the blanket around my home and the call for hot chocolate was stronger than ever. Instead, when I met Nic in the depths of the woods soaked in unfamiliar red liquid, it made me realize just maybe the December snow was also filled with oblivious despair.'

Okay guys, so that was writer's life tag. I tag all of those who haven't done this tag yet and enjoy yourselves. Till next time guys, happy howling! :)

Book Review: Throne of Glass

 

Throne of Glass Written by: Sarah J. Maas
Release date: August 7th, 2012
Publisher: Bloomsburys USA Children's
Format of Novel: Hardcover
Summary *from goodreads*: In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The crown prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass-- and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.

(Warning: There will be some fan-girling in this review)

- - - -

 

I'm in the middle of re-reading this entire series in perparation for the upcoming release of Queen of Shadows in September. I received this book in the original cover from the bf when it first came out, and I pretty much read this book like a speed demon. (Mainly due to the idea of having my foot fixed from surgery during the summer and I was bored). This book was a great start to the never-ending series. The reader was able to see Celaena develop from an arrogant and violent killer, to an actual beautiful and powerful warrior. I loved how she was such a balanced character. On one hand, you got a bad-ass, beautiful assassin out for revenge and freedom, and then on the other hand, you have this girly-girl who loves fashion and all things shiny. It was awesome with how Sarah J. Maas did that and it made me want to read more about Celaena's journey to freedom.

 

Not only was she was amazing, but the guys -fans self- are hot. I love Carol with a fiery passion. He is a hottie in my eyes and I support the fanbase of him and Celaena being together! Of course he's the strong silent type, but at the same time, he's gentle and holds loyalty in his heart for people he believes in. Yes I do agree about him being a idiot with social interactions, but he's still awesome. Plain and simple. Dorian was another cutie, but I felt as so he needed to wing himself out of the 'prince' role. He's a ladies man and yet, he does hold a certain type of innocence that makes you want to hug him to bits. In a personal opinion, I thought he was somewhat annoying and he didn't really shine as a major character in my eyes. Mostly because this was in fact the beginning novel of the six-book series.

Another thing I loved in this book was the friendship between Celaena and Princess Nehemia. I loved the loyalty the two had for one another with their common interests and their curiosity for the fae magic that disappeared from their world. Nehmia brought out the best out Celaena and I wished that she was more involved in the competition than she was in this book. In the sequel, Crown of Midnight, I know she's plays a major roles so I look forward to seeing their friendship grow stronger once again.

Sarah J. Maas brought her world to life with bits of information that was suitable for a debut that made you excited for more. She didn't go overboard with it and took her time with the flow within the pacing  The world building was executed nicely and the evolution of this story from a classic Cinderella re-telling to an epic fantasy was really well done.

If you are a fan of re-tellings or high fantasy stories like Game of Thrones, then I highly consider this book for you. Especially if you want a kick-ass female protagonist. See you guys in the next review. Happy Howling.

Book Review: Nevermor

Nevermor (Nevermor #1) written by: Lani Lenore
Release Date: February 12th, 2013
Publisher: Self Published/Createspace
Format of Novel: Paperback

Summary (From Goodreads): LONDON, 1873 - In the foggy city, polluted by coal smoke from the factories along the river, 15-year-old Wren is clinging to a small thread of hope: the shimmering silver dream of a better life.
Wren and her brothers, Henry and Max, are orphans. They wish to be adopted, but no one wants to take in all three of them. Wren won’t be separated from her family, but no matter how hard she fights to keep them together, she fears she will lose them nonetheless.
She wants more for both of them - for herself. She wants an escape.
Prompted by a world she sees in a dream, Wren begins to tell her brothers stories of a place where they can be carefree forever - a place called Nevermor. It is an island at the edge of the universe, where all dreams go. There is a boy who guards it, and he is known only as the Rifter. Wren believes that this place truly exists and desires her own life there, where she can keep her family together without anyone tearing them apart.
Wren gets more than she bargained for when she is kidnapped by the arrogant and volatile Rifter and taken to Nevermor against her will. It is not completely unwelcome, however. The land is beautiful and there is freedom. The Rifter and his pack of wild boys accept her, and she feels that her brothers will be happy in this place too. 
Wren falls in love with Nevermor - and with the Rifter - and yet the more she learns of the conflict between the Rifter and a wicked man called the Scourge, the more she comes to realize that Nevermor is not a place for children.
Nevermor is a dark fantasy based on the legend of Peter Pan.

- - - -

So, this book is the first ever Peter Pan re-telling that I've ever read. (I know, I'm crazy for admitting that). I was in absolute love for this book. This book was written as a prequel to a Peter Pan fan fic on fictionpress by the author. She did a fantastic job in creating a new twist into the older story and making it her own. The characters were a wonderful bunch, matching their original counterparts, but maintaining a twist of their own. I especially enjoyed the Lost boys, each of them had their own originality  The atmosphere of Nevermor was haunting and vivid. It was beautiful yet it didn't completely held a 'child-like' feel to it, which in my personal opinion, was awesome since this was based on an horror element. I loved Rifer and the mystery between him and the Scourge. They were both compelling and I kept picturing the Scourge as a mirror image of Rifer until he really appeared later on in the book.

The writing was beautiful. It felt like I was inside a fairy tale with how balance the pace was throughout the chapters. Sure there were a few parts that were slow for my taste, but this story overall was phenomenal and one of my most favorite books of 2015 thus far. Considering that this is the first book to a trilogy, I cannot spoil much for you guys until I review the second book, Forsaken Dreams.

On good reads, I gave this a 4.5 out of 5 stars, and for a self published novel, it was a nice read. I highly recommend it for people that enjoy Peter Pan and a horror twist in their stories. See you guys next time with the sequel of this trilogy and new reviews in the near future.

Happy Howling.

The randomness of My Writing (Take One)

Hey guys. Since today is the release of my anime review blog, I'm not going to post a new book review for you. But instead, I wanted to talk about my writing process. This blog is not only a book reviewing blog, but a personal writing journey one too. So, I figured why not talk about my journey as a writer on here too. So, let's do it.

Let's consider today's title, 'randomness take one'. Like many of you writers, I'm a crazy one. One that is truly confuse about which solid project to work on and stick with for a extended period of time. Especially when a event is occurring outside of the writing life. Now, don't get me wrong, a lot of my confusion has to do with laziness and self-doubt. With the laziness, it is the lack of motivation to write because of my self doubt. I self doubt a lot of times and when I do have the motivation to write, nothing happens. And that's my fault.

The randomness in my writing involves a lot of wolves and what ifs. Plus, it involves me daydreaming when I'm probably not suppose too. And that's fun and all, but is it truly productive? Nope. The randomness should be involving the bursts of jolting shit down on paper or on a word document like I'm doing now for this blog post. But instead, it brings me to wondering if I'm meant to be a writer or someone that can teach about writing. It's truly random when you think about the crossroad, but it doesn't mean people like you and I are quitting.

We want to write, we want to teach the full aspects of writing that doesn't involve text books, we as writers want to be random and pop out a book that's fun for readers instead of treating it like a business. Its wrong of me to have doubts, but its going happen to me and to everyone else. So maybe this post isn't about our bursts of randomness in writing, but maybe in the random sets of self doubting. I'm saying its okay to feel this way, but we as writers and artists have to work together to get out of the ruts and into being what we are meant to be, writers.

Top Ten (or Five): Favorite TV shows

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today's post will focus on the 'Top Ten' series, and today we are going to talk about TV shows. This doesn't include anime shows. I'm keeping that for a future post and for my anime blog. And also, this post will only include top five and not a top ten. I'm too picky as too what show I personally enjoy and I can picture five at the top of my head. So without further ado- let's get started.

5.  Bitten:

This is a new show I found on Netflix and it includes one of my favorites in the world of the paranormal; lycans/werewolves! The show is sexy and keeps the viewer interested with the plot. Plus the boys are hot -swoons at Clay-. The protagonist Elena is an bad ass. The story mostly follows her and her weariness towards her pack, but eventually you get to see the character growth in her along with the other characters. On the more awesome side, this was created based a book series written by Kelley Armstrong called "Women of the otherworld". :)

4. United States of Tara:

I found this show randomly on Netflix (see a pattern here guys); I didn't regret watching it for the first time. It took a deeper insight on a person who has Multiple Personality Disorder. I thought the personas were original and funny at times. It did get annoying from time-to-time, but I loved how they focused on the other members of the family as well by touching difficult subjects for a little while. Overall, this show was awesome, and I love going back to it and learn more about the disorder and the downside with having it.

 

3. The Following

 



I haven't watched the third season, but the first two seasons were beautiful. I fell in love with the idea of an Edgar Allen Poe cult. The antagonist was amazing and the actor did a wonderful job portraying this character to a 'T'. I also enjoyed Mike, he was a sweetheart and seeing him dramatically changing throughout the show just made me want to hug the crap out of them. The plot was perfect, all of the characters were on point and I'm eagerly waiting for Netflix to update this show!

2. Daredevil:

 I found this show my chance. At first I was a skeptic because after the movie, I thought I was going to hate this show. But, once I started it; I couldn't stop. The show was simply one of the best shows I've watched during this year. DareDevil was hot as hell in my opinion, he performed wonderfully just like the rest of the cast. I was so involved with the plot and the aftermath of their actions that I was sad to see it end till they released the next season. If you guys are really into Marvel/DC heroes and villains, then watch this show!

and finally 1. Supernatural

I grew up with this show. It holds a special place in my heart and I was so amazed by the paranormal/supernatural elements into the story. The brothers are cute, witty, and total badasses. The rest of the cast was perfection, especially once Misha Collins officially appeared as Castiel. (Destiel for the win.. just saying). The entire plot of the show does have some ups and downs (yes I'm talking to you season 7), but overall; I can't help but love this show to death. Plus, it doesn't hurt to love watching the bloopers from this show. The cast are hilarious!

So what are your favorite tv shows? Tell me in the comments below. I'll see you guys tomorrow, happy howling!

The Creativeness of Nintendo

Hey all, hope you're doing well. Today's post is going to be very short and tomorrow I will return to regular business with book-reviews and writing related posts.

Probably many of you have heard about Satoru Iwata's death this past weekend, but I just wanted to contribute this blog post in honor of him. I'm not a crazy gamer like a lot of people, but I play video as much as the next human being. When reading about his death, it was sad to see the famous characters crying and hugging this gentleman in various fan art. My friends were also thanking this man for creating games that would be remembered for a long time and making their childhood special.

For those who don't truly know who Satoru Iwata was in the gaming society, he was the president and creator of Nintendo. He created various games like Super Mario Brothers, Pokémon, Legend of Zelda, and even Kirby. I grew up with these characters in my life and the adventures that were focused around them were specular. The graphics were great as well and to this day, I and many of my friends who are 21-27 are still playing these games. Heck, I even gotten my younger sister and cousins into the games as well. They loved the silliness and the crazy moves of Smash Brothers series the characters use against each other.

Personally, I think these games helped create a new revolution with my generation because many gamers are now playing on you tube for fun or for business, people are inspired to create their own video games or go into graphic design. I mean, its crazy yet it brings brightness into our minds because we can bring out fantasies and transform them into stories in game format. Because of that very reason, I'm really sad to see Satoru Iwata pass, but at least he's not in pain from whatever was hurting him while he was alive. From what I gather, he was a very humble and generous man who was truly a kid at heart much like the rest of us. So all in all, thank you Mr. Iwata-san, it was a pleasure to purchase your creative stories and continuing to play them till this day. So Rest in Peace. Also, if you want to partake in a good cause, head over to Cobanermani456's twitter to locate a link to a charity that Satoru Iwata donated regularly towards, 'Childplay' and put in a couple dollars to honor his memory. I hope you see everyone tomorrow, have a great day, and continue kicking ass with some Nintendo games. Happy Howling.
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Camp NaNoWriMo: July 2015

Hello everyone of the internet and book world, today's blog is all about the bass, 'bout the bass, no tremble... (You know I'm kidding right?). Moving on... Today's real topic is about Camp NaNoWriMo for the month of July. Many of you may of heard of the events involving this, but to those that haven't quite yet, allow me to educate you. NaNoWriMo is probably one of the biggest events for a writer, its suppose to motivate all writers to get to a certain word count for their latest project.

Camp NaNoWriMo is simply just that, but it takes place in the months of April and July. These sort of events are a fantastic way to meet new writers and share your work to the world. Of course if you're like me and is so private, then perhaps you can be a silent motivator or just challenge yourself to write that 50k or whatever goal you set for yourself.

As for this year, I'm somewhat par-taking in this July's NaNo, but at the same time, I'm not. I got a couple of major things going on in the personal life. I get its not a proper excuse to you all, but rest assure, I am working on the writing stuff. I'm just doing some miscellaneous writing till the 'one' calls out to me to write its completely and when I can actually find the motivation to sit at a laptop to write instead of job hunting and blogging. lol. So, what are you guys writing? Are you guys taking part of this event?? Let me know in the comments below and I'll see you guys with another post soon.

Happy howling!!

Book Review: The Falconer

The Falconer written by: Elizabeth May
Release Date: September 19th, 2013 *UK*; May 6th, 2014 *US*
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Format of Book: Nook
Summary (From good reads): One girl's nightmare is this girl's faery tale
She's a stunner.
Edinburgh, 1844. Eighteen-year-old Lady Aileana Kameron, the only daughter of the Marquess of Douglas, has everything a girl could dream of: brains, charm, wealth, a title—and drop-dead beauty.

She's a liar.
But Aileana only looks the part of an aristocratic young lady. she's leading a double life: She has a rare ability to sense the sìthíchean—the faery race obsessed with slaughtering humans—and, with the aid of a mysterious mentor, has spent the year since her mother died learning how to kill them.

She's a murderer.
Now Aileana is dedicated to slaying the fae before they take innocent lives. With her knack for inventing ingenious tools and weapons—from flying machines to detonators to lightning pistols—ruthless Aileana has one goal: Destroy the faery who destroyed her mother.

She's a Falconer.
The last in a line of female warriors born with a gift for hunting and killing the fae, Aileana is the sole hope of preventing a powerful faery population from massacring all of humanity. Suddenly, her quest is a lot more complicated. She still longs to avenge her mother's murder—but she'll have to save the world first.

- - -

This is the first book of the trilogy. When I started my mini read-a-thon (or stopped paying attention to the page goal), this book was on my list, and once I started reading this; I didn't want to put my nook down at all. I almost literally forgot about the other books I was currently reading because of the way this book sucked me right into Aileana's world. This book was a mental refresher with the fae lore and the fights were bad ass. I loved Aileana as a character. She is high in society, but yet, she comes out to be a girl in the modern age that knows how to fight for what she loves. Everything about her is refreshing and I kept wanting to know about her and her connections to the Falconer heritage.

The author also did a fantastic job with the side and the other 'major' characters. Each of them had their own sass in them and were more realistic than a lot of typical characters readers normally see in literature. Out of most of the characters, I found myself enjoying Derrick right from the start. For a fae, he was completely out of character when focused on Aileana's enemies. I kept picturing him as one of those flamboyant guys that ends up being your best friend for life and I wanted to hug him to death while eating loads of honey and cookies. And don't get me started on Kiaran, what a stone-cold hottie. He was a typical bad ass, but at the same time; you can feel sympathy for him while he's assisting Aileana in battle.

One of the key things I did enjoy a lot while reading this book was the historical lore of both Scotland and Fae Elizabeth May incorporated for this trilogy. Within the writing, the knowledge the author possessed really shined and made the book more powerful in terms of the plot and the different versions of fae that roamed within the streets of Edinburgh. Overall, I thought she did an amazing job with this book and bringing the fae folklore to life. The characters were completely sassy and enjoyable to embrace the journey with. I can't wait to read the sequel!

Happy howling everyone and fourth of July weekend if you live in the US.