Book Review for Broken Skies by Theresa Kay

From Goodreads:
"Thirty years ago, there was the Collapse. A massive war fought with biological weapons and followed by plague. Almost everyone died.
Ten years ago, the aliens showed up. They made one of our cities their own and that's where they stay, for the most part anyway.
One year ago, I killed two men and went a little crazy.
Today, the aliens took my brother and I will do whatever it takes to get him back even if it means partnering up with the enemy, an alien boy who makes me think things I shouldn't and makes me feel things I don’t understand."

Here is my review:

I received this book free from the author for an honest review.  I typically don't read Sci-Fi, but in this case, I'm so glad I did.  Theresa pulled me into Jax's story from page one and kept me on the edge of my seat until the last.  Her world building was spot on and I could see the world she had created in my mind.  I was glad to hear that there is a second book in the works as I definitely want more.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Sci Fi novels, or even if you don't, you should give it a try, you won't regret it!  The release date is March 14, 2014. 

Slacking, Sort of...

I didn't get much writing done this week but I have an excuse, I swear!!  Earlier in the week I received an ARC from an up and coming author for her first young adult Sci Fi novel, Broken Skies.  Now, if you know me at all, or even if you just read my bio, you would know that Sci Fi isn't really my cup of tea, but this debut novel was good.  Really good.  It's the first in a trilogy, so there's more to come!  The release date is March 14, 2014. The full review will be in a separate blog.  

Then one of my fave Indie authors, Rachel Higginson, gave me an ARC of her new release The Relentless Warrior from her Reckless Magic series.  Since I absolutely LOVE her and the series, I had to sit down and read it, immediately.  So, that's what I am doing now.  Review to follow when I am done.

Finally, I received another ARC from Regan Claire for her debut novel, Gathering Water.  This one is a young adult paranormal which is right up my alley.  I can't wait to start reading it!  Gathering Water is also the first in a trilogy, which I love.  Review will follow on this one too!  

I plan on getting back to writing as soon as I can.  I swear! 

Back on Track

If you read my prior posts, you know I was in a funk earlier this month.  I decided to stick with my original plan and not edit until the end, but I was still missing some scenes that were needed later in my novel.  So, while I did go back and add those in, I'm moving forward.  I'm almost at 40,000 words now! Woo hoo!!

I've set my current word count goal at 3000 words per week for Sophia's story.  Working full time with a son in almost every sport cuts into my writing time year round, but I just got a bluetooth keyboard for my tablet so I can write at work.  If I get stuck on it, I've been working on two other WIPs (works in progress) as well.  Probably not the most efficient way of writing a novel, but it keeps me writing, which is the important thing. 

In other news, I'm going to my first writing convention in June.  I can't even begin to say how excited I am and how MUCH I am looking forward to it.  I've wanted to go to a convention for a while and since I am looking at publishing maybe within the year, I decided now was the time to go. The panels at UtopYA caught my attention and I want to go to almost every single one.  Plus some of the fabulous women from my writing group are going so I get to meet them in person. If anyone else is going to UtopYA this year, I will see you there!  If you are even thinking about it, click here to check out what's going on and who is going to be there!

A Little Late

So, this post is coming a little late.  I did hit 30,000 words before I got pulled under by the holidays, but I wasn't really happy with them.  I am trying not to edit as I go because my internal editor will never let me finish.  I'd scrap anything.  But, I feel like I'm missing some things,  maybe some additional scenes that could add to what I can write in the future.  So, right now rather than work on a word count goal, I'm editing.  Even the best laid plans... right??  I guess that goes to show that when you're writing never say never.  You need to do whatever you can to keep the words flowing, and if that means taking a break to do a little editing then so be it.  Wish me luck!!  Laters!!

Writing Time

The end of the year brings family fun, holidays and parties, but also less time to spend doing things you would like to do.  For me, that is reading and writing.  With the busier times at work, and everything involved in the holidays like shopping, baking and wrapping, I have gotten VERY behind in my word count.  Many of the women in my writing group have finished their first drafts and while I am SO excited and happy for them, I guess I am feeling a little left behind.  And the only person I can blame for that is myself.  So, where does that leave me?  With a goal.  I am currently at 27,474 words.  My goal is to get to 30,000 words be tomorrow evening.  The only way I am going to do that is to start writing so... it's writing time!  I will check in tomorrow night to let you know if I made my goal!  Laters!

Helpful Website

Today I wanted to talk about one of the web-sites I found extremely valuable while writing my first novel: Writers Helping Writers.  This website has a lot of valuable tools, but what I used the most is the Thesaurus Collection.
This section includes "hundreds of descriptive entries to help you add incredible texture and authenticity to your writing".  There are multiple topics to aid you including character traits, physical attributes, emotions, settings, weather, symbolism and more. If you are stumped on how to convey an emotion just right or need a descriptive term for a trait your character has, this is the place to go.   Angela and Becca have put together a good website that includes writers tools, webinars, workshops and other resources for writers.  I definitely recommend you check it out!

I'm off to write now.  With my move, I've gotten completely behind and need to catch up on word count.  I know I have to just keep writing!

Moving On Up!

Well, that was crazy!  Moved my whole home in 5 days.  Now I am physically exhausted, but ready to get back to writing. Sorry for the delay! 

As I said, I'm currently working on writing my first young adult paranormal novel.  I've actually been writing my entire life, from short stories in grade and high school to attempts at novels after college graduation.  I have a lot of ideas and I get really into a story, but then for one reason or another, I stop writing.  This time I am determined to finish.  I have written approximately 25,000 words and am about 1/3 into the story I want to tell, so I still have quite a bit left to go.  This time, I have a support system.  My friends and family, although I love them dearly, just don't understand what this is like.  I have been lucky to find an online group of women all writing their first novels as well, so we are doing this together.  And they are so very talented they make me have to up my game, which is great!

So here is the back cover blurb for my work in progress...

After the death of her parents, sixteen year old Sophia Morganthal is surprised to find out that she has family she never knew about.  And that’s not the only secret.   Sophia comes from a long line of witches and she needs to train up fast or lose her place in the coven.   Between her training, her strange family and the cute boy at school, she might be over her head.  When things take a turn for the worse, will she be ready to handle the fight of her life?

Let me know what you think!