Rough Beginnings

So, in the last 2-3 months, I've been doing a lot of reading. I find, actually, that the amount of reading I do is directly related to how my writing is going at any given time.

Reading a lot? The writing isn't usually going so well.

Not reading? Yeah, I'm using pounding the keys pretty hardcore.

Thankfully, the pendulum is currently swinging towards writing. But as I said, I've been reading many a' book these past months. Some books I've absolutely loved. Some I made it through, perhaps a little begrudgingly. Others I could barely get past the first chapter without wanting to give up. Ever find that happens to you? Unfortunately, I've never really developed a knack for giving up on a book, even if it doesn't snare me right away. I guess I'm an optimist that way. I push through, hoping beyond hope that it will get better. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. But regardless, if I start it, I finish. I'm seeking help. If anyone knows of a good support group for this ailment, please speak up.

Anyway, I wanted to share a few examples.

Yeah, this one shocked me too. It's the fourth book in the Vampire Academy series, and I REALLY enjoyed the first three. I can't tell you how difficult it was for me to get all the way through it. I started and gave up on it at least 4 times, never making it past the first 150-200 pages before calling it quits. Thing is, everyone kept telling me how good the next 2 books were, so I was HIGHLY motivated to push through. But I just couldn't. It bored me senseless. That said, I finally read it from start to finish. It did get better for me the further into the book I got. I don't think there's anything to really fault with the book itself--it just didn't float my boat like the others had.

I went on to finish the series. It was a pretty dang good series, all-around. No idea why 4 hung me up for so long.

Honestly, I don't think I got past the first chapter before calling it quits on this book the first time. I've tried reading other books by Larbalestier and ran into similar issues. There's something with the cadence of her writing that just doesn't jive with my inner ear. I get tripped up, frustrated, and generally speaking, annoyed as all hell when I try to read her work. Again, this says nothing about the storylines--I tried reading her Magic or Madness trilogy and had the same issue. A few pages in, my head was splitting and I had to just call it a no-go--so I can't speak to whether they're good books or not. That's not the issue.

At any rate, I finally read all of HTDYF, and....*drum roll* I actually really enjoyed it. Now, it definitely took me a minute to sink into the cadence of Larbalestier's writing, but I did. The story was pretty dang entertaining in the end. Glad I pushed through. Ah, the rewards of perseverance.

Where do I begin? I hated everything about this book right from the get go. The writing was fine, the setting pretty dang interesting...but the characters? Good gawd. I wanted to hurt them. No, make that beat the ever-lovin' you know what out of them. They were seriously that annoying. I pushed through, pushed through--basically because I have a friend who swears this series is the best love story ever to grace this world. I found the pair annoying and selfish beyond all measure. Oh, did I mention they weren't all that bright, either?

Ugh.

Anyway, I finished. And do you know what I did then? I went and bought the second book in the series.

Yeah, don't ask. I don't know if I could explain my range of emotions about this sudden turn of events.

And finally, my current read.

Y'all. I hate this book. HATE IT. I'm a little more than halfway finished, and I swear, the only way I'm getting through it is by squinting and letting the words blur together. I then proceed to dart my eyes across the page like a gerbil on crack. Ugh. I dread going to bed each night because I know I'll feel compelled to crack it open and read at least 20 pages. 20 pages is doable. 20 pages won't break my spirit or rip away a piece of my soul. I hope.

LOL. Seriously, though.. It just doesn't float my boat. I was so extremely intrigued at first and the premise itself is amazing. I'm just lost and overwhelmed by the world building and all the political stuff and Animals and animals...and yeah, don't get me started. No offense if you really enjoyed this book--it's just not singing for me.

Ah well, you can't win them all. Maybe tomorrow I'll talk about some books that I've read and LOVED recently.

Taking It On The Chin

I'm a complete freshman in the publishing world. The past few months have seen a lot of firsts. My first book published, my first sale... my first review (and by gawd, it was a good one!), and eventually... my first negative review (and by gawd, it was an AWFUL one!). It's all a part of being "out there." It's a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute you're stoked beyond measure over a positive review, the next, you're freaking out because there's a lull in sales... the next, you're up again. Repeat ad nauseum.

Self-publishing has been a complete adventure. And one I've had to break ground on alone. I have a lot of writer friends, but none of them have really set out on this sort of journey. To put it mildly, I'm making it up as I go along. Fitting for this chunk writer. :)

You know, before I put my book out there, I was a pretty avid book reviewer. I loved it. Reading a ton of books and then sharing my thoughts about what I did/didn't like. I've been known to be *cough* harsh at times... complete fangirl ridiculous at others. But one thing I always held myself to was the truth. I didn't sugarcoat for the sake of putting on a good face in the "public eye" and I didn't set out to tear anyone down for sport. Now, there were definitely a few casualties along the way (heh), but for the most part, I think I offered up fair critiques according to my VERY subjective taste.

As a writer who has now had her work up for critique for a good six months, I have to say my opinion on the subject holds true.

Y'all, I have been praised... and I have been ripped apart. HARSHLY. And the only reviews that made me cry were the good ones. That's the honest truth. I know it sounds crazy, but while I don't exactly relish negative reviews, I don't let them get to me either. It's all a part of this gig. Bemoaning them or saying someone doesn't have a right to express their honest opinion goes against everything I've always so stubbornly defended. They have the right to their opinions...just as I have a right to disagree. (g)

I never--not for one minute--thought I would be okay with the negatives. But I am. Mainly because one thing this past six months has taught me, is that there are different strokes for different folks. And while my book may make some people want to bang their heads into a wall, there are equal numbers of people out there who will love it. I will never be able to please all of them, so why let it get to me? I don't write to try to please the people who think I produce garbage.. I write for the people who love what I have to offer.

I don't even have to make it a mantra. It simply is.

So for anyone setting out on this journey, remember...this WILL happen to you. It happens to the best of them. :)

Just keep truckin', yo!

Giveaway/Reviews

Just a quick post to announce a couple of reviews for BY THE PALE MOONLIGHT.

Mickey over at I'm A Book Shark recently posted her review, including an interview with MOI. :) ON TOP OF THAT, she's giving away a free ebook copy of BTPM. LOTS to see over there. Go check it out and get entered to win. HERE.

Another recent review comes in from The Book Whisperer. HERE.

Whoot! Both ladies were extremely generous. Their blogs are fabulous, so check 'em out.

In other news, I'm plodding along with WALKING IN SHADOW. Today was my first day back at work after a 6 day vacation so I'm struggling to get back into the swing of things. This working/writing business, as most of us know, is TOUGH. It's only Monday and I'm exhausted. :)

That said, I figured out a major wrinkle today...so WHOOT!