SPECIALS by Scott Westerfeld

Okay, I'm back to give this thing another shot. Gah. That sucked losing my entire post. Especially because I had managed to slog my way through a synopsis (you know how much I struggle to write them, no matter the low quality of the results (g)). Anyway, I just couldn't muster the energy to write it all over again... so let's see what I can come up with this time, shall we? (g)

Once again, this contains major spoilers for UGLIES and PRETTIES. "Read more" at your own risk. (Oh, btw. I recently discovered that the hidden part of this message is showing up on google reader. Sorry about that! I wanted to make sure people had to hit an extra button to get to the actual review...sigh. Technology. (g))

***SPOILERS***

SPECIALS
by Scott Westerfeld
Young Adult Fantasy


Brief Synopsis: Last we left Tally Youngblood, she had finally escaped her Pretty world. Fulfilling his pledge to her, David managed to sneak the Pretty cure into New Pretty Town. However, too scared to take the drug alone, she split the pills between herself and Zane. A big mistake. She didn't know that both pills were meant to be taken together: the first would unleash nano's into her system to eat the lesions on her brain causing her Pretty-mindedness. The second would signal those nano's to stop. Without the second pill, the nano's will keep right on eating your brain, essentially destroying it without pause. Without the first, NOTHING will happen. So, who got which pill?

Well, if you read PRETTIES, you know that Tally took the second, leaving Zane to the much more dangerous first pill. They do manage to escape together, but Zane was left in serious trouble, his brain likely having suffered a great deal of damage during the time it took them to plan and make their escape. Tally, however, managed to somehow break out of her Pretty world all on her own.

They get to the Smokies...Tally was reunited with David (a bit of a disappointing reunion, IMHO) and all is well, right? NOT SO. The Specials managed to track them. But more disturbing is the fact that Shay is now a Special...and well, when they capture Tally, she thinks Tally will be really Special, too.

DUNT DUN DUN.

SPECIALS picks up a couple of months later. Tally has been made Special, part of a special unit called the Cutters. This is a group of former Uglies who proved themselves to be extra tricky, apparently a key attribute the Specials seek in new recruits. Shay is the leader, and in order to get an extra boost of "icy" thoughts, they cut themselves. The group operates outside the usual rules--built to the live in the wild...superhuman and adrenaline junkies.

When Tally's thoughts keep returning to Zane, who disappeared after their capture, Shay vows to help make him Special. Maybe then Tally will be happy with her new life. Shay's plan is to help Zane escape to the New Smoke, proving he is tricky enough to be Special. Of course, they'll capture him themselves. However, he's weak from the Pretty cure and it's doubtful whether he can do it on his own. And, capturing Zane means bringing down the New Smoke--and David.

DUNT DUN DUN DUN. (g)

This book was fantastic. Right from the get go, it was chilling to watch Tally with her new way of thinking. She's a Cutter, through and through. And man, she wants to take down the Smokies like no other. But the great thing is that there were still _hints_ of the true Tally beneath it all. She never really gave up on Zane and it was good to see her cling to his memory, despite her programming to think like a Cutter.

Once again, I fell right into this world. And once again Westerfeld showed us more of it--this time through a Special's eyes. So rich and wonderful...scary and disturbing...all at once. When I finished chapter one, I knew there would be no putting this sucker down... and there wasn't. And boy did it deliver.

I won't go into too much detail because I do NOT want to spoil anyone's experience. But it took some great turns throughout...some really marvelous, some heartbreaking. To see the change in relationships, their viewpoints and thoughts... man, it just really packed a wallop.

The ending was a little so-so. I don't know if it was because it lacked something or if I simply wasn't ready for this series to end. I do think it was _a little_ rushed....almost too abrupt to leave me with a satisfied sigh at the end. (Though, I LOVED one big aspect of where he left it. (VBG)) That said, I walked away from this series with this sort of ache in my chest. Dude, DON'T END!!!! *cries* LOL. Okay, technically it didn't end...but you know what I mean. A series that takes up with another character is never quite the same.

At any rate...bravo, Mr. Westerfeld.

Buy or Rent? BUY. RUN!

P.S. I've decided to hold off on EXTRAS for now. I just want to let this series marinate for a while.

For The Love Of Pete--Is Nothing Sacred??

Heh, that's a saying I gave my sister all kinds of smack about every time she used it over Thanksgiving. Here I am using it. (g)

But it's definitely called for right now. After much hemming and hawing this evening, with the help of Jenna (thanks, girl!), I think I've made a big decision about the ending of FI. *drum roll* The original final chapter is hitting the cutting room floor.

*Holds up her hands* Now now... I know some of you are gonna throw a fit over that one. Trust me, I had the same reaction. What I have is going to be SO much better, tho. I think. Erm, in theory. I have to write it still. But I have the beginning of the scene in question, and I know exactly what I need to add to get it whipped into shape. The little film playing out in my mind works really well. Now I just have to translate it to the page. (g) That's my goal for tonight.

But seriously, I don't know what it is, but ever since I let go of the senior dance, I have NO SHAME when it comes to hacking out SACRED bits of this MS. That last scene..you know the one...was near and dear. You remember why. (VBG) But yeah, gone...gone...gone... Unfortunately, that also means that Beth is only going to have a minor role in this book. But we'll see her again in book 2, so not a major issue. But seriously, with Hedrick and some of the other characters playing bigger roles, I really needed to streamline some... this is the first step.

It does affect a couple of other spots in the book, but fortunately I haven't written those particular scenes yet. All is well.

Wow...feel like I'm growing here. (wink)

Libba Bray Is My Hero

And here's why...



For some reason, this is what I imagine it would be like to sit down with Pam Patchet. (g)

ETA: Maureen Johnson is going on my TBR list. (g)

Absolutes

Last night was a sound bite kinda night. I couldn't work on a full scene to save my life, but I got little glimpses at several different points in the book. I said to heck with it and started writing down whatever images bubbled to the surface. I didn't get much, unfortunately. One of those nights.

(Quick aside: I'm adding the Line of the Day thingie to the sidebar right after this. Don't know how often it will change...so read it while the readings good. (g))

Anyway, during my marathon of ho-humming and naval gazing, I started surfing the net -- looking here and there for anything that would keep me awake and working. Heh, yeah. Catch-22 there.

I stumbled upon a person dishing out some writing tips to a new writer and had to sit on my hands to keep from firing off a snarky response to her "absolute no-no's"

First of all--and forgive my bluntness--any writer who is espousing absolutes is a writer I _absolutely_ do not want to read. Nor is it someone who should be offering any kind of advice to fledgling writers. There, said it. (g)

If there's one thing I've learned, it's that there are NO absolutes in this business. A technique that fails 99 times out of a 100, still works in that 1%. Something that fits perfectly in one work, will stick out like a sore thumb in another. (And yes, even cliches are appropriate at certain times--back off cliche police!)

I "listened" to this woman systematically rip apart every technique this particular writer used. And I realized that a lot of the things she shot down are things _I_ do in my books. And yeah, it pissed me off. Who the heck is she to tell another writer that they _can't_ write their book the way they want to? There is a distinct difference between "offering suggestions" and becoming a friggin' asshole who will likely scare new writers back into seclusion. I know I was met with both types of critiques, and believe you me, I took much more away from people who offered suggestions (however strongly worded) than I did from those who told me to make changes that would destroy my particular style and voice.

Anyway, I just had to rant for a moment. (g) Another reason you need to choose your crit partners very carefully. You don't want someone who will be too easy, but you also don't want anyone who will lay down "absolutes" that could ruin your unique style.

There ain't a rule out there that wasn't made to be broken. And you can quote me on that. (g)

Aargh. (But Yippee!!)

My windows explorer has been acting up lately. Whenever I open a pop-up (intentionally or not) and try to close it, it shuts the whole she-bang down. I was in the middle of a long review for SPECIALS when I opened up a window to respond to someone's blog. In my excitement, I didn't even think about what I was doing. Blam...all gone. *sigh*

BUT!!!!!!!

YAY for Susan Adrian!!! She just signed with Janet Reid!! I'm so super excited for her... You go, girl!

And what's wonderful is she's gonna send out THE WEIRDEST THING ABOUT JENNA, sans revisions. Oh you lucky lucky girls... first Julianne, now Susan.

Jen (back to rewrites. (G))

THE WARRIOR by Kinley MacGregor

I'm back, just in the nick of time to do this review. A live discussion is beginning in two hours, lol, so yeah... talk about the last minute girl.

THE WARRIOR
by Kinley MacGregor
Historical Romance

Hey, "read more." (g)



THE WARRIOR is several books into the Brotherhood of the Sword series by Kinley MacGregor. I haven't read any of the others, so I can't really judge the series as a whole, but there was probably enough in this book that most people could follow along without any major problems.

Brief Synopsis: Lochlan MacAllister is the Laird of his clan and has taken it upon himself to discover the truth about his younger brother, Kiernan. Kiernan disappeared a couple of years previous and was believed dead up until a late night delivery hinted that he may indeed still be alive. Lochlan leaves Scotland and travels through France (I think) to find him and meets Catarina, the bastard daughter of the King of France. She has escaped her father in order to avoid a bethrothal to a man she doesn't love. Lochlan inadvertently becomes involved with her escape and then pledges to escort her to safety. Only problem is that they can't stand one another.

Okay, you'll notice my little "I think" up there in my synopsis. That statement unfortunately goes a long way in explaining the main problem I had with this book. There was really no sense of setting. I couldn't tell you what year this story took place, or for sure what country they were in at the time. Rather unfortunate, that. I do know the men after her were trying to take Catarina to Paris, and Lochlan spoke in guttural French. But had I not picked up on those little bits, I don't think I would've had any idea. And to tell you the honest truth, I'm still not 100%.

Then there was a bit of a problem with the characters staying "in time" with the period. There were a lot of what I'd consider modern phrases used -- both in dialogue and their internals. When I heard someone say they had to go see "What was up?" I blinked hard for a few seconds. There were a few others, though they elude me right now. The point being that there were enough of these slips to pull me right out of the story.

The story itself was okay. It's a romance, so of course the love story is front and center. I'm okay with that, but I didn't quite get or understand the sudden turnaround between these two. There was never a moment where I thought...Oh, that was so sweet of him/her...I can see why the other would love them. As a reader, I was quite often told their feelings, but I never saw the _foundation_ for them.

All in all, I would say it skimmed the surface on all levels--sensory, emotional, story. Unfortunate because I think it had the makings for a fine book. The ending was unexpected. It introduced a paranormal element that came out of nowhere. Not sure it worked for me either.

I'm sure a lot of people enjoy this series, but unfortunately, it wasn't quite right for me.

A Year In Review

It's the first and of course everyone is running about asking what my New Year's resolutions will be. Heck, I'm doing it on the forum, demanding everyone make some goals for the upcoming year. LOL. But I also think it's important to take a moment of reflection to revisit 2007. So, here goes...

This year has been amazing on so many levels. It's also been unbelievably difficult on others. Sometimes both combined. I’ll start with the difficult things so I can end this thing on a high note. (g)

This is an EXTREMELY long post, so only "read more" if you have a good bit of time. (g)



First, school has been a big ole’ ball of constant stress for me. Not only because it’s hard as all heck, but because my heart hasn’t been in it. At all. Couple that with a lot of parental/familial expectations and you have a very awkward and difficult position to be placed in. I wanted to quit after my first year, but held off…then with each successive semester my motto became, JUST FINISH…you’re almost there. And I pushed through with that mindset—just finish, get the degree and then you have options if this nutty writing thing goes awry.

But now that I’m nearing the end and resolutely DO NOT want to take the bar, my family is pressuring me once again. Just take the bar, Jen… then you’ve “finished” – then you’ve “succeeded.” I guess hanging in there and securing a law degree I didn’t even want isn’t enough anymore. Doesn’t seem to matter that I can USE that law degree for other purposes and don’t need to take the bar to have a successful career. Yes, I’ve heard the terms “overqualified paralegal” thrown out in conversation. As if. I’m not working for a law firm in any capacity. Hate lawyers. (g) Okay, I didn’t feel this way when I started law school, but now I do – I’ve met way too many law students to think a future that involves them in any way will make me happy and content. No thanks. Not to make a sweeping generalization, of course. Some of my best friends are law students. (bg)

I thought their fears about me turning into a tortured writer had been assuaged when they saw that a top literary agent wanted to rep me. And I think it did for a while. They were all super excited—talking about who would do what in this imaginary entourage they created for me. But for whatever reason, they didn’t realize the amount of work that would need to be logged in order to implement the revisions he requested. Neither did I, probably, but I digress. (g) The thing is that as the process has worn on, their excitement and belief in me has waned. Conversations went from “Jen is going to be famous!” to “Jen is ruining her life chasing a pipe dream.” I don’t want to blame them. Like most other non-writers, they think my book can and should spring from my forehead fully formed. Explaining the number of head-pounding hours/days/weeks/months it takes to rewrite a book is pointless. Until I can wave a copy of my book under their noses, or more likely, a big fat check they can adoringly gaze upon, I don’t think they’ll ever accept “writer” as a viable career option. So I strove on in law school, unable to give my book the full attention I wanted to…and all the while, unable to please anyone. What fun.

And it has been a year of self-doubt. With the good, always comes the bad, right? As this revision process has worn on, my confidence has been nearly destroyed. And some of you know it wasn’t exactly like the Rock of Gibraltar to begin with. I guess every writer dreams that one day some fabulous agent will read their work and say YES, I want to rep you! That when they at last get that phone call, it will be this glorious meeting of the minds where the agent gushes over their work and pledges that nobody would be a better champion to bring their book to the populace. He/she loves it THAT much. (cough) Yeah, wouldn’t that be glorious?

It’s quite another thing to have an agent say they love everything about your character, but that he thinks the book itself needs some work. A lot of work as it turns out. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so grateful to have this opportunity, and I KNOW how lucky I am. Some days I can’t understand what it was he saw in me to begin with. I look back at my outright cheek in submitting my book so quickly and GAK. It isn’t done that way! You don’t write a book (YOUR FIRST!) in two months and then start querying it a few weeks later!! But I did, and it DID get my foot in the door. Wow – that’s pretty amazing when you think about it. LOL. But am I talented enough? Can I revise this blasted thing to his satisfaction? I’ll be honest, until about a week ago, I seriously doubted it. Now that I’m away from school and all the stress it creates, I KNOW I can do it. He may ultimately decide I’m not right for him, but come hell or high water, this book will be finished. And if not D.A., then someone else WILL rep me. I can’t even begin to describe how relieved I am to have at last escaped that funk that was surrounding me for the past couple of months.

And finally, a family member is having extreme health problems. It’s been ongoing for about two years now, and I’m afraid her struggle may at last be nearing its end. I don’t need to explain how difficult all of it is. I know I’m not the first person to lose a loved one. But it is hard—and it makes me feel guilty when I allow myself to become self-involved with my books and other life problems.

I’m beginning to think I should have limited this post to the good. (g) But this year is an important one in my life, so it wouldn’t be fair to ignore half of the emotions/thoughts I’ve had.

That said…let’s move on to the good, shall we?

Where to begin?

First of all, despite a lot of flashing warning signs and numerous people telling me NOT to do it, I queried my first book. (Okay, technically I began late 2006.) And BY GOD, a wonderfully successful agent decided to take a chance on me. No, he didn’t sign me outright, but he got so damn excited about my book, he read it OVERNIGHT. And even though it wasn’t perfect, he said he wanted to rep me and that he loved my character—MY voice. Dang it, who can ask for more? (Okay, a contract WOULD be nice, but it’s only a matter of time until I wear him down. (big wink)) The amount of excitement I felt at the time… wow… it still gives me a little rush.

And despite all of the head-pounding moments, I’m getting a crash course on how this crazy industry works. I’m learning completely on the fly, but I’m managing to somehow keep my head above the water. No, things haven’t gone smoothly at times, but I’m still in the game. And I’m moving forward. With a lot of hard work and sweat, this book will be finished in the next few weeks. A couple of years ago, I would’ve laughed had someone suggested even a fraction of what would become my present. Despite all the self-doubt and worries, I wouldn’t change a thing that got me here. I’ve done my best and that’s all anyone can expect from themselves. Wow, that sounds stupidly optimistic…but it’s where I’m at right now. (g)

I began my second book in November, 2006 and finished it in May, 2007. Total working time about 4 weeks. LOL. Yeah, that’s just sick. But BY THE PALE MOONLIGHT is a wonderful book – I love it so much and I miss my characters terribly when I’m away from them even just a day or two. I didn’t finish revisions as hoped, but I will. 2008 is my year. (g) I can’t wait to see them again—to continue their story into book 2…oh man, the ideas I have swirling around. It’s going to be SO good.

I started a couple of other projects, too. The Braeden – goodness, I love that book. LOL. It’s quite possible that it will be “the book” of my career. Oh man, now that’s something I’ll probably regret saying in retrospect. But one thing is for sure, it’s a book that will take time to write and I’m going to enjoy every minute of the process.

The Presence. Just today I made plans regarding some bit of research I need to do for it. This project is exciting in so many ways. One, I love ghost stories and have always wanted to try on my ghoulie hat… two, I’m setting it here in Lincoln. I can’t wait to bring this city to the world. No, it’s nothing fancy, but it’s been my home for a long time.

And the numerous other ideas/projects I’ve made note of over the past year. It’s been a very exciting time for me. Inspiration is better than any drug (I think). LOL.

Despite hating it, I’ve survived two and a half years of law school! That’s nothing to shake a tail feather at. No matter what happens with my degree in the end, I WILL finish in May. That’s success in my eyes, even if I never wear my lawyer hat. (What’s with the hats?)

And even if I get so green you could glean oxygen from my skin, I’m extremely proud of the success my friends have had over this past year. Just to name a few:

Carol Spradling—Her first book, COST OF FREEDOM, will be published through The Wild Rose Press some time this year. In addition, she finished her second book, FOR MERCY’S SAKE, and any agent would be lucky to have her. Get off your duffs, people.

Joanne Bourne—Her book, THE SPYMASTER’S LADY, was published just a couple of days ago. It’s wonderful, btw. I’m nearly finished with it, and I expect HUGE things from this woman.

Diana Gabaldon—She’s already mega-successful, but she had TWO books come out this year. LORD JOHN AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE and LORD JOHN AND THE HAND OF DEVILS.

Vicki Pettersson—Her first two books, THE SCENT OF SHADOWS and THE TASTE OF NIGHT, were both extremely successful this past spring. Her third will be out some time this year, and she has signed a contract for an additional 3 books (that’s 6, folks!). OH…and she was also part of the anthology HOLIDAYS ARE HELL. Big things are coming her way.

Eve Ackerman (writing as Darlene Marshall)—Already successful with her lovely pirates, she has signed with a fantastic agent. Can’t wait to see what happens with her.

Julianne Wright—She signed with an agent who is so impressed with her writing that she’s submitting her book in January, sans revisions. WHOOT!

Claire, Deniz, Christy, Lori, Helene, Kat, and Susan (who has big news she’s holding out on *glare*) for finishing MS’s this year. Congrats, ladies. If I’ve left anyone off, forgive me. I wish you well throughout the revision process (if you’re still there, that is).

BETH and Jenny C. who will finish their damn books THIS year. (g)

And for the rest of my writing friends who come to play every day. Jenna, girl… you rock and NEED to put your work out there. Carrie…I want me some Fowler’s… hurry! Precie…Precie…Precie… (g) Girl, you crack me up with your contests, and I can’t wait to read your books. Rachel, Nina, Cindy, Lorraine, Tara, and all the other men and women from the forum—keep on truckin’.

I just know I’m forgetting someone.

Oh, I had to edit in order to thank all of the wonderful writers who have shared their worlds...Stephenie Meyers, Libba Bray, Scott Westerfeld, Sharon Shinn, and many many others... you ROCK my world. :)

And finally, I’m blessed to have such a wonderful family and loyal friends. I know I’m a neurotic mess, and that you probably spend more time holding my hand and talking me down from the cliff than I deserve, but I’d be lost without you. Thank you.

Like I said, it’s been a wonderful and extremely pivotal year in my life. I can’t wait to see what happens in 2008. (g)