Don’t Fight Yourself

I’ve written five full drafts. I’ve a chapter plus of eight others stories (minimum, these stories have a first chapter, but most have more like half a book).

Confession: I’m a plot jumper. I want to write all of them, all the time.

I’ve fought myself for years with words like, “Buckle down. Finish what you start. No one else writes like this.” The great thing is. . . I do finish drafts. I finish edit rounds. I may be fighting myself the whole time, or barely noticing because I’m swept up in the evolution of a story I love. That voice in my head, the one that sounds something like a drill sergeant, is silly. I don’t have a deadline, not yet. I should be enjoying the swept-up-ness, especially since I’ve had one of my better revelations.

Revelation: I write better when I’m not fighting those plot-jumping impulses.

In fact, I came up with a system most people would rightly think is bananas, BUT I love it like I love following my plot-jumping impulses. I put this symbol ([]) in my draft. I place it where I leave off, and then I jump to the next thing (albeit, the next thing might be coming back to that very same symbol/draft and editing/ writing two more chapters). I can even rally myself straight through a draft this way. The things is, I just try to remember that writing is an adventure–one with fun and inspiration and creativity. Maybe a machete.

I won’t lie and pretend I never have a rough time writing. I’m a perfectionist hoarding her words from rejection.

But if I can give some advice after years of fighting myself, it would be this: Don’t. Don’t fight yourself. Now, this isn’t a carte blanche moment where I encourage everyone to procrastinate, or indulge in habits you don’t feel serve you. However, I am saying our writing methods can be weird; no one probably writes exactly like you. Embrace that about yourself. Don’t keep imposing advice on yourself that doesn’t work. Don’t let the voice win. Really, what I’m trying to say is listen to yourself. Be kind. Rewind? Just kidding. Sometimes I cannot stop myself.

Okay creatives, I’ll write it one last time. Don’t. Fight. Yourself.

 

Stud by Kelly Siskind

◊◊◊◊◊♥♥♥♥♥
(On a scale of 1-5 hearts)

Title: STUD
Author: Kelly Siskind
Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Stud-Kelly-Siskind-ebook/dp/B0779H6DVJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528738192&sr=8-1&keywords=stud+by+kelly

I love this story. One of my CPs recommended it to me, and I’m glad she did. The whole plot is so well done and intricate without being forced. Basically, it’s about a personal  shopper (Ainsley) who meets a man (Owen) while volunteering for a Habitat for Humanity build. Miscommunications, general hijinks, great character growth, and likable supporting characters abound.

Non- Romance Plot – ♥♥♥♥♥ One of my favorite things about the plot is Ainsley’s love of crossword puzzles. It’s such a great detail, and the way it’s done throughout the whole book impresses the writer in me. She’s #detailgoals. For real. Beyond that, there’s a rich set of plot aspects that always hold your attention. I won’t ruin your discovery as reader.

Tension- ♥♥♥♥♥ Just yes. Just like the plot aspects that hold your attention, there’s a lot of tension. Most of which is created by a well-woven backstory. Just know, you’ll eagerly devour the pages to find out MORE.

Pacing-♥♥♥♥

Voice-♥♥♥♥♥ Yes, to her voice.

Writing-♥♥♥♥♥ Her writing is clever and readable. That’s the highest compliment I think that exists. Or maybe I can give? Clever and readable is a skill.

MC (Main Character)-♥♥♥♥♥ Ainsley is relatable. Like seriously relatable. My favorite thing about her is that she’s got this job that she really loves, but it isn’t perfect. It’s so close, and she never stops thinking about how to get there. I love the evolution of it.

Hero?-♥♥♥♥♥ Owen is fantastic, and you will fall in love alongside Ainsley. Anything else I say might reveal aspects of the romance I won’t ruin for you. So, this is all you get. A tease.

Other Characters-♥♥♥♥♥ The other characters are amazing. Her friends are sassy, supportive, and overall lovely. Owen’s friends are hilarious, supportive, and overall good.

ROMANCE-♥♥♥♥♥ It’s sweet, and builds with a true friendship. Slight enemies to friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. I have a lot of favorite tropes, but this one is top five. Also, there are some sizzling parts too. It’s just a perfectly mixed book.

I highly recommend this if you’re stuck in a romance rut. Hell, I highly recommend this because it rocks. Do yourself a favor, and read this romance. . . if you like great characters, awesome writing, and fashion/ crossword puzzles.

 

 

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Inspiration Post- The inspired idea.
The System Post-The rules of the road.

Burnout: The Beast of Apathy

This topic is near and dear to my heart. I work for 40-45 hours a week, doing a thought intensive lawyer job. Then I write 5-7 hours every week. I have CPs, animals, a really cute toddler (who cries if you play on your phone in front of him). He does not like to be phubbed (phone snubbed).

I still make time to clean my house, hang out with husband, and to hang out with my friends. Life is a go-go-go scenario (with meditation and yoga and enough sleep and a semi-descent diet). All that to basically say that orchestrating my ideal level of balance is a trial by fire scenario, and dear friends, I’ve failed and flown alike.

For me, burnout creates an apathetic monster who lets part of her life slide, and the only way out of the troubled burnout land, for me, has been time. Slowly rearranging priorities and backing off the intensity in which I do things. Watching kitten videos and buzzfead. Reading cheesy romance novels (this is not a dig. cheese is my favorite food.). Reading wickedly awesome romance novels. Watching re-runs of my favorite tv shows (oh, the Magicians/ Brooklyn Nine-Nine). Watching my favorite movies, too. But these are my solutions. Because there’s no such canned solution to fix this. Not that fits all, not 100%. It’s about knowing yourself, and following your bliss, or whatever.

Sometimes you need to talk about it with someone. Sometimes you don’t. But for the love of all that is GOOD and DECENT, listen to yourself.

This has been a PSA for writers, doers, and livers (that reads weird; keep’n it!). Brought to you by: The Girl Who Recently Got Too Close To Burnout.

DNF: Do Not Finish

I try really, really hard not to DNF a book.

But there are “things” that I can’t get past. There are also moods, and weeks, and a thousand little nitpicked issues that add up to a DNF. I don’t always understand my vehement dislike, but I’ve decided I don’t want to write about DNFs.

I hate–that word might be a bit dramatic–the idea of barfing a bad review at any semi-well written book. I have a preference. A full blown case of the subjectivities. So, I don’t want to put another author on blast, just because I have the subjectivities. (Yes, I made a word up. Yes, I’m using it at least three times before this is over.)

I’m not saying don’t write a negative review if you feel strongly. Honestly, do you. But as for me, I’m going to admire and respect and cheer-lead. Does that mean I’ll pretend that diamond doesn’t have a flaw? Nope. I’ll be honest, but there’s got to be balance. There’s got to be an aspect I love.

My goal is for this review adventure to be Katie’s Treasure Trove of Never Ending Awesomeness. Where there are lollipop trees (exactly like the original Willa Wonka), and that giant gummy bear thingy, too. Tubs of hot baths filled with the perfect blend of essential oils and epsom salt. Coffee fountains–both cold and warm. Soft blankets. A twenty-four hour Amazon distribution center. Fantasy. Romance. Mushy, mushy love, and those sex scenes you would not be comfortable reading aloud. Basically, the necessities plus.

As for now, I’m going to nurse my case of subjectivities with an old book, and once I’ve re-read this magical experience a millionth time, I’ll review it. I’ll add it to my KTTONEA. (Yup, that’s a shitty acronym. You’re welcome.) Because here in KTTONEA (Population me.), we (Still only me. But you get it.) want to share the magic of book hangovers and impart the wisdom of fierce female leads. We want your reading experience to be an escape and an inspiration. We want your panties to metaphorically catch on fire (Ha! I went there. I wasn’t sure I could.).

 

 

 

 

 

Midnight Blue by L.J. Shen

◊◊◊◊◊♥♥♥♥♥
(On a scale of 1-5 hearts)

Title: MIDNIGHT BLUE
Author: l.J. Shen
Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Blue-L-J-Shen-ebook/dp/B0793DH5TP/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517234209&sr=8-1&keywords=midnight+blue

I love this trope (wikipedia says a trope is a “commonly recurring literary devices”, like aliens/ bad boy & good girl/ etc.) Rockstar meets normal girl. I could read that plot a thousand times, like my undying love for vampires and werewolves. (Undying love? See what I did there?) Not to mention there are Dual POVs (points of view). Another bonus is this is on Amazon’s kindle unlimited. $9ish for all the books you can read a month, as long as that book is listed as kindle unlimited.

The book itself centers around a reckless rockstar, who needs a babysitter. Meet Indie, the girl who could use the $300,000 of babysitting money. She’s smart. She’s basically a bad ass main character–I imagine if she were a fantasy character and wielded a sword she could defeat a thousand foes with one hand behind her back.

Though really. If you like this trope, and a smart, stand-up-for herself type main character. . . you’re going to love this.

Non- Romance Plot – ♥♥♥♥♥ The rock scene and romance are the tip of the iceberg. There’s press spin, and family drama. So, I really enjoyed the depth added to one of my favorite tropes.

Tension- ♥♥♥♥

Pacing-♥♥♥♥

Voice-♥♥♥♥♥ It’s poetic and approachable. My favorite combination. If you like the first couple of pages, the awesomeness doesn’t drop off. And the male POV is spectacularly multi-faceted.

Writing-♥♥♥♥♥ The one draw back to this trope. . . I don’t always love the writing (or the voice really), but this fits me perfectly. I truly love the writing.

MC (Main Character)-♥♥♥♥♥ I’ve already told you. The best.

Hero?-♥♥♥♥ Oh, Alex. When I mentioned he’s multi-faceted, I simply meant he could vary from being a complete a hole, to charming, to genuine and wonderful. Albeit the a hole part of him is alive and kicking most of the book. . . he’s been hurt (not a wonderful excuse). But the character grows, and grows on you, if given the chance.

Other Characters-♥♥♥♥♥ This is done so nicely. There is depth to the other characters, and they aren’t just props to the Indie and Alex show.

ROMANCE-♥♥♥♥♥ I’m not ruining this for you. It’s hot. It’s full of will they/ won’t they. It’s dramatic as all get out, and I love it.

All and all, this book is cute, and so well written. I know I will be reading this again. Oh, and buying it to add to my library!

◊◊◊◊◊♥♥♥♥♥

Inspiration Post- The inspired idea.
The System Post-The rules of the road.

Unleashing Mr. Darcy by Teri Wilson

◊◊◊◊◊♥♥♥♥♥ (On a scale of 1-5 hearts)

Title: UNLEASHING MR. DARCY
Author: Teri Wilson
Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Unleashing-Mr-Darcy-Teri-Wilson/dp/037377835X   

This dual POV (point of view= more than one character tells the story) book is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice in modern day London and with dog shows. It’s one of my favorite go tos. I read it once a year. It’s full of banter and intense attraction. I also think it’s my Pride and Prejudice obsession, mixing with my romance obsession. If you like all the preceding things and dog shows (even a tiny bit), or hell, if you just like dogs, this book is probably something you would like.

Non- Romance Plot – ♥♥♥♥♥ She killed it. (This is the opener for my fake example of plot, but so fitting for this story.) The dog show. Do I like to endlessly watch dog shows in real life? Not really. But I do love dogs. So I found the related world to be cool and interesting.
 
Tension- ♥♥♥♥

Pacing-♥♥♥♥

Voice-♥♥♥♥♥ I think this might be why I read this book, over and over. Modern Day Elizabeth? Yes, please.

Writing-♥♥♥♥♥ I didn’t re-write, edit as I went. If I can stop my writer self from nit-picking, then the writing has to be A level. And this so is.

MC (Main Character)-♥♥♥♥♥

Hero?-♥♥♥♥♥ Perfection. He is perfection. It’s that simple.

Other Characters-♥♥♥♥♥ Sue–the other dog owner–is lovely. The characters all work so well, and I’m here for it.

ROMANCE-♥♥♥♥ It’s near perfect. They do have the best banter, and Darcy’s point of view–just swoon. It’s the swoon.

Like I said in the beginning, if you like dual POVs, Pride and Prejudice retellings, and dogs, then this story is for you.

◊◊◊◊◊♥♥♥♥♥

 

 

Inspiration Post- The inspired idea.
The System Post-The rules of the road.

The System

This will be a work in progress.

As I writer, I don’t believe in *having to* be perfect on the first try. Not after the fifty-eleven-million edits of my novels. Is there a sentence that survives from the first draft? Probably. But then again. . . all writers experience THE FIGHT. You know, THE FIGHT. The struggle with that one terrible, nearly un-fix-able sentence (or paragraph, or chapter) for five hours (weeks too, I’m looking at you Follow That Kiss ending chapter).

All that is to say, I’m going to use a system I like, but one that may evolve into a better a system over time. My crystal ball is too clear at the moment. She (yes, she) refuses my request to scan the future of this system. So, alas, I shall give you my best effort, and as always, I’m open to suggestions.

Ready? For my best effort, most beautifully analytic and creative system in my head? Good. Me too.

*Side note* ~ I stole this from how I provide feedback to my CPs (critique partners). ALSO, these categories are a bit self explanatory, but it won’t hurt you to understand what my brain is thinking. I don’t think it will hurt you. Meh.

Example

◊◊◊◊◊♥♥♥♥♥ (On a scale of 1-5 hearts)

Title: THE BEST ROMANCE ALIVE
Author: Made-Up Melissa
Link to buy: http://www.made-upmelissa.com (But in real life, this will be an amazon link.)

Plot describes the main events of the book.
Plot (other than romance)- ♥♥♥♥♥ She killed it. The bunny and duck scene are indescribable (well, rather I don’t want to ruin it for you). You’ll just have to read it, but damn. That waterfall accident? Yikes. READ IT.

Tension describes the drama. Are you interested in reading the book tonight, forgoing sleep? If yes, there’s probably a good amount of tension in it.
Tension- ♥♥♥ There was a scene or two that was borderline boring.

Pacing describes how fast the plot is moving. Too fast? Too slow? Just right, I hope so.
Pacing-♥♥♥ Same issue as tension.

Voice describes the word choice and how well the character’s uniqueness comes through. I like voices to have a poetic quality.
Voice-♥♥♥♥ There are several lines in this book I’ve highlighted and stored away. So I can read them again and again. Melissa is too cool, you guys.

Grammar/usage describes the writing itself.
Grammar/ Usage-♥♥♥♥ very few, if any mistakes. This lady is seriously good.

MC describes the main character. This is a hard category. Sometimes I like the unlikable, but in the situation, I’ll probably better explain.
MC (Main Character)-♥♥♥♥♥ She’s pretty bomb. She punched at least two people in this book, and blew the hero’s. . . mind.

The hero describes the love interest. He won’t always be the hero. And this category might not be relevant if his point of view is included in the book (in the scenario, he’d be a main character too).
Hero?-♥♥♥♥♥ Perfection. He is perfection. It’s that simple.

Other characters are anyone besides the main characters. Some books will not have many, others may have too many. I’ll take this into account in my review.
Other Characters-♥♥♥♥♥ I’m fairly sure the best friend needs to be my best friend.

Romance describes my favorite thing. I’ll spend the most time here.
ROMANCE-♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ b/c it was sooooo hot. So explicit, for anyone who doesn’t love so explicit. So tooth-ache sweet. So perfect. It’s the best romance alive.

Then I’ll end with a wrap up.

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You guys. I can’t wait to start reviewing. This is going to be the super fun.

I’m Here for the Romance . . . Reviews

I’m here for the romance. That’s right. This year I’m giving into my love of romance, totally.

Not that I’ve fought my love of romance before. Nope. Just, this year I’m going to share what I’m learning i.e. who I like, what type of romance it is, why it’s good, and whether it’s worth keeping or unlimited kindling. (Unlimited kindling=using your unlimited kindle subscription to read the book, instead of buying it outright) I shall be all about the romance, in my reading life and writing life.

So, let’s do this.

THE SYSTEM. I’m developing a systematized way to relay this information. I’ve seen kiss icons and tiny baby chilies. Personally I like stars and moons. Twinkles, glitter, sparkles. SHINY. Where was I? Oh, my system. I’ll be incorporating these beloved images (glitter is an image?) into this system. It will not stay the same. I will change it. You’ll love me anyway, maybe.

THE FREQUENCY. Ha. Nope. No way. This is a trap.

THE BOOKS. I like things with aliens and deep connections. I like insta-love. Fantasy is my absolute favorite, but I’m not against contemporary. I’m really not choosy. However, I do not like it when there’s no consent, women too objectified and trope-y to be real, purity as the almighty only way, and poor writing. I will DNF that book so hard. (DNF=Do not finish)

MY WRITING. Yeah, I do that too. I write things. Sometimes it’s hardcore romance, most of the time it’s a BIG plot line instead. Romance is a HEA (happily ever after) event with marriage and babies, and I don’t always qualify for the HEA or even HFN (happy for now).

So here we go 2018. You’ve been really fun so far. Let’s make you funner. More fun? Whatever. Let’s turn this shit up.

 

 

Cover Reveal and Squeals!

Today I am revealing the cover for THE HEARTBEAT HYPOTHESIS by Lindsey Frydman!

ABOUT THE HEARTBEAT HYPOTHESIS

Audra Madison simply wanted to walk in the shoes of Emily Cavanaugh, a free-spirited teenager who died too young. After all, Audra wasn’t supposed to be here.

Thanks to Emily, Audra has a second chance at life. She’s doing all the things that seemed impossible just two years ago: Go to college. Date. Stargaze in the Rocky Mountains. Maybe get a tattoo. You know, live.

Jake Cavanaugh, a photographer with mysterious, brooding gray eyes, agrees to help chronicle her newfound experiences. She makes him laugh, one of the only people who can these days. As they delve into each other’s pasts – and secrets – the closer they become.

But she’s guarded and feels like she can’t trust anyone, including herself.

And he’s struggling with the fact that his beloved sister’s heart beats inside her.

THE HEARTBEAT HYPOTHESIS RELEASES MARCH 20, 2017

PREORDER: Amazon

ABOUT LINDSEY FRYDMAN

Lindsey has been writing since she was nine years old, when she discovered the awesomeness that is Harriet the Spy. Her books always include a romance, though sometimes there’s an added sci-fi or magical realism twist. She lives in Columbus, Ohio (where the weather is never quite right). Her BFA in Photography and Graphic Design has granted her a wide assortment of creative knowledge that serves as inspiration (and not much else). When she’s not crafting YA and NA stories, you’ll likely find her spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, playing a video game, singing show-tunes, or performing in a burlesque show—because she enjoys giving her introversion a worthy adversary. (Plus, it’s the closest to Broadway she’ll ever get.) Lindsey was a proud 2016 Pitch Wars Mentee and thoroughly adores being a part of the wonderful writing community. THE HEARTBEAT HYPOTHESIS is her debut novel.

CONNECT WITH LINDSEY:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Newsletter

Make sure to sign up for Lindsey’s newsletter to get the first sneak peek at THE HEARTBEAT HYPOTHESIS!

The Awakening Series by Jeanie Gray

I’m a romance addict. I’m also a fantasy/ paranormal addict. Seriously, I read one book in the vein of either each week. I fly through so many different books that some of them blur together. Luckily, some stand out. Those I want to treasure, but instead, I consume like the bag of Doritos *cough* er–I mean oatmeal because I’m pregnant and oatmeal is healthy–I had for breakfast.

I want to be in the habit of reviewing the books that standout. I’ve shared that reviewing isn’t my favorite thing. I think it might be leftover from my English major. A phobia about creating a never ending theory that’s damn near improvable and requires about sixteen books to almost back up the text. This isn’t that. So I’ll keep pushing myself to review.

The Awakening Series is one of the standouts. I don’t like to spoil, but I do like to highlight. So read with that in mind. I won’t tell you how it ends, but I will give away hunks of plot.

Firstly, there are vampires. There are well done, unique quality vampires. I love me a vampire. I’m sorry. I know it’s considered ” basically unsellable” in the publishing circle, but you can’t convince me that I won’t want to read a hundred more. *Twilight lookalikes need not apply, even though I read all four books. Once was enough.*

Book 1: This first book deals with many plot points, such as the main character’s (Lily Frank) fiance–who is a whole new level of boring predictability, her mother’s death, the “murderer”, betrayal, action, and a vampire. There’s a little bit of dual point of view (which I’m a sucker for). There are also some side antics with a best friend, and then there’s the unwavering douche bag who her father would prefer her to marry. It’s got the right amount of drama, definitely consent with the romance, the ballsy-brainy heroine, and  empathy/ outrage to share with the heroine. I love it. I read it in no time flat. It’s not long. OH, and it’s free. Did I mention the first is free? It’s free. Why not take the chance? Especially if you’re a romance or fantasy addict like myself.

Book 2: The second book deals with a whole new world of plot points. It’s the world of vampires, and it is awesome. There’s the blooming romance, more dual point of view, and the unique vampire aspects too. There are missing memories. There is even more action. There are new characters. There is suspicion (near constant), death, secrets, and more than one betrayal. I know this review is more vague than the last book’s review, but I’m not giving the good parts away. There are some majorly good parts. You’ll just have to read it to find out!

Book 3: The last in the series is a good closing book. It jumps in time by about 40 years, and  the journey is more than learning about the world. It’s an emotional development. You watch the heroine heal, embrace some change. There’s even vampire politics that are actually interesting. I really enjoyed this book too, but there’s something special about the romance in this book. I think because there’s some taboo, and Ms. Gray does it right. It isn’t gratuitous, and I could not be more appreciative of her approach. If you like the first and second book, by this point you should understand you’ll like this one. I would say this is probably my favorite of the three, and I’m glad I read this series (inside of a week . . . yeah, I mean that thing about consuming.).

Overall, this series is great. Come on, it has vampires/ romance/ fantasy, and I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to read it. I love finding romance that doesn’t disappoint me, and this definitely doesn’t disappoint.