Sometimes, I wish I controlled my characters.

I'm participating in NaNoWriMo once again. I love the community of writers that get together and how supportive it is.
However...

I'm behind. 

Like... REALLY behind. 

Like 26,625 words behind.

I do have a good reason. Well, a decent reason. Okay, it's just a reason. 

Every day I sit down to write. I take a deep breath, put my fingers on the keys and begin typing. As I write, I notice that all my character does at the moment is whine. Seriously, all she does is cry and whine and complain about how hard her life is. 

I try and put her in situations where she has to interact with people-- she goes in a corner and sulks.

I introduce her to a new character-- she just imagines their life is better than hers and she sulks.

I leave her at home to wallow-- and she sulks

I've even tried writing from different parts of the story-- as still she sulks. 

she sulks like this....

It has gotten to the point that I am not enjoying this character. I was never raised to be a girl who whines about her life, I don't like characters like that. I like female characters who can hold their own and stand up to bullies. I like female characters that can take as good as they can give. That can be damsels but also heroines. 

It's not that I'm blocked, I know what I want to happen. I know how I want to get there and roughly the steps to take. But my character is just not cooperating at all.

I mentioned this dilemma to a few of my friends at work and both responded with "You know you control the story right...?"

You would think that is the case. Logic tells you that a writer controls the characters, not the other way around. 

In my situation, you'd be wrong.

I don't know what I'm going to do. I want to win this year, but I don't think I can do it with this story, and the idea that I can write a whole NaNo in a week is, frankly, out of the question. 

Sweeping Declaration.

Wow... I really suck at this whole blogging thing don't I?

*blows dust off poor neglected blog*

(this is a pointless gif of Zachary Levi hugging a pillow. Just because.)

Hmmm.... so what's new with me? Well I got a promotion at my job a few months back. Which has been exciting and stressful (but not in a bad way). It's been really great. The Husband and I have been staying in our nice cool house as much as humanly possible (due to the temperature being in the 100s here), and I've been forcing the books that I love onto my younger cousins and bringing about a new generation who is addicted to Marissa Meyer, Meg Cabot and John Green. I also recently beat Kingdom Hearts for the first time in my life, which for me is an awesome accomplishment. Now I'm working my way through Kingdom Hearts II.

In other nerdy news, The Husband and I bought 6 lightsabers... So each of us could have one of each color (Red for Vader, Green for Luke, Blue for Anakin). Fighting is so much more fun with lightsabers, and the seriousness of whatever we're fighting about wears off quickly when you're battling with lightsabers.

Now onto the reason for this post (other than making it seem like I'm much better at this than I really am), I miss writing. It's been far too long since I wrote anything. It makes me incredibly sad to think about all the time I spent on NaNoWriMo and how I haven't done anything since. Sure, my job has been eating up a lot of my time and energy, but I have to stop making excuses. So the other day I made a sweeping declaration on Facebook. I've decided to write a short story once a month for the rest of year. Weather the story is only 500 words or 5,000 I just want to get back in the habit of writing. The more I write, the better I'll get. I just have to force myself to do it.

So keep an eye on this blog, I'm hoping to post some of my short stories here. Any constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated.

apologies

I'm going to be attempting to switch things up on this blog this weekend, so I apologize now if you pop on and it looks all wonky.

Lizzie Bennet, have you heard of her?

Confession: I've never read Pride and Prejudice. Not for lack of trying, I've tried a few times to read it and I just can't get through it. I'm exactly sure why, I think the language tends to make me go cross-eyed. It's not much of an excuse, but I don't really have any other reason.

That being said, I LOVE movie adaptations of it. Bridget Jones' Diary remains one of my most watched movies of all times. Bride and Prejudice is one of my greatest finds ever. Even the Pride and Prejudice: A Latter Day Comedy is fairly entertaining (in a "you'll get more of the jokes if you're LDS" kind of way). While the Keira Knightly version isn't horrible, there will never be a better adaptation of Pride and Prejudice than the one with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.

While I can't seem to fall in love with Mr. Darcy on paper, I fall for him in every regeneration of him on film. While Matthew Macfadyen, Orlando Seale, and Martin Henderson are perfectly wonderful Darcys, Colin Firth will always and forever remain THE Darcy. You can attribute that to him being Darcy twice, but his Darcy is what made me love to watch every version of this story.

All that being said, there is a webseries that is worming it's way into my heart and causing me to look forward to Mondays and Thursdays (and sometimes Tuesdays and Fridays). Created by the genius minds that are Hank Green and Bernie Su, this webseries has kind of taken over my lunch time youtube sessions.



This modern adaptation is not only incredibly well made, but also, fantastically funny. Ashley Clements plays the part of the slightly socially awkward, nerdy, but still incredibly witty Lizzie Bennet to perfection. Her awkwardness is never uncomfortable, nor is it her most distinguishing feature. The rest of the cast is just as talented and watchable. Also, Darcy... amazing. Though I still view Colin as my number one Darcy, this series' Darcy, is "totes adorbs" and might be my second favorite.

I highly recommend this series. Seriously, click the video above and watch the entire series. And soon you'll watch the entire series in one day and be saying:

Currently : Nerd Alert Edition.

You're all tired of my apologies, right? Me too.
So lets just skip that and get on with this episode of Currently.

Book:

Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd
If there is ever a book that was made for me, its this one. A compilation of stories of all geek varieties. It's so very entertaining.

Music:
See below.

Movie:

Pitch Perfect
I can't even begin to explain my love for this movie. I've watched it 5 times since last Friday. It could be the catchy a cappella mash-ups of some really great songs. It could be the hilarity that ensues when Rebel Wilson is in a movie (Fat Amy is my favorite). Though, it's probably the adorableness that is Skylar Astin's character Jesse.

The soundtrack is amazing, I highly recommend it.
You can read my full review on my TV blog.

TV Show:

Big Bang Theory
I started rewatching this amazing series just because I can. I forgot how much I love the first few seasons. Silly pre-Amy Sheldon. I'm also realizing I miss Amy already.

Video Game:

Lego: Lord of the Rings
The Lego games are incredibly entertaining. Usually the best part about them is the fact the characters don't speak, they just grunt and "ooh" and "ahh". It's really funny that way. But in this game, they actually used the actors voices from the movies. While that saddens me, personally, a little bit, it didn't make the game any less enjoyable.


Wallpaper:


Wishlist:
The new season of Doctor Who. I need it in my life now. After the Christmas episode, I need to know how they're going to do all this. It's hurting my brain just to think about.

Excitement:
A bunch of my shows are coming back.

Do It Anyway.

I was reading over one of my drabbles a little while ago, and ran across this paragraph I had written.

For the most part, I blame my lack of ambition on fear. Fear of failing, fear of succeeding and not know what the hell I'm doing, fear of things that are new. I'm very comfortable in my little box. I look out on the other members of my graduating class who are married or have high end jobs. It just seems kind of stressful. Stress is something I avoid whenever possible. I'm content with my life, my friends and my itty bitty living space. Why would I need more?

If I were ever to be asked to write a paragraph describing me, this would pretty much be it. It's no secret that I'm a bit of a scaredy cat. I often create excuses not to do something and convince myself that I shouldn't even try. My self confidence in a few things is pretty solid, but on those things where I actually have to put it out there where people might not actually like it, I'd rather just leave it on my desktop to collect dust.

NaNoWriMo has been one of those things where I have to constantly tell myself that I can do this. Maybe it's just that I'm still finding my footing and my voice in writing, maybe it's just that I'm editing too much as I write. But I really think that I might be onto something this year.

Last year, I finished because I wanted to prove to myself that I could. It was the first year that I had ever finished. And now this year, I found a story that I'm actually pretty passionate about (the plot will remain a secret to the blog, for now). As I write it, I have to keep reminding myself that this is just a first draft, I can make all the mistakes, cliches and plot missteps I want, because they'll all get polished in editing. The whole point this year, is for me to get from point A to point B while making things make a fair amount of sense in between. Then when I'm done, I'm just going to have to dive in, and see what I can make out of this brain child.

Then, when it reaches that point where I'm just too terrified to finish, I'll look back on this entry, and this post, and say to myself "Do It Anyway."

Did you ever want to write a novel? A lot of people want to write a book.

In addition to my last post, I realized I was forgetting one key thing that helps me during NaNoWriMo.

An awesome wallpaper.
Last year, I made a wallpaper, it was a pretty big hit with most people. Not only that, but I was really proud of it. It was simple but nice and got the point across.



Now, for this year, I'm trying to find another quote to use. I really love the John Green quote because during NaNo, it's something I have beat in my brain. But I'm wondering if any of my lovely readers have other favorite quotes pertaining to writing.

Is there a saying that you live by while you write?
Or one that has just kind of stuck with you?

Let me know, I may use it in a wallpaper (or two). The only thing is that it has to be a fairly short quote. So leave a comment and let me know what your favorite quotes about writing are.

It Starts... again.

It's that time again.

With November quickly approaching, I'm starting to brainstorm as to what I want to try writing about this year. Last year I was surprised to actually finish, surprised but proud of myself. Looking at it from a distance, it's easy to say "It's ONLY 50,000 words." or "I have a full 30 days to write it." But what I learned last year is that it takes some incredible focus to actually be able to finish.
Also, a lot of chocolate and chai tea.

Here is what I discovered helped me a lot, after finishing my NaNo last year.

1: Write Every. Single. Day.
Even if I only wrote 100 words, I made sure to write something. More than anything, it kept the story fresh in my mind, and helped me maintain focus on the story.

2: Find Good Music to Write to.
For me, I would listen to upbeat, and silly music on my way to wherever I was writing at the time (I highly suggest ALL CAPS for this part). Then when it came to the actual writing, it was movie and TV scores all the way. For me, it was the Stardust, Warehouse 13 and P.S. I Love You Soundtracks.

3: Surround Yourself With People Who Are Doing the Same Thing.
I wrote more during my write-ins with my region, than I ever did by myself. It wasn't just that we had a few writing sprints, but just being surrounded by all those people who just gathered to write and do nothing (or mostly nothing) else. It was a supportive community, and really helps.

4: Good Food.
One of the worst things about going down to write-ins is that you can't really bring food with you. I mean, you can, but they frown upon it. So it forces you either to live (almost literally during NaNo) on cafe food, or bring small snacks that can be concealed and eaten quickly. I became a big fan of dried cranberries and sunflower seeds. Also, chai. I drank so much chai during last November, I'm pretty sure it was my main sustainer.

5: Have a Theme for the Month.
Last year, since it was the first year I was putting forth a real solid effort to finish NaNo, I made myself a wallpaper with a quote from John Green on it. This quote, pushed me through NaNo like nothing else.

So this NaNo season, the thing I recommend the most is to surround yourself with people who are also trying to do NaNo. If for no other reason than when you get to those bang your head against the desk repeatedly moments (and there will be many), you'll have someone who understands and someone who may even be able to help you out of a plot corner that you've painted yourself into.

And for those participating and in Salt Lake County, check out our NaNo Forum for updates on the kick-off party and soon, a list of where and when write-ins should be. Also, be sure to add me as a writing buddy!

Long Time, No Blog

*blows dust off blog*
*puts flower in vase to spruce things up*

Sooo, hey guys!
I just realized it's been over two months since I last posted here.

Oops.


I blame the fact of trying to find a new job.
And buying and moving into my new house.


Also, I've been incredibly uninspired lately. Not for lack of trying. I've been forcing myself to stare at my screen (sans internet) for a few hours a weekend hoping something will come out. But nothing. Still, at least I'm trying.

Even my tv blog has fallen a bit. I don't know if its a lack of focus or writers block... or maybe a mixture of both. 

Today, Helen and I went to Beans and Brews to write. Only to result in me creating a new header and the internet dying a million+ times in our two hour stay there.

*le sigh*

(an accurate representation of me vs. my writing)

Achievement Unlocked! [A Short Story]

This story has been rattling around in my head for a while. I finally got it all written down (major thanks to Helen for proofing it for me). I got this idea as I watched Felicia Day's new webseries "The Flog". I thought, what would happen if someone measured their life in experience points?

Achievement Unlocked

Race: Human
Gender: Female
Level: 23
Job: Tavern Wench (Barista)
Skill Set: +6 Sarcasm, +5 Intelligence, +3 Charisma, -2 Timeliness.

Life is so much easier to judge in experience points.
Get a new job: +4 maturity.
Break up with boyfriend: -4 relationship, +6 depression.
Spend $60 on a statue of your favorite character from a sci-fi show: +8 nerdiness, -12 social acceptance.

People think I’m crazy for ranking my life as if I live in a video game. But it helps me keep track of where I am in my life. There are skills I know I need to level up and ones that I know are almost to their cap.

Keeping a running tally of how my life is currently rating makes me realize what exactly I need to be doing next in my life.

For example, I’m currently lacking a bit of experience in the social aspect of my skill set.
Which would explain why I’m volunteering at the art festival.
And by volunteering, I mean standing in the middle of the library amphitheater and handing out maps of what is going on where.

Did I mention that I made let an art student paint a Sailor Moon tiara on my forehead? People look at me like I’m crazy, but it gives me a bit of joy every time someone asks what it is and I explain that they need to watch this amazing show.

I’ve only been out here for two hours, and I already feel like I’ve gained at least four points in my social interaction skill set. I also feel this overwhelming urge to walk inside the library, jump on a computer and troll tumblr like the nerd I am. But I committed to a five hour shift at the festival and I will complete it (+3 integrity).

“Do you know where I can find the Comic Book Workshop?” I spin on a heel and face the voice.
A boy. Some would classify him based on first glance as a plain human with limited skills and not worth teaming up with to grind (levels, of course).
I, however, immediately notice the Choose Your Weapon t-shirt with various Dungeons and Dragons dice and recognize him as a kindred spirit.

“Great shirt!” I say before I can contain myself. The Plain Human smiles. Ding! Level gained in flirting. I feel the heat rise in my cheeks. Luckily, it’s warm outside, so hopefully he’ll think it’s just the sun. “Yeah, it’s in the literary arts section.”

The boy stares at me blankly. I blink back at him. Only then realizing that he is staring at my forehead.
My blush deepens.

“Sailor Jupiter was always my favorite. Though, I’ve always had a thing for brunettes.” He mentions before looking down at the maps in my hand. “Can I have one of those?”

No words. A boy that knows Sailor Moon? This doesn’t happen.
Ever.
I hand him a map and just stare.
“Thanks.” He smiles and turns, making his way over to the Literary Arts section of the festival.

“Sailor Jupiter is my favorite too. You watch Sailor Moon? Your smile is adorable.” I mutter a dozen possible things I could have said as he walks away. I mentally kick myself for my lack of brain-to-mouth connectedness. I take a deep breath and face the library again. Admitting my defeat to the boss known as, Nerd Boy Adorable-ness. This boss seems to be one that I just can’t take down. “-8 Self Confidence.” I say to my reflection in the mirrored windows of the library.

“My name is Zach, by the way.” The cute boy returns, the map crumpled in his hand. I spin around so quickly, my glasses nearly slip off my face.
“Holy frak! I didn’t even see you!” Again, my mouth and brain stop communicating.
“The correct response is ‘Hi, Zach, you’re adorable. My name is…’” he holds out his hand to me. I raise an eyebrow at it and slip my palm into his. His thumb is calloused on the edges, a sure sign of a video game geek.
“Aggie. Though I never said you were adorable.”
“You said my smile was adorable.”
“Not the same thing.”

Our hands were still held in a cordial handshake. I stare down at my hand and laugh. “Can I have my hand back please?”
“Depends, want to grab a cup of coffee?”
Coffee + cute nerd boy = excellent idea.
“I guess.” I say, trying to hide my giddiness behind nonchalance. “But I still have three hours to go of volunteer work.”

He released my hand.
“Then I shall see you in a few hours. You know where to find me.” He winks and hands me back the map I gave him. On it is a circle. A circle on the very spot I was standing earlier. An arrow points to it with words written around it saying, “Find her again.”

Date with Cute Nerdy Boy. Achievement Unlocked!

Wallpapers Like Whoa

I've realized that it's been a very long time since the last time I posted some graphic that I've made. They're mostly wallpapers from various fandoms (because I'm me... so yeah)

Wallpapers:


A wallpaper consisting of my favorite John Green quotes. Both from books and from his youtube videos.


When the Avengers came out, I had to make a wallpaper. It was begging to be made.
I'm pretty proud of it, if I do say so myself.


Yesterday, while trolling tumblr and listening to spotify (like the productive adult I am), Alex Carpenter's Time Lord Rock song Bow Ties Are Cool came on and I was struck with inspiration.


Claudia Donovan (from Warehouse 13) is my spirit animal.



Graphics:


It started out as a Tardis, instead it came out like this. I still really love it.


Alohamora!

How I Write

I know that everyone writes a little bit differently. I decided to explain how I get in the mindset to write. I wrote about my writing habits a little over a year ago, and feel like they've changed a bit. Though some things have remained the same.


You're Wearing That?!?
The thing about what I wear when I write is that it has to be comfortable. I'm less likely to write well, if I'm dressed up in my work clothes or wearing painful shoes. It's a matter of trying to fine the most comfortable thing that's clean and making it work. One thing that is a constant, is the bracelet I got from Helen for my birthday last year. It reminds me that I have friends who are supporting me and wanting me to succeed.



Om Nom Nom
If I'm at Beans and Brews, it a chai. Really, anywhere I write I get a chai, but Beans and Brews is the best. As I'm trying to cut down my soda intake, I've also become addicted to Snapple drinks and I've been forcing myself to drink more water.

I can't write on an empty stomach. Even if I'm just munching on banana chips or something, I need something in my stomach.


Where Are You?
(I very nearly titled this part "Where You At?" but it made me flinch when I read it.)
I usually write better when I'm not at home. Though I have gotten better at remaining focused while I am at home, I prefer to write somewhere else. During NaNoWriMo, I realized how much I love writing at the library. Specifically the one downtown. First it was just convenient (I worked just around the corner), then I liked seeing all the different people that came in and out of the library. Lastly, this library is the perfect place to write because it's not eerily quiet, but no incredibly loud either.

If not the library, then Beans and Brews. I've talked a lot about Beans and Brews, I just really love writing there.


Hey Mr. DJ...
I've never ever been so grateful for a music program. Spotify has been my saving grace for writing. I can search for movie scores and add them all to a writing playlist and just play it while I write. Recently this playlist has consisted of:
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief Score
Warehouse 13 Season 2 Score
Under The Tuscan Sun Score
P.S. I Love You Score
The Avengers Score
and
Stardust Score

It's all just so pretty.



What are some of your writing habits?

Camp NaNoWriMo

Here's the thing.
I write pretty slowly. I was lucky to finish NaNoWriMo last year.

Then today, I got an e-mail from the NaNoWriMo team, about Camp NaNoWriMo. For June and/or August. The idea isn't completely repulsing me, it also doesn't make me think that it would be too much to handle. It's more curiosity.

As exhausted as I was after Novembers NaNo, I still find myself a bit curious as to whether or not I could do it in a month again. With a new job, new hours, and virtually no TV, could I make it again through another 50,000 word novel?

So as of right now, I'm going to do it. If I fail, then I fail. It wouldn't be the first time, won't be the last. If anyone is planning on doing it too, let me know. Find me on the Camp NaNoWriMo site.

Another Five Things I'm In Love With Right Now

Nerdist Podcast
This is something I've only recently become addicted to. Podcasts. I blame the podcast, CastleCast (a podcast for the ABC series Castle). While surfing the interwebs for something to occupy my earholes, I ran across the thriving nerd hub called Nerdist. Specifically the Nerdist podcast has my interest. Host Chris Hardwick his hilarious and always has quality guests. Then as an offshoot, you have the podcast Making It, With Riki Lindholm. Which continues to grab my interest as I listen to some of my favorite content creator's beginning stories.

The Hourglass Door
The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum was a surprisingly good book. When my younger cousin suggested I read it, it took me over a year to finally get around to it. I'm really glad I did finally read it. I was completely enthralled with the book. There is a bit of a cliche beginnng, but as the story progresses that cliche does melt away. If you have time to check out this great book, I highly suggest it. It was a great read. I can't wait until I  can read the next one.

Community
Have you guys seen this show? I tried watching it when it first started and couldn't get into it. Now, I feel like I can't miss an episode. Though I'd take How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory over it any day, It is one of those shows that never fails to make me laugh. One of the greatest parts of this show is that it has a pretty decently sized cast, and they all get really decent air time. No one really gets passed over.
Seriously, check it out.

Diet Snapple Noni Berry
I'm trying really hard not to drink a lot of soda. The problem is, I really don't care for water. So I'm trying to find really good juices that I like. This has been one of the yummiest drinks I've had in a long time.

Forget the Storm by Tyler Hilton
Remember how a few months ago, I posted about this amazing musician I have been obsessed with since my tween years? He finally has a new album. Not an EP, but a studio album. This is his first studio album in 8 years! And I would wait another 8 if the music continued to be this good. My favorite song on the album: Prince of Nothing Charming and Jenny

Monthly Writing Group

Recently I've become addicted to a podcast called "Making It with Riki Lindhome". While this podcast is mostly about how actors and other people have made it in the entertainment industry, I find it fascinating to find out how people get their start. We always hear how certain actors go to LA/New York, meet their agent and become big movie stars. That usually (re. almost always) takes a few years to happen. This podcast is all about those forgotten years between arrival in the city and arrival in entertainment.

Recently, Riki interviewed nerd queen extraordinaire, Felicia Day. If you don't know who this person is, you need to discover her immediately. As I listened to the podcast, Felicia talked about how when she was having a really hard time in her life and career, the thing that helped keep her on track was a monthly meeting with a handful of her friends. They made goals to each other, kept each other on track and understood when things didn't quite pan out.

As she was talking about this, all I could think of was NaNoWriMo. As bad as my NaNoWriMo is, the community I discovered during the crazy month was one of the best parts. We had word wars, talked about characters, helped each other out of writer's block, it was an amazing group of people.

This gave me an idea. I know that there is a group in the Salt Lake Valley called "Writers of the West" (that meet every Thursday at The Coffee Club on Redwood and 4800 S), but meeting every week can be a bit tiresome, and I feel like giving everyone a month to get their goals done is a good idea.

So here's what it comes down to.
If you'd like to join me (and most likely Helen), for a monthly writers group (I keep wanting to say support group... which it kind of is... I guess), leave me a comment here or e-mail me and let me know what days of the week are the best for you. I'll try and accommodate everyone I can. Chances are, we'll meet the last week of the month on whatever day works for everyone.

I really think this could be awesome, so if you're interested just let me know!

"My Thoughts are Stars I Cannot Fathom into Constellations."

I've been contemplating on whether to do a book review on The Fault in Our Stars for a while. The thing is, I'm not really that good at book reviews. If you're looking for an excellent review for this book check out my friend Meg's review.

Since I'm generally a follower and not a leader, I figured what the heck, I'll give you guys my thoughts on this book. Now that I've had almost four months to collect my thoughts about it.

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

So here's the thing with John Green. It's no secret that I adore his books. When I heard that John was taking a leap and writing from a female perspective for the first time, I was stoked. He writes some amazing male characters and some truly interesting female characters as well, but writing a main female character can be a bit of a challenge when you've written primarily male characters. With a few exceptions, I felt that Hazel Grace was a very well developed character with faults and strengths that are incredibly relateable (even to those of us not dying from cancer). There were a few moments where I thought that she was a bit of a cliche, but a book with out cliches is hard to find, and the cliches weren't part of the main story points.

Clearly this book is not the happiest of all books. But the way this book flows is incredible. It takes the rollercoaster of teenage love and sets it to super fast. Just when you get the highest you can be, it brings you down a little bit, lifts you up, then plummets you down quicker than you'd like. It's heart crushing and heart touching all at the same time. I have never read a book that made me feel as many feelings as this book did.

I'm ending with Augustus for a reason. I read a lot of contemporary YA fiction. This (more often than not) consists of a lot of teen romances that end in happily ever afters and kisses and rainbows. It has some of the dreamiest guys that you can't help but fall in love with. That being said, after meeting Augustus Waters, I felt that most all the other guys paled in comparison. The thing about Augustus is that he is incredibly aware of how he effects Hazel. He is also, extremely set on getting what he wants. There is nothing sexier than a man who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to take it.

Hazel and Augustus' relationship is a whirlwind of a romance that manages to stay fairly grounded in the reality of their situation.

Warning: If you read this book, you will cry at least once. If you don't cry: We can't be friends anymore (just kidding).

Because I'm a quote-aholic, I'm going to end this post with quotes from this book... there will be a lot of them... sorry.

"What a slut time is. She screws everybody."

"Some infinities are bigger than other infinities."

“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book. And then there are book which you can't tell people about, books so special and rare and yours that advertising your affection feels like a betrayal.”

“(I didn't tell him that the diagnosis came three months after I got my first period. Like: Congratulations! You're a women. Now die.)”

You can check out John Green every tuesday on his Youtube channel, Vlogbrothers

Amor Deliria Nervosa

Hey, look. I'm not dead! Just unemployed.

This weekend I've had a kind of emotional reboot. Yesterday, my best friend Helen kidnapped me from my imprisonment. Being unemployed and without a vehicle has seriously put a damper on my mood, and I was in much need of a day out.

Though the term "day out" may be a little misleading. She picked me up and we went to Beans and Brews for about 5 hours to write. Both of us at a booth just writing, researching, talking about characters. Since NaNoWriMo, I hadn't been to a coffee shop to write. I had forgotten how much  loved writing in coffee shops. Especially Beans and Brews (they have the best chai tea I've ever had). It was a great reboot for my system.

Today I decided to continue the emotional reboot by doing nothing today but reading. I had been slowly working through reading Lauren Oliver's Delirium for the past few weeks, and had decided I was just going to sit down and finish it. My soul sisters Angel and Helen have sung praises about it and I wanted to give it a try.

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love — the deliria — blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

Confession time: I generally don't like dystopian novels. I usually stay in my (relatively) happy contemporary YA fiction world because I have a really hard time getting into the dystopian theme and usually end up giving up half way through. They just don't appeal to me as much as other books do. That being said, I'm really glad I gave this one a chance.

I liked that the disease that everyone is afraid of being infected by is (basically) love. They break it down in a very clinical manner that makes the disease, "amor deliria nervosa," seem equally dangerous and thrilling.

Once Alex was introduced, his story with Lena was pretty predictable... that is, up until the ending. The ending, was pure brilliance. It surprised me to the point that I just stared at the last page for a good few minutes before closing the book.

Delirium is the first book in the trilogy, and I'm looking forward to see what the rest of this story has to offer.

Next up....
The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum

I wish I could say more...

Wow, that whole idea about blogging more often is NOT happening. *facepalm*

I've been unemployed for almost two weeks. When I got laid off I thought "Hey, maybe this will give me more time to write". Although, I have been keeping up pretty well on my TV blog, I keep thinking that I need to post here. I come into a new post page and just stare at the blinking cursor. Then after about 15 minutes of just staring, I turn on an episode of Psych/Charmed/TBBT or something else.

Why is it that when I was employed I had all these ideas and a treasure trove of characters, and now that I have the time to write... Nothing. Zilch. Nada.

Currently in this episode of Anna's Life...

Well Happy New Year everyone!!!

I wish I could blame the lack of posts on the fact that I'm super busy writing an awesome story, or on the recent releases of John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and Marissa Meyers' Cinder, or because I've been busy getting things ready for my mom to come visit this weekend. However, I'm not going to lie to you guys.

I'm just lazy.

And busy.

But mostly, lazy.

So to get over this laziness, I'm going to do a "Currently" post.*

Book:

The Fault in Our Stars

You need to go buy this book. NOW! I'm 80% sure that this book is going to be my favorite John Green book. I'm also about 98.8% sure that this book is going to make me cry like a little girl. John Green just wants me to FEEL ALL OF THE FEELINGS!!!!

Also, this book makes me want to write. Like a lot. It also makes me laugh out loud.

Music:

Dial Up Tour EP

I'll be seeing these guys in concert in a few weeks so their music has been on repeat.

Drink:

Chai Latte from Beans and Brews. I'm addicted. It's kind of bad.

Wishlist:

*closes eyes*

I wish for a giant chocolate shake.

That's pretty much all I want at the moment.

Movie:

What's Your Number?

This movie is extremely funny. I've watched it three times in one week. Anna Faris and Chris Evans are amazing!

TV Show:

Currently I'm in the middle of a Legend of the Seeker marathon.I'm not sure what compelled me to re-watch it, but I had forgotten how much I loved it.

Bane of my Existence:

The cold. Utah is cold. I hate it.

Excitement:

MY MOM FLYS IN TOWN TOMORROW!!! Also, Beauty and the Beast is 3D comes out tomorrow, I met one of my new favorite authors yesterday and my best friend had her baby today. It's been a pretty good week. (:

Wallpaper:

Made by me.

*shamelessly stolen from Helen.

It's been one month...

(I almost started singing "One Week" by Barenaked Ladies, then I realized that it was titled "One Week" not "One Month")

Almost exactly one month ago I finished my NaNoWriMo titled "Out of Tune".
It's been one month since closed it.
One month since I even looked at it.

With January 2012 quickly approaching, I'm realizing that it might be time for me to read my NaNo. Knowing full well that it will probably (read: most likely) be the worst piece of fiction that I've ever read. Mostly because, I ended it terribly. I knew that when I wrote it.

I'm sure every writer goes through this. Every writer has the moment when they've finished their first draft and think "Crap... now I have to read this." It's a bit like that moment in Tangled where Rapunzel finally escapes then has a major mood swing about leaving.

You know, this scene:

You go from that amazing feeling of finishing your book to that terrible nervous feeling of figuring out that you're kind of a terrible writer. While I realize that most writer's first drafts are crap (as most writers say, "A novel isn't a novel until the revision process."), this being my first novel I've ever finished (hell, this is my first novel I've ever spent this much time on), it's an incredibly scary task to take on.

It's also a task that can only be put off for so long before I need to bite the bullet and just go for it. After all, Walt Disney once said:

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."

Curse you Walt Disney for having good advice that I can't deny! *shakes fist*
Time for me to quit talking about revising, and just start.

 

"Zoinks!"