What I'm Reading: The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Who out there hasn't read this book? I actually read this one over two years ago, but am just getting into The Scorch Trials, so I thought I'd best post a review of this first.

I was lent The Maze Runner by a friend who wasn't particularly taken with the book. I believe I ended up enjoying it more than she did. The was written at the late grade-school level, making it a very easy read for an adult or older teen, but the pace was perfect for the writing style, and the pace keeps you turning pages as fast as your eyes can scan.

The book does lack the deeper themes of the Hunger Games (though I sense this might be coming), and therefore comes across as a bit simpler than it's other Distopian counterparts. Or even a simpler version of Lord of the Flies. Still and entertaining read, and as I said, I'm reading the second book currently.

4/5 stars.

What I'm Reading: How to Love

How to Love by Katie Cotugno

I loved the first chapter of this book. The first time I read it (in a book store), I was sucked right in.  Eventually, I borrowed this book from my public e-library.

After the first chapter, however, the book somehow became less.The narrative became a little repetitive, the actions of the characters also seemed to repeat themselves. The main character seemed to grow very little, and the "Before" and "After" alternating chapters were difficult to differentiate, making it easy to forget where I was whenever I put the book down.  What kept me reading was wanting to know if they would end up together. If that's your kind of mystery, then you might enjoy this story. The book was well written, and an easy, fast paced read, but part of me was wishing for a main character who wasn't so taken in by the "bad boy".

3.5/5 Stars.

What's Up Wednesday

Self-Publishing Update

I've been busy with a few different self-publishing items lately. First off, I finally got in touch with the Chapters chain to discuss consignment. Their contract is similar to my local independent book store, but they take 5% more from the set price, which means I'm selling it for slightly more at Indigo. It also will take longer to get on the stores at Indigo than it did at my local indie bookshop, which was able to have the book on the shelf that day.

The proofs of Broken Tide have arrived for my beta readers, and I'm looking forward to getting feedback soon as I want to have this second book of the Black Depths series in your hands by November 30th, which is four days after I plan on completing this years NaNoWriMo. Here are some pictures of the proof copies.

I'm still working on some stuff for WattPad, and will have Black Depths the short story up by November 1st. You heard it here first - that's my promise.

I'm working more on marketing and promotion. My goodreads giveaway seems to have gone off well. Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch has received more reviews. Some of them 5 stars! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed my book, whether you liked it or not. If you did like it, the best thing you can do is to recommend it to a friend and bring everyone a bit of happiness.

Once Broken Tide is out and listed on the Goodreads site, I will be doing another giveaway (or two), so watch for that.

Tuesday Writing Prompt

As a NaNoWriMo treat, the writing prompts for the next month will be on character development. Enjoy, and for all those NaNoer's, happy NaNoing!

1. The Character Emerges

Imagine your character emerging from your paper, a painting, a television, etc. What is the first thing your character does? Do they run and hide? Do they stand tall in the face of danger? Do they pick up the remote control and change the channel on the television? Raid the fridge? Pick up a book? Call a friend? Cry? Laugh? Shout for freedom?

Write one page on how your character reacts. If you need a character, feel free to use the one in the image below.

What I'm Reading: Emmy & Oliver

I recently finished this one. Written by Robin Benway, Emmy & Oliver is a heartwarming YA, which follows the titular character Emmy, as she rediscovers her childhood friend, Oliver, who was kidnapped by his father when he was seven. The characters were real and engaging (if maybe a bit stereotypical at times), and the dialogue true and entertaining. The story was fast paced enough that I rarely found a time I actually wanted to put the book down (though I did have to put it down multiple times thanks to my busy life). A very enjoyable read, I'd give it four stars out of five.

Writing Prompt

Write your own page about this lake scene. Write in first person. Feel the water. Describe it to me.

Broken Tide Cover Art

I have a treat for you today. Here is the cover art for the ebook release of Broken Tide. There might be a bit more text added, (Book 2 etc.). But otherwise, this is it.  What do you think? Does it look good? Dark and mysterious? Compelling?

Broken Tide Release Date

The date for the release of Broken Tide, book 2 of the Black Depths Series, and the sequel to Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch has been chosen.

Broken Tide will be released on November 17th, 2016. It will be available from all major ebook sellers, and will be available in paperback from CreateSpace.

Add it to your calendar! 

Tuesday Writing Prompt

______ watched them through the trees.

a)   _______saw the blood.

b)   _______ saw the kiss.

c)   _______ saw the glow and the sparkle and the something that told ____ not all was normal in the    
world.