Sunday, August 24, 2014

Blog Poll


You may have noticed that there is a small poll on the side of this blog, asking you what sort of content you would like to see more off in the future. I would like to know what sort of blog posts and content you enjoy the most, so that I can use that information to better this blog. Lately I have been going through a lot of transition, and this blog has been one of the many things changing. Currently I am not really sure what direction it will be headed in, so if you would like to take a moment and click on your top three favorite types of content that you would like to see more of on this bog (in the sidebar), I would be very appreciative. If you have any other comments or suggestions to make please comment below, thank you!

Friday, August 22, 2014

Shatter Me-Book Review

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"Shatter Me" by Tahereh Mafi
About: "Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior." From Goodreads

My Review: I almost put this book down about halfway through, I think I could have just dropped it and moved on with my life without really missing anything. Though now that I've finished it I am interested to see what happens in the next book. The first part of this book was sort of interesting, but a bit slow. Juliette was in a prison cell thinking poetic, though strange, thoughts about the outside world. No really, some of them were really really weird and this continued through the whole book... Here's a few of them for an example:

"I'd like to cry into his eyes."
"There are 400 cotton balls caught in my windpipe."
"James and Adam glance back at me and I melt into pink Play-Doh."
"I offer him a smile. Try to keep my organs from falling out. Hope the holes in my head aren't showing."
"I'm blushing through my bones."

See what I mean? They make me want to facepalm, hard. Besides all these semi poetic weird descriptions scattered throughout the whole book, Juliette has this interesting curse/gift thing that causes her to inflict serious pain on anyone she touches. This intrigued me and was what made me pick up the book, but it really wasn't explored all that much. Near the end of the book something really exciting happens and I feel quite sure that her ability will be explored a lot more in the future books in this series. The ending saved this book for sure, if it wasn't for that twist, I would probably have hated this book. There was way too much questionable content in it for me. I will read the second one, but after that, if it doesn't get a lot better then I'm abandoning the series.

Questionable Content: There was a whole lot of kissing in this book, and I mean a whole awful lot. The characters never went all the way, but you could tell that they really wanted to. I didn't appreciate that, and wished they would have kept that to a minimum. There was also a lot of swearing, with most of it happening towards the end. As for violence, it wasn't terrible, but violence in books and movies doesn't really bother me normally. Some descriptions may bother younger readers as it got a bit graphic at times.

Because of all the questionable content, I give "Shatter Me" ★★☆☆☆=It was okay. However, I am looking forward to reading the next book. I think the future developments in this story have a lot of potential.
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Rating System:

                                               ☆☆☆☆☆=It was terrible! I didn't finish it.
                                               ★☆☆☆☆=I did not enjoy it.
                                               ★★☆☆☆=It was okay.
                                               ★★★☆☆=It was pretty good.
                                               ★★★★☆=I really enjoyed it.
                                               ★★★★★=It was Amazing!
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Have you read "Shatter Me"? If so, what did you think? Are you planning on reading it, or are you going to skip it? Whatever your opinion, please leave a comment, I always love hearing from you!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Character Development Series-Well Deserved Vacation


Give your character a well deserved vacation, because we've reached the end of the Character Development Series! Where would they like to go? A tropical island, or a busy city? What activities would they enjoy doing on their time off? Would they relax, or go sightseeing? Would they go by themselves, or take their family, or friends with them? What types of foods would they enjoy on their vacation? Would they enjoy a fast paced vacation, or a time to just sit and rest? Whatever vacation your character would like, they deserve it. After all you put them through they could use a little rest and relaxation. 

Thanks for participating in the Character Development Series, I hope you all enjoyed it! Please let me know what you thought of the series. Did you love it? Hate it? However you felt about it please let me know in the comments, I love hearing from you!

Sunday, August 17, 2014

New Deviant Art Account

Hello everybody, first of all I would like to apologize for the considerable drop in the amount of posts I have been posting in the last few weeks. My life has been speeding up faster and faster as the summer comes to a sad but inevitable end. I will be posting a survey of sorts sometime in the near future asking you what type of posts you enjoy most and would like to see more of, so keep your eyes peeled for that. If you have any feedback you would like to offer me please go ahead and leave a comment. I love hearing from you! Suggestions and comments are always more than welcome. 


Anyways, getting back to the main point of this post, I have created a Deviant Art account. Deviant Art is a website designed specifically for sharing your artwork, it's a really neat place. Now you can follow me on Deviant Art, favorite my artwork, leave feedback, comments, share my work, and even buy prints if you want. I will still be posting a few pieces of art on this blog, but the majority of my art will be on my Deviant Art account. All you need to do to check out my art on my new account is click here.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Character Development Series-Starbucks Order

(All rights go to Starbucks® no copyright infringement intended)

Do you like coffee? I don't, but some of my characters certainly do. I was browsing through the Starbucks® menu the other day and it got me thinking. Have you ever gone to a coffee shop with a couple of friends before? If you have, have you noticed how interesting it is to see what everyone orders? Some people will order the same thing every time. Others will never get the same thing twice. There are so many options on the menu to choose from. It's interesting to think that maybe a person's order reflects their personality. So that leads to today's Character Development Series question: What would your character order from Starbucks®?

I chose Starbucks® because they have such a huge selection to choose from. They have all sorts of coffees, teas, smoothies, hot chocolates, and other beverage options. That's not all though, have you ever looked at their bakery menu? They have cookies, scones, doughnuts, croissants, danishes, coffee cakes, and so much more. Not to mention all the sandwiches and other food options they have. My mouth is watering just writing this! Why don't you take a quick look at the Starbucks® Drink Menu, and the Starbucks® Food Menu, and ask yourself: "What would your character order?"  

Don't forget to comment, I always love hearing from you, and all about your characters! 

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Beautiful People August Edition-Thalia

It's time for Beautiful People again, this time it's the August edition! For those of you who don't know Beautiful People is a monthly set of questions to help me, and you, get to know my characters. Last month I participated in BP and answered the questions about my character Jastin from "The Paths of Thyme". The month before I answered the questions for Nadasa, also from "The Paths of Thyme". This month I will be answering the questions for Thalia Grey, Nadasa's caretaker and herbalist teacher. 

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1) What does your character regret the most in their life? Thalia regrets the many mistakes that she made in her past. Her greatest fear is that her past will catch up with her, and she has spent most of her life running from it.

2) What is your character's happiest memory? Most sorrowful memory? Thalia's happiest memory is the day her father took her to the castle archives where he worked and let her read anything she wanted. Her most sorrowful memory is the day she recovered from the plague only to discover that her entire family had not survived, and she was alone in the world.

3) What majorly gets on your character’s nerves? When people don't listen to her. She has a lot of wisdom to offer from many years of experience, specifically as an herbalist, but many times she has been silenced, especially for being a woman. Nadasa happens to be really good at getting on Thalia's nerves as well.

4) Do they act differently when they're around people as opposed to being alone? If so, how? Thalia feels the need to stay in control, to not let anything surprise her, or catch her off guard. Around people she is very cool, professional, and unshakable. When she is alone she lets the act slip, revealing that inside she really is the same scared little girl she was years ago, who makes mistakes, and doesn't always know what to do.

5) What are their beliefs and superstitions? (Examples: their religion or lack of one, conspiracy theories, throwing salt, fear of black cats.) Thalia used to be religious when she was young, but after her family died she turned her back on everything she used to believe in. Instead she dedicated her life to helping people, becoming a gifted herbalist, and saving many lives, though inside she has always felt empty.


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6) What are their catchphrases, or things they say frequently? "As an herbalist and healer you have an obligation to any wounded person, or even animal. If you can save someone then you must, even if they are an enemy. Do not withhold life, for if you do so then you are worse than a murderer.”

7) Would they be more prone to facing fears or running from them? Thalia has run from her past her entire life, it is her greatest fear. She can handle anything life throws at her, except she is unable to face her past mistakes.

8) Do they have a good self image? No, Thalia has spent her whole life trying to make up for her past, but she has never felt good enough. She sees herself as no better than a murderer.

9) Do they turn to people when they're upset, or do they isolate themselves? She has Isolated herself so much that she is not even sure if she is physically capable of opening up to someone.

10) If they were standing next to you would it make you laugh or cry? Neither, I would just feel very bad for her, and try to help her work through her many issues. She is a very damaged character, but despite this she has tried her best to move on and better herself and the world. I believe this shows great strength, but no matter what she does she will never be able to move on unless she forgives herself and lets go of the past.


Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed getting to know Thalia. She plays a more minor role in "The Paths of Thyme" but still holds a special place in my heart. If you have any questions about Thalia, my book, or anything else, just leave your questions in the comments and I'll answer them as soon as I can. Have you participated in Beautiful People before? What did you think about this month's questions? I really enjoyed them, what about you?

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Character Development Series-Favorite Season


Sorry everybody, this post is a day late. I lost track of the days of the week, which seems to happen so often in the summer, which is related to this week's character development series question. What's your character's favorite season? Why? In the summer the days seem to blend together into one long stream of time. The days are hot, long, and usually filled with carefree fun. In the fall, which happens to be my favorite season, the air is crisper, and leaves turn colors and fall from the trees. Time is more measured in this season, as kids head of to school and watch the clock carefully so they are not late to any of their many activities. In the winter the world is cold, and white. Time seems to slow down, picking up only through the winter holidays. That are filled with fun and laughter, but a different sort than in summer. Finally we have spring, where time begins to speed up again, the snow melts, the earth turns green, and the world explodes back into color. It rains often, bringing new life, and lot's of mud. So which season is your character's favorite? Which one can they identify with most?

Note: I am aware that seasons do not always behave this way depending on where you live.

Don't forget to comment! I always love hearing from you!

Monday, August 4, 2014

Blog Design Update

Hey everybody! You might have noticed a couple of changes around my blog today, well actually quite a lot of changes. The whole thing is completely different! 

(My new blog button, please go ahead and take one!)

I've been meaning to give my blog another design update for a while now, and I finally got around to doing it today. Christine Smith over at Musings of an Elf recently updated her blog's design as well. Her new design gave me a few ideas and enough motivation to finally get it done. So what do you think of the new design? Pretty different huh? I thought I'd go for a more sleek, simple, and professional look. What do you think? Did I succeed? Do you like it? Hate it? Whatever your opinion is about the new design, comment below, I always love hearing from you!

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Bucket List Tag

I found this lovely tag over at Hidden Orchards, and Lianne Taimenlore. As both of these ladies tagged anyone who wanted to participate, I decided to go ahead and do it. The rules are vague, so I just picked ten different things that I would love to do before I die, and were not too preposterous. Seriously though, there's some really weird things out there on some of the pinterest bucket lists I looked through...
Anyways, here is my bucket list:

Though I am not an amazing artist I really enjoy drawing and creating art pieces. Art is very powerful. I have been inspired by many different pieces of art over the years, and I believe that it would be amazing if I could inspire someone with some of my art too.

A longtime dream of mine, to have one of my books on every bookshelf.

I think riding in a limo would be fun, I haven't done it yet, but someday I hope to.

Horses have been my favorite animals for as long as I can remember. I've always wanted to have my own horse. I've lived within the city limits my whole life, and horses are expensive to keep, so I have been unable to have one yet. Someday, someday...

 The great wall of China has always fascinated me. Such a huge piece of architecture, with so much history behind it. It would be amazing to walk on the great wall someday.

I love learning, and am really looking forward to going to college. I hope to study writing extensively, as well as literature, art, or perhaps communications. I really have not decided yet.

 
 I've always dreamed of traveling the world, and setting foot all all seven continents would be amazing! One down, six to go.

My family has owned two dogs in my life, we got both of them full grown, so I've never had a puppy. I love dogs, cats are really nice too, but I like dogs just a little bit better. Puppies are so adorable, and I've always wanted to have one.

I've dabbled in songwriting when I was younger but my attempts were quite embarrassing, and a bit ridiculous. I would like to write a song before I die, a good one.

I love stargazing, but I don't like going out after dark by myself, and I can't find anyone to do it with me that often. I think that stargazing on a roof would be amazing, because that way you don't have to lay in the wet grass, and you're even higher up to look at the stars. 

I nominate:
Brooke Faulkner at Teen Words of Steel
Grace M. at Fictionally
Imogen Elvis at Gossiping with Dragons
Willa Nicole at Willa Nicole Scribblings
Ghost Ryter at Anything, Everything
Christine Smith at Musings of an Elf

If I didn't tag you and you would like to participate, feel free to do so. If you were tagged and would prefer not to participate, then don't. It's completely up to you so please don't feel pressured. 

Don't forget to comment, I'd love to hear about what's on your bucket list! 

Friday, August 1, 2014

Those Final Two Words: The End.

Four years ago I had an idea, an idea that very well may have changed the course of my life. That idea was a story, a story about a young girl named Nadasa. A story that is now entitled "The Paths of Thyme". For four years I plotted, planned, wrote, developed characters, and worked on "The Paths of Thyme" which grew into something far bigger than the tiny idea it started out with. Nadasa, Jastin, Dan, Thalia, Hagan, Nika, Isa, Markus, Wing, and all the rest of the characters came to life and became so real to me. After a long journey of four years, with over six majorly different versions, a grand total of 66,346 words, and 298 typed pages, I have finally witten those final two words that I have dreamed of writing ever since I started:


That's right, "The Paths of Thyme" is done. Finished! Well, I've got a whole lot of revision to do yet, but I have finally made it all the way through the whole story, it's all there. All of it. Finally. I did it, and I can hardly believe it. I completed my first novel, the project that I've been working on for four years is done! Now what do I do? Ah yes, revision, and you know what? I'm actually pretty excited about that. Now if you'll excuse me I'm off to celebrate with a whole lot of ice cream, and chocolate, lots!

(Oh, and if you're wondering. Yes, this means that I completed my Camp NaNoWriMo goal.)