More Updates: Writing, PC Repairs, and Getting A New Laptop...

Okay... Until I get this mess with my PC sorted out I'm probably going to update once a week just to let you guys know what is going on. Here are all the details of May 4th-11th, 2013.

Books I've Bought:

My Kindle got a bit more love. :)

Writing Updates: 

I started writing Promise Me Forever this week and the rough draft clocks in at roughly 6,500 words so far. I'm absolutely thrilled with the progress I'm making on it. I know I'm not as active here, and one of my later announcements should help more with that, but on the writing front I'm in great shape!

It's a bit irritating to have to put Sweet Rebellion onto the back burner, but all my notes for that are backed up on my e-mail and I don't want to go through the headache of switching them to where / how I'm writing the SP novella. That's part of the reason I planned the releases the way I announced them last week.

I'm also going ahead with planning the next SP novella, By Darkness Deceived (which is Ruby's story, for anyone curious) and my second Maple Springs novel, tentatively titled His Sweet Obsession (I'm still staying mum on the details for that--It's got a long way to go.)

For anyone interested, I usually post a daily word count update, complete with a snippet of whatever I'm writing, on my facebook author page if you would like to follow it. :)

PC Repair / Blogging Updates:

I have not been signing up for cover reveals, tours, etc. because this PC is running with two broken legs and one hand tied behind its back. It's still going to be a while before I can actually get it working properly. I don't drive, our local computer shop has hours that conflict with my family's work schedules, and if I were to take it in right now it could be a week or two before I would get it back.

Your continued patience is appreciated. :)

Time For A Laptop! :) 

This nightmare of thinking I lost all my writing is never going to happen to me again. Ever. I spend way too much time on my stories for them to get eaten by some stupid virus or maliware attack on my computer.

Now, I will make two things clear: (1) Yes I intend to use the laptop as a laptop, not just as a big fancy flash drive. (I had someone ask me this on a forum. "Ooo, we've got a funny guy, huh?" :p) But his point is clear: get a darn flash drive while I'm dong all this. And (2) Yes, I realize this isn't a magic wand that's gonna make me write twice as much. (I wish! Even though I outline, my characters surprise me when I get to the drafts and writing their stories often throws really awesome curve balls at me that I don't see coming.)

The point, really, is that if one machine is down I'll be able to use the other (see my current situation above, for example.) and the laptop will give me additional portability (and the ability to put a wireless printer in our living room, since my room is too small.)

After doing a bit of research, I've decided to budget myself $700 before taxes (Canadian; and not including getting a mouse, laptop bag, flash drive and printer / paper / binders to organize things.) I've gone far too long without getting things set up to take this writing thing seriously. I realize none of this is going to write the books for me, but (for me) I think there is some type of pride in having everything together and working properly. Plus I can sit at the dinning room table, which is much closer to the tea kettle and microwave. :p (Sound business / productivity strategy there, yes?)

But WOW do I have options! Do I want a touch screen? Do I want dedicated graphics? (My main PC is a gaming machine, and my bf is all "Just think, we could still play LOTRO if you go on vacation.) Do I want something with an SSD? (Expensive, would have to be a bonus, but very writing practical.) 15.6" or 17.3" ?

To tell you all the truth, what I want is:

1. A machine that is capable and which will load things without acting like a turtle. Meaning: it needs a decent processor.

2. A machine with a screen that I can read / see. Fortunately, I'm buying for writing and blogging, not gaming. Most of my writing / blogging programs can have their fonts increased for the drafting / editing stages.

3. (And really it should be #1, since it will likely be my deciding factor) A machine with a keyboard that I don't despise. I'm a writer. If my hand (I use a one handed typing technique, as I have little control of the fingers on my right hand) is gonna be like a permanent growth on that thing, it better work with me, rather than against me.

Everything else is a bonus, really. (I mean, I know I want at least 4gb RAM and that if I don't get a dedicated graphics machine that I should aim for something with Intel 4000 so it is at least up to date in its incompetency. :p *Did I say I was a gamer? :p*)

Anyway, I think that sums everything going on this week up. :) Would you guys like me to post a weekly recap of my facebook writing snippets here? Have you read / do you want to read any of the books I bought? Do you have any thoughts about my upcoming laptop purchase? I'd love to know! 

Updates: Writing News, PC Troubles and Sorting Everything Out

Hey guys!

I know I haven't been on here as much as usual lately. Initially, it was just the fact that I am writing stuff as well as reading and blogging. Unfortunately, my computer got some crazy virus from Windows Update (!!!!!!) last Wednesday (nearly two weeks ago) and I'm going to have to take it into the shop. It's been keeping me back from getting work done here and on my current projects writing-wise, and it's keeping me from signing up for stuff (seriously--I have like four things in my mail that I'd LOVE to do but since I don't drive I can't control *when* my PC will go in or come back. I'm gonna have a blank zone for a few days soon and I can't have something scheduled then.)

I'm still sorta having trouble sorting out how I want to run this blog and write. I'm doing a LOT of writing right now. (Well outlining right now--I was writing before things went crazy with the PC. And yes, thank goodness, all my work is safe.) I have probably 15 to 20 books I've read in the last couple months that I haven't reviewed yet. Heck, I have video reviews for some of these on my camera. (Those aren't up because of PC grief.) Here's the thing, though: I feel like I keep telling you all the same things again, and again, and again. I know they're about different books, and characters, and romances, but something really isn't working and I can't put my finger on what it is.

Okay, enough whining. Let's talk about some good and exciting stuff, shall we?

I'm sure by this point, most of you who visit often know what this is. *points at Sealer's Promise cover*. Well... The reason you haven't heard much about it lately is because it's going through re-writes from Hell. And that is still very much the case.

BUT...

Today I want to announce that the Sealer Saga will be getting two prequel anthologies, Twilight of the Gods (Sealer Saga Anthology #1) and Parting the Veil (Sealer Saga Anthology #2). I will be releasing three novellas in each of these and they will be available both as individual downloads and as the above-mentioned anthologies. And today, I'm going to share the working (meaning: this could change) title and summary for the first story in Twilight of the Gods...

Promise Me Forever
(Sealer Saga Prequel Novella #1)

by Kathy Coleman

Before he became the God of Plagues...

Before the Veil between Zynedia and Earth was parted...

Before he vowed to protect Sarena Lengton...

Kyden loved Lila.

Determined to save her little sister Blossom, Lila has come up with a foolproof plan. At this year's Festival of the Wind, she will offer herself as a consort to Kyden, the Lord of Healing--if he will save Blossom's life. Of course, whether the plan is foolproof because it will work, or because only a fool would trifle with a Sealer, is anyone's guess. But Lila's mind is made up: Blossom's life is in danger, so she must try.

After living nearly nine thousand years, Kyden is sure he has seen and done everything--until his new consort starts to make demands. Equal parts annoyed and amused, he denies her request. But when her life is put in peril, Kyden does the unthinkable--he bends to a mortal's will.

With Lila at his side, Kyden feels alive again. But a jealous Goddess will stop at nothing to make Kyden her own, and when the dust settles nothing will be the same. People say love can heal all wounds. But is it strong enough to keep two people together when someone is willing to destroy the heavens to keep them apart?

The winds of change are about to howl.

The art I'm thinking of buying for the cover can be found here, for anyone who is curious. :) (As with my title and summary, this is "working"; if someone else buys it before I do this will change. Why haven't I bought it yet? Because I view putting a cover on a book my reward for completing it... or at least *thinking* I have. ;) Yes, I'm quite likely an odd duck.) 

Next, I'm sure some of you have heard a bit about a little project I've been working on called The Mansion You Stole. I believe I said I had written roughly 17,000 words of it the last time I posted? Well, because of PC troubles the word count hasn't budged this week. But it now has a new title, a summary and a potential cover. (Same rules of logic apply that I stated for Promise Me Forever). 

Sweet Rebellion
(Maple Springs #1)

by Kathy Coleman

Megan Sinclair leads a double life. To the outside world, she is the daughter of a wealthy record label executive. A spoiled rich girl who fled Toronto for the little town of Maple Springs to escape imaginary problems. To Dazzle Records she is Claire Walker, a brilliant songwriter and guitar prodigy. When Megan decided to quit writing for Dazzle three years ago to pursue a college degree, she never imagined the consequences of her choice could be so dire.

Determined to get his songwriting machine back, Megan's father sells the house she's been living in to Clay Freeman. Once Dazzle's fastest rising star and Claire's former writing partner, Clay cut all ties with the "guitar genius" a year ago when she refused to work with him on a new single.

Now, Clay is Megan's only hope of retaining the life in Maple Springs that she has come to love. He has no idea that she and Claire are the same person--or that Megan has harbored a huge crush on him during their entire co-writing career.

Megan knows that she'll have to tell the truth eventually if she wants a chance at anything real with Clay. But as she gets to know him, and falls totally in love, will she have the courage to speak up knowing it could end things between them... forever?

And for those who are curious, here is the cover I'm thinking of buying for Sweet Rebellion. This one is pretty likely, since I want to sorta 'brand' the Maple Springs books this way. (Yes, I do have more planned. No, I'm not saying any more about that today. I've got too much going on as it is. :) ) 

And now for what is likely the biggest piece of news regarding these two stories: I am hoping to have both Promise Me Forever and Sweet Rebellion released by the end of 2013. I'm not going to say I *will*. But I will say that is my hope / plan / goal. If things go as I want them to, Promise Me Forever will release this July / August, and Sweet Rebellion will come out in November / December. 

And now, with that crazy announcement, I'm going to close this. Because I have seven zillion tons of work to get done if I want to make this happen. Thanks so much to those who continue to follow I Write, I Read, I Review despite all the crappy (or non) scheduling that happens when I write. I truly do appreciate it. 

So, are you excited about Promise Me Forever or Sweet Rebellion? Do you like the covers I'm hoping to buy for them? I'd love to know. :) 

Cover Reveal: Unbreak Me by Lexi Ryan

Today I'm thrilled to be part of the cover reveal for Unbreak Me by Lexi Ryan. As usual, it was the summary for the novel that grabbed my interest, and of course I'll be including that, too. :) Anyway, let's get to the good stuff.

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(Summary Provided By Xpresso Book Tours)

“If you’re broken, I’ll fix you…”

I’m only twenty-one and already damaged goods. A slut. A failure. A disappointment to my picture-perfect family as long as I can remember. I called off my wedding to William Bailey, the only man who thought I was worth fixing. A year later, he’s marrying my sister. Unless I ask him not to…

“If you shatter, I’ll find you…”

But now there’s Asher Logan, a broken man who sees the fractures in my façade and doesn’t want to fix me at all. Asher wants me to stop hiding, to stop pretending. Asher wants to break down my walls. But that means letting him see my ugly secrets and forgiving him for his.

With my past weighing down on me, do I want the man who holds me together or the man who gives me permission to break?

Are you intrigued? Add it to your GoodReads!

Want to help spread the word? Get involved with the upcoming Release Day Blitz! 

About The Author

Website | GoodReads

Facebook | Twitter

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Ryan writes romances with humor, heat, and heart. Her books are described as fun, flirty, and wickedly sexy. A lover of learning, Lexi has been in the classroom all her life and currently holds the title of assistant professor of English at her local community college. Lexi is a proud member of Romance Writers of America. She lives in rural Indiana with her husband and two children.

So, what do you think of the cover for Unbreak Me? Are you interested in reading it? I'd love to know. :)

As always, thanks go to Xpresso Book Tours for having me along. :)

Review: On The Plus Side by Tabatha Vargo

I'm usually not conflicted when I write a review. Either I liked a book, I didn't, or I liked it but felt there are ways it could have been better. In the interests of being totally honest, I'm gonna spell this out for all of you up front: I can't decide how I feel about On The Plus Side as far as "Liked" or "Didn't Like". Instead, I want to say that this is a story that had some serious potential and that I wish I was critiquing and not reviewing, because a lot of my problems here--not ALL, but *many*--are things that could have, with time and effort, been vastly improved.

I'm always concerned whether my musings on books come across more as reviews or (pointless, since the thing is out in the wild) critiques, and I am more genuinely concerned *here* then ever. But I suppose I cannot have that stop me from telling you all what I thought about On The Plus Side, because as a reader, write *and* plus sized woman, I have a lot to say.

(Summary from GoodReads)

Big girls need love, too, but at what cost?

Lilly is loaded, not only with money, but with weight. Both things she could do without. But even with her undesired millionaire status, she doesn’t hold on to false hopes of finding true love. So when a sexy stranger comes into her life dripping with seduction, she finds it hard to resist. The bigger they are the harder they fall and Lilly falls straight through the floor in love with Mr. Sexy. Too bad he’s there for all the wrong reasons.

The chance of losing it all will make you do some crazy things and Devin’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep his life together. All seems lost when out of nowhere he’s approached by a Millionaire Momma with an offer he can’t refuse. But even a womanizer like Devin has a heart and when the short, chunky girl with the carefree attitude breaks through his icy façade, he finds that losing everything takes on a whole new meaning.

Okay, first the good. I thought that this book had a fantastic premise, and that on a large scale front that Tabatha did a good job of carrying that premise. It's not often that we get a story about a plus sized character (always welcome, in my opinion). Unfortunately, it's even less often that we get a story about such a character where their fatness does not end up becoming a character within itself (or replaces entirely the character the author was trying to create.) It's one of those things where it's great if you nail it but it can be bad when you don't and unfortunately, for me, the execution and the premise did not line up. 

Yet in regard to the plot (I'll get to characters in the next section) the problems that held me back from truly enjoying this story were bad editing and writing technique that could have easily been improved:

1. Do not mix past and present tense within a POV (without at least some type of indication), let alone within a paragraph, please.

2. Exclamation marks are like pepper--use them with caution. 

3. When people say "tell me a story" they usually don't mean it in quite as literal a sense as is presented here. 

The first two are mildly annoying and could perhaps be overlooked. It's the third that drove the nails into the coffin. So many important things were told to me during this book rather then shown to me. We often get the same situation from both Devin and Lilly's POVs (one per chapter) with them thinking us through what's going on rather then truly living it. I've noticed this in small chunks in books before. And I know that sometimes doing this can be completely legitimate. But when I'm sitting here and telling you that at least 40% of the novel (and I'm being cautious with that number) is presented in this way, I think the majority of you will understand why I'm labeling this as a serious problem. I do not normally review the presentation and writing *style* of the books I read--I feel that as a fellow writer that's a little nosy and perhaps even spiteful?--but in this case it was such a large part of what hindered my enjoyment of the novel that this review would not make sense without talking about it. 

Okay, look: I read the sample for this before I bought it. So I had to have been something I liked. I still don't totally know what happened, but I'll try my best to explain since as a reader this is where my trouble really came in. You see, I don't overly believe that characters can or should be different then how an author portrays them--if I feel anything, be it good or bad, something was done right. 

Lilly... I truly want to believe there was an interesting, decent and memorable heroine somewhere within that I was suppose to be rooting for. You broke my heart, but it was for all the wrong reasons. You compared yourself to: a car and a beached whale. You used your weight as a crutch to lean on and hide behind, and yet (in what I think was suppose to show strength, oddly) never wanted to change what you were.

Here's the thing, honey: if you had been happy with yourself to any degree, *believably happy*, that would be a true revelation. Because it is fully possible to be happy with your appearance, even as a size 20. But your self abuse, often meant to come off as humor, came off as someone who needed some serious help to me. I'm not sure if I want to go so far as to say you need help, or whether I just want to say the lengths you went to made you unbelievable to me. What I will say is this: your mother 'won' the real battle-that for your worth-long before a reader ever showed up. And I just didn't see enough improvement in you *inside*, where it truly matters, to change my opinion on this. 

As for Devin, his continued inability to make a decision, combined with the fact that so much of the story was both summarized and repeated, kept him from being overly memorable or likable as the book went on. I was intrigued at the premise initially and I *got* that he was conflicted. But the continued back and forth confliction throughout the novel, and the fact that most of the time I wasn't any more certain where he was coming from than Lilly was, didn't do him any favors. 

I did genuinely like Devin's little sister, Jenny. It could not have been easy to grow up without a mom, and even coming from the family I did (which is a pretty standard one) I enjoyed getting to know her and empathized with her tomboy-ish ways. I think a lot of that may have to do with having brothers rather than sisters, personally, but the point remains that her character was great. 

Here's the thing: If I don't like the leads alone, I'm probably not gonna like them together. That was definitely the case here.

When this gets added to the problems I described within "plot", which admittedly were largely structural, this only became more amplified. Because I was told about the characters, rather than truly meeting them, connecting their attraction toward each other, and its growth from the beginning of the novel to the end, felt distanced in a way that it really shouldn't have. 

I really wanted to like On The Plus Side, and from reading the sample I was confident that I would. But as sometimes happens, this novel had problems that blocked it from living up to my expectations. I don't want to say "OMG, don't read this!", because there is something genuinely worth reading within these pages. I do want to say, however, that whatever message Tabatha Vargo was trying to get across likely would have been successful had a bit more feedback been received and editing time been given. 

Cover Reveal: Breaking The Reins by Juliana Haygert

Today I'm delighted to be part of the cover reveal for Breaking the Reins by Juliana Haygert. As often is the case when I sign up for these things, the premise of the book caught my interest. Ready to take a look? Great! Scroll down...

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(Summary provided by Xpresso Book Tours)

Horses, mansions, tea parties, and lies are twenty-year-old Hannah Taylor’s life. To others, her family and her relationship with Eric is perfect. But she knows the truth. She lives it.

After a fire takes her grandma’s life and kills her horse, Hannah’s immaculate life spirals out of control. Her father disapproves of her decision to run her grandma’s ranch instead of focusing solely on learning the family business; Animal Control brings her Argus, a mistreated horse that she can’t turn away even though she’s not ready for another horse; and her boyfriend, Eric Bennett, a world famous polo player, becomes possessive and authoritarian. Despite her best efforts to disguise it, Hannah grows wary of him.

Then, Leonardo Fernandes struts onto the polo scene. A cocky rookie with a messy life of his own, he’s drawn to Hannah and isn’t afraid of showing it, even when Eric makes it clear she is his and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Hannah suffers for Eric’s jealousy. The abuse only gets worse when Leo steals the title of best polo player in the world from Eric.

But the title isn’t enough for Leo. He wants Hannah too, and she can’t deny her attraction to him either. Somehow, she must find a way to break free from abusive Eric before he breaks every bone in her body.

Are you intrigued? Add it to your GoodReads!

My thoughts:

First off, I love the fact that we see her with the horse. There are two reasons for this. (1) C'mon, horses are just plain old awesome and it fits with the setting of the story. (2) So often in life animals can be (or at least seem?) more loyal and consistent then people, and considering how much this heroine seems to be going through, who (what) better for her to share the cover with? I also like the way that the word reins is done differently--the style suggests a hint of femininity--does the heroine want that or not? At the same time, the color suggests passion--of both negative and positive natures.

A Little Teaser:

About The Author: 

Website | GoodReads
Facebook | Twitter

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

So, what do you think of the cover for Breaking The Reins? Does it sound like a book you want to read? I'm really looking forward to it--it sounds great and seems like it should go well with my current interests. 

As always, thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for having me along. :)