When the going gets tough...just keep going.

That's my new mantra as I make my way into the world of writing. Writing is fun. Writing a book is freaking hard and it sucks.
         

 I can't tell you how many times I've changed the plot of my story and I refuse to just drop it because that would make the second story I have given up on. And that's not fair to the characters that are floating around in my head wanting me to give them life a blank screen. They deserve to breathe even if no one but me will see and know their story.
Its so easy to say I quit.

So easy to close the computer and ponder on what else can I do with my life. But I refuse. This is my dream and no matter what, I do believe that one I will be a published author and I will look back at these months that I have struggled through. Its like I have been fighting through the longest, hardest storm.

 

But I am grateful for these days, because if you truly want something. If its all you think about and dream about, then no matter how tough its gets. You just keep going.

 

VICTORY WILL BE MINE. (HA HA HA)

 

But in all seriousness, if your having struggles and it seems like there is no light at the end. You feel your trap in this never ending darkness. I am telling you that there is a light. Struggles don't last forever. They are a test and if we can overcome them, with faith, hope and hard work. We can overcome anything.

 

God bless.

 

Sunday Morning (eh Night) Message.

I posted that every Sunday I want to begin my week with a  favorite song of mine.
I haven't been able to post anything or write because I just moved and I am so very tired and drained.
But to begin my week, there is one song that always keeps me going no matter what I'm going through or how I feel. This songs reminds all the time, 'How good it is to be alive'. Never let anything get you down, no matter what people say. Remember, there is a God and he has put us on this earth for a reason. He loves us completely despite our flaws and promises to always be there. I love you Lord and thank you that I am alive. So to everyone who reads this post, you are loved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MUSIC for WRITING.

Unlike most writers, I cannot write along with music. In fact, I can't write with any noise at all. I need to be in complete silence for the words to start flowing and for the story to get going. But music does play a part in my writing.

It helps me to envision my scenes better. It also inspires new idea for a new story. Music helps me to understand my characters. All it takes is the perfect songs with the perfect lyrics and everything changes for my writing. So when I'm stuck, I turn to music.
Here are some songs that help with my writing. (I own nothing.)
                                                   

                                                         When the storm ends- Snow Patrol

                                                          Make this go on forever-Snow Patrol

 

 

Skin Graph- Silversun Pickups

 

 

Linkin Park-Numb

 

BOOK REVIEW-SHADOW AND BONE by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.  

(The synopsis copied from Goodreads)
Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart

This was a good read. I liked it. I didn't love it. Leigh's writing is very easy and quick to read. The story is very engaging. This was a very Russian inspired book. A lot of Russian names for the characters and the places in the novel. I won't try to repeat any of the Russian terms. I liked the whole idea of the different Summoners and the Darkling(who is not who he seems.  His name is the DARKLING).

I don't care too much about the love triangle (I'm kind of over love triangles.). There wasn't as much action as I would have liked. The end was predictable, I wasn't surprised by it. But it definitely wasn't bad.
I would read the second because the story does have a lot of promise and I love Leigh's easy writing.

So I Say. GIVE IT A TRY!
 

BOOK REVIEW-The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection described as a cross between the Hunger Games and The Bachelor (two things I love)
is the first book in a trilogy.

The story revolves around America Singer, who lives in a dystopian America known as Illea. Illea is divided into different. And people are at war with the Kingdom. America is secretly in love with a boy named Aspen. She is ready to marry him, start their lives together and live in blissful happiness. Until she enters The Selection by the persuasion of her mother and her love, Aspen.

The Selection is a competition in the country of Illea, where 25 girls are chosen from different caste to vie for Prince Maxon's heart and become a princess and one day a queen.

I must say I very much enjoyed this book. I bought it a few weeks after it came out, then it sat on my shelf for months. I don't know why I waited that long to read it. Its an entertaining read and I really liked America, Maxon and Aspen. They were really well developed. The story was well thought out and I loved the idea of a fierce competition where the prize is a hunky prince. Sign me up. :)

But the story is not just about an apparent love triangle. It is about a young girl finding herself, growing up and realizing that we can't plan our future. Sometime it simply is written whether we want to believe it or not. America Singer is a strong character. I liked very much the friendship development between her and the Prince(no love at first sight. Thank you Kiera). It was a natural, relatable friendship that turned into something she never expected. There is also 25 other women. Some are catty, cruel and mean. While other are sweet and kind and I  loved seeing that in the different characters.

I can't wait to read, Book 2 titled THE ELITE that comes out in April.

I say READ IT !!!

Happy reading.

Right now I am reading Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
And Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger.

Sunday Morning Message

Every Sunday from now on. I want to post a few lines from some of my favorite songs to begin my week as I push on to be a published author.

So today. I song is My Hope Is In You by Aaron Shust.

'My Hope is You Lord, all the day long.
I won't be shaken by drought or storm.
The peace that passes understanding is my song.
And I sing.
My Hope is You Lord.'

Have a blessed week.