Ok, I'm really sorry I haven't been posting for a while. Near the beginning of the summer, all these thunderstorms started popping up, so there was a like a storm almost everyday where I live and you know you have to turn the internet off (or at least that's what my mom does) during a storm. That was one thing. Another thing, I got braces and those first few weeks are always the hardest. I was hardly eating at all so it made me feel really weak and I couldn't get into reading anything. It was like my mind was a fog. So, I decided I would take a break for a few weeks until I got better. And I figured that most people wouldn't be online during the summer...I was going to have a post where I said I would be taking a break, but wouldn't you know it, Blogger wouldn't let me sign in...for weeks!
I know that sounds like a lot of excuses, but it's the truth :) However, my break is over and I will be getting back to reading and reviewing books :)
Friday, July 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Review: The Forest of Hands and Teeth
The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Carrie Ryan
Delacorte Books
March 10 2009
In Mary's world there are simple truths.
The Sisterhood always knows best.
The Guardians will protect and serve.
The Unconsecrated will never relent.
And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.
But, slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future-between the one she loves and the one who loves her.
And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?
The first Zombie book I've read and it didn't disappoint. I absolutely loved this book. It had horror but without a lot of gore which was perfect for me. It was full of suspense and I was on the edge of my seat constantly! I cried near the ending and (Spoiler) I always cry when the characters love interest dies or, like in Matched by Ally Condie (Spoiler), gets kidnapped or imprisoned. I just hate that. I always cry! It's a definite read.
Cons: What happened to Travis. I hated that.
5 Stars!
Goodreads page
Amazon page
Kindle page
Author website
Carrie Ryan
Delacorte BooksMarch 10 2009
In Mary's world there are simple truths.
The Sisterhood always knows best.
The Guardians will protect and serve.
The Unconsecrated will never relent.
And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.
But, slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future-between the one she loves and the one who loves her.
And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?
The first Zombie book I've read and it didn't disappoint. I absolutely loved this book. It had horror but without a lot of gore which was perfect for me. It was full of suspense and I was on the edge of my seat constantly! I cried near the ending and (Spoiler) I always cry when the characters love interest dies or, like in Matched by Ally Condie (Spoiler), gets kidnapped or imprisoned. I just hate that. I always cry! It's a definite read.
Cons: What happened to Travis. I hated that.
5 Stars!
Goodreads page
Amazon page
Kindle page
Author website
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Review: Once a Witch
Once a Witch (Witch #1)
Carolyn MacCullough
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
September 14 2009
Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.
I couldn't finish this book. I was forcing myself to read it until I finally had to quit. It was too face paced to where I couldn't get to know the characters. They didn't seem real to me. They talked and did stuff but that's it. You don't know what kind of personality they have. They all seem the same. And it was boring. It's like the author was trying too hard to be suspenseful. It also felt slow. I didn't understand what was going on. It's also a great example for my blog post I did "Why First Chapter Attention-Grabbers can be a Bad Thing". It hooked me, yes, but failed to keep me.
Cons: I thought the concept was fantastic and completely new, which is why it's so upsetting. It could've been done better. I was very disappointed.
2 stars. The extra star for a great concept.
Goodreads page
Amazon page
Kindle Page
Author website
Carolyn MacCullough
Houghton Mifflin HarcourtSeptember 14 2009
Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.
I couldn't finish this book. I was forcing myself to read it until I finally had to quit. It was too face paced to where I couldn't get to know the characters. They didn't seem real to me. They talked and did stuff but that's it. You don't know what kind of personality they have. They all seem the same. And it was boring. It's like the author was trying too hard to be suspenseful. It also felt slow. I didn't understand what was going on. It's also a great example for my blog post I did "Why First Chapter Attention-Grabbers can be a Bad Thing". It hooked me, yes, but failed to keep me.
Cons: I thought the concept was fantastic and completely new, which is why it's so upsetting. It could've been done better. I was very disappointed.
2 stars. The extra star for a great concept.
Goodreads page
Amazon page
Kindle Page
Author website
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Help with blog templates!
In the future, I'll be redoing my blog template. Something cooler...out of boredom I've been looking for new templates to download, but I can't make up my mind. Can you help? Post in the comments which template better suits my blog according to what you think my style is. Here are some links:
Night Sky 1.1
Modern Magic
Night Sky 2.0
Green Light
Astro
Forgotten Fantasy (Skin)
Realm of Dreams
Magic of Love
So alone
I'll wait for you
Colouring my life
Underneath the Stars
Love
I like this one because it just looks cool : Fairytale to Happen
If you find any yourself that you think would better suit my blog, please email me at nelleehorne@aol.com.
Thanks :)
Night Sky 1.1
Modern Magic
Night Sky 2.0
Green Light
Astro
Forgotten Fantasy (Skin)
Realm of Dreams
Magic of Love
So alone
I'll wait for you
Colouring my life
Underneath the Stars
Love
I like this one because it just looks cool : Fairytale to Happen
If you find any yourself that you think would better suit my blog, please email me at nelleehorne@aol.com.
Thanks :)
Author Interview: Patti Roberts
Hi Patti!
Nellee: When did you find out that you wanted to be an author?
Patti: I have thought about the idea for many years and started a children’s book about 15 years ago. But when writers block set in I figured I was on the wrong path.
Nellee: What excites you most about this career?
Patti: Telling stories. The whole creative process that allows you to get swept up in the story. You get to know all your characters so well and then before you know it they have become such a huge (and demanding) part of your life. I love that. My fantasy family.
Nellee: What was the process like for you? As in, preparation, writing the draft, editing, publishing, etc.
Patti: I do a lot of research as I go. For example I like the names I use for my characters to have a meaning when possible.
I like to know what weather conditions, language, landscape etc would have been like.
I like to use as much fact as possible. Even when I’m reading a fictional story, I like to think that I have learned something factual from the experience.
I find faces for my characters and create a personality for them, give them birthdates for example. Know what movies, music, colours they like etc, even if I never use details like that in the book. I feel it gives my characters more depth.
I edit as much as possible while I go using text aloud or I use my kindle to read the story back to me. Like they say, it is almost impossible to edit/proofread your own work.
Publishing I chose Smashwords and Amazon. Soon I hope to use Create Space to have the book in print via Amazon.
Nellee: What were some obstacles, if any, did you face and how did you overcome them?
Patti: My only obstacle is time, not enough of it. I so badly need to do some dusting around here!
Nellee: What kind of education did you have in writing beforehand? Just high school grammar classes, college courses, etc.?
Patti: Absolutely none, just your usual run of the mill school education.
Book questions
Nellee: Where/ how did you come up with the idea of Paradox?
Patti: Firstly, I knew I had a story in me waiting to be told. I chose Paradox because I liked the meaning of the word. And I love mythology, past lives, reincarnation and such.
I was never going to start the series with book 1 and the young Grace, but I decided I wanted the readers to know her as a child first, what shaped her into being who she becomes in the following books.
Nellee: How did you come up with the characters?
Patti: Oh that was easy, they just came into being as the story developed in my head. The biggest surprise to me has been how people have taken so strongly to the Abaddon character. They just cant get enough of him…. Which just proves that just about everyone likes a little bit of evil in their lives from time to time. People grave to overcome diversity and evil.
Nellee: Explain in your own words how Grace has grown in this story, if she has.
Patti: Grace continues to grow as her life continues to spiral out of her control. Inwardly she is confused and in a very dark place. Outwardly she tries to mask her feelings of sadness and just tries to just fit in, to be like everybody else. And more than anything, she wants to love and be loved back.
Patti: As you were developing the story, did you think you would write any sequels?
I knew there was going to be more than 1 book. And I wanted each book to be a little different but still to be part of the whole Paradox theme. Book 1 for example is very much about a little girl and her struggle with loss. Book 2 is about the same girl, a teenager now, desiring to fall in love. Book 3, well you will just have to wait and see, but it is very much a back story on the Angels, and how they fit into Grace’s world.
My note: Oh I can't wait for book 2 *wink wink
Nellee: How did you come up with the particular plot? Did it just come to you or not?
Patti: The plot has always been a out, love, loss, betrayal and how Grace copes with all of these things. Emotions…past and present, good versus evil. All the things that shape a life, make us who we are. And then I added the realm of fantasy - everything naughty and nice.
Future
Nellee: What's in store for Grace and her family?
Patti: Grace grows up and discovers that things, and people are not always as they appear… Including her mother.
Nellee: What's in store for you? Do you have any ideas for other series, how many books do you want to write, etc.?
Patti: I actually have a comedy and a mystery book on the back burner. But Paradox is my heart book and once I really got into it, it has been hard to tear myself away from it. I would miss the characters way too much.
Nellee: How much would you say you've grown throughout this process? Has your writing gotten better? Have you found anything about yourself that you hadn't realized before?
Patti: I have grown a HEAP. When I go back and read some of my early manuscripts I cringe…. I can see how much better my writing has become. My friends and family tell me how much better my writing has become. But at the end of the day, it is what the reader thinks.
Every time I read a review on Paradox I am gobsmacked at how well the book has been received. And that absolutely astounds me. Most of all, it tells me I am on the right path. Better late than never
Nellee: How far do you see yourself going? Where would you want to be in 1 or 5 years?
Patti: Sitting behind my laptop, banging away at the keyboard! Working on book 4, 5 and six of the Paradox series…. Well that would be great!
Nellee: Anything you would like to add before we wrap this up?
Most certainly, I would like to say…. I envy you! Having found writing at such a young age, in my opinion is a blessing and I hope you go on to be a very success Author with lots of best sellers. I really, really do!
My note: Thanks, I appreciate that, Patti :)
Patti: Thank you Nellee for the interview
Nellee: When did you find out that you wanted to be an author?
Patti: I have thought about the idea for many years and started a children’s book about 15 years ago. But when writers block set in I figured I was on the wrong path.
Nellee: What excites you most about this career?
Patti: Telling stories. The whole creative process that allows you to get swept up in the story. You get to know all your characters so well and then before you know it they have become such a huge (and demanding) part of your life. I love that. My fantasy family.
Nellee: What was the process like for you? As in, preparation, writing the draft, editing, publishing, etc.
Patti: I do a lot of research as I go. For example I like the names I use for my characters to have a meaning when possible.
I like to know what weather conditions, language, landscape etc would have been like.
I like to use as much fact as possible. Even when I’m reading a fictional story, I like to think that I have learned something factual from the experience.
I find faces for my characters and create a personality for them, give them birthdates for example. Know what movies, music, colours they like etc, even if I never use details like that in the book. I feel it gives my characters more depth.
I edit as much as possible while I go using text aloud or I use my kindle to read the story back to me. Like they say, it is almost impossible to edit/proofread your own work.
Publishing I chose Smashwords and Amazon. Soon I hope to use Create Space to have the book in print via Amazon.
Nellee: What were some obstacles, if any, did you face and how did you overcome them?
Patti: My only obstacle is time, not enough of it. I so badly need to do some dusting around here!
Nellee: What kind of education did you have in writing beforehand? Just high school grammar classes, college courses, etc.?
Patti: Absolutely none, just your usual run of the mill school education.
Book questions
Nellee: Where/ how did you come up with the idea of Paradox?
Patti: Firstly, I knew I had a story in me waiting to be told. I chose Paradox because I liked the meaning of the word. And I love mythology, past lives, reincarnation and such.
I was never going to start the series with book 1 and the young Grace, but I decided I wanted the readers to know her as a child first, what shaped her into being who she becomes in the following books.
Nellee: How did you come up with the characters?
Patti: Oh that was easy, they just came into being as the story developed in my head. The biggest surprise to me has been how people have taken so strongly to the Abaddon character. They just cant get enough of him…. Which just proves that just about everyone likes a little bit of evil in their lives from time to time. People grave to overcome diversity and evil.
Nellee: Explain in your own words how Grace has grown in this story, if she has.
Patti: Grace continues to grow as her life continues to spiral out of her control. Inwardly she is confused and in a very dark place. Outwardly she tries to mask her feelings of sadness and just tries to just fit in, to be like everybody else. And more than anything, she wants to love and be loved back.
Patti: As you were developing the story, did you think you would write any sequels?
I knew there was going to be more than 1 book. And I wanted each book to be a little different but still to be part of the whole Paradox theme. Book 1 for example is very much about a little girl and her struggle with loss. Book 2 is about the same girl, a teenager now, desiring to fall in love. Book 3, well you will just have to wait and see, but it is very much a back story on the Angels, and how they fit into Grace’s world.
My note: Oh I can't wait for book 2 *wink wink
Nellee: How did you come up with the particular plot? Did it just come to you or not?
Patti: The plot has always been a out, love, loss, betrayal and how Grace copes with all of these things. Emotions…past and present, good versus evil. All the things that shape a life, make us who we are. And then I added the realm of fantasy - everything naughty and nice.
Future
Nellee: What's in store for Grace and her family?
Patti: Grace grows up and discovers that things, and people are not always as they appear… Including her mother.
Nellee: What's in store for you? Do you have any ideas for other series, how many books do you want to write, etc.?
Patti: I actually have a comedy and a mystery book on the back burner. But Paradox is my heart book and once I really got into it, it has been hard to tear myself away from it. I would miss the characters way too much.
Nellee: How much would you say you've grown throughout this process? Has your writing gotten better? Have you found anything about yourself that you hadn't realized before?
Patti: I have grown a HEAP. When I go back and read some of my early manuscripts I cringe…. I can see how much better my writing has become. My friends and family tell me how much better my writing has become. But at the end of the day, it is what the reader thinks.
Every time I read a review on Paradox I am gobsmacked at how well the book has been received. And that absolutely astounds me. Most of all, it tells me I am on the right path. Better late than never
Nellee: How far do you see yourself going? Where would you want to be in 1 or 5 years?
Patti: Sitting behind my laptop, banging away at the keyboard! Working on book 4, 5 and six of the Paradox series…. Well that would be great!
Nellee: Anything you would like to add before we wrap this up?
Most certainly, I would like to say…. I envy you! Having found writing at such a young age, in my opinion is a blessing and I hope you go on to be a very success Author with lots of best sellers. I really, really do!
My note: Thanks, I appreciate that, Patti :)
Patti: Thank you Nellee for the interview
Monday, May 30, 2011
Author Interview: Sarah Renee'
Sarah Renee' is the author of The Tiger Princess *Down at the bottom is the link to the interview with me by Sarah Renee'
Hi Sarah!!
Nellee: When did you find out that you wanted to be an author?
Sarah: I started writing as a hobby from the time I was little, but I only realized I wanted to be an author when I was 11 years old. I had written a short, 2-page story when I was 10 for fun, but when I entered sixth grade, I looked back at that story and realized I really liked the idea of it. That story was the premise for my first book, The Tiger Princess. I wrote the second draft of The Tiger Princess when I was 11 and started writing the next books in the series, as well. I knew I wanted to be a writer then because I cared enough about the stories to write them, rewrite them, edit them, and enjoy them. I rewrote the final draft of The Tiger Princess once more when I was 12 and published it when I was 13.
Note: Gosh you were younger than me!
Nellee: What excites you most about this career?
Sarah: The writing! Sometimes I wake up dreading having to do my ‘work’, but when I actually sit down and start to write, it becomes so exciting! When I write, it’s as if the scenes from my story are flowing through my head, so sometimes it’s almost like watching a movie. I love it when all the little pieces of the story come together on paper and when I get closer to finishing a novel.
My note: Are you sure we're not twins?
Nellee: What was the process like for you? As in, preparation, writing the draft, editing, publishing, etc.
Sarah: When I was ten and wrote the first draft of The Tiger Princess, I was completely unprepared as far as planning and outlining the story, so it didn’t turn out so good. When I wrote the final draft of The Tiger Princess, I laid out a rough outline of the story so that I didn’t get side-tracked writing it and so that I stuck with the story. A while after I finished it, I started to edit it. I edited it at least 4 times—one silently, one out loud to myself, one silently again, and one out loud with my Mom. I published The Tiger Princess when I was 13. My original thought for publishing was, of course, through agents, but after a while, I realized that wasn’t the way I wanted to be published. I wanted to be able to create my own cover art and edit my own story so that it stayed the way I wanted it to be. After I found Createspace, I tried to learn as much about it as I could so that I could create a really good novel.
My note: We're twins for sure.
Nellee: What were some obstacles, if any, did you face and how did you overcome them?Sarah: The only real obstacle I have faced is trying to get the word out about my book. I’m usually extremely shy, so that has been something I have had to overcome by just being brave and reaching out to people.
Nellee: What kind of education did you have in writing beforehand? Just high school grammar classes, college courses, etc.?
Sarah: Does elementary school count? :) I didn’t actually take any courses on writing; I just started writing as a hobby to see where it would take me.
Nellee: Where did you get the idea for The Tiger Princess?
Sarah: I’m not really sure, actually. I have always loved animals, especially tigers, and royalty like kings and queens and princesses, so I’m sure that brought the idea to mind. I had been writing other little stories when I came up with the idea for The Tiger Princess and even then it wasn’t this entire idea. One day I just thought about tigers and princesses and somehow the ideas came together. When I really started thinking about what I wanted the story to be about, I added other little mysteries to the storyline because I love suspense stories!
Nellee: What made you want to use animals as the main characters? Why did you choose tigers as the particular animals?
Sarah: I have been an animal lover for as long as I can remember. I had (and still have) many cats that I loved and played with every day and when I first started writing as a hobby, some of the stories were about them. I guess they kind of inspired my stories, because almost all of the stories I have written have been about animals. As for why I chose tigers, tigers are awesome! I was obsessed with tigers when I wrote the story and still am. To me, they seem to have the majesty of royalty which fit really well with my story.
Nellee: As you were developing the story, did you think you would write any sequels?
Sarah: Definitely! I started coming up with just little ideas for how I could expand the story while I was writing The Tiger Princess because, honestly, I didn’t want the story to end, and after a while, I started realizing how I could tie all the stories together so that they’re all part of one big story. All of the sequels I have planned will be just little pieces that will come together at the end of the series.
My note: I totally agree, my twin.
Nellee: How did you come up with the particular plot? Did it just come to you or not?Sarah: That would probably be the best way to describe it: it just came to me. It wasn’t like this entire story enfolded in my mind. When the idea came to me about tigers and princesses, I started thinking about how I could combine them and these tiny thoughts just came to my mind: parents that went missing, fire, etc. Once I started writing all the ideas down, the whole story just came together. Of course, I’ve made adjustments and added things to the basis of the story each time I wrote a new draft of it. It all came together into the best story it could be when I wrote the final draft!
Nellee: Can you explain, in your own words, how Saderia has grown throughout this story?
Sarah: Saderia starts off kind of bitter and lonely and she had to find her place in the world and find out who she wants to be. She’s almost too afraid to step out of her normal routine and be who she wants to be since her aunt and uncle try to hold her back. Throughout the story, she becomes brave and she learns how to trust herself and trust her instincts. She learns things about herself that she didn’t know before and becomes much more confident. She becomes much wiser and more mature at the end when she has to make a huge decision that could affect her whole family.
The Future
Nellee: What's in store for Saderia and her family?Sarah: More mysteries and more secrets! In the next books, Saderia and her family end up traveling to strange new places with all sorts of mysteries. She meets a lot of new friends that help her along the way, but each one of them has their own secrets that she has to figure out. Eventually, she’ll have to uncover an ancient secret from her family’s past that affects her, her family, her forest, and every place she’s ever been to. Each book contains hints that lead to that ultimate realization.
My note: I plan 20. Ha! Oh my gosh, I'm totally the same way!
Nellee How much would you say you've grown throughout this process? Has your writing gotten better?
My note: How did you get so ahead of me? Don't answer that :P
Nellee: How far do you see yourself going? Where would you want to be in 1 or 5 years?
Sarah: In one year, I hope to have one or two more books published and at least two or three more books written. In five years, I hope to have all of the books in the Saderia Series written and at least half of them published.
Nellee: Anything you would like to say before we wrap this up?
Sarah: Nothing really, except thanks for interviewing me!
Hi Sarah!!
Nellee: When did you find out that you wanted to be an author?
Sarah: I started writing as a hobby from the time I was little, but I only realized I wanted to be an author when I was 11 years old. I had written a short, 2-page story when I was 10 for fun, but when I entered sixth grade, I looked back at that story and realized I really liked the idea of it. That story was the premise for my first book, The Tiger Princess. I wrote the second draft of The Tiger Princess when I was 11 and started writing the next books in the series, as well. I knew I wanted to be a writer then because I cared enough about the stories to write them, rewrite them, edit them, and enjoy them. I rewrote the final draft of The Tiger Princess once more when I was 12 and published it when I was 13.
Note: Gosh you were younger than me!
Nellee: What excites you most about this career?
Sarah: The writing! Sometimes I wake up dreading having to do my ‘work’, but when I actually sit down and start to write, it becomes so exciting! When I write, it’s as if the scenes from my story are flowing through my head, so sometimes it’s almost like watching a movie. I love it when all the little pieces of the story come together on paper and when I get closer to finishing a novel.
My note: Are you sure we're not twins?
Nellee: What was the process like for you? As in, preparation, writing the draft, editing, publishing, etc.
Sarah: When I was ten and wrote the first draft of The Tiger Princess, I was completely unprepared as far as planning and outlining the story, so it didn’t turn out so good. When I wrote the final draft of The Tiger Princess, I laid out a rough outline of the story so that I didn’t get side-tracked writing it and so that I stuck with the story. A while after I finished it, I started to edit it. I edited it at least 4 times—one silently, one out loud to myself, one silently again, and one out loud with my Mom. I published The Tiger Princess when I was 13. My original thought for publishing was, of course, through agents, but after a while, I realized that wasn’t the way I wanted to be published. I wanted to be able to create my own cover art and edit my own story so that it stayed the way I wanted it to be. After I found Createspace, I tried to learn as much about it as I could so that I could create a really good novel.
My note: We're twins for sure.
Nellee: What were some obstacles, if any, did you face and how did you overcome them?
Nellee: What kind of education did you have in writing beforehand? Just high school grammar classes, college courses, etc.?
Sarah: Does elementary school count? :) I didn’t actually take any courses on writing; I just started writing as a hobby to see where it would take me.
Book Questions
Nellee: Where did you get the idea for The Tiger Princess?
Sarah: I’m not really sure, actually. I have always loved animals, especially tigers, and royalty like kings and queens and princesses, so I’m sure that brought the idea to mind. I had been writing other little stories when I came up with the idea for The Tiger Princess and even then it wasn’t this entire idea. One day I just thought about tigers and princesses and somehow the ideas came together. When I really started thinking about what I wanted the story to be about, I added other little mysteries to the storyline because I love suspense stories!
Nellee: What made you want to use animals as the main characters? Why did you choose tigers as the particular animals?
Sarah: I have been an animal lover for as long as I can remember. I had (and still have) many cats that I loved and played with every day and when I first started writing as a hobby, some of the stories were about them. I guess they kind of inspired my stories, because almost all of the stories I have written have been about animals. As for why I chose tigers, tigers are awesome! I was obsessed with tigers when I wrote the story and still am. To me, they seem to have the majesty of royalty which fit really well with my story.
My note: I like lions (that was random)
Nellee: As you were developing the story, did you think you would write any sequels?
Sarah: Definitely! I started coming up with just little ideas for how I could expand the story while I was writing The Tiger Princess because, honestly, I didn’t want the story to end, and after a while, I started realizing how I could tie all the stories together so that they’re all part of one big story. All of the sequels I have planned will be just little pieces that will come together at the end of the series.
My note: I totally agree, my twin.
Nellee: How did you come up with the particular plot? Did it just come to you or not?
Nellee: Can you explain, in your own words, how Saderia has grown throughout this story?
Sarah: Saderia starts off kind of bitter and lonely and she had to find her place in the world and find out who she wants to be. She’s almost too afraid to step out of her normal routine and be who she wants to be since her aunt and uncle try to hold her back. Throughout the story, she becomes brave and she learns how to trust herself and trust her instincts. She learns things about herself that she didn’t know before and becomes much more confident. She becomes much wiser and more mature at the end when she has to make a huge decision that could affect her whole family.
The Future
Nellee: What's in store for Saderia and her family?
Mt note: Kinda like what I have planned for mine! ...sorta...in a different way :)
Nellee: What's in store for you? As in, do you have any ideas for other series, how many books do you plan to write, will you try writing in any other genres, etc.?
Sarah: I’ve planned to write about 15 books in the Saderia Series and so far I have written about 6 (I’m working on the seventh one). I have a few ideas for other series and I might try writing in another genre when I get older and finish the Saderia Series, but so far it’s nothing I’m pursuing as seriously as The Tiger Princess series.My note: I plan 20. Ha! Oh my gosh, I'm totally the same way!
Nellee How much would you say you've grown throughout this process? Has your writing gotten better?
Sarah: I’ve really grown in regards to how I view my writing and characters and how I write. As I write more books, I’ve found it’s much easier to understand my character’s motivations and troubles. My writing has also improved. My descriptions are more precise and interesting and I am able to understand and write the different personalities of my many different characters in my books. Since more characters are introduced in the series, this is a really helpful improvement!
My note: How did you get so ahead of me? Don't answer that :P
Nellee: How far do you see yourself going? Where would you want to be in 1 or 5 years?
Sarah: In one year, I hope to have one or two more books published and at least two or three more books written. In five years, I hope to have all of the books in the Saderia Series written and at least half of them published.
Nellee: Anything you would like to say before we wrap this up?
Sarah: Nothing really, except thanks for interviewing me!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Review: Crossroads
Crossroads
Mary Ting
Xlibris Corporation
April 6th 2011
On the same night of her friend’s tragic death, Claudia Emerson encounters another world, Crossroads, through her dream. There, she learns about a mix breed of angels and humans, who possess supernatural powers. Among those with these powers, lies evil, known as the fallen. Mystified by her ability to enter this place called Crossroads, certain that the fallen will be after her, she is assigned a guardian angel named Michael. Aden, the fallen leader, is convinced that Claudia holds the key to help destroy Crossroads. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.
OMG!!!! This is my new favorite!! I love the Angels! There were a lot of twists and turns and it was beautifully written. I fell in love with all the characters! It was just simply amazing I have nothing else to say :)
Cons: I should not have read "Peeks to the next Book" Worst mistake ever! And I couldn't wait for the sequel before...gosh! I should not have done that. Now it'll be impossible to wait :P
5 Stars!!!
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Amazon page
Kindle Page
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Mary Ting
Xlibris CorporationApril 6th 2011
On the same night of her friend’s tragic death, Claudia Emerson encounters another world, Crossroads, through her dream. There, she learns about a mix breed of angels and humans, who possess supernatural powers. Among those with these powers, lies evil, known as the fallen. Mystified by her ability to enter this place called Crossroads, certain that the fallen will be after her, she is assigned a guardian angel named Michael. Aden, the fallen leader, is convinced that Claudia holds the key to help destroy Crossroads. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.
OMG!!!! This is my new favorite!! I love the Angels! There were a lot of twists and turns and it was beautifully written. I fell in love with all the characters! It was just simply amazing I have nothing else to say :)
Cons: I should not have read "Peeks to the next Book" Worst mistake ever! And I couldn't wait for the sequel before...gosh! I should not have done that. Now it'll be impossible to wait :P
5 Stars!!!
Goodreads page
Amazon page
Kindle Page
Goodreads Author Profile
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