It's time for Cherie's Favorite Summer Reads Blogfest ! Summer is just about over for us and Winter is ending down under I think? Can't forget my friend, Rhonda from New Zealand! Anyway, did you read any good books this summer? I posted about my awesome experience reading the Hunger Games trilogy in record time, but it was so good, I'll have to say it again! Hunger Games rocked my socks off, not that I was wearing socks this summer. And of course they are making a movie of it and I have a sweet poster for it (not the one below but it was free!) and am so proud of myself for reading a book before the movie came out! (I like conjunctions) |
| (source) |
Ever hear the phrase, "She knows just enough to be dangerous" ? Well, that's probably me lately. Now that I'm writing and know more about it and editing and finding mistakes to correct in my MS, I am also spotting things that should have been edited out of published novels! Why do they get to use boring back story? I don't care about that, it's not moving the story along. And how bout a little more showing vs telling? Huh?
So my cynicism and judgmental/editing attitude combined with the fabulous books I read this summer leave me wanting. I need a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious book! Looking forward to comments and the other posts in this blogfest =)
PS - I think editing is making me crazy. I need fresh eyes on my MS. Anybody know where I can find a good beta reader? any volunteers? I will reciprocate!
I've heard a lot of good things about The Hunger Games. I really need to get back into reading those books. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I know exactly what you mean about editing. Gone are the days I could sit and completely enjoy a book. Now I'm editing books I'm reading that are already published.
As for beta readers and such, you might want to consider joining Rach Harrie's 3rd Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. It's a great way to find fellow writers.
The Hunger Games was awesome! I loved, loved, LOVED that series! I can't wait until the movie comes out!
ReplyDeleteAs far as editing goes, I've been having quite a hard time with my MS! I know what's wrong with it, I just don't know how to FIX it!
I have the book in my TBR list. It should be coming from the library in the next few weeks. Everyone loves the book and it makes me excited!
ReplyDeleteEditing is my least favorite part of the writing process, but I know it must be done. I agree with Cherie. The Campaign will be a great place to find beta readers and critique partners in your genre!
I may be the last person left on the planet who hasn't read The Hunger Games. Must read soon! Great post and great choice for summer reads. :)
ReplyDeleteHunger Games WERE awesome! I read them earlier this year, and will definitely re-read them as the movies are released!
ReplyDeleteI'm up for beta reading! I've just finished a few new short stories that need a critical eye as well.
Crap, I just saw someone looking for a critique partner! And I think a few are listed on Rachel's site. (She's the one doing the Campaign.)
ReplyDeleteby the sounds of it, i better join that campaign!!
ReplyDeleteOh My Gosh! I feel exactly the same about knowing enough to be dangerous. I see things in books all the time and think, "Why do they get to use an adverb in every sentence? No Fair!" I also stopped reading a book recently because it was HORRIBLE. It broke every rule for a great book. No Hook. Slow Pace. Uninteresting Character. Yikes. How did this book get representation.
ReplyDeleteWow, sorry I'm venting.
On a serious note. I would love to beta read for you. I need something interesting to read. The library is failing me.
Tara - I know exactly what you mean. It's the same curse that has made me a cranky theatre goer! Glad to be on your Write Campaign team - sending good beta reader vibes your way. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been noticting the same thing, the more I study good writing technique and the more I read the post of my awesome writer/blogger friends the more I want to take out a red pen when I'm reading a less than stellar book. Hopefully it'll make me a better writer, but I'm becoming a cranky reader.
ReplyDeleteStill haven't read Hunger Games, my TBR pile is insane.
I've only read the first book so far. I'm waiting for the second to come out in paperback. I have this thing that when I buy a book part of a series, I like to wait to read the sequel when I can buy it. It's been two years and should be out by now, but noooo. I'm guessing they're capitalizing on the film hype and delaying the paperback release. Sigh. I might just have to suck it up and get books 2 and 3 from the library!
ReplyDeleteSomeone else recommended Hunger Games, I might just have to read it myself. :O)
ReplyDeleteYou've convinced me Tara, I'm going to read the Hunger Games as soon as I can get my hands on it, and I'll put my other reading aside.
ReplyDeleteIf you want a book that will rock your world, My all-time favorite is Bless the Child by Cathy Cash Spellman. It may be hard to find, but is so worth the read. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT watch the movie - it doesn't even have anything to do with the book.
Hugs!
Nina
The Hunger Games series was incredible. I couldn't put it down! I'm excited and nervous about the movie - I hope they don't ruin it!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! Thanks for stopping by mine :)