Molly Looby's Blog, page 20
January 6, 2014
Allegiant - Veronica Roth
'Divergent'Ìý²¹²Ô»å 'Insurgent'Ìýspoilers ahead. ÌýTread carefully.
A Spoiler Free Bit About the Book
The Edith Prior video only exacerbates the factionless/faction conflict. ÌýBut now they know that the Divergent have a mission.
Tris and Tobias have to search for their destiny beyond the city walls.
My Review
'Allegiant' for all its hype and buzz, started way too slowly. ÌýI wanted to dive right in and search for the people outside the fence but no, there was a bit of stuff I had to get through first. ÌýStuff if I'm honest, I didn't quite see the point of.
Tobias's point of view threw me a bit. ÌýAt first I didn't like it at all. ÌýIt was really difficult to get used to. ÌýI liked the way Tris saw him much more than the way he saw himself. ÌýBut of course I did love learning more about him. ÌýSeeing Tris through his eyes was interesting too, it gave her a different edge.
The information flow was just right and I applaud Roth for this as there was so muchÌýfor me to understand and wrap my head abound. ÌýThe pacing of the chapters was perfect as was the development of old and new character as usual.
If you've readÌý'Divergent'Ìý²¹²Ô»å 'Insurgent'Ìýyou know how fond Roth is of killing off characters once they've served their purpose. ÌýWell . . . prepare yourself. ÌýI had many broken heart moments during 'Allegiant'Ìýwhere I went "No. ÌýWell that can't happen." ÌýBut sometimes these are the best bits.
I cried multiple times during 'Allegiant'Ìý²¹²Ô»å again when I shut the book. ÌýThe trilogy only occupied a few months of my life which is such a small amount for a trilogy. ÌýI'm sad I caught it right at the end but then again glad because I know the hype is just beginning. ÌýI sped through all three, wishing I'd savoured the pages.
Evaluation
Plot - 9/10 - Still couldn't top 'Divergent' but I don't think anything can.
Way Plot Was Pursued - 9/10 - Liked where we ended up and how it all went.
Characters - 10/10 - I loved them all.
Style - 9/10 - Unsure about Tobias's point of view.
Pace - 8/10 - It started way too slow for a huge finale of a trilogy.
Would IÌýrecommendÌýit? - Yes. ÌýIf you've got this far you don't have a choice but to finish the trilogy.
Would I look up the author? - Yes. ÌýI can't wait till Roth writes more. ÌýI'm even going to look into the little stories from Tobias's point of view from earlier in the trilogy.
Well, the 'Divergent'Ìýtrilogy is over. ÌýWhat a ride it was.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Reviewer / Blogger / Editor / Movellain / Wrimo / ZA Ready
Contact me about cool stuff here: [email protected]
A Spoiler Free Bit About the Book
The Edith Prior video only exacerbates the factionless/faction conflict. ÌýBut now they know that the Divergent have a mission.
Tris and Tobias have to search for their destiny beyond the city walls.
My Review
'Allegiant' for all its hype and buzz, started way too slowly. ÌýI wanted to dive right in and search for the people outside the fence but no, there was a bit of stuff I had to get through first. ÌýStuff if I'm honest, I didn't quite see the point of.
Tobias's point of view threw me a bit. ÌýAt first I didn't like it at all. ÌýIt was really difficult to get used to. ÌýI liked the way Tris saw him much more than the way he saw himself. ÌýBut of course I did love learning more about him. ÌýSeeing Tris through his eyes was interesting too, it gave her a different edge.
The information flow was just right and I applaud Roth for this as there was so muchÌýfor me to understand and wrap my head abound. ÌýThe pacing of the chapters was perfect as was the development of old and new character as usual.
If you've readÌý'Divergent'Ìý²¹²Ô»å 'Insurgent'Ìýyou know how fond Roth is of killing off characters once they've served their purpose. ÌýWell . . . prepare yourself. ÌýI had many broken heart moments during 'Allegiant'Ìýwhere I went "No. ÌýWell that can't happen." ÌýBut sometimes these are the best bits.
I cried multiple times during 'Allegiant'Ìý²¹²Ô»å again when I shut the book. ÌýThe trilogy only occupied a few months of my life which is such a small amount for a trilogy. ÌýI'm sad I caught it right at the end but then again glad because I know the hype is just beginning. ÌýI sped through all three, wishing I'd savoured the pages.
Evaluation
Plot - 9/10 - Still couldn't top 'Divergent' but I don't think anything can.
Way Plot Was Pursued - 9/10 - Liked where we ended up and how it all went.
Characters - 10/10 - I loved them all.
Style - 9/10 - Unsure about Tobias's point of view.
Pace - 8/10 - It started way too slow for a huge finale of a trilogy.
Would IÌýrecommendÌýit? - Yes. ÌýIf you've got this far you don't have a choice but to finish the trilogy.
Would I look up the author? - Yes. ÌýI can't wait till Roth writes more. ÌýI'm even going to look into the little stories from Tobias's point of view from earlier in the trilogy.
Well, the 'Divergent'Ìýtrilogy is over. ÌýWhat a ride it was.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Reviewer / Blogger / Editor / Movellain / Wrimo / ZA Ready
Contact me about cool stuff here: [email protected]
December 31, 2013
Goodbye 2013
This year I had a fair few ambitions. ÌýWrite a lot and read a lot.
I succeeded.
I read over 30 books this year which was better than the target of 26 that I gave myself. ÌýI discovered some amazing books this year. ÌýThese ones have to be my favourite:
Warm Bodies - Isaac Marion
Light - Michael Grant
Eve and Adam - Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate
Delirium - Lauren Oliver
Blood Red Road / Rebel Heart - Moira Young
Unearthly / Hallowed - Cynthia Hand
More Than This - Patrick Ness
Divergent / Insurgent / Allegiant - Veronica Roth
The absolute favourite winning my book of the year is 'Divergent' by Veronica Roth. ÌýThe film in 2014 better be good. Ìý(It will never be good enough.)
Next year I'm looking forward to so many patient books on my shelf, one of which is 'The Fault in Our Stars'Ìýby John Green which I expect great things from.
Now on to the writing and editing side of my year which has been on fire!
I released two books this year.
'Gambling a Fairytale'Ìýthe second book in my 'Immorality of Immortality trilogy'.
Ìý
And 'ZA'Ìýmy stand alone zombie novel.
I'm starting to create a real portfolio of books. ÌýThis year, as well as releasing two, I also wrote two. ÌýOne that is kinda about werewolves and another which is a tragic love story with a twist (what else but NaNo 2013.) ÌýMy grand total is now eight books in my four years of writing.
An ambition for next year is to reach ten books in five years and then I might slow down!
Oh yeah, I did some A'levels too.
And let's not forget that I was shortlisted for the Sony Young Movellist of the Year Award with my NaNo'12 novel 'I Dare You'!
And was also in the paper!
This year has been amazing. ÌýBut next year is going to be even better. ÌýMy loyal fans will enjoy the final instalment of the 'Immorality of Immortality trilogy', 'Chancing the Truth'. ÌýAnd 'I Dare You'Ìýis also on my list for next year when I'll give it the love and attention it deserves. Ìý
2014 is the year it's all going to happen.
Mark my words.
Molly Looby
Author at heart
[email protected]
I succeeded.
I read over 30 books this year which was better than the target of 26 that I gave myself. ÌýI discovered some amazing books this year. ÌýThese ones have to be my favourite:
Warm Bodies - Isaac Marion
Light - Michael Grant
Eve and Adam - Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate
Delirium - Lauren Oliver
Blood Red Road / Rebel Heart - Moira Young
Unearthly / Hallowed - Cynthia Hand
More Than This - Patrick Ness
Divergent / Insurgent / Allegiant - Veronica Roth
The absolute favourite winning my book of the year is 'Divergent' by Veronica Roth. ÌýThe film in 2014 better be good. Ìý(It will never be good enough.)
Next year I'm looking forward to so many patient books on my shelf, one of which is 'The Fault in Our Stars'Ìýby John Green which I expect great things from.
Now on to the writing and editing side of my year which has been on fire!
I released two books this year.
'Gambling a Fairytale'Ìýthe second book in my 'Immorality of Immortality trilogy'.
Ìý
And 'ZA'Ìýmy stand alone zombie novel.
I'm starting to create a real portfolio of books. ÌýThis year, as well as releasing two, I also wrote two. ÌýOne that is kinda about werewolves and another which is a tragic love story with a twist (what else but NaNo 2013.) ÌýMy grand total is now eight books in my four years of writing.
An ambition for next year is to reach ten books in five years and then I might slow down!
Oh yeah, I did some A'levels too.
And let's not forget that I was shortlisted for the Sony Young Movellist of the Year Award with my NaNo'12 novel 'I Dare You'!
And was also in the paper!
This year has been amazing. ÌýBut next year is going to be even better. ÌýMy loyal fans will enjoy the final instalment of the 'Immorality of Immortality trilogy', 'Chancing the Truth'. ÌýAnd 'I Dare You'Ìýis also on my list for next year when I'll give it the love and attention it deserves. Ìý
2014 is the year it's all going to happen.
Mark my words.
Molly Looby
Author at heart
[email protected]
December 29, 2013
Insurgent - Veronica Roth
This review may contain 'Divergent'Ìýspoilers. ÌýRead at your own risk.
A Spoiler Free Bit About the Book
Heading off to Amity headquarters with Tobias and Caleb, Tris knows one thing.
The Divergent are not safe.
My Review
'Insurgent'Ìýwas so different from 'Divergent'Ìýbut somehow it matched its brilliance. ÌýThe plot was extremely detailed and clever and I could hardly put it down.
Roth has an amazing talent and reading 'Insurgent' had bubbles of emotion filling me. ÌýI felt everything Tris felt. ÌýI can't even believe how attached I grew to Tris across the novel.
The new characters were as good as the old ones and their development was excellent. ÌýEven knowing more about them, I still loved them. ÌýNothing seems to be able to put me off these characters. ÌýI don't care what they do. ÌýI'm committed.
In 'Divergent'Ìýwe gain an understanding of Abnegation, Dauntless and Erudite, leaving Amity and Candor behind somewhat. ÌýBut don't worry about that. Ìý'Insurgent'Ìýgives you a full understanding of all the factions which still even after reading 'Divergent', fascinated me.
A few lines in 'Insurgent'Ìýwere phenomenal. ÌýThey stuck with me and rendered me speechless. ÌýJust another one of Roth's talents.
I was left awed and gasping for the finale - 'Allegiant'.
Evaluation
Plot - 9/10 - didn't enjoy quite as much as 'Divergent'.
Way Plot Was Pursued - 10/10 - I wanted more info on the factions and I got it.
Characters - 10/10 - new and old all excellent.
Style - 10/10 - I can't praise Roth enough.
Pace - 9/10 - Although fast paced, at times you had to trek.
Would I recommend it? - Yes, of course. ÌýAll readers of 'Divergent'Ìýhave to give 'Insurgent'Ìýa try.
Would I look up the author? - Yes, if there was anything for me to look up.
'Insurgent', though not as good as 'Divergent'Ìýwas still a blast to read.
Molly Looby
Author / Reviewer / Blogger / Editor / Movellian / Wrimo / ZA Ready
Email me here about books, writing, zombies, vampires, werewolves, Movellas, NaNoWriMo, teen fiction and all of that awesome stuff: [email protected]
A Spoiler Free Bit About the Book
Heading off to Amity headquarters with Tobias and Caleb, Tris knows one thing.
The Divergent are not safe.
My Review
'Insurgent'Ìýwas so different from 'Divergent'Ìýbut somehow it matched its brilliance. ÌýThe plot was extremely detailed and clever and I could hardly put it down.
Roth has an amazing talent and reading 'Insurgent' had bubbles of emotion filling me. ÌýI felt everything Tris felt. ÌýI can't even believe how attached I grew to Tris across the novel.
The new characters were as good as the old ones and their development was excellent. ÌýEven knowing more about them, I still loved them. ÌýNothing seems to be able to put me off these characters. ÌýI don't care what they do. ÌýI'm committed.
In 'Divergent'Ìýwe gain an understanding of Abnegation, Dauntless and Erudite, leaving Amity and Candor behind somewhat. ÌýBut don't worry about that. Ìý'Insurgent'Ìýgives you a full understanding of all the factions which still even after reading 'Divergent', fascinated me.
A few lines in 'Insurgent'Ìýwere phenomenal. ÌýThey stuck with me and rendered me speechless. ÌýJust another one of Roth's talents.
I was left awed and gasping for the finale - 'Allegiant'.
Evaluation
Plot - 9/10 - didn't enjoy quite as much as 'Divergent'.
Way Plot Was Pursued - 10/10 - I wanted more info on the factions and I got it.
Characters - 10/10 - new and old all excellent.
Style - 10/10 - I can't praise Roth enough.
Pace - 9/10 - Although fast paced, at times you had to trek.
Would I recommend it? - Yes, of course. ÌýAll readers of 'Divergent'Ìýhave to give 'Insurgent'Ìýa try.
Would I look up the author? - Yes, if there was anything for me to look up.
'Insurgent', though not as good as 'Divergent'Ìýwas still a blast to read.
Molly Looby
Author / Reviewer / Blogger / Editor / Movellian / Wrimo / ZA Ready
Email me here about books, writing, zombies, vampires, werewolves, Movellas, NaNoWriMo, teen fiction and all of that awesome stuff: [email protected]
December 22, 2013
Divergent - Veronica Roth
A Spoiler Free Bit About the Book
The world is divided into five factions: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless and Erudite. ÌýThe selflessness, the peaceful, the honest, the brave, the intelligent. ÌýAt the age of sixteen you are tested to see which faction you have an aptitude for. ÌýAnd then at the Choosing Ceremony you must pick one and if you chose to leave your family your faction become your new family - faction before blood.
We follow our protagonist, Tris Prior, born of Abnegation. ÌýBut she's sure she isn't selfless enough for it.
The Choosing Ceremony is only the beginning.
My Review
'Divergent'Ìýhad cropped up a lot in the teen fiction community over the past few months and after hearing about it I knew it was one I just hadÌýto read. ÌýI knew it was going to be amazing, so amazing I would become obsessed, or it would be overrated. ÌýWell, let's just say a few chapters in I looked up and said to whoever was in the room at the time "this is going to be awesome".
I wasn't wrong.
My first love of 'Divergent'Ìýwas our protagonist, Tris. ÌýShe was so real to me, doing what anyone would do and making good decisions. ÌýShe worries about weakness as we all do and yet again on some level she still wants to be helped. ÌýHer battle between being brave and being herself sucked me in and kept me reading. ÌýI connected with her from the off and the simple voice Roth gives her makes you want to follow her to the end of the universe and not just to the end of the book. ÌýTris worries about the truly important. ÌýShe knows what it means to be selfless and she knows what it means to be brave. ÌýShe was my perfect heroine.
The other characters too, stole my heart. ÌýThey were round and full and so real. ÌýBut what shocked me most was that they were so very quickly, meaning they had plenty of time to develop across the novel. ÌýThey were all different and relatable for different reasons. ÌýAnd they all had sound motives which teenage fiction is sometimes lacking in my opinion. ÌýI loved the ones I hated but not as much as the ones I loved and that if nothing else, is the mark of incredible characters. ÌýRoth paints real friendships with their ups and downs and sometimes the characters broke my heart.
The universe in itself with its five factions was so interesting. ÌýI just wanted to know more, wanted to know everything. Ìý(I suspect I would be in Erudite.) ÌýThe idea is great and I loved how different the factions were in ideals and personality. ÌýAnd of course how even with this system, humanity will always mess it up.
Th pace was excellent. ÌýI could hardly put it down from the first sentence and the action was perfect. ÌýIt was so easy to follow even thought it was fast paced and I always knew who was throwing the punches.
Evaluation
Plot Idea - 10/10 - five factions, different from anything I've ever read.
Way Plot Was Pursued - 10/10 - I can't imagine the story being told any differently.
Characters - 10/10 - Rounded. ÌýDifferent. ÌýRelatable. ÌýLoveable.
Style - 10/10 - loved Roth's peppering of short sentences and Tris's narration.
Pace - 10/10 - not slow at all, couldn't put it down.
Would I recommend it? - Yes. ÌýIt's without a doubt the next big thing in teen fiction.
Would I look up the author? - Yes. ÌýOr I would if this wasn't her debut. ÌýI certainly would.
'Divergent'Ìýwas everything I wanted in a story. ÌýI can't fault it. ÌýThe only novel so far I've given perfect ten all round.
Molly Looby
Author / Reviewer / Editor / Writing Coach / Blogger / ZA Ready / Wrimo
The world is divided into five factions: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless and Erudite. ÌýThe selflessness, the peaceful, the honest, the brave, the intelligent. ÌýAt the age of sixteen you are tested to see which faction you have an aptitude for. ÌýAnd then at the Choosing Ceremony you must pick one and if you chose to leave your family your faction become your new family - faction before blood.
We follow our protagonist, Tris Prior, born of Abnegation. ÌýBut she's sure she isn't selfless enough for it.
The Choosing Ceremony is only the beginning.
My Review
'Divergent'Ìýhad cropped up a lot in the teen fiction community over the past few months and after hearing about it I knew it was one I just hadÌýto read. ÌýI knew it was going to be amazing, so amazing I would become obsessed, or it would be overrated. ÌýWell, let's just say a few chapters in I looked up and said to whoever was in the room at the time "this is going to be awesome".
I wasn't wrong.
My first love of 'Divergent'Ìýwas our protagonist, Tris. ÌýShe was so real to me, doing what anyone would do and making good decisions. ÌýShe worries about weakness as we all do and yet again on some level she still wants to be helped. ÌýHer battle between being brave and being herself sucked me in and kept me reading. ÌýI connected with her from the off and the simple voice Roth gives her makes you want to follow her to the end of the universe and not just to the end of the book. ÌýTris worries about the truly important. ÌýShe knows what it means to be selfless and she knows what it means to be brave. ÌýShe was my perfect heroine.
The other characters too, stole my heart. ÌýThey were round and full and so real. ÌýBut what shocked me most was that they were so very quickly, meaning they had plenty of time to develop across the novel. ÌýThey were all different and relatable for different reasons. ÌýAnd they all had sound motives which teenage fiction is sometimes lacking in my opinion. ÌýI loved the ones I hated but not as much as the ones I loved and that if nothing else, is the mark of incredible characters. ÌýRoth paints real friendships with their ups and downs and sometimes the characters broke my heart.
The universe in itself with its five factions was so interesting. ÌýI just wanted to know more, wanted to know everything. Ìý(I suspect I would be in Erudite.) ÌýThe idea is great and I loved how different the factions were in ideals and personality. ÌýAnd of course how even with this system, humanity will always mess it up.
Th pace was excellent. ÌýI could hardly put it down from the first sentence and the action was perfect. ÌýIt was so easy to follow even thought it was fast paced and I always knew who was throwing the punches.
Evaluation
Plot Idea - 10/10 - five factions, different from anything I've ever read.
Way Plot Was Pursued - 10/10 - I can't imagine the story being told any differently.
Characters - 10/10 - Rounded. ÌýDifferent. ÌýRelatable. ÌýLoveable.
Style - 10/10 - loved Roth's peppering of short sentences and Tris's narration.
Pace - 10/10 - not slow at all, couldn't put it down.
Would I recommend it? - Yes. ÌýIt's without a doubt the next big thing in teen fiction.
Would I look up the author? - Yes. ÌýOr I would if this wasn't her debut. ÌýI certainly would.
'Divergent'Ìýwas everything I wanted in a story. ÌýI can't fault it. ÌýThe only novel so far I've given perfect ten all round.
Molly Looby
Author / Reviewer / Editor / Writing Coach / Blogger / ZA Ready / Wrimo
December 12, 2013
Unfed - Kirsty McKay
As usual, as this is a sequel, it will contain spoilers from the first book, 'Undead'. ÌýBut this review will not contain spoilers from this book, 'Unfed'.
A Spoiler Free Bit About The Book
After surviving the zombie attack against all odds, thinking they are safe, Bobby, Alice, Pete and Smitty have to think again. ÌýBobby wakes up from a coma after the bus crash and is told that it's all over and the zombies were contained.She knows it's too good to be true.
My Review
I was looking forward to reading this book as last summer I really enjoyed reading 'Undead'. ÌýI couldn't put it down. ÌýUnfortunately, 'Unfed' did not have the same effect on me. ÌýOverall, I was thoroughly disappointed. ÌýIt felt repetitive, like I'd read it all before.
The plot in itself wasn't bad. ÌýLike 'Undead' there were zombies and sticky situations. ÌýBut I was bored of it. ÌýIt didn't help that the characters irritated me - all of them - the entire way through. ÌýI didn't care what happened to them and I didn't connect with them, new or old. ÌýAnd thinking about it, there wasn't much character development and isn't that what sequels are best at?
Most irritating of all was our protagonist and narrator Bobby. ÌýIn 'Undead'Ìýthe narration entertained me and made me laugh but this time it got old fast. ÌýThere are certain things you wouldn't joke about during a zombie Armageddon and it really stuck out when this was the case. ÌýI didn't want to hear what little she mentioned of her family life because why should I give a damn? ÌýThere was nothing tying me to her as a character. ÌýIn fact, as the novel went on, she became more and more unrelatable
Another issue was that a lot of the time I had no idea what I was supposed to be picturing. ÌýI would read the description again and again and still be none the wiser. ÌýI really struggled to follow it at these points.
To top it all off, there were typos in it too.
Evaluation
Plot Idea - 8/10 - there were zombies in it, a good start.
Way Plot Was Pursued - 6/10 - was repetitive after 'Undead'
Characters - 5/10 - irritated me - a lot.
Style - 5/10 - narration seemed unrealistic, description at times impossible to follow.
Pace - 8/10 - Nothing, wrong with the pace but pulled back by the other issues.
Would I recommend it? - No. ÌýThis is one of those books that if someone asks, you tell the to read the first one but not bother past that.
Would I look up the author? - No. ÌýThis did it for me. ÌýThere are too many good books out there.
'Unfed'Ìýshowed me that if you succeed once you can't get too comfortable.
Molly Looby
Author / Movellian / Reviewer / Editor / Blogger / Writing Coach / ZA Ready / Wrimo
Contact me about writing, reading, books, vampires, zombies, werewolves and the like here: [email protected]
A Spoiler Free Bit About The Book
After surviving the zombie attack against all odds, thinking they are safe, Bobby, Alice, Pete and Smitty have to think again. ÌýBobby wakes up from a coma after the bus crash and is told that it's all over and the zombies were contained.She knows it's too good to be true.
My Review
I was looking forward to reading this book as last summer I really enjoyed reading 'Undead'. ÌýI couldn't put it down. ÌýUnfortunately, 'Unfed' did not have the same effect on me. ÌýOverall, I was thoroughly disappointed. ÌýIt felt repetitive, like I'd read it all before.
The plot in itself wasn't bad. ÌýLike 'Undead' there were zombies and sticky situations. ÌýBut I was bored of it. ÌýIt didn't help that the characters irritated me - all of them - the entire way through. ÌýI didn't care what happened to them and I didn't connect with them, new or old. ÌýAnd thinking about it, there wasn't much character development and isn't that what sequels are best at?
Most irritating of all was our protagonist and narrator Bobby. ÌýIn 'Undead'Ìýthe narration entertained me and made me laugh but this time it got old fast. ÌýThere are certain things you wouldn't joke about during a zombie Armageddon and it really stuck out when this was the case. ÌýI didn't want to hear what little she mentioned of her family life because why should I give a damn? ÌýThere was nothing tying me to her as a character. ÌýIn fact, as the novel went on, she became more and more unrelatable
Another issue was that a lot of the time I had no idea what I was supposed to be picturing. ÌýI would read the description again and again and still be none the wiser. ÌýI really struggled to follow it at these points.
To top it all off, there were typos in it too.
Evaluation
Plot Idea - 8/10 - there were zombies in it, a good start.
Way Plot Was Pursued - 6/10 - was repetitive after 'Undead'
Characters - 5/10 - irritated me - a lot.
Style - 5/10 - narration seemed unrealistic, description at times impossible to follow.
Pace - 8/10 - Nothing, wrong with the pace but pulled back by the other issues.
Would I recommend it? - No. ÌýThis is one of those books that if someone asks, you tell the to read the first one but not bother past that.
Would I look up the author? - No. ÌýThis did it for me. ÌýThere are too many good books out there.
'Unfed'Ìýshowed me that if you succeed once you can't get too comfortable.
Molly Looby
Author / Movellian / Reviewer / Editor / Blogger / Writing Coach / ZA Ready / Wrimo
Contact me about writing, reading, books, vampires, zombies, werewolves and the like here: [email protected]
December 6, 2013
NaNoWriMo 2013 Post #7
So . . . it's finished.
80,421 words of it. Ìý351 A5 pages. Ìý35 days.
That's 10 A5 pages a day. ÌýRoughly 2,300 words a day. ÌýYes, every day. ÌýEvery single day.
Still no title - but I haven't thought too hard about it yet. ÌýI've got a list of possible titles in my notebook. ÌýI'm going to think about it during editing. ÌýNot right now. ÌýNow it's time for a well deserved break.
I'm not going to lie, I'm extremely proud. ÌýI haven't read it through yet so I have no idea about the pace or how it flows or if there's any irrelevant stuff hiding away where I can't see it. ÌýAll I know is that the ending came out perfect.
I haven't put the whole thing up yet but most of it is here if you fancy a read and the end is coming very soon:
So now you will ALL be relieved to hear that my project is book three of The Immorality of Immortality Trilogy: Chancing the Truth which deserves a second draft more than anything.
If you have no idea what I'm talking about here are the links to book one - Playing with Reality, book two - Gambling a Fairytale and my Immorality of Immortality website and Facebook page.
PWR - ÌýÌýÌý(Paperback)
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý(Kindle)
GAF -ÌýÌý(Paperback)
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌýÌý(Kindle)
IofI website -Ìý
IofI Facebook page -Ìý
I love CTT and I can't wait to read it again. Ìý(and again, and again, and again unfortunately). ÌýIt should be interesting as I have no idea what I'm going to think about it after all this time. ÌýI'm getting my ruthless head on and am going to have to be no nonsense about it.
It should be shiny and ready at some point in 2014. ÌýFor now that's all I can estimate as I have no idea of how much needs sorting yet.
But for the rest of the week at least I'm just going to sit back and read my reward: Allegiant by Veronica Roth. Ìý(It so won't take me all week! ÌýAnd yes, I know it's Friday.)
Don't worry, I know I've got loads of book reviews to do - five to be exact - well they're coming. ÌýThey are. ÌýPromise.
So I'll leave you with the last quotes from NaNoWriMo 2013:
Ash - "Against all odds, we fit together: Shard and Flare. ÌýIn the most incredible moment of my life."
Cerulean - "We were dangerous together."
Cerulean - "It isn't right . . . But that's what we're best at right?"
Ash - "I just . . . I can't seem to say no to you."
Ash - "So no mater how dangerous and wrong I was, he was too."
Ash - "This was it. ÌýThe real deal. ÌýBecause without him there was no me. ÌýNot anymore."
Ash - "It's us against the world. ÌýAnd I prefer that much better to you against me."
Cerulean - "We're a tragedy aren't we?"
Ash - "Because if this was how it was going to end, what had been the point?"
Molly Looby
Author / Wrimo / Movellian / Editor / Reviewer / Blogger / Writing coach / ZA Ready
Contact me about writing, reading, being an author, NaNoWriMo, Movellas, zombies, werewolves, vampires and anything else that's awesome here: [email protected]
80,421 words of it. Ìý351 A5 pages. Ìý35 days.
That's 10 A5 pages a day. ÌýRoughly 2,300 words a day. ÌýYes, every day. ÌýEvery single day.
Still no title - but I haven't thought too hard about it yet. ÌýI've got a list of possible titles in my notebook. ÌýI'm going to think about it during editing. ÌýNot right now. ÌýNow it's time for a well deserved break.
I'm not going to lie, I'm extremely proud. ÌýI haven't read it through yet so I have no idea about the pace or how it flows or if there's any irrelevant stuff hiding away where I can't see it. ÌýAll I know is that the ending came out perfect.
I haven't put the whole thing up yet but most of it is here if you fancy a read and the end is coming very soon:
So now you will ALL be relieved to hear that my project is book three of The Immorality of Immortality Trilogy: Chancing the Truth which deserves a second draft more than anything.
If you have no idea what I'm talking about here are the links to book one - Playing with Reality, book two - Gambling a Fairytale and my Immorality of Immortality website and Facebook page.
PWR - ÌýÌýÌý(Paperback)
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý(Kindle)
GAF -ÌýÌý(Paperback)
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌýÌý(Kindle)
IofI website -Ìý
IofI Facebook page -Ìý
I love CTT and I can't wait to read it again. Ìý(and again, and again, and again unfortunately). ÌýIt should be interesting as I have no idea what I'm going to think about it after all this time. ÌýI'm getting my ruthless head on and am going to have to be no nonsense about it.
It should be shiny and ready at some point in 2014. ÌýFor now that's all I can estimate as I have no idea of how much needs sorting yet.
But for the rest of the week at least I'm just going to sit back and read my reward: Allegiant by Veronica Roth. Ìý(It so won't take me all week! ÌýAnd yes, I know it's Friday.)
Don't worry, I know I've got loads of book reviews to do - five to be exact - well they're coming. ÌýThey are. ÌýPromise.
So I'll leave you with the last quotes from NaNoWriMo 2013:
Ash - "Against all odds, we fit together: Shard and Flare. ÌýIn the most incredible moment of my life."
Cerulean - "We were dangerous together."
Cerulean - "It isn't right . . . But that's what we're best at right?"
Ash - "I just . . . I can't seem to say no to you."
Ash - "So no mater how dangerous and wrong I was, he was too."
Ash - "This was it. ÌýThe real deal. ÌýBecause without him there was no me. ÌýNot anymore."
Ash - "It's us against the world. ÌýAnd I prefer that much better to you against me."
Cerulean - "We're a tragedy aren't we?"
Ash - "Because if this was how it was going to end, what had been the point?"
Molly Looby
Author / Wrimo / Movellian / Editor / Reviewer / Blogger / Writing coach / ZA Ready
Contact me about writing, reading, being an author, NaNoWriMo, Movellas, zombies, werewolves, vampires and anything else that's awesome here: [email protected]
November 28, 2013
NaNoWriMo 2013 Post #6
Sorry it's been a while but I've been so busy writing! ÌýI reached 50,000 words on day 22 and I haven't stopped. ÌýI can't! ÌýI've got a book to finish!
Current word count stand at 64,117.
And I'm still going.
Again, since the last blog post I've been enjoying the online company of Movellains who are always there to push you forward.
I have nothing more to add as I'm so busy trying to keep up with my novel and all the other stuff that's piling up. ÌýIncluding books to read. ÌýOh yeah, I've just discovered Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. ÌýAnd I was in the paper today!
Please pardon the pun. ÌýIt's killing me.
So I'm going to sign off and keep on writing. ÌýSee you when I'm done. ÌýWish me luck.
I'll leave you with the latest quotes.
Ash - "with Cerulean I could look at my worst and it didn't matter. ÌýHe'd hate me just the same whatever I looked like. ÌýThere was something liberating about that. ÌýThere was something wonderful about that."
Cerulean - "Life is complicated, isn't it?"
Cerulean - "It really is something, feeling so alive you could burst with it."
Cerulean - "It wasn't that I was scared; it was more that I was terrified. ÌýBut that good kind of terrified. ÌýThe kind that brought a thrill. ÌýThe thrills that people lived for."
And the link to my NaNoWriMo 2013 novel on Movellas - well most of it.
Molly Looby
Author / Wrimo / Movellian / Editor / Reviewer / Blogger / Writing Coach / ZA Ready
Contact me about writing, reading, NaNoWriMo, Movellas, zombies and everything awesome here: [email protected]
Current word count stand at 64,117.
And I'm still going.
Again, since the last blog post I've been enjoying the online company of Movellains who are always there to push you forward.
I have nothing more to add as I'm so busy trying to keep up with my novel and all the other stuff that's piling up. ÌýIncluding books to read. ÌýOh yeah, I've just discovered Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. ÌýAnd I was in the paper today!
Please pardon the pun. ÌýIt's killing me.
So I'm going to sign off and keep on writing. ÌýSee you when I'm done. ÌýWish me luck.
I'll leave you with the latest quotes.
Ash - "with Cerulean I could look at my worst and it didn't matter. ÌýHe'd hate me just the same whatever I looked like. ÌýThere was something liberating about that. ÌýThere was something wonderful about that."
Cerulean - "Life is complicated, isn't it?"
Cerulean - "It really is something, feeling so alive you could burst with it."
Cerulean - "It wasn't that I was scared; it was more that I was terrified. ÌýBut that good kind of terrified. ÌýThe kind that brought a thrill. ÌýThe thrills that people lived for."
And the link to my NaNoWriMo 2013 novel on Movellas - well most of it.
Molly Looby
Author / Wrimo / Movellian / Editor / Reviewer / Blogger / Writing Coach / ZA Ready
Contact me about writing, reading, NaNoWriMo, Movellas, zombies and everything awesome here: [email protected]
November 16, 2013
NaNoWriMo 2013 Post #5
So two weeks in. ÌýI was right before. ÌýWeek two was good to me. ÌýI speak to you now five days ahead of the target with 35,000 words under my belt. ÌýIt's getting easier every day to sit down and Ìýwrite 2,000 words. ÌýAccording to the NaNoWriMo website I am going to finish and reach 50,000 on the 24th of November which is fine by me.
Other than that things are going great, there's really not that much to say, other than this week I've really enjoyed the encouragement I've found on Movellas once again. ÌýThe community of WriMos is so friendly and ready to lend a hand and an encouraging word whenever you need it. ÌýI couldn't ask for a better writing community to turn to.
So for any of you interested, here's a link to what I've written so far. ÌýOr should I say, what I've found time to put on Movellas so far. ÌýI think about half is on there at the moment but I try and put two chapters on a day so it grows every day:
As I'm feeling pretty good about this novel right about now it's time for another insight! ÌýThis time I'm going to clue you in about the main characters.
The novel has two narrators, Ash Sauna and Cerulean Thistle. ÌýThey alternate chapters and lead very opposite lives.
They are both in training in the Training Centre (which is kind of like university but much more practical and useful)
Ash lives on campus and has taken Sport, she wishes to be a personal trainer. ÌýShe lives on the fifth floor of one of the apartment buildings opposite Solar, who is a close friend of hers. ÌýShe's energetic and fun but can also be selfish and impulsive. ÌýShe means well and is caring but she has a short temper. ÌýAt the start of the novel we find Ash with her best friend Ember at a party. ÌýAsh has her life exactly how she wanted and planned it to be and she's in a pretty good place in her life.
Cerulean lives off campus in his family home with his mother and younger sister, Skye. ÌýCerulean has taken Scientific with the dream of becoming a neurologist. ÌýHe's intelligent and ambitious but can also be a little cold and only gets close to a few people. ÌýHe has only one friend, Azure, who he's known for as long as he can remember. ÌýAt the start of the novel we find Cerulean asleep, soon to be awoke by his twelve year old sister who had a bad dream. ÌýCerulean's life as he knew it has recently fallen down around him and he's just happy to get through each day at a time.
So they're my protagonists and at first I was a little concerned about both of them as I wasn't that fond of them. ÌýBut they're both flawed and real and after I'd started telling their story I fell in love with them faults and all. ÌýSo what Cerulean's not a great socialiser and Ash's too daring for her own good. ÌýIt only makes me love them more.
I'll sign off again with my favourite quotes since the last blog post.
This is one I found from week one that forgot to include: Cerulean - "I couldn't see a way this was going to get any better. ÌýThings could get worse of course. ÌýThings always got worse. ÌýBut better? ÌýNah. ÌýBetter was a fairytale. ÌýBetter wasn't going to happen."
Now these are from week two:
Ash - "Everyone is always afraid. ÌýAll I have to do is figure out what it is exactly that frightens you."
Solar - "But it's a dangerous game, Ash. ÌýIf I were you, I'd quit right now."
Ash - "I was more comfortable with this boy that I hated than I had been with the one Id loved all that time ago."
If I keep on going like this, in eight days I'll be at 50,000 words. ÌýSee you there.
Molly Looby
Author / Wrimo / Movellian / Editor / Reviewer / Writing Coach / ZA Ready
Contact me here for all things writing and reading and everything! [email protected]
Other than that things are going great, there's really not that much to say, other than this week I've really enjoyed the encouragement I've found on Movellas once again. ÌýThe community of WriMos is so friendly and ready to lend a hand and an encouraging word whenever you need it. ÌýI couldn't ask for a better writing community to turn to.
So for any of you interested, here's a link to what I've written so far. ÌýOr should I say, what I've found time to put on Movellas so far. ÌýI think about half is on there at the moment but I try and put two chapters on a day so it grows every day:
As I'm feeling pretty good about this novel right about now it's time for another insight! ÌýThis time I'm going to clue you in about the main characters.
The novel has two narrators, Ash Sauna and Cerulean Thistle. ÌýThey alternate chapters and lead very opposite lives.
They are both in training in the Training Centre (which is kind of like university but much more practical and useful)
Ash lives on campus and has taken Sport, she wishes to be a personal trainer. ÌýShe lives on the fifth floor of one of the apartment buildings opposite Solar, who is a close friend of hers. ÌýShe's energetic and fun but can also be selfish and impulsive. ÌýShe means well and is caring but she has a short temper. ÌýAt the start of the novel we find Ash with her best friend Ember at a party. ÌýAsh has her life exactly how she wanted and planned it to be and she's in a pretty good place in her life.
Cerulean lives off campus in his family home with his mother and younger sister, Skye. ÌýCerulean has taken Scientific with the dream of becoming a neurologist. ÌýHe's intelligent and ambitious but can also be a little cold and only gets close to a few people. ÌýHe has only one friend, Azure, who he's known for as long as he can remember. ÌýAt the start of the novel we find Cerulean asleep, soon to be awoke by his twelve year old sister who had a bad dream. ÌýCerulean's life as he knew it has recently fallen down around him and he's just happy to get through each day at a time.
So they're my protagonists and at first I was a little concerned about both of them as I wasn't that fond of them. ÌýBut they're both flawed and real and after I'd started telling their story I fell in love with them faults and all. ÌýSo what Cerulean's not a great socialiser and Ash's too daring for her own good. ÌýIt only makes me love them more.
I'll sign off again with my favourite quotes since the last blog post.
This is one I found from week one that forgot to include: Cerulean - "I couldn't see a way this was going to get any better. ÌýThings could get worse of course. ÌýThings always got worse. ÌýBut better? ÌýNah. ÌýBetter was a fairytale. ÌýBetter wasn't going to happen."
Now these are from week two:
Ash - "Everyone is always afraid. ÌýAll I have to do is figure out what it is exactly that frightens you."
Solar - "But it's a dangerous game, Ash. ÌýIf I were you, I'd quit right now."
Ash - "I was more comfortable with this boy that I hated than I had been with the one Id loved all that time ago."
If I keep on going like this, in eight days I'll be at 50,000 words. ÌýSee you there.
Molly Looby
Author / Wrimo / Movellian / Editor / Reviewer / Writing Coach / ZA Ready
Contact me here for all things writing and reading and everything! [email protected]
November 8, 2013
NaNoWriMo 2013 Post #4
Today I feel confident. ÌýToday is the first day I have felt like I can do this. ÌýAfter the pep talk that made it clear that discipline was more important than inspiration, I've been so determined. ÌýFor the two hours this morning my internet was turned off (mostly) and I made myself sit still and just get words on paper. ÌýAnd I've already done my words for today. ÌýToday the words have come easier than any of the other days so far. ÌýMaybe for me the weeks have been reversed. ÌýWeek one is supposed to be easier than week two but it seems that already week two is treating me right. ÌýGood for you, week two.
I hit 15,000 words and feel pretty good about it. ÌýMy word count as of this second is: 16,582. ÌýFor those of you who don't take part in this crazy task by the eighth you should have reached 13,333 words to be on track for 50,000 by the end of November 30th. ÌýI'm only 84 words away from being two days ahead!
So in celebration of my current success I'm going to tell you a little about my story! ÌýI know! ÌýI've never really done that before! ÌýI'm a little frightened. ÌýWell . . . here we go.
This novel takes place in a universe that isn't our own. ÌýThe characters are human for all intents and purposes but with one major difference. ÌýThey are split into two races.
The Shards.
The Flares.
So this is essentially my old idea of fire and ice back when I thought about 'Phoenix Feathers'. ÌýAnd for those of you who haven't read my blog post on that, it was my first ever novel idea, a few months before my first novel I actually wrote, 'Mattie'. ÌýSo in 'Phoenix Feathers' these girls could turn into phoenixes and their natural enemies were the ice dragons. ÌýI only wrote one chapter.
Two years later, I picked up the idea, liking the opposite nature of fire and ice and wanting to write about them again. ÌýDifferent characters, different plot. ÌýThey could still turn into these things but it was more about the fact they hated each other. ÌýI wrote about eight chapters I think.
So now, two years again - I think - and the idea has changed. ÌýThis time the characters are the same as the second attempt but now they can't turn into dragons or phoenixes, they just hate each other. ÌýAnd now there are no normal humans in the universe, just Shards and Flames (because they're much cooler names than fire or ice)
Explaining that to you is actually encouraging as it shows me how much the idea has grown which is an exceptionally good sign as 'I Dare You' went through a similar process and is without a doubt the best thing I've ever written (in my opinion).
I think that's about it for now. ÌýI don't want to give stuff away to fast. ÌýInstead, here are my favourite quotes of the week (today included).
Ash - "My favourite part about living alone was that I didn't feel as though I had to withhold that wild side of myself for the benefit of the group."
Cerulean - "I'd never thought about my first kiss much before. ÌýBut I never anticipated I wouldn't have wanted it to happen."
Ember - "And then we all lived happily ever after, what's your point?"
Azure - "I just always assumed we'd just ignore each other and then die peacefully in our sleep."
Bring on week two.
Molly Looby
Author / Wrimo / Movellian / Editor / Reviewer / Writing Coach / ZA Ready
Contact me about all the writing stuff and whatnot here: [email protected]
I hit 15,000 words and feel pretty good about it. ÌýMy word count as of this second is: 16,582. ÌýFor those of you who don't take part in this crazy task by the eighth you should have reached 13,333 words to be on track for 50,000 by the end of November 30th. ÌýI'm only 84 words away from being two days ahead!
So in celebration of my current success I'm going to tell you a little about my story! ÌýI know! ÌýI've never really done that before! ÌýI'm a little frightened. ÌýWell . . . here we go.
This novel takes place in a universe that isn't our own. ÌýThe characters are human for all intents and purposes but with one major difference. ÌýThey are split into two races.
The Shards.
The Flares.
So this is essentially my old idea of fire and ice back when I thought about 'Phoenix Feathers'. ÌýAnd for those of you who haven't read my blog post on that, it was my first ever novel idea, a few months before my first novel I actually wrote, 'Mattie'. ÌýSo in 'Phoenix Feathers' these girls could turn into phoenixes and their natural enemies were the ice dragons. ÌýI only wrote one chapter.
Two years later, I picked up the idea, liking the opposite nature of fire and ice and wanting to write about them again. ÌýDifferent characters, different plot. ÌýThey could still turn into these things but it was more about the fact they hated each other. ÌýI wrote about eight chapters I think.
So now, two years again - I think - and the idea has changed. ÌýThis time the characters are the same as the second attempt but now they can't turn into dragons or phoenixes, they just hate each other. ÌýAnd now there are no normal humans in the universe, just Shards and Flames (because they're much cooler names than fire or ice)
Explaining that to you is actually encouraging as it shows me how much the idea has grown which is an exceptionally good sign as 'I Dare You' went through a similar process and is without a doubt the best thing I've ever written (in my opinion).
I think that's about it for now. ÌýI don't want to give stuff away to fast. ÌýInstead, here are my favourite quotes of the week (today included).
Ash - "My favourite part about living alone was that I didn't feel as though I had to withhold that wild side of myself for the benefit of the group."
Cerulean - "I'd never thought about my first kiss much before. ÌýBut I never anticipated I wouldn't have wanted it to happen."
Ember - "And then we all lived happily ever after, what's your point?"
Azure - "I just always assumed we'd just ignore each other and then die peacefully in our sleep."
Bring on week two.
Molly Looby
Author / Wrimo / Movellian / Editor / Reviewer / Writing Coach / ZA Ready
Contact me about all the writing stuff and whatnot here: [email protected]
November 4, 2013
NaNoWriMo 2013 Post #3
Although this is my third NaNoWriMo post, this is the first one during NaNoWriMo. ÌýIt has begun.
I was in Spain during the 1st and the 2nd of November and found it surprisingly stress-free to hand write my words for each day. ÌýI hit my target of 2,000 (I need those extra 300-400 words a day to keep away from the exact word count. ÌýI have to be ahead!) both days without much hassle. ÌýMy friend helped me work out where was best to start and then I was off.
Counting it up at the end of each page so I didn't have to do it all in one go though, was very irritating.
The real challenge was yesterday, the 3rd. ÌýI arrived home late on the 2nd and unpacked everything but that was just the very beginning of my list of stuff to do. ÌýI read three books on holiday meaning I had three more reviews to write (which I still haven't done - they're coming, just slowly, it is WriMo after all) to add to the two that are still unwritten from before I left. ÌýSo now my reviews to write are totalling five - the most I've had to write since I decided to do them. ÌýI also read through the beginning of the novel I finished in October and have a few changes to make to it before the big print out. ÌýI had to put my holiday photos on my laptop and send them to my friend. ÌýI had to sort out my word count on NaNoWriMo.org.
I had to write this blog post. ÌýI wanted to track my progress so that's what I'm going to do.
I had to write up my words from holiday. Ìý(This is coming along in bits and pieces which makes it even worse trying to work out my word count).
I had to do my words for that day. ÌýAnd today I have to do my words for the 4th.
It's strange how I thought this year would be easiest. ÌýLast year I had work on Friday nights, Sixth Form on the weekdays and tons of homework to do in my spare time and I still got it done. ÌýThis year I've got none of that going on. ÌýI go to the lovely writing community - Movellas - where I intern on Tuesdays and Thursdays but that's it. ÌýAnd there I write a lot on my train journey into London.
This shouldn't be so hard.
I think it's getting into the swing of things that's the trouble here. ÌýBeing in Spain and having some stuff to sort out now I'm back means I haven't had a very good writing routine.
But I am a very driven person. ÌýI would go as far as saying I'm scared of failure. ÌýSo that means I will write 2,000 words every day regardless. ÌýBecause I will not admit defeat.
I'm coming to get you, Wrimo.
Molly Looby
Author / Wrimo / Editor / Reviewer / Writing Coach / ZA Ready
I was in Spain during the 1st and the 2nd of November and found it surprisingly stress-free to hand write my words for each day. ÌýI hit my target of 2,000 (I need those extra 300-400 words a day to keep away from the exact word count. ÌýI have to be ahead!) both days without much hassle. ÌýMy friend helped me work out where was best to start and then I was off.
Counting it up at the end of each page so I didn't have to do it all in one go though, was very irritating.
The real challenge was yesterday, the 3rd. ÌýI arrived home late on the 2nd and unpacked everything but that was just the very beginning of my list of stuff to do. ÌýI read three books on holiday meaning I had three more reviews to write (which I still haven't done - they're coming, just slowly, it is WriMo after all) to add to the two that are still unwritten from before I left. ÌýSo now my reviews to write are totalling five - the most I've had to write since I decided to do them. ÌýI also read through the beginning of the novel I finished in October and have a few changes to make to it before the big print out. ÌýI had to put my holiday photos on my laptop and send them to my friend. ÌýI had to sort out my word count on NaNoWriMo.org.
I had to write this blog post. ÌýI wanted to track my progress so that's what I'm going to do.
I had to write up my words from holiday. Ìý(This is coming along in bits and pieces which makes it even worse trying to work out my word count).
I had to do my words for that day. ÌýAnd today I have to do my words for the 4th.
It's strange how I thought this year would be easiest. ÌýLast year I had work on Friday nights, Sixth Form on the weekdays and tons of homework to do in my spare time and I still got it done. ÌýThis year I've got none of that going on. ÌýI go to the lovely writing community - Movellas - where I intern on Tuesdays and Thursdays but that's it. ÌýAnd there I write a lot on my train journey into London.
This shouldn't be so hard.
I think it's getting into the swing of things that's the trouble here. ÌýBeing in Spain and having some stuff to sort out now I'm back means I haven't had a very good writing routine.
But I am a very driven person. ÌýI would go as far as saying I'm scared of failure. ÌýSo that means I will write 2,000 words every day regardless. ÌýBecause I will not admit defeat.
I'm coming to get you, Wrimo.
Molly Looby
Author / Wrimo / Editor / Reviewer / Writing Coach / ZA Ready
