Molly Looby's Blog, page 8
April 11, 2016
Week Three - 'After' Book Three
So week three wasn't my best. In fact, it's a pretty poor show actually. But give me a break, I took the week off (mostly).Ìý
I wrote 402 words. Total.
I've gone from being 4,500 words ahead of my daily goal to 4,500 words behind my daily goal.
I can no longer compare book three to and Hereafter as I'd finished them both by this point. And now that I think about it, how crazy is that? That seems super human. How was I ever supposed to keep up with that?
Instead of writing, I've been spending time with family and friends and basically just being a normal human being. And I guess we all have to do that every once in a while.
But it's all right. I've worked out where the next five or so chapters are going and what exactly is going to happen in them so writing this week should be easier. Fingers crossed.
Maybe this week I'll actually do some writing.
Author / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
Visit me onÌýÌý/Ìý/ÌýÌý/Ìý/Ìý
I wrote 402 words. Total.
I've gone from being 4,500 words ahead of my daily goal to 4,500 words behind my daily goal.
I can no longer compare book three to and Hereafter as I'd finished them both by this point. And now that I think about it, how crazy is that? That seems super human. How was I ever supposed to keep up with that?
Instead of writing, I've been spending time with family and friends and basically just being a normal human being. And I guess we all have to do that every once in a while.
But it's all right. I've worked out where the next five or so chapters are going and what exactly is going to happen in them so writing this week should be easier. Fingers crossed.
Maybe this week I'll actually do some writing.
Author / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
Visit me onÌýÌý/Ìý/ÌýÌý/Ìý/Ìý
April 4, 2016
Week Two - 'After' Book Three
As expected, week two is much more difficult than week one.
I spent much of this week hating every word, wondering why I didn't just throw in the towel and write something else. My other half asked me why I didn't just skip my words for a day. But if I don't do if for one day, what makes me do it the day after that and after that and after that? Next thing I know it'll be three years later and I'll still be no further on. No. Not writing isn't me. In fact, the idea terrifies me.
So I battled on, making myself write 2,000 words a day.
Let me tell you, that's not easy when you find yourself writing a scene of faff and you know you're 90% likely to cut it in editing. As an inexperienced writer, I never had this problem. Ah, the easy days.
The second half the week was much easier, thank goodness, and I'm getting excited about where the story is going again.
This week I managed 18,000 (almost 19,000) words.
I'm now 3,000 words behind where I was writing Book Two (Hereafter).And a massive 23,000 words behind Book One (). But like I said last week, ThereafterÌýwas filled with NaNo madness.
Just got to keep chugging along!
Author / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
Visit me onÌýÌý/Ìý/ÌýÌý/Ìý/Ìý
I spent much of this week hating every word, wondering why I didn't just throw in the towel and write something else. My other half asked me why I didn't just skip my words for a day. But if I don't do if for one day, what makes me do it the day after that and after that and after that? Next thing I know it'll be three years later and I'll still be no further on. No. Not writing isn't me. In fact, the idea terrifies me.
So I battled on, making myself write 2,000 words a day.
Let me tell you, that's not easy when you find yourself writing a scene of faff and you know you're 90% likely to cut it in editing. As an inexperienced writer, I never had this problem. Ah, the easy days.
The second half the week was much easier, thank goodness, and I'm getting excited about where the story is going again.
This week I managed 18,000 (almost 19,000) words.
I'm now 3,000 words behind where I was writing Book Two (Hereafter).And a massive 23,000 words behind Book One (). But like I said last week, ThereafterÌýwas filled with NaNo madness.
Just got to keep chugging along!
Author / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
Visit me onÌýÌý/Ìý/ÌýÌý/Ìý/Ìý
March 29, 2016
Week One - 'After' Book Three
I started it.
Yep. After Book Three is now in progress and I'm falling back in love with writing. Not that I ever fell out of love with it but you know what I mean. Well, you will if you're a writer.
So, to follow on from , I am trying to be more of a writer and less of a reviewer on here. After all, I am a writer always. When I'm watching the TV and not paying attention because I'm thinking of my work in progress, and when I'm in the shower and the hot water runs out because I'm too busy considering a new character's back story, and especially when I'm exactly 0.01 seconds away from falling asleep.
Anyway, back to it.
So I've written a trilogy before--the ImmoralityÌýof ImmortalityÌýtrilogy--and it occupied me from the ages of 15-17 and in many ways, defined me as a writer. The After trilogy I guess is similar in some ways but insanely different in others. What I think I'm trying to say is, I've written a trilogy before, so I know what it feels like.
But saying that, this one feels different. I of I's third book (Chancing the Truth) was written from three characters perspectives and in a lot of respects, that made it easier. But not After. All I've got for my narrator in AfterÌýis Abia Angel, intelligent, logical, and no-nonsense. And she poses a few challenges, let me tell you. But it's fun to write someone who doesn't like the things you like.
Anyway, I'm blabbering aren't I . . .
So week one went well. From Saturday 19th to Saturday 26th ÌýI managed to write 24,000 words which is more impressive than I can even express. Book Three is officially 5,000 words larger one week in than Book Two (Hereafter) was at this time. However, it's 7,000 words shorter than Book One ( - link takes you to Movellas to read a draft if you want) was at this time, but then again, that was NaNo!
I think I can put my success down to fear. I have a limited time to write each day so I just have to blast it. I have my lunch break and the short amount of time between when I finish my work for the day and my other half gets back from work. The majority of this novel is going to be written at those times and I've never been so constrained before. But now I'm an adult with responsibilities. Bleugh.
It's doing me well so far. But week one always goes well doesn't it, writers? You Wrimos will know what I'm talking about.
Wish me luck for week two.
Author / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
Visit me onÌýÌý/Ìý/ÌýÌý/Ìý/Ìý
Yep. After Book Three is now in progress and I'm falling back in love with writing. Not that I ever fell out of love with it but you know what I mean. Well, you will if you're a writer.
So, to follow on from , I am trying to be more of a writer and less of a reviewer on here. After all, I am a writer always. When I'm watching the TV and not paying attention because I'm thinking of my work in progress, and when I'm in the shower and the hot water runs out because I'm too busy considering a new character's back story, and especially when I'm exactly 0.01 seconds away from falling asleep.
Anyway, back to it.
So I've written a trilogy before--the ImmoralityÌýof ImmortalityÌýtrilogy--and it occupied me from the ages of 15-17 and in many ways, defined me as a writer. The After trilogy I guess is similar in some ways but insanely different in others. What I think I'm trying to say is, I've written a trilogy before, so I know what it feels like.
But saying that, this one feels different. I of I's third book (Chancing the Truth) was written from three characters perspectives and in a lot of respects, that made it easier. But not After. All I've got for my narrator in AfterÌýis Abia Angel, intelligent, logical, and no-nonsense. And she poses a few challenges, let me tell you. But it's fun to write someone who doesn't like the things you like.
Anyway, I'm blabbering aren't I . . .
So week one went well. From Saturday 19th to Saturday 26th ÌýI managed to write 24,000 words which is more impressive than I can even express. Book Three is officially 5,000 words larger one week in than Book Two (Hereafter) was at this time. However, it's 7,000 words shorter than Book One ( - link takes you to Movellas to read a draft if you want) was at this time, but then again, that was NaNo!
I think I can put my success down to fear. I have a limited time to write each day so I just have to blast it. I have my lunch break and the short amount of time between when I finish my work for the day and my other half gets back from work. The majority of this novel is going to be written at those times and I've never been so constrained before. But now I'm an adult with responsibilities. Bleugh.
It's doing me well so far. But week one always goes well doesn't it, writers? You Wrimos will know what I'm talking about.
Wish me luck for week two.
Author / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
Visit me onÌýÌý/Ìý/ÌýÌý/Ìý/Ìý
March 21, 2016
A Change of Direction
Hello,
It's me, Molly.
So I've been thinking about this blog and I think something needs to change. I set it up as a place to talk about writing and I almost never find myself talking about writing. Yes, I talk about books and that's great, but that's not really what I wanted to get out of this. I've realised this blog is becoming a list of book reviews.
And though I am both a book reviewer and an author (among a list of other things), only one of those job descriptions do I live and breathe.
So something needs to change.
I'm still going to write book reviews (I couldn't stop even if I wanted to, it's a curse) but they're going to have other homes. I might do a monthly or bi-monthly update of books I've read and post links to their reviews so interested parties can still find my reviews with ease.Ìý
If I don't let myself post book reviews (or many at least) that really puts the pressure on to think of more interesting things to write about. Namely: writing, writing events, writing tips. And that might bring along more readers - yay! A more writerly audience is what I'm looking for as I'm always looking to connect with writer friends. We're a special breed and we need to stick together.
So just sit back and enjoy the new posts to come :)
Molly LoobyAuthor / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
Visit me onÌýÌý/Ìý/ÌýÌý/Ìý/Ìý
It's me, Molly.
So I've been thinking about this blog and I think something needs to change. I set it up as a place to talk about writing and I almost never find myself talking about writing. Yes, I talk about books and that's great, but that's not really what I wanted to get out of this. I've realised this blog is becoming a list of book reviews.
And though I am both a book reviewer and an author (among a list of other things), only one of those job descriptions do I live and breathe.
So something needs to change.
I'm still going to write book reviews (I couldn't stop even if I wanted to, it's a curse) but they're going to have other homes. I might do a monthly or bi-monthly update of books I've read and post links to their reviews so interested parties can still find my reviews with ease.Ìý
If I don't let myself post book reviews (or many at least) that really puts the pressure on to think of more interesting things to write about. Namely: writing, writing events, writing tips. And that might bring along more readers - yay! A more writerly audience is what I'm looking for as I'm always looking to connect with writer friends. We're a special breed and we need to stick together.
So just sit back and enjoy the new posts to come :)
Molly LoobyAuthor / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
Visit me onÌýÌý/Ìý/ÌýÌý/Ìý/Ìý
March 14, 2016
Questions for Book Lovers
I was tagged by Ìýto answer these super fun book questions!
1. What is the first book you read by yourself?Matilda by Roald Dahl. I loved every page.
2. Did your parents read to you before bed? If so, what did they read to you?Yeah, every night I think! My dad read lots of books to me and my brother. The ones I can remember off the top of my head are:ÌýHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, The Diamond Girls, Dr Doolittle,Ìýand loads more I can't think of!Ìý
My grandad also used to read to us when we were staying. He read a load of Mr MenÌýbooks, The Bad Tempered Ladybug, Meg and Mog, and a whole basket load I can't remember off the top of my head!
3. Name a movie that is better than the book?Meet the Robinsons - it's based on a picture book by William Joyce called A Day with Wilbur Robinson. I don't have to tell you that they're not that similar at all but I'd much prefer to watch the Disney film than read the 20-odd page book. I need my complex character-arcs!
4. What was the worst movie adaptation of a book?The Darren ShanÌýfilm. Nobody go and watch it. Darren Shan himself will back me up. They utterly destroyed a fantastic book series with the world's worst film. I mean, what was with the monkey girl!
5. Outdoor or indoor reading?Indoors. Outdoors is where the bugs live. Also I burn by so much as glancing outside.
6. Book you're mostÌýembarrassedÌýto have never read?Anything that people expect me to have read. I hate it when people assume I've read everything! But I would say I'm most embarrassed on the classic front. I hadn't read any Austen until last year and I've never read a whole Dickens novel either. Plus, I started DraculaÌýin 2010 and it's up my loft somewhere with the bookmark still in!
7. MostÌýembarrassingÌýbook you've ever read?Embarrassing? I guess the MorganvilleÌýVampireÌýbooks aren't great literature but they're so damn entertaining! I don't think I've ever been embarrassed by a book before.Ìý
8. Worst book you ever read or stopped reading?I want to say How I Live NowÌýbut since reading that I've read The AwakeningÌýwhich is the first Vampire Diaries book. Please, please, please, everyone avoid it like the plague. I hear the TV series is good but I can assure you the book is unbearable. (I'm sorry L.J. Smith but I just hated Elena so much! She's super sexist towards all the men in her life and she thinks she's perfect and loved by everyone and I couldn't bear it!)
9. Do you prefer digital or paper?Paper forever. I've never liked a book I've read on my Kindle very much and I blame the fact it doesn't smell like a book.
10. What character would you like to suckerpunch in the face?Elena from The AwakeningÌý(Vampire Diaries)Ìýand Daisy from How I Live Now.
11. What character would you like to be best friends with?Gaby from Paula Weston's Rephiam Series. I know we could talk and laugh all day and she'd always have my back. (She also knows how to wield a katana).
12. How many physical books do you own?Including the books up the loft . . . It's got to be between 300-400. Can you imagine how many I'll have in ten years? Twenty? Thirty? I need a library.
13. What books do you want to make sure you read to your children?TheÌýHarry Potter series, or at least start it with them. The Winnie-the-PoohÌýstories. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Bad Tempered Ladybug, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, The Tiger That Came to Tea, all of Roald Dahl.
14. What book describes you best?I don't really understand this question. I've read a huge stack of books. So many you couldn't stack them all. And if you did and it fell over it'd kill me. I've left a piece of my soul in every book I've ever loved and that list grows longer and longer each month. There's no one book that describes me but Carrie Ryan's The Forest of Hands and TeethÌýtrilogy remind me most of myself I guess.
15. What are you reading right now?The 5th WaveÌýby Rick Yancey. I've been so busy that I'm only about 150 pages in but it's brilliant so far!
I invite everyone to go and answer these questions, especially and .
Molly LoobyAuthor / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
Visit me onÌýÌý/Ìý/ÌýÌý/Ìý/Ìý
1. What is the first book you read by yourself?Matilda by Roald Dahl. I loved every page.
2. Did your parents read to you before bed? If so, what did they read to you?Yeah, every night I think! My dad read lots of books to me and my brother. The ones I can remember off the top of my head are:ÌýHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, The Diamond Girls, Dr Doolittle,Ìýand loads more I can't think of!Ìý
My grandad also used to read to us when we were staying. He read a load of Mr MenÌýbooks, The Bad Tempered Ladybug, Meg and Mog, and a whole basket load I can't remember off the top of my head!
3. Name a movie that is better than the book?Meet the Robinsons - it's based on a picture book by William Joyce called A Day with Wilbur Robinson. I don't have to tell you that they're not that similar at all but I'd much prefer to watch the Disney film than read the 20-odd page book. I need my complex character-arcs!
4. What was the worst movie adaptation of a book?The Darren ShanÌýfilm. Nobody go and watch it. Darren Shan himself will back me up. They utterly destroyed a fantastic book series with the world's worst film. I mean, what was with the monkey girl!
5. Outdoor or indoor reading?Indoors. Outdoors is where the bugs live. Also I burn by so much as glancing outside.
6. Book you're mostÌýembarrassedÌýto have never read?Anything that people expect me to have read. I hate it when people assume I've read everything! But I would say I'm most embarrassed on the classic front. I hadn't read any Austen until last year and I've never read a whole Dickens novel either. Plus, I started DraculaÌýin 2010 and it's up my loft somewhere with the bookmark still in!
7. MostÌýembarrassingÌýbook you've ever read?Embarrassing? I guess the MorganvilleÌýVampireÌýbooks aren't great literature but they're so damn entertaining! I don't think I've ever been embarrassed by a book before.Ìý
8. Worst book you ever read or stopped reading?I want to say How I Live NowÌýbut since reading that I've read The AwakeningÌýwhich is the first Vampire Diaries book. Please, please, please, everyone avoid it like the plague. I hear the TV series is good but I can assure you the book is unbearable. (I'm sorry L.J. Smith but I just hated Elena so much! She's super sexist towards all the men in her life and she thinks she's perfect and loved by everyone and I couldn't bear it!)
9. Do you prefer digital or paper?Paper forever. I've never liked a book I've read on my Kindle very much and I blame the fact it doesn't smell like a book.
10. What character would you like to suckerpunch in the face?Elena from The AwakeningÌý(Vampire Diaries)Ìýand Daisy from How I Live Now.
11. What character would you like to be best friends with?Gaby from Paula Weston's Rephiam Series. I know we could talk and laugh all day and she'd always have my back. (She also knows how to wield a katana).
12. How many physical books do you own?Including the books up the loft . . . It's got to be between 300-400. Can you imagine how many I'll have in ten years? Twenty? Thirty? I need a library.
13. What books do you want to make sure you read to your children?TheÌýHarry Potter series, or at least start it with them. The Winnie-the-PoohÌýstories. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Bad Tempered Ladybug, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, The Tiger That Came to Tea, all of Roald Dahl.
14. What book describes you best?I don't really understand this question. I've read a huge stack of books. So many you couldn't stack them all. And if you did and it fell over it'd kill me. I've left a piece of my soul in every book I've ever loved and that list grows longer and longer each month. There's no one book that describes me but Carrie Ryan's The Forest of Hands and TeethÌýtrilogy remind me most of myself I guess.
15. What are you reading right now?The 5th WaveÌýby Rick Yancey. I've been so busy that I'm only about 150 pages in but it's brilliant so far!
I invite everyone to go and answer these questions, especially and .
Molly LoobyAuthor / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
Visit me onÌýÌý/Ìý/ÌýÌý/Ìý/Ìý
March 8, 2016
Top 10 Female Characters for International Women's Day 2016
Now, last year for International Women's Day I made a list of my favourite female authors () and the year before I made a list of strong female characters including some of my own ).
This year I thought I'd make it more difficult for myself. I'm only going to list 10.
So here we go. My all time top 10 female characters. (They are not ranked. I tried. It was too painful!)
Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games Trilogy)Matilda Wormwood (Matilda)Diana Ladris (GONE Series)Viola Eade (Chaos Walking Trilogy)Tris Prior (Divergent Trilogy)Hermione Granger (Harry Potter Series)Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter Series)Annah (The Dark and Hollow Places)Gaby Winters (The Rephaim Series)Saba (Dustlands Trilogy)While we're here, I might as well point out that all the books these ladies are from are fantasticÌýand you should pick up a copy or two!
Happy International Women's Day!
Molly LoobyAuthor / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
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March 3, 2016
Top 10 Book Series for World Book Day 2016
World Book Day is back! What better way to celebrate than to make a brilliant book list? Last year I created a with my favourite characters and the year before I listed s.
But 40 is way too easy. Let's crack down on the list and go for just 10 series (it was way too difficult when including stand alone books too!) . . .
The Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne CollinsGONE Series - Michael GrantLorien Legacies - Pittacus LoreChaos Walking - Patrick NessDivergent Trilogy - Veronica RothHarry Potter Series - J.K. RowlingThe Forest of Hands and Teeth Trilogy - Carrie RyanJohn Cleaver Trilogy - Dan WellsRephiam Series - Paula WestonDustlands Trilogy - Moira Young
If you haven't read these books I suggest you go and read them right now! And yes, they're all YA, what else?
Happy World Book Day!
Molly LoobyAuthor / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
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February 29, 2016
The New Hunger - Isaac Marion
A Spoiler Free Bit About The Book
*Prequel to Warm Bodies*
Julie Grigio and her parents are looking for a new home.
Nora Greene and her brother are looking for food, shelter, and safety.
The dead man is looking for the answers to his many questions.
The three groups must stumble on as looking back and stopping is not an option.
My Review
I was excited and nervous about picking up The New HungerÌýas I loved Warm Bodies so completely. I was a little scared of my massive expectations.
I shouldn't have been worried as one chapter in, I was hooked. The simplicity of the first chapter drew me in. The dead man's point of view seemed empty and melancholy in only a few paragraphs. I should have remembered how Marion is the king of feeling.
I'm afraid to say that I have almost nothing to write as I couldn't think of a single thing to criticise.
The description was so fantastic I was right there in the moment. Some thoughtful phrases I'd never considered before made me truly enter the world Marion had created. There were some amazing lines that chilled me and made me grip the book tighter, but they were interspersed with lines that would make me laugh, causing me to be constantly on edge. And of course, turning pages.
There's something so horrible and beautiful about prequels because you know exactly how they have to turn out in order for the first book to take place and that horrible foreboding follows you on every page. If anything though, it made me read faster.
The New Hunger is short and easy to read and I didn't want it to be over. It was perfectly crafted. I can't say anything more.
The New HungerÌýtakes my third spot on the Molten Reading Challenge: a book recommended by a friend.
A book recommended by a friend: The New HungerÌýby Isaac Marion (recommended by Dad)
Evaluation
Overall 10/10
Would I recommend it? Yes, but please read Warm BodiesÌýfirst.
Would I look up the author? Yes, can't wait for the Warm Bodies sequel The Burning World!
The New HungerÌýwas poignant and full of feeling.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
Visit me onÌýÌý/Ìý/ÌýÌý/Ìý/Ìý
*Prequel to Warm Bodies*
Julie Grigio and her parents are looking for a new home.
Nora Greene and her brother are looking for food, shelter, and safety.
The dead man is looking for the answers to his many questions.
The three groups must stumble on as looking back and stopping is not an option.
My Review
I was excited and nervous about picking up The New HungerÌýas I loved Warm Bodies so completely. I was a little scared of my massive expectations.
I shouldn't have been worried as one chapter in, I was hooked. The simplicity of the first chapter drew me in. The dead man's point of view seemed empty and melancholy in only a few paragraphs. I should have remembered how Marion is the king of feeling.
I'm afraid to say that I have almost nothing to write as I couldn't think of a single thing to criticise.
The description was so fantastic I was right there in the moment. Some thoughtful phrases I'd never considered before made me truly enter the world Marion had created. There were some amazing lines that chilled me and made me grip the book tighter, but they were interspersed with lines that would make me laugh, causing me to be constantly on edge. And of course, turning pages.
There's something so horrible and beautiful about prequels because you know exactly how they have to turn out in order for the first book to take place and that horrible foreboding follows you on every page. If anything though, it made me read faster.
The New Hunger is short and easy to read and I didn't want it to be over. It was perfectly crafted. I can't say anything more.
The New HungerÌýtakes my third spot on the Molten Reading Challenge: a book recommended by a friend.
A book recommended by a friend: The New HungerÌýby Isaac Marion (recommended by Dad)
Evaluation
Overall 10/10
Would I recommend it? Yes, but please read Warm BodiesÌýfirst.
Would I look up the author? Yes, can't wait for the Warm Bodies sequel The Burning World!
The New HungerÌýwas poignant and full of feeling.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
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February 22, 2016
Kellie's Diary - Thomas Jenner and Angeline Perkins
A Spoiler Free Bit About The Book
Nine-year-old Kellie finds herself in a world of monsters. She must be brave in order to find home where she's hoping Mum and Dad will be waiting for her.
My Review
I didn't quite know what to expect with this to be honest. I was questioning how much of the world could pass through a nine-year-old's head. But the result was creepy and intense.
The entire thing is written in diary entries which are short and easy to read. However, I have some serious issues with the diary form and they were highlighted by the young protagonist throughout. Diaries tend to lack dialouge and Kellie's DiaryÌýhad no dialouge whatsoever. I love dialouge and the absence of it stood out so much. I understand Kellie is alone for the majority of the story but even so, I was craving some sort of conversation.
Also, because of the lack of dialouge and the fact that Kellie was alone for pretty much the whole story, there are almost no secondary characters. The few people we hear about we don't know. I needed some other characters to add another dimension. I guess if Kellie had any adults around her she'd be safe and they'd be no story to tell but even so.
The diary also led to a lot of telling and not showing. Kellie would say things like "I was so scared" which makes me feel nothing as a reader. I couldn't feel her fear at all as it wasn't described. But a nine-year-old wouldn't know how to describe it so I lost out on feeling much of anything.
A lot of tension is lost because we know she's all right because she's writing the entry. This made the pace seem very casual throughout. We miss all the action and therefore the danger never truly hits us.
The whole thing was short and I read it in one sitting feeling like I'd missed something. There didn't feel like much of a plot and I disliked the choice of form.
I'm sure if Kellie's DiaryÌýwas written in something other than the diary form, it would've been much more gripping.
Evaluation
Overall 5/10
Would I recommend it? No. The idea was creepy but the execution wasn't right.
Would I look up the author? No.
Kellie's DiaryÌýwas creepy at first but the danger was too far removed for my liking.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
Visit me onÌýÌý/Ìý/ÌýÌý/Ìý/Ìý
Nine-year-old Kellie finds herself in a world of monsters. She must be brave in order to find home where she's hoping Mum and Dad will be waiting for her.
My Review
I didn't quite know what to expect with this to be honest. I was questioning how much of the world could pass through a nine-year-old's head. But the result was creepy and intense.
The entire thing is written in diary entries which are short and easy to read. However, I have some serious issues with the diary form and they were highlighted by the young protagonist throughout. Diaries tend to lack dialouge and Kellie's DiaryÌýhad no dialouge whatsoever. I love dialouge and the absence of it stood out so much. I understand Kellie is alone for the majority of the story but even so, I was craving some sort of conversation.
Also, because of the lack of dialouge and the fact that Kellie was alone for pretty much the whole story, there are almost no secondary characters. The few people we hear about we don't know. I needed some other characters to add another dimension. I guess if Kellie had any adults around her she'd be safe and they'd be no story to tell but even so.
The diary also led to a lot of telling and not showing. Kellie would say things like "I was so scared" which makes me feel nothing as a reader. I couldn't feel her fear at all as it wasn't described. But a nine-year-old wouldn't know how to describe it so I lost out on feeling much of anything.
A lot of tension is lost because we know she's all right because she's writing the entry. This made the pace seem very casual throughout. We miss all the action and therefore the danger never truly hits us.
The whole thing was short and I read it in one sitting feeling like I'd missed something. There didn't feel like much of a plot and I disliked the choice of form.
I'm sure if Kellie's DiaryÌýwas written in something other than the diary form, it would've been much more gripping.
Evaluation
Overall 5/10
Would I recommend it? No. The idea was creepy but the execution wasn't right.
Would I look up the author? No.
Kellie's DiaryÌýwas creepy at first but the danger was too far removed for my liking.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
Visit me onÌýÌý/Ìý/ÌýÌý/Ìý/Ìý
February 14, 2016
Feel the Love!
To celebrate Valentine's Day, here are my top five - you heard me fiveÌý- love stories of all time.
For once I'm going to put these in a specific order. Watch out, this could get messy . . .
Here are my six favourite love stories of all time:
Delirium - Lauren OliverThe Fault in Our Stars - John GreenJust One Day - Gayle FormanWuthering Heights - Emily BrontePride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
I tried to pick the ones most about love/romance. As opposed to these:The Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy - Maggie StiefvaterTwilight Saga - Stephenie MeyerImmortals Series - Alyson NoelHush, Hush Series - Becca FitzpatrickAnna Dressed in Blood - Kendare Blake (this isn't really a love story but . . .)
So there you have it! It's no secret that I'm a sucker for romance <3
Hope everyone has a love filled day!
Molly LoobyAuthor / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
For once I'm going to put these in a specific order. Watch out, this could get messy . . .
Here are my six favourite love stories of all time:
Delirium - Lauren OliverThe Fault in Our Stars - John GreenJust One Day - Gayle FormanWuthering Heights - Emily BrontePride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
I tried to pick the ones most about love/romance. As opposed to these:The Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy - Maggie StiefvaterTwilight Saga - Stephenie MeyerImmortals Series - Alyson NoelHush, Hush Series - Becca FitzpatrickAnna Dressed in Blood - Kendare Blake (this isn't really a love story but . . .)
So there you have it! It's no secret that I'm a sucker for romance <3
Hope everyone has a love filled day!
Molly LoobyAuthor / Editor in Chief atÌýÌý/ Freelance Editor / Writing Coach / Reviewer / Blogger /ÌýWrimoÌý/ÌýMovellianÌý/ ZA [email protected]
