Wandering Aimlessly into 2025

 

Typically, I'd have already written and shared a post where I look back on 2024 and shared what I'd accomplished through the year. I didn't do that for 2024. Why? Because 2024 sucked big time! I'd lost two jobs that I loved, haven't been able to find a new job that works for me, I've been scammed by "jobs", and I've dealt with a host of health issues within my family. I gained back some of the weight I'd lost. My cat died. All of this has led me into a depression that I'm still struggling to get out of. 

I've lost the joy in everything--writing, editing, reading, watching TV, working out, coloring--you name it, and it's become a chore for me. I truly feel like I'm aimlessly wandering into 2025, so I've decided to fully embrace this and use it to my advantage...

Before I get into all of my non-plans for 2025, I do need to reflect a bit on 2024, because it wasn't all terrible. So, here are my highs and lows of 2024...

HIGH: I went on a cruise with my best friend, daughter, and daughter's boyfriend who proposed to her! I was so happy to witness this and be a part of such a special moment. 

LOW: I was let go from a writing job that I loved. It was very unexpected, and the loss of income hit me hard. 

HIGH: My best friends bought a new house and are settling in, which means they will not be leaving Michigan! 

LOW: The publisher I'd been working with for over a decade closed its doors, leaving me without my editing job. Again, the loss of income was difficult, but more than that, I no longer had any job. What on earth was I supposed to do with myself all day now?

HIGH: Without any job, I now have all the time in the world to devote to writing!

LOW: Without any job, I have no money to pay for all the expenses that go along with being an Indie author. 

HIGH: I've redeveloped a working relationship with a serial book app and am once again selling licensing rights to my books!

LOW: My cat, Luna, died.

HIGH: We welcomed little Miss Daisy Ray into our home and lives. She's been such a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster year. 

HIGH: I went on vacation with my girls to Georgia, which despite all the problems we encountered, it was so much fun! I loved the aquarium and the Vampire Diaries Tour. 

HIGH: I read a lot more this year than many years before, and I've discovered a new-to-me genre that I'm obsessed with: Romantasy! My complete list is below.

HIGH: I finally managed to get my husband a French bulldog, which is a breed he's wanted for so long! This is Biskit, and he's 9 weeks old. He's got the attitude of a big dog in the body that right now is literally smaller than our cats. lol. 

So, like I said, 2024 wasn't all terrible, but you'll notice that I don't have many highs that involve writing or publishing. That's because I did very little of that this past year. I used to keep track of all my daily word counts, hours I spent writing, etc. I stopped doing that mid-year, and it was one of the best things I could've done for myself. And this leads into my non-plans for 2025...

In 2025, I have only one goal: 

FIND JOY !

This is how I plan to do that:

1. I'm not going to set a bunch of goals because I know they will only stress me out. 

2. I'm not going to worry about tracking my every moment and word written because that just makes me feel bad when I have days where I can't or don't want to do anything. 

3. I'm not going to berate myself for not writing or for choosing to spend the day doing self-care. Instead, I will live in the moment. 

4. I'm not going to force my muse. I know what personally sells for me in terms of what I write and publish. What sells doesn't necessarily align with what I want to write on any given day. So, instead of making myself write what sells, I'm going to let my muse lead me. 

5. I'm not going to be a prisoner to technology. I will spend less time on social media and more time doing the things I enjoy. 

As promised, here's my complete reading list for 2024:

• The Game by Linsey Miller
• Little Monsters by Kara Thomas
• Pestilence (The Four Horsemen, #1) by Laura Thalassa
• War (The Four Horsemen, #2) by Laura Thalassa
• Famine (The Four Horsemen, #3) by Laura Thalassa
• Death (The Four Horsemen, #4) by Laura Thalassa
• Killer Content by Kiley Roache
• Lost in Michigan, Volume 3 by Mike Sonnenberg
• Kingdom of the Wicked by Keri Maniscalo
• Quarantine #1: The Loners by Lex Thomas
• Quarantine #2: The Saints by Lex Thomas
• Quarantine #3: The Burnouts by Lex Thomas
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Two Degrees by Alan Gratz
• Landry Park by Bethany Hagen
• Truth or Dare by L.L. Hunter
• Ever (The Ever Trilogy #1) by Jessa Russo
• Evade (The Ever Trilogy #2) by Jessa Russo
• Entwined (The Ever Trilogy #3) by Jessa Russo
• City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare
• No Escape by Maren Stoffels
• City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare
• Lying in the Deep by Diana Urban
• Room Service by Maren Stoffels
• Fright Night by Maren Stoffels
• The Cousins by Karen M. McManus
• The Stranded by Sarah Daniels
• The Girl Who Lived by Christopher Greyson
• Rhapsodic (Bargainer Series #1) by Laura Thalassa
• A Strange Hymn (Bargainer Series #2) by Laura Thalassa
• The Emperor of Evening Stars (Bargainer Series #3) by Laura Thalassa
• Dark Harmony (Bargainer Series #4) by Laura Thalassa
• The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
• To Kill a Shadow by Katherine Quinn
• 49 Miles Alone by Natalie D. Richards
• Last One to Die by Cynthia Murphy
• Come Out, Come Out, Whatever You Are by Kathryn Foxfield

So, how was your 2024? 

And what are you goals and dreams for 2025? 

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 01.02.2024 (Reading and Blogging Goals)

Hello and welcome to Tell Me Something Tuesday (TMST)!

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

I read just shy of 50 books in 2023, which I know isn't a lot compared to some people, but it's a lot for me when I take into account how much reading I do for my day job. This year, I'd like to read at least 50 books, but ideally, I'll hit 75 or 100. 

On the blogging front, I'd like to post 2-3 Book Cravings posts per week (my personal thoughts on books I've read), along with keeping up on this feature: Tell Me Something Tuesday. I'd also like to open up my blog for any fellow author who'd like to be featured, and share whatever thoughts I might have throughout the year. 

What are your reading and/or blogging goals this year? 

Share in the comments!

GOALS: 2024

 

Usually, I love writing this post each year. I like to have a semi-plan in place about what I want to accomplish in any given year. At the start of 2024, though, I'm a little hesitant to put anything in writing. Why? Because life seems to have other plans for me lately that don't always involve writing and publishing. And when I don't reach a certain goal I set for myself, I feel like I've failed. So this year, I've decided to be a bit more vague and go easier on myself. 

So, here's what I'm going to focus on in 2024...

1. Maintain My Health

I'm finally on a good dosage of my Fibro meds, and I've added in some new supplements that's really helping with my fatigue, so I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing. I'm also going to get back into a routine of working out. Once the weather clears up, I'd like to start taking Crowley on walks again, too. 

2. Gain More Financial Freedom

I'm still working for Anaiah Press, and I plan to keep doing so. However, I've applied for a new work-from-home job that's within the publishing industry, and I'm really optimistic that I'll get a position. This will take a lot of stress off our household finances, but it will also give me a bit more freedom in terms of funds to keep publishing and marketing my books. Ideally, within the next 3 to 5 years, I want to be making enough income from my books alone that I don't *have* to work anywhere else unless I want to. 

3. Keep Blogging

I've made some good progress with my blog this past year, and I want to keep up the momentum. Between a weekly group post I've joined (Tell Me Something Tuesday), my book thoughts, and anything else that pops into my head, I shouldn't have any issues keeping up with this. 

4. Read

I read more in 2023 than I have in years, and I've really enjoyed branching out into new genres. My total last year was 43 books. This year, I'm aiming for 50! I've even started a reading journal so I can keep better track. 

5. Write

As of right now, I don't have any set in stone plans of what I want to write. I have a couple co-authored projects I'm working on, and I'll keep moving forward with those. Beyond that, though, I'm going to try my hand at a New Adult romantasy for my new agent to send out on submission this year. I'm also going to rework some older projects to re-release, and hopefully that will snap me out of whatever writing funk I've been in. 

6. Take a Vacation

Yes, I'm going on a cruise in February, and that's a wonderful vacation, but I'm going on that for a specific reason. I can't share what that is just yet, but I promise to tell you all about it when I return home. Beyond that, though, I want to take another Mother-Daughter Vacation this summer. Our goal is to visit Covington, Georgia and take The Vampire Diaries tour, along with visiting the Atlanta Zoo and Aquarium. 

What are your goals and plans for 2024? Share in the comments!

Looking Back on 2023...

I can't believe it's been another whole year. At times, 2023 felt like it would never end, and at other times, the months were just flying by. This has been a year full of ups and downs for me personally, and professionally... well, it wasn't my best. But before I get into all that, here is a rundown of my original 2023 goals: 

1. Stay Healthy: I struggled quite a bit this year with fatigue, and as a result, I haven't slept well (oddly enough), which means I then end up in pain. As a result, I've had my Fibro meds increased twice this year, but I think I'm finally at a place where I'm good. The pain and fatigue aren't affecting my daily life as much as before. I haven't been working out like I used to, and I really want to get back into doing so. I've also been adding more carbs into my diet, slowly, and I'm managing that pretty well. 

My daughter who was diagnosed with Crohn's a couple of years ago is still doing well. We've had to increase her meds, too, but she's definitely in a much better place. 

My parents have been having quite a few health-related issues this past year, though. My mom has to have retina injections every few months. She had cataract surgery on both eyes, and she was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. My dad had extremely high blood pressure and ended up in the hospital with stroke-like symptoms. BUT -- they are both still with me and getting better each day, and I'm so incredibly thankful for that. 

2. Keep Writing and Publishing: Sadly, I didn't do so well with this. I didn't release any new books this year, but I did completely rebrand my Cursed Series, which was a much larger undertaking than I expected. I've been working on various projects, but with all the doctor's appointments and health scares, writing has been difficult. I'm close to finishing something new, though, and that's exciting. 

3. Treat My Business Like a Business: I did accomplish this! Though it took me most of the year, I have finally found various programs and tools to help me be more productive on the business end without working too hard. I've certainly seen the benefits of consistent online activity, and I'm excited to keep going into 2024. 

4. Expand My Audience: The increased online activity has certainly helped with this, but I've got some exciting things in the works, too, that will help with this. More about that below!

5. Read: I read sooo much this year, and I absolutely love it! I've even expanded into some new genres that I like a lot more than I thought I would. 

While I might not have accomplished as much on the writing and publishing front as I would have liked, I did have some pretty big wins this year...

• My very first pit bull, Nico, was staying with my daughter for the past few years, but he's now back with me. I love him so much, and he gets along with Crowley so well. I know he doesn't have many years left, so I'm enjoying every single moment with him.
  
  
• My daughter's boyfriend asked me to go on a cruise with the two of them next year, and I am super stoked for that. I'll be going with my best friend, Nicole. YAY!
  
  
• I took my second annual mother-daughter vacation. This year, we went to Missouri and visited Branson. While there, we went to the Celebrity Car Museum, and I got to SIT IN THE SUPERNATURAL CAR!!! This was definitely one of the biggest highlights of my year. 
  
  
• The husband and I, along with our best friends, went on an overnight trip for our wedding anniversary. We had so much fun!
  
  
• I made a trip to NY for a family reunion, and catching up with everyone was wonderful. While there, we drove to Buffalo so my daughter could meet her boyfriend for the first time. We visited the zoo and Niagara Falls, which was a blast. 
  
  
• I plotted and planned a new series with a co-author that we're actively working on for the new year. We've got some big plans, so stay tuned for updates.
  
  
• I stopped pressuring myself and tracking everything. In the past, I always kept a calendar where I'd track how much time I spent writing, blogging, editing, etc., and my word counts. Because of life, I haven't written much and seeing the blank spaces and the big fat 0 on my calendar was stressing me out. I felt like a failure. So I simply stopped. It's taken off a lot of pressure, and I'm unsure if I'll start tracking again or not. 
  
  
• I stepped out of my comfort zone this year and really scared myself silly with different haunted houses and spooky locations. My daughter and I would go do something scary every weekend, and it was awesome. 
  
  
• My cat Luna became very ill, and I almost lost her. But through a lot of love (and vet visits) she's healthier than ever! She continues to gain weight, and she still insists on sitting on my lap while I'm trying to work. 
  
  
• My daughter and her boyfriend got a new puppy. A pug named Loki, and I love playing with him and then sending him home. I forgot how much work a puppy is, and I'm too old for that. lol. 
  
  
• I started a couple new collections. Y'all know I have a huge Twilight collection beyond just the books, and now I've started a Supernatural, The X-Files, and Stranger Things collections. That might seem odd to include here, but I thrive on the hunt. I love going to thrift stores, antique stores, craft fairs, etc., and finding cool things to add. 
  
  
• My eldest daughter got a new puppy this year, too. A German Shepherd named Eden. I haven't had the chance to meet her yet, but I hope to next year. 
  
  
• I decided to start a snow globe collection, mostly because I buy one each time I go somewhere new. They make great keepsakes. My husband even bought me a new cabinet with a light to put them all in! He's really the best.
  
  
• I took a very intense 3-day online class about marketing, and I learned quite a bit. I've also made some great new connections via that class. It also prompted a new idea for a non-fiction book. 
  
  
• My long-time agent passed away very unexpectedly. (To be clear, that is NOT a win!) As a result, I've now signed on with a new agent. Cindy Bullard at Birch Literary. She's great, and I'm excited to see what we do together. She'll be starting by hopefully selling the subrights to my Cursed Series. 
  
  
• My cat, Finn, who had been with my daughter in Missouri is back with me. He wasn't getting along very well with one of her other cats, so he came back. He's getting along pretty well with my cats here, and he even likes to play with Salem on occasion. 
  
  
• I've been blogging more regularly, too, and I'm being consistent with sharing my thoughts about the books I'm reading. 
  
  

As I mentioned above, I read so much this year, and I even ventured into some new genres. Here's my complete list: 

• Charm by Tracy Wolff
• Coop Knows the Scoop by Taryn Souders
• Lost in Michigan, & Lost in Michigan Vol. 2 by Mike Sonnenberg
• Michigan Haunts and Hauntings by Marion Kuclo
• Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
• Million Dollar Outlines by David Farland
• The Shadow Sister by Lily Meade
• Fragments of the Lost by Megan Miranda
• Paranormal State by Ryan Buell
• The Unplanned Life of Josie Hale by Stephanie Eding
• Haunted America by Publications International, LTD
• The Haunted by Danielle Vega
• The Girl From Widow Hills by Megan Miranda
• Grip of Fear, Grip of Darkness, Grip of Terror, Grip of Death, Grip of Madness, Grip of Evil, Grip of Honor, & Surviving Chaos by Sam J. Fires
• Camp Murderface and Camp Murderface: Doom in the Deep by Josh Berk and Saundra Mitchell
• What Lives in the Woods by Lindsay Currie
• Daybreak on Raven Island by Fleur Bradley
• Camp Slyvania by Julie Murphy
• Hawkins Horrors by Matthew J. Gilbert
• Suspicious Minds by Gwenda Bond
• Darkness on the Edge of Town by Adam Christopher
• Judgment Road and Vengeance Road by Christine Feehan
• The Sorority Murder by Allison Brennan
• Someone We Know by Shari Lapena
• The Sleepover by Samantha King
• Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
• A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, and A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
• The Girl in the White Van by April Henry
• Playing with Fire by April Henry

Overall, it hasn't been a terrible year considering. I definitely had a lot more personal wins than professional, but that's okay. Stay tuned for my official 2024 goals post :-) In the meantime, tell me in the comments what YOU did this year! 

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 12.05.2023 (Desert Island Book)

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Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

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The practical part of my brain says I'd want some sort of survival guide so I wouldn't die. LOL. But the book-loving part of my brain says I'd probably want Twilight. Preferably the entire saga, but if I can only have one book, then I'd take Midnight Sun or Breaking Dawn because they're the longest. 

What book would you want with you a desert island?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 11.28.2023 (Winter TBR)

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Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

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I'm excited to finish the Torpedo Ink Series by Christine Feehan. This is a rather long series, so it's probably going to take me a while to finish. But if I do get through them quickly, I plan to just randomly work through my TBR by picking a book from my shelf and diving in. I find I read more when I do this as opposed to setting a reading schedule for myself. 

What books are you excited to read this winter?

Tell me Something Tuesday: 10.31.2023 (Halloween)

Hello and welcome to Tell Me Something Tuesday (TMST)!

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

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Everything! Honestly, I really don't think I can pick any one thing I like about Halloween, because for me, it's an entire season and not just one day. But I love the kids in their costumes, the haunted houses, the candy. Man, do I have a terrible sweet tooth! Above all else, though, there's this mood or vibe on Halloween that's just unmatched. I'm not sure I can really explain it. 

What's your favorite thing about Halloween? 

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 09.26.2023 (Freebies and Previews)

 

Hello and welcome to Tell Me Something Tuesday (TMST)!

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

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YES! All the time! I tend to download more freebies than checking out the free preview chapters, but I do both. This is a great way to ensure the book is something I'll like, and that it's well written and edited. If I'm sucked in, I'll go on to buy the book or the others in a series. In fact, I recently downloaded a free prequel and was so hooked I went on to buy the other 7 books in the series. 

So if any authors are wondering if the freebies or preview chapters work -- they sure do for me! I wish more authors would do this, but as an author myself, too, I understand the dislike and/or reluctance to giveaway your hard work for free. 

What about you -- do you like freebies and preview chapters? 

Do they help you decide if you want to keep reading?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 09.19.2023 (New To Me Authors)

 

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Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

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I'm pretty sure all the books I've read this year are new-to-me authors! I've been trying hard to expand my reading list and engage with new genres and authors. 

Some of my notable new-to-me authors this year are: 

• Lily Meade -- I absolutely loved her debut novel, The Shadow Sister.
• Josh Berk & Saundra Mitchell -- Their Camp Murderface duology was tons of fun.
• R.F. Kuang -- I devoured her book, Yellowface, and will more than likely reread it at some point. 
• Julie Murphy -- I found her newest book, Camp Sylvania at a thrift store and loved her writing style.

What new to you authors have you discovered this year? 

Who should I check out?

Kara's Book Cravings: Hawkins Horrors

 

I'm a huge fan of Stranger Things on Netflix. I must have watched it half a dozen times already, and I'll probably rewatch again next month -- I mean, talk about a perfect show for spooky season! So when I found out there were multiple books based on this show, I couldn't pass them up. 

Hawkins Horrors: A Collection of Terrifying Tales by Matthew J. Gilbert is just as the title implies -- a series of short stories. Now, normally I'm not a big fan of collections like this, but what was great about this one is that each story leads into the next. So while they are all individual stories, they were all also interconnected. 

The Hawkins gang is hanging out in the local video store during a power outage, and to pass the time, they decide to tell scary stories. The set up felt so much like telling stories around a campfire, which was fantastic. Anyway, each character takes a turn, and sometimes another character would interrupt or accuse the person of not telling the story correctly. 

The interactions among the group and the characters' voices were so spot on and accurate based on the show. That was certainly refreshing, and I felt like I was right back in that world. I have several more books set within the Stranger Things world, and I'm excited to dive into those. 

Anyone else a fan of this show or the books? 

What's your favorite thing about it? 

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 09.12.2023 (Library Visits)

 

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Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

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I'll admit -- I haven't been to my local library in well over a year. Mostly because I already have so many books at home that I need to read, but also because my local branch has been undergoing a massive remodel and has been closed for a while. 

When I do go, though, I prefer to visit in-person. I can walk there, which is great exercise for me, and I love to just browse the shelves, pick up the books, read the back covers. It's a great way to try out new-to-me authors and genres I might not otherwise try. And yes, I'm that person who will then go buy the books for my shelves if I really enjoy them, so that's a double win for the author. 

Which do you prefer when using a library -- in-person or online? Why?

Kara's Book Cravings: Camp Sylvania

 

I love to browse thrift stores and antique shops, and I always take time to peruse the books they have available. I've found a lot of great gems doing this -- though I always feel a twinge of guilt that the author isn't getting paid for a secondhand sale like that, but I also know if I like the book, I'll go on to buy more of their books or the rest of the series. 

Anyway, I found this book at a local thrift store: 

CAMP SYLVANIA by Julie Murphy is another middle grade book set during summer camp, so naturally, I was immediately intrigued. This one had some twists though. First, it's set at fat camp, which was a new one for me. Second, it has vampires! And y'all know how much I love vampires!

At first, I was so angry with the parents in this book, because they just drop the bomb on the main character (Maggie) that she's going to fat camp instead of the acting camp she had her heart set on. The fatphobia disguised as loving / concerned parents really got under my skin. Thankfully, by the end of the book, Maggie found her voice and stood up to her parents -- who were already having a change of heart. But the shift to "love the body you're in" was really nice. 

The vampires were an added bonus to this story, and I really enjoyed how they were handled. We don't get too much of the lore, but we get enough to understand what's happening. 

I really, really enjoyed this one, and read it in a day. Even though this is aimed at younger readers, there's so much in here that appeals to readers of all ages. I highly recommend everyone read this book!

Has anyone else read this book? 

What about any other books by this author? 

Kara's Book Cravings: Daybreak on Raven Island

 

Twitter strikes again! While scrolling aimlessly, I stumbled upon a list of middle grade books, and the first one I found was...

Daybreak on Raven Island by Fleur Bradley is a spooky, paranormal-ish mystery. Set on an island that houses an abandoned prison (inspired by the real-life Alcatraz), a group of students are on a field trip. Told from 3 different points-of-view, each character is struggling with something that skews their worldview and their reasons for jumping off the ferry and staying behind on the island. One wants to make a scary movie. Another desperately wants new friends and feels obligated because the wannabe movie maker stood up for him against bullies. And the third lives by the idea of "no one left behind." 

The pacing for this was spot on, and the mystery wasn't exactly easy to unravel, which isn't a bad thing at all. Not to mention, the twist at the end was masterful, and I certainly didn't see it coming! I'm still thinking about it days later, and that's a sign of a good book. 

This book packs a very strong social commentary about race, social injustices, and prison reform. While I agree with the sentiments presented, it felt very heavy-handed, especially with how some of the ideas were given in dialogue. It just didn't ring true to how kids this age generally speak to one another. 

Overall, though, this was a great read, and I'm glad I bought it. 

Has anyone else read this? Or anything else by this author? Should I read more of Fleur Bradley's work?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 08.29.23 (Fall Reading List)

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions, please fill out this GOOGLE FORM. Participation is optional and never required.

Fall tends to be the one season where I read more than any other time throughout the year. Probably because Halloween is in the fall, and that's my absolute favorite! Also, the weather gets colder, and staying inside curled up with a good book is the best way to spend an afternoon or evening. 

I always reserve my fall for spooky books. I mean, I read spooky all year long, but I don't switch it up much during the fall, especially in October. And I have a massive TBR of thrillers and horror that I plan to read. Here's my top ten books I want to read this Fall:

1. Murder Game by Carrie Doyle
2. Haunted Hotels by Tom Ogden
3. Spooky Michigan  by S.E. Schlosser
4. The Sorority Murder by Allison Brennan
5. What Lives in the Woods by Lindsay Currie
6. The Collector & The Collected by K. R. Alexander 
7. It Came From the Garage (horror anthology with various authors)
8. Camp Sylvania by Julie Murphy
9. The Sleepover by Samantha King
10. The Shining by Stephen King (I've seen the movie but have never read the book)

This list will more than likely change, as I'm always finding new books to add to my TBR. And I might end up reading more than these 10 books this fall, but a lot of that will depend on how much reading I have to do for my day job. 

What's everyone else reading this fall? 

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 08.22.23 (I didn't like it; do I give it a second chance?)

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

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I've picked up books in the past that I've been lukewarm about but was willing to give them a chance. Or books that have been over-hyped that aren't within my usual reading genres. There have been a few times when I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed the book. This recently happened with Yellowface by R.F. Kuang.

Most of the time, though, if I DNF a book or put it down because I'm just not enjoying it, I almost never go back to it. I have way too many books I want to read and write, that I don't waste time on things that aren't bringing me joy. (Sorry to all my fellow authors if this comes off as a little harsh!) 

Tuesday Tips: Living and Working with a Chronic Illness

 

As you may know, a few years ago, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. This completely altered my life in so many ways, and I've had to learn to adapt. People often ask me how I manage, and I figured why not share my top tips for living and working with a chronic illness. But before I get into this, I need to be clear that every person is different, and what works for me may not work for you--and that's okay! Find what does work for you and do that. 

Okay, so here we go...

LEARN TO SAY NO!

I'm a people pleaser. I like to help others, and saying no is hard for me. And I'm notorious for offering help even when not asked -- I'm always putting myself out there. As you can imagine, this has taken a toll on me over the years. I had to learn to prioritize and say no, which I'm not going to lie... it was difficult. But for my own physical and mental health, I simply have to say no sometimes, and you know what? That's okay! 

LEARN TO FORGIVE YOURSELF!

This was a big one for me, too. Anytime I'm not actively working, I feel guilty. Like, I should be writing or editing or blogging or literally anything other than sitting on the couch watching TV, or napping. But I had to take a step back and realize that doing nothing is actually doing something. I'm taking care of myself, and let's face it--if I'm not in good health, I can't do any of that other stuff. So, forgive yourself for not working every second of every day, and give yourself permission to rest when needed. 

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

I know this seems like a no-brainer, but I have to remind myself of this daily. Make sure you're getting enough exercise and drinking enough water. Get plenty of sleep (when possible). Get some fresh air. Eat healthy -- in whatever context that means for you. Personally, I've found that I need to avoid too many carbs, so I tend to stick to a Keto friendly diet. And most importantly -- find something you like to do that's not related to your job. As a writer and editor, I'm always engrossed in books in some form, but lately, I've been stepping away to focus on other things: painting wooden crafts, adult coloring books, playing Solitaire on my phone. These things help me decompress, and then I tend to feel a little better.

FIND A SUPPORT SYSTEM!

Whether this is family or friends or an online support group, having people you can lean on and talk to is invaluable. God knows I wouldn't be as functional as I am without my husband, kids, parents, and close friends. And really, just having someone who understands what you live with every day and who you can talk to about all of it is sometimes exactly what you need. 

Do you have any other tips and tricks to living with a chronic illness? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Kara's Book Cravings: The Unplanned Life of Josie Hale

 

After having read quite a few dense non-fiction books and twisty, dark thrillers, I needed something light and fluffy for a change, and so I picked up The Unplanned Life of Josie Hale by Stephanie Eding. Full disclosure: I know this author. I've worked with her on a book she'd previously published with Anaiah Press, and we're friends on Facebook. She constantly makes me "ooohh" and "awww" when she posts pictures of the kittens she fosters. Seriously so adorable! And y'all know how much I love cats!

A while ago, Stephanie had posted on Facebook that her book was on sale, so I grabbed a copy. That whole authors supporting authors mindset, and she's a genuinely nice person. I wanted to support her, and I had enjoyed the YA she'd previously published with Anaiah, so I assumed I'd like this new book, too. And I wasn't wrong!

This is an adult book, a cross between women's fiction and rom-com, and I loved absolutely everything about this book! The characters are so relatable, and their interactions with one another are fantastic. I legit laughed out loud several times while reading this, and I was consistently rooting for all three of the characters (the main character, Josie, and her two roommates, Ben and Kevin.) I don't think I can pick a favorite, but Kevin is hilarious! The way they speak to each other and tease each other reminds me so much of me and my husband and a few of our friends. 

Overall, this was exactly what I needed as a palate cleanser in between the heavier books I've been reading lately, and my spirits were lifted when I finished the last page. While I would have like answers to some lingering questions / sub-plots, they didn't really hinder my enjoyment at all. (And I know the author, so I can totes just ask her! lol)

Anyone else read this one yet? What did you think? Do you have any recommendations for similar books?

Kara's Book Cravings: The Shadow Sister

 

One day, I was scrolling through Twitter, as I often do when I'm procrastinating, and I saw a tweet with an absolutely STUNNING book cover. Even though, at the time, I wasn't following this author, the cover made me stop and take a closer look. It was the author's debut release day, and if the cover hadn't already snagged my attention, the tag line on the front certainly did. As I followed the links in the tweet, I read the back cover blurb, and I've never hit "buy now" so fast in my life! (Seriously, anyone who tells you Twitter doesn't sell books is a liar.) I mean, just look at this cover!!

Gorgeous, right? I'm sure that purple being one of my favorite colors helped my buying decision, too, but that's really not the point. Haha. 

The Shadow Sister by Lily Meade is a YA thriller, and I devoured this book so fast. I had no idea what was really going on until the very end, and I wasn't able to guess the twist, either. The author does a fantastic job of misdirecting the reader in a way that makes sense and fits within the story and the characters. I will say that neither of the sisters in this book are very endearing, but having raised 4 girls myself (all in various stages of teen years and young adulthood), the sibling relationship that's portrayed is accurate, based on my own experiences anyway. 

If you're a fan of twisty YA books, then this is definitely the book for you! I'm eagerly awaiting this author's next book. 

Has anyone else read this yet? Do you think you'll check it out? 

Kara's Book Cravings: Fragments of the Lost

 

Now that I've dug myself out of a reading rut, I'm dipping my toe back into my first love--teen fiction. Mainly thrillers. These are like crack to me. Seriously, I have sooo many of these types of books on my shelf, and I'm constantly buying more. But I digress...

A few years ago, a friend of mine suggested I read All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda, which is an adult mystery / thriller. He raved about the unique story telling. (The author tells the story in reverse, which is just... *chef's kiss*) Anyway, I loved the book and have read it twice now. So when I was perusing a bookstore, I found that this author has written some YA books, too. Imagine my excitement!

And so I bought this one: Fragments of the Lost by Megan Miranda.

Like All the Missing Girls, this book is told in a unique way, too, in that it's jumping a lot from present to past. Not tense, but actual events. The premise is that a girl is doing a favor for her ex-boyfriend's mom in cleaning out his room after he died in a tragic accident. So each time she finds something in his room, it triggers a memory about them as a couple. It's really done very well and not at all confusing. 

However, I had trouble getting into this book. In fact, I started it and then walked away for a month or so before finally coming back to it. I'm one of those readers who has a real hard time DNF-ing a book, especially one I paid full price for. I was determined to get through this, and I'm glad I did. 

The pacing does eventually pick up (and once it did, I had a hard time putting this down), but for me, it took a little too long to get to the mystery / thriller part, which was what ultimately made this book for me.  I do have another of this author's YA books on my shelf, and I do plan to read it. I hope it doesn't start as slowly as this one. 

Overall, while this one didn't blow my mind quite like All the Missing Girls, if you're a fan of unique story telling methods, then definitely grab one of her books.

Has anyone else read any of Megan Miranda's books? What do you think? Do you have one you recommend I read?