Guest Post with Mary E. Pearson

Today I have a guest post with Mary E. Pearson.

“Once there were three. Three friends who loved each other . . . "

It seemed appropriate to me to wrap up the blog tour for The Fox Inheritance with a post about friendship. Friendship is at the heart of the story and I would like to share a couple of brief passages that speak to this:
“It was always Kara, Jenna, and me. Or at least it seemed that way. We were friends for only a year and a half before the accident, but for me it was a lifetime. We were instantly bonded. Maybe it was because it came at a turning point in our lives–just the right window where our worlds were all aligned, all needing something, maybe the same thing, maybe one other. We lifted one another up. Strengthened one another. We held hands. We crossed a line. We made one another braver.”
I think the friends who walk into adulthood with us have some of the most far-reaching effects on who we will become. Maybe that’s why high school reunions are so popular. These are the friends who made decisions with us that helped shape the course of our lives, the friends who were there with us when we suffered the consequences of some of our decisions, the friends who often went their separate ways, but still left a mark on us nonetheless.
In The Fox Inheritance, which takes place 260 years after the first book, Jenna has now gone on and made many new friends over the years, decades, and centuries, but reflects back on her friendship with Kara and Locke when she was just a teen:
“There are all kinds of friends you make in life . . . But there’s something different about someone who spreads their wings with you. That’s what we did, didn’t we?”
Yes, there is something different about these friends, no matter how brief a time we had with them. They were there at a pivotal time in our life and in their own lives, a time when all of our world views were separating from that of our parents. We laid the foundations of our adulthood together.
Some of my friends from my teen years I have stayed in contact with, even if only occasionally. Facebook helps a lot with that. But other friends I have lost track of. We went our separate ways, moved, lost contact, but I still think of them often. These friends helped me adjust to “womanhood,” read my bad poetry, made great life plans with me that never happened but still warm me with the memory (like planning to go to Cape St. Francis to surf the perfect wave.) These friends commiserated with me over parental injustices, filled in my “educational” gaps (things you would never ask your parents), cried with me over heartbreaks, and laughed hysterically with me over close calls of one kind or another. These friends left their mark. They changed me as I was stepping into adulthood. Mostly for the better.
“We lifted one another up. Strengthened one another. We held hands. We crossed a line. We made one another braver.”
Yes. All those things. These might be Locke’s words, but their mine too.
That’s why I dedicated The Fox Inheritance to them, and to the many, many friends who have come into my life since then and changed me in small and large ways. To all of you, I say thank you.

I hope that you enjoyed this post as much as I did. Have any of your friends ever helped you out? Tell me about it in the comments for a chance to win a a personalized copy of The Fox Inheritance.

Top Ten Tuesday

I decided to participate in the "Top Ten Tuesday" feature hosted by The Broke and Bookish. I like making list and such. This week's topic is topic is TBR Pile in the fall. This is in no order and just went with what came first, since my mind is very indecisive.
10. Every You, Every Me by David Levithan: Two of my best friends love anything David and it sounded really interesting, when he talked it about at a signing.
9. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor: This books sounds amazing and I kind of love this cover.
8. Shatter Me by Tahreh Mafi: This book also sounds amazing and I have only hear great things about it.
7. The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare: I really enjoy Cassie's book and found the first book of this series to be awesome.
6. As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott: I love Elizabeth Scott and have enjoyed her books a lot. This one sounds so amazing.
5. How To Save A Life by Sara Zarr: I love Sara Zarr's books too and it sounds really epic.
4. Shut Out by Kody Keplinger: I really liked Kody's first book and it sound amazing. There is also a lot of buzz going on for it and I want to read it like now.
3. The Pledge by Kimberly Derting: This book sound really great and there has only been good buzz so far. Derting's first two books were amazing too. Can I just read this now?
2. Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey: I have heard amazing things about this book and really want to read it.
1. Lost in Time by Melissa de la Cruz: I have been reading this series for several years and can't wait to read this book. I loved these books.

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Source: Publisher
Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.
Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.
When I first heard about this book, the premise is what instantly grabbed me and made me want to read this book. London is a very likable character. She appears spacey, because of her ability, but she is actually really determined and sweet. Luke is a great character. I really liked the chemistry between London and him. I also liked London's friendship with Jamie. I could totally understand it and have seen it in my own friends. The plot is mysterious and suspenseful with a touch of romance and drama. Towards the end of the book, I was completely blind sighted by most of the plot. Patrick's writing is clever, smooth, and fun to read. I didn't want to put this book down and instantly found myself in love with this story. I highly recommend that you read it now and can't wait to read more from Patrick in the future. This book was so amazing.

The Hunger Games Sneak Peak

2011 VMA - Music

Just in case you missed it. I think that it looks amazing. Jennifer Lawrence looks amazing as Katniss. She is a bit more polished then I pictured her. I am so glad that they went with a clip from the arena. I have been picturing it since I first read The Hunger Games in 2009 and I am so excited to see this movie in March. One of my best friends and I are planning to see it at midnight, since I am on Spring Break then.

What I have been up to lately...

1.Writing.

I have been really stressed lately with getting ready for school and such. I also have been wanting to write more in the past few months. This has helped me a lot.

2. Working out and reading at the same time.

I am now doing at least an hour of working out on weekdays and I finally got the hang of working out and reading.

3. Packing.

I know that I am going to forget something.

4. Google+ Hangouts

Not the most productive thing, but I am talking to people that I go to school with. So yay!

5. Cooking.

Another stress reliever.

I also watched the new Doctor Who, which was more then amazing.

So what has everyone else been up to?

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Source: Publisher

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.
When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.
Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

I really loved Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy Series. I was really excited to read Bloodlines. At first, I wasn't sure if I would like this book, but as soon as I began reading it. The world of both of these series are amazing and authentic. There aren't many books like this.

Bloodlines has many of the same characters as Vampire Academy. Sydney, Adrian, Jill, and Eddie were the main characters. Sydney was very uptight in the Vampire Academy, but she loosened up in Bloodlines and was actually a very relatable character. She isn't as kick ass as Rose, but she was clever and funny, when she needed to be. I was on Team Dimitri, when it came to Rose, but I liked Adrian a lot. He was a great character and I really enjoyed seeing him again. He still has the carefree slacker attitude and made me laugh a lot. Jill and Eddie were both amazing. Overall all four of these characters have great chemistry and they all work together. There were several new characters that I found interesting. Kieth was a jerk and I wanted to slap him from the first page that he appeared. Lee also intrigued me a lot and I found a lot about him to be interesting. There are cameos of several characters like Rose, Abe, and a couple more characters from the past books.

The plot of Bloodline is so exciting and face paced. There were a few things that I guessed, but luckily I was surprised almost every second of the end of this novel and I honestly didn't know what to expect from the ending. Like most of Mead's books, there is a surprising ending that makes you want the next book as soon as possible. The writing is amazing as usual. Mead has a gift with stories and I found Bloodlines to be just as appealing as the Vampire Academy series. I definitely recommend this book to fans of Vampire Academy. I can't wait to read The Golden Lily as soon as possible.

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Source: Bought
Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.
Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.
The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.
Amber is a very sweet and entertaining character. I found her situation to be impossible to face. I found the relationship between Cade and Amber. I though that it was realistic and cute. I absolutely adore Schroeder's books. Her books are heartfelt, emotional, and entertaining. I also like that her plots take the characters on an amazing adventure and the fact that it takes place in one day. Her writing is amazing. I love the ease that this book has, while reading it and how quickly the stories flows . I can't wait to read more from Schroeder. I recommend this book to fans of her previous books and of other verse books.

Waiting on Wednesday (114)

Title: Pandemonium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: Harperteen
Release Date: March 6th, 2012

Lauren Oliver captivated readers with Delirium, the first book in a thrilling dystopian trilogy in which Lena Haloway dared to fall in love with Alex and escape the cure, the government-mandated procedure that renders a person immune to the disease of love. Lena and Alex staked their lives on leaving their oppressive society, but only Lena broke free.
Pandemonium continues Lena’s gripping story. After escaping from Portland, Maine, Lena makes it to the Wilds and becomes part of an Invalid community, where she transforms herself into a warrior for the resistance. A future without Alex is unimaginable, but Lena pushes forward and fights, both for him and for a world in which love is no longer considered a disease. Swept up in a volatile mix of revolutionaries and counterinsurgents, Lena struggles to survive—and wonders if she may be falling in love again.
Full of danger, forbidden romance, and exquisite writing, Lauren Oliver’s sequel to Delirium races forward at a breathtaking pace and is sure to appeal to fans who crave the high-stakes action of The Hunger Games and the bittersweet love story of Romeo & Juliet.

I enjoyed Delirium and really want to read this one. I also love the cover.

Possess by Gretchen McNeil

Source: Publisher

Fifteen-year-old Bridget Liu just wants to be left alone: by her mom, by the cute son of a local police sergeant, and by the eerie voices she can suddenly and inexplicably hear. Unfortunately for Bridget, it turns out the voices are demons – and Bridget has the rare ability to banish them back to whatever hell they came from.
Terrified to tell people about her new power, Bridget confides in a local priest who enlists her help in increasingly dangerous cases of demonic possession. But just as she is starting to come to terms with her new power, Bridget receives a startling message from one of the demons. Now Bridget must unlock the secret to the demons' plan before someone close to her winds up dead – or worse, the human vessel of a demon king.

I loved The Exorcist, growing up. I was really excited to hear about Possess. I found it to be creepy and scary at times and other times, I found it to be funny and sweet. This was a very new story that I loved. Bridget was snarky, clever, and relatable. She was dealing with her father's death, and trying to figure out who she was along the way. I loved learning more about Bridget's abilities and seeing her grow over the book. I loved Matt. He was so sweet and protective. I liked that the relationship didn't happen at once, but grew over time. Hector and Peter were great friends to Bridget. The plot was slow to begin with, but it gradually grew over time and by the end, it was impossible to put down this book. The plot also has many twist and turns and the end was a huge surprise. McNeil's writing is amazing and I am excited to see what she comes up with next. I am sure it will be amazing. I recommend this to fans of The Mediator Series by Meg Cabot and Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender.

In My Mailbox (Week of August 21th)

For Review:

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff

Sorry for not posting for two days. Pulled muscles hurt.

Book Trailer

I am so excited for this book. I might take a writing break for it, especially since I pulled a muscle in my back and shoulder out. I love Vampire Academy Series.

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

Source: Bought
I had a life anyone would kill for.
Then someone did.
The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.
Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?
From Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars books, comes a riveting new series about secrets, lies, and killer consequences.
Let the lying game begin.
I didn't connect with Sutton, from what Emma found about her. Though I found her narrative to be interesting. I loved Emma and found her to be sweet and likable. I The Lying Game has the same sort of mysterious feeling that is in Pretty Little Liars. I didn't immediately love the story. It took me a while. Shepard layers the mystery over an everyday high school plot and makes an enjoyable book. There were a few parts that dragged a little. Her writing is really amazing and I can't wait to see what comes up in the next books. Overall, a mysterious and enjoyable story.

Waiting on Wednesday (113)

Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Publisher: Little Brown
Release Date: September 27th, 2011
Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?
I have heard a lot of amazing things about Daughter of Smoke and Bones. It sounds amazing and I can't wait to read it.

Pottermore is wow...

I decided to write this post, because I was one of the lucky few to get early access to Pottermore yesterday. Let me just say that it is amazing. The artwork of each scene is magical and amazing. It is kind of like rereading the books.

The sorting is really awesome. You get asked a different series of questions that help the hat choose where you should be. I was sorted into Slytherin, which is a huge surprise to me. I always believed that I was a Ravenclaw or a Gryffindor. You get a welcome letter that explains your house. Mine actually helped me like my house.

Getting your wand is an awesome experience. Once again, you're asked a series of questions, then you are given a wand. My wand is Pine with Dragon core thirteen inches. You can use spells in the duel feature and it is really hard. Potions is also very tricky and I totally understand why Harry sucked now.

The bonus feature materials of Pottermore are amazing. McGonagall's backstory almost made me cry.

I know that most of you will have to wait till October, but it is definitely worth the wait. If you are already on Pottermore, my username is unicornwild83 and you should add me.

Populazzi by Elise Allen

Source: Publisher
Cara has never been one of those girls: confident, self-possessed, and always ready with the perfect thing to say. A girl at the very top of the popularity tower. One of the Populazzi.
Now, junior year could change everything. Cara’s moving to a new school, and her best friend urges her to seize the moment—with the help of the Ladder. Its rungs are relationships, and if Cara transforms into the perfect girlfriend for guys ever-higher on the tower, she’ll reach the ultimate goal: Supreme Populazzi.
The Ladder seems like a lighthearted social experiment, a straight climb up, but it quickly becomes gnarled and twisted. And when everything goes wrong, only the most audacious act Cara can think of has a chance of setting things even a little bit right.
Cara is a really unique and realistic teen girl. She was down to earth and sweet. She reminded me of myself when I was her age. I found Archer to be really nice and adorable. At times, I found Claudia to be annoying. Cara's mom and Stepfather Karl were so infuriating. It reminded me of one of my friend's parents and I couldn't like them after that. It is horrid to think that someone would do that to their stepdaughter or daughter. The cliques in this book didn't seem over done and I think that it was really accurate. I really liked the plot. It was fun and full of drama. I really enjoyed seeing Cara as she went through the other groups. Allen's writing is amazing. Even though this book is almost 400 pages, I enjoyed every moment. My only complaint is that I didn't get to see Archer enough. I recommend this book to fans of Sarah Dessen and Stephanie Perkins. It was an amazing debut with great characters.

In My Mailbox (Week of August 14th)

For Review:

And Then Things Fall Apart by Arlaina Tibensky

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull

Sometimes it Happens by Lauren Barnholdt

Source: Publisher

On the last day of her junior year, Hannah's boyfriend Ryan dumped her. Facing a summer of loneliness, Hannah turns to her best friend Ava for comfort. Ava does what BFFs do: she stays by Hannah's side...until it's time for Ava to head up to Maine for the summer. Also left behind is Ava's boyfriend, Noah, who's such a great guy he gets Hannah a job at the diner he waits tables at. Slowly, Hannah comes out of her funk thanks to Noah's good conversation and their fun times at the diner. But things get complicated when their friendship turns into attraction—and one night, into a passionate kiss. The novel opens on the first day of senior year; the day Hannah is going to see Ava, Ryan, and Noah all in one place. Over the course of the day secrets and betrayals are revealed, and alliances are broken and reformed. In the end, everyone is paired up once again, but not the way you might think...

Lauren Barnholdt's books are addictive, funny, and realistic. Hannah is such a great friend, she is honest and loyal. She also cared about people a lot. I really liked her. Noah is a sweet and amazing guy. Lacey was a great friend to Hannah and her hypochondriac tendency were humorous and entertaining. I didn't understand what Hannah saw in Ava, she was controlling and just negative. I found the story to be entertaining and addictive. I also enjoyed seeing that Hannah working, because that is a reality for most teens at this time. My mom also worked in the food service industry for a while, so I am used the the stories that Hannah had. The tension of the story helped make me want to keep reading every single word. The story was told very in a very original format, even though this type of story has been told a million times. Barnholdt's writing is amazing and I can't wait to read more from her in the future. I recommend this book to fans of Sarah Dessen and Jennifer Echols.

Friday Five

1. Trying to get to 20,000 on NaNoWriMo by tonight. That is 2k more. I want 25k by the end of Monday
2. I have finished reading three books this months, which is hard between writing and getting ready for college. What has everyone been reading lately?
3. I have been on tumblr a lot lately. You can follow me here.
4. Still dieting. I am getting Physical Therapy and I am working on gaining muscles, hence why I haven't lost a lot of weight lately.
5. I love this video:

PS.. 800 followers on the blog. That is a lot.

Book Trailer...

This books sounds awesome. Has anyone read it yet?

Waiting on Wednesday (112)

Title: Black Heart
Author: Holly Black
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release Date: April 3, 2012

Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy.
But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

I loved the first two books and can't wait for the next one. It looks amazing and I love the cover too.

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

Source: Bought

Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack—and the last little blue envelope inside—she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end.Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure—one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits . . . and her heart. This time, there are no instructions.

I enjoyed 13 Little Blue Envelope a lot and I was excited to read The Last Little Blue Envelope, since it was announced. Ginny is a character that I enjoyed a lot. I also liked that the relationships from the other books were continued. I loved learning more about Richard and Peg and seeing more about Richard. I liked seeing Keith again. He was just as fun as the first book. Oliver was a great new character and even though he was an asshole at times, you couldn't help but loving him. The plot was just as mysterious and exciting as the first book. I loved that I got to see more of Europe through Ginny again. This is a very cute and fun story that I am sure that anyone would enjoy. If you have not read the first book, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, go and buy it now and be sure to pick up this book too. I am sure that you will enjoy the adventure, excitement, and just a hint of romance, while on a trip around London.

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Source: Bought

When Ginny receives thirteen little blue envelopes and instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she knows something exciting is going to happen. What Ginny doesn't know is that she will have the adventure of her life and it will change her in more ways than one. Life and love are waiting for her across the Atlantic, and the thirteen little blue envelopes are the key to finding them in this funny, romantic, heartbreaking novel.

I absolutely loved 13 Little Blue Envelope, the first time that I read it, and I was really excited to re-read it the second time. I was excited to find it just as magical and surprising as the first time that I saw it. Ginny is a very likable character. She is very easygoing and sweet. I liked that she became more confident a as time went on. Aunt Peg is a very flaky character whose personality reminded me of my mom at times. Kieth was very charming and I liked him at times, but other times I didn't trust him at all. The plot of 13 Little Blue Envelopes isn't the most realistic plot, but it definitely is fun, exciting, and amusing. I loved that I got to discover Europe through Ginny's eyes and it felt like I was wandering around Europe too. Johnson's writing is witty, thrilling, and one of a kind. I recommend this book to fans of Johnson's other books, E. Lockhart, and Robin Benway. I also suggest having the second book The Last Little Blue Envelope on hand, because the ending is rather sudden and unresolved and you will want to read what is next.

In My Mailbox (Week of August 7th)

For Review:

Between by Jessica Warman

Return to Exile by E.J. Patton

Dark Parties by Sara Grant

And Then Things Fall Apart by Arlaina Tibensky

Source: Publisher

Keek’s life was totally perfect.
Keek and her boyfriend just had their Worst Fight Ever, her best friend heinously betrayed her, her parents are divorcing, and her mom’s across the country caring for her newborn cousin, who may or may not make it home from the hospital. To top it all off, Keek’s got the plague. (Well, the chicken pox.) Now she’s holed up at her grandmother’s technologically-barren house until further notice. Not quite the summer vacation Keek had in mind.
With only an old typewriter and Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar for solace and guidance, Keek’s alone with her swirling thoughts. But one thing’s clear through her feverish haze—she’s got to figure out why things went wrong so she can put them right.

This book starts off very funny, but slowly grows in depth . The main character has a very high fever and her sense of reality isn't always there. Keek is a very awesome character. She is edgy, smart, funny, and just awesome. I found Keek to be a great narrator and loved her honesty. Keek's grandma was very spirited and bold. I really enjoyed her attitude. Keek's mom and dad both have their flaws and I found their problems to be fascinated. I also liked the other characters in the book and found them to be well developed. The plot slowly unraveled what happened in the past, while showing what was happening in the present. I really enjoyed that Sylvia Plath was included in this book, since I completely adore The Bell Jar. This book was really unique and I liked how the story was written like a diary, but wasn't quite one. Tibensky is a fabulous writer and I can't wait to read more from her. I recommend this book to fans of Sylvia Plath, Poetry, and fresh and edgy writing. I really enjoyed this book.

Winners

Two winners of Love Story:

Jenny Engler and Amanda (That Teen Can Blog)

A signed copy of The Sweetheart of Prosper County:
Megan S.

Imaginary Girls:

Ashelynn Hetland

How to survive Camp Nanowrimo

I have tried to do Nanowrimo several time and have failed pretty much every time. Anyways looking back, I made a lot of mistakes and here is my advice.

1. Know your character.

The worst writing that I have seen in a book, is underdeveloped characters. Define who they are and make sure to stick to that. I love making charts about them with traits, memories, relationship, appearance and random facts that help you make the story.

2. It doesn't have to be perfect.

Pretty much every author does several drafts of each book and a story can completely change in the time. Don't worry about plot holes or continuance of the plot. You need a full draft before you can properly edit a book.

3. Write when you want to.

Find what works for you and write when you can. Don't worry about your word count till August 31st and don't stress about a low word count. This is a challenge to finish a novel. Try your hardest, but if you fail, there is always November.

4. Have a support system.

Find friends that are doing and have a chat on Google+ or Skype once a week, while it isn't the most productive time, it is a lot of fun. You can still have a personal life, if you work ahead. Just try to make it work and don't stress about it.

5. Don't let shiny new ideas distract you.

Focus on the book you start with and try to finish it. SNIs are evil and hard to ignore. Just write them down in a note book for the future.

Most of all good luck and have fun. Also don't move during Nano and enjoy the extra day. =)

Waiting on Wednesday (110)

Title: The Way We Fall
Author: Megan Crewe
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: January 24, 2012

When a deadly virus begins to sweep through sixteen-year-old Kaelyn’s community, the government quarantines her island—no one can leave, and no one can come back. Those still healthy must fight for dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest. Because how will she go on if there isn't? Megan Crewe crafts a powerful and gripping exploration of self-preservation, first love, and hope. Poignant and dizzying, this heart-wrenching story of one girl’s bravery and unbeatable spirit will leave readers fervently awaiting the next book in this standout new series. I loved Give up the Ghost, can't wait to read this. I love the cover too.

Books read in July 2011

92. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling

93. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling

94. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling

95. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling

96. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling

97. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by JK Rowling

98. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow by JK Rowling

99. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

100. My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody

101. 13 Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

102. The Last Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

Reviews posted from these books: 0 of these books so far, all are planned to be posted later.
Books from Library: 0
Books for Review: 2
Books borrowed: 0
My Favorite: Other then HP, The Name of the Star was amazing!
My Least Favorite: None this month.
Debut Authors '11: 25 read 25 books left

Books I hope to read next month: I have a ton of books that I need to read. Focusing on those first. =)

In My Mailbox (Week of July 31th)

For Review:
Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink
Won:
Wildefire by Karsten Knight
Bought:
A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young
Forgotten by Cat Patrick
Ripple by Mandy Hubbard
The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder
Borrowing from Anna:
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Enthralled
Given to by Anna:
The Darlings are Forever by Melissa Kantor
From Bad to Cursed by Katie Alendar