Randoms

I’m getting all random on you today because that’s just how my brain feels right now. Chaos that I’m trying make order of. I’m writing a new book—which, quite literally, takes all my mental power and focus—AND having to plan for a trip to Vermont (yay, VT!) next week. Just me and the kids. So I have lists. LISTS. Of everything I need to remember to take with us, everything I need to do before we go, stuff I need to do when we get back. And my trip to Vermont includes my first reading/book signing which adds a whole new level of anxiety and a list of its own.

I’m all over the place.

Plus when I’m writing I have such a problem finding balance in my life. I end up spending too much time at the computer and not enough with my family. And it’s showing, which I hate and feel incredible guilt over. But I don’t know how to balance things better. (Goodness, I hope I get better at it. I’ve got to, right?)

(Right?)

Okay, so if you missed it, I’m giving away the first two books in Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series. If you’re interested in getting them (or know somebody who might be), then hop on over here to sign up for the giveaway. (But be sure to come back. You don’t want to miss the video clip below.)

But first I wanted to tell you about a couple of books I read several weeks ago (before the writing commenced—no time for reading when I’m writing!). (Can I tell you how much I can’t wait to get this first draft done and start revising?) (Also? First drafts are crap. Always. In case you were wondering.)

Where was I? Oh, right. Books! I picked up Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire after reading this review Misty Baker wrote over on Kindle Obsessed.

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

And it was good. Really good. Though a very large part of me doesn’t like the kind of relationship portrayed (VERY codependent, very unhealthy), still it was a really well done novel. But not appropriate for young teens (language, heavy drinking, and sex).

And I finally read Wool by Hugh Howey, which is the first novella in a series of science fiction novellas.

They live beneath the earth in a prison of their own making. There is a view of the outside world, a spoiled and rotten world, their forefathers left behind. But this view fades over time, ruined by the toxic airs that kill any who brave them.

So they leave it to the criminals, those who break the rules, and who are sent to cleaning. Why do they do it, these people condemned to death? Sheriff Holston has always wondered. Now he is about to find out.

And I have to say…wow. It is so very good and I can’t wait to have time to read the following stories. The writing is excellent, the story surprising and very well told. I highly recommend. (If it sounds interesting to you, pick up the Wool Omnibus, which is the first five novellas in one collection, because it’ll save you money.) (And you’re going to want them all.)

And last, I’ve watched this video so many times since my friend Meg posted it on her site. Seriously? It brings me to tears EVERY time because it’s just so funny.

(Thanks to Meg for the link!)

And with that, I’m off. More writing to get done before I leave…and packing. Have a great weekend ahead!