Titles are hard.

I found myself staring at the screen trying to come up with a title for this post and everything I came up with made no sense or didn't suit the topic. So I finally just said, "Titles are hard," and typed that in, had a good chuckle at the Simpsons reference, and decided it was good enough.

What is this post really about?

Well, I'm easing back into blogging again! And by easing back, I really mean easing back. I don't want to fall into another hiatus or burnout or anything of that nature, so I'm scheduling this post for Monday (it's Friday when I'm writing this). And after I finish writing this, I'll work on posts for the rest of the month. I have sort of an idea of what I'll be doing, and I'm getting more ideas as I'm sitting here, so I feel there's going to be a lot on the horizon.

As I mentioned in my last post, I got a new job in a call center. The early hours ended on the 15th of last month, and I spent two weeks "nesting" on the floor, which basically means getting used to the routine and learning more about things people will ask on the phone. If I'm being completely honest, I had my doubts about this job working out. It was mostly insecurity and anxiety creeping in, but I pushed through it because I knew it could be a really good job for me. I knew I could handle it if I would give myself a chance to adjust to what the job requires. And wouldn't you know it, I've finally reached the point where I'm more comfortable and I'm learning how to do better on my calls.

What is coming up on the blog?

How should I know that? Kidding. I have ideas, as I've said, and I'll tell you a few of them. First off, I'm still going to do my indie author spotlights to bring attention to authors I've either read or want to read. I love supporting self-published authors, so that'll never stop. Second, I'll keep sharing book deals for those looking for save a few bucks or who only have a few bucks to spend.

Now for the new stuff! I want to feature posts about life, lessons learned, writing, reading, television, movies, and anything else that springs to mind that feels relevant to share. Earlier I had the thought that I would like to talk about the TV shows I've been watching lately, and the movies, too. Especially those based on books, since this is a mostly bookish blog. I also watch a lot of YouTube videos, and have been doing a lot of thinking about my past, present, and future and the thoughts I've been having regarding all the above.

I'm hoping that this blog will become something interesting to follow, and I mean interesting in the real sense, not just the "that's interesting" statement people make that means they don't really care. If you know what I mean.

But anyways, I look forward to catching up and I hope that you all have been well. Talk soon!

The Triumphant Return of Thoughts!

Hello hello hello!

It's been awhile, hasn't it? Yeah, a LONG LONG while. I've decided it's time to return to blogging, but in a more casual sense. I was pushing myself too hard and having trouble staying on top of things and writing reviews while the book was fresh in mind. It ended up burning me out and frustrating me to the point where I felt too overwhelmed to even bother.

Now I'm going to blog on my own terms, no pressure, no forced reviews, just post whatever bookish things feel right. I want to help out my friends with their new releases and sales, as well as do what I can for all self-published authors. I also want to write some articles and share deals for those of us on a budget (like me).

So I hope you'll stick around to see my new and improved blog! Also take a look at the new set up--I changed a bunch of things around in the aesthetic of the page.

Until next time,

May Update at Thoughts (including a thank you to readers and bloggers!!)

I've decided to do monthly updates instead of weekly updates here at Thoughts. So here's a racap of the month of May for you.

May was a lot like April post-wise, but like I said before, this summer will be different! I've actually got some plans for the blog to boost it up a little bit. ;)

~*Reviews*~

TOTAL: 6

• Secrets of Seduction by Nicole Jordan
• The Trouble With Honor by Julia London
• Star-Crossed by Luna Lacour
• Fool Me Twice by Meredith Duran
• In Bloom by Katie Delahanty
• The Scoundrel's Seduction by Jennifer Haymore

~*Books Finished*~

TOTAL: 10

• The Scoundrel's Seduction (House of Trent #3) by Jennifer Haymore
• Breaking (Escorted #1.5) by Claire Kent
• Heated (Most Wanted #2) by J. Kenner
• The Reunion (Sugar Cay #2) by Jennifer Haymore
• Late Call (Call #1) by Emma Hart
• Just A Kiss (It's In His Kiss #0.5) by Ally Broadfield
• Moments of Julian by Keary Taylor
• Matched to a Billionaire (Happily Ever After, Inc. #1) by Kat Cantrell
• Her Wicked Heart by Ember Casey
• Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

~*Tours/Blasts/Reveals*~

• Book Blitz: Moments of Julian by Keary Taylor
• Book Blitz: Desire by P.T. Michelle
• Book Blitz: Chasing Luck by Brinda Berry
• Book Blitz: Tryst by Cambria Hebert #newadult
• A is for Abstinence by Kelly Oram – $100 Book Blast #giveaway
  
  
  

 ~*Otherwise*~

• Not Until Tonight Cover Reveal!
• Stacking the Shelves #25: April Edition
• TEASE by Sophie Jordan Trailer Reveal
• Release Day for my New Adult novella Not Until Tonight! + Giveaway

~*As for me...*~

It was a whirlwind month for me with work and writing and reading. I managed to go out and have some fun with friends. Thank goodness the weather is better so that I can DO STUFF again! I'm glad for June being almost here (in only a few hours). Summer means being able to do even MORE stuff. Not only that, but I'll be attempting to get a lot more writing in so that I can publish the second book in my novella series, This Night, called All This Time (already put it up on Goodreads, don't know the exact date for release yet, but I should know once I have more of the book written out).

OH! And I'm working on some new fun stuff for the blog for the summer. I'm hoping to have a few giveaways and participate in a couple of memes I've been wanting to do for the longest time. So keep an eye out because it's gonna be awesome. ^_^

~*Thank you!!!*~

I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to all the wonderful people who have shared, read, and/or reviewed my book Not Until Tonight! It's been a great week and I have read the absolute sweetest things ever. I seriously couldn't stop grinning the one day and I almost started crying.

You guys are the BEST EVAH.

*hugs and kisses for you all*

Oh, and don't forget! You still have a chance to enter my Release Day Blitz Giveaway where you can win a Prize Pack with chocolate or signed postcards. So, go do that... like right now... because you KNOW you want to... SERIOUSLY. Who doesn't love giveaways and winning? Because if you don't love them, you're crazy.

April Update at Thoughts

I've decided to do monthly updates instead of weekly updates here at Thoughts. So here's a racap of the month of April for you.

April appears to be a light month on posts... but I'll be making up for it by summer, promise. ;)

~*Reviews*~

TOTAL: 5

Something Borrowed by Adriana Hunter
After the Storm by Marie Landry
Unlikely by Sylvie Fox
Impasse by Sylvie Fox
Layers Peeled by Lacey Silks

~*Books Finished*~

TOTAL: 11

One Night with an Earl (House of Trent #2.5) by Jennifer Haymore
Never Entice an Earl (One Scandalous Season #2) by Lily Dalton
In Bed With the Boss by Alexa Bravo
After the Scandal (The Reckless Brides #4) by Elizabeth Essex
A Night with the Bride (By Invitation Only #3) by Kate McKinley
Improper Proposals (Improper #3) by Juliana Ross
In Bed with Mr. Wrong (Out of Uniform #1) by Katee Robert
The Wedding Trap (Second Service) by Adrienne Bell
Seducing Mr. Right (Come Undone #3.5) by Katee Robert
Fiance by Fate (Anyone But You #1) by Jennifer Shirk
The Wedding Favor (Save the Date #2) by Cara Connelly

~*Tours/Blasts/Reveals*~

Blitz: Escorted by Claire Kent
Book Blitz: Late Call by Emma Hart

 ~*Otherwise*~

It's Release Day for After the Storm by Marie Landry! Guest Post
Stacking the Shelves #24: March Edition
My Writing Process

~*As for me...*~

Well, not really much to report... except that I finished writing the first draft of Not Until Tonight. I set it aside for a little bit so that I can clear my mind and edit refreshed. I'm still aiming for a May 20th release and crossing my fingers I don't have to push it back. Might have to push it to the following Monday, but I'm gonna try really hard NOT to. So, that means I need to get my butt MOVING on it starting tomorrow. I've got this new story that keeps begging to be written every time I have a free second to write. It's haunting my day and really trying to frustrate me with its awesomeness. Gotta love those stories. ^_^

Speaking of Not Until Tonight..... the awesome Marie Landry and I are working on getting the cover figured out! WOOOOOOOOT! So, keep an eye out for sign ups soon... or you can just comment below with your email addy or shoot me an email (impulsivities[at]gmail[dot]com) and I'll put you on the list. I'm hoping to have the reveal within the next week or so since the book will be OUT at the end of the month.

Oops, I forgot to update that...

source: http://leonhart90.blogspot.com/2011/09/too-many-words-dedicated-to-simpsons.html

Remember when I was talking about being a perfectionist? The weird thing is, I’m not always like that. If you would take a look at my room right now, you would find boxes and plastic totes stacked up along with wall art leaning up against it. How can I stand it? I couldn’t tell you. It bothers me to no end to see my room in disarray but somehow I tolerate it.

When it comes to my blog, I’ve spent a lot of time organizing and changing things. I am actually pretty happy with the way it has turned out. There are still some things that could use some work but I don’t have the patience (or technological knowledge) for it.

One thing that I am the worst at is keeping up with my tabs and reviews on other sites. I’ll have a giveaway going on and forget to post a link to it in my Giveaways tab. Then I’ll forget to take it down when it’s over. When I schedule a review on here, I try to post it on Goodreads when it goes live. I remember to do this maybe half the time. I’m in a constant state of facepalm trying to remember to post everything when it needs posting.

So! I’ve decided to get more organized. I pulled out a piece of paper and wrote down all my reviews on it, including ones I’ve finished but haven’t posted on this site. I included along the edges spots to check off for when I’ve posted the reviews on every subsequent site I want them on (adding them to Amazon and B&N is a good thing to do, especially for the indie authors, also Smashwords where possible). This way I can (eventually) get caught up, then once I am, I can take the checklist with me when I log on to mark it off as I schedule reviews. I’m also going to do the same with my tabs--another paper with a checklist to go over every morning I log on to link everything and update finished books on my challenges, etc.

How do you guys remember to post everything where it needs to be posted? Do you keep your blog tabs up to date or get to it sometime later when you think about it?

~Jessica