Sunday Replay #19 + Um... so...

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.

Stuff from the blog this week:

• 2012 End of Year Book Survey where I talk about my bookishness from this year.
• Best of 2012 Giveaway Hop, win one of my favorite books. :D
• The 91st (and last!) Update Thursday is up.
• On my writing blog, the official post of what is to come. Because it's about time for an update there.
• My review of A.M. Hargrove's Dark Waltz.

~Um... so...~

2012 is coming to a close soon, and 2013 is almost here. (Okay, captain obvious, what's that have to do with anything?) Alright, alright... there are some changes in store my lovelies. You heard about the bloggish ones, and those who follow my writing blog have heard some of the writing-ish ones. But there is more in store for The Jessica who blogs here at Thoughts. (And apparently speaks in the third person.) You will be learning of these things on January 1st. I'm currently working on this little project and am quite excited to get it going.

Oh yeah, and I'm still organizing stuff in my room to donate and sell. I have a few bookish things that I have picked out for..... dun dun dun!..... a few giveaways in January for you! I've got at least 2 in mind at the moment. Something else to look forward to. ^_^

Much love to all!

Sunday Replay #18 + Links & More

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• I share my "Make Up Your Own Challenge" Reading Challenge where I state a few things I have as goals for 2013 instead of joining a bunch of challenges.
• I review The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin.
• The 90th Update Thursday is up.

~Links & More~

Again, more links that I liked this week (there were so many good ones!!!) and had to share. They are actually quite timely for me when it comes to my own writing. Three of them were from the wonderful authors at YA Highway. With my crazy schedule (well, my new schedule in general but also with the extra hours these last couple weeks), this post was great--helping me try to figure out a way to fit in my writing and still get things done. Something I've thought about lately is along the lines of this post about when to hit send on your novel for publishing (I loved that LOL cat picture). And this post on knowing your ending when writing your novel because endings are important. Aaannnddd finally a post on The Daily Dahlia called Dear Writers: 10 Blunt Messages from Me to You on the Eve of 2013.

Ah yes... what else is there to say? Well, it's been another long week--6 days in a row... and practically 50 hours altogether. I am so surprised at how awake I am writing this post (it's late Saturday night). And with as much sleep as I need, I probably won't be in bed until one o'clock when this post is up! Can't wait for this next week of normal work hours and relaxing on the days off. I'll be spending most of today (Sunday) chilling out. Oh, it sounds so good... ;)


Much love to all!

Sunday Replay #17 + a link & my week

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• The changes to Thoughts for 2013 is discussed.
• I review The Evolution Of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin.
• The 89th Update Thursday is up.

~A link & my week~

Okay, so I stopped posting a bunch of interesting links from around the blogosphere, but this one amused me. Chuck Wendig posted 25 gifts for writers... #2 had me rolling... and wanting that as a gift. ^_^

Ah, so my week. I worked SIX days last week--Monday through Saturday. We have this computer project at work that needs done by this coming Friday where we're inputting data into our system for new patients. There are more than 100 to add, and it takes approximately an hour to put in ONE patient. They trained me on the program so that I could help, which is why I worked yesterday. This coming week I will be working a few extra hours to continue helping with that. Once that is done, it should be back to regularly scheduled programming for me. I was thankful I wasn't called in today. I needed to rest up a bit.

I'm actually feeling like being productive the rest of tonight... I think I'm going to work on a writing project. After I clean up the little mess I made organizing more stuff to sell and donate. Lol.


Much love to all!

Sunday Replay #16 + Changes

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• I review dancergirl by Carol M. Tanzman.
• The 88th Update Thursday is up.
• Sign Ups for the 2nd annual Classics Reading Challenge here on thoughts... and my official sign up post.

~Changes~

I almost didn't bother with Sunday Replay this week. Partly because I never set this post up so that I could add links to it over the course of this week... and partly because I'm just too busy. Which kinda stinks because I did see a lot of good articles over the last week. Remember when I said there are going to be some changes to my blog in 2013? That post is going up tomorrow. Sunday Replay is going to undergo a major change.

I've actually been getting somewhere when it comes to scheduling things for the blog. It's a slow process, thanks to my overactive imagination giving me an inordinate amount of ideas for scenes in my stories. But anyways, the rest of this month should be manageable and January should get 2013 off to a good start.


Much love to all!

Sunday Replay #15 + Delays...

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• Scarlet Read-Along Monday Post asking if we could be one of the merrymen.
• I review Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi.
• Scarlet Read-Along Quote/Teaser of the week post.
• The 87th Update Thursday is up.
• Scarlet Read-Along Weekly Link Up!
• The review for Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen goes up. What a book! You can also enter a special giveaway to win a UK copy of Scarlet.
• What I got last month book wise on the November Stacking The Shelves.

In other news elsewhere on the internet..

• The Bookshelf Muse has a post titled Adapting Story Structure For Any Project. I really liked how the story was broken down in segments. Something for me to consider doing.
• All Hail the Dreamers on YA Highway. Embrace being one. I know I do!
• Chuck Wendig tells us how he writes a novel. He asks the important questions we should be asking ourselves about our own novel. Also from him, how to flush your NaNoWriMo efforts down the crapper.
• From The Indelibles an article on coming full circle as a self-pubber.
• Revision Day Three from author Veronica Roth.
• YA Highway on life after NaNo and preparing for revisions.

~Delays...~

Well, I completely forgot to finish setting up this post. I had a long weekend where I was out of town for part of it. On top of that, all of my eBay items ended Saturday and I had to go out of my way to get more ink for the printer so I could print out all the shipping labels. Then I had to package everything up, which I was only able to do half of it last night and will need to do the rest tonight after work. And in a minute I'll be walking down to drop some of them off before work. I'm so exhausted right now...So, I will be a little busy today.

One thing I *did* do last night (late last night when I couldn't make anymore packaging noises because everyone was sleeping) was type out a post about the soon to be happening changes on this blog AND a new improved 2013 edition of The Classics Challenge. So, expect those to go up sometime this week or next week.


Much love to all!

~Jessica

Sunday Replay #14 + Oh eBay... + 2013

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• Scarlet Read-Along Monday Post about our favorite character.
  
• I review Confessions Of An Angry Girl by Louise Rozett.
• Scarlet Read-Along Quote/Teaser of the week post.
• The 86th Update Thursday is up.
• Scarlet Read-Along Weekly Link Up!
• A few inspirational quotes shared on my writing blog, along with Friday's Letters #6.

In other news elsewhere on the internet..

• Donna Gephart with "6 1/2 Things I Learned From NaNoWriMo".
• Five thoughts on inspired openings on Adventures in YA & Children's Publishing.
• An article on increasing your book's momentum by Laura Carlson on The Bookshelf Muse.
• On YA Highway, how TV and Movies get publishing so, so wrong. It's funny, first thing I thought of was Gossip Girl... lol.
• Interview with NaNoWriMo founder Chris Baty on Terribleminds where he talks writing advice, NaNo, and more.

~Oh eBay...~

So, I spent four hours yesterday listing 69 items on eBay. Yes, four hours; and yes, 69 items. I had to do it. My room is not extraordinarily spacious. Well, it's big, but, I own too much stuff. I have come to the conclusion that this means I need to buy a house. Lol. Actually, no, I just need to get rid of things. And over the next couple weeks, that is what shall happen.

~2013~

After the Scarlet Read-Along, I am going to need a bit of a break. I have barely been able to do any writing or reading this month (partially due to the eBay thing, and the attempt at reorganizing my room, which will not be complete until the eBay stuff has been shipped, also partially due to working 5 days a week instead of 3 like I was at the old job). So... I need a break to get caught up with everything. I will have reviews scheduled the whole month of December, and you'll still get Update Thursday and Sunday Replay (along with a couple of yearly wrap up posts), but that's about it. Instead, I will be working on some 2013 plans.

I took a gander at my 2012 plans and found myself slightly amused. I thought I took on a reasonable amount of reading challenges... which it WOULD have been had I not purchased so many that didn't count toward them. *facepalm* Also, I promised myself I would have my book published by the end of this year. It's not going to happen. I'm a mix of irritated and okay with it. I wish I could have been more dedicated earlier in the year, but, I don't think my draft would be what it is now had I done more of it then.

Back on point... I'm going to spend the first couple weeks in December figuring out what I want to do for 2013. Then I'll be sharing these changes with you middle of the month. Based on the thoughts I've already been having, it's going to be some pretty big changes. But, that's all I'm gonna say! Muahahaha! ^_^


Much love to all!

Sunday Replay #13 + Long Days

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• Scarlet Read-Along Monday Post features our favorite Robin Hood anything... Can you guess what I posted about?
• I review Marie Landry's The Game Changer 
• November 13th was release day for The Game Changer by Marie Landry!
• Scarlet Read-Along Quote/Teaser of the week post.
• The awesome Marie Landry guest posts on the blog about genre jumping and the beauty of self-publishing.
• The 85th Update Thursday is up.
• Scarlet Read-Along Weekly Link Up!
• It's a feast and you're invited! Check out the Sherwood Forest Feast and let's talk about what we'd do at one.
• A picture of my writing work area and Friday's Letters #6 is posted to my writing blog.

In other news elsewhere on the internet..

• On YA Highway a post about your style and your voice as a writer.
• Post from Susan Kaye Quinn on why you should have faith in your work.
• Another great list of 25 from Chuck Wendig on how to unstick and stuck story.

~Long Days~

Well, worked on the room again today. Made a little bit of progress but not as much as I wanted to. I put on a couple movies to pass the time while I was writing up lists of things that need to go on eBay, but I think they distracted me more than anything. I suppose music does work better to keep me motivated and working. Oh well. I just remembered a few minutes ago that I not only needed to post this, but I also have 5 packages to put together and take to the post office in the morning... AHHH!!! My own fault for procrastinating... and going shopping all day yesterday (which wasn't productive clothes-wise, but I found some other cute things). Now, to post this and get to the packages AND cleaning up the strewn out mess in my room.


Much love to all!

Sunday Replay #12 + Cleaning House

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.

Stuff from the blog this week:

• Music Monday features "Arrow Through Me" by Wings this week!
• Scarlet Read-Along discussion: What do you love about Robin Hood?
• I review Lauren Morrill's Meant To Be.
• Scarlet Read-Along Quote/Teaser of the week post.
• The 84th Update Thursday is up.
• Scarlet Read-Along Weekly Link Up! Don't forget to add this to the giveaway once you sign up because it earns you 2 more entries. And see a picture of me with the book!
• On the writing blog: I talk about my WIP playlist and Friday's Letters #5 goes up. I also post a conversation between myself and my best friend about inventing more weekends and changing the world.

In other news elsewhere on the internet..

• Fourth post on Michelle Flick's blog about publicity.
• Revision Day One and Revision Day Two from Veronica Roth. (I must buy Scrivener. It will solve so many writing problems...)
• All about the type of characters we love to write and read about.
• Top Ten tips for new writers from Miranda Kenneally.
• A nice article on world building in a novel.

And... another LOL cat...

~Cleaning House~

My latest project is getting rid of things I don't need. I took 4 boxes to the local thrift store yesterday, and I plan on taking about the same amount again in the coming couple weeks. I just own WAY too much stuff. It all just sits there either collecting dust or sitting in boxes and never being looked at. Plus, after the pain of moving most of it two times, I wouldn't want to ever go through that again, lol. It also feels nice to get rid of stuff, like it's one less thing weighing you down. You know what I mean? So, that's mostly what I've been doing and will keep doing the rest of today. What have you guys been up to?

Much love to all!

Sunday Replay #11 + The Latest & Services Tab

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.

Stuff from the blog this week:

• Music Monday features "Chalk Outline" by Three Days Grace this week!
• Reminder post on Monday about The Scarlet Read Along.
• I review The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery.
• The Scarlet Read-Along has begun! Join in on the fun and get started on this great book by A.C. Gaughen.
• The 83rd Update Thursday is up.
• We discuss our first impressions of Scarlet after reading the first chapter. Next week's assignment is chapters 2-5.
• Want to see the awesome bookish goodness I got in October? Check out my Stacking The Shelves!
• Friday's Letters #4 is posted to my writing blog.

In other news elsewhere on the internet..

• Third post on Michelle Flick's blog on the editing process.
• Another great post from Chuck Wendig with 25 motivational thoughts for writers.

And.... another LOL cat ...

~The Latest~

I *finally* have a regular schedule for work this coming week. One of my coworkers said that I'm officially one of them now, lol. It's not bad actually, 2 of the 5 days are same as my training schedule. Now that I have one, I can start figuring out a routine for everything else. THANK GOODNESS.

~Services Tab~

You may or may not have noticed my little "Services" tab at the top of my shiny new blog (oh yes, Firefly reference). I wanted to talk about it. I have been bouncing around the idea of starting an editing service. Usually the biggest complaint with indie novels is the spelling and grammar. I'm not sure why this is the case, but I think part of the reason is because professional editing costs WAY too much for them to invest in it. Shouldn't there be a cheaper alternative? Although I'm not a professional editor, I have a knowledge of basic spelling and grammar. What if I offer a basic service where I go through a novel at a lower cost? Clean up most of the mistakes so that it doesn't look as sloppy.

It's just an idea though. I am in the process of working out the details. I need to do a little more research before I start it up. What do you think though? A question for the authors: Would you like to have a cheaper editing service? Even if that person isn't a professional editor? Just curious.

Oh... and speaking of Firefly... To all my Castle loving friends: Tomorrow's episode is going to be epic. I saw a preview clip on their Facebook page--Firefly references all over the place. I love how Nathan Fillion can make jokes about it.


Much love to all!

Sunday Replay #10 + The Latest

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• Music Monday features "We Come Running" by Youngblood Hawke this week!
• I review Untraceable by S.R. Johannes.
• Spread the word about Marie Landry's The Game Changer with me and you could win a great book!
• The 82nd Update Thursday is up.
• I reached my Goodreads book reading goal for the year!
• Friday's Letters #3 is posted to my writing blog.

In other news elsewhere on the internet..

• Learn about the similarities and differences between writing a short story versus writing a novel.
• Second post on Michelle Flick's blog about writing the first draft.
• Are you ready for NaNoWriMo? I may not be participating this year, but I thought you guys might appreciate this post.
• Adventures in YA and Children's Publishing had an amazing post about character development, including this awesome worksheet.
• How to get out of a writing rut according to Veronica Roth.
• Elle Strauss has a post on The Indelibles about the indie author business plan, because it is a business venture to publish your novel.

And.... an LOL of our kitty cat Max who had a striking portrayal to something sinister this week...

~The Latest~

I've been a busy little bee. Once I got home from work Friday night, I got back to work on everything else that needed to be done. I have so many things scheduled and/or started for this next month on the blog. With the Scarlet Read-Along, I knew I needed to get ahead there. So every last one of the posts for the event has been started, and all I need to do for them is add in my thoughts. I was also able to go through my online shop and get that organized. It was such a mess. I'm finally getting to my winter clothes too.

Now that a bunch of things are DONE and I feel like I've accomplished something, I am going to relax and hang with a friend today. Then it's back to work tomorrow!


Much love to all!

~Jessica

Sunday Replay #9 + Scarlet Read-Along News!

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• The Book Love Giveaway Hop (hosted by yours truly) started on Monday. Be sure to check out the amazing giveaway at Ramblings of a Daydreamer too! TODAY IS THE LAST DAY! Don't forget to enter. :)
• Music Monday features "Dreaming Wide Awake" by Poets of the Fall this week!
• My review of Aprilynne Pike's Spells.
• Would you be interested in joining a Read-Along for Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen? Details to come!
• The 81st Update Thursday is posted.
• I am guest posting at Eastern Sunset Reads about The First Time I Read A Book.
• Two posts at my writer blog: Express Yourself #1 in which I talk about languages I want to speak, and Friday's Letters #2.

In other news elsewhere on the internet..

• From author Michelle Flick, the first of a few posts featuring four authors discussing the writing process.
• A post titled Gluing Plot to Theme and Character to Fuel Your Story at Adventures In YA and Children's Publishing. Nice for those planning on doing NaNoWriMo this year.
• Divergent movie news from Veronica Roth? Yes, please.
• Brilliant post from Leila Austin at YA Highway called Spinach scenes (and how to deal with them). It's great timing since my current issue is writing those scenes that just aren't easy to write.
  

And.... new LOLcat...

~Official Sign-Ups for the Scarlet Read-Along~

Hey you guys! A few of you showed an interest in participating in the read-along the other day. Marie posted a sign-up linky for everyone in a tab on her book blog, so I did the same on here. You can join on either blog--you only need to enter once. ^_^ We're working out the last minute details and will have a schedule posted very soon of what we will have happening all month long. It would be SO AWESOME to have you on board, so please consider joining in on the fun!

Much love to all!

~Jessica

Sunday Replay #8 + The News + Read-Along

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• Music Monday features "Somebody Told Me" by The Killers this week!
• I review Samantha Young's novel On Dublin Street.
• The 80th Update Thursday is posted.
• Awesome guest post by Alex Morris about Literature Websites You Can't Live Without.
• Check out on my writer blog my latest post: Friday's Letters.

In other news elsewhere on the internet..

• A bunch of tips for NaNoWriMo from Chuck Wendig through links to some of his awesome posts.
• Adventures in Children's Publishing has a nice article on Six Tests of a Solid Story Premise and Eight Ways to Write One.
• Some great self-editing tips from author Shelli Johannes (S.R. Johannes) which is actually very timely for me in my writing. I especially liked the reminder about noting the words you frequently mistype so that you can make sure you fix each and every one of them.
• Divergent author Veronica Roth shares three bits of advice for young writers. At the end of the post, she also includes a bunch of sweet links on almost everyanything you could think of for writing advice.
• Wonder how a blogger stays organized? Look no further and check out how Molli stays organized.

And.... just a couple pictures from a video game called Paper Mario. This is what happens when the shy guys take over...

~The News~

What news? Oh yeah. At the moment, I'm working on getting things together for the blog. I've only got a handful of things scheduled the rest of the month. I have been running out of steam lately, but I'm beginning to adjust to my new routine. So, October isn't going to have too much going for it. I am still focusing more time on writing, and getting more reading done.

Plus... this blog is going to be getting... a makeover! Woot! About time. I'm working with a blog designer right now and should have the new design implemented in the coming weeks. It won't be too dramatic (as in a major color change, I'm keeping the colors similar), but it will be different. I will have--wait for it--drop down tabs, and some other awesome buttons for the sidebars. It's going to be great. I can't wait to reveal it all to you. So, it's probably good I'm slowing down at the end of this month.

~Read-Along~

Marie and I have been wanting to read a book together for awhile now. We decided on A.C. Gaughen's novel Scarlet, since we both got it last month and are anxious to read it next. So starting November 1st we'll be reading it at the same time and discussing it. Marie tweeted about it to see if anyone else would be interested in joining us, and the author herself responded asking about what we were doing. Talk about awesome. If you're interested in reading along with us, let one of us know!


Much love to all!

~Jessica

Sunday Replay #7 + My All New Writing Blog + Giveaway Hop Update

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• Please please please participate in my awesome giveaway hop: The Book Love Giveaway Hop! Sign ups started on Monday.
• Music Monday features "Somebody That I Used To Know" by Gotye this week!
• My review of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.
• The 79th Update Thursday is posted.
• I discuss Banned Books Week in my latest Question of the Moment--weigh in with your thoughts!
• Stacking the Shelves: September Edition! See what I got last month book-wise.

In other news elsewhere on the internet..

• Phoebe North of YA Highway talks on the importance of the sense of smell when it comes to writing.
• Awesome article by Katie Klein about blurbs--for authors looking for them and authors writing them.
• Angela Ackerman gives us her favorite writing links.
• We got 25 ways to get your creative groove back as a writer by Chuck Wendig.
• A nice guest post on The Bookshelf Muse about uncluttered prose. You know, how you sometimes use too many words in a sentence that it takes away from the point? Sometimes simple is best.
• Lena Sledge has a nice article on how to utilize Pinterest as a writer.
  

And.... just a picture of Max playing with the Swiffer (I couldn't come up with anything to make it into an LOL)...

~Writing Blog~

I did mention this on Thursday, since I posted my first post on it on Thursday, but I felt I should mention it again... I started a writing blog! It's just my name, Jessica Sankiewicz, no special title (mostly because I just couldn't come up with anything that fit). I'm going to try to post at least once a week with writing updates and news. I've found a handful of memes I'm considering participating in to connect with some authors and writers. Once I publish my first book, it will no longer be a writing blog, but an author blog! (Cue me squeeing. ♥) Please follow it and I'll love you forever!

~Giveaway Hop Update~

As you may have seen, I started sign ups for a giveaway hop to be hosted on this blog Monday. Unfortunately, I have not had much of a response to it. Maybe it's because I asked people to email me to participate. The only reason I chose to do that was because I didn't want to invest money into a Linky tool for giveaway hops until I know I would have enough participation. Maybe I do need a Linky tool after all to make it easier to join. Or maybe I could switch to Google Docs and have people fill out the details that way instead. What do you think?

In any case... Unless I get a few more people to sign up soon, I may have to postpone the hop. Maybe it's better to plan further ahead for giveaway hops anyhow. I was just so anxious to have one that I planned it for this month. Oh well!


Much love to all!

~Jessica

Sunday Replay #6 + Good News!

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• A bonus entry from The Journey of Self-Publishing with three questions. Don't forget to enter the FOUR BOOK GIVEAWAY! Today is your last chance there.
• Music Monday features "This Time (Klaas Remix)" by Dj Antoine this week!
• My review of Overnight Sensation by Hal Eisenberg.
• Interview with Hal Eisenberg, talking about his book and more!
• Win a Banned Book from my list of awesome banned books.
• The 78th Update Thursday is posted.
• Talking about a couple of movies from books that I need to read soon before the movie is released.
• Banned Books Week starts TODAY! Get in on the fun.

In other news elsewhere on the internet..

• At Adventures In YA Publishing, we learn about building deep conflict into novel structure.
• A list of 25 things to do before starting your next novel from Chuck Wendig.
• Ever wondered how to build a relationship with publishers to receive ARCs? Molli tells us how she does it!
• A nice little checklist for self-publishing for those planning on going that route from Susan Kaye Quinn.

And.... a new LOL cat that I made...

~Good News!~

Remember last week how I told you guys I resigned from my job and how I was going on an interview later in the day? Well... I got the job! I briefly mentioned it on Update Thursday (as an explanation to how little my reading/writing status changed), but here's more about it...

I started on Tuesday and worked 5 days altogether this week. It's another pharmacy, but I'm discovering that my issues with pharmacy had more to do with policy and procedure at other stores. This new place is much more structured, and there's a lot more going on. They have their own way of doing things, so it's taking some getting used to, but I think I'm finally starting to catch on to the basics. Thank goodness! Everyone that works there is very nice and it's fun to work with them. So, I'm very optimistic about this place. I can't wait until I pick up on everything and don't have to ask about stuff all the time.

This next week I'm working the training shift all week again (I'll most likely be working the late shift most days), so my schedule is so off. I started to lose track of all my projects and it sorta got me a bit frustrated. Since I have tomorrow off, I'll be spending part of the day planning out the blog for October. I can't believe how behind I am on everything! I have posts and reviews to write and schedule. I was going to postpone my giveaway hop thing for awhile, but now that I have a job, I don't need to worry about that anymore. It'll probably go up tomorrow, so be sure to check it out so you can sign up!


Much love to all!

~Jessica

Sunday Replay #5 + Some News

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• Enter The Journey of Self-Publishing Book Giveaway to win 4 fabulous novels by our indie author panel.
• Music Monday features Trapt this week!
• My review of Defy the Stars by Stephanie Parent.
• Interview with Stephanie Parent, talking about her book and poetry!
• The 77th Update Thursday is posted.
• What do you think of books written in verse? Weigh in on the latest Question of the Moment!
• I review Courtney Summer's Cracked Up To Be.

In other news elsewhere on the internet..

• Kirsten Hubbard wrote a nice article on giving yourself permission as a writer to do the things that you need to do.
• It's easy to get discouraged as a writer, but Rachel Brooks tells us to stay motivated!
• A way to get past writer's block from Chelsea Fine. I have done this before, and it works.
• Kody Keplinger is on YA Highway discussing how Improv classes help with humor in writing.
• Susan Kaye Quinn offers up some tips on avoiding using the same cover art as someone else. She also had a nice segment on sideloading ebooks.

And.... a new LOL cat that I made to cheer myself up...

~Some News~

As you may know, I work at a pharmacy. I've offered up some of my frustrations with the field before awhile back and how I've been working on getting out of it if possible. Well, that moment finally came when things got so bad at work, I resigned immediately Tuesday after my shift ended. At first, it was upsetting to me to see things go the way they did. But on Wednesday, everything just felt... better. The world seemed brighter, my load felt lighter, and I felt HAPPIER. I didn't realize how much my job had been weighing me down--not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

Of course, I am working on finding new employment (made a couple calls, picked up an application, AND I actually have an interview today at 2), but as of right now, I am content just sitting back and enjoying life, if only for a moment in time. On Wednesday, I got out the TaeBo VHS tape I bought from a thrift store and exercised. I haven't exercised in YEARS. And doing some awesome punches and kicks really felt good. That night, I reached the word count goal I've been working on for weeks. I've been writing every day since. I painted my fingernails, I wrote some scenes for a new story, I colored in a Lisa Frank coloring book with crayons while watching Gossip Girl and eating sweets (check out the picture--don't worry, I didn't eat it all, I'm saving some for later today when I hang out with my best friend).

Oh yes, there are stickers in that coloring book too.

One thing that made this week be so much better was all the love I received from the community of book bloggers. I came home Tuesday to find myself listed on two Top Ten Tuesdays as bookish people you wanted to meet. After I tweeted a message about having a horrible day, three people replied with kind words. I found out that I won TWO giveaways. All sorts of people have been stopping by to comment and chat on the blog. So... I want to thank all of you for being there for me, even without knowing. ^_^

And TOMORROW is the season premiere of both Castle AND Gossip Girl.

Life really is good.


Much love to all!

~Jessica

Sunday Replay #4 & Giveaway Hop Idea--I need your feedback!

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• Last "official" post from The Journey of Self-Publishing with our indie author panel's Last Words. Be sure to keep your eye out tomorrow for a GIVEAWAY and the following Monday for some bonus questions.
• Music Monday features the amazing Billy Joel this time.
• My review of Jamie McGuire's Beautiful Disaster.
• Cover reveal for the awesome novel The Game Changer by Marie Landry.
• The 76th Update Thursday is posted.
• I review Charmed Thirds, the 3rd novel in the Jessica Darling series, by Megan McCafferty.

In other news elsewhere on the internet..

• The Indelibles have a nice post on how to sell your book Hook, Line, and Sinker.
• Adventures in YA Publishing shares the post Concept Begins from Line One, including a list of 8 ways to develop a unique concept.
• Chuck Wendig with another list of 25, this time about rules for writing and telling stories. Some are a bit different than we get told, but there are good reasons behind it.
• The Bookshelf Muse talks about Building Suspense, which is something that's been on my mind lately because I think it is integral to keeping a reader interested.
• Read all about it on Nawanda Files--filming has begun for Catching Fire!
• Great discussion post at Once Upon a Prologue about how to get and keep followers.

And.... a new LOL cat...

~Giveaway Hop Idea--Need Feedback!~

So! I've been thinking about hosting a giveaway hop. For now, I just want to try it out once and see how many people I can get to sign up. The giveaway will just be a generic giveaway, as in, anything book related: books, gift certificates, bookmarks, swag, e-books... There would be no minimum cost for what you give away, meaning, you could even give away a 99¢ e-book. You can set up your giveaway any way you'd like--Rafflecopter, Google Docs, etc.; have requirements however you like--Free Entry, follow via GFC, or bonus entries like following on Twitter. The length would be probably one week. You can make it international or just US or US/Canada.

The above is just the gist of what I have in mind. I'll write out a complete rule list for participants once I get feedback from you guys and let you know in the next Sunday Replay when I'll be posting sign ups. I still have to sign up for Linky Tools before I can even start this.

What do you guys think? Would you be interested in participating in a giveaway hop? Would you be interested in entering giveaways in a hop? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments below!

Much love to all!

~Jessica

Guest Posts Wanted & Sunday Replay #3

Before I get to the Sunday Replay, I wanted to get the word out that I'm looking for people to do a few guest posts between now and December. I would like to focus more on writing my novel and could use a few posts from blogger and author friends to fill in the empty spaces. I'll still be writing a few discussion posts and the occasional random post, I just need a handful of fun things to sprinkle in here and there.

What kind of posts?:  I would like anything blog, reading, book, or writing related. A couple things coming up soon are Banned Books Week (Sept. 30−Oct. 6, 2012) and National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo--November), so posts about either would be fine. Please bear in mind, this is a PG blog, so I don't want anything explicit. Just basic book bloggish topics will do. Also, they don't have to be long, even three or four paragraphs would be perfectly fine by me!

How do I sign up?:  Send an email to impulsivities[at]gmail[dot]com with your name, your blog name, your blog url, and a short list of ideas for a guest post. If you're an author, I can include a bit about your book as well.

At the moment, I only need a handful of posts. I'm not sure how many responses I'll get from this, but I will try to include everyone that I can.

Thank you!

~*~

Now on to Sunday Replay...

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some new pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• Indie authors discuss how to survive during the first few months of publishing. How do you keep the interest alive for your book? Click the link and find out!
• The first edition of Music Monday featuring my current song of the moment.
• I review Avery Sawyer's new dystopian novella, The Forever Contract.
• I did a guest post for Alison Can Read this week on the 3 Books That I Can't Stop Rereading the Kissing Scenes In.
• The 75th Update Thursday, getting somewhere with my writing!
• Latest Question of the Moment: Do you go on book buying bans? This is something I've been thinking about lately.

In other news elsewhere on the internet..

• Susan Kaye Quinn shares four great posts on Self-Publishing Basics: Where to Publish, Formatting Ebooks - The Easy Ways, Formatting Ebooks - The Hard Way, and Publishing to iTunes. A lot of good information there that I found useful.
• Chelsea Fine talks about how difficult it is to write the second book in a series.
• J.A. Konrath MADE MY DAY with this amazingly perfect post on the Writer's Code of Ethics. All bloggers and authors and writers must read it. He makes the best point of any I've read on the subject.
• Great post by Martina at Adventures in YA and Children's Publishing titled It's Not Just About the Writing.
• Ally Condie's Matched has a director for the movie? Score!
• Great article about what has happened to Kristen Stewart since the breakup in the media. Sure, I was upset about what happened, but I do not agree with what people are saying. Let it go. Do something better with your life than insult a celebrity.
• At The Indelibles, an article about the crippling effect of fear and how we can't let it control us.
• YA Highway has a nice post about the runaway cheetah brain. It's about story ideas and how to control yourself from going too fast with them.

Instead of an LOLcat, I decided to share a quick story. Back in the day, my boyfriend at the time got me some roses. I decided to dry them, so I rigged up this box using ribbons and tape so they could dry up out of the way. I put it on top of my tall shelf, thinking the cat wouldn't disturb them.

I was so wrong.

My crazy kitty Ollie wasn't about to leave them be. So he climbed his way up inside the box and started to chew at the flowers and leaves. Here are two pictures... one showing where the box was, the other showing the culprit when he got caught.

Much love to all!

~Jessica

Sunday Replay #2

Sunday Replay is a weekly recap of the postings on this blog. I will also be sharing other articles and newsworthy items I've found interesting. I may even showcase some new pictures I've uploaded.


Stuff from the blog this week:

• The latest on The Journey of Self-Publishing is about Promotion. This one is a good one!
• Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle is reviewed. In short: ASTOUNDING.
• A very late post about the little survey I did and some of the responses I got from you.
• The 74th Update Thursday, not too much to report reading/writing wise.
• I list 5 easy ways to help out indie authors, a couple of them are FREE. Check it out and see what you can do to help out!
• The August Edition of Stacking The Shelves from yesterday. Pretty small, but still awesome!
• For those who are participating in The Classics Reading Challenge 2012, there is a spot to link up your classic book reviews now. It sort of slipped my mind before, lol.

In other news elsewhere on the internet..

• A Writer's Digest article on picking out character names. There are seven points made, all interesting. Once in awhile it's a battle for me and I appreciate the tips.
• Marie at Ramblings of a Daydreamer talks about the increasing number of bloggers calling it quits. I am equally as saddened at how things have become.
• Also, The Broke and the Bookish talk about naughty authors and the way it affects readers. It's utterly ridiculous what some have done, and I wish they could see how it makes the readers feel.
• On Angela's Anxious Life is a cute post on Waldo from Where's Waldo? I grew up looking through one of the books so I have a lot of fond memories searching for Waldo. Hmm... now I need to pull my book out again!!
• A post from J.A. Konrath on Ebooks and libraries, including how an author/library could go about it. I think it will be great the more people get on board!
• An article on The Indelibles called The Tao of Creativity. Hopefully you come away from it feeling optimistic about yourself and your writing ability. We all have something to say that is worth hearing, never convince yourself otherwise.
• Evie-Bookish wants you to vote for the Top 25 Indie Authors you should know. Hop on over there are get to voting/nominating!

Another LOL cat of my sweet kitty that ran away, Ollie:

Okay, so what's been going on... I really can't think of anything special. I wish I could though!


Much love to all!

~Jessica