Friday, January 24, 2014

BRB Crying. Or, How ALLEGIANT By Veronica Roth Destroyed Me In The Best Way.


Some of you may know that this book has been the source of CONTROVERSY and FEELS. Not only is it the ending of a (hugely successful) trilogy, it's the ending's ending that got tongues wagging.

I managed to avoid spoilers before sitting down to read ALLEGIANT

I'm so thrilled I did. 

I was genuinely surprised by the ending.

I cried while reading it.

I cried after I finished the book.

And I feel a strong need to thank Veronica Roth for destroying me. 

I think this ending is going to haunt me forever, not just as a reader, but as a writer. Especially as a writer. Stories that resonate and linger and cling to my bones often have authors who do the unthinkable. In ALLEGIANT, a character tells another the following two words: "Be brave." It's a story for the story's sake, not its fans' sake. I wouldn't have it any other way. Veronica Roth's bravery, as well as that of the countless authors I admire, has taught me that I should never conform with whatever I can conjure. No. It's not enough to write. 

It's enough to write bravely.

Even if it destroys you. Even if it destroys those who trust you to pick them up and give them the happy ending they envisioned. Fiction isn't one thing. It doesn't provide the same answer over and over. Sometimes, it doesn't provide answers at all. I'm at peace with that. I think I always have been.

I'm going to try and write as bravely as I can. I hope you do the same.


Monday, January 13, 2014

In Which I Vow To Read More Books

So. Last year, I set a reading goal of 30 books.

I read 25.

Not only did I not meet my goal, I also didn't want to set that particular goal in the first place. I like to read more than 50 books a year. Unfortunately, I couldn't juggle my reading schedule with WIP revisions and thesis writing and work, so I settled for 30. I didn't even read that amount.

This year, things are going to be different.




Yes, I did set a specific amount of books to read: 35.

No, I won't limit myself to 35 if I find it possible to surpass it. Other authors fuel me to get better. Their stories dazzle me with their genius. I need that kind of magic in my life. I crave that kind of magic in my life.

So here's to 2014 and goals and books and magic. 

Oh, and Nutella. Can't forget about the Nutella. 

 

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

In Which I Celebrate Sherlock Day

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEARRRRRRRRR!!!! 

Second of all, SHERLOCK SEASON 3 BEGINS TODAAAAAAAAAAY.

In the U.K.

*sobs*

BUT fear not. I'm still celebrating. Because Sherlock.



So. Even though I have to wait a while to see the first episode AND I must avoid Tumblr like the plague, I've chosen to keep an upbeat attitude about this whole thing and just rewatch the super sadsies final episode of Season 2. Because Moriarty. 



#Moriartyismyeverything

So. If you don't watch Sherlock, we can still be friends, but you should really get on that. Like, right now. 

Now if you'll excuse me, I must go pretend Tumblr doesn't exist and get reacquainted with some of my favorite Brit peeps. :)