Prompt of the Day- Summer Bucket List- Top 5
Since it's June, that means summer! I came up with a list of things I want to do/places to visit/goals to accomplish by the end of summer.
1) Finish publishing "Witches of Coolersville"- This is top priority. Need to do it. I've been planning this since January. Gotta get on it.
2) Visit the beach... a lot- I love the beach! Once Lake Erie is warm enough, I'll be there and swimming as often as I can.
3) Go places I've never been- Even though I've lived in Ohio my whole life, there are many places I've never seen. My boyfriend wants to show me where he went to school. There are area wineries I want to try. I need to get out in the world more!
4) Get healthy- About a week ago, I started walking with one of my friends. We started with a mile and a half round trip and are slowly working our way more and more each time. It's so much fun. We walk and talk and laugh and the more I do it the better I feel. I want to be able to get in shape to dance at my sister's wedding next year and not be in pain the next day. I can do this!
5) Keep writing- It's been a slow start to my sequel book. But, July Camp NaNoWriMo is coming up and I'll be ready... hopefully.
That's my top 5 summer goals! I'll probably talk about more as time goes on. But, that's what I came up with for now.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Friday, June 5, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 5
Prompt of the Day-How does writing fit into your life? Is it a hobby, a profession, a dream, or something else? Write about this priority and if you would like to shift it at some point.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Writing is currently a hobby and a dream to be able to do it professionally. Every time I ever changed my mind about what career I wanted, I always circled back to writing. It's what I really love to do and I've always done since I was little. Between my novels, blogs, and private diaries, it seems I'm always writing something or thinking about writing. Sometimes I can't fall asleep until I write something. Even if it's just notes or rough ideas about something. My muse will not rest until I get it on paper or screen.
I am in the process of publishing my first novella. My friend and I are making final touches to the cover and then I can upload to CreateSpace and complete the process. Not going to lie. This terrifies me. I've been thinking about it for so long and now that it is finally happening I don't know what to do with myself. I know the work of promoting it begins. I've been doing that for a long time. I just hope people haven't stopped taking me seriously that this will actually happen. I've had so many delays.
I will continue to write. For the simple fact that I love it and want to share my stories and thoughts with the world. But, if I can make a living off it, bonus.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Writing is currently a hobby and a dream to be able to do it professionally. Every time I ever changed my mind about what career I wanted, I always circled back to writing. It's what I really love to do and I've always done since I was little. Between my novels, blogs, and private diaries, it seems I'm always writing something or thinking about writing. Sometimes I can't fall asleep until I write something. Even if it's just notes or rough ideas about something. My muse will not rest until I get it on paper or screen.
I am in the process of publishing my first novella. My friend and I are making final touches to the cover and then I can upload to CreateSpace and complete the process. Not going to lie. This terrifies me. I've been thinking about it for so long and now that it is finally happening I don't know what to do with myself. I know the work of promoting it begins. I've been doing that for a long time. I just hope people haven't stopped taking me seriously that this will actually happen. I've had so many delays.
I will continue to write. For the simple fact that I love it and want to share my stories and thoughts with the world. But, if I can make a living off it, bonus.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 4
Prompt of the Day-If time is money, what do you deserve to be paid per hour and why?
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
How about if stress is money? That would be a much more accurate statement. Since my day job is grocery retail, I deal with people all day long. Most of them are pretty good. I have a few regulars. But, at least once a day, you get that one person that tends to spoil your whole day because they are rude, unsatisfied with something insignificant, or just plain stupid and lacking in common sense. I'm surprised I haven't needed therapy with some of the crap I deal with.
After deductions, I come home with about $8/hour. This barely covers bills and living for me sometimes and it's certainly not worth the headaches and aggravation I have to deal with on a near daily basis. And, I am not alone in this. I know many of my coworkers feel the same. I think we should make at least double what we make now. It would not only help with minimal expenses, but people would have money to spare to go shopping, save to buy a house or rent an apartment, buy a car, invest in maybe going back to school. Or, better yet, take a much deserved vacation to recover from daily insanity.
But, that's just my opinion. :)
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
How about if stress is money? That would be a much more accurate statement. Since my day job is grocery retail, I deal with people all day long. Most of them are pretty good. I have a few regulars. But, at least once a day, you get that one person that tends to spoil your whole day because they are rude, unsatisfied with something insignificant, or just plain stupid and lacking in common sense. I'm surprised I haven't needed therapy with some of the crap I deal with.
After deductions, I come home with about $8/hour. This barely covers bills and living for me sometimes and it's certainly not worth the headaches and aggravation I have to deal with on a near daily basis. And, I am not alone in this. I know many of my coworkers feel the same. I think we should make at least double what we make now. It would not only help with minimal expenses, but people would have money to spare to go shopping, save to buy a house or rent an apartment, buy a car, invest in maybe going back to school. Or, better yet, take a much deserved vacation to recover from daily insanity.
But, that's just my opinion. :)
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 3
Prompt of the Day- "When I was a child, I wanted to grow up to be..."
Source- Pinterest.com
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up to be so many things. I wanted to be an ice skater because my Grandmother was always watching it on television and it looked like fun.
I wanted to be a teacher. I had an English teacher in 7th grade who I just adored. She kept the class interesting and introduced me to "To Kill A Mockingbird" by reading it to us for fun when we got our work done.
I wanted to travel for a living. Not sure what I'd do, exactly. Or, maybe it was from that same teacher because she had posters of all the places she traveled on school breaks plastering her walls.
I think, at one point, I thought of being a doctor but I'm not good at science... or math.
But, every time I changed my mind, something always brought me back to writing. And, here I am, writing this blog and working on my second novel while my first is in the process of being published.
Source- Pinterest.com
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up to be so many things. I wanted to be an ice skater because my Grandmother was always watching it on television and it looked like fun.
I wanted to be a teacher. I had an English teacher in 7th grade who I just adored. She kept the class interesting and introduced me to "To Kill A Mockingbird" by reading it to us for fun when we got our work done.
I wanted to travel for a living. Not sure what I'd do, exactly. Or, maybe it was from that same teacher because she had posters of all the places she traveled on school breaks plastering her walls.
I think, at one point, I thought of being a doctor but I'm not good at science... or math.
But, every time I changed my mind, something always brought me back to writing. And, here I am, writing this blog and working on my second novel while my first is in the process of being published.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 2
Prompt of the Day-You have been given a huge raise. I'm talking double the money you're making right now. What do you do with your new found cash flow?
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
If I could make double what I'm at right now, life would be so much easier! Oh, the things I could do making $16 compared to $8/hr.
First, I'd start paying off my medical bills. My little stint in the hospital last summer cost quite a lot, even after insurance. Throw in any more tests and doctor visits since and upcoming, and I'm pretty deep in the red. I probably couldn't do it all at once. It would take time to pay it all off. But, at least I could do something more than I can now and feel more at ease about bills being sent to a collection agency.
Next, I'd help my boyfriend fix up the house. I could help with rent more once I move in completely. This will help with the house renovations. His back deck is falling apart and the kitchen needs an upgrade. (Like a bigger oven so I don't burn my hand again when baking) Or, better yet, we could look for a new house of our own. Then, I could have my own office with lots of shelf space!
I could save for more traveling! ComicCon in September, going back to Oregon, Boy and I going to Washington DC, maybe a weekend long bachelorette party for my sister next year.
I'd get a gym membership- somewhere with a pool and open 24 hours. There's one by where I used to go to school and it's nice but very expensive.
I could work on marketing and attend arts festivals to promote my books.
Best of all, I could go shopping! Clothes, music, books, new computer and filming equipment.
Sadly, at the rate I get raises at my current job, it would be another 32 years before I make that much.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
If I could make double what I'm at right now, life would be so much easier! Oh, the things I could do making $16 compared to $8/hr.
First, I'd start paying off my medical bills. My little stint in the hospital last summer cost quite a lot, even after insurance. Throw in any more tests and doctor visits since and upcoming, and I'm pretty deep in the red. I probably couldn't do it all at once. It would take time to pay it all off. But, at least I could do something more than I can now and feel more at ease about bills being sent to a collection agency.
Next, I'd help my boyfriend fix up the house. I could help with rent more once I move in completely. This will help with the house renovations. His back deck is falling apart and the kitchen needs an upgrade. (Like a bigger oven so I don't burn my hand again when baking) Or, better yet, we could look for a new house of our own. Then, I could have my own office with lots of shelf space!
I could save for more traveling! ComicCon in September, going back to Oregon, Boy and I going to Washington DC, maybe a weekend long bachelorette party for my sister next year.
I'd get a gym membership- somewhere with a pool and open 24 hours. There's one by where I used to go to school and it's nice but very expensive.
I could work on marketing and attend arts festivals to promote my books.
Best of all, I could go shopping! Clothes, music, books, new computer and filming equipment.
Sadly, at the rate I get raises at my current job, it would be another 32 years before I make that much.
Monday, June 1, 2015
June 30 Day Writing Challenge- 1
Prompt of the Day-What is your favorite birthday and why? Who was there? Did you have a party? What presents did you get? Be very specific about what made it so special.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Turning 25 is a milestone we all want to remember. You've hit a quarter of a century. You feel pretty secure in the direction of your life. Some of us have already started families by this time. Some have a great career. While others are getting over having their heart ripped out of their chest and stomped on.
That was me. Two days before my 25th birthday, I had broken up with a guy I had been with for nearly 3 years. Good times. I came home, cried in my dad's arms, and then my sister and our mutual best friend, Carrie, took me out. We went to Applebees and I had my first Long Island Iced Tea and we boy bashed for most of the night. As we talked, I realized the break-up was going to happen anyway and it was for the better. Had I known then what I know now, I would have realized that I would find someone so much better that I want to spend the rest of my life with, who actually respects me, and shares the same values. Sometimes you need those lows in life to help appreciate the highs even more.
On the day of my birthday, we went to a Chinese buffet with my family. My mom's 2 best friends joined us, too, which is always a great time. My friend, Kate, also joined us. And, so did Carrie. After dinner, we went back home for cake and presents. Carrie and Kate came along and we lit a bonfire. This is where the fun started. I had spent the previous day gathering scrapbook pages and pictures of that former relationship so I could burn them. I also had a sweatshirt of his from high school he had given me so that was burned as well.
After we burned that stuff, it was time for cake. I wish I still had pictures but they were lost because of a virus but the cake was an interesting sight. It was warm that day so the icing was melting and it looked like a waterfall. Because I had so many candles, my dad pretended he needed a blow torch to light them all. Ha ha. -__- I got some pretty amazing presents. New laptop, which is now my old laptop because I still have it but, hopefully, not for long. Beautiful digital camera that I still use because it takes wonderful pictures. I have to get the ultimate lithium batteries because it eats through regular ones like Santa eats cookies but it's worth it. I also got a photo editing program similar to photoshop but I no longer have it because I never reinstalled it after my laptop got a virus earlier this spring. That will change when I eventually get a new laptop. I want Adobe Illustrator so I can work on my own book covers. And, Photoshop as well.
A few days later, I had a party with all my close friends. An acquaintance of my dad had a shop where he sold DJ equipment. He also had party rooms that people could rent out and have karaoke parties. That's what I wanted for my birthday that year. May is an unpredictable weather time here in Ohio so anything outdoors is hit or miss. I wanted something different so I booked a room and invited a bunch of people and it was so much fun. What's nice about having parties like that with just friends is people are more inclined to grab the microphone. If it's just a group you know and you're just goofing off, then you're more comfortable.
So, despite the rough start to the week, it turned out pretty amazing. I cried, I laughed, I learned I can move on with life because I have the support of my friends and family and 6 years later as I continue in the newest decade of my life I still have friends and family backing me. I'm with the real love of my life. And, I'm pretty happy in the direction I'm headed.
Source- "1000 Creative Writing Prompts" by Bryan Cohen
Turning 25 is a milestone we all want to remember. You've hit a quarter of a century. You feel pretty secure in the direction of your life. Some of us have already started families by this time. Some have a great career. While others are getting over having their heart ripped out of their chest and stomped on.
That was me. Two days before my 25th birthday, I had broken up with a guy I had been with for nearly 3 years. Good times. I came home, cried in my dad's arms, and then my sister and our mutual best friend, Carrie, took me out. We went to Applebees and I had my first Long Island Iced Tea and we boy bashed for most of the night. As we talked, I realized the break-up was going to happen anyway and it was for the better. Had I known then what I know now, I would have realized that I would find someone so much better that I want to spend the rest of my life with, who actually respects me, and shares the same values. Sometimes you need those lows in life to help appreciate the highs even more.
On the day of my birthday, we went to a Chinese buffet with my family. My mom's 2 best friends joined us, too, which is always a great time. My friend, Kate, also joined us. And, so did Carrie. After dinner, we went back home for cake and presents. Carrie and Kate came along and we lit a bonfire. This is where the fun started. I had spent the previous day gathering scrapbook pages and pictures of that former relationship so I could burn them. I also had a sweatshirt of his from high school he had given me so that was burned as well.
After we burned that stuff, it was time for cake. I wish I still had pictures but they were lost because of a virus but the cake was an interesting sight. It was warm that day so the icing was melting and it looked like a waterfall. Because I had so many candles, my dad pretended he needed a blow torch to light them all. Ha ha. -__- I got some pretty amazing presents. New laptop, which is now my old laptop because I still have it but, hopefully, not for long. Beautiful digital camera that I still use because it takes wonderful pictures. I have to get the ultimate lithium batteries because it eats through regular ones like Santa eats cookies but it's worth it. I also got a photo editing program similar to photoshop but I no longer have it because I never reinstalled it after my laptop got a virus earlier this spring. That will change when I eventually get a new laptop. I want Adobe Illustrator so I can work on my own book covers. And, Photoshop as well.
A few days later, I had a party with all my close friends. An acquaintance of my dad had a shop where he sold DJ equipment. He also had party rooms that people could rent out and have karaoke parties. That's what I wanted for my birthday that year. May is an unpredictable weather time here in Ohio so anything outdoors is hit or miss. I wanted something different so I booked a room and invited a bunch of people and it was so much fun. What's nice about having parties like that with just friends is people are more inclined to grab the microphone. If it's just a group you know and you're just goofing off, then you're more comfortable.
So, despite the rough start to the week, it turned out pretty amazing. I cried, I laughed, I learned I can move on with life because I have the support of my friends and family and 6 years later as I continue in the newest decade of my life I still have friends and family backing me. I'm with the real love of my life. And, I'm pretty happy in the direction I'm headed.
Friday, May 29, 2015
June Writing Challenge
I've been going through prompts I've collected, either in books or online, and created another 30 day challenge for myself. Every day in the month of June, I will post a blog based on the chosen topic of the day. I like doing these challenges. They keep my mind going so I can work on other projects. This will also get me in a better habit of writing for Camp NaNoWriMo in July. I can work on my sequel then. Working on the outline now.
Most of these will be pretty brief, depending on the topic.
Just giving you all a heads up! Thanks so much for reading.
Most of these will be pretty brief, depending on the topic.
Just giving you all a heads up! Thanks so much for reading.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
"Witches of Coolersville" Cover Progress
Hi, everyone!
Just wanted to fill you in on my book progress.Started getting together with an artist friend of mine and we were working on ideas for my book cover, at long last. I had mentioned before that my sister was going to do it for me but, as can happen, life got in the way and she has a few bigger priorities to focus on right now. So, my friend offered to give me a hand. We spent a good 2-3 hours playing with fonts and colors. I am happy to reveal the background image. I created it myself before the whole RansomWare incident and, fortunately, it was backed up so I didn't lose it when I had to wipe my hard drive.
And so...
Here it is...
Ready?
This is exciting!
Wait for it!
3...
2...
1...
Ta daaa!
Yup! This is it! This is the background of my cover. Cool, huh? This represents a dream scene my main character has early on in the story. The photograph is mine. It was taken at a friend's house when she was having a party and a big bonfire in her backyard.
Now, we are still playing around with ideas. (And, currently, our work is on hold because my friend needs some new parts for her computer and I do not have Adobe Illustrator to continue working on my own) So, if anyone has any suggestions to help us along, that would be great. Maybe font type? I did end up selecting a few that I liked but I'm open to other options. Colors- Right now we're thinking green and black in some form. Should I tone down the opacity of the image itself? Maybe to make the title stand out.
I've been watching a lot of YouTube videos on covers for self-published authors. (Helps that I was sick for 3 days and had little strength to do much else but watch YouTube. Stupid bronchitis and allergies.) And, I've been making notes on what they suggest. But, since you are (hopefully) my future audience, your opinion is greatly appreciated.
What do you like in a cover? What books do you have in your collection that stand out? Even, which did you buy only because it had an awesome cover? Also, since this is the first in a series, what can I do to have once element that brings the series together. Even if the image is different, what's the defining characteristic that would make you say, "Oh, yeah, that's a "Witches of Coolersville" novel. That's a good series. I'm going to get the next installment."?
If all goes well, I should have a finished cover ready to upload in, at most, a matter of weeks. By the time I get a proof to review, and make the necessary arrangements, I am now thinking an August release date. Possibly mid-August since that is my second vacation from my day job and I can focus on release events. I'll be getting in contact with a local book store soon to see what I have to do to set up a release party or a signing event. I'm looking at attending an arts festival in my hometown late summer/early fall. So much to think about!
I'm so sorry this keeps getting pushed back and back. But, now, things are on track once more for publication and I'll be able to share my story with all of you.
Thanks so much for sticking with me all this time. And, I'll keep you updated on what's to come.
Bye!
Carey
Just wanted to fill you in on my book progress.Started getting together with an artist friend of mine and we were working on ideas for my book cover, at long last. I had mentioned before that my sister was going to do it for me but, as can happen, life got in the way and she has a few bigger priorities to focus on right now. So, my friend offered to give me a hand. We spent a good 2-3 hours playing with fonts and colors. I am happy to reveal the background image. I created it myself before the whole RansomWare incident and, fortunately, it was backed up so I didn't lose it when I had to wipe my hard drive.
And so...
Here it is...
Ready?
This is exciting!
Wait for it!
3...
2...
1...
Ta daaa!
Now, we are still playing around with ideas. (And, currently, our work is on hold because my friend needs some new parts for her computer and I do not have Adobe Illustrator to continue working on my own) So, if anyone has any suggestions to help us along, that would be great. Maybe font type? I did end up selecting a few that I liked but I'm open to other options. Colors- Right now we're thinking green and black in some form. Should I tone down the opacity of the image itself? Maybe to make the title stand out.
I've been watching a lot of YouTube videos on covers for self-published authors. (Helps that I was sick for 3 days and had little strength to do much else but watch YouTube. Stupid bronchitis and allergies.) And, I've been making notes on what they suggest. But, since you are (hopefully) my future audience, your opinion is greatly appreciated.
What do you like in a cover? What books do you have in your collection that stand out? Even, which did you buy only because it had an awesome cover? Also, since this is the first in a series, what can I do to have once element that brings the series together. Even if the image is different, what's the defining characteristic that would make you say, "Oh, yeah, that's a "Witches of Coolersville" novel. That's a good series. I'm going to get the next installment."?
If all goes well, I should have a finished cover ready to upload in, at most, a matter of weeks. By the time I get a proof to review, and make the necessary arrangements, I am now thinking an August release date. Possibly mid-August since that is my second vacation from my day job and I can focus on release events. I'll be getting in contact with a local book store soon to see what I have to do to set up a release party or a signing event. I'm looking at attending an arts festival in my hometown late summer/early fall. So much to think about!
I'm so sorry this keeps getting pushed back and back. But, now, things are on track once more for publication and I'll be able to share my story with all of you.
Thanks so much for sticking with me all this time. And, I'll keep you updated on what's to come.
Bye!
Carey
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
More Blogging- I promise!
Hey guys,
I know I've been pretty absent on my blog and on YouTube in recent months. So much has been going on. Work was insane with the Easter holiday. Winter just never seemed to end so my arthritis symptoms were going crazy and sending me into an everything slump. I'm slowly moving in with my boyfriend so it's awkward to film unless no one is home and I'm still not connected to his Wi-Fi so I can't upload videos until I get back to my parents' or go to Starbucks. I was frustrated with my lack of a book cover pushing my anticipated release of my novella back and back and back! And, I've been blocked.
But all that is about to change!!!
The weather is getting nicer and warmer. Although still rainy but, hey, there's some progress. I've got a few more weeks until the bathroom renovation is done and then I can officially finish moving and be connected to Internet. (I've bought books in recent months that I want to show off in a video) And, one of my friends who is a really talented artist is going to help with my book cover TOMORROW! So, I'll be able to better judge a time frame for a real release date! And, I just bought 4 prompt books that I've been going through and getting lots of ideas for short stories and blog posts so I think I'll set myself up with another month long blog challenge.
I don't think I'll do it for May. I've got a lot going on throughout the month. My dad just got a new Church assignment so his first Mass is this Saturday. My niece is making her first Communion Sunday. A guy my sis and I went to school with is being ordained as a priest. I'm a sponsor/mentor for a woman at Church making her Confirmation. I'm on vacation the week of my birthday so that might be moving week or, if not, finally finishing my sequel outline. (Another reason why I bought prompt books. I'm having a hard time with this next story.) But, I will try to be more active in the blogging at least. And, I might put together a short story collection if I get enough ideas and like what I come up with. With over 3000 prompts in these books, I better come up with something or I'm in trouble!
So, that's what's been going on with me. I'm going to get some rest (aka watch YouTube) and get lots of writing done tomorrow. More updates to come! Byye!
Carey
I know I've been pretty absent on my blog and on YouTube in recent months. So much has been going on. Work was insane with the Easter holiday. Winter just never seemed to end so my arthritis symptoms were going crazy and sending me into an everything slump. I'm slowly moving in with my boyfriend so it's awkward to film unless no one is home and I'm still not connected to his Wi-Fi so I can't upload videos until I get back to my parents' or go to Starbucks. I was frustrated with my lack of a book cover pushing my anticipated release of my novella back and back and back! And, I've been blocked.
But all that is about to change!!!
The weather is getting nicer and warmer. Although still rainy but, hey, there's some progress. I've got a few more weeks until the bathroom renovation is done and then I can officially finish moving and be connected to Internet. (I've bought books in recent months that I want to show off in a video) And, one of my friends who is a really talented artist is going to help with my book cover TOMORROW! So, I'll be able to better judge a time frame for a real release date! And, I just bought 4 prompt books that I've been going through and getting lots of ideas for short stories and blog posts so I think I'll set myself up with another month long blog challenge.
I don't think I'll do it for May. I've got a lot going on throughout the month. My dad just got a new Church assignment so his first Mass is this Saturday. My niece is making her first Communion Sunday. A guy my sis and I went to school with is being ordained as a priest. I'm a sponsor/mentor for a woman at Church making her Confirmation. I'm on vacation the week of my birthday so that might be moving week or, if not, finally finishing my sequel outline. (Another reason why I bought prompt books. I'm having a hard time with this next story.) But, I will try to be more active in the blogging at least. And, I might put together a short story collection if I get enough ideas and like what I come up with. With over 3000 prompts in these books, I better come up with something or I'm in trouble!
So, that's what's been going on with me. I'm going to get some rest (aka watch YouTube) and get lots of writing done tomorrow. More updates to come! Byye!
Carey
Boleyn King Book Review- no spoilers
The Boleyn King, by Laura Andersen
Book 1 Boleyn Trilogy
Star Rating- 3
I just finished this really fascinating book and I'm well into book 2. It's an alternate history, asking the question of "How would history be different if...?" This question being, "How would history be different if Anne Boleyn had never been executed and had a son and heir for Henry VIII?" The answer is 1) Not all that exciting for Henry. He, apparently, still dies fat and sick. 2) Not that exciting for Anne, either. While she well outlives her husband, she is pretty quiet in this story. 3) Pretty intriguing for her children and their friends. I'll try not to get spoilery in this review.
The story, first of three, centers around William (also known as Henry IX), his sister, Elizabeth (the real life Elizabeth I), and their friends Dominic and Minuette. Dominic is one of William's gentlemen and also childhood friend. Minuette is the daughter of one of Anne Boleyn's former ladies, born the same day as William, and Elizabeth's closest companion. I really like the friendship between these 4 at the beginning, and a good majority, of the book. Since they're all relatively young, by modern standards anyway, their bond kind of reminds me of a group of friends in high school or college. They vent to each other. They tease each other. There are times when they try to show each other up in little things. But, William is king so things are a little different and more complicated.
The story begins with William in the last year of his minority. He's 17. There's been a regency council put in place since the death of his father when he was 10 and when he's 18 he will be able to rule in his own right. But, there are issues. A courtier ends up dead, seemingly of a suicide but there are sketchy circumstances surrounding why she might want to kill herself. There is still the religious divide between Catholics and Protestants that was begun when Henry VIII divorced Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn. (We all know that story and what really went down there) The Catholic citizens see Mary, Will and Elizabeth's half-sister, as the only true heir to the thrown and there is a plot to prove that either Will is illegitimate or not even Henry VIII's son at all.
So, the 4 friends band together to try and solve these issues. Chaos and intrigue ensue. Feelings change. There's a love triangle and lots of excitement and drama. I am definitely excited to keep reading.
Why did I give it the rating I did? Well, I enjoyed it but I went into it thinking it was one thing and it turned out to be not quite as I expected. I guess it's from watching The Tudors on Netflix and reading Philippa Gregory books. I thought it would be more romance novelly. The romantic tension in some scenes are fantastic. But, it's all build up or just implied or mentioned that there was sex. As a fan of Nora Roberts-type books, this was a bit of a let down. Like I said, The Tudors and Philippa Gregory are to blame for this expectation in fiction based, however loosely or speculative, on this time period. Also, the pacing is pretty slow. The writing is enjoyable. The premise is fantastic. I love the characters and the varying dynamics between them. I was interested and I'm going to continue on in the trilogy but the pacing is making it a longer reading process than anticipated.
But, if you're interested in alternate history fiction, getting someone's answer to "What if...?" then, I recommend giving this book a shot. If you have read it, let me know what you think. I'd love to discuss other opinions. Maybe you noticed something I didn't. Or, you know another book in a similar style you loved and want to recommend. I'm always looking for new reads.
Thanks!
Carey
Book 1 Boleyn Trilogy
Star Rating- 3
I just finished this really fascinating book and I'm well into book 2. It's an alternate history, asking the question of "How would history be different if...?" This question being, "How would history be different if Anne Boleyn had never been executed and had a son and heir for Henry VIII?" The answer is 1) Not all that exciting for Henry. He, apparently, still dies fat and sick. 2) Not that exciting for Anne, either. While she well outlives her husband, she is pretty quiet in this story. 3) Pretty intriguing for her children and their friends. I'll try not to get spoilery in this review.
The story, first of three, centers around William (also known as Henry IX), his sister, Elizabeth (the real life Elizabeth I), and their friends Dominic and Minuette. Dominic is one of William's gentlemen and also childhood friend. Minuette is the daughter of one of Anne Boleyn's former ladies, born the same day as William, and Elizabeth's closest companion. I really like the friendship between these 4 at the beginning, and a good majority, of the book. Since they're all relatively young, by modern standards anyway, their bond kind of reminds me of a group of friends in high school or college. They vent to each other. They tease each other. There are times when they try to show each other up in little things. But, William is king so things are a little different and more complicated.
The story begins with William in the last year of his minority. He's 17. There's been a regency council put in place since the death of his father when he was 10 and when he's 18 he will be able to rule in his own right. But, there are issues. A courtier ends up dead, seemingly of a suicide but there are sketchy circumstances surrounding why she might want to kill herself. There is still the religious divide between Catholics and Protestants that was begun when Henry VIII divorced Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn. (We all know that story and what really went down there) The Catholic citizens see Mary, Will and Elizabeth's half-sister, as the only true heir to the thrown and there is a plot to prove that either Will is illegitimate or not even Henry VIII's son at all.
So, the 4 friends band together to try and solve these issues. Chaos and intrigue ensue. Feelings change. There's a love triangle and lots of excitement and drama. I am definitely excited to keep reading.
Why did I give it the rating I did? Well, I enjoyed it but I went into it thinking it was one thing and it turned out to be not quite as I expected. I guess it's from watching The Tudors on Netflix and reading Philippa Gregory books. I thought it would be more romance novelly. The romantic tension in some scenes are fantastic. But, it's all build up or just implied or mentioned that there was sex. As a fan of Nora Roberts-type books, this was a bit of a let down. Like I said, The Tudors and Philippa Gregory are to blame for this expectation in fiction based, however loosely or speculative, on this time period. Also, the pacing is pretty slow. The writing is enjoyable. The premise is fantastic. I love the characters and the varying dynamics between them. I was interested and I'm going to continue on in the trilogy but the pacing is making it a longer reading process than anticipated.
But, if you're interested in alternate history fiction, getting someone's answer to "What if...?" then, I recommend giving this book a shot. If you have read it, let me know what you think. I'd love to discuss other opinions. Maybe you noticed something I didn't. Or, you know another book in a similar style you loved and want to recommend. I'm always looking for new reads.
Thanks!
Carey
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