Some 5 Star Reads of 2013

Of my own personal reading list and reviews, here is a short list of my favorites from 2013.

Mara Dyer - by Hodkin
I am very eagerly awaiting the final book in 2014! I really enjoyed this series.

Everneath series by Brodi Ashton
This series has a great example of the best protagonist I've read in a long time.

Across the Universe by Beth Revis
It got me into Sci-fi. I have to like the series just for that.

Under the Never Sky by Rossi
What can I say? I love dystopian YA series.

Chemical Garden by Destephano
Another dystopian YA series. It had a few vague moments and it could have really been pushed to greater heights. I also did not enjoy the hurried wrap up of the ending, but I say that about several novels. It is still a good story though.

This is not a complete list, but it appeals to the greater number of readers. If you haven't given these novels a try, then read their synopsis and see if one grabs your attention.

No Longer Wilting

It is a new year. A perfect excuse and marker to start over, don’t you think?

Yesterday, Other Half and I had a date. We finally went to see Catching Fire. We had exotic meat jerkies such as Kangaroo meat. Interesting. I bought some coffee that is supposed to be very strong. I’m drinking it right now and I have come to the conclusion some people equate strong taste to strong caffeine.

This isn’t strong coffee. I’m very disappointed.

Despite that it has was a nice day out for us.

 

Life got in my way this past month. I also felt very burn out with story writing and I wilted.

Here is how I’ve dealt with holiday stress, family drama on the mega scale, and writing burn out all at once.

First I know my personality type. I withdraw and become practically catatonic when I get pulled in too many directions or if the demand on me is too much.

Find the muse: I read a lot. Mindless reading. Watched movies. Listened to music. This is what fuels my writing.

Enjoy other hobbies: I knit.

I gave myself to withdraw. It is what I do. It is what I am. A hermit to the bone. I didn’t try to fight it.

Then I got out of the house after excessive wallowing in self-pity.

It’s a new year. I’ve started setting goals. It’s time to make them happen and they don’t accomplish themselves.

 

Today I’m spending time cleaning. That always makes me feel productive and I enjoy it.  Then I’ll pass the joy of knitting or then again, maybe not…on to my niece. She is my anchor that keeps me in this world.

We’ll come back here to make baked chicken and a huge mess in the kitchen. Finishing out the night playing uno and watching Disney movies. Then tomorrow we’ll paint and I’ll encourage her passion for books by taking her to a book store. Honestly, I want to go and she is a good excuse because she loves to read as well.

I’ll post my goals later after I’ve fine-tuned them.

 

May your 2014 be better than 2013!