I'm wicked bad at this updating thing.

OK, well. First things first. NaNoWriMo is an absolute fail this year. I'm 20,000 words behind and I doubt I'll catch up. I'll keep plugging at it, but I doubt I'll make 50K. It kinda hurts my heart a little, but I've been sitting on this project for so long, I feel like it needs a nice refresh/rehash before I work on it extensively. Maybe this failed NaNo will give it a breath of fresh air and I'll keep working on it past November and get at least SOMETHING done.

My intentions were good.
Set myself up at the library, no internet, no cat, no distractions but...

20,000 words behind as of today.

Next, I'm going to reach my book goal of 50 books read this year. (Technically, it's more like 45, because some I could just not finish, and a couple books counted as one because they came bound in an anthology.) It's a great feeling knowing that I've always had something to dive into. I'd prefer to be able to write anywhere rather than resort to reading, but it's a different kind of escape. If I'm writing, I'm god to that world, and I need to be as focused as possible. If I'm reading, it's a bit different. I can dive in and out and not be responsible for the story. Not feel like the characters and their world is depending on me to give them life. MY BRAIN IS WEIRD, OK.

I've got this shelf, right? And on this shelf, I put tangible copies of books I am greatly inspired by, and will NEVER give away.  There is space on this shelf for other books I read that I adore, and it is a place of great honor. (I'm going to need a second and potentially third one.) Occupying this shelf, are a couple books I read this year that I never will/am not ready to give away, and will always recommend.I'm only going to cover what I read this year, the rest are kinda just there.

Protected by Saushkin. And yes, that's his sword. 

That I borrow for belly dancing.

If you don't want to read this babble, here's a link to my reading challenge.

First, The Rogues of the Republic. Patrick Weekes' trilogy came to a close this year, the second book released late last year, and the last book being released on 10/27 this year. Yes, I finished them both in less than two days after their respective releases. It's a wonderful story, it's beautiful, and I adore it. The covers are gradients of purple, red, and green, and they're a joy to look at. If you like Firefly or Farscape, but would prefer more of a magical/fantastical Dragonage-y twist to those worlds, this series is for you.

Second, City of Stairs, book one of the The Divine Cities, by Robert Jackson Bennett. City of Blades comes out in January, and I've preordered it for my shelf of fame as well as my kindle. Reading it made me think of a fantasy Russia crime drama. It was a bit slow at first, but truly a wonderful read once I got into the world and the characters. I want a Sigurd for my birthday, and eagerly anticipate the second book.

Third, I've got The Plucker by Brom. This is one of his better stories, and the creepy artistic take on childhood toys was an absolute joy. I considered giving it to a gorelesque performer friend of mine for her birthday, but I was reluctant to part with it. I purchased The Devil's Rose, also by Brom, to read soon as well. Again, I don't read him for his writing, more for the partnering of the writing and his illustrations.

I randomly picked up a YA fantasy book from the library called "Vessel" thinking it would help to inspire my NaNo project set in a desert. And it did, a little, but it moreso had me captivated with a wonderful female lead who struggles with a higher purpose, and her own life. She treks across the world so save other Vessels, rejected by their gods for an unknown reason, and therefore cast out by their families. It's a great stand alone story that has a satisfying end, with potential for continuation, though at this point it seems unlikely, and it's definitely worth reading.

That's it for what I read this year on my shelf, unless you count Killing Pretty, but obviously anything Kadrey does is immediately up there. Here on out are the highlights of this year in reading.

While I don't own the entire Clockwork Dagger Duology in tangible copies, I did buy both main story ebooks, as well as the short estories in the same 'verse, because they're a great steampunky chicky universe that differs from my usual taste, but was executed so well I couldn't NOT read it all, and eventually support Beth Cato for her work. Harper Voyager granted me both an ARC and an eARC for all books in this series.

I also don't own the entire Oracle Prophecies series; I got the first book at a thrift store and continued with the series after I finished it in about half a day. And while it wasn't the best series I've read, it kept my attention, and I plan on buying and gifting it to my younger cousin who's on her way to bookwormhood. :D

I read the first three books of The Falling Kingdoms, and while enjoyable, it felt like "Let's write a Game of Thrones for 14 year old girls!" Which isn't a bad thing. I read all of the released books and plan to finish the series, its just not my usual cup of tea, Definitely worth checking out if you're into that kind of thing.

I also read The Gentleman Bastard series by Scott Lynch, and while the projected seven books intended for the series seems a bit much, as the second book was a little drawn out and slow in comparison to the first, the third was very flashback heavy and seemed to be an obligatory Sabetha involvement story, I'm interested to see where things go. I've got this series on my radar.

I also read the Lunar Chronicles, mostly because supposedly there's movie rights and production plans being thrown about. I'm not a OMG YA FICTION YAY person, because again, very teenage drama/romance driven, but it was an interesting twist on old fairy tales reworked into a sci-fi setting. I'm waiting for my library to have Winter available to finish out the series I have no interest in reading Fairest. I liked the series, but no enough to care about the Lunar Queen's backstory.

I also got access to the Electric Empire series through Harper Voyager; Diabolical Miss Hyde and Devious Dr. Jekyll. Both interesting Victorian era steampunk crime dramas with a touch of classic literature references thrown in. While the language is a little elevated at times, it's still a decent read. My mother is even interested in reading it, since I bought her tangible copies for her birthday.

I powered through Mark Lawrence's Broken Empire hating Jorg with every page. But I continued because I got the sense that you're supposed to hate the son of a bitch. It didn't garner any sympathy or respect, and the ending twist felt rather forced and out of left field, but if you're into antiheroes, butchery, and medieval fantasy with a secret, then sure, look into it.

I found Book Outlet, and my god. I've stockpiled enough books to keep  busy for literally years.

This isn't even all of them. Just the ones I got "for my birthday."

But I found this series, called Ilario, that I really, really wanted to like. It's about an actual hermaphrodite and how their existence is a threat to the royal court, so their parents are trying to have them murdered. All Ilario wants to do is paint and keep breathing. #lifegoals, right? I had hoped for more gender fuckery and exploration than oh, yeah, Ilario's both. Meh. The writing is kind of boring, and incredibly drawn out. I don't reallycare about any of the characters or what happens to them, but I'm about halfway through the second book, and since there were only two parts I figured I might as well finish it. I've had no qualms about putting it on hold for NaNo, so that really says all I need to about whether or not I particularly enjoyed it.

Probably won't update until next year, lots of reading to do, and writing that I SHOULD be doing. This was a long one. I'm sorry.

TL:DR I read books. Some were good. Others were meh. I've got more. NaNo's probably a wash this year.

CARRY ON.

- RaRa out.

I realized something today.

See, I have this problem. I own a Kindle. And it's pretty well stocked. I often pick up a book or two off my wishlist when they're on sale just because. (Buying from Amazon is a problem in and of itself, to be addressed another time.) But I feel as though I can't be a proper hipster book nerd if I can't show off the cool/new/edgy/relevant title I'm reading. How will people -know- I'm progressive and intelligent and cultured if they can't SEE that I'm reading IQ84? How will people -know- that I'm better at books than they are if they can't SEE that I'm reading (and lugging around) a beaten up gargantuan copy of Atlas Shrugged or a Dostoevsky whatever? 

Depending on what exactly is popular, or becoming a movie, 

that might actually be a good thing.

I feel like while a Kindle or other e-reader is beyond convenient, environmentally conscious, and an inevitable evolution of the book industry, it's not the same as holding a book in your hand. It's not the same conversation starter as seeing the cover of what someone's reading and thinking "Wow, I loved/am curious about/am reading/like the look of that book. I should chat them up!" While my Kindle cover is quite pretty, it doesn't show off what I'm reading. And I think that's part of the point. That's part of the socialization of book nerds. Usually being awkward agoraphobes that escape into make believe worlds because our lives are crap and everyone in them is a drooling moron, our opportunity for interaction with our fellow book nerds, intellectuals, progressives, adventurers, is limited by its very essence.

Here's the point. When I read a book now, I usually try to get it on my Kindle, and a tangible copy. I'll always have it on my phone, I'll have it on my Kindle in case I don't have a light source, and I'll have a paper copy when Skynet happens.

And it will. 
I want to have plenty to read while waiting for whatever actor currently playing John Connor saves us. 

I almost want to go out to the most public places I can think of and just sit there proudly displaying my tangible book, almost as if it's like glorious peacock feathers inviting conversation. Not like anyone would care. Because I read whatever the shit I want, not necessarily popular best sellers or relevant collegiate literature. I like dudes and chicks with swords and clockwork goggles and fancy hats. And heroes(ines) with snarky attitudes you're not sure you'd trust with people you love. And post apocalyptic wastelands where shit gets fcking real. And magicians back from Hell hanging out in LA. But no one will know unless I can show off my cover!

... But then I'd -really- be a hipster literary asshole instead of just masquerading as one.

Hey, ebook companies. Invent a protective cover that displays the book jacket of whatever book file we're reading. Preferably in full color. And not stupid expensive. I'd Kickstart the fck out of it.

All $3 of it (after bills, food, and rent.)

#bookwormproblems

(Currently reading.)

-RaRa out. (ALSO OMG FALLOUT 4 IS SET IN BOSTON @_@;)

Yay, 2015. Let's get this rolling.

ALRIGHT WELL.

So, I bet the one person that reads this blog aside from me will want an official update on NaNoWriMo2014. Well, I did it. My official total was 50,235 words.

Sort of.

The story I attempted was only moderately planned out ahead of time, and was written strictly chronologically, in an allotted two hours per night, from 11 pm to approximately 2:30 am. As most ideas tend to do, it flourished, changed, and warped as I went, and I had a serious main character crisis. So I decided to make this story a duology, in that it will be the same plot, from two different perspectives, in two separate books. Similarly, I've decided to crisscross timelines with my other main series and it's planned spin off, as some events happen simultaneously and are as relevant as any other plot points. Confused? Yeah, imagine having 15+ separate, defined personalities inside your head at all times that occasionally break through into real life.

But anyway. The main body of the NaNo story (the chronological, planned, and slightly polished final word count,) was approximately 18,000 words. BUT, here's where the "winner!" part comes in. I learned, from other WriMos, that at the end, when it comes to tally the counts, they add in random but related non sequential scenes, outlines, and bits of dialogue or character bios. So, technically, it's kind of cheating. BUT. It's all directly involved with the main story, so I'll consider my first attempt at NaNoWriMo a success. A cheap, cheating success, BUT DAMMIT I WANTED A DISCOUNT ON SCRIVENER.

The struggle is real.

I love this project. It's two female main characters. One, a gender fuck/fluid but biologically assigned female, the other, a strong, independent and resourceful yet definitely feminine biological and identifying female. It's a challenge for me to not write a male main character, as society has conditioned even me to lean toward masculine protagonists and more defined male characters as selling points or engaging story driving characters. And dammit, that needs to change. I think writing one strictly female, more passive character, and one who is more androgynous simultaneously in the same arc will help me figure out what works and what doesn't, because dammit, it's hard to write from a perspective with which you don't necessarily easily identify. BUT. Women are people too, and I want to join the authors that are trying to facilitate the expansion of valid, interesting, marketable characters.

Kameron Hurley pretty much nails it. Also, her book is totes on my TBR list. ... Which is a million books long. Dammit. I should work on that...

BTW. READING THIS:

YOU SHOULD TOO.
Or Kail won't bring your mother out for a nice dinner the next time he booty calls her.

Review to come. :3

- RaRa out.

NaNoWri... Yeah. Right.

I've been blabbering on my Facebook about my plans for NaNoWriMo this year, and I realized earlier today... I have a blog for that sht. LOL. So, since my battery's dying and I already typed out two separate outlines for the same project, I'll just copy paste my Facebook postings. Because... America, I guess.

If I attempt NANOWRIMO, I have to write approximately 6 pages, or 1,700 words, a day, to make the 50K/30 day requirement. 

Leave it to Tard to keep it real.

I've doubled that number before, so I know I can do it. I've just been stressed and twisted and distracted and depressed for years, and it's tough to immerse yourself in a new world you're creating when you feel like less than nothing. I've written in bursts, but I always fall flat because the confidence and ambition evaporates. But this year I'm escaping into this project. I'm going to force the past depression, stress and worthlessness I've felt for so long out of my head and dive in to become a multitude of other people. I'll find my strength and worth in my characters; the pieces of me I keep hidden. I don't expect to hit 50K, but I'll consider 25K a victory.

I'm trying to decide what project to drown in for NaNoWriMo. Part of me wants to start something fresh, another part to dive back into something started but unfinished and count 50K after what's already written. I know that's kind of cheating, but I see NaNoWriMo as more of a HEY, MOTIVATION rather than HEY, DO IT RIGHT AND TAKE IT SO SERIOUSLY YOU HAVE A ANEURYSM. Because, well, I'm that serious about my writing all the time, which is why, I think, I never get much done. I take it too seriously. It means too much to me. And I refuse to write anything bad. So, if I take a lighthearted, fun approach to a month dedicated to celebrating authorship and writing rather than racking my head and heart over something at which I refuse to fail, this first draft (or most of one) in a month could really help me out. It will definitely help with my perfectionist attitude toward my writing, at least. And now here's the question: Do I work on something I already started, as I sort of have a grasp on the characters, tone, and story, or should I dig up an outline and start something fresh?

#7 of OVER 9000!!!

I've got two potential main characters for this project. They're both female, which is weird for me, because I'm not used to writing female characters as leads, so that's challenge number 1. I guess it comes down to which leading lady sticks out in my head more, which one seems more interesting. I outlined the plots for both so they can happen simultaneously and intertwine at various points, and the events of one affects the other. I'm leaning toward writing one entirely, then the other, and having it be not really a duology, as they're the same story from different viewpoint...

i dunno. I'mma try real hard this year. I need to write again. I've been out of it for long enough, it's time to get serious again. I mean, writing's not THAT difficult, right?

Oh. Well, sht.

- RaRa out.

It begins.

                I got my package from Harper Voyager publishing last night. And I waited until this morning to open it. 

                Now, as the people reading this should know, as they’re more than likely my friends, I have a cat. And he likes to get into trouble and chew and do other cat like things. So when I woke up out of my Sirlesque, karaoke, and League of Legends 'til 3:30 AM stupor to the sound of ripping and cat chirruping, I found this:

Photographic evidence of possible theft attempt.

                           

                

   Mugshot of perpetrator after apprehension.

Despite my delinquent feline contaminating my loot, I was still hyped about the box and laid out my haul.

Sort of pictured, a black tote bag with assorted book titles screened on it. To carry my books around. Because I’m twelve and like people to know that I’m so cool I need a bag specifically to carry books.

I’m going to power through the rest of Peter V. Brett’s The Daylight War, because I can’t read two books at once. My brain can barely take writing four of my own plus reading another.

Onto my plan of attack!

DISCLAIMER: I was given promotional copies of these books by Harper Voyager US, for the purpose of review. This disclaimer will be on every post that relates to these books or anything else from the publishing company. We both have to cover our asses from the prying eyes of The Law.

1) DEAD SET; Richard Kadrey

             They sent me a signed(!) copy, which I’ll keep, and I’ll probably give away/loan out the print edition I bought on release day. Because sorry, (not sorry,) I’ll read anything that man releases until forever. Despite some of his earlier work being less than fantastic, Sandman Slim has me so hooked I can’t even words. (Told you you’d figure out my favorite author if you stuck around.  He’ll get his own blog entry of epic and borderline embarrassing fangirl proportions later on.)

I guess I can review Dead Set, though I’m three months removed from reading it. I can re-read it in four hours, though. See if I can beat my time from the first go ‘round.

2) DREAMS AND SHADOWS; C. Robert Cargill

This one was pretty high up on my million book To Read list. I was meaning to pick it up, so yay, definite score getting a free copy. I’m a huge fan of twists on classic fairy tales ever since I picked up The Child Thief by Brom, and went from thinking Peter Pan was lame to being a super creepy older woman in love with him. I’ve got a thing for arrogant little goth boys that bite off more than they can chew with authority figures. I can’t want to crack into this and see what Cargill came up with.

3) THE WASTELAND SAGA; Nick Cole
                Since all three books are conveniently packaged together, I have no excuse to not read the whole series. I’ll probably do a post for each part, to keep things easy. Also to not kill my brain trying to remember everything for a full three book review.

4) THE TAKEN; Vicki Patterson

                The Taken, by Vicki Patterson. Which, let’s be honest, I’m the least excited about. Obvious “LOOK, I’M A STRONG BUT STILL SEXY/VULNERABLE WOMAN BEING STALKED BY A MYSTERIOUS DOUCHEY STRANGER-TOOL” vibe, and therefore, zero fcks are given. I’ll try a couple chapters to see how I feel, but I doubt I’ll be super into it. Doesn’t look like it’d be my kind of book. But, it was sent, and I will read it. Or try. I’m going in fairly neutral, taking it as I used to take required reading for school; doesn't mean I refuse to enjoy it, but we shall see.

5) RIDES A DEAD LEGION; Raymond E. Feist

               Usually this one would be much higher on the list, but being part of a saga, I’m putting it at the end in hopes that I can get my hands on the rest of it because I’m slightly OCD about starting a series. I prefer to read them in succession; it helps to keep me in the world. And everyone’s hating on the demons, lately! It’s not their fault people are tasty…

So that’s it! And I’ll finish off The Daylight War, maybe write a blog for that, and Dead Set, then get started on Dreams and Shadows.

This is real. It’s official. Let's Voyage! :D

                                                                                                                                                                             
- RaRa out.

E-Readersaurus Rexes.

Post time. Aaaaannnnnd GO.

Every time a book store closes, part of my soul dies. Whenever I went out shopping with my mother, or friends, I would always beg to be allowed to browse the bookstore, usually while they went girl and spent hours looking at shoes or clothes. There's something magical about when you walk in and see the new releases set up symmetrically in a pyramid, or in their own cardboard stand up, the familiar walls lined with spines, the occasional stand out feature, advertisement of a book signing or midnight release, the smell of books. You know what I mean. That fresh cut wood, crispy smell that only new books have. Glossed oak tag with foil, or smooth raised lettering, sharp edges, pages so fresh that they make a satisfying purr as you speed flip through them. Even the musty smell of worn leather and dust, is like being surrounded by years of people and their wisdom. Because books are people. Their thoughts, their beliefs, their hopes and dreams, their discoveries about the world and themselves, painstakingly written down with equal parts love and frustration. There’s something so satisfying about holding a book, turning each page as you progress through a story, the feel of the thin pages grazing your thumb, the spine cradled in your palm, cracking as the book is opened and closed. Dog eared pages, unraveling tassel bookmarks, even notes in margins. There’s so many things about books that are so wonderful that it’s truly hard to express. Unless someone really knows.

So... This is a thing. I guess people DO get it... Can I get it? For my birthday, maybe?

Pick up a book. Any book. It’s reassuring to see and feel that it’s there. That the author, in one way or another, will always live on, always have something to say to anyone willing to crack open their work and read. Holding a book is, in a way, shaking the hand of the author and chatting over drinks. Part of them is always in whatever edition you decide to peruse, and it’s a gateway to their worlds, their thoughts, their souls. And it'd be a shame to lose that, either to people becoming less and less likely to read, or the simple extinction of paper. Maybe kids are just happier with their lives these days (NOT.) Or they have other means to escape. Maybe their parents pressured or forced them to read, like using it as a punishment, or not reading to them as children and instilling the sense of wonder I had. And that kind of makes me a little sad.

Book stores are an endangered species. And I suppose that’s a sign of the times. Nothing I can do about it, really. Environmentally and progressively, bookstores are becoming obsolete. E-Readers and tablets are becoming fairly commonplace; nearly everyone has something that they can read books on. Either they buy them through their device’s respective online stores, or torrent them as PDFs, books are a lot more accessible and a lot more portable as digital files. But will the classic weight, scent, and feel of a tangible book be lost to future generations? Will libraries close down? Will children of the future never know the refuge and joy I experienced dragging my mother into a Borders? Even a used book store? Never befriend the friendly but still slightly shy people who, like you, live in the world of other’s imaginations they meld into their own? People who understand your need to escape and become someone else for a little while? We’re solitary enough as it is. Closing down book stores is just one less venue for like-minded potential interaction for book worms.

Oh, don't worry Mr. Tennant. You're one of the few lucky awkwards that people want to talk to/fck.

The one time I ran away from home I went to a bookstore. And I stayed until closing, fingers tracing over spines tucked neatly in alphabetical order on shelves, picking out a few with interesting titles or familiar authors, even attractive covers. My world was falling apart, so I retreated into others where things weren't so bad, or where I knew the hero(ine) would win out and overcome. Feeling weak, I would find one of those sword and sorcery books, or something gritty and B-Movie types. Feeling ugly and unloved, I'd find a not overly cheesy romance novel with a stronger female character. Because I'm never going to be a damsel in distress, and bad ass chicks need and deserve love too! Wanting to remember my childhood, I'd grab a reprinting of an old favorite. And something I legitimately planned on buying once I left. I had a pile of at least four or five books, opening to a random page in the middle, reading a little, curling up in the chair the staff had designated as mine. And I often left what I was reading under the chair or tucked under the cushion when I went to grab something at the food court. It was always just where I left it, the staff knowing I’d be back to continue reading, usually with a coffee or a burger for whoever was on shift and soon to be on break. It's good to have friends at your escape. 

I received an E-Reader for Christmas this past year. As much as I adore the sensory overload of a new book, having something solid to hang on to, I decided that I’ve accumulated too many, and it was time to downsize. Not all of us have staircase bookshelves, or our own book nook closets, or even entire rooms for libraries. Oh how I wish I did. So, much to my dismay, I collected all my books and noted the ones I would reread, or simply could NOT part with, and bought/downloaded the e-versions. And then, I offered first dibs on the tangibles to my younger cousins, and donated the rest to children’s literacy foundations. Because Kids Need to Read. I didn't have the heart to throw them out or give them to a thrift store. I’d rather children who ADORE books, have no opportunity to get them, want them, NEED them, get them for free, because I hope my love for reading and the magic I found in them will pass to another generation of young readers.

NOT me. Because you know. I have a hair. And am female. But pretty much this.

Then there’s the problem of sustainability and environmental protection; the main factor in my conversion to primarily digital. I’ve always been an environmentalist, collecting pennies to save the rainforest, planting trees on Arbor Day and recycling, picking up litter and all that stuff. I’ve even donated money to save polar bears, wild horses, and tigers. So it occurred to me that books are made out of paper… SURPRISE! Paper comes from trees. And since physical books are being phased out, it’ll inevitably be better for the environment when the demand for physical books dwindles and eventually no longer exists. And technological devices are recyclable too, and there’s more incentive as people get money for that. Because who gives a fck about not slowly annihilating the planet by destroying the environment unless you get money?

Because environmental responsibility is for losers in leotards and bad hair jobs.

Now don’t get me wrong. I still, occasionally, buy tangible books. Mostly just from my favorite authors, or if it’s a continuing series and I already have the first few. A little OCD like that. Any new series I may start or new books that come out, from this day forth, will more than likely be e-books. Unless they’re so amazingly fantastic and inspiring that I want to buy it and keep it forever (read; cuddle with it at night in hopes their power transfers into me while I sleep.) To have it on my shelf above my writing desk and think whenever I see it: “One day, my book will be up there with the greats.” 

One day, I hope to write well enough to have someone want to tangibly hold one of my books. ... Well, let's be real for a minute. I just hope to actually finish the damn thing. Ha.

- RaRa out.

Right, so. Clearly; I'm awful at this blogging thing.

Wow, it's been eight months since I did this blog thing. Well, let's get straight to the point, eh?

While I'll legitimately try to keep up with regular posting about whatever, this is going to be turning into mainly a book blog. Because apparently my snarky application to be an advance reader for a publishing company (that will eventually be getting a copy of my project every week for eternity until they accept it) was clever (or smartassy) enough to catch their attention.

I'll be getting advance copies of books from this specific publisher and they asked, (read: intended) me to review them on retail sites, Goodreads, Facebook, even here on my own blog. This inaugural run of marketing and free sht lasts for six months, and I'll have to keep applying to stay in this club of geekery and awesome. And dammit, I like books. And they'll be free. I see nothing wrong with any of that.

 

Unless they send me things like this.

Which, let's be real, they might. These slop troughs meant purely to sell to mass markets of preteens and cat ladies, who for some reason think being stalked, controlled, manipulated, and not murdered because someone "loves" (owns) you is romantic, are somehow ridiculously more popular than they ever should have been. My feelings on this is on reserve for a future entry...

Now I know, I know. Not everything's going to be from my favorite author, or in the same vein as my favorite series, not even my preferred genres. And just because I don't like it doesn't mean that other people can't or shouldn't. And I understand that. But reading, reviewing, and studying other writers' work, regardless of whether or not I like or respect it can only help me. Especially since they have book deals and I don't. So I'm taking it for what it is, and am very grateful for the opportunity.

I think I'll not pull a typical Steph and actually take this sht seriously. I mean, I'm certainly no real critic. I haven't even finished a first draft on anything I'd remotely consider publishing, so I'm not sure from which part of my ass I'd pull any intelligent, credible remarks or commentary. Plus I've always heard; "Those that can't write, critique/edit." And I certainly don't want to be thrown in with that lot.But I'll do my best in the reviewing department. I'll be honest, and fair, and constructive, trying to keep too much of my personal biases out of things. Because no one likes to be pitched judgmental critical bullsht, no matter how well established they are in their field. Especially not from some brown-nosing noob willing to do anything to play ball.

Neg is pretty much my spirit animal.

So, the good news is, I'm peeking through the proverbial cracked door to my career of choice. Albeit not necessarily the route I'd have chosen. I'd much more prefer to strike literary gold and get a NY Times best seller straight out the gate, but that's less likely than I'd hope. Sad, since I've always wanted to kick in the door to some ritzy building riding a white tiger on rocket skates drinking orange cream soda out of a chalice and be like "WHAT'S UP, LOSERS."

But... They at least know who I am. They apparently think I'm interesting. And garsh dangit, they picked me. I'm hoping that studying what they like to publish/hope to promote will help me finish, market, and sell my own project(s). Not too much progress on that front either, I'm afraid. Mostly outlining and juicing up of what I already have. I did manage to outline a different project, though, and that's looking quite promising as well. Now if my friends would actually read what I send them so I could get some feedback and ambition to continue, that would be fan-freaking-tastic. -_-;

Fair warning, unnamed-until-I-get-the-legal-details-of-this-deal publishing company. I'm not good with gentle. And I've been itching to use this battering ram I've got under my bed.

Opportunity comes once in a lifetime.

/Crosses fingers.

- RaRa out.