What I'm Reading...
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| Buy it here |
I finished Holly Black's The Coldest Girl in Coldtown a few days ago. It was amazing. It was so crazy good that I had to wait before starting something new, because I just wanted to think about how she pulled it off.
In this market, surely people said No One could sell a vampire book right now. And Holly Black just laughed and said, "Watch me. I'll write the best vampire book you've ever read."
Her characters are believable and flawed. They remind you of people you know. And ultimately this isn't a book about vampires; it's about how people react when they're hurt, and the double-edged swords of revenge and mercy.
After a two day grace period, I started Jonathan Maberry's Fire & Ash, the conclusion to the Rot & Ruin Series. I'm enjoying it so far, and I can't wait to see how he pulls it all together.
What I'm Writing...
The WIP went to beta readers this week. I'm excited and nervous for so many reasons. I can't wait to hear the feedback, and I hope that they agree that it's time to send it out into the world. I know that next step is full of highs and lows, but I'm positive that this book is THE ONE. I also can't wait to get all my research in a row and start drafting my next novel. The drafting is my favorite part, so that might be the most exiting horizon in my immediate future.
What Inspires Me Right Now...
Every morning when I take my kids to school, I pass this abandoned neighborhood. It was slated to start before the recession hit, but no homes were ever built there. This little snapshot reminds me everyday of the next WIP, and I'm loving the thought of building my characters' world. I also felt super creepy stopping to take pictures, but I'm afraid that things might turn around, and they may actually start cleaning things up soon. What Else I've Been Up To...
Well, my old blogging buddies may have noticed a few changes here on the website. I officially made the switch from my Blogger title Unavoidable Awkwardness to my own domain. (www.ladennison.com) I've also been working on my church's website. I'm learning more about the techie side of things little by little, and I'm hoping I'll be able to put this knowledge to good use here and elsewhere on the Interwebs.
Thanks so much for putting this together, Jaime and Erin! I can't wait to catch up with everyone!
Music for today: Here Comes Your Man by the Pixies
Welcome to What's Up Wednesday :-) And yay on getting your WiP to beta readers. So. Exciting!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Coldest Girl in Coldtown sounds like a great book, I'll have to check it out!
Thanks, Elodie! I can't wait for your cover reveal!
DeleteI also enjoyed Coldest Girl in Coldtown. The middle/end dragged for me a little, but overall it was exciting and dark. It was not what I expected even when I heard it was a different kind of vampire book. I'm with the camp that vampires should actually be scary, so well done there.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of using an abandoned neighborhood for a book setting. I read a YA thriller last fall (Truly Madly Deadly) where the characters' moved to a new subdivision where they were the model home and the others weren't built yet. The setting was used for several plot points because the neighborhood was far out of town and isolated. Creepy!
Yes, if I had any complaint with Coldtown it was the flashbacks slowing things down.
DeleteI think Gone Girl played on that idea in such a creepy way, too. I just love how the fog sits behind the fence every morning.
I'm happy you decided to join us, Laurie!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting/nerve-racking/awesome that you're getting ready to start querying soon. I hope your beta readers have only good things to say so you can get it out there into the world. Fingers crossed for you.
I feel like that empty neighbourhood would make for a good story. It's a little creepy and a bit sad as a reminder of the recession and whatnot. But good that it helps inspire you.
You know, I've been hearing a lot about THE COLDEST GIRL IN COLDTOWN. I haven't read anything by Holly Black, but I think this might be the first of her books that I pick up. Sounds great! Have a wonderful week!
Oh, you can't go wrong with anything by Holly. White Cat is so, so cool. Thanks for keeping us all connected!
DeleteWelcome to What's Up Wednesday! I really enjoyed The Coldest Girl in Coldtown - it's certainly different to any other vampire book I've read!
ReplyDeleteThat stage when you're almost ready to query is so exciting! Hope you hear good things from beta readers! :)
Yes, I'm nervous, but excited, too. It still has all the potential at this point. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteHey, great to meet you Laurie! Welcome to WUW. I love that you've found a place that inspires you for the setting of your new WIP.
ReplyDeleteI still need to read the full book of 'Coldtown.' We were lucky enough to get Holly as a Guest Author at Odyssey last summer, and her short story "The Coldest Girl in Coldtown" (which inspired the novel,) was probably my favorite of the guest author readings! I love the ending of that story.
Oh, I would have died! She is one of my favorite authors. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteGlad to see you for WUW, Laurie! I read COLDTOWN a few months ago and I enjoyed it too. Totally agree with you regarding the characters. Love the shot you included of the abandoned neighborhood. I can see why you're inspired. Best of luck with this new WiP!
ReplyDeleteGreat to check in with you, too, Katy! Thanks!
DeleteHey there, Laurie! I remember your old blog, so it's nice to catch up with you in your new digs. Very nice. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's probably easier for Holly Black, as an established writer, to venture into vampire territory and get away with it. Nevertheless, it just goes to show that no matter what the trends are, you're always better off writing the story that has your heart, even if it's not what agents are looking for. You never know what the situation will be when you query, or whether your take on the theme might be too unique to pass up.
Have a wonderful writing week! :)
You, too! I so agree. I was talking to a SCBWI friend who wanted to write a mermaid book, but she thought it was pointless. My advice was to write it, but not call them mermaids. To make up a name for them in her world, describe them, and just make a totally new mythology. I'm hoping I'll get to see how it turns out when she's finished!
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