This is a mixed bag of a post. Where all of the little updates and things that don't really fit into any of my other posts go to be seen.
First off, I am doing my first guest post over at Dark Side of the Covers. Be sure to pop over and check it out. I blog about a topic that's very close to my fingers: Blog Addiction!
In reading news, the TBR is getting way out of hand. I have at least 20 books on loan from the library at one time and I end up reading maybe 2 a month and then having to constantly renew or return books. Somehow this doesn't stop me from putting new books on hold though.
In writer news, I am searching for a critique partner to motivate me to write my next novel which I am planning to finish by May next year in order to enter it into a writing competition. I have a few options about where to post my request but I'm a bit skittish because, and I feel like a bit of a sap for admitting this, I am worried about idea theft. I wasn't at first and then a few people I know suggested it to me and now my OCD has turned it into something bigger. Do you guys ever freak out about people stealing your ideas too or am I the only paranoid one?
In reviewing news, I've decided to keep my reviews short and in a list format for now so they don't take so much time to write. That way I don't feel like writing a review is a chore and won't have so many backed up like I have been doing lately.
Finally, a lot of my blogger friends are going through rough/busy times at the moment so I just wanted to say hang in there guys. Hope things get bright soon.
Anyway, it's the start of another week everybody! Only 4 more days until the weekend :)
Over and out.
I recently switched up my review format as well. I wanted more organizations for both myself and my readers. I've realized that the reviews I find the most helpful are the ones that organize in list format or break things up into categories.
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to e-mail you about that crit partner thing. I need that! Its nice to have someone to push you along.
ReplyDeleteI hate to say it but my TBR list is.. well ridiculous! Things never stop being added to it.
Beth ^_^
http://sweetbooksnstuff.blogspot.com/
You're not the only one worried about idea stealing. On my page where I put info on my books I'm working on, I was very vague. I'm also available to help out in whatever way possible. I need to email you soon about what you had me look at already. I finished going through it last night. :)
ReplyDeleteI had to stop going to the library because I have too many books I need to finish at the moment. A couple need to be finished in time for book tours and interviews. The library tempts me too much!
I'll have to check out your guest post tonight after work, otherwise I'll end up running late, lol.
I'm with Jessica, I had to stop going to the library for the time being. The TBR pile is out of control!
ReplyDeleteYour actions with library books remind me of myself. I always take out way more than I can possibly read and end up in an endless cycle of renewal. I feel terrible, because I'm preventing someone else from having them - someone who would actually *read* them.
ReplyDeleteyour list has reminded me that I have books overdue at the library...aaargh. Such a slack writer reader that i am! Hope IronWilled is going well - my teens and I are hoping for more of it to read very soon...lol
ReplyDeleteFairypenguin: I find that reviews done in sections or lists helps me focus better because usually I just ramble on :)
ReplyDeleteBeth: Awesome. Will respond when I get home from work. this time lag thing is really getting me down.
Jessica: It's funny about the idea stealing thing because really, all books are influenced by other books. I am just too cynical to put myself completely out there. Having said that, about 20 people have the first 5 chapters of Iron Willed so that's pretty scary.
Jenny: I blame you guys for my library problems. Before I met you all I didn't think there were any good books left at the library!
TG: I hadn't even thought of the other poor people who are waiting to borrow books after me. Oops. Now I feel super guilt!!
Lani: I have been a super slack reader as well but I am slowly getting back there. I take it your teens liked Iron Willed :p
Good ideas get stolen!
ReplyDeleteexample:
My best friends starts a custom crayon out-of-home business.
She makes a facebook page.
Her neighbour is now selling homemade crayons.
Some people cant think for themselves!
Thanks for guest posting! It was fun to have you - and with the craziness right now, I appreciate it twice as much. :)
ReplyDeleteI do that thing with the library books, too! But, last time I got super stressed out over having to read my books so fast, so I've learned not to check out too many at once.
ReplyDeleteGood luck finding a critique partner! I need one, too, and I'm not an idea thief. I have plenty of good ideas of my own. Most people don't steal ideas, and if they do, your book will be completely different from theirs, anyway. No two people will write the same story, even with the same premise.
I think a lot of people probably feel that way about their story ideas. I think that's why on the one I have with my friend I haven't actually written what it's about and just put out some of the work in progress chapters.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I stopped going to the library my books always ended up a week or 2 late with late fees. (I'm actually not sure how much I owe on them. Hum.) I guess I'd much rather just spend the money I'll more than likely owe on LB anyways. :)
My reviews always come out different. I don't think I stick to a specific guideline when writing them. Sometimes they're extrememly long. Whoops. and then some are relatively short. I like the list idea though. I probably couldn't stick to just that though.
Hahaha! Only four more days until the weekend-- LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteAlana: That's what I'm afraid of. But I think I may just have to get over my fear so I can get things done.
ReplyDeleteBJ: You're welcome! I had fun writing it :)
Cathy: I get stressed about library books too. Eery time I walk past the pile I feel like a timer is ticking down somewhere. Prob time I start buying books to lessen the guilt. I agree with your comment that no two writers could write the same book the same way. I don't know how good a critique partner I will be now that I think about it but if you'd like I can take a look at your writing!
Ash: I think I need to learn to live with the fact that I am just a random person and so my reviews will also be random. I just have too many thoughts and trying to put them all down in a structured way makes me feel like I am writing an essay for school.
Peggy: Only three days left now!!!
Can totally relate to your having to renew books problem. I was constantly doing the same thing with my uni library books. It's hard to try and walk out with just one or two in your hand isn't it?. Well for people like myself it is. I was the one walking around uni with the biggest stack of books ready to undertake another night of intense book research.
ReplyDeleteI think having a critique partner is a great idea. Just as long as you trust that person completely, I'm sure you will have no problems.
Wishing you well with your week.
J
I too get worried about idea stealing!!! I havent told my idea about a book to anyone becides my dad and my sister. Its kinda scary to think that someone else would steal your work. Although (I graduated as a business major) there are ways of protecting yourself. I cant quite remember what they are right now, but when I get home and see my business law book, I'll let you know what you can do. There's less protection when you arent published, but I do remember if you leave a trail, it counts. Cant remember what kind of trail either, so i'll check that too and let you know. (lets hope I still have the book. I may have sold it back...i did hate that class...haha) Anywho, dont worry about me @ least!!! Your secret's safe!
ReplyDelete