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Fangirl Friday: Five authors you should read!
Come Through the jump and check out five authors Wench Shau recommends we all check out right away!
Fangirl Friday: Stranger Things
I am stubborn. I don't often follow trends, choosing instead to avoid the things that everyone else is
loving. I've been this way for as long as I can remember. But in my advanced age I've found myself relaxing that stubbornness and checking out things, because maybe everyone loves these things because they're great.
Such is my love of Stranger Things, the Netflix sensation. I thoroughly enjoyed the first season last year, and devoured the second within two weeks of its release. And, like much of the rest of the world, I'm now impatiently waiting for the further adventures, of Eleven, Mike, Hopper, and the gang.
Come with me through the jump as I share just a few of the reasons that Stranger Things lives up to the hype, why if you're like me and stubbornly refusing to check out what everyone else loves, you should give it a shot. It's superb.
Such is my love of Stranger Things, the Netflix sensation. I thoroughly enjoyed the first season last year, and devoured the second within two weeks of its release. And, like much of the rest of the world, I'm now impatiently waiting for the further adventures, of Eleven, Mike, Hopper, and the gang.
Come with me through the jump as I share just a few of the reasons that Stranger Things lives up to the hype, why if you're like me and stubbornly refusing to check out what everyone else loves, you should give it a shot. It's superb.
YOLO: You Only Live Once
“Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn't stop for anybody.” - Stephen Chbosky, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
It seems like every other day, there is another celebrity death flooding the news feeds. 2016 hit me particularly hard, because we lost so many iconic performers. The deaths of musical superstars such as David Bowie, Prince and George Michael left me reeling – their music is the soundtrack of my youth. Alan Rickman, who so successfully brought JK Rowling's character of Severus Snape to life on the big screen, was one of the first well-known people to die in 2016 after a short battle with cancer. Harper Lee, the author of one of the most-loved novels of the twentieth century To Kill a Mockingbird, also left us. Coincidentally, I had just finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird for the first time shortly before her death, and its wisdom and beauty has stayed with me throughout the year. We lost many other famous people in 2016, but losing Carrie Fisher, Princess Le…
It seems like every other day, there is another celebrity death flooding the news feeds. 2016 hit me particularly hard, because we lost so many iconic performers. The deaths of musical superstars such as David Bowie, Prince and George Michael left me reeling – their music is the soundtrack of my youth. Alan Rickman, who so successfully brought JK Rowling's character of Severus Snape to life on the big screen, was one of the first well-known people to die in 2016 after a short battle with cancer. Harper Lee, the author of one of the most-loved novels of the twentieth century To Kill a Mockingbird, also left us. Coincidentally, I had just finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird for the first time shortly before her death, and its wisdom and beauty has stayed with me throughout the year. We lost many other famous people in 2016, but losing Carrie Fisher, Princess Le…
Fangirl Friday: When A Wench Recommends...
You know what's the best thing about reading communities? Book clubs, book groups, and just generally having great friends who read as much as you? The recommendations. Trust me. You might think you're a one genre kinda gal/guy. Or at least that you're limited to a select few. But what I've learned is, good recs will change EVERYTHING.
Click through to read more.
Click through to read more.
Authors Who Will Scare You.. And Make You Love It
If you're like me, you're going to be looking forward to Halloween and alllll the scary movies that will be on TV, all the Halloween-themed episodes of your favorite shows, and best of all, the books. Rereading my favorite horror reads on All Hallow's Read is one of my favorite things.
I talked about my favorite classic horror must reads here. And now I'm going to tell you about some authors who make scaring you into an art. You'll have plenty of time to get these books in time for Halloween!
Click through... if you dare.
I talked about my favorite classic horror must reads here. And now I'm going to tell you about some authors who make scaring you into an art. You'll have plenty of time to get these books in time for Halloween!
Click through... if you dare.
Comfort Reading
What do you consider to be "comfort food?" Maybe yours is mac & cheese, meatloaf or a tuna sandwich, like me. Whatever it is, it's what you go to when you need to feel warm, safe and comforted. Memories of home, family and friends are often tied to food because we experience them together.
Sometimes books feel the same way--comforting and satisfying. Come with me through the jump and I'll tell you about one of my comforting book series.
Sometimes books feel the same way--comforting and satisfying. Come with me through the jump and I'll tell you about one of my comforting book series.
Fangirl Friday: Find Your Tribe!
So many things have been said about great authors, great books, great actors, and great people, but today I'm feeling the need to squee about one specific subset of this - finding your tribe. Way back when, probably a good ten to fifteen years ago, I had no idea what those words meant. Individually, sure, but as a single concept? What are we, nomadic people who band together for warmth and food?
Helping Others
Ages ago - just ages ago - I read a blog post about a little girl. She was three years old, and was crushed and killed under her little dresser. I have a climber of a child, and the first thing I did when I read this story was to check all my bookshelves. We have six different bookshelves in the house, and I had bolted them all to the walls before my son started walking. They were in tight, everything was okay.
How To Raise a Reader
I have always loved books and reading. Some of my earliest memories are of my dad reading me bedtime stories. Most kids would get fairy tales or children's books. Not me. My dad would read me his favorite books, namely, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Of course, I was too young to understand a lot of the plot. But, I loved hearing about Bilbo and Frodo and Sam and Thorin. I watched the animated movie of The Hobbit easily several hundred times throughout my childhood. And, I always requested one or the other of those books as my bedtime story. My dad was always more than happy to comply. His eagerness to introduce me, and later my siblings, to reading fostered a life-long love.
Now, I have my own child: a three and a half month old boy. I want to be able to foster in him the same love of reading and books that my dad did in me. So, my husband and I are already laying those foundation blocks. A few of the other Wenches share desire to pass on their love of reading. They were k…
Now, I have my own child: a three and a half month old boy. I want to be able to foster in him the same love of reading and books that my dad did in me. So, my husband and I are already laying those foundation blocks. A few of the other Wenches share desire to pass on their love of reading. They were k…
Are Ebooks Better Than Books? Say It Isn't So!
I love technology and all those cool kinds of electronic gadgets that come from it: digital cameras, computers, iPods and mp3 players, iPhones and other smartphones, iPads and various other tablets and mini-tablets, media players, and other whatnots that are out there. All these devices in different types, shapes, sizes, and colors, luring us with the many cool things we can use them for.
However, I admit that even though I love all this technology — own and use some of these devices a lot — I often think it's a bit too much and overwhelming, and that we've started to forget, all too often, to put it down and communicate with each other the old-fashioned way rather than through the Internet or with our eyes on the screens... but that's not what I want to talk about today.
One of those cool electronic devices that I love is the e-reader. The magical gadget that allows us to take our whole library with us whenever we want, wherever we want. I own one, and I absolutely loooove…
However, I admit that even though I love all this technology — own and use some of these devices a lot — I often think it's a bit too much and overwhelming, and that we've started to forget, all too often, to put it down and communicate with each other the old-fashioned way rather than through the Internet or with our eyes on the screens... but that's not what I want to talk about today.
One of those cool electronic devices that I love is the e-reader. The magical gadget that allows us to take our whole library with us whenever we want, wherever we want. I own one, and I absolutely loooove…
See Ya Later 2013 and Hello 2014
Or don't let the door smack you on the way out.
The year is quickly drawing to a close and as with most things we love looking at what has happened in the previous twelve months and what to look forward to in 2014. It's been a year of book highs and book lows for the Wenches. One book series that united us ended in a sea of pus. Yet we discovered new series and expanded on the love we already had for other series we were reading. Let's take a look at what we are relieved to say goodbye to and what we can't wait for next year.
Check after the jump.
The year is quickly drawing to a close and as with most things we love looking at what has happened in the previous twelve months and what to look forward to in 2014. It's been a year of book highs and book lows for the Wenches. One book series that united us ended in a sea of pus. Yet we discovered new series and expanded on the love we already had for other series we were reading. Let's take a look at what we are relieved to say goodbye to and what we can't wait for next year.
Check after the jump.
Classic Horror Must Reads!
I love horror. I love thrillers. I love suspense.
I always have. Since I was a kid. My mom thought there was something wrong with me, but turns out I was just a creepy kid who liked to hide in the dark and watch age inappropriate horror movies.
While I have read (and loved) my share of contemporary horror, I owe it all to the authors from days gone by who wrote the classics that got me totally addicted. To the thrills and chills of reading horror, the not wanting to look out the window because I might see something not quite natural at night when I was reading, the very real fear every child has of not letting limbs hang off the bed because there IS something there, magnified by some story I was reading at that moment. I have loved each and every blood curling scream, every bone chilling revelation, every hair raising moment.
God. I miss every second of getting to know the masters of horror. A child's imagination is like fertilizer for the dark, macabre, creepy thoughts those books…
I always have. Since I was a kid. My mom thought there was something wrong with me, but turns out I was just a creepy kid who liked to hide in the dark and watch age inappropriate horror movies.
While I have read (and loved) my share of contemporary horror, I owe it all to the authors from days gone by who wrote the classics that got me totally addicted. To the thrills and chills of reading horror, the not wanting to look out the window because I might see something not quite natural at night when I was reading, the very real fear every child has of not letting limbs hang off the bed because there IS something there, magnified by some story I was reading at that moment. I have loved each and every blood curling scream, every bone chilling revelation, every hair raising moment.
God. I miss every second of getting to know the masters of horror. A child's imagination is like fertilizer for the dark, macabre, creepy thoughts those books…
Books Duds of 2013
I just finished a book that was a big letdown for me. Was I alone? Let's look through our reading pile this year and see what duds we have discovered. I am positive that we've all read at least one book that made us roll our eyes and shake our heads wondering what we had put ourselves through.
You know the type of book. Scraping your fingernails along a blackboard would be more entertaining. Counting sheep suddenly seems really attractive. Or perhaps these are the types of books that put you to sleep because you were so...
Who knows why sometimes we persevere to see a book to the end. Perhaps because we just hope it gets better. Maybe they have been recommended to us, and we think if our friend loved it, we probably will too. Let me tell you that this is definitely not always the case. We close the final page realising that it isn't going to get better and we've been duped. Duped into thinking that a book was going to be interesting and really it was just a big turd.
So…
You know the type of book. Scraping your fingernails along a blackboard would be more entertaining. Counting sheep suddenly seems really attractive. Or perhaps these are the types of books that put you to sleep because you were so...
Who knows why sometimes we persevere to see a book to the end. Perhaps because we just hope it gets better. Maybe they have been recommended to us, and we think if our friend loved it, we probably will too. Let me tell you that this is definitely not always the case. We close the final page realising that it isn't going to get better and we've been duped. Duped into thinking that a book was going to be interesting and really it was just a big turd.
So…
Book Hoarding 101
I have a confession to make. I am a book hoarder. I bet a lot of you are book hoarders. By this, I mean you keep buying more books, even though you have a ton already on your shelf or on your e-reader waiting for you.
However, that’s not what I mean when I say that I’m a book hoarder. I actually (sometimes) hoard the book I am currently reading. By this, I mean the more I love the book, the more I avoid reading it. Why would somebody do this?
Read on to find out, and learn how you, too, can play this little head game and make that book that you love last forever!
However, that’s not what I mean when I say that I’m a book hoarder. I actually (sometimes) hoard the book I am currently reading. By this, I mean the more I love the book, the more I avoid reading it. Why would somebody do this?
Read on to find out, and learn how you, too, can play this little head game and make that book that you love last forever!
Fall 2013 Book Releases
Looking for something to do this fall? You weren't busy anyway, were you? Didn't already have a TBR (To-Be-Read) list a mile long? No, I didn't think so.
July in my part of the world means days filled with a sun bearing down with unforgiving heat. For me, that means I try get my outdoor activities done in the early or late hours of the day, and generally I spend a lot of time reading.
I do love the sunshine, and I never take it for granted, despite the heat. However, in a few weeks I'll start daydreaming of autumn: When the leaves start to change colors, when the sun is still out all day but the temperatures drop enough to require a light jacket. When I can start to smell the burning of the farmers' fields, or simply stop smelling the tar rising from the asphalt. When the area festivals start up again and everyone starts to venture outside after a long, hot summer.
That's when I'll start planning: Which fall decor will I put out this year? Which festival w…
July in my part of the world means days filled with a sun bearing down with unforgiving heat. For me, that means I try get my outdoor activities done in the early or late hours of the day, and generally I spend a lot of time reading.
I do love the sunshine, and I never take it for granted, despite the heat. However, in a few weeks I'll start daydreaming of autumn: When the leaves start to change colors, when the sun is still out all day but the temperatures drop enough to require a light jacket. When I can start to smell the burning of the farmers' fields, or simply stop smelling the tar rising from the asphalt. When the area festivals start up again and everyone starts to venture outside after a long, hot summer.
That's when I'll start planning: Which fall decor will I put out this year? Which festival w…
Fanfiction: You'll Never Believe Who's Writing It
WHERE "SLASH" DOESN'T MEAN THE ROCK STAR
Hello. My name is Veronica and I read fan fiction.
("Hi, Veronica," reply all the other readers of fan fiction.)
Fan fiction, if you don't know, refers to stories created by fans of movies, television shows, books, comics, plays, etc. and usually consists of short stories, novellas, or serialized works. Art work and video also have their places within fan fiction (or fanfic).
In all fairness, I've read some pretty horrible fanfic. I've read some mediocre fanfic. But I've been fortunate to find quite a lot of beautifully written fic by some very talented writers. Now, this leads me down a rabbit hole of some thought-provoking questions. Consumers of fanfic, at least those who want to read good fanfic, have to devote some time to building community with other readers of fanfic. As for the writers of fanfic . . . Writing is a long and painful process; this isn't something they do for a couple hours a week to…
Hello. My name is Veronica and I read fan fiction.
("Hi, Veronica," reply all the other readers of fan fiction.)
Fan fiction, if you don't know, refers to stories created by fans of movies, television shows, books, comics, plays, etc. and usually consists of short stories, novellas, or serialized works. Art work and video also have their places within fan fiction (or fanfic).
In all fairness, I've read some pretty horrible fanfic. I've read some mediocre fanfic. But I've been fortunate to find quite a lot of beautifully written fic by some very talented writers. Now, this leads me down a rabbit hole of some thought-provoking questions. Consumers of fanfic, at least those who want to read good fanfic, have to devote some time to building community with other readers of fanfic. As for the writers of fanfic . . . Writing is a long and painful process; this isn't something they do for a couple hours a week to…
Beyond Here Lies Nothing
When Chloe Neill Ripped My Heart Out Of My Chest and Crushed It With Her Bare Hands (& then made it all better.)I love authors. I love the words they write, the characters they create for us to love and hate. The power of the feelings they convey through those words and characters. And the way they transport me to a world so different from my own, I can't help but be mesmerized by it. One thing I don't love so much (but... like a true masochist, I love to hate) is their power over me. With just a few words, they can turn my life upside down, rip apart the threads that kept my sanity together, tear down the walls I built around my vulnerable heart over and over again, and basically crush me like a flower rusted from the rain. (Hey, I'm not being THAT dramatic; it's a song!)
MAJOR SPOILERS: There are spoilers for Hard Bitten, Drink Deep, and Biting Cold ahead. Please don't keep reading if you don't want to spoil the very amazing Chicagoland Vampires series f…
MAJOR SPOILERS: There are spoilers for Hard Bitten, Drink Deep, and Biting Cold ahead. Please don't keep reading if you don't want to spoil the very amazing Chicagoland Vampires series f…
Looking for the Summer
It’s that time of year again, when the Wenches who live “down under” are posting about their summer vacations, and those in the northern hemisphere are shivering by the fire, dreaming of warm destinations, and Looking for the Summer*. If you’re like us, you really look forward to taking a long break from your daily obligations once in a while. And no matter where you're headed, whether surfing or snow skiing, you hope it includes some quality reading time. To make a dent in your TBR pile, or try the latest best seller, or grab something impulsively at the airport bookstore.
Much advice has been dispensed about vacation reading, by those who take months to plan and those who simply pick up whatever is lying around where they end up. Since those of us up north wanted an excuse to think about sunshine and beaches, we started asking each other to recommend good vacation books, and then decided to take some notes. Click through to see what we came up with.
* Chris Rea, © 1998 Magnet…
Much advice has been dispensed about vacation reading, by those who take months to plan and those who simply pick up whatever is lying around where they end up. Since those of us up north wanted an excuse to think about sunshine and beaches, we started asking each other to recommend good vacation books, and then decided to take some notes. Click through to see what we came up with.
* Chris Rea, © 1998 Magnet…
One Book, Two Books, Three Books, Four: Or, I'm Going to Read All of These When?
2012 was an exciting year for this Saucy Wench. At any given time I could tell you the exact number of days until the release of the next installment in my favorite series. And they came out on a regular basis, so I always had something to look forward to, and something to discuss with the Wenches. Deadlocked came out in May, Once Burned in June, Fever Moon in July and Iced in October, Stars & Stripes in August.
But something has happened. 2013 is chock full of book releases that I'm doing happy dances over. But fellow Wench Olga's Eighth Day of Sauciness post gave me a serious wake-up call; her post laid out all the release dates for the books I'm most excited about. And I realized it's been two months since Iced came out and I haven't been counting down to any books at all since then. Sure, I knew that Dead Ever After was coming out in the spring (March or May, I always get the months mixed up). I assumed the next Night Prince and the next Dani book would be …
But something has happened. 2013 is chock full of book releases that I'm doing happy dances over. But fellow Wench Olga's Eighth Day of Sauciness post gave me a serious wake-up call; her post laid out all the release dates for the books I'm most excited about. And I realized it's been two months since Iced came out and I haven't been counting down to any books at all since then. Sure, I knew that Dead Ever After was coming out in the spring (March or May, I always get the months mixed up). I assumed the next Night Prince and the next Dani book would be …