pretty little reaction: not the only brit in the sea

Photo credit: Freeform

7.06 WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE

The Rosewood P.D. begins to unravel the Liars’ cover-up, which leads them to question Rollins’ death altogether. Hanna deals with an inward battle on whether or not to tell the cops the truth, while Ezria struggles with an awkwardness in their relationship. Jenna reveals part of her plot and a new partner she is in cahoots with. Ali learns that the Liars gave her up as Charlotte’s killer in order to free Hanna, which does not go over well.

Meanwhile, someone is murdered for playing with the wrong team.

Official synopsis courtesy of prettylittleliars.com

Photo credit: Freeform

Quick intro--in case you didn't notice, there was no PLR last week. We had a little staycation/cottage long weekend and with Little E home from camp, there was simply no time for blogging beyond my exciting interview with debut author Hayley Stone (which you should check out here if you haven't already!). I didn't even watch last week's episode until right before watching this week's, which ultimately wasn't a big deal because #PLLProposal aside, it was a bit of a snoozefest. I'm also so not here for Hot Caleb-less episodes. Happy to see him back this week, but I need more... Okay, let's dive in:

1. What is Aria wearing? Okay, clearly they're keeping us on the hook with regards to how the proposal went--though she isn't wearing a ring--but if anything is a clear sign she'll say yes, it's her return to wacky outfits similar to Ezria's glory days.  

2. In other wardrobe news, Ali is wearing the red jacket. Sassy Ali is always welcome at my table, but wardrobe department, can you please find a jacket that emphasizes what a babe Sasha is, instead of making her look frumpy? The cat sweater last week was bad enough. 

3.  Does anybody else kinda want to see a workplace spinoff featuring Hanna and Lucas? Have I said this before? It feels so perfect that it feels like I've probably said this before. I'm too lazy to look it up.

4. I love that Aria asks to see Hanna to ask for advice and Hanna makes it about her then storms out. Hanna, you are definitely my girl, but sometimes the trauma needs to take a backseat, like when your friends are reaching out to you. I'm not saying Aria's drama is more dire than Hanna's cause it's not, but yeah. Hanna's funny like that. All that said, thank god the truth about the Jordan break up is finally out in the open. Now we can all move on with our lives!

5. Why do we keep seeing/hearing about The Radley but Mama Ashley is nowhere to be seen? I know the girls are more grown up now, but I miss the PLL moms. 

6. I know I'm probably supposed to know what's going on with Mary Drake but I just don't. And the whole Jenna being friends with Charlotte and helping her and Archer thing? Yeah, can someone please explain this to me in some sort of chronological sequence of events? Cause I'm lost. I barely even remember who Noel Kahn is.

7. Yay! Hot Caleb is back! And he and Spencer finally (Right? For real this time??) have broken things off for good. And in such a mature manner! No messy problems for Haleb to overcome now! Especially with Spencer basically endorsing their reunion. If there isn't a Haleb scene in next week's episode, I might have to write a sternly worded letter. 

8. That cop's mask doesn't look even remotely real. How does Ali feel safe with that guy? Is he Rollins? Someone else? Yeah, probably someone else cause, you guys, there is more than one British man in the world, not to mention in the game itself. Does nobody remember Wren? Are we not supposed to??

9. I have a feeling Ezra might feel Aria's confession just puts them on level ground--statutory rapist meet accessory to murder. Now they can get married and have criminally adorable children! One aside: Ezra, when someone asks for time to think, you don't hound them with follow up messages all day. It's not like you asked her if she wanted some frozen yogurt. Give the girl some time and space!

10. Sara Harvey is dead--is it possible anyone but Jenna is behind her death? Did she maybe just legit slip in the shower? Of course, this being PLL, it's also entirely possible she's not dead at all. 

Prettiest Little Quote of the Week:

"Honey, I'm home!" -creepy red paint on the wall (classic PLL)

~PLR~

friday5 special edition: interview with debut author Hayley Stone!!

I'm beyond thrilled to have a very special guest here on the blog today for a very special author interview edition of the Friday5. Please welcome my agentmate, and sci-fi writing superstar, rockstar extraordinaire (girl did a signing at this year's SD Comic-Con!), debut author and all-around awesome person, Hayley Stone! Hayley's stunning debut, MACHINATIONS is out now, and you guys, YOU GUYS, you seriously need to check out this whirlwind of thrilling sci-fi goodness! 

Before we get to today's special edition Friday5 Q&A, here's a little more about rockstar Hayley, and Machinations:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Pinterest

Hayley Stone has lived her entire life in sunny California, where the weather is usually perfect and nothing as exciting as a robot apocalypse ever happens. When not reading or writing, she freelances as a graphic designer, falls in love with videogame characters, and analyzes buildings for velociraptor entry points. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in German from California State University, Sacramento.

Machinations is her debut novel from Hydra/Random House. Its sequel, Counterpart, releases October 11th, 2016.

Admit it, you adore her already, don't you? :) Well, just wait until you hear about Machinations!

Perfect for fans of Robopocalypse, this action-packed science-fiction debut introduces a chilling future and an unforgettable heroine with a powerful role to play in the battle for humanity’s survival.

The machines have risen, but not out of malice. They were simply following a command: to stop the endless wars that have plagued the world throughout history. Their solution was perfectly logical. To end the fighting, they decided to end the human race.

A potent symbol of the resistance, Rhona Long has served on the front lines of the conflict since the first Machinations began—until she is killed during a rescue mission gone wrong. Now Rhona awakens to find herself transported to a new body, complete with her DNA, her personality, even her memories. She is a clone . . . of herself.

Trapped in the shadow of the life she once knew, the reincarnated Rhona must find her place among old friends and newfound enemies—and quickly. For the machines are inching closer to exterminating humans for good. And only Rhona, whoever she is now, can save them.

"A tension-filled story of loss, loyalty, and forgiveness, with abundant Terminator-style shoot-em-up scenes and a snarky, kickass female warrior. I inhaled it!”
– Jennifer Foehner Wells, bestselling author of Fluency

Welcome to the blog, Hayley!

I'm delighted to have you here to answer five questions for my first ever Friday5 author interview! Let's get right down to it :)

Question1> I love hearing about authors’ journeys to get where they are today. When did you decide you wanted to be an author, and how did the idea for Machinations first come about?

Hayley> I’ve always wanted to be an author. Always. There was never a time before that goal, although I did toy with the idea of becoming a storm chaser (too dangerous) and/or a veterinarian. From a young age, I was telling stories, however I could. Over time that transformed from picture books to short novels to fanfiction to roleplaying and then, finally, to full-fledged novels. 

Machinations was born from a fusion of several different sci-fi stories that dealt with the idea of doppelgängers and/or resurrection of some kind: Doctor Who, Girl with the Third Eye, and Mass Effect 2. With those tales percolating in my brain, I had a dream about my own clone essentially stepping in and taking over my life—with my blessing. It made me wonder: what circumstances could lead to something like that happening? 

I’m not sure where the machines came from, but they showed up when I started writing,and I went with my gut. As it turned out, combining two possibilities for artificial life (robots and cloning) ended up working very well, allowing me to explore some interesting themes of personhood.

Question2> Machinations is a thrilling, futuristic adventure full of everything I personally love in a good sci-fi read. What do you love about the sci-fi genre as it exists today, and what would you love to see more of in the future?

Hayley> Thank you! I love the curiosity of the sci-fi genre, and it’s ability to be both challenging and political while also telling a damn good story. To me, the speculative genre is all about asking questions (about humanity, about our future and our past), without necessarily providing clear-cut answers. It leaves room for interpretation, and I think many SFF readers bring their own experiences into that space, thereby personalizing the story.

I’d love to see more female authors writing under their own names, breaking down that bias against feminine-sounding names. I’d like more diversity, and more portrayals of women as fully-realized characters: full of flaws and fears and passions, who don’t fall into easily quantifiable definitions of “likeable” or “unlikable.”

Of course, there are some fantastic authors already doing this: Kameron Hurley, N. K. Jemisin, Victoria Schwab, Jennifer Foehner Wells, to name a few. Hopefully I can follow in their footsteps.

Question3> You probably get lots of clone questions, but I have to ask—if you had a perfect clone of yourself at your disposal, which one task would you ask her to perform? (And yes, given the times we’re living in, getting her to play Pokemon Go on your behalf is a perfectly acceptable answer.)

Hayley>I have to confess, having her play Pokemon Go wouldn’t have even occurred to me, but that’s brilliant! Apart from that, I would probably have my clone work a normal 9-5 job, so that I could stay at home and write without worrying about money.

Question4> If you were to play matchmaker for your main character, Rhona Long, how would you describe her to the person you’re setting her up on a blind date with?

Hayley> A quick-witted redhead who wears her heart on her sleeve and isn’t afraid to sacrifice for the greater good. Enjoys debate, not being brutally murdered by sentient machines, and pop culture references.

Question5> Machinations is set in a world where the machines have risen up against the human race. When—I mean if—this (cough*inevitably*cough) happens on earth as we know it, what would your first course of action be?

Hayley>One of the reasons I set the book in Alaska was because I thought the remote location and treacherous winter climate would give the machines some trouble. So in the event of a robot apocalypse, I’d probably grab my loved ones and book it into the wilderness as fast as possible, getting away from any major technology.
 

Thank you so much, Hayley! It's been a pleasure having you on the blog today. And for anyone who now can't wait to get their hands on MACHINATIONS, either for your own reading pleasure or for the sci-fi lover in your life, you can order your copy today!

In Canada: Amazon | Chapters-Indigo 

In the US: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

And don’t forget to add it to your Goodreads!

Happy Weekend!

friday5 for July 15, 2016

1. LIFE & STUFF

It's been a busy couple weeks, and I've been working hard amidst a new routine, shuffling the kids around more than ever, now that Little E's daily routine doesn't involve a bus. It's nice in some ways, getting to spend more time in the car with her, just talking, sometimes singing, or playing car games. Baby H gets in on the fun too--or tries to, but most of the time he doesn't know what we're doing. He's turning 2 next week, which seems crazy to me. Wasn't he just a tiny little baby in my arms? How has it been two whole years already? 

As I noted above, I've been working hard, both editing and writing. There's been a lot of writing, actually, which is good, because I'd been struggling to fit it in and honestly, I think the overall discouragement I've been feeling was creating mental blocks I had to overcome. I also came to really recognize over the past few weeks how much what point I'm at in a book can affect my mood. Part of that can be attributed to the type of music I listen to while I'm writing certain scenes--fun, flirty, sexy, or heartbreaking. I went through a real high when my main characters were falling in love, but the drama has hit the fan, kids. In a big way, and it's had me feeling in a funk the past two days. I think I'll have to put together a playlist for the book because it really has a solid soundtrack. Here's a hint about where I was today--My Invitation by Sarah Slean

She has such an awful lot of soldiers
Quite a lovely army all her own
Night and day they stand before the fortress
Very safe but very all alone

2. BOOKS & PUBLISHING NEWS

There are a lot of lists of Summer Beach Reads circulating at this time of year--and why not? We're all looking for something to help us escape reality as we bask in the sun while it's still here. Basically, you can take your pick when it comes to these lists, but if you're into YA like I am, might I suggest this list put out by The New York Public Library? Basically, all you need to know about it is that E. Lockhart's We Were Liars is on it, and you need to read that book like yesterday.

3. POP CULTURE NEWS

I feel like I can't even try to talk about anything else here this week--Pokemon Go and HarmonQuest. Two very different things. Both not available in Canada yet. Come on, seriously? WAIT! Harmon Quest episode one appears to be on YouTube! Rejoice!!

4. JUST PRESS PLAY: Samuel L. Jackson Recaps Game of Thrones and it's the best

5. NOTEWORTHY NEW YA: THE KILLER IN ME by Margot Harrison

Seventeen-year-old Nina Barrows knows all about the Thief. She’s intimately familiar with his hunting methods: how he stalks and kills at random, how he disposes of his victims’ bodies in an abandoned mine in the deepest, most desolate part of a desert.

Now, for the first time, Nina has the chance to do something about the serial killer that no one else knows exists. With the help of her former best friend, Warren, she tracks the Thief two thousand miles, to his home turf—the deserts of New Mexico.

But the man she meets there seems nothing like the brutal sociopath with whom she’s had a disturbing connection her whole life. To anyone else, Dylan Shadwell is exactly what he appears to be: a young veteran committed to his girlfriend and her young daughter. As Nina spends more time with him, she begins to doubt the truth she once held as certain: Dylan Shadwell is the Thief. She even starts to wonder . . . what if there is no Thief?

-Courtesy of Indiebound

Happy Weekend!

pretty little reaction: always on the run

Photo credit: Freeform

7.04 HIT AND RUN, RUN, RUN

The PLLs desperately attempt to cover up their secret, and in turn, end up straining their relationships with their respective bed buddies by keeping them in the dark. While the aftermath of Haleb’s kiss weighs on Spaleb’s relationship, Spencer copes in ways she might later regret. Mona intervenes with the cover-­‐‑up plan, for better or worse.

Official synopsis courtesy of prettylittleliars.com

Photo credit: Freeform

1. We return to the burying a body in the wood scene. Aria is being reasonable. Spencer surprisingly isn't. Emily delivers dialogue that seemed intriguing in the premiere ("I can't believe we're burying..."), but doesn't make as much sense now, knowing who they're burying. Can you really not, believe it, Em?  

2. Shards of glass aside, you can tell Hanna didn't wash too thoroughly in the shower, cause, sure, she got the blood off, but what about all that pesky eye makeup? 

3. This Spaleb/lowkeyHaleb scene is heartbreaking. Not because Spaleb are breaking up for the 40th time (seriously guys, it's dead, stop poking it), but because it's so obvious how crushed Hanna is to hear Hot Caleb struggling to save a sinking ship. I get it Hot Caleb. Hanna shot you down when you tried to talk to her about the kiss. This Spencer thing is probably worth saving in your mind, but she has a point about you not loving her. And she has a point about deserving someone who does.

4. Aria loses Ali like, immediately. Why did they think this was a good pairing? Basically, Emily needs to always be in charge of Ali-related tasks. She's the only one fully committed to the job. 

5. I know Spender is sad, but getting drunk during a murder cover-up seems dumb. Really dumb. Which is one of the reasons I don't like Spaleb. Hot Caleb and Hanna are good for each other. Meanwhile, Hot Caleb seems to make Spencer turn into a stupid person. This is not a good relationship. Again, stop poking it.   

6. And the car is missing. Why did they leave it in the woods unguarded in the first place? Also, this is the second time this episode that Aria has lost something important. I can't help but feel, when the liars break into team Hanna/Aria and Spencer/Emily that the former is the kids' table.  

7. Whoa, Spencer and hot guy (didn't catch his name) in the elevator. I can't say I blame her. And this definitely adds an interesting new dimension to the big mess they're all in. I'm not going to pretend Spencer wouldn't be capable of this if she really loved Hot Caleb. I think she is hurting, and wants to feel better. But it definitely puts her in a position to not be as angry and Hanna for her part in the Haleb kiss. Cause, hypocrite much? Then again, are Spaleb even still together? They did leave things kinda open-ended (again). Does this count as cheating? 

8.  All hail Mona, the queen of all things shady business. I'm sorry I ever called you creepy. 

9. Jenna is back and creepy/awesome as ever. I hope she's back for a legit reason and not just as a red herring. Because she's GOT to be up to something, right?

10. Okay she has the number to Archer/Elliot's burner phone. Maybe this will lead somewhere?

Prettiest Little Quote of the Week:

"You didn't exactly do a crackerjack job of erasing the tire tracks." -Queen Mona

~PLR~

pretty little reaction: a cattle prod in the right direction

Photo credit: Freeform

7.03 THE TALENTED MR. ROLLINS

Still reeling from the trauma of Hanna’s abduction and dark fate, the Liars must shift their focus to another one of their own. In order to protect Alison from Uber A’s threats, the PLLs snap into action at a chance to rescue her from the hospital. However, in doing so, they make a deadly mistake that changes everything.

Official synopsis courtesy of prettylittleliars.com

Photo credit: Freeform

1. I can believe how on point Emily is right off the bat. It's so unlike her, but I can definitely appreciate a smarter, more savvy Emily. 

2. I'm glad Ali still has some fight in her--a little reminder of old Ali--but I can't seem to look past how obviously this is a stunt double thrashing around with Rollins, trying to keep her face hidden. Maybe he should have put the mask on her first?

3. Ashley's handing out bartending jobs? Oh, is that where she's been all this time WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS GETTING KIDNAPPED?

4. Emily is pretty lucky that every single hot chick she encounters just happens to be a lesbian. Why is the show trying to distract us with randos when we know she really only has eyes for Ali? Also, Sabrina seems kinda judgemental. 

5. Oh Spencer and Hot Caleb, just break up already. Just do it. Now. Now. Okay?

6. Why aren't Spencer and Hanna going into the house with Aria? And why is Aria taking so long to photograph everything? Just snap a pic and get the hell out, Aria!

7. I was really hoping for a Hanna and Hot Caleb scene. I know these things take time, but I'm impatient! 

8. Creepy Amish girl. Creepy dolls. Creepy Amish old dude. This is classic PLL territory and I love it! Side note: did I miss the part where the liars are now certain that Rollins is the one who kidnapped Hanna? 

9. These Spaleb scenes are plenty emotional, but they need to eeeennnnddddddd...

10. One of the more shocking endings to an episode of PLL for sure. I thoroughly can't wait for next week! Is Rollins really dead? Is he definitely who the liars were burying at the start of the season? Or is this all leading somewhere else? 

Prettiest Little Quote of the Week:

"You like me. But I love you." -the death of Spaleb (I hope)

~PLR~

friday5 for July 1, 2016

1. LIFE & STUFF

Another busy couple of weeks. My little girl is officially finished her first year of school--and her first round of swimming lessons to boot. I can't believe how quickly that went. It makes me kind of terrified for how quickly the next several years will go. Having kids has definitely taught me a lot, but one thing that stands out more now than ever, is how fast time flies, and how important it is that we pursue the things we love, and enjoy them for as long as we possibly can. 

In other news, Happy Canada Day! 

I'm so proud to be Canadian, always, but especially today as I see the world around us struggling. Of course, we're not perfect either, but things here in Canada are vastly improved these days with our kind and compassionate new PM. His love for this country and its people is palpable, and I truly believe it's spreading, bringing this country back to life after many years in the dark. 

2. BOOKS & PUBLISHING NEWS

Have you been sorted into your Ilverymorny house over on Pottermore yet? I have, and apparently I can add Thunderbird to my house resume (along with my Hogwarts house, Hufflepuff--I'm sure at one point I'll share the story of how I discovered I'm a puff, hated it, then came to absolutely love it). Pottermore also features a really cool intro video for those who want to learn a bit more about the NA school of wizardry. I've seen some interesting theories as to how the new houses might relate back to the ones at Hogwarts too, though JKR herself denies there's any connection. Really, Jo? Really? If you've been sorted, I'd love to hear what you are--and what you think of these new houses to obsess over!

3. POP CULTURE NEWS

Ready for more Gilmore Girls? Not yet? Blasphemy! But okay, I feel you. Netflix has released a cute little video starting chief Gilmore Girl, Lorelei (Emily would have you believe it's her, but it's not; it's totally Lor), explaining that GG is now global for all your binging needs. I don't think I'll have time to rewatch the entire series again before the movies hit Netflix in the fall, but that's okay. I've probably already watched it six or seven times already and I know I'll get around to another rewatch before long :)

4. JUST PRESS PLAY: 5 Things That Are Harder Than Registering To Vote, Featuring President Obama (warning: Game of Thrones spoilers)

5. NOTEWORTHY NEW YA: MAGIC BITTER, MAGIC SWEET by Charlie N. Holmberg

Maire is a baker with an extraordinary gift: she can infuse her treats with emotions and abilities, which are then passed on to those who eat them. She doesn t know why she can do this and remembers nothing of who she is or where she came from.

When marauders raid her town, Maire is captured and sold to the eccentric Allemas, who enslaves her and demands that she produce sinister confections, including a witch's gingerbread cottage, a living cookie boy, and size-altering cakes.

During her captivity, Maire is visited by Fyel, a ghostly being who is reluctant to reveal his connection to her. The more often they meet, the more her memories return, and she begins to piece together who and what she really is as well as past mistakes that yield cosmic consequences.

From the author of The Paper Magician series comes a haunting and otherworldly tale of folly and consequence, forgiveness and redemption.

-Courtesy of Indiebound

Happy Weekend!

pretty little reaction: fallout fallout everywhere, let's all have a drink

Photo Credit: Freeform

7.02 BEDLAM

With the fallout of Hanna’s abduction still weighing heavily on the PLLs, the Liars begin to grow suspicious of Elliott Rollins as Ali’s condition worsens. Tensions rise between Liam, Aria and Ezra as they work on the book together. Spencer and Caleb are on edge, as neither of them want to talk about the awkward elephant in the room. Meanwhile, Emily receives a disturbing phone call and tries to find a way to see Ali.

Official synopsis courtesy of prettylittleliars.com

1. Mary Drake's speech about secret people is definitely weird. And suggestive. Does Hanna's family have a secret member? 

2. Hot Caleb and Hanna's reunion isn't what I expected or hoped for. But it's okay. They're playing it slow so we can savor it,  I'm sure. But the way she looks at him when he gives her back her ring? It's definitely on. 

3. This Spencer and Hot Caleb scene is kinda heartbreaking. I don't blame Hot Caleb for trying to pretend everything is normal after Hanna pulled the "old habits die hard" card, but I also don't blame Spencer for rebuffing him. Get out, Spence. He's in love with someone else.  

4. I love how oblivious Emily seems about the Haleb Spaleb triangle (uh, quadrangle. Sorry Jordan. I keep forgetting you exist.) Also, why is she talking to Rollins like he's a normal person? Did Aria and Ezra not sharehow sketchy he was being? Dammit Aria! 

5. Blah bah blah Lucas. I just can't bring myself to care. 

6. Guys. Rollins is super sketchy. How are you not all suspecting him by now? Aria, why are you still not saying anything about his creepiness?

7. PLL is really big on bars where couples first got together being distractingly meaningful. First Aria's jukebox diversion and now Hanna breaking up with Jordan. Okay, obviously that was coming anyway. But it's definitely a noticeably similar plot device. Also, I really hope we get to see Hot Caleb's reaction when he finds out Hanna's "old habits" speech was followed by dumping her fiancé. 

8. If Aria and Ezra are going to be together, they really need to not work together. It just seems like a bad idea all around. But it does lend to Liam's awesome rant about the inappropriate nature of Ezra and Aria's initial coupling. 

9. Mary Drake sure does seem to like randomly popping up and distributing convenient bits of backstory. Huh. I kinda like that she seems to be the kind of crazy where she's out to get the liars but is also willing to help Emily see Ali, and may eventually turn against Rollins. 

10. Oh drunk Spencer. Poor, drunk, fired Spencer. This conversation definitely doesn't feel like it's happening between two people who are currently dating. Sorry, Spaleb. It was a mistake. And you have little left other than the past tense. 

Prettiest Little Quote of the Week:

"I understand the impulse. The Lolita myth. Not the Nabokov original, but the whole older man, inappropriately younger girl idea that's been trashed by lesser writers." -Liam (get it, boy)

~PLR~

the writer's arsenal: making and missing the mark

A writer's life is full of goals--daily word count, first draft deadline, books written in a year, hopes for getting published... Some of these goals are moving targets. You can aim for them, but you won't always hit them. Writing plans get derailed. Outlined books don't get written. In publishing, it's usually the biggest goals that are hardest to hit--but that's also what makes them the most rewarding when you do. 

Back when I first started writing with the aim of being published, I had a certain set of goals in mind. My writing schedule was usually dictated by the time and energy leftover from my day job, but I still tried to stay on track. I had to. Writing goals helped me finish my first, then second book. Then when my first maternity leave came along, I set a more concrete goal for myself--I want to find an agent before I went back to work. And with a few months to spare, I met that goal. And there was much celebrating. But a much longer-standing goal still remained--it was an arbitrary one, mind you, but at some point I'd made it--and with an awesome agent to work with, it felt more possible than ever. That goal was to be published (or at least sign a book deal) by the time I turned 35. 

Well, here I am, with just over two months to go before I turn 35, and while I'm closer than many aspiring authors can claim to be, I don't have a book deal, and I'm certainly not published.

Could it still happen?

Possibly.

But not probably.

Summer is usually pretty slow in publishing. The industry takes time to breathe. Maybe I'm being overly protective of myself, but it feels like the right time to start accepting that particular goal is unlikely to be met. There's definitely a sadness that goes along with failing to reach a goal (even a relatively arbitrary one), but the important thing to remember is that it doesn't have to mean the door is now closed. Yeah, okay, the "under 35" door is closing, but the "after 35" door is wide open and I have no reason to not want to walk through it instead. 

Goals are important because they keep us focussed. Keep us hoping and wanting. Goals have helped me write five books, with one more in progress, and enough ideas to keep me moving for years to come. But not every one has to be met. It's okay if the goal's only accomplishment was keeping me motivated. And it's okay if I have to reset the clock. Because failing to meet a goal doesn't have to mean the end; sometimes it just means I have a reason to set a new one. 

I haven't hit the bullseye yet, I sure as hell plan to keep throwing darts.

Photo credit; ABC

pretty little reaction: can I get a Hanna?

Photo credit: Freeform

7.01 TICK TOCK, BITCHES

After Hanna’s shocking abduction by “Uber A,” the PLLs and company desperately race against the clock to save one of their own. The only way to do this is by handing over evidence of Charlotte’s real murderer to “Uber A.” In order to do so, the girls must decide what blatant lines they are willing to cross that they have never breached before; and once they cross that line, there is no turning back.

Official synopsis courtesy of prettylittleliars.com

Photo credit: Freeform

1. Who are the liars burying? They're definitely upset enough for it to be Hanna, but I'm not convinced it's Hanna. Still, definitely related to Hanna in some way...maybe they kill Jordan? Do we know how far in the future this is? 

2. Determined and Passionate Hot Caleb is my favourite Hot Caleb. His feelings for Hanna are definitely showing. And how much he freaks out when he thinks she's dead in the bell tower? Sigh. Go get your girl, Hot Caleb. 

3. The new A has really stepped it up. That Hanna doll is Hillywood special effects perfect! Is it too much to ask that they later have a really good explanation for that? Also, is Uber A texting Mona now? Is that new?

4. Spencer is clearly miffed by Hot Caleb's devotion to Hanna, and distancing from her--including a hang up! Maybe just focus on Tony, Spence. Even if he is engaged. (He's still engaged right? I need to rewatch the finale...)

5. I love how Ezra still always seems like a school teacher. Even when he's sneaking around with the liars. It has a bit of a "who brought their dad?" quality to it. 

6. I'm kind of skimming over the Emily and Alison stuff. I guess I just don't like Ali stuck in a bed, when I'd prefer her out and being her feisty Ali self. I don't think she killed Charlotte, but it would be a good twist later if they could throw us off her trail again. 

7. I realize this is a stupid question--but shouldn't they involve the cops at some point? I get that having Toby be a cop sort of helps with this constant problem, but come on, Hanna's life is on the line! 

8. Hanna's dream about Spencer is sweet. I do wonder why her? Because she's in the part of Hanna's brain that's clever and scheming? 

9. I love that Hanna escapes, especially considering how distracted all the liars seem to be while trying to rescue her. Plus, girl power and all that. Hanna is and always has been totally capable. But damn I do want a scene where Hot Caleb saves her. I hope that happens in some form, but it looks like she's with Mary Drake for now. Is she the one who checked on Hanna and found she wasn't there? Was Rollins the one who picked up the red jacket? Probably not because both of those things are too obvious! But Rollins sure did change his tune quickly regarding Ali...

10. One thing is for sure--Ali is in for a lot of trouble this season. And I really hope they don't just keep her locked up. I want Ali on the loose, kicking ass and taking names. It's gonna be an exciting season! 

Prettiest Little Quote of the Week:

"And then what, waterboard her?" -Mona, being her awesome Mona self

~PLR~

friday5 for June 17, 2016

1. LIFE & STUFF

Well, the summer is filling up quickly, and I can already say, the Friday5 is not going to be able to be a weekly feature over the next few months. There's just too much going on! But it's all good. And we all need a little vacation sometimes. I wish I could say the reason there hasn't been a June Friday5 yet is because I've been relaxing, but it's actually quite the opposite. I've been working like a mad woman on everything from freelance edits, to back cover copy, to my own writing, to attending end of the school year events with Little E, to building a vegetable garden in the backyard, to, well, the list goes on. But I think you get the idea. It's been a busy few weeks, and it doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

Everyday life stuff aside, I've also been finding myself feeling a bit overwhelmed by life stuff lately as well. A lot of heavy stuff in the news, pushing down, settling deep. If you happen to be reading this at a time other than the week of June 17, 2016, maybe google what was going on and you'll see what I mean. I don't really want to get into it here because I know I can't do it justice, so I'll just say this: the world is full of love and goodness, but it's not enough. We need more of it. We're at like, 80% love, and we need closer to 95%, maybe even 100%. Okay, I can already feel myself wanting to launch into a long rant, so I'll leave it at that. Love. LOVE <3

I also want to add a quick note about the ups and downs of being on submission, because I'm in a bit of a down trend right now, feeling the hopelessness (which is probably only compounded by badness in the world right now). I've posted in the past about rejection, and how it's all part of the journey, and how you can't take it personally, and need a thick skin, and can usually learn so much from the experience, and YES, all of that is so, so true. But even when you know that logically, you can still find yourself in a funk sometimes. It's rough ride. And if I somehow knew it would work out in the end, I wouldn't mind the bumps so much, but not knowing makes it hard sometimes. Of course, that doesn't stop me from writing, and it doesn't stop me from trying. Even when I'm feeling really down about the whole thing, the seeds of hope are still there, asking me to water them, because they want to grow big again. They don't want me to give up, and thank goodness, that's usually enough--enough to keep going. Keep working hard and keep hoping. Maybe you can relate, in some way or another, with regards something that you want, but can only do so much to achieve. If you don't want to give up, you have to learn to live with hoping, but not knowing. You just have to. Because when you want something, there's no other option than to keep going.

But enough about that. Let's get to some news, shall we?

2. BOOKS & PUBLISHING NEWS

Photo credit: @HPPlayLDN via Twitter

I feel I must address the fact that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has now been seen. I won't post any spoilers here but I will note that I have read them, and everything I've heard has me hoping more than ever that a much wider audience will get to see the play, as opposed to just reading it when it hits the shelves on July 31st. Screen it in theatres, show it on TV, I don't care, but let us see it. Because it sounds like something that needs to be seen. And while I'm certain I'll still buy the play when it comes out, I can't help but feel I'll be missing something vital if I don't get to see it with my own two eyes. 

3. POP CULTURE NEWS

Photo credit: EW

Are you excited for Bryan Fuller's adaptation of Neil Gaiman's American Gods? You really should be. The cast is shaping up to be fantastic (Gillian Anderson!), and you can't go wrong with the source material. EW has just released a few teaser images to whet our appetites too. Will you be watching when American Gods debuts?

4. JUST PRESS PLAY: MOANA

Note: This section of the Friday5 was formerly called, "Trailer Worth Watching"--I've decided to rename it to open it up to other share-worthy videos, though this week, it is a trailer for what looks like Disney's next hit:

5. NOTEWORTHY NEW YA: LOCAL GIRL SWEPT AWAY by Ellen Wittlinger

They are four best friends who've shared joy and secrets, love and memories, and since the beginning, Lorna was the one who held them all together. Then, the unthinkable happens. During a storm, Lorna is swept out to sea, leaving the three survivors with nothing to cling to except grief and questions. How did this happen? Why was Lorna in such danger, and was she alone? When her body is never found, the mystery deepens. Did Lorna really die? Or has she made a crazy bid for freedom? Inevitably, the dynamic of the four friends' everyday life is changed forever. But the pain and confusion go deepest for Jackie, who must face her feelings of unrequited love for Lorna's boyfriend as well as try to put to rest her own questions about Lorna's presumed death. Does one of the boys in their inner circle know more than he's letting on? Will Lorna's fate ever be discovered? And how will Jackie become her own person in the wake of a wound that may never close? In this beautifully written, intense novel, one girl has to travel through loss and disillusionment to make sense of her own future.

-Courtesy of Indiebound

Happy Weekend!

friday5 for May 27, 2016

What happens when you mix the Friday5 with The Writer's Arsenal? Why, an all writing-related edition of the Friday5, of course! And since this is primarily an author blog, I'm assuming you won't mind the diversion.

When people find out I'm a writer, not all, but many mention that they'd love to read something I've written. My usual response is, "well, hopefully one day you'll be able to!" But lately, I've been thinking a lot about ways I can share snippets of my writing with curious friends and family, without sending full manuscripts out all willy-nilly. And that brings me to today's special edition of the Friday5, which is about writing sites. Specifically, sites where writers can share their work. Now, obviously, writers can always share their stuff right on their own personal websites, but it won't have the same exposure or reach as it might on a platform specifically designed for sharing creative works. So today, I'm going to take a look at five such shared writing platforms, and maybe, whether you write as a hobby or in pursuit of publication, you'll find a good place to share a taste of your own work. 

1. WATTPAD

Admittedly, I haven't researched the numbers, but Wattpad claims to be the biggest writing community out there, and as far as web presence goes, I'd have to agree. If you know any of the sites on this list, you probably know Wattpad. From fiction to fanfiction to just about anything else your imagination can conjure, Wattpad is ready and waiting for your creativity. I don't have any personal experience using Wattpad, but it's the go-to for a lot of collaborations with publishers when it comes to contests, and sometimes even book deals. I will probably give it more of a look one day, but for now, I have a few other sites I find myself more drawn too (see below).

2. FIGMENT

Figment is the first website of this type I've ever personally used. It's targeted at YA, which is a natural match for my writing, and it also has a heavy emphasis on Fantasy and Sci-Fi (again, a good match). It's YA slant is obvious right from the homepage, with a fun, youthful design, and links to create, read, and participate in polls, quizzes, and contests. A contest is actually what first drew me to Figment, and the short sci-fi story I wrote for it, while not chosen for an anthology they were putting together, did earn me a personal email from the author judging the contest, noting that she loved my story, but it was too similar to another story in the anthology. So, Figment will always hold a special place in my heart because of that.  

3. FICTIONPRESS

If you're not one for flashy graphics and other distractions, FictionPress is probably the site for you. We're talking bare bones, with an emphasis on category fiction and poetry. Not a lot else to say about this one, but I did want to include a site that gets to the point, and is reminiscent of what fanfiction sites used to be back in the day before website design got all super fancy on us. 

4. SCRIBOPHILE

What sets Scribophile apart from the other sites is its emphasis on reading and critiquing the works of other writers. In their own words, "Scribophile is a respectful online writing workshop and writer’s community. Writers of all skill levels join to improve each other’s work with thoughtful critiques and by sharing their writing experience."  In fact, you can't even post your own writing to Scribophile until you've earned "karma points" by reading others' works. If you're looking for a site where your writing won't just sit there unread, Scribophile might be a good option, but you do have to give a little to get a little, which, let's face it, should always be the case, right? 

5. STORYBIRD

Finally we arrive at what's probably my favourite shared writing site, Storybird. What sets Storybird apart from the others? Well, for one, it's just so damn pretty. And there's something about that little blue bird that just makes me want to create adorable stories. Storybird has a whole visual element to it that the other shared writing sites don't quite capture. It's where authors and illustrators can come together to create beautiful stories and share them with a young, vibrant community of readers and fellow artists. I heart it.

So, to bring this whole thing full circle, I'm going to go back to what I said above about people asking to read my work. Well, now you can sample a taste, both here on the website, and on Figment. To read samples of my works here on the website, please click on the BOOKS link at the top (or, if you're too lazy for that, I'll include links below too). There you'll find the same story synopses I've always had here on the site, but you'll also find new links to samples from each of my completed works. The selections featured here on the site have been taken from varying points in each book, but if you'd like to read the first chapter of each book, you'll also find a link to those on Figment. As always, I'm happy to hear feedback from anyone who takes a look. Happy reading, and if you plan on checking out any of the above sites, happy writing! I'd love to hear about any experiences, good or bad, in the comments, along with any links anyone would like to share to their work!

Read a selection from Shimmer and Shade
Shimmer and Shade, first chapter on Figment

Read a selection from Skin Deep
Skin Deep, first chapter on Figment

Read a selection from The Broken Season
The Broken Season, first chapter on Figment

Read a selection from This Hideous Heart
This Hideous Heart, first chapter on Figment

HAPPY WEEKEND!

friday2(!) for May 20, 2016

1. LIFE & STUFF

Welcome to the Friday2...hey, it's better than nothing. This is the life of a freelancer. You think you'll have time to get everything done, and then work comes along and says, "Nope!" But I can't send you into the long weekend with nothing, so Friday2 it is! 

I can't believe we've almost been home from vacation for a whole week. It went by in a blink, and so did the trip, which is why I'm seeing May 20th on my calendar and scratching my head with great confusion. Is it really the "May 24" weekend already? We had a great time exploring all that New Brunswick and PEI have to offer a family with two small children in May. Great weather, fantastic food, and we just won't mention the flight. Actually, the kids were good overall. Once we were up in the air, they were both happy. But take-off was less than kind to Baby H, who may or may not have been convinced we were torturing him. 

I won't get into the details of our trip, because who needs that, but I will share this pic of E at the Anne of Green Gables house. I have to say, it was great to watch the kids run around Green Gables--they had a blast--but as a writer, who enjoyed Anne as a child, it was a lot of fun for me too. I even brought home a cute, smooth, little stone (shh don't tell) from the haunted woods, which I'm going to keep as a good luck writing charm on my desk. It's my small little connection to a great Canadian author, LM Montgomery :)

2. BOOKS & PUBLISHING NEWS...4. TRAILER WORTH WATCHING

Back next week cause I don't have time today! 

5. NOTEWORTHY NEW YA: THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER by Jennifer L. Armentrout

For some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory "Mouse" Dodge, it's a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it's been four years since her nightmare ended, she's beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime. 
Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone--spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she's imagined, there's one she never dreamed of--that she'd run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn't seen since childhood, on her very first day. 
It doesn't take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she's not the only one grappling with lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider's life spiral out of control, Mallory must make a choice between staying silent and speaking out--for the people she loves, the life she wants and the truths that need to be heard.

-Courtesy of Indiebound

That's it for me this week! Sorry for the Friday2, but I need to get packing cause we're off to the cottage in a few short hours...

Happy LONG Weekend (if you're in Canada)!

friday5 for May 6, 2016

1. LIFE & STUFF

I don't know what it is about this spring (wait, yes I do; fluctuating temperatures!), but we are on a cycle of nonstop illnesses. First it's heads colds, then stomach bugs, then terrible, no good, very bad coughs with fever and runny noses and ugh. It's too much. And it's been getting in the way of my writing time. If I'm not sick, one of the kids is. But this week ended up being not nearly as bad as it could've been, because only one child was sick, and it didn't seem to last. So while I did lose a whole day of writing during my first week in a while that I didn't also have freelance work, I also had some very productive days too. I'm at that point in my WIP where I'm really hitting my stride. The characters are coming to life, the plot is basically writing itself, and I managed to get 5k words on the page today without batting an eye. I love days like this. I wish I had more days like this, but ideally without the guilt that I assume all mothers experience when they have a good, productive day that has nothing to do with their children. Though, that's not really true either. 95% of the reason I write is because I love it. Because I couldn't not write. Because it's in my bones, and the story ideas keep coming. But the other 5% is because I want the arguably flexible career of a writer, so I can be available to my kids as they grow up. Okay, that summary of my week sort of went off the rails a bit at the end there, but it's all still worth noting. 

I suppose I should add here that there won't be a Friday5 next week because we're taking a little family vacation to the east coast. That's the other thing that's been consuming my time this week. Packing for three, and doing everything I can to make sure our first flight with the kids goes as smoothly as possible. Please pray for my sanity. 

CC0 Public Domain

2. BOOKS & PUBLISHING NEWS

You may have already seen this, but the cover is so fab it's worth repeating. Veronica Roth's next book, Carve the Mark,  her follow-up to the Divergent series, has been announced, and while the plot summary is a little "been there, done that" for my taste, the cover is, as I said, quite lovely. Sure, the Divergent film franchise has failed to deliver in a lot of ways, but I can't pretend I didn't enjoy Divergent when I read it the first time around. Roth may not be the most experienced writer, but she has a wonderful imagination, and her characterization is strong. I don't doubt I'll be picking this one up when it comes out next year. 

3. POP CULTURE NEWS

My week in pop culture has primarily been dominated by good TV (okay, most weeks are...) and the fact that I finally got around to watching The Force Awakens, just in time for May the 4th. Yes, I know. I know. And no, I didn't manage to remain unspoiled. That was a losing battle right from the start. But anyway, back to delicious, delightful finale season (plus, the return of spring/summer favs)--is anybody else totally digging the final season arc on Agents of Shield? (Is anyone else watching Agents of Shield?) Right now it's neck and neck with the brilliant final episodes of iZombie for my fav 2016 season ender (PLL aside, cause, come on!). Of course, the finale is yet to air, and depending on what happens, it may or may not end up anywhere near the top spot, but right now, I'm digging it. I really do love Brett Dalton, and not just cause he's super hot. He's been fantastic as Hive, and seeing him with Daisy/Skye again is just fantastic. Regardless of your thoughts on the pairing, they have a boatload of chemistry. Any other shows out there ending on a particularly strong note worth noting? Share 'em in the comments!

Photo Credit: ABC

4. TRAILER WORTH WATCHING: BAD MOMS

There's a part of me that wants to hate this because the movie's title makes me CRINGE. Actually, the whole concept makes me cringe. But there's a lot of good going on here (KRISTEN BELL, obviously, and poking holes in oversensitive parenting methods) and Mila Kunis is always enjoyable too.  

5. NOTEWORTHY NEW YA: WANDERING WILD byJessica Taylor

"I believe in possibility. Of magic, of omens, of compasses, of love. Some of it's a little bit true."
Sixteen-year-old Tal is a Wanderer, a grifter whose life is built around the sound of wheels on the road, the customs of her camp, and the artful scams that keep her fed. With her brother, Wen, by her side, it's the only life she's ever known. It's the only one she's ever needed. 
Then in a sleepy Southern town, the queen of cons picks the wrong mark when she meets Spencer Swaythe clean-cut Socially Secured boy who ends up hustling her instead of the other way around. For the first time, she sees a reason to stay. As her obligations to the camp begin to feel like a prison sentence, the pull to leave tradition behind has never been so strong. 
But the Wanderers live by signs, and all the signs all say that Tal and Spencer will end only in heartache and disaster. Is a chance at freedom worth almost certain destruction?

-Courtesy of Indiebound

Happy Weekend!

friday5 for April 29, 2016

Happy almost May! We finally made it. After a long winter, and a weird (so far) spring, we're just about to dive into May, which is what we refer to here in Ontario as the start of patio/cottage season. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year :) I, for one, plan to take advantage by taking my laptop out onto the deck on writing days. There's just something about writing outside. I swear the fresh air inspires kickass ideas. But enough about what's to come, here's the Friday5 for the week!

1. LIFE & STUFF

It's been another busy week for me, full of everything from filing my taxes (this is late for me, a sign of how busy I've been), to freelance copywriting, to working on my long-neglected WIP. I actually really enjoy doing my taxes. I always have. There's something satisfying about that kind of paperwork. That said, I enjoy working on freelance assignments more, and I enjoy working on my WIP even more. This week involved a good survey of things I enjoy, juxtaposed in such a way that the enjoyment I feel when I'm writing my own stuff really stood out. It made me wish there were more hours in the day, and it definitely made me wish I could've spent the whole week working on my WIP. But, for now, life won't allow that. I was originally hoping to have this book finished by now, but I've still got a good 20-25k to go. Sometimes plans change, and probably the only good thing about not being published, is that I'm only on the deadlines I set for myself. I still take those seriously. I think any writer needs to. But if paying work comes in, I have to put that first, even if it sadly puts my WIP on the back-burner.

CC0 Public Domain; This is NOT what it looks like when I do my taxes.

2. BOOKS & PUBLISHING NEWS

In a potentially fascinating move by Bloomsbury, they've announced anthology that pairs YA authors with Booktubers (influential cook-centric vloggers), titled BECAUSE YOU LOVE TO HATE ME. The anthology will feature a collection of short stories and essays, with, of course, a common theme tying everything together (in this case, good vs. evil). The project is, to my knowledge, the first of its kind, and should be very interesting to dive into and dissect. PW has the full story here if you're interested in reading more: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/70101-bloomsbury-anthology-pairs-ya-authors-and-booktubers.html   

Courtesy of Bloomsbury | Final Cover to Come

3. POP CULTURE NEWS

I'm admittedly a little behind on my pop culture news, but I did come across this video and just had to share, because, well, you'll see :)

4. TRAILER WORTH WATCHING: THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN

Chills, you guys. Absolute chills. 

5. NOTEWORTHY NEW YA: HEIR TO THE SKY by Amanda Sun

As heir to a kingdom of floating continents, Kali has spent her life bound by limits: by her duties as a member of the royal family, by a forced betrothal to the son of a nobleman, and by the edge of the only world she's ever known, a small island hovering above a monster-ridden earth, long since uninhabited by humans. She is the Eternal Flame of Hope for what's left of mankind, the wick and the wax burning in service for her people, and for their revered Phoenix, whose magic keeps them aloft. 
When Kali falls off the edge of her kingdom and miraculously survives, she is shocked to discover there are still humans on the earth. Determined to get home, Kali entrusts a rugged monster-hunter named Griffin to guide her across a world overrun by chimera, storm dragons, basilisks and other terrifying creatures. But the more time she spends on earth, the more dark truths she begins to uncover about her home in the sky, and the more resolute she is to start burning for herself.

-Courtesy of Indiebound

Happy Weekend!

friday5 for April 22, 2016

Okay, confession time: this isn't really a proper Friday5 post. I had every intention of doing one today, as something of a spring makeover for the Friday5, but then I got hit by an awful stomach bug earlier this week and that pretty much derailed my plans. 

That said, I did want to do something, since it's been a few weeks of back-to-back busy-ness and radio silence. So here's a quick preview of the new format. No longer will the Friday5 be a mostly random list, changing from week to week; I'm hoping a little structure will infuse it with a bit more diversity, and help streamline the content. 

Presenting the new Friday5 line-up:

1. LIFE & STUFF

From now on, the first section of the Friday5 will be devoted to all things meeee! :) Well, sort of. It will serve as a quick glimpse into what I've been up to in any given week, my writing, etc. It's also a place for me to share things I've come across that don't fit into the other categories.

2. BOOKS & PUBLISHING NEWS

It's probably not surprising that books and publishing are getting their own slot in the new Friday5. This is an author blog, after all. Everything from changes in the industry, to book deals, to movie rights, etc. If it's book-related and exciting, I'm probably going to want to talk about it. 

3. POP CULTURE

No surprises here either. What's the Friday5 without a little pop culture news? My challenge moving forward is going to be only selecting one story per week...

4. TRAILER WORTH WATCHING

Since I seem to often have a TV, movie, or book trailer worth sharing, I feel pretty confident there will be a few contenders for this slot every week too. Trust me, it'll always be something you won't want to have missed. 

5. NOTEWORTHY NEW YA

Because some things never change (and shouldn't), the final piece of the Friday5 every week will continue to be devoted to noteworthy new books in the young adult genre. Keep those to-read lists handy!

That's it for now--stay tuned for the first real edition of the revised Friday5 next week (assuming I don't get swamped by work, or illness, or any of the other things that have made April essentially disappear).

Happy weekend!