Despite feeling like July should equal copious amounts of naps…I actually was PRODUCTIVE this month!
Between, you know, laying on the carpet like an authorly smear of moans. Because the author life is hard ok. I am waiting for some Secret Emails™ and also nervously watching ATPN enter its 2nd month birthday and continue slaying hearts all over the world. (Awww! So cute!) At some point I will stop panicking about writing, yes???? Ha ha h hahahhahha.
Before we go on though…A Thousand Perfect Notes is on sale for basically $1 on Amazon Kindle UK and US!
This is INSANELY GOOD OK?! I mean it’s less than a coffee and you can buy 3 years of me working my little heart out. Amazing! I’m fine! Totally fine! (PS. No idea how long this last so goooo!)
Still hyperventilating over that part where my debut is out in the world…and also now in second printing?!
I LOVE YOU ALL. Seriously I would not be here without your support!! I, this smol anxious atypical author, am getting to start my career and I just !!! I am so grateful!!
Also it’s been featured on Goodreads list of Best YA Books of 2018…WHICH IS FREAKING AMAZING.
*HYPERVENTILATES FURTHER*
Sort of can’t believe it so nobody wake me up from this nice dream. And hECK YES I rated my own book 5 stars. I am its #1 fan.
Don’t forget to leave some reviews on Amazon and Goodreads if you can! It helps so much.
- Ok so one of my favourite authors Elizabeth May (she wrote The Falconer!) BOUGHT MY BOOK. #soft #screaming
- It was also at my publishers’ stall at #YALC in the UK!
- It also got featured in the Sunday Mail (a UK newspaper) which is…really special (!!) plus it was 1 of only 10 YA/Children’s books picked so…. !!!!
- Also did I mention it’s IN SECOND PRINTING.
- IT’S ONLY 2 MONTHS OLD.
- Super excited to have it featured in the Duality Book Box! I have my first official fanart ahhh.
- It also hit the Amazon Bestseller List! For, um…”violent YA” LOOOOOL. So typical of me tbh. But I’ll take it. I am in some seriously famous company here too woah.
- Also my author copies FINALLY ARRIVED…after being missing for a month. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ But at least they are here. So shiny and so…slippery, actually. They keep trying to leap out of my hands??? This might be because I am horrible to my characters.
- I do want to do some giveaways soon! But shipping is madly expensive so bare with me while I try to figure this out.
At YALC!
photo credit: @TeamBKMRK (my publisher)
I read 18 books this month!
It wasn’t actually the best reading month in terms of high-star-ratings…oops. I have been stressed. NO REASON WHY. But since it’s August now, I’ve actually been on reading FIRE this week and finishing a book a day (!!) which I haven’t done all year?! WHO AM I. WHAT DARK LEGION ATE ME.
Anyway this will probably last for 2 more days and then I’ll return to vaguely lying on the carpet with another dying pterodactyl shriek of existential crises. #Noice
BOOKS BOUGHT vs REVIEW COPIES
Omg so HMH Teen from America sent me books!! I AM SO DEAD. Grim Lovelies and Empress of All Seasons are like two books I’m so excited for ahhhhhhhhhhhh.
Also thanks to Bloomsbury and Owlcrate and Beacon Book Box for the other review books!
I also bought Little Do We Know and History Is All You Left Me (which I already LOVE so high time I had a physical copy!) and my preorder of Ship It finally came…like 2 months late. Thanks Australia. So…much…thanks…
FROM NETGALLEY
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THOR RAGNAROK || ★★★★★
“Didn’t you already watch this recently???” you ask with some confusion as I never watch movies let alone rewatch them. And the answer is YES. But my younger sister was visiting from uni so we both wanted to rewatch. We are both Thor and Loki as siblings tbh (NO GUESS FOR WHICH I AM) and the Australian humour adds years to our life.
Have I seen Civil War yet? Black Panther? Guardians Vol 2? HAHAH NO. I HAVE NOT. I have absolutely no priorities here someone help me.
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE || S4 ★★★★☆
I love this show SO MUCH. But only 4 seasons are on Netflix? Who hurt you, Netflix, that you must hurt me. Anyway it’s totally dumb and yet heartwarming and I fully love Rosa so much and every time she appears with her aMAZING HAIR, I just can’t even. Charles makes me so uncomfortable. I LOVE GINA. Amy is Hermione. Jake matured so muuuuuch omg he’s precious. And Holt is fantastic I love him and his resting-death-face. Also I appreciate that Terry is everyone’s MOTHER.
There were some episodes that had me not laughing as much as in previous seasons tho??? Shame on thee. Or on me being dead inside but pfffft. Let me rather blame the show.
LOVE SIMON || ★★★★☆
I love the book soooo muuuuuuch. So you KNOW I was freaking keen to finally see this. I liked it a lot and it was funny and freaking adorable. But Martin was so cringey. No one punched him either?? I’m so confused??? I would have??? And I know the Ferris Wheel Scene caused a division amongst fans but: OK I’M SORRY BUT I DIDN’T LIKE THAT PART EITHER. It just felt out-of-character for Blue? He was so shy and then to be so public about coming out? I like Shy-Book-Blue better.
But pfft it was still adorable and adorkable and I hope we get more movies like this from now on. Because look?! It’s actually making me watch movies instead of flap about eating the sun and being hyper with no direction!! Wow!
- So I also managed to draft a new book in July! I told you ok?! PRODUCTIVE. It’s totally a secret so I can say nothing #soft #screams but I got a 78,000-word draft in 11 days and I don’t hate EVERY word. Just like 87% of them! I finished and immediately wanted to rewrite. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
- 1st drafting sucks.
- I do miss being able to ramble on about my writing to you all. I’m sorrrrrry.
- Although I’m about to launch into more edits for The Boy Who Steals Houses so hopefully I’ll be able to share a few snippets?! (PS. You can read half the first chapter in the back of ATPN too!)
- I also…have had struggles with pirating. From joining in the discussion on twitter to having someone legit tag me to tell me they’d pirated my book. I mean. It’s devastating to me. I don’t even care how well people “think my career is doing” it will NOT LAST if I don’t get sales. This is fact. Anyway, I did totally cry about it. I’m so scared I won’t be able to be a full time author and people are just…maybe clueless? Maybe cruel. It’s still devastating.
- But anyway.
- In a WEEK I’m going to visit my older sister and her kids! Aka, I’m (a) taking my first solo plane flight and I’m pretty much about to hurl myself into the void just thinking about it, (b) I’m an anxious WRECK at all times did I mention, (c) I I think I might take a 2-week blogging hiatus.
- I never NEVER hiatus. But it’s just two weeks, starting around the 13th. And I admit: I’m really tired.
- Like reeeeally tired.
- I constantly tweet. I post 2 x a day on instagram. I blog 3 x a week…and WRITE BOOKS…and READ ALL THE BOOKS. And review. I’ve been working on some super challenging edits all year. Just generally being in publishing is frikkin exhausting.
- I’m just a little 0_0
- But I’ll still be all over social media, because I’m addicted. Seriously. I don’t understand social media hiatuses. DO YOU EXPECT ME TO TALK TO MY FAMILY???? ugh. But my Instagram Stories will NO DOUBT soon be flooded with cute baby nephew photos. And I’ll get to attack my sister’s library again so!! EXCITED. (And, ya know, see her and the older nephews/nieces. But pfft, priorities are LIBRARY + BABY.)
- In other news? My dog is a shapeshifting hellhound.
- He also jUMPED in the fishpond. He just like…jumped in there. He hates water. I thought he hated fish. Now the fish are traumatised and my dog smelled like a pond.
- I broke my keyboard on my Macbook Pro…again. (To be fair, it lasted 4 months this time. Wild.)
- We made a lemon meringue pie and I’m currently pushing for a chocolate pie. Because dessert is keeping this world together tbh.
Congratulations on the second round of printing and I have ATPN lined up next to read! At last. P.S. Australia may look further away on the map but South Africa is way behind in imports and postal service! Have a relaxing break – you deserve it x
EEEP, SUE!! THANK YOU!! I’m so glad you’re going to read ATPN and also so so honoured. 😍
Congratulations on the successes of ATPN!! Especially the second printing, which is wildly justified. I’m so proud for you lol, if that even makes sense??
I did do Camp, but I failed spectacularly. However, I’m glad you only hate 87% of your secret project. Way to go. (I’m also really craving your snippets, like they were the best thing ever)
I always wondered how you managed to do so much without taking a break, and I’m so glad you’re taking one now, even if it is only for two weeks. I don’t mean to overstep, but you really need some rest, mate. We will miss you, but you deserve it. Good luck with your flight, btw!
ALICE. YOU ARE TOO LOVELY.😭💛 I am just one big flail tbh. I have no idea what to even do with myself ahhhh.
But hey *hi five* for even doing Camp at all, right?! I mean my book is like…needs to be fully rewritten. Nearly everything. I don’t even know. 😂First drafts are just hellish. (And I miss doing snippets so much!)
And omg no it’s alright…tell me to go take a break.😂I am the WORST at over-working. I don’t really burn out but sometimes my brain just fritzes and wants out because I try to come up with new content for at least 3 different places and it’s…intense.😂
SECOND PRINTING + ONE OF THE BEST YA BOOKS SO FAR AAAAHHH CAIT YOUR SON IS GROWING I’M SO PROUD 😭
I will miss you on your 2-week hiatus abd I’m praying for your soul so you can finally watch all the MCU films you haven’t watched yet. But I agree to rewatching Ragnarok 1000 times!
I’ve read only 9 books this month which is kinda…meh. But it’s kinda fine?? At least I read more than 5. HAHAHA LOOK AT ME MAKING MYSELF FEEL BETTER.
Best read of the month are Queen of Shadows and Children of Blood and Bone. I don’t take hiatuses but I think the time for that is getting near because of school. I just hope it doesn’t come to that.
I just wanna share that my August is going great so far! This is solely because of #bookishwish on Twitter! There were 10+ people who offered to gift me books AND MY BROKE SOUL IS JUST. SO. HAPPY. Someone even told me they’d buy a physical copy of ATPN for me (because apparently I can’t pet ebooks)! Sadly, they haven’t been in touch with me and I haven’t messaged them yet because I don’t want to sound desperate (even though I am??). Hoping to have the physical copy soon. I hope my Kindle copy won’t sulk in the corner when I do.
I ALSO SAW THAT MOST PEOPLE USING THE #BOOKISHWISH TAG ARE WISHING FOR YOUR BOOK. AND THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO GIFT THEM ATPN.
NO COMMUNITY CAN BE AS AMAZING AS THE BOOKISH COMMUNITY TBH.
MY SON DONE ALL GROW’D UP SO FAST. *sniffles and waves as it runs into the horizon screaming bloody murder*
And omg it would actually be NICE if I get my life together and watched the MCU films….in order too? I also haven’t seen Antman.😂
hey more than 5 books is A LOT. Obviously we both deserve cake for this. (Also COBAB is so good, right?!) And omg I’m so so happy for you that the bookishwish thing was working for you! PEOPLE ARE SO LOVELY. All these book fairy godmothers! 😭💛
So many exciting things happening with ATPN!!!! Eeee, I’m so happy for you! And I can’t wait to read all your future books. <3 I'm so sorry you're experiencing pirating issues though. That sounds really, really tough. Is there any way to report them?
I totally understand your need for a hiatus! I've become really behind on everything to do with social media, as I have exams, and research projects due, and…everything. 😛 It sounds like you deserve a break though — we'll miss you, but completely support you if you need rest! I hope you get some lovely family time in! <3
I AM ALL THE EXCITE AND JUST STARRY-EYED FOREVER.😂I swear it’s still all totally surreal?! Apart from the pirating issue. I kind of…never really thought that would happen to me tbh. But so many people seem to have zero respect for artists. It’s devastating. (But yeah I can get my publishers onto it and they can often sort it out…but it’s kind of a sinking battle, I think?)
There’s a LOT to keep up with, right?!😂But I’ll probably never go completely radio-silence hiatus ha. I couldn’t manage it.😂
I started camp nano, but then just let it flop because I was working on outlining my book, and I got past the action to the recovery part, that I hadn’t even mentally fleshed out yet. It’s just a little blob where I let my characters take a nap and heal from their wounds. (they have a lot of them) so I got to that part and it’s just this little calm part where they cope with everything and my main character is also supposed to learn magic, and they’re recovering from a betrayal and it’s kind of a well meaning mess and I just left it for now.🤷♀️
Also I’m considering getting your book but I’d rather not be traumatized 😂
Most crazily, ~Olive
Ahhh Olive!! HI!! It’s been a while! *sends you all the cake* (Also I promise my book isn’t THAT bad.😂Or else I’m an especially heartless Vulcan…who can say.)
And oh that is VERY nice of you to actually let your characters nap and recover. You are a nice author.😂
Atticus had a very good reason to jump in the pond. He could not fling his tawny lockes for that photo if he were not rocking some product.
😂I don’t even know WHAT he was thinking, but he looked very surprised by his own actions afterwards hahah.
My July has gone well!! I read a bunch of books, swam a lot, went camping, and watched A Wrinkle in Time, which was good but the book was honestly better. 😂😂
BEST BOOK OF THE MONTH: Legendary & Everything Everything;
WORST BOOK OF THE MONTH: The Young Elites.
Legendary was amazing and twisty, and Everything Everything was soft and sweet, but The Young Elites just didn’t click with me. Looking back, I’m not sure WHY I didn’t like it, but still.
I’m not a blogger, so I can’t give any hiatus advice other than: You deserve a break, so just enjoy yourself and don’t stress about it!!
Aww that sounds like a super good summer you’re having there! And also I SO need to see A Wrinkle In Time.😂 I was always obsessed with that book! Although tbh I need to reread the book…haha, it has been a long long time.
(Also I don’t really like TYE either so we’re together on that. 😂And Legendary is MY LIFE AFDJKSALD I LOVE IT.)
Always take time for yourself!! It’s almost impossible to keep doing all the amazing-ness that you do if you don’t!💞 For me, July was a whirlwind: I was finishing up my program in Bath, England; after it ended, my sister met me in England, and then we traveled a little bit. AND THEN, I only had one night in my own bed until my entire family was yet again vacationing. I deserved all those hours they found me sitting on the couch reading (it was quite nice doing nothing). I did do Camp Nano but I lowered my word count. I’m so proud this year because I struggle with writing a lot in one sitting, but I managed to go over my goal and all of my writing was written within the month as opposed to last year!🙌
Agreeeeed. I find it so hard to switch off, but also, breaks are good?! Burn out is not! So hiatus here I come.😂 (But it’s only 2 weeks so at least that’s not too long haha.)
Aww that’s amazing you got to travel! That must’ve been SO exciting. Also I actually am struggling to write a ton in one sitting too this year…clearly it’s something about 2018. It is sabotaging us.😂
CAIT CAIT I JUST GOT YOUR BOOK AND IT IS GLORIOUS *smells the pages for the 100th time* AGH I CAN’T WAIT TO START IT!!! <3 <3 <3 (also Ragnarok YAS. The Get Help scene – I die every time xD)
AWW AREN’T YOU THE SWEETEST OF EVER. I’M FLAILING SO MUCH RIGHT NOW. 😍😍😍 I hope you like it!!
I JUST FINISHED IT AND I AM DEAD
I AM SO DEAD
I MIGHT HAVE ALMOST CRIED AT THE END AND I DON’T CRY OVER BOOKS EVER.
ASGJLAHSLJGALJGSHLHAJSGJAGSLJGJASGJGAJG THANK YOU FOR THAT BOOK CAIT I LOVE YOU AND IT SO MUCH <3 <3 <3
💛💛💛I WOULD GIVE YOU ALL THE CAKE RIGHT NOW. JUST ALL OF IT AHHHHHH AJFDKSLAD THANK YOU FOR READING. 😍😍😍
I’m glad the author stuff is mostly going well. Enjoy visiting your family! Also, I can relate about dogs getting into nasty water. I used to have retrievers, and they’d get into any water, no matter how gross it was.
What is it with dogs?! Although I swear my dog is usually SO pedantic. Like he hates baths and the ocean and touching wet grass…and I turn around for 5 mins and he’s cLIMBED UP THE WALL AND JUMPED IN A FISH POND. I can’t even.
Oh, this is all so exciting!!! I’m so happy your book is doing so splendid out their in the big world. And good luck with your drafting and probable hiatus. Also, everyone needs to watch Thor: Ragnorak at least every other month or so. It’s just so funny and worth it.
Also, I’m so sorry about the evil pirating! It’s just so awful and I can’t believe the terrible things people were saying on social media about pirating! Like, it’s literally stealing from poor authors and people don’t seem to care? I don’t understand AT ALL. Stop stealing or we won’t have good books. :-/
Enjoy your visit with cute relatives! And hope the puppy stays out of ponds and the fish all recover. 🙂
Thank yoooooou!!! You are so so kind!😍 And honestly Thor is like the good medicine we all need in this world that is slowly burning around our ears. :’) Bless the director, he is the true hero of the MCU.
And ugh the worst thing about pirating is how many people flaunt it as “their right” because like…who cares if authors get to keep writing apparently. It sucks that some people can’t afford to buy books, but honestly the piraters are usually not those people! And I HATE that someone would actually tell me to my face. What the heck. 😭😭
First of all: I WILL FIGHT ANYONE WHO TAKES ANYTHING OF YOURS WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT (or anyone’s, for that matter). PIRATING IS AWFUL. YOU NEED MONEY TO LIVE, TOO. It makes me so angry.
Second of all: AUSSIE NETFLIX HAS BROOKLYN-NINE-NINE???? I’m dying to get one season, let alone four. But also, they should add all of them.
OH GOOD. YOU CAN BE MY FIGHTER. I WILL SEND YOU OUT INTO THE LANDS TO AVENGE ME. And I can just sit on the floor and whinge tbh. That seems fair.
And yes yes Aussie netflix has seasons 1-4 and I’m cranky because aren’t there like 6 out?! WHY DON’T WE GET THE REST.
I’ve read your blog for such a long time, I think I’m honestly going to miss you when you go on hiatus. But I get it, I don’t really plan on staying away from anything in particular but I’ve spent less time on social media for the past few weeks and I think that was actually a really good idea. I’m trying to enjoy my summer holidays to the fullest and that just works better without drama, seeing so much news and just… less stuff to do.
Your book is actually one of my faves of July (I thought I read it in June but apparently not? I think the heatwave fried my brain) and my reread of Lord of Shadows made me love the whole series and every single character even more. It did break my heart again, though. By the end, I was just squinting at the pages through my fingers until it was over haha. Can’t wait for QoAaD but I’m also really terrified.
Aww TAMI! I appreciate that. I will miss everyone too…and also panic a bit haha, because I always panic when I’m not blogging?! But I seriously have been going non-stop for several years and this will probably be good to just turn off. 😂 And 2 weeks isn’t that long!
Lord of Shadows is INCREDIBLE. I’m going to reread it before the finale book but like…do I want my heart shattered again NOW or closer to December? Decision sdecisions.
July was both amazing and terrible. Amazing in that I got into better writing habits and also blogged more. Terrible in that my social life was sorely neglected. I also did Camp NaNo. I didn’t reach my initial word goal and had to reset it, but I reached the second goal and am set on writing more in August. I’m learning that I’m not good with rushed deadlines, so I plan to work slow and steady this month. And hopefully once I get a routine established, I’ll be able to increase my writing pace over time.
I’ve taken several long hiatuses from blogging in the past. It’s really easy to get burn out from the pressure of producing content, but the worst is the pressure of thinking critically of books. I love reading, but blogging can make it feel like work sometimes! Some things that have helped me are (2) to read more of what I love and (2) to not just read publisher copies for review but to read my own purchases.
I vote for The Forest Queen for your next read because of the title and cover. (Pretty bad reasons? I’m still curious to know about it!)
Aww but I’m glad you got plenty of blogging and writing done! I mean…pity about the social life. 😂I do not have one so can’t relate.😂 Lmao. But that’s awesome that you’re going to keep writing in August! I probably won’t get much done because of going away for most of the month, but September?! My writing month *flexes* (Also slow and steady DOES win the race though, especially with writing.)
And blogging definitely does feel like work a lot of the time …oops. I takes ages to get things together, right?!
OMG yay I’m so happy for all this ATPN success !!!! I noticed it (him?) on the Goodreads best ya books of 2018 list and I SQUEALED! I feel bad the for whole pirating thing though – that’s just not fair.
But I can’t wait to read ATPN!!!! I’m Canadian and my parents won’t let me buy anymore books… I may possibly have a little too many… oops! ! just recently submitted a purchase request to my library online and, to my surprise, they accepted it a day later! I am so excited to read your beautiful work of art!
SO FREAKING STOKED THAT IT WAS ON THAT GOODREADS LIST. *dies* That’s like…more than I thought tbh. 😍😍 (Luckily more good things are happening to me than the awful stuff, like pirating and awful people flaunting it. Bleh.) But ahem. Thanks so so much for wanting to read it! I’m SO excited that your library bought it.😍 I hope ou enjoy!!
Best book in July, and I’m being completely honest, ATPN!!! And I read a LOT of good books in July
Worst book, Throne of Glass, um, at least I won’t be dedicating time to the entire series?
Do I take hiatuses often, well the only blog like thing I do is Goodreads and I die without going on there everyday so nope, also your hiatus will at a convenient time for me because I’m going on a vacation around then anyways so I won’t be able to read much of any blogs
OMG FRANK, THANK YOU. And I’m laughing that ToG was your worst. *hi fives* 😂😂
And see? I timed my hiatus specifically to fit in with your holiday too.😂
Oh my gosh, Cait! Congratulations! YOU’RE BOOK IS IN SECOND PRINTING. I haven’t read it but I am still so happy for you! That is incredible! Everytime I read about all of the things you do/juggle I am amazed. I can hardly believe that you do so much! That is amazing!
THANK YOU STEPHANIE!! I can’t even believe it *flails* (And clearly I kind of am not juggling so well currently. 😂 But hopefully a break will fix that haha.)
Congrats on how awesome your book is doing that’s so awesome!! Oh my gosh I loved the book and I really really really want to see Love, Simon!!!!!
Nabila | Hot Town Cool Girl
You totally should see Love Simon! It’s SO adorable and afjdksald I loved it. (And thank you about my book!)
Wow, you really do sound productive! I’m sorry that you’re so tired. Take your 2 weeks and then come back ready to continue your plans of world domination. 😉 Also, I love hearing about all the amazing things that are happening to your book and you because of your book since that’s like every author’s dream.
Except pirating. I’m not sure what it is, but it doesn’t sound very nice.
I am definitely a blob right now.😂But I will be baaack with lots of posts (probably😂knowing me I will do zilch preparing and then come back and just flap about trying to get something prepared😂).
(Pirating is stealing books!)
HOW DARE THEY STEAL FROM QUEEN CAIT 😡
Congrats on ALL THE AWESOME THINGS!
Also thanks for the info on the sale… I may have just bought it. 😀 *SHRIEKING*
I’m so sorry for the pirating problems though. 🙁 I’m a smol sad angry person about that–it’s terrible! *HUGGLES* I hope it stops.
I was so excited when it got on the Goodreads blog. XD YOUR AUTHOR COPIES ARE GORGEOUS.
And WOW so much reading!! I need to read the FIRST Lady Jane book… XD *is behind*
Ooh, I’m glad you liked Fawkes! I have a review copy waiting for me to devour it (which I got to take to a writers conference this month and got it SIGNED by Nadine! *diiiies*) but it’s so pretty all I want to do is pet it. 😛
THOR RAGNAROK IS SO FUNNY HALP. I need to rewatch it.
AND you wrote a book in July?? YOU ARE ALL THE AMAZING.
I hope you have a fabulous time visiting the relations and the baby and the library! (I went on my first roadtrip this last month wITHOUT family so I hear you on eep new experiences. I feel like I’ve been gone half of July… probably because I… have. XD) And enjoy your blog hiatus–you so deserve it being so amazing and productive! <3 I will go cry now because #nolemonmeringuepie. XD
Thanks so much for sharing all your updates!! I always love these posts of yours. ^_^
AWw thank you Deborah!! YOU’RE SO LOVELY. 😍 I hope you enjoy!! And afjdkslad I’m so happy to finally have my author copies. They are shinnnny and my dragon heart is very very glad right now.
And Fawkes is GREAT and Nadine is the actual sweetest author ever. I love her so much ahhhh!! (Also so cool that yours is signed!) For some reason the hardcover isn’t available until August for me to order?! But I’m going to order asap!
Ahhh for new experiences for us both *hi fives* I’m glad you survived your trip eeep. 😂 (And SO glad you like these updates!)
Having fanart made from YOUR BOOK means you’ve peaked, Cait. That’s it, you’re done.
Jake Peralta’s character development is so brilliant and he and Amy make me so happy!!! Terry and Holt are my close second favorites. I just love everyone in that show and all of their shenanigans.
LOVED “Love, Simon.” Martin is AWFUL but the actor did such a brilliant job bringing his cringey character to life. I also love the addition of the awkward principal because people like him totally exist.
Did book pirating just explode all of a sudden?? I know it’s always been an issue but I’ve seen SO MUCH talk about it lately it makes me wonder if something in particular happened to bring attention to it.
Camp NaNo was a bit of a disaster for me. xD I knew I wouldn’t have much time to write what with performing in a show, which meant I was out of the house for over twelve hours most days. I set a goal for 20,000 words but, uh, only wrote 10,000. Whoops.
I KNOW RIGHT?! I CAN RETIRE NOW. A REAL AUTHOR BOUGHT MY BOOK AND I’VE GOT FANART. *flings confetti at myself*
And omg Jake has grown SO MUCH. His character development is incredible…and so is Amy too tbh. I want Amy for queen of the police (whatever the real title is pfft who cares. She will be Queen of the Police). And I love how TIRED Terry gets of everyone’s shenanigans. 😂
Agreed about Martin. Like I HATED HIM SO MUCH 😂So I guess that is actually a testament to his good acting but fffssss I think he was less awful in the book?
And who knows what’s happening with pirating right now. I think it’s consistently terrible, but readers suddenly think it’s ok to fling it in authors’ faces that they’re stealing from us. It really terrifies me tbh. 😭
But that’s amazing you got ANYTHING done with also doing a show!!
Yes, take a break. We will sob quietly at your absence because we love you but please take a break because you DESERVE IT. (And I agree: dessert really IS keeping the world together.)
I’M PRETTY EXTRA SURE THE WORLD WILL STOP IF I DO THO. But it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make *nods sadly*
It bugs me so much that Netflix only has 4 seasons of B99 too. I watched the whole of s4 the day it went up and now it looks like I’ll have to wait forever for s5 to go up next, grr.
AND CONGRATS ON ALL OF THE SUCCESS!!! You definitely deserve it after working so hard to get to where you are now 🙂 I’ll definitely be reading everything that you put out next 🙂
Oooh, I take hiatuses a little too often 😅 But I don’t announce them I just, like, disappear for a while and then come back?? Aha, I’m probably not the best person to give advice on hiatuses 😅
Whyyyy did they not upload the next seasons?! Like WHAT IS THIS. I see everyone on twitter flailing about stuff I can’t see and I just…😭😭Who is here to make life better without new episodes of B99?? Shame, Neflix, SHAME.
Ajfaksld thank you so much though, Louise, you are too lovely to me. 😍
But hey maybe disappearing and not overthinking it is the BETTER way to do this. Haha. I am…suffering.
Ach, your son is on my bookshelf AT THIS VERY MOMENT (unless my cat ate him while I wasn’t looking) and that is so awesome that one of your favorite authors bought ATPN! That is just…wow. And all the things! It’s so exciting that it’s getting the recognition that it deserves!!!
Second printing??? WHAT. Huzzah!!!
But pirating? NO? WHY???
Don’t steal Beck, it’s not NICE.
My best read of July (if I can remember back that far) was Because You’ll Never Meet Me by Leah Thomas and I wanted to adopt Ollie and Moritz but my sister claimed them first.
Worst read was probably…a book I can’t even remember the name of, but oh well. It was about these kids with a pet dragon, which sounds exciting but mostly ’twas boring.
I didn’t do NaNo, but I wrote a book!!! It’s appalling, but it’s a BOOK.
I hope you have a great time with your sister’s bookshelf. 😉
I’M SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW, DID I MENTION YOU’RE THE BEST. 😍😍 Also afjdslad I’m so glad Beck is out there, conquering the world, making everyone cry. Bless him.
And aww I love Ollie and Moritz so much too!! I loved the sequel even more than the first book!
Our NaNo books of terribleness can go hang out together. 😂
You can always merge the desserts. Chocolate meringue pie is delicious.
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/15374/chocolate-meringue-pie/
Omg that is SUCH a good idea.
Take your well earned hiatus Cait. <3 We will all still be here. (Well, you never know, I might run away with dragons but I'll try to be here when you get back…I mean, dragons trump everything else.)
Aww thank you!! I am always super nervous to take hiatuses hhaha, but honestly I am a limp noodle at this point so I need to. (DON’T TAKE MY DRAGONS THO.)
Congrats on all the book news! 🙂
July was okay. Very busy, really, and now that we’ve hit August I seem to have crashed as far as blog post ideas go!
Have a good August!
Thank yoooou!! 💛 Agh but I’m with you on crashing with blog post ideas. *flops on the floor* Maybe we both need a break, hey?!
So many amazing milestones—congrats Cait!! I’m just so sorry to hear that piracy had to dampen those good vibes (also, for a split second I thought you were going to be making a joke about old timey Jack Sparrow-type pirates, before the more heartbreaking news). And they even had the gall to tag you and tell you about it?? That’s just awful. I hope it’s the first and last time you ever have to deal with that!
Yeah ugh, the piracy does dampen this all, but I’m glad it’s not tanking my book or anything. SIGH. But at least there are way way more positive and amazing things happening in my life (and for ATPN right now!!) But holy frick why on earth would anyone tell me about it. 😭😭
ACK, CAIT. Every time you share A Thousand Perfect Notes news I get all excited and proud and inspired!! Amazon bestseller list?? Second printing??? THIS CALLS FOR CAKE. You are an inspiration to us all, (And the ATPN art is BEAUTIFUL ahhhhhhh).
I did Camp NaNo! I think I finished at…10 or 11pm? On the 31. So yes. Not cutting it close at ALL. But I did finish!
I take frequent, unplanned hiatuses. By which I mean I spend weeks running around in panicky circles because I have misplaced all the time I was supposed to have, and then realize in the middle of the night that it has been almost a month since I’ve posted anything.
And YES, can we please have The Boy Who Steals Houses snippets??? Will trade cake for snippets.
Afjdksald I’m so happy thooooough. I can’t even contain myself. 😍😍 mY BOOK IS JUST OUT THERE BEING A BOOK AND AFJDKSLAD. I CAN’T BELIEVE IT.
Also wooo congrats on finishing Camp!! Even if you scrapped in at the last minute. 😂
I almost feel like not planning a hiatus would make it less nerve-wracking?! So maybe you have the better idea.😂
(Fingers crossed I can sneak some TBWSH snippets out.😍)
ATTICUS WHY WOULD YOU JUMP IN THE POND. Maybe he was hungry… For fish? Congrats on your book being in its second printing, that is so amazing to hear! It will also be talked about on the radio tonight 😉
I DON’T KNOW, JEANN. I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS. He hates baths. He hates the sea. He hates WATER. And I hear this splash and run outside and mY DOG IS IN THE POND.
At least I’m raising my book better than I’m raising my dog?? I can’t even. 😂
(I AM LISTENING TO YOU ON THE RADIO RIGHT NOOOOOW!!!)
Oh Cait, July reading was miserable for me too! Like I think my best book was 4 stars? What even? The best book was Hidden Pieces by Paula Stokes. The worst was… everything else.
I actually realized that I hadn’t cross-posted my review on Amazon, what kind of friend even am I?! BUT I just did it- though I had to remove all the curses because Amazon is a big old censorer which… rude. I want the lemon meringue pie. And then I want the chocolate one.
Hiatuses are hard. Though I won’t lie, I have gotten MUCH better at them? Because I too am tired and like, sometimes you just CAN’T you know? And you have so much on your plate that you deserve, nay, NEED a break. So take one and feel zero percent guilty.
Also, very sorry about the pirates. I don’t understand. I mean bad enough that people DO it, but then to brag about it, to tell YOU about it!?! What is actually wrong with them? BUT I am so, SO happy that you are having so many successes with your book, because you 100% deserve every last one of them! ♥♥♥
*cries with you* Honestly if I hadn’t done some rereads…🙊I probably would be REALLY miserable right now haha. I mean Obsidio and Bright We Burn I knew I’d like because the rest of the series was so good. But yeeeeah, so meh about most of everything?
What on earth, Amazon censors swearing?! Weird. 😱 I actually can’t upload to Amazon right now because I haven’t bought anything for too long. Bleh. I hopefully will buy a cheap ebook I think??? Then I can do Amazon reviews again. (I HATE how they did that though.)
Blehhh I hate hiatuses, EVERYONE WILL FORGET ABOUT MEEEEE.
Yeah I mean, holy wow, why on earth would you tell ME that you stole my work? 😭 People are cruel. I like to think they’re clueless, but seriously, how can they be? We live in a world of pirated art so, um, yeah…And the fact that it’s ONE freaking dollar on Amazon. There’s no excuse to pirate.
Every time I read your blog I seem to add at least five books to my TBR.
Eeep, so many books. I still can’t get over the fact that your published!!!
<3
Ohhh excellent. My work of flooding everyone’s TBRs is done.😂
AHHHHHH I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL EXCITING BOOK. I finally OWN my copy and IT IS WAITING. VERY IMPATIENTLY,. (don’t worry, it won’t be waiting long) I’m sooooo glad you enjoyed Obsidio (it is the literal best and I can’t even with how it all tied together. I died of happiness and I cannot WAIT for the Andromeda Cycle). I reeeally want to get into Stephanie Kuehn’s books… do you think it matters which I start with? Any recs?
New favorite book of July- Save the Date by Morgan Matson!! It was ridiculously fabulous! I loved the emphasis on family and, you know, romance isn’t always the most important thing, even if it’s a contemporary by Morgan Matson.
AMYYYYY. THANK YOU!! 💛 I can’t even say how much it means to me that you want to read it! EEP.
Also wasn’t Obsidio just the freaking best?! I’m still DEAD after that ending and I’m so so excited for Aurora Arising!!
Also ALL of Stephanie Kuehn’s books are amazing. Highly recommend. 😍 I really think Charm & Strange is the best though? But like it doesn’t matter where you start! They don’t intersect at all, they’re just all…so…messed up. 😂
I’m super excited about Save the Date ahhh!!!
Of course! I know it’s going to be amazing. I’m just not ready for it to destroy me. XD
Yes yes yes! Is that the title of the first Andromeda book? I hope that the new series is just as good as the last.
Haha okay! I can do messed up! I’ll definitely check them out; thanks for the rec. 🙂
I hope you love it as much as I did!! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
I think it’s the title…unless I mixed it up. 😂 I can’t WAIT to see the cover ahhh!
Can’t believe ATPN is two months old already. I am dying to read your book but sad thing is BD lost my order in shipping and I’m still waiting for them to ship a replacement. Ah, the agony!
Have a safe trip on your way to you sister. And don’t fret if you’re going to take a blogging break. We are still going to be here when you get back. 🙂
I KNOW RIGHT?! It’s growing up so fast. *motherly cries over baby all grow’d up* Omg but seriously they LOST your order?! How dare they. Did they not know this is the most important book. 😭😂 I hope the replacement comes fast!
And you’ll definitely still be able to catch me on social media at least haha.😂
Congratulations on all the good book news, Cait, it makes me so, so happy and warms my heart to see your debut being so warmly received by everyone. I am THRILLED to share that I have a copy of your book coming in my mail VERY SOON and I can’t wait to hold it in my hands, read it and be heartbroken over it all haha. 🙂
I’m so sorry you didn’t love Your Destination Is On The Left, though now I am curious about why it’s that weird…? I really want to read that one, it sounds like a fun read though 🙂 and YAY I need to read Obsidio and Grace & Fury I am so happy you enjoyed both! 😀
I hope you will have a relaxing break, Cait, I can’t imagine how tired you must be – I know that feeling, I’m definitely not doing as much as you are, but I’m still exhausted between working full time and maintaining a blog and everything. I hope you’ll have a wonderful break and come back filled with new ideas! <3 <3
MARIE, YOU’RE SO LOVELY.😍Thank you!! And omggg thank you so so much for getting ATPN. 💛 Means the absolute world to me, I hope you like it! (No pressure though, I promise haha.)
I hope you like Your Destination Is On the Left then!! 😂I’m trying not to do negative reviews anymore tbh, but yeaaaah…the romance is a bit off?
SO TIRED. I can’t even with me.😂I tend to go full-speed or just end up as a blob on the floor. 😂
Of course, you’re so welcome, I am so excited to read it and I’m sure that I will love it (and probably cry about it, too…. I’m ready. Or not. haha) <3 SO happy to have it already and support you and your writing! <3 <3
Oh I understand – I'm sorry you felt like it was a bit "off", but I guess we can't all love every aspect of every book, the world would be very boring otherwise ! 😂
I SO get that feeling, I'm the same way 😂 I hope you'll take some time to rest, take care of yourself! <3 <3
Wow, you read a lot in July and did some drafting and editing!! I’ve just told two of my best friends about the ATPN sale on Kindle, maybe they’ll pick it up (I hope so!). Sometimes it’s good to take a break :).
These are my best reads of July:
E. J. Copperman and Jeff Cohen – An Asperger’s Mystery 1: The Question of the Missing Head (adult mystery novel)
Guy Delisle – Hostage (graphic memoir of a man who was taken hostage for some time)
Lucy Knisley – Relish (food graphic memoir)
Jen Wang – The Prince and the Dressmaker (graphic novel about a prince who loves to wear dresses, and his dressmaker).
And my worst reads:
David B. – Epileptic (graphic memoir)
Daniel Alarcón – The Ballad of Rocky Rontal (temporarilyfree short story)
I have actually read some ‘text’books also this month, but they were not my favourites nor my worst. Ie. I read When My Heart Joins the Thousand and Tash Hearts Tolstoy this month.
I love reading about your dog and your family :).
I hope you have a good hiatus :)! Will miss you but sometimes a break is needed :).
I am kind of impressed with how much I got done since I was sort of just…dragging myself around.😂I’m SO excited for august though ahhhhh. And aww thanks for spreading the news about ATPN’s sale! 😍 Thank you!!
Also I’m very glad you’ve had so many excellent reads this month.😍 Go us with reading so much in July!
July was…a little bit of control, tbh, with that thing where I would be bored and have nothing happening and then everything came at once. But I managed to do *some* writing and get back to uni okay and have some exciting/terrifying (whay are all the exciting things scary?) coming up, so that’s good! I don’t really take hiatuses, but sometimes won’t blog for a bit because I’m away, but usually schedule posts. I remember when you took a break in November 2014 when I’d just started following you and you had all these guest bloggers which was cool! anyway, I would suggest that if you have an idea for a post or a tweet or whatever, write it down so it’s safe then try to forget about it so you can really enjoy being with your family. I hope you have the best time! Best book was probably the first one I read this month, Final draft, and worst was Save the date, the last book I read.
Honestly if I was organised, I could’ve gotten some guest posters in. 😂 But I think a week is too much pressure to ask people haha. but omg I don’t think I’ve taken a decent hiatus since probably 2014??? Like a week off here and there, but I’m fully goooooing for 2 weeks. GOING TO DO THIS AND NOT STRESS. (I always stress about my stats dissolving.😂)
But I’m so glad you got some writing done! And that uni hasn’t eaten you completely eep.
(Ohhh no I have Save the Date for this month.😂)
I am the queen of hiatuses. I saw, take it and enjoy it! But also beware, because sometimes once you get a taste of what NOTHINGNESS is like it’s hard to get fully back into DOING ALL THE THINGS. (Of course, this is you we’re talking about. You’ll definitely be ready to do all the things again.)
CONGRATS ON THE BOOK ONCE AGAIN! BUT ALSO BOO PIRATES. It really is SO sad that that’s such a big issue in the book world. I mean, even if someone can’t afford to buy a book, why can’t they at least use the library? So much work goes into a book, from the author, the editor, the publicist, the marketers, the production staff, the designers, etc, etc, etc. To believe it’s not even worth the small price it is now is just crazy to me. (Especially when there are often deals like that £1 Amazon promotion!) Ah, it’s so frustrating. I’m truly sorry we live in such a world. (Even moreso when people think they can do it and then TAG you saying they have. Wow.)
Anyways, onto happier things. I’m so glad to see you loved Obsidio. It was voted on my Twitter as my next read and I’m so excited to get into it. And I’ve been seeing Grace & Fury everywhere lately, I might have to pick myself up a copy. Though wait, is that the start of a series? I’m not sure I’m ready for a shocker of an ending and then having to wait a year for the next book. I don’t know if you’ve read the Red Rising series (I’m sure you have, you’ve read everything) but I was so glad I already owned Morning Star after finishing Golden Son because there was no way I was prepared to read anything else after that ending.
Now to answer your questions, best and worst reads for July. Hm… I actually didn’t overly dislike anything in July, which was nice. I’d say the worst out of a good bunch was maybe The Poison Bed? It’s not my usual read but I picked it up to explore the books for a publisher I was applying for. The first half of the book was really quite slow and took a while to adjust to (It’s one of those stories where the timeline jumps back and forth and has dual narratives so the first few chapters you’re just sort of going “Whaaaa?”), but in the second half of the book one of the narratives took a twist and it ended with a bit of delicious evilness so I ended up mostly happy with it. And the best? I’ll give that to Morning Star, just because though I didn’t love everything about it I am really happy with how that series ended. (Now I just have to decide if/when I’ll move onto Iron Gold.)
Anyways, whether you hiatus or not, I hope you have an amazing August Cait! Take care of yourself <3
Haha I am a bit worried about that whole taking-a-hiatus-and-then-having-it-stretch-a-little-longer-like-maybe-forever.😂I have been VERY worn out with blogging lately lamo. But hopefully this will have me come back with lots of ideas?! Or else I’ll just flop back into blogging my normal nonsense.😂
And holy heck, just knowing my book is ONE FREAKING DOLLAR and then still stealing it? Behind disgusting. It’s my career, people! I am not rich! I really need to get the numbers so I can keep going.
Ohhh good luck with Obsidio! It is a roller coaster for sure *hyperventilates* And Grace & Fury deserves the hype. 😉 Also shout out to it being half named for meeee. And yes it starts the series and the cliffhanger is pretty wicked.😂 And I HAVE read Red Rising! Of course.😂 The cliffhangers for that should’ve been illegal though ahh. I confess I hated Iron Gold though.😂I wish I’d just stopped with the original trilogy.
I’m so glad you ended up liking The Poison Bed (now THAT’S one I haven’t read😂) but it’s good when books turn out better at the end than the beginning right?! I’m glad you didn’t have any too sucky reads though!
July was a great buying month for books, not so much a great reading month! I have somehow acquired 13 new books and I don’t know how it happened, the money just kind of jumped off my card? But I have started doing a book unhaul, and have 35 books on my list to get rid of, so I feel like it kind of balances out all the new books-not that new books need any justification whatsoever. I only read two books though, work has been taking up my entire life, so I have barely had time to do anything, I read Radio Silence (kinda meh, I get why other people love it, it just wasn’t for me) and Children of Blood and Bone which was AGHHH SO AMAZING I CAN’T EVEN, so there was absolutely no inbetween in July, it was either “eh” or OMG BEST BOOK EVER I AM DECEASED. I have sadly had basically no time for writing in July, I finished my last round of edits for TINALS in June and got them back in July but have barely had any time to do any. When I was at YALC though, I met your agent and she was so lovely and said my book sounded like it was very marketable so I have basically been internally flailing about that ever since! I have actually never taken a blogging hiatus, at least not officially, so I’m afraid no tips on that front!
Isn’t that the awkwardest thing when books just SUDDENLY APPEAR AND IT DEFINITELY ISN’T OUR FAULT.😂 And honestly my life’s problem is acquiring more books than I read in a month lmao and yet here I am. Continuing.
Aw I love Radio Silence! But COBAB was amazing too. 😍
And ohh congrats on the last round of edits!
Omg you met Polly?! THAT’S AMAZING. You’re ahead of me. 😂I would love to meet her IRL.
Oh absolutely! I mean suddenly I have all these books that I have no room for on my shelf….it’s not my fault, books are magic, they multiply on their own. Oh mine too, even when I have a good reading month, I’ve always bought more than I’ve read. I mean I had a very slow buying month in June, so I’m really just making up for it! Yeah I can definitely see why people love Radio Silence so much it just wasn’t for me. COBAB though…..I just can’t, how can a book be that good? Ha ha thanks, I phrased that badly though, it’s not my final round of edits, it’s actually only my second round of edits, still have a long way to go!
Ha ha yes, I did, she was so lovely! Hopefully you guys actually get to meet soon 🙂
AWWW SO HAPPY FOR YOUUUUU — congrats on the second round of printing!! ATPN is currently sat on my shelf waiting for me to read it once I’ve finished with my current book – Entangled by Cat Clarke (soooooo gooood).
I can’t even fathom the effort you must have put in to write a 78,000 word draft in just 11 days. Not sure I’ve even written that many words in my life (hehe). I should take notes really. I should be writing right now but this beanbag is just way too comfy for me to go and pick up a pen and start writing 😂
Lovely Post !! 💛💛
Thea x
theascott.blogspot.co.uk
Aww thank you SO SO MUCH.😍I hope you like it *nervous flails* hehe. And the drafting really can happen because I outline really intensely. 😂Otherwsie I’m sure I’d get stuck haha.
That’s such amazing news for your book! I’ve not read it yet (my TBR pile is practically crushing me right now. I’m going to end up swimming in books soon!!) but it’s one of my most anticipated reads of this year. I’ve not seen a single bad review about it! You’re incredibly inspiring to all of us bloggers who have dreams to become an author. Maybe one day…! It really sucks that people are pirating your book, though. And the fact that someone actually tagged you in their post to say they’ve pirated it is hella rude!
I only read five books in July. It was pitiful 😂
ALSO, THOR: RAGNAROK IS ONE OF THE BEST FILMS EVER! And yes, that deserved all caps! It’s a film everyone needs to watch, even people who don’t like the MCU. Everyone needs to experience Korg! He was hands down my favourite character from the film.
I totally relate to the feel of being crushed by one’s TBR pile!😭😂 MEEEEE always haha. And aw thank you so so much for saying nice things. 😍Truly means the world to me! It’s really nerve-wracking being a blogger and switching to author eep. (And cannot get over the person who TOLD me they stole my book…a new very very low.)
THOR RAGNORAK IS A GIFT AND PROBABLY KEEPING THIS WORLD TOGETHER. Korg is amazing. 😂 “IT’S LIKE A CIRCLE, BUT A FREAKY CIRCLE.”
Yeah, pirating SUCKS. It is NEVER okay, I don’t CARE how much books cost. It’s what libraries/old ARCs/borrowing from friends are for. Indeed, if authors don’t get sales, publishers don’t see the big picture, they won’t hesitate to drop that contract renewal. One of the benefits about being an indie author is A) people are less likely to pirate your book (but we’re not happily touting that as an advantage!!!), B) we can still choose to publish ourselves *even* if we get hacked. But that’s little comfort! Especially since there are lots of trad pub authors that *we* love to read, too, and we don’t want something to happen to their career because of some selfish, immoral idiots! (And no, I’m not going too far by calling pirates that!)
Oh, Atticus, lol… Does he smell better now? 😉 First solo flight…ah, come on, Dragon Queen, you eat planets for breakfast, you can do this! 😉
Agh yes, the pain is real. And a LOT of readers have this idea that if you’re traditionally published you’re super rich and set for life. Looool I wish. It’s just like any other job. You work = you get paid. I can’t even think about living off my writing for a long time yet, but I really want to!? And I’m terrified I might not be able to, not being a Big Name author and already falling to pirates. (But like the freaking audacity to TELL ME TO MY FACE THAT THEY STOLE MY BOOK. What even.)
Atticus definitely had a bath. 😂
(Super super nervous about this flight ahhh.😭😂)
Aaaack, Cait! A 2ND PRINTING?? Congratulations!!!!!!!!! I finally have your book and I’m so excited to start reading it during my visit to my Grandparents’ house 🙂
And you’ve completed a draft in 11 days? Okay, wowwwww I’m going to sit here like an awkward potato that is so jealous haha.
I’d love to read a blog post from you talking about the madness that goes on during those 8 days.
I wish I could send you a chocolate pie because Internet Pirates are the absolute worst. I’m sorry it happened to you 🙁 Hope you have a good week ahead.
Awww THANK YOU MARIA!!! I so so hope you like it! *flails nervously* 😂And haha, okay but writing fast doesn’t necessarily mean it’s very tidy writing.😂Although last year I was doing 30K a day for a draft and that was a LOT more messy.
I have chocolate pie now so the week is already looking spectacular. 😍
I’m having brownies on Wednesday so cheers to that as well 🙂
And I hope i like it toooooo 🙂 <3
Violent YA??!! haha. Nice! (But also congratulations! Your book is doing so well!!)
This month was good for me, very productive! And I’ve also read a lot too, which is great. And good things too. I’ve been reading quite a lot of contemporary, but have just now started The Sacrifice Box, which is like a supernatural horror / stranger things spin off. It is pretty fantastic so far, I am really into it. 🙂
Have a lovely holiday Cait and take a well deserved rest!! 🙂
So not a surprise right?!😂😂I mean, I didn’t even know that was a category but I’LL TAKE IT. I’M NOT FUSSY.😂
Ooh the Sacrifice Box sounds kind of awesome?! I don’t read a lot of horror but I LOVED Stranger Things. 😂
july seemed to treat you really well.
im sorry that people were so cruel as to pirate your book 🙁
i think july was good for me, i read a lot and did a lot of bookish things but blogging kinda fell on the back burner for once. hoping to get back on track now though
I did definitely have a very busy/good July, which is great!! (The pirating not so great, but I’m trying not to think about it too much gahhhh.) And I’m glad you got a ton of bookish things done!! I feel like August will be my blog-on-the-backburner-month, but that’s fair, right?! We can’t go full steam all the time. 😂
Okay so I have to ask while I’m thinking about it and before I forget: How do you get paid? For your book, I mean. I’m so confused by all of that, and I’m assuming it has to do with specifics contracts? Do you get paid up front plus an extra for book sales or what?
In other news, I am slowly shoving ATPN into friends’ faces and watch them crumble into despair. It is glorious.
Yes I have a publishing contract with Hachette UK. 🙂 I get paid a specific advance and once the book earns that out (which may or may not happen) then I’ll get paid royalties. That’s just generally how a traditional publishing contract plays out anyway!
Also I THOROUGHLY approve of watching people’s faces crumble into despair. THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR TOO.
OH I bought a copy of A Thousand Perfect Notes when I noticed it was on sale!! I’m so excited to read it! Congratulations again on getting published, you deserve all the good things. <33 Wow 18 books is a lot… O_O That's so impressive! It's too bad you didn't enjoy the books you read more though.
My July was pretty good!! I *attempted* to participate in Camp NaNo..but uh I actually changed my mind a few times about the project I was working on. Basically, I started drafting a YA contemporary and I made it to almost 20K then halfway through the month, I was all like..OK I'M STUCK WHY DON"T I WORK ON SOMETHING ELSE. So I started writing another draft but then I got unstuck again so I returned to my main book….yeah some questionable decisions were made hahah but it doesn't matter because * a book * will hopefully be finished by the end of this summer. I honestly admire you so much for writing as much as you do. It's amazing and inspiring. And yes I take hiatuses way too often (like not posting on my blog for a few months, not writing for most of the school year…etc etc.).
Anyways, I hope your August is amazing and I'm SO EXCITED to read more snippets of your writing (and your debut novel of course!)!!
Omg thank you so so much you lovely bean!💛💛I can’t even say how encouraging this is ahhh!!! And I hope Camp has gone well for you!? I ended up taking this hiatus and so I’m super late answering comments as you can see haha. But eep getting stuck totally sucks, so I hope your words are behaving for you now!
I stopped tracking my word count for camp but I think it technically went well because I ended up finishing the main project I was working on! So I finally have a first draft to edit??? And I’ve never edited something before?? I’m going to be reading all your writing advice posts, they’re so encouraging! Lol yes I hope my words behave because my first draft is only 50k so I’m going to have add another 20k…somehow….I’m glad you’re taking a break! You really deserve one! You work so hard!! <3 I hope your day/week has been great. I don't say this enough but your blog is amazing and reading your posts is the highlight of my day. 😀
Congrats!! So happy for you! I can’t wait to read ATPN. Have it on my TBR for Sept 🙂
Aww thank you so so much for reading it!😍I hope you like it!
I’m so sorry about the pirating, that sucks! But congrats on your second round of printing!! Also I totally agree with you about the ferris wheel scene—it felt super unrealistic and out of the blue (hehe) and just like Hollywood was trying to add unnecessary drama. I still loved the movie though! And omg Black Panther is sooo good
YES OUT OF THE BLUE…😂😂That pun was just made to be had here tbh.😂 But it was still such a sweet and good movie, !! So my complaints are just little ones and overall I’m glad it exists ahh. I need to see Black Panther still!
Gosh I love how you do quick reviews on the flipside of the book covers. It’s so fun to hover my mouse over it….it takes me like 10x as long to get through that part of the post 😂
I also love that you added a section for movies/shows! I’m always interested to hear what people are watching.
I’m so sorry about your piracy issues. 😞 People can be awful.
Enjoy your break. You deserve it!! You work harder at blogging + social media than anyone else I know.
Congratulations on the second printing!! *Throws confetti cake*
Ahhh I have no excuse for not having seen Thor: Ragnarok yet. I /know/ I will love it. I think I’ll watch it with my bestie during the week or so I get to visit her STARTING TOMORROW AHHHHHH. But yeah I love Taika Waititi #iamabadfan Have you seen What We Do in the Shadows?? SO freaking good. I deserve a shame circle though for neglecting Ragnarok for so long. I just don’t know!
And I /loved/ Love Simon but yeah it wasn’t perfect. I think it improved on some things (Leah’s characterization and Ethan as a character and his conversations with Simon) but missed the mark a bit with Blue. I just wanted moremoremore of them and their letters lol. And I’m so glad Keiynan Lonsdale exists?? And is sharing so many wonderful things with the world.
Brooklyn 99!!!!!! <3 UGH MY HEART I love that show so so so so much and I'm so surprised a comedy made its way in there but it's so brilliant and the cast is so amazing <3 And I love all of them and the messages they're sharing and UGH
"Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better more interesting place." // Captain Raymond Holt // IM FINE
My writing goal for August is to write at least 10,000 words of one of my stories this month, and NOT go back and edit. That's been one of my mental hangups, I know, which somehow stops me from finishing projects. I've been pretty dang happy with what I've been able to produce on my lil' blog these past couple months and I think it's really rattled up my brainpan and inspired me to finally get back to writing my personal stuff. Huzzah!!
Best reads of July // The Cruel Prince, The Future Is Blue, and this one book hmmm it has a red butterfly on the cover? Oh gawrsh you might know of it? 😉😍
Worst reads of July // Um, actually I didn't have any that were terrible? But Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet was so boring and unnecessarily confusing. It just didn't seem to know how to be a graphic novel.
I hope you have a lovely hiatus!! Breaks can be good and by golly you deserve one! And just two years ago I took my first solo flight after not being on a plane for 20 years… so yeah I feel you on being nervous about it!!
And I hope you have some great reads in August! TTFN <3
I LOVE RAGNOROK SO MUCH I CAN’T EVEN. *flails* I haven’t seen anything else Taika Waititi has done though, but I should?! He’s SO funny and clever.😂 And agreed so much about Love Simon. I mean it was cute and I liked it a lot but it just missed some things (we deserved WAY more Blue…but I complained about that in the book too lmao.) I just wish they’d let him be shy! I love shy characters and prefer when they get to stay that way!
BROOKLYN 99 IS SO PURE AND GOOD THOUGH.
I hope you’ve met your writing goal for August too! (I’m like horribly late answering comments.😂) *sends cake*
I am so happy that your book is doing so well! German amazon has the ebook offer as well, so I was finally able to buy it although I promised myself not to buy any books. Because we all know that ebooks don’t really exist and therefore don’t count, right? It also will probably not stop me from sooner or later buying the paperback as well because it’s so PRETTY.
And I agree that it’s just not fair that there are not more seasons of Brooklyn 99.
EEEEP I’M SO GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL THAT YOU’RE GOING TO READ IT.😍😍THANK YOU!! And absolutely agreed that ebooks don’t count as a problem. I mean, if they don’t take up room, then we can obviously collect all of them right??? *tells myself this as my kindle screams at me* 😂😂
I hope you’re having all the fun with your family and congratulations on the second round of printing for your book! How is it that I still haven’t bought it yet DD: It’s on my TBR though and it shall be bought and read when I am done buying the books I need for uni this year and have some new spare money 😛 I am always in awe of how you read so much and so fast!! I hope you enjoyed all of those read. I spy plenty of high ratings. I NEED TO WATCH THOR RAGNORAK. It looks so funny and brilliant and I bet Avengers Infinity War would’ve been a bit less confusing at the start if I’d already seen it xD I am going to read Simon vs STAT so I can watch that movie…
Aww, Olivia! THANK YOU. I’ll be so incredibly honoured if you end up reading it. 😍😍 And omg definitely watch Ragnorok. SO FUNNY. Probably my favourite ever Marvel movie now haha.
Ahhhh I saw you say something about a blogging hiatus and I had to see if it was true. I’m glad you did! I hope you are enjoying the little humans! And your first solo plane flight? Whoa. See? You did it!! No problem. You got this whole Adult thing down. Easy. Now if I could just read as much as you!! I am such a slow reader. But last night Netflix was down so that helped. 🙂 Cheers!
Yes! It is true! Although I go home tomorrow so probably will post something soon again. 😂 It’s been SO nice having a break hahaha.