Subscribe to get a little Fury in your inbox!

Join 2,442 other subscribers

Paper Fury

books

The Boy Who Steals Houses #BookBlitz! (Ft. Signed Annotated Giveaway)

by 22 Comments

Did you know it’s been 2 whole weeks since The Boy Who Steals Houses came out?!

My son! Already so old and accomplished and honestly bringing me great joy. 😭💛The amazing AUSYA Bloggers team hosted a blitz for me last week and I don’t even know how to say how grateful I am! It went from the 19th-21st and I meant to post about it but…ok here’s the truth: I’m moving house and packing everything, including my brain. So I’m late to my own blitz but HI. Am here finally!!

So the most massive thankyou to everyone who joined in!

The buzz on Instagram and across the blogsophere was so so amazing. And it makes the world of difference for my small author self ajfdklsad can I just say how much I love that the blogging community has supported my blog AND now my books?? My heart😭🎉I looooove you.

I also want to give a super quick note that…I hope this post doesn’t come across as bragging. Look I’m not a bestseller, I’ve actually had a pretty hellish time with a lot of things regarding my publishing journey. But I am lucky and nice things have happened to me and I’m blessed by the community, so this is my thank you. 🤗And I am rooting for all you other writers’ successes too, ok?!

 

Anyway! Giveaway will be below! But before we get to that…

10 Favourite Moments of The Boy Who Steals Houses Release So Far!

1. I’ve made people cry ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Alright! Wait wait! Before you go thinking I’m a monster who thrives on tears (because that is not true at all 😌), I actually take so much heart in this because it means my little paperback novel of ink and printed words — has made people feel things. That’s actual magic.

People have sent me photos of tearstained TBWSH pages. When I announced the book, my editor basically tweeted “IT MADE ME CRY” which tbh is a life goal achieved. I’ve had dozens of “Cait!!!! First of all I CRIED” messages. And I just 😍 am thriving knowing my book has given people emotions.

2. It was put in an #AutismAcceptanceMonth Big display in Waterstones!

Curated by an autistic bookseller so like, I HAVE ASCENDED.

3. Some of my favourite authors have flailed over it!

Tbh my impostor syndrome is real. I know a lot of authors struggle with the whole “yeah but I’m not really much an an author” thing and bleashosrhgs I’m sure it comes from a place of anxiety. But this time round, I’ve chatted with several kind authors who didn’t have to take time away from their days to support me…but they did??? 😭They’re my heroes and I am starry-eyed.

So all the love and thanks to Mia Kuzniar, C.R.R. Hillin, Nadine Brandes, Helene Dunbar, Brigid Kemmerer, Mary Weber (also Laini Taylor said congrats to me on release day!!) and Marissa Kennerson!

4. The instagram buzz was SURREAL!

Release day was amazing! I was actually alone for the day and…ok I admit it. I had a pre-release cry. Overwhelm plus disappointment about some things that had gone wrong. I like to talk about the positives, but my string of disappointments and mishaps surrounding TBWSH was long and hard.

But then the 4th of April came and…bookstagram just gave me this intensely soft hug and whispered, “We’re proud of you,” and I just (!!!!) wanted to cry again, but for happy reasons. Thank you so so much to everyone who posted or messaged or cheered for me! If you think it didn’t matter? Pfshsfhsogh NO. It meant the world to me. Every single one.

5. It reached 39 bestseller on Book Depository!

And like freaking BOOK DEPOSITORY gave it a shout out on their instagram page?! I’m still confused as to why lmaooo. It was the best moment but I didn’t think they did that!

6. I commissioned fanart which turned out the actual best.

You’ll be able to win one of these in the giveaway! But I’ll also be giving away more on instagram eventually and potentially selling some?! Hold on for more news about that.

my heart = belongs to fanart.

7. My parents sent me flowers and I had my first magnum in like…5 or something years.😂

I knoooow. How dare I betray cake and not eat it on release day but can you look at this vegan magnum and tell me you wouldn’t want one. It was delicious.

8. It’s in bookstores!!

This is mostly in the UK and Australia…! But BOOKSTORES. Honestly this was the pinnacle of my life goal: walk into a bookstore and see my book. And no I haven’t seen TBWSH in stores myself yet (there are 3 people and 17 cows in our town…and the local bookstore solely stocks Harry Potter and The Hunger Games because nOTHING ELSE has ever been printed since obviously). But I will find it in a store soon! Moving house remember?! Going to the city. Bring it, civilisation.

I’m so grateful for people who send me photos of it in the wild! Better believe I SAVE ‘EM ALL.

9. I’ve had a lot of absolutely heartfelt and touching messages about it.

Like 10/10 I love the ones screaming at me. But I’ve also had people saying how much the autism rep meant to them, how they connected with the big messy De Lainey family, how the book has nestled into a very safe and special place in their hearts and they can’t stop thinking about it.💛I live for this.

Like there are simply thousands of books you could choose to read. But you chose mine. And I’m grateful.

10. So so many asks of “will there be a sequel?!”

Which as of right now: sorry, but it’s a standalone! Like I would want to write sequels, yes yes, but so much depends on sales and a few other things. Honestly at this point it doesn’t seem likely. But just knowing you WANT a sequel has me freaking out with happiness!! Look I miss the De Laineys too. But do you really think I should be allowed near Sam again? Do you reeeeeally. 😂 PART 2 OF RUINING HIS LIFE…ajdkfslad maybe we should all think about what we’re asking. 

And no, my writing career has been far from rainbows — but I enjoy talking about the parts I’ve LOVED!!

So I hope you don’t mind this gushy post!! I’m so thankful for everyone’s support and like??? I probably don’t deserve you all but AHHH. Ilysm.😘 And while I don’t have any more books under contract now (I’m trying but setbacks have been really devastating) I’ve decided to just enjoy TBWSH being out in the world to maximum 10000%. Look at my SON GO. So proud.

FIND IT:
Angus and Robinson, Booktopia, Amazon Australia, Fishpond.
Amazon US, Waterstones, The Book Depository, Wordery.

 

OPEN INTERNATIONAL

a Rafflecopter giveaway

thank you everyone who joined in the blitz!! 😘

and i am moving house so I’m sorry for being The World’s Worst Blogger right now. I will get my life back together in May I promise. (or, lol, I will at least pretend)

 

#ActuallyAutistic Collab (Ft. What Do We Want To See In Autism Books?!)

by 23 Comments

Today I have gathered together a small pile of #ActuallyAutistics to lend me their perspectives for a collab post!

April is Autism Acceptance Month — as we all know! — and this year I wanted to actually do things for it. One thing that happens every year is: we autistics curate lists of book recommendations…and then feel very sour about the limited amount we can even talk about.

Our sparse collection of recs are proffered (because despite 1 in 70 people being autistic, we don’t show up in literature very much) and we try to raise our voices above the clamour to confirm that — “UH, NO, that book is NOT good rep!! Would the neurotypicals please stop…stop recommending it every April!!!”

Mostly we’re left wanting. Aching to see things in books that we don’t get to see.

So today I’m asking four autistic bookworms and authors to tell me what they wish they saw in books with autism representation.

It’s easy to say “we need more books with autistic characters” but hey let’s get specific about it.

 

Some Terminology If You’re Not Familiar With It!

Neurodiverse = someone with atypical thinking (could be autistic, adhd, Tourette’s, anxiety disorder, etc.)
Neurotypical = the opposite of neurodiverse and not autistic (the bulk of the population)
Stim = self-soothing repetitive movement (autistics are well known for rocking/flapping, etc. but stimming goes well beyond those stereoteypes)
ASD = autism spectrum disorder
ND = neurodivergence / neurodiverse

 

More Autism Posts

💛 How To Tell If A Book Has Good Autism Rep
💛 What It’s Like To Write an #Ownvoices Autism Novel
💛 my review of Kids Like Us by Hilary Reyl (a great autism story!)

*:·ﾟ✧*:·ﾟ✧ Daley Downing *:·ﾟ✧*:·ﾟ✧

(Please check out Daley’s Blog | Twitter | and her novels Masters & Beginners, Rulers & Mages, Healers & Warriors — supporting autistic authors is honestly an amazing thing to do this month!…and every month! I also have read M&B and adored it!)

Here’s what we need more of in books featuring neurodivergence (I like to cut to the chase) – One, more books featuring ND to begin with, and two, more books promoting ND as simply a way of being, not something requiring pity or a medical cure.

Here’s what we need less of: The second part of what I just said. To go along with this, I’d really like to see more characters who are autistic or have a learning disorder or a developmental disability and don’t feel the need to hide that or be ashamed of themselves. And we can get more of that by supporting authors and publishers who write/publish the positive stuff.

*:·ﾟ✧*:·ﾟ✧ Becca from @ Becca’s Book Realm *:·ﾟ✧*:·ﾟ✧

(Please check out Becca’s Blog | Twitter | and she’s hosting an autistic readathon right now! So if you can support this and read some books this month yessss, please do!!)

I’d love to see less autistic characters who are mathematical geniuses, or geniuses in general. Less autistic characters who are able to spout endless facts off the top of their head. I’d love to see more autistic characters being casually included in SFF and non contemporary books that don’t center around them being autistic. More autistic romances where the autistic person isn’t a cishet white boy. Autistics who LIKE being touched and cuddled and hugged, who seek out sensory stuff instead of just avoiding it. Because we’re all different and not all of us experience the world in the same way.

*:·ﾟ✧*:·ﾟ✧  Jessica Grimsley *:·ﾟ✧*:·ﾟ✧

(Go check out her Twitter | Facebook Page | and her novel The Unwonted Heroes!)

I would like to see less of just the savant rep and portraying Autistic characters as people who need fixing. I think what people often talk about with Autistic people is how they need improve “this” and work on “that” but never how wonderful they can be – not just on a savant level.

I’d love to see more of how, like neurotypicals, we are individuals. We can be anything. Maybe that would help so that when people meet us in real life, they don’t expect either a genius or a helpless “thing”. Instead, they can expect kind and caring people who are their own person. Of course the struggles can be extremely challenging and exhausting, but I love it when people understand that Autistic people are so much more than the struggles. And the world needs to know this. 

*:·ﾟ✧*:·ﾟ✧  C.R.R. Hillin *:·ﾟ✧*:·ﾟ✧

(Definitely go follow her Instagram | Twitter | and check out her high fantasy novel The Orphan’s Code! I’ve had the pleasure of reading it and it is FAB.)

The short answer: I want more Ty Blackthorn. What I want in fiction is to see people like ME in the mainstream. Which seems like not a lot to ask for, but here we are ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ If I know anything about autism is that it’s often completely invisible to the average crowd because they have no idea what they’re looking for and their expectations are colored by…wherever the heck people learn this stuff. Social osmosis? I am not the person to ask about this.

I’m an Aspie (a term which is now outdated, but I am sick and tired of explaining that to people I swear to God) and 80% of my wedding party (all the men, plus me) were Aspies too. And I didn’t know, because the neurodiverse don’t discriminate–if someone is a little dorky and antisocial, we just assume that’s how they are and cherish the heck out of them anyway. So what I would really like to see is a character low on the spectrum, one that is autistic but acts like the average person. I love Ty Blackthorn so so much, but he was still very obviously autistic – I want something more subtle still. I want the average reader to fall in love with them, relate to their adorkable struggles and their anxiety and hatred of crowds and their naive assumptions that everyone means exactly what they say, and THEN find out they’re autistic. I want the reader’s understanding of what autism is shaken to the core. And most importantly, I want it to have nothing to do with the story, except as characterization.

Aspies aren’t mentally ill, they aren’t scary, they aren’t robots, and they don’t need pity. They need people to see the world the way they do: the same way as everyone else, but with less concern over pointless social rules and quirks and nuances and more concern with what actually matters: honesty, emotion, and intellect. They need to be seen as normal, healthy, and happy. We need more books by Aspies and for Aspies that help all readers understand that there are so many of us, and that we don’t struggle with who we are–we struggle with a world that was just not designed for us. I wrote an autistic character into The Orphan’s Code (you’ll never guess who), and I have a book with a modern-day Aspie in the works, but I can’t single-handedly change the opinions of a vast majority of the population – though I sure as hell am gonna try.

*:·ﾟ✧*:·ﾟ✧  hey it’s Me! your favourite Fury!*:·ﾟ✧*:·ﾟ✧

(Also don’t forget my #ownvoices autistic book came out last week — The Boy Who Steals Houses!)

I absolutely LOVE what everyone’s been saying here and there’s barely any more that I want to add!

I think the underlying statement that we’re all asking for is: less stereotypes, more autistics who are just out in the world living their best life. When I pick up a book with an autistic character, honestly my stomach just clenches. I’ve read so many horrible ones that want cures, want to fix the autistic character, praise them for hiding their traits, and use their autism as the comic relief. (Reason #29893 why that Netflix show Atypical is disgusting. The autism in there is a joke.) Reading books where the author thinks it’s better if the autistic isn’t, well, autistic — it’s a slap in the face. It has to stop.

I want autistics who stim more (this is seemingly rare in books?! despite us doing it SO MUCH) and I definitely want autistics in more fantasy settings. More stories where they have an adventure — instead of autism being their only plot. I want queer autistics and POC autistics. I want less plots centring around “help the socially deficient autistic fall in love! lol! that will be hard!”🙄because actually romance isn’t the pinnacle of life for all of us?! I do want to read about autistics with higher-needs…they are stigmatised as “burdens” on their families and that also needs to stop. Every part of the autism spectrum deserves love. And sure, life isn’t easy with severe autism?? But that doesn’t mean you can’t be happy, loved, and fulfilled.

What I most want is autistics in books who are loved and cherished and never asked to change. It shouldn’t be unreasonable to ask that. It shouldn’t.

if you’re autistic, i’d love to hear what *YOU* want to see more of in books with autistic characters too! and if you’re not autistic — please still chime in! how often do you read autistic characters in books?

 

What It’s Like To Write An #OwnVoices Novel (Ft. Autism Pride Month!)

by 41 Comments

It’s time for a happy shimmy because it’s Autism Acceptance Month!

And honestly a happy shimmy is the best reaction to this because we autistics do love to stim. And yes, a lot of people call it “Autism Awareness Month” but you know what? People are aware. They just don’t accept us…plus I’m 99% sure Autism Speaks invented this phrase and they are actual problematic garbage. So I’m here for saying Autistic Pride and Autism Awareness and I can’t be stopped. 🙌🏻

Last year I did a post about how to tell if a book has good autism rep + some book recs, but this year, since it’s just THREE DAYS until my novel, The Boy Who Steals Houses, is out, I wanted to do something a little special and talk about…

what it’s like to write a novel with #ownvoices representation!

I have a lot of Thoughts™ about the actual concept of writing #ownvoices novels, because the main reaction to them is usually, “Oh at least that author had an easy time! They’re just writing what they’ve lived.” Ohhhhh sweet crepe, that doesn’t make it easy. So I want to talk about that in a little more detail!

Before I go on though, I’m super excited to point you to The Boy Who Steals Houses’ blog tour!

I’m over at A Little But A Lot with a whole deleted scene (it’s super cute!! and about potatoes and LOVE) and at No Safer Place for a really heartfelt review. So please check them out if you get a chance! There’s also going to be a post coming up about why Autism rep is so important in YA and an interview with my cover designer! 👀

PREORDER DETAILS

Goodreads | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Booktopia | Book Depository

Let’s talk about writing…

I wrote two #ownvoices storylines into The Boy Who Steals Houses. (1) being anxiety rep for my protagonist, Sam. (2) being autism rep for my secondary character, Avery. (Although I lowkey admit Sam could be diagnosed with autism too tbh. But he isn’t labelled on page, so discern what you will 🙌🏻)

Writing #ownvoices experiences left me with a lot of Thoughts™ which I’m about to share with you whilst I eat a chocolate chip biscuits and remember the good ol’ days when I got blog posts up on time. (It is…not…this day.)

1. Writing #Ownvoices includes a lot of pressure.

The thing people don’t realise is that ONE #ownvoices experience ≠ everyone in that marginalisation’s experience. I wrote Avery’s autism to be HIS autism. It isn’t 100% mine. I wrote the way we think and react to things rather similarly, but I didn’t want to author-self-insert, so his character still required a lot of rewriting and research and thought. But some people are going to read this book and think Avery isn’t good rep because he’s not relatable to them. So that’s nerve-wracking?! And I also turn into a moss-covered stump when I think about mistakes I might have made. Because that happens!! I’m not perfect and I’m still growing as a writer and human. (Although, um, not literally growing? I am very smol and that hasn’t changed since I was 14.) (dammit)

I think #ownvoices stories are asked to be perfect and relatable to everyone within that marginalisation. And that can be super intense to take on.

 

2. autism is also such a huge spectrum to try and capture

Basically: YOU CAN’T CAPTURE ALL OF AUTISM IN ONE CHARACTER! It’s impossible. There are higher-needs people who must have a 24/7 carer. There are also autistics out in the world with jobs and families. There are those of us in the middle (meeee and also my character, Avery) who cope with so many things but completely fall apart in other aspects.

Plus Avery isn’t the narrating character, so I built him through a lot of flash backs too.

(And yessss, I would love to write more about Avery…and also Sam and the De Laineys. But it’s largely outside of my control.)

 

3. you have to figure out how to tackle stereotypes

Because here’s the deal: stereotypes can have their nuggets of truth. They did spring into existence from somewhere lol sob. When I wrote Avery, I just wrote him. Then later I started to fret…ok he’s a white teenage boy, aka the most typical autism rep. It was what my story needed, but am I a total fail for this?! He’s also really obsessed with cars…another “typical” autism rendition in media. (But confession: I was obsessing over Baby Driver loooool so that’s where it sprung from.)

But here comes the difference: Avery is more than a stereotype. He has complex thoughts and feelings, he has dreams and wishes. He also is extremely physically affectionate, a boy who craves pressure hugs and was clinging to Sam long after it was “socially appropriate” for brothers to hug. Lots of people equate autism with = hating touch. I hate touch! But not all autistics do.

So here’s the difference when it comes to stereotypes.

…a marginalised character shouldn’t just fit stereotypes and nothing more.

If a character is just a list of stereotypes to tick of a list…then it’s probably not good rep. Because humans are uncanny creatures who don’t fit in designated boxes.

 

4. You also know way way way too much!

You’d think this would be a good thing right?! BUT, UGH, I KNOW TOO MANY THINGS. I think this goes for anyone who is a master of a topic: how much do you say?!? You don’t want to lecture. You don’t want to overwhelm readers with information.

It’s a burden to Know Many Things™. Smh. Bring us cake and condolences. I mean.

 

5. it’s hard to be vulnerable and then put yourself out there

#Ownvoices authors are brave and wondrous things, because we’ve just put our heart on the page. Some people are going to hate it. Some will connect with it. It will be critiqued and analysed. It will be compared to other stories like yours…and maybe you’ll fall short. It’s just A LOT. And you can both want this and also be anxious about it. 

I was so thrilled when I read someone’s review that said Avery reminded them so much of autistics they knew and that they felt the love for autism on every page.

So here’s the thing: I got to write Avery, a messy disaster, who is also unconditionally loved. It was special to me to write that and know it’s hitting other people’s hearts. It makes everything 1000 x worth it. I think there is so much power in #ownvoices stories.

(And none of this is to say “ooh how dare anyone critique my book!” Of course people should critique it. I won’t be reading that lol, but it’s a book like any other, to be loved or not.)

It’s important to know that #ownvoices books don’t necessarily equal easy books to write.

But they do equal absolutely special and heartfelt and IMPORTANT books. Because no one can capture an experience quite like someone who lives it. 💛

And they’re also so therapeutic to write. it’s like finally getting to talk about your perspective, your feelings, your truths — without being interrupted.

I’ve read a lot of books with autistic characters and a resounding theme (especially from non-autistic authors) seems to be “fixing” the autistic character. Getting them to stop their autistic tics and stims, break their routines, make eye-contact, and be more socially apt…and then letting them find love. Autism is always their personal villain. And sure autism really sucks to deal with at times. I live it! I know. I’ll be honest…today was completely shitty for me when my routine got messed up. And I feel a little fragile and drained as I write this blog post.

But being autistic is a huge part of who I am. How I think. How I see the world. And I love that about it. and getting to write an autistic character? It meant the world to me.

Avery’s autism isn’t the villain of the book. His decisions aren’t great (lol, sorry Avery) and he’s naive and vulnerable. But he also wears his heart on his sleeve. He loves Sam fiercely. He’s clever and witty and has an infectious laugh.

And he’s not broken.

I’m just so grateful I got a chance to write this book and fill it with love and ACCEPTANCE and pride.

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊

 

right, your turn!! tell me some #ownvoices books you’ve read? and some autistic characters in books you’ve enjoyed?!

 

Should You Listen To Audiobooks? (Ft. 10 Reasons I’ll Dramatically Defend Audios With My Life)

by 85 Comments

do you know what’s an absolute gift upon this crumbly planet? Audiobooks.

They are also thorough lifesavers and I will legit turn into a thankful, teary egg thinking about how much audiobooks have changed my life. (And no @ anyone saying audiobooks “don’t count as reading”. They do. Being read to is still the ACT of reading.) I’ve already listened to 8 audiobooks this year! That’s 8 out of 51 reads.

So today is basically just a huge

audiobook appreciation post!!!

I’ll also give you my favourite audio recs at the end because I am kind like that. I also can’t find photos I took of my headphones and audiobooks aghhhhhh. Someone pls tell me to label my photos better so I can find them again.

 

Top Ten Tuesday | audio freebie

1. I’m an auditory learner instead of a visual one, so audiobooks = lifesavers.

Which feels odd, because my life is literally BOOKS. Which are traditionally very visual things. But I’ve always found that I absorb and remember things that I hear better. (Ex: I was basically failing science in highschool until I had my textbook read out loud. Then I got As.)

So audiobooks are a giiiift to my brain. And look I’ll NEVER stop reading books with my little eyeballs — I love words on pages too — but audiobooks have got me through complicated high fantasy that I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy otherwise.

 

2. Which leads me to…audiobooks can make *huge* books less daunting.

Because I’m not holding 900 pages with my delicate wrists, thanks, sir. I wouldn’t have read Game of Thrones myself, ok? I just…I wouldn’t have. But audios meant I got through them and got super obsessed in a few months. AND THEN GOT LEFT ON A CLIFFHANGER THANKS, GRR MARTIN, YOU ARE SO UNFAI–

 

3. you can make them go super fast

Once I spent all day listening to an audio and then paused it while someone spoke to me. I was all: “Why are you speaking so slow???” Because I HAVE MY AUDIO ON AS FAST AS IT CAN GO.

I have three emotions and they are: confused, hungry, and fast. I like things to go fast.

(Also the faster the audiobook is, the less dramatic pauses or emotions the narrator can put in. 😂 Sorry but I want the story, not your feelings, dude.)

 

4. Multitasking!

Look, one day I’m going to go missing, and I request that someone come dig me out from under a pile of unread books that fell and crushed me. So audiobooks mean I can read + DO ALL THE THINGS. Exercise. Mindless jobs. Chores. Travelling. Pretending to sleep.

10/10 to attempting to read while sleep.

0/10 is good for you but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

 

5. have you met British narrators.

Like why would I listen to you when I could listen to Steve West reading The Scorpio Races or Strange the Dreamer. BEAUTIFUL VOICES ARE AUDIOBOOKS’ CROWN AND GLORY.

Also, I’m totally terrible but…I can’t stand Australian audiobooks narrators.😂 R.I.P my loyalty to my own country.

 

6. Dramatised audios are practically a movie in your head.

I wish there were more like Illuminae! It has sound affects and music and it’s the best thing ever. I grew up listening to the dramatised audios of Narnia too. (They had some “behind the scenes” section and apparently they all just tromped around in cornflour for the “snow” scenes hahaha.) Also full cast narrations? LOVE full casts.

 

7. Audiobooks can double as *your friend*.

AWWWW. THIS IS SO PATHETIC. But literally, if you’re lonely = audiobooks will talk for 10 hours straight in your ear and will not shut up. Perfect friendship.

 

8. I like them for rereading too!

Rereading on a different medium somehow makes me absorb the story better? And it keeps it fresh! Plus I can listen to an audiobook and keep reading physical books, so I don’t feel bad about rereads haha. For some reason I also like to know what’s coming in the audio? But I also don’t like listen to audios when there’s a brutal chapter-cliffhanger but I have to stop and then I cAN’T SKIM FASTER TO SEE IF MY FAVE LIVES. #suffering

 

9. You learn how to pronounce things.

Hi, I may or may not be able to pronounce anything. Ever. (I say LAS-AG-NA instead of lasagne. I legit pronounce the silent g. Leave me…just…just go.) Also this is super handy with fantasy names when you highly suspect an author has rolled their face on the keyboard for name inspiration.

Funniest things: when you go to write the review and are just spelling all the characters phonetically and dying inside. You should read my Game of Thrones reviews. I didn’t even GET CLOSE with any of the spellings, lmao. I got Jon tho. And Rob. Bless those two.

 

10. They provide so many comedic moments for you to laugh softly at or quietly die of shame.

Like shout out to that one time I was listening to Nevernight and accidentally pressed play without my headphones on. The audio proceeded to yell “…AND THE DEFLOWERING OF VIRGINS…” and my family turned very very slowly to look at me.

Also: when you crack up at a hilarious part while out on a walk. Hi yes *waves* nothing to see here, world.

Or: when you get so so into an audiobook and then someone taps you on the shoulder to ask you something and you jump FIVE MILES OUT OF YOUR SKIN. I nearly screamed, I swear. Don’t talk to me while someone is d y i n g because I am too.

 

But before you go! Let me give you some recommendations of my favourite audiobooks to try! I use Overdrive.com when I can, or I get them from audible (usually when I can sign up for half price haha).

 

omg Illuminae has full-cast + sound effects and the whole trilogy is brilliant! I’ve never even read Gemina/Obsidio with my eyes haha. I just flicked through for the illustrations.

Literally Steve West is just the best narrator ever. 10/10. This will make you want to live in Thisby and die in Thisby. Puck is narrated by Fiona Hardingham who I love too!

Again full cast! I love them ALL but Kaz and Nina’s narrators are my favourites (Jesper’s is actually to slow lmao thank goodness for 2x the speed).

I didn’t love TRC’s narrator at first…but he grew on me and now I can’t do anything but love them. 😍 Again, never read The Raven King with my eyes! Only audio!

BEST AUDIO. It’s done by Christian Coulson who is also Tom Riddle in Harry Potter, I think!? But like he just does Monty so well I CRY.

Two narrators and I actually genuinely teared up because they told the story so emotionally in places ajfdsakld. This book is my favourite too btw.

Epic fantasy = always better on audio for meeeeee. And this narrator was SO perfect for Locke. Love!!!

This is narrated by Lin Manuel-Miranda so I don’t need to say anymore. 10/10

 

 

This trilogy is (a) the best because HOLLY BLACK and also (b) they’re narrated by Jesse Eisenberg!!! He does Cassel perfectly.😍

Wait why am I recommending this. IT WILL MAKE YOU BAWL. Also the Scottish accents. 😭

just me announcing I’m trash for this series on every format lmao (I’ve read ebook, physical and audio). But such good narration!

STEVE WEST OK. Also Laini Taylor books are gorgeously lush with the prose and having them read out loud is a magical treat we all deserve. A+++++

 

do you listen to audiobooks very often? tell me your favourites! and do you like them for any of the same reasons as I listed??? or do you struggle to focus on listening?

 

Books To Read While You’re Waiting For The Boy Who Steals Houses!

by 33 Comments

With just 10 days to go until The Boy Who Steals Houses is out, some of us just want to read it already.

Enough waiting okay.

Well, “some of us” does not include me, because I have read this book so many freaking times I can close my eyes, point to a page number, and know what scene it is. (Although tbh, if you guess “SAM WAS SAD HERE” then you’re 90% right for every page. But that’s beside the point.)

So it’s time for me to haul out some book recommendations…

6 books to read while you wait for the boy who steals houses!

I did a similar post before A Thousand Perfect Notes came out too, so it is becoming a thing. And I am okay with that. 🙌🏻 I love increasing your TBRs and your chances of being buried alive by good books. I’m just that kind of lovely friend.

Also these are “you might like…” sort of recs. TBWSH is a Goldilocks retelling but still most thoroughly my own monster.

OTHER POSTS TO READ

➸ What Is It Like Having Your 2nd Novel Published?
➸ Q&A About Publishing The Boy Who Steals Houses

PREORDER DETAILS

Goodreads | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Booktopia | Book Depository

 

…For big family shenanigans 🗝

One of my favourite things to write in TBWSH was the De Lainey family! They have 7 kids, they’re grieving the loss of their mother, their dad is so Chill™ he legit doesn’t notice Sam living in their house for, um, the whole summer, and there is at least 5 dramas happening at all times. Like I just loved writing this ok?! They are loveable chaos. There is a scene where Moxie rates her brothers on Usefulness Rankings. What can I say.

Anyway…you must absolutely try My Life Next Door which also features a Sam (a female one) and her next door neighbours are the messy and loveable Garrett family. This one is way more fluffy than mine loooool.

 

…For runaways looking for a place to belong 🗝

Am still not over Boomerang and how much it made me feeeel. It’s also about Sean who ran away from a neglectful home life and *found* a better family and a place in the world. Except now Sean has to go back home and he’s leaving people he absolutely loves, but his real-mum wants him back. It’s a book that tugs your heart all over the place. It’s also softly queer and softly stressful.

In my book ➸  Sam also runs away from home, with his autistic older brother Avery. But Sam breaks into houses when the families are home and just lives there. He has so many tragic dreams it’s just !!! kid, you need a hug and a hot drink.

 

…For autism rep 🗝

In When My Heart Joins The Thousand, Alvie is 17, autistic, and living alone and trying to be emancipated. But she is so lonely. Then she connects with this boy with such fragile bones that he can barely move without hurting himself. It’s an amazing story, and I just loved Alvie’s portrayal of autism?! She represents so many of we autistics: she’s got a job, she can take care of herself…but then she falls apart in so many ways that society doesn’t deem “acceptable” for her age.

This is pretty much Avery from my book. He’s vulnerable and naive and Sam basically gets grey hair the whole time trying to explain to keep Avery safe. Avery can hold down a job. He’s verbal. He has a wicked sense of humour and is so Soft™ and literally craves hugs. But he absolutely can’t see BAD THINGS COMING because he still trusts people. 😭 Dammit, Avery. Also these brothers have some co-dependancy issues and Sam is only 15, so he messes up a lot. He’s basically raising Avery, but the line between “protecting” vs “isolating” gets blurred.

 

…For found-family and disaster decision makers 🗝

Look The Foxhole Court is like my favourite thing so I had to find a way to mention it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I shan’t apologise. But look in this book we have NEIL who is on the run from an abusive father…but sacrifices safety because he so badly wants to play Exy and have a family. Have a place. And his team gives him that.

All I’m saying is that Sam and Neil have the same issue. “I don’t need anyone,” they say, while clinging to their new family and freaking out when they hold keys because it means they have a place.

Do their bad decisions come back to bite them? Yes.

 

…For neglected boys 🗝

The Wicker King is actually one of my all-time favourite books. I CRY. 😭 In my top 5, easy. And it’s about August watching his childhood friend spiral down into delusions and mental illness while the adults in their lives fully just neglect them. August and Jack just bREAK me…and their soft realisation that it’s ok to love each other through all of this is just everything.

In my book ➸ Sam has the similar experience of just turning to adults who aren’t there for him. At all. He’s totally ruled by his anxiety (like August) trying to keep it all together by himself. Part of why Sam holds so fast to the De Laineys is that for once he doesn’t have to be the adult. But if he’s not looking after Avery, then who is???

 

…For anyone looking for a Goldilocks retelling! 🗝

I can’t even recommend any other Goldilocks retellings?! I dare say Im not the first lmao, I juts haven’t found any. So HERE is to my genderbent Goldi-Sam-Locks who steals into houses and eats their pancakes, not porridge.

I have a ton of references too, so keep your eyes peeled for the Easter Eggs! Like the fateful Saturday when the book begins, Sam breaks into 2 houses before the 3rd is…just right.

have you read any of these? (and do you know of any ya Goldilocks retellings?) and if you’re a writer ➸ tell me what books you’d compare your current project to? i’m very curious!

 

The Umbrella Academy Book Tag (Ft. Dysfunctional Heroes + Dysfunctional Books!)

by 42 Comments

In a shocking state of affairs, I actually watched a TV show all the way through!

I’m both notorious for (1) never having time to watch anything and (2) never finishing it if I do. Who watched seven episodes of Stranger Things and left the finale for a year??? Me. Who paused Game of Thrones Season 6 mid-way through for 12 months??? Also me. Who still hasn’t seen the Mockingjay movie Part 2 and has only watched the 3rd Harry Potter movie and no others?? ME.

Yeah ok ok, this is turning out to be a Shame Paper Fury post. So let’s calm down.

But I saw the wild hype around Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy and decided to fill the friendless void in my life by watching this dysfunctional superhero family have a series of emotional breakdowns and sibling rivalry for 10 episodes.

I am very glad I watched. It was super (LOL SEE WHAT I DID THERE) good! It was, however, super slow…like so s l o w. If I hadn’t cared about the characters so much, I would’ve been out, lol.

So 5 Really Fast Opinions:

✧ I loved Klaus and Allison the best, but appreciated the sheer condescension of Number Five’s smile.
✧ Luther is a big blonde hunk of toxic masculinity. I didn’t like Diego at first…but then I did. Vanya was predictable.
✧ I loved that it was diverse while I also am aware there were a lot of problematic elements.
✧ and holy heck why was it so slow and why did the assassins have so much screen time. oh my bored soul.
✧ but I’m over here forever fond of messy large dysfunctional families and add in superpowers and petty childhood arguments and some mindmuckery and I really want Season 2.

So I was sitting here trying to come up with a weekend post and I went, “Well a tag for this would be fun…” AND LO AND BEHOLD, someone had made one!

You can find the original booktuber’s video here!

PS. Like all book tags, feel free to use this one! Just credit the original creator.

1. Hello: name the best first book in a series.

When it comes to first books in series, I feel like I either (a) adore it the most of all, or (b) feel like it’s the worst. Lmao. Is there middle ground? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Like Shatter Me, for instance? My son, let us thank the world your siblings arrived to assure the world you were not a floppy asparagus leaf.

Anyway! While I gave every book in The Dark Artifices 5-stars, I think Lady Midnight was my ultimate favourite!! Just meeting Mark with his anxious breakdowns + watching Julian and Emma have their first kiss and being like “WOOO I FELT NOTHING!” out loud while inwardly they were all, “i am in love i want to die” + not everyone was totally broken yet so it was the funniest book in the series.

CHOCOLATE, MARK. NOT DRUGS.

 

2. The Hargreeves Children: name a big book family (dysfunction is optional)

“Uh, Cait,” you say, “is this not your book?”

Yes it is, good spotting. Look I have blogged for 7 years waiting for the day when I could slam my book on the table and say, “Look at this wholesome disaster I have made for you.” So I’m gonna keep bringing it up.

Plus The Boy Who Steals Houses is an ode to dysfunctional siblings. First we have Sam and Avery, who are such messes it’s actually a wonder they’re still alive. And then Sam gets engulfed by the De Lainey family of 7 kids and my oh my the level of chaos there is phenomenal. They are the siblings who threaten to kill each other but woah if anyone else messes with them, they join forces as A Solid Team.

 

3. The World Ends in 8 Days: if you only had eight days left, which book would you choose to be your last read?

hey now, don’t ask me to make decisions like this. I can’t even decide what to read when the world isn’t ending in 8 days. It would definitely be Call Down the Hawk except — IT’S NOT OUT TILL NOVEMBER. I would be the angry bitter person who stopped the apocalypse simply so it didn’t wreck my reading plans.

 

4. Space boy: name a character who plays the leader, but may not be cut out for it.

I love this question lmao because it’s so true. Luther was the WORST at “leading”, but a very accurate bossy older-sibling representation. So I’ll give him that.

As much as I loved Todd from the Chaos Walking books…he was…not leader material?! Like even at the end he wasn’t! And the villain is all grooming him for leadership and I’m like — WHY. WHAT DO YOU SEE. This kid was a follower right to the end!! He even spent most of book one following Manchee. MANCHEE IS A DOG.

 

5. Throwing knives: what literary weapon would you want in your arsenal?

Basically just the hardcover illustrated edition of Game of Thrones. If I dropped this, I could wipe out a small country.

 

6. I heard a rumour: name a book that has a misleading plot line.

I still admit I have no idea what was happening in Gilded Wolves. I really loved the characters! But occasionally I try to think about what happened and I’m just…

 

 

7. Klaus: name a book that involves the dead / ghosts / etc.

I love books with soft ghosts so much ahhhh!!! But since I’ve already mentioned Stiefvater (who has my favourite ghost ever) I will go with Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares. There is like ALL the ghost love there.

Minya also controls ghosts, kind of like Klaus. But while Klaus is soft and chirpy, Minya would eat Klaus for breakfast. She’s, like, six years old. He would be terrified of her.

 

8. The Boy: recommend a book that plays with time (whether it be in dual timelines, involving time travel, etc.)

Here is a secret: I actually don’t love time travel books. It’s just…?! It almost always frustrates me when you go through this plot and then BOOM — it ends and “by the way, none of that even happened.” Then why did I read it, mate. Go waste someone else’s eyeball usage.

But hey, Illuminae messed with time and dimensions and…WARP SPEED BLACK HOLES ALTERNATE REALITIES STUFF?!? And I love it! There’s always that one book that, when you say “nah I don’t like that sort of stuff”, you fall in love with this one and it makes you a liar.

 

9. Vanya: name a character who has buried potential.

I’m going to say Alina because I just finished a total Grishaverse reread (I’m finally onto King of Scars!) and omg I love her but she could have been frightening okay?! (Here we see Cait pause, look regretfully at the concept of being Nice. And then toss herself headfirst into the darkside.)

Like Alina ended up craving power but I kind of wish she’d gone more badass with it?! She stayed weak and vulnerable the whole time which was just annoying.

 

10. Luther and Allison: name a questionable book couple, and why you do or don’t like them.

Oh wow these two made me uncomfortable.😂  They were adopted so it’s not incest! But yeah, I am all for this ship to never sail thanks.

I also never shipped:

➸ Alina and Mal from the Shadow and Bone series
➸ Starr and Chris from The Hate U Give (she deserved better ok)
➸ Ron and Hermione 🙄
➸ Jess and Morgan from Ink & Bone
➸ Kaz and Inej from Six of Crows (oops)

 

 

11. Hazel and Cha Cha: pick a deadly book duo.

I shall go with Kell and Lila because they are glorious and terrifying. Although I maintain Kell is a soft waffle and Lila is like when you burn toast, look at it, and then burn it again until literally Hell says, “Is that my lost child, Charcoal???” Because that’s Lila. She’s terrifying but we love it.

And Kell can still hold his own! Sometimes…! Other times he’s lying on the ground coughing up blood and Lila is rolling her eyes while she has to sop up that mess.

 

12. Goodbye: What’s the best finale?

Oh I hate finales. 😫😂 They’re so stressful?! And I always have really high expectations. But here are some that went down amazingly and I will stand atop a roof and recommend them forever:

     

have you watched the Umbrella Academy? who are your favourite characters?

and tell me a popular book couple that you *Don’t* ship! or if you like book beginnings or endings better?

 

10 Standalones That Need To…Not Stand Alone (Ft. Me Whining For Sequels)

by 65 Comments

You know what? I have a total love/hate relationship with standalones.

I mean, hi, look at them. They are gorgeous self-sustaining complete little packages that stand on their own and don’t need no man. I respect this. And they have so many positives: you don’t have to worry about following a whole series, cliffhangers, having an awful sequel, or remembering what happened in each book between years of waiting. Standalones are nice to us.

And yet there is 100% chance if I like a standalone that I will fling myself into a galactic void while shouting, “BUT I NEED MOAR.”

I also struggle to move on from things I like. Who could have told. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Let me tell you about 10 standalone novels I desperately wish had sequels.

I would bribe authors with toast to write me these books. And who doesn’t like toast, right?! This is a foolproof plan. You could totally convince me to write a lot of things for toast, btw, just in case you need that information.

WILL WORK FOR BREAD

 

Top Ten Tuesday | Standalone Books That Need a Sequel

 

* also I’m 16% sure I wrote a post like this in the past? but I CAN’T FIND IT in my archives so let’s just hope I don’t mention all the same books twice lmao I am functional.

1. THE SCORPIO RACES

Because of course I’m going to say this like a creature who is deeply in love with all Stiefvater words. UGH I LOVE THEM. I would also be totally down to have this book in Finn’s perspective. But otherwise, I just wasn’t ready to leave Thisby? It’s like, fine, take care of the emotional needs of Puck and Sean — but what about me, hm???? Don’t leave me????

 

2. AUTOBOYOGRAPHY

Again, I love this book so much it hurts. It perfectly balances cute fluffy scenes with dorky lines that make you bust out smiling — but also absolutely heart-wrenching and heart-wrecking scenes that left me in my own salty dead sea. I had a lot of personal-connection feels about this one too. Moments when I really related and I just 😫💛 It doesn’t need a sequel  (the ending filled my soul) but I’m just saying…I want one.

I do not like letting go ok.

 

3. AN ENCHANTMENT OF RAVENS

I’ve rapidly found I am addicted to faerie stories. I will take 9 thanks…no no wait! NINETY-NINE. I just particularly love this one for how Isobel is so no-nonsense and Rook is a soft leaf who occasionally threatens a teapot. It was so visual and sensory too. I heart. (I’m not actually sure what would happen in the sequel? Just that I would be done for one.)

 

4. ARISTOTLE AND DANTE

Apparently we are getting a sequel?! But I’ve heard exactly nothing about it since it was rumoured to be happening, so kind of just wanting for this to BUST OUT OF THE WOODWORK AND SAVE OUR LIVES.

 

5. HERE LIES DANIEL TATE

My opinion on this book’s ending continues to be “!!!!!!!!!!!🤯!!!!!!!!!!!” And I won’t give you any spoilers but aRHGSOGH. I fully need a sequel and I need closure and I need to know what the heck Daniel’s real name is. He spends the book in this elaborate con, pretending to be this long-lost-kid of a rich family. So he goes by Daniel, but that’s not his real name. I just want to know. It’s bothering me.

 

6. BONE GAP

This wish is purely for the selfish reason that I loved this world of cornstalks and honeybees and soft magic that might not even exist if you don’t know where to look… And, ok fine: the story stands perfectly as is. But I just want more because I need this book to ABSORB ME.

It’s so beautiful ughhgh that’s not legal.

 

7. DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY

This book was literally like taking a trip to Iran to find TRUE LOVE FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS for the first time. Darius and I had a great time, ok. We bonded. We grew. We’re bffs also. There was a lot of delicious food too.

But actually shoutout to Darius’ incredible character arc and how he made peace with himself in this book. I desperately want to see him now that he’s home and what will happen next?! I want to see him THRIVE in senior year and also explore more of his queer identity because that was only a soft thread in this book.

 

8. A LIST OF CAGES

It’s been twooooo years since I read this and I need a reread desperately (I am forgetting details eep). But look, this book? I love it. It’s so painful which, arguably, all the good books are. But it is split between Adam (I think he’s 18?) and Julian (14) and tbh Julian went through HELL. I want to know what happens to him next. I want to see my son thrive. I’m cryyyying.

 

9. BOOMERANG

Need for sequel? LEVEL: DESPERATE. It was such a frikkin’ stressful book with my ship and, while I loved the ending, it just made me have the “ok but what’s next” feeling…which is the worst feeling. Because I’ll never know what’s next?!?? I’ll always just be here. THINKING. Wishing. Hoping these stupid loveable boys are ok forever. emotionssss.

 

10. EMERGENCY CONTACT

I’m cheating! But is it even a Top Ten Tuesday if I don’t sort of cheat with the prompts!?

I most desperately want a prequel of Sam and Penny!! In highschool…with back flashes to their childhoods. But like particularly Sam because this kid had a messed up childhood and I want to see him tumble up into the baking-loving-skinny-anxious-disaster he truly is. And I want to read Penny, as a younger teen, writing precocious works and being 1000% done with humans.

It’s been actual months since I read this AND I’M STILL THINKING ABOUT IT.

 

what standalones did you finish and think “nooo i need more?!” any of mine on your list too? or do you think standalones are too rare as is?

Would You Survive Switching Places With YA Characters?

by 37 Comments

As much as I love YA books, I would probably fall over and die if I was in one.

There are a few that I could cope with, maybe even thrive in…like that one where a girl gets locked in the library? Ha you try prying me out of there, you wishful thinker. But on the whole, I’m pretty sure I’d die in the first few chapters.

I love stabby books ok. I love the murdery ones with epic action scenes (PARKOUR!) and wily plots and characters who have personalities sharper than glass. I adore the books about dark magic being dredged from witching ponds and something creepy clawing holes in the trees. Oh, the characters are being eaten by a ghost? A demon? The gods of the underworld? Lovely! Bring me seven.

But, look, me??? in these books??? It would not go well.

So today I want to be practical and honest with you and…

I’m listing 10 books I’ve read this year and judging whether I’d survive vs die if I was in them!

This is also me twisting the Top Ten Tuesday prompt of “Characters I’d Like To Switch Places With” because I’m a rebelllll…without a cause. Truly. I’m just a rebel who gets confused and eats a sandwich to cover it.

 

1. WHEN THE SKY FELL ON SPLENDOR

I just finished reading this one and it’s basically Stranger Things with mathematical spirals (like those Nautilus shells) and it was soooo good! 6 kids witness “something” crash landing from space and they lose 6 hours of their lives. ALIENS aRE COMING…or are they?

➸ WOULD I SURVIVE? ✗
I’m going to give it a solid NOPE, friends!!!! Look all six of the teens get through waking up with burn marks and odd abilities, like making electricity frizz. But I would be the one who electrocuted them self on a toaster the following day. I have this sort of luck.

 

2. SIX OF CROWS

I may or may not have 93898 books on my TBR that are screaming for my attention while I am reading this for the, um, third time. But look you can’t PROVE I’D DO THIS. It’s just a suspicion. However, I’m (maybe) midway through the scene where Kaz gets smacked in the face in an alley (does he deserve this? yes) and how he’s all like “If you can’t walk through the Barrel unafraid, then you have no business being alive there.” Ummmm, soooo…about that.

➸ WOULD I SURVIVE? ✗
No….? Not even a little. Like Nina would protect me, I’m sure of that. She would feed me waffles and I would love her and honestly it’s a pretty cosy story right there yes let’s ditch Matthias. Also Wylan would probably be kind to me?? Jesper would forget I was there. Kaz and Inej would leave me for dead.

 

3. THE FOXHOLE COURT

I reread this series this year (you know I’m beginning to think I am to blame for my TBR problems??? A wild concept) and my heart collapsed with all my emotions for this series. AGH. I LOVE IT. However it is about a very aggressive sport (kind of like hockey x lacrosse) and Neil gets beaten up by team mates, rival teams, THE MAFIA, his FAMILY, etc etc. Andrew wallops him with an exy bat on page one. Do you see what my verdict is about to be?

➸ WOULD I SURVIVE? ✗
lmao let’s not flatter me at all. I actually am athletic in that I run (5:30am every day for 5.3kms!) but I have no skill or ability with a ball. I used to play soccer with a bunch of older kids when I was about 13. I got run over once. Just…mowed me down. I do not Sport.

 

4. THE BRILLIANT DEATH

Aka welcome to one of my new surprise favourite novels! I adored this one. It has genderfluid magicians and Teo can turn people into objects and Ceilo can turn them self into anything from the wind to a mouse. Also Italian mafia and the most tangled loveable angsty romance?! YES. TO IT ALL.

➸ WOULD I SURVIVE? ✓
I think I would. If you gave me the ability to change people into music boxes… ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Seems great. Also I’d love to be a cloud for a while. Also Teo and Ceilo are both aggressive Mum-friends and they’d take care of my fragile carcass.

 

5. THE GILDED WOLVES

This book was beautiful and I loved the characters and I still am not very sure what it was about. It’s set in a magical version of 1800s Paris and Severin is pulling off a scheme/heist to reclaim his family name. If I joined his team, it would go pretty much like so:

Severin: I have explained the intricately detailed plan. Any questions?
Me: *raises hand*
Me: ya…what the heck

➸ WOULD I SURVIVE? ✗
No, I think they’d lock me in a puzzle box and forget where they put me. And I, who cannot math, would never get out of the puzzle box.

 

6. EMERGENCY CONTACT

Basically this is the story of two anxious teens struggling to remain human-shaped while in college when everything is complicated and messy. Sam works in a coffee shop and bakes. Penny writes and freaks out about everything. Together? They are anxious, but FASTER, because they drink caffeine together.

➸ WOULD I SURVIVE? ✓
Heck yes, finally a story where I’d thrive. I am both fond of baking and writing and I am basically Penny and Sam combined. My name would be Senny and I would be an Anxious Disaster and it would be great.

 

7. A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY

Basically the Beauty and the Beast retelling of my HEART. Harper is a impulsive Gryffindor and Rhen is just Tired™…and also turns into a monster occasionally. I particularly loved the castle too, which magically put pastries on your table and was always warm and cheerful…you know, while the world was going to absolute hell all around it. I’d let everyone do their thing trying to save the world and I’d just eat pastries and find a library.

➸ WOULD I SURVIVE? ✓
YES. But due to being a wily Slytherin. But I would have a Good Time.

 

8. QUEEN OF AIR AND DARKNESS

This was one heck of a finale. It’s nearly 900 pages…so that means they’ve crammed a LOT of Shadowhunter battles, sneaking around, plots and ploys, and terrible twists into this book. Am I obsessed??? Do I love it??? Absolutely yes. I am HEART EYES for this book. (Also I was so exhausted when I finished lmao. I didn’t even write a review straight away. I took a nap.)

➸ WOULD I SURVIVE? ✗
I’m going to say no…because I would be that one background Shadowhunter who gets eaten by a sea demon or sacrificed to raise the dead, you know? But there is a chance I’d survive if I got adopted into the Blackthorn clan. They adopted Kit!!! He was useful though. I am not…so useful…but I could like keep Dru company since she got ditched a lot. We can babysit Tavvy together. Leave me with the 13yo and the 7yo, sure that’s fine.

 

9. THE WICKED KING

If you haven’t gifted yourself the life enhancement of reading the Cruel Prince series…then what are you doing?! Vicious mind-games and wickedly beautiful faeries?! Schemes. MAGIC. Poison. Love. Jude basically doesn’t sleep for 300 pages as she spins her schemes and threatens (or kisses) Cardan. I am freaking obsessed with these books.

➸ WOULD I SURVIVE? ✗
nooooooooooooo…!! But I would die grateful for getting to even be there!! Which I think is like 500% the problem with mortals in faerie land in the first place. I’m a cliche statistic. But I don’t even care because IT’D BE GORGEOUS AND MURDERFUL. Although I do want to point out that I never sleep…so that works for me! I’d guard Jude while she naps.

 

10. THE BOY WHO STEALS HOUSES

Look it is now officially ONE MONTH TO GO until my second novel hits the shelf so will I ever shut up about it??? Nope. Let me squeeze it subtly into aaaaall my posts like the proud creature I am.

Anyway! My book has two sides, aka Sam’s life of being on the run, stealing houses, doing petty crime, watching Avery naively do Larger Crime and freaking out about it. Then we have Sam in the De Lainey house…which is like 7 kid stumbling up and arguing and eating popcorn and general big family shenanigans.

➸ WOULD I SURVIVE? ✗✓
I claim BOTH. Because I would die stealing houses and trying to pull off crime without crying. (Note: Sam and Avery and I would all just cry. Those boys are very heartfelt thieves.) But anyway, I’d handle the De Lainey household just fine because, ha!…I have big family experience and I know how to hide food so your brother doesn’t eat it. Big family survival tactics are not to be undervalued.

tell me what your current read is (or a book you’ve read recently) and do you think you’d survive in it?! would you survive any of the ones I’ve listed?

 

5 Hacks For Taking Better Bookstagram Photos (On A Reeeeally Low Budget)

by 67 Comments

Bookstagram is rapidly becoming my favourite thing.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’re probably sitting there eating toast crumbs and rolling your eyes like, “Yes, CG, we kIND OF NOTICED FROM THE CONSTANT BARRAGE OF PHOTOS.” Ok, ok. I only half apologise for my posts being image-heavy because I love pretty covers.

Love !!!! them !!!

Before I go on, I will say: the algorithm gives me frikkin nightmares. I hate it and I have not figured out the secrets. Sometimes I’ll get like 5% reach despite having 50,000 followers and fshofrsffss I want to bite someone. So no algorithm hacks from me, but I do have hacks for…

taking photos if you’re on a really low budget

I don’t believe it’s true that “only rich people” can do well on bookstagram. Obviously the book photos that go viral ARE the ones where people have swords and crowns and whole rooms of books. I don’t begrudge people those opportunities! (My dreams too haha.) But you can run a successful account without spending a lot of money. My own bookstagram budget is quite small. I’ve had a lot of luck and opportunities that aren’t accessible to all, that has to be acknowledged, but let me see if I can share some tips that might work for you too?

…more bookstagram hacks you might like…

➸ How To Get Started On Bookstagram
➸ How I Got 40,000 Followers On Instagram
➸ 12 Bookstagram Secret Hacks
➸ How To Photograph Ebook Covers (Using Free Photo Manipulation On Pixlr)

1. acquiring books cheaply

Now I (obviously) have a lot of books lmao. I have been insanely lucky and blessed by Australian publishers over the last 5 years of book blogging with them. No truly: most of my books are from publishers + library sales. I never bought books as a teen (couldn’t afford it) but as a working adult, I get to allocate some money towards books. I’m happy! I also landed a really nice freelance gig for a bookstore, where I blogged for them = got paid in book vouchers. It ended, but if you’re able to google around and look out for opportunities like that, they’re amazing!

You still don’t need ALL the books to have a successful account. My aesthetic is lots of books and overcrowded colours and being intense. But I have so so many favourite accounts that are minimalist. Like @br.enda @thefictionfaery and @everlasting.charm! And @annreads is incredible and takes photos of a lot of the same books.

Also I actually feature a lot of the same books over and over too.

Other Ways To Get Books Cheaper
➸ library sales if your library has them!
➸ apply for ARCs and review copies from publishers
➸ 2nd hand stores and thrift stores
➸ you can also take photos of library books and ebooks
➸ if you land rep work with a book box company, you can get books through them
➸ if people are gifting you things (birthdays! christmas!) you might ask for books

I want to acknowledge that OF COURSE this isn’t all “simple as simple” for a lot of people. Especially for international bookstagrammers. But I have more suggests coming up…

 

2. using photo manipulation for books you don’t own

Ok I’m excited about this because I discovered this site called DIY Book Design and they have a generator to make 3D book covers! My second book, The Boy Who Steals Houses, isn’t out for another month so I don’t have finished copies yet but I waaaaant so bad to photograph it. So look at this:

 

They’re…fake!

Obviously they are not perfect lmao…and I still have a lot of books in the background. But I was really excited to find this to help me promo my book. So maybe it could be useful for those of us who don’t always have physical copies of the latest releases?

 

3. photo editing for free

I don’t use Lightroom or anything paid. I used to use picmonkey but when that hoofed us out in favour of making us pay (DUDE…) I moved over to Ribbet.com and using a free Mac app on my laptop called PhotoscapeX. I also just downloaded the free VSCO app and most of the presets cost, but there are a few nice freebies. (I haven’t paid for it because I don’t yet use any filters myself.)

I also use Unfold (free app) for making nice looking Stories. Or Canva.com! I actually use canva for all my blog graphics too. CANVA IS LOVE.

The trick with editing is to make sure your photos are clear and bright. And filters help keep things consistent. You don’t HAVE to have a consistent feed, but my account was a cold potato until I did so.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

4. props? we gotcha props

I only use books and flowers. A LOT OF FLOWERS. I’ve taken a long time to build my collection and, again I’m so so lucky…but I got a ton of these for free from garage sales! I also use eBay and 2nd hand stores. I drew my background for my photos myself to keep with my rainbow theme. But I once had a fake-wood piece of material that I got for like $7 on ebay. So that’s worth looking into.

Hey but props can be anything. Mugs, pencils, laptop, tea, blankets, your bed, notebooks, candles…YOURSELF.

@novelescape uses the bath for some of hers and I love it!
@berrybookpages has a lot of hessian mats, handwritten letters, pinecones and leaves!
@crispdawn uses old book pages and forestry!

And also you can focus on JUST the books. (This is me tbh.)

@opalbookjems uses mostly just books
@abookworld__ does too!
@bookwnoname has a very dark aesthetic (looove) and very simple.
@bookandbeverage features stacks!

And @betterwithabookinmyhand and @xenatine (two of my ultimate faves) do lots of book shape arrangements! They fold books??? So amazingly???

 

5. and lastly…the camera

So this is hard, because you obviously need one and cheap cameras mean less quality. I don’t have an iPhone (iPod here, sir) so I started off using my parents’ DSLR and eventually I could afford my own Nikon on a sale. I still take everything on automatic though.

You can rely probably on editing to get you through. Especially if you use a nice filter.

But whatever camera you’ve got, remember: LIGHTING IS KEY! No flash. Take a ton of photos because, if you’re like me, about 7 out of 8 will be blurry lmao. Even if your images are simple — make sure they’re focused and there isn’t anything weird in the background. (Like, your kitchen or dog’s toy or whatever.)

I hope something here might help those of us who can’t spend a lot of money on bookstagram right now.

And I don’t want to diminish anyone who can’t utilise these tips because they’re still out of your price range. I’ve had a lot of luck with free flowers and free books. (Although I do work for the books!) Also time and practise have helped my photos improve. But hey, hey, I know it’s super easy to be jealous of other bookstagrammers. I go there. But we are still all doing our best to promote love for art and books. I can’t even express how epic it is, from a very small time author’s standpoint, to know people are taking photos of your book and helping you promote it out of love?! Eeep! This is also so amazing for minority authors and diverse books.

So shout out to all the bookstagrammers, big and small, who have got authors’ backs and just share their love for books through this art medium. You are marvels.

➸ And just before we go? I’ve seen people say you “have” to have an instagram to get ahead in blogging. But you don’t! Definitely not. If anyone wants a post on how to make nice graphics (for free) for your posts, shout out!

 

And hopefully it goes without saying but: BE INSPIRED by others = don’t copy or steal. 😘

do you have any tips to share?? any of these sound helpful to you? if you’re a bookstagrammer, tell us what you use for props or what your favourite style of photos are!

 

and don’t forget to find me on instagram!

 

 

20 Questions Book Tag (And New Blog Design!)

by 108 Comments

I am hardcore procrastinating some edits…so let me flop across my blog with a book tag.

I often have people say “oh so you’re a blogger turned author?” but, look, let me be perfectly honest with you. I was a writer first. I started blogging to constructively procrastinate lmaooo. I confess to being a little thin on ideas right now, but I was most thankfully tagged for the…

20 Questions Book Tag

thanks to Heather and Lilian! and I love answering questions so thank you! (Also, feel free to tag me for things! If I don’t do it, it’s only because I already have…I have been here for 7 years ok I’m like an ancient tree.)

But before I dive in…I have a new blog look! In case you haven’t heard my dramatic perilous saga before: back in October my blog just gave up emailing people my posts. Devastating? I think yes. My sister’s husband does my blog maintenance and hosts it, etc, so we decided to try a new theme to see if that would fix the issue. (Trust me, I tried everything. I deleted half my frikkin’ widgets at one stage.)

I’m pretty much holding my breath and hoping this post will turn up in people’s inboxes again. (UNIVERSE, PLEASE.) Because I have a book coming out in 40 days and I kind of want !! to be able to promote it !! I haven’t been the best blogger lately and this is partially due to a blogging-crisis (I perhaps will post about that) and partially because of my broke blog.

I’m still tidying and I have to reformat all of my featured images — so if you see anything untamed, let me know and I’ll fix it! And tell me if it emails you again!! (I’m really excited to have my instagram feed displaying at the end of my blog!! And my books are in the side bar all shiny and professional!)

20 Questions Book Tag

 

1. How many books are too many for a series?

Mate, if you’re enjoying it, then the answer is: NEVER TOO MANY. My preference of delight is either trilogies or quartets. I love duologies, don’t get me wrong, but there has literally never been a duology where I didn’t say “ummm wait I want more” like the ungrateful sea urchin I am. For instance: Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares? PERFECTION. Did I want more? Heck yes.

Ok ok but I do admit if a series goes on too long, then I fall into problems. Like (1) do I reread them each year?! bc I only feel like it if I’m absolutely obsessed with the series and that’s rare. And (2) sometimes I outgrow the series before it’s done and that’s p a i n.

 

2. How do you feel about cliffhangers?

I will whinge for yeeeeeeeears. But also please do this to me. Just hurl my limp carcass off a cliff, go on. I will (a) remember the book better, and (b) buy the next book faster.

 

3. Hardcover or paperback?

I love collecting hardcovers but I prefer reading paperbacks! So in a well-ordered universe where I am a billionaire and have a castle in Scotland full of books — I will collect both. Currently my collection is mostly paperbacks because (a) cheaper! and (b) Australia is allergic to hardcovers anyway. *

* seriously why don’t we print tHeM?!?!?!?!

 

4. Favourite book?

As if this question has a SINGULAR ANSWER. I’m going to turn into a stressed coral reef and collapse at this rate thx so much. Just let me…have a list.

           

(And we’re assuming that me putting the first book in a series = the whole series is the best.)

 

5. Least favourite book?

With the whole “am an author and not just a blogger now” thing…I’m actually piping down on negative opinions. Obviously I’m not against them!! Analysing and critiquing literature is part of blogging! So go for it. But I’m going to hush. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

6. Love triangles, yes or no?

If Cassandra Clare writes them then 10000 x yes.

Look I kind of hate triangles because they’re sloppy?! It’s always so obvious who’ll get chosen. BUT. There are so many cool twists that excite my little bookworm soul. So please leave me with triangles that: (a) they all break up (shhsh I’m mean), or (b) they just all kiss, (c) they decide they’re not actually in love, they just make a good team, or (d) two parts are fighting over one part but then THEY fall in love instead and run off from the one who couldn’t choose between them.

Aw so many options for such a tired trope!

 

7. The most recent book you couldn’t finish?

I finish everything sob sob. Sometimes I wish I didn’t?! But I hate things that linger — like half read books and ghosts and siblings who hover when you get the chocolate out.

 

8. A book you’re currently reading?

➸ The King’s Men by Nora Sakavic — actually a reread because I’m so in love with this series and how it sTAbs me in the chest after every chapter.
➸ Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott — I mean technically as I write this post I haven’t started it…!! But I will today!

 

9. Last book you recommended to someone?

With every last wisp of air in my lungs, I will forever tell you to read The Raven Cycle. FOR EVER. (Have you yet???)

 

10. Oldest book you’ve read by publication date?

Oh wow. Make me stop and think why don’t you…

I’ve read a fair few classics? So I don’t know…Treasure Island or Oliver Twist or Robinson Crusoe, I guess?! (Ooh the latter was 1719 so probably dear old Crusoe…WHO I HATED. What a racist creep.)

 

11. Newest book you’ve read by publication date?

➸ Keep This To Yourself by Tom Ryan! It doesn’t come out till May 7th. (Also it was good! It’s a murder mystery with some serious twists and it’s #ownvoices queer!)

But seriously pause for a moment for me to climb atop a small box and shout — LOOK I HAVE MY ACT TOGETHER FOR AN ARC FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE.

 

12. Favourite author?

There. are. so. many. Let’s go with my auto-buy authors, including: Maggie Stiefvater, Cassandra Clare, K. Ancrum, Adam Silvera, Laini Taylor, and Holly Black.

 

13. Buying books or borrowing books?

At this point in my life: I buy books more than I borrow. This is because I don’t have a good local libraryyyyy and my soul is turning to miss and fading into the carpet.

I love libraries so so much. Why? Because (1) no pressure reading, (2) no demands for WHEN to read, aka like it is with ARCs, and (3) if I don’t like it, no worries, I didn’t waste money!

(But my book buying budget is very small because I am very small. Most of my books are gifts from publishers or book boxes I work with!)

 

14. A book you dislike that everyone seems to love?

everything by   s a r a h   j   m a a s

 

15. Bookmarks or dog ears?

That this even has to be ASKED is disturbing?! Tell me the majority of us use bookmarks??? PLEASE???

Do you ever dog-ear books?!??!

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

 

16. A book you can always re-read?

I’m planning on doing yearly Stiefvater rereads! But that surprises no one haha. I also have read The Wicker King, The Foxhole Court and The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue several times and always am here for mooooore.

 

17. Can you read while listening to music?

I can’t do anything while listening to music. [insert wail here] I need 1000% quiet if I want to focus. I have pretty intense sensory processing disorder, so everything is too L O U D for me all the time.

 

18. One POV or multiple?

Ooof. I love one because it can truly immerse you in the story and you can be entirely someone else for 300+ pages. And some books would lose impact if they had multiple perspectives. HOWEVER. Almost all my favourites have several POVs.

 

19. Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days?

I love reading books in ONE day + MULTIPLE sittings. But I have this tragic habit of avoiding books I can’t read in one day. And that’s ridiculous, Cait?? Can you please get your life together??? Like I will literally read nothing for a day instead of pacing myself out to read a book over several days.

I have like zero explanation except for being a chronic overachiever?? If you can’t SUCCEED all at once, then WEEP.

 

20. Who do you tag?

Anyone! I have no idea who has vs hasn’t done this tag…so go for it if you want to! I also don’t know who invented it, but if anyone knows, shout out and I’ll credit this better.)

 

please lend me your opinions here!! how many books do YOU like in a series? and what are your love-triangle opinions? (or tell me what you’re currently reading!)