Potter is (Kinda) back!

Harry Potter is back today. But I know there will be many disappointed fans. He’s back today in a completely different medium. People aren’t used to reading a play script when they’re expecting a “new book”. I’ve heard so many people say things like, “Oh, there’s a new book out?” But there isn’t. Not really.

But that’s okay. I’ve already seen dozens of pictures from midnight release parties. I’ll never get a book at midnight. Unless I’m walking through Wal Mart and see something at that late hour. Which is unlikely because I’ve never bought a book from a Wal Mart store, only online.

Anyway, here’s to people putting more money into JK Rowling’s pockets! We all know she needs it.

Are you getting your hands on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? We all know I haven’t even gotten through the original series yet. 

Amazon’s 100 Books Everyone Should Read: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

I finally read a book off of Amazon’s 100 Books Everyone Should Read list. And it was one that perhaps you wouldn’t expect to find on the list at all. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.

I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it was a breeze to get through. Now watch and see what you think!

Two in One Week?

This week two celebrities I follow announced the release of their first books. Lisa Ramos wrote a book on dating in the 21st century, which I imagine incorporates lots of humor. And Lilly Singh wrote a self-help type of book.

I applaud them for wanting to share a bit about their life experience, but there’s no chance I’ll be buying either book. I imagine they’re both okay, but the topics just aren’t for me. I’ve never read anything on either topic, and I don’t plan on starting now.

Are you interested in either of these forthcoming books by Lisa Ramos and Lilly Singh?

My BIGGEST Book Haul Ever!

When I quit my job at Half Price Books recently I had a tough choice to make. I could either buy all of the books I wanted before my employee discount was no longer valid or I could just forget about them. I of course chose to buy.

This is the result. There were so many I couldn’t get them all in the picture for the thumbnail. Ha!

Now watch! It’s super quick!

Publishing Infomercials?

I’ve never been one to sleep at what most might call a “normal” hour, which means if my TV is on there’s a good chance the late night infomercials are trying to sell me something. Honestly, I’ve not once bought anything after watching an infomercial. The prices are rarely reasonable in my eyes.

But last night I had my TV on and caught a glimpse of a publishing infomercial. Are those a thing now? I can’t even tell you what they were selling, though it was likely some kind of book or kit that’s supposed to give you all the self publishing secrets to success. Other infomercials are pushing a product, but I can’t imagine this self publishing whatever it was having anything of worth. It seems to me that someone is trying to capitalize on the mindset I’ve encountered so many times from those considering self publishing. Releasing something as soon as possible in order to make money as soon as possible. The TV product most definitely attacked the latter of the two.

First, have you ever bought anything after watching an infomercial? Second, would you buy a guide to self publishing after seeing it on an infomercial even though there are plenty of extensively researched guides available at your local bookstore or online?

A Reading Frenzy…Kind of

I’ve officially been out of a job for 10 days. And I’ve managed to read three books in that time. Which isn’t really that many until you realize that I’d read three books in MORE THAN SEVEN MONTHS of 2016. Obviously it’s been a slow year for me. But now I’m trying to take advantage of the time I have to catch up just a bit. I’m still in reach of my goal, and I have more than enough books to get there.

I’m off to read some more now!

Stephenie Meyer to Release new Book

Welp.

Stephenie Meyer is releasing a new book later this year. But thankfully it has nothing to do with werewolves or vampires or poorly written female characters. It’s actually a thriller.

Wait, what?

Yes. The author who gave the world Bella and Edward is now giving us something we all want. A novel for adults. I was surprised when I read it’ll be her second novel written for adults. The Host was evidently the first one, which was always shelved in the young adult section at my store.

I think it’d be wonderful if she does what other prominent authors have done and starts writing in every genre imaginable. Because we need more of those authors, right?

Do you have any interest in Stephenie Meyer’s new book The Chemist?

On Nightmares and Dreamscapes

I swear that’s the name of a Stephen King novel, but it isn’t what I’m talking about today. Most people on here know about the one book I’ve written. And I think most people also know I have completely stopped writing altogether. But I do want to start again at some point in the future.

Which is where this post is coming from. I had a dream last night, and it got me wondering if any of you all have had a dream or nightmare one night and then proceeded to somehow start writing a story from it. It isn’t something I’ve really thought of happening at this point because is seems like some freak thing that just happens without any prior notice. But writing isn’t an exact science, I imagine people have all kinds of odd stories and quirky tales of how a story eventually came together. But now I’m imagining a nightmare involving an old lady with an ax turning into a novel. Welp.

Have you ever used a dream and/or nightmare to start or continue a story? I haven’t. But I’m not really writing anything.

John Green Does it Again

I’ve now read three of the popular author’s books. I’ve noticed a pattern with the stories and characters I can’t ignore. John Green is an immensely popular author, but are his characters and stories actually any good? My thoughts:

Have you read any of his books? Did you notice anything similar about them?

2016 Reading Update

I’ve started and finished reading two books within the last week. Which means I’ve now finished 10 percent of my overall reading goal of 50 books this year. I know I’m WAY behind, but I’m currently out of work. Perhaps I have time to catch up now?

I read one book for my 2016 Reading Challenge and one from Amazon’s 100 Books Everyone Should Read List. Which means videos for both on the way this week!

After nearly seven months of 2016 are you on track to complete your goal for the year?