OooOoo, October

This month was both slow and fast. 
How that works, I have no idea. 
It felt slow, for the most part but now that it's ending I am wondering where it went.

Oh yeah, it went to prepping for NaNoWriMo and reading.

Right.


  

I was happily surprised with how much I read this month (considering how slow September went)

- let me be your hope by l. stewart
- the beginning of everything
- fahrenheit 451 

- yes, my accent is real 

- art of wishing 

- scandalous by l.j shen 

- eliza and her monsters 

- tiger lily by a. duncan

- the halloween tree 

- chronicles of narnia: magician's nephew,
- narnia: the lion, the witch and the wardrobe 

- never ever 

plus 5 books for TDC Book Reviews so overall, not a bad month.
As I'm writing this, I'm half way through Narnia: the horse and his boy

that's 17.5 for the month :)

which puts my total at 167.5/200 for the year !

ps. book covers need to tell me if they are part of a series! 

I have a TBR of 10 books for my personal side
and I think 3-5 booked for TDC


If you haven't seen yet, I am doing NaNoWriMo this year which means I'll be writing most of the month.

50, 000 words is crazy town! but fingers crossed I get something accomplished
I'm happy I am a fast reader and I can get all my books in too - I really want to make my goal this year! I was 9 short last year *grumbles*

I still am participating in bookstagram challenges on IG so come check out the pretty shelves! I think I am going to change my theme a little bit for November.

Besides working when the work becomes available, not much has been going on. The college I work at has been on strike for the past 2 weeks, so I have been able to get a lot done (although i've been sick this past week so let's be honest here...) 

Unfortunately we don't expect the strike to go much longer - which, i mean, that's good because I need to go back to work but I do like having free time y'know - so I will try and get a lot done this week knowing I need to value the time I have in my office. Plus, it's still decent weather outside and the dog needs walks to build up her coat so I don't have to vacuum as much.  

oh, 

we bought a new car. Hello, anxiety.
This is not a fun thing to do. Do not adult!

 but our old one was becoming a money pit and with the amount of driving I do for work, it was time *sobs*
we upgraded from an '08 civic to a '17 tuscon
hello space. and it's so fancy with all the buttons.

but I do miss the comfort of my honda.
this new one has bum warmers though. and I live in Canada. so... I'm adapting quickly ;) 

Guess that's it for this month. If i survive NaNo, I will see you all in 30 days!

- A 

My first time with #preptober

I made the crazy decision back in the summer to do NaNoWriMo for the first time. ever.

Why? I have no idea.
I have no writer friends (unless you count the people I talk to on twitter)
and I never considered myself a "writer" even though I used to write when I was in high school...

I don't actually think I can do 50, 000 words in a month
but I'm willing to give it a shot.

My personal goal is more 30k but I am still aiming for 50k.

So, since this is my first time doing this, over September and October I was doing some research into what exactly dong NaNo means...

and I learned that October is "preptober" since it's a month of prep.

Welcome to youtube where I found countless videos of tips and tricks on how to stay organized throughout the month of November, which is when NaNoWriMo actually happens.

Plus, via twitter I followed some tags that helped me see what was going on in the writing world as well.

I am a mix of both a planner and a pantser - so, I am a "plantser" ; Meaning, I do prep but not overly and I "fly by the seat of my pants" for most of the story.

I know how I want to start, I know a few plot points, and I know my end goal.

I've been more focused on world building and the character descriptions more so than storyline while it's still "prep time" since that's just how my brain works, and so far so good. My notes are all over the place though. It will be at least a duology.

My word tracker is on the wall though, as is my monthly schedule because work is still going nuts and if I can see that I have work, I am hoping that I don't procrastinate too much.

I keep coming back to the same type of story when I think of new ideas so I am hoping that by getting this idea out of my head that I can move on to other story ideas.


For those interested, my NaNo name is Skrzy - it's a nickname based on my maiden name. Feel free to come find me and buddy up :) I could use some friends! 

• The story is fantasy, but it starts in our world and ends up in a distant one. The world we travel to will be elemental and will have a heavy emphasis on the 4 elements and the astrological signs (means I am doing a lot of research on these - well, mainly the ones my characters fall under) 
• I am not putting a love triangle in it. 
• My main character is different than everyone else, but I am not calling it a disability because I don't see it as that (and neither does he. Those around him do and he will deal with that) 
• Protag - Ravenclaw / His best friend - Slytherin / His love interest - Hufflepuff 

So this should be fun! 

I am freaking out but hubby knows whatsup and he promised to let me do my thing. His exact words were "So... I guess I'll see you in December then. Between reading, work and now writing, when will I ever see you?" but I promised to take my book into the living room to hang.  Plus, break times mean doggy walks so I stretch. 


I do wish I drank my coffee black because then I could steal the coffee machine for my office ... however! I did get a fancy wall sticker (that was posted on twitter) and a new coffee mug that I am sure will end up in a post eventually so no complaints

yet.


I am anxious to start. I keep wanting to but nooo, 2 more days!
Part of me feels like I am going to crash half way through and I am trying to come up with a motivational list to keep me going.

If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them :)


Good luck to everyone participating; we got this!



Pinterest-found inspo for my protag's best friend: 
(pinterest needs sub-boards!)

  

*OG post: https://iquoter.deviantart.com/art/alfa-429179496
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/376191375117632610/

my favourite books turned movies

So, if you have ever talked to me, or ask someone who has talked to me about my opinion on books-turned-movies you'll get a resounding "Alex hates them"

and I do, overall.

I usually boycott.

Us readers know that the book is always better. The details, the character descriptions, the subtle actions that lead to the fanfics we all love... *happy sigh*

However, there are a few movies based on books that I actually don't mind (but I am picky with which version) and so let's begin!

Keep in mind, I am not going to go too in depth with my reasoning. I know it's a great honour to have a book adapted into T.V or movie but overall, they aren't my thing.



Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte


"I cannot live without my life, I cannot live without my soul"

Cathy and Heathcliff are OTP for me, for sure.
I've read the long version back in grade 12 for an essay, but somehow lost that throughout the years and now have a condensed version. 

and I think my mom has every movie version made (or close enough)

but the only version I like watching is the 1992 one with Ralph Finnes as Heathcliff (he also plays Voldy for those who are wondering)

The actress for Cathy does an amazing job at being whiny and naive. The movie itself is quick and easy, but it has that creep factor with the moors and the brooding Mr Heathcliff who just can't get enough of his step sister. It also covers enough of the book to get a full picture. 

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte


Other oldie, but so many versions have been made of this one too and man, am I picky. My mother collects all the versions of this one too but my favourite has always been the 1996 one.

It was the first one I watched, and I fell in love.
Bertha scares me in this one though.

Jane just works for me. Her plainness is what makes the movie, and how she wins over Mr. Rochester is just swoon worthy.

  

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Now, I know many people love the one with Susan Sarandon as Marmee.
but I personally cannot stand that one.
None of the actors match the characters for me.

My favourite is the 1949 version.
The characters match my mental image of the girls perfectly and it was one of those movies I had (have) on repeat when I need a good comfort movie.

  

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

There are so many versions of this story and most of them human but every year, on either Christmas eve or Day (depending how busy I am) I watch the Mickey Mouse version.

1. because I love anything Disney
2. because it's cute
3. because the human versions are boring

 

Moving on from the "classics" !


Life of Pi by Yann Martel

I read this book in high school for an assignment and fell in love with it.
Since then, I've read it countless times.
When the movie came out, I was counting down.

Now, when I finally saw it, I was a little disappointed that they added the love interest in the beginning. WHAT FOR?! This kid is trying to find himself but no, we have to add a love interest because "movies". Give me a break.

Overall, I had very little issue with this movie. I thought it was masterfully done and stunning to watch.
The book has such an interesting format that you lose some of that, clearly, but still a repeat-worthy watch.

I cry. Every time.


  

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

Now, I admit I didn't know this was a book until I was older and paid attention to the opening credits.


This used to be on T.V every year in October, and I would plan my life around it. Now I have a copy and can watch it anytime I want.

however, in my latest bookhaul I GOT THE BOOK! and read it.
and which I was surprised that they changed some of the characters, the rest of it was pretty spot on to the movie. Which made me happy.

If you haven't heard of this one, the Tree is the keeper of spirits. A bunch of kids try to save their friend who's pumpkin is on the tree (and the light is about to go out). They travel through space and time, learning about the meaning of Halloween and friendship. It's lovely.

and every year, on halloween, I watch it. I will even wake up early or stay up late, to do so. Tradition! 

   

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Pretty sure I watched the movie first, but I eventually read the book. and I love both of them.

This story is heartbreaking yet beautiful at the same time.
Sigh.
Might be time for a reread.

It's definitely a "Gilmore" movie - meaning, I need snacks and a blanket and a box of kleenex. Probably home alone or with a friend and the lights are off so we can cry without judgement.


 

Riding the Bus with My Sister by Rachel Simon

This movie I heard about from Gilmore Girls and I checked it out. Amazing.
I eventually found the book and wasn't as captivated by it.
One of the few times in my life where I prefer the movie to the book (which I lent to my boss and haven't got back yet. Hmm, note to self: follow up on that)

It's based on a true story and the insight that we get from Rachel on her sister, Beth, is raw but beautiful.

We see a natural change of character over time and the reader/watcher can't help but fall in love with both of them.

 

The Chronicles of Naria by C.S. Lewis

Now, I know that the movies are incomplete. and I know that they added stuff for the sake of "movies" for no reason.

But I love them.

I finally started reading the books (for the first time! better late than never though) and I am already noticing differences

but I don't care.

These movies are great background movies, or as a marathon. 

I don't feel the need to try Turkish Delight though... 

 

 Interview with a Vampire


Growing up, I watched this movie constantly.
but it was on VHS
and while I still have the tape, I don't have the VHS machine anymore so... oh well.

However, when I read the book, it kept putting me to sleep.
I am just not a fan of Rice's writing.

but the movie is fantastic.

Now I heard rumor that they are doing a remake? I hope not! Leave the good stuff alone (go remake Eragon, you crazy movie makers!!)


 

Now, being a Potterhead and proud, my last books-turned-movies that I love to watch are the Harry Potter movies.

While they grossly under-represent the books, they are still good to watch on their own and do a marathon with.

or just throw on a random one (which usually has you putting on the next one, because comm'on now)

Just don't compare books to movies because then all is lost.

My favourite one is Half Blood Prince (except I never understood again, why the love interest?! and 2) why burn down the Burrow?) but it's my favourite of the books too.


 

Did I miss your favourite?
Tell me in the comments!

Review: Eliza and her Monsters

 Eliza and Her Monsters
 Francesca Zappia


An amazing story that brings the reader into a story within a story.

Eliza is LadyConstellation.
The creator of the online comic Monstrous Sea.
With her identity a secret, Eliza finds it easy to focus on her story and have her real life separate. Not that her real life has much in it these days; her parents and siblings don't pay much attention to her, she keeps to herself at school, and she has her two best friends online which keep her grounded. What else could she ask for?

When new boy in school finds out she draws "fan art" for MS, and she finds out he writes fanfiction, the grow into a friendship (which quickly grows into more) but Wallace has his own secrets that he has been keeping ...

... and secrets have a way of coming out eventually.

An amazing story that was so powerful and so easy to find connections with. The characters are richer than we see at first glance and as we get deeper into the story, we get deeper into their psyche.

The writing, the dual story, the pages with the comic drawings on it just add that much more to the overall story. It makes readers want to find Monstrous Sea and follow this story from beginning to end.

This one quickly found it's way up on my favourites list and will be on the reread list for years to come!

 

September is done?!

September went by too fast! I was not impressed.

It also was melting-temperatures until that last week, where overnight it dropped to "Fall" temperatures. Hubby's in bliss, I am not.

Started back to full-time work this month (which was nice for paying bills and stuff) but I'm so tired and it's daily I have at least 1 class, plus community work, so my schedule is all over the place!


 

I didn't think I'd finish my TBR but I *just* managed to squeeze 'em all in
 The list included:

- The Thousandth Floor
- Half Bad/ Wild / Lost
- Blue Lily, Lily Blue
- Love and Gelato
- Beauty's Release

Also read 6 for TDC Book Reviews

which puts me at 150/200 for the year!
50 books left to reach my goal and my fingers are crossed

It's a pain to remember to post reviews to GoodReads but a few on are there

- I finally started Empire of Storms and then onto Tower of Dawn
- Shattered memories, VC Andrews
- Eliza and her Monsters
- Yes, my accent is real
-Never Ever
- The Art of Wishing
- the Theory of everything

(The Raven King was supposed to be on here but the PB isn't coming out til January now so PFT! my ocd won't let me get the hardcover)

and so far I have 5 booked for TDC.
plus I have a big bookhaul planned!

Nothing really is going on, outside of working like crazy. I'm getting back into my writing and am doing NaNoWriMo in November so October will be full of prep! (p.s if you're a writer, go check out Scribe-Kit - fantastic box of goodies for writer inspo!)

We're planning a getaway at Christmas, which would be nice, but we have no idea where. With all the hurricanes etc that have been hitting the southern states we are going to see how they are healing before we make any plans. We might just escape to a cottage of some kind when I have 3 weeks off of college-work.

I need to read 17 books/month to reach my goal so I'm going to go get my reading on!

Check out my insta @inafieldofbooks to see my challenges and current reads!