Books Read in January

1. BEHIND THE BEAUTIFUL FOREVERS: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo

Recommended: Yes.

I don't usually read nonfiction, but this book is engaging, narrative nonfiction. It reads like a novel and you'll learn a ton about a place you probably don't know much about (at least I didn't). 

2. THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray

Recommended: Yes.

This is a historical, paranormal YA, so I recommend it if you like any of those things. Also if you like the 1920s. Also if you like ghosts and creepy things. Also if you like adorable, charming characters. I actually recommend anything by Libba Bray. I've read all six of her books and she never disappoints. She's awesome.

3. MIDDLESEX by Jeffrey Eugenides 

Recommended: Hmm...hmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

To be honest, I don't know yet. I haven't finished this one -- I got distracted by another amazing book which will have to go on my February list. I have heard from many, many people that Middlesex is a terrific book. And I can tell it is, but the narrative style doesn't really do it for me. So I would recommend it in general, but certainly not if you're looking for a fun, quick read. If you're looking for a novel with depth, yes, for sure.

~

If I want to read 50 books this year I have to average four books a month, not three! I'll try to do better next month. 

Happy reading!

Read like a writer

This is advice I have seen from several authors, and I cannot emphasize how important it is. I feel like this has helped me improve my writing so much.

What do I mean by reading like a writer? Basically, pay attention. Be mindful as you read. If you have a strong reaction -- i.e. "oooh, I can't wait to see what happens next" or "um, why would the MC do that? That is so not believable." -- ask yourself what the author did to make you feel that way. How did she set up the suspense? How did he construct a loveable love interest? Take a moment to notice the techniques.

It is particularly difficult to notice these things when you are swept up in an amazing story, but that is arguably the most important time to do so. Because you want to dissect what the writer did to sweep you away -- so you can do the same thing in your writing.

Some examples of things to look for:
* Structure. Do they alternate different points of view with each chapter? How do you feel about this choice?
* Dialogue. Is the dialogue incredibly convincing? What makes it so convincing?
* Pacing. Does the writer linger on the MC's internal monologue or is it all action, action, action?
* Characters. What makes you fall in love with them? Do they have little quirks, etc?

I hope you find this as helpful as I do. I still find it difficult to do this all the time, but now that I'm trying I find myself taking cues from some of my favorite authors and (I hope) making my writing that much stronger.

Happy writing!

This is a post about cookies

Just to warn you. I don't really have a reason.

Except that school just started and has already piled a mountain of stress on my shoulders and when I'm stressed I turn to cookies because cookies make everything better. This has been scientifically proven.

So here you go.

1. Salted dark chocolate truffle cookies from How Sweet Eats

2. Chocolate chip cookies from the Pioneer Woman

3. M&M cookie bars from Chef in Training

4. Death by chocolate cookies from Tasty Kitchen

5. Sparkling cocoa mint truffle kiss cookies from Doughmesstic

As you can see, I like chocolate.

Happy cookie baking!

Cute things I'm loving this week

1. This Etsy shop. I'm obsessed with Johanna Wright's prints. Like this one. Isn't it adorable? I want all of them.

2. Bunheads. I'm a Gilmore Girls addict and I sort of boycotted Amy Sherman-Palladino's new show for a while, because, well, it's not Gilmore Girls. But I started it this week and can't get enough. Super lovable characters, Gilmore-esque witty banter, and high school drama. What's not to love?

3. This hair blog. Johnny Ramirez. I don't know how I stumbled across this... I don't even color my hair. But it's sort of addicting to scroll through the hair transformations. They're all so... pretty. I don't know, maybe it's just me. But now I want to get my hair cut like this again:

4. And, finally, a cute inspirational quote for you all.

Good luck to everyone going back to school this week, like myself. Happy New Year!