May: A Time Of Reflection And Moving Forward

Next month All The What Ifs will turn three and a half years old, making me a published author for just as long. While my journey down the path of publication hasn’t been picture perfect, I can say without hesitation the decision to publish All The What Ifs was one of the best decisions I have made. Along the way I have learned some things.

Here’s a few:

Publishing a book is not for the weak of heart.

Whether you’re self-published (like me) or traditionally published, committing to publishing a novel filled with little pieces of yourself for the world to judge is terrifying. From the naysayers who will tell you it’s too hard to the people who will avoid you, there will be moments you’ll feel like a fool for even trying. Dark moments when it feels like the only person who cares about your book being published is you and maybe that’s why you should just give up.

And here’s my advice to fellow writers who are struggling right now: Fight harder. You caring matters most. And it’s a worthy reason to work toward publishing a book. So tune out those naysayers, find your tribe, and hold tight to your dream. It’s worthy. You are worthy. Now work your ass off to achieve that goal.

You might want to hide and that doesn’t make you weak.

Being honest with the people in my life about publishing has been a difficult journey. From the people who doubted I could write a coherent sentence (and let me know), to family and friends who would flat-out ignore me when I talked about writing a book, to those who have judged me for my subject matters or the genre I’ve chosen to publish, my default has been to hide my head in the sand and never, ever discuss my books.

Which is a shame, since I love my characters and I’m proud of my books. So here’s more unsolicited advice to any fellow authors out there feeling the desire to hide: Don’t. Pull your head out of the sand, stand up tall and proud, and look the world straight in the face (even if your brain is screaming at you to shove your head back in the sand). Again: keep pushing forward.

You matter. Your book matters. Do the thing.

It’s that simple and that terrifying, my friends. Your book. Your passions. YOU matter. There’s no right or wrong book to publish. There’s no worthy or unworthy story. Twilight is as worthy as To Kill A Mockingbird. Don’t believe I know what I’m talking about? Then don’t take my word for it, here’s a few published authors who agree:

Sylvia Plath: And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.

Neil Gaiman: The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.

Madeleine L’Engle: You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.

So write, my friends. Write because you love it. Write because you care. Write because only you can tell your story. Don’t worry about the rules. Don’t worry about what people will think or say. Shove aside the voices in your head and all the people around you making you doubt your goals and create a book you are proud of. Then publish the damn thing, one way or another.

Remember: Be you. Warts and all. The world is a better place for it. And your dream is oh-so-very-worthy.

On My E-Reader: Willow Walk

One of my favorite genres is mystery/thriller! Back in high school, I would stay up far too late binge reading them, one right after another. S.J.I. Holliday's debut novel Black Wood (book one of the Banktoun series) is a fantastic example of an excellent mystery/thriller. Which is why it's a shame I haven't read book two Willow Walk!

amazon
goodreads

Book Description: When the past catches up, do you run and hide or stand and fight?

When a woman is brutally attacked on a lonely country road by an escaped inmate from a nearby psychiatric hospital, Sergeant Davie Gray must track him down before he strikes again. But Gray is already facing a series of deaths connected to legal highs and a local fairground, as well as dealing with his girlfriend Marie's bizarre behaviour. As Gray investigates the crimes, he suspects a horrifying link between Marie and the man on the run - but how can he confront her when she's pushing him away?

As a terrified Marie is pulled back into a violent past she thought she'd escaped, she makes an irrevocable decision. And when events come to a head at a house party on Willow Walk, can Gray piece together the puzzle in time to stop the sleepy town of Banktoun being rocked by tragedy once more?

Reasons I Bought It: First, did I mention I loved Black Wood? Because I did. You can find my review of it here. I could leave it there, but let's talk about this cover: HOLY GOODNESS PINK LOVELY. Between an awesome book description, a solid start to the series in Black Wood, and this killer cover, buying Willow Walk was a must! I'm looking forward to reading Willow Walk soon and freaking myself out! 

Check out S.J.I. Holliday on
Twitter, FaceBook, and her website.

Pick up your copy on Amazon.

Have you read Willow Walk?

Did you review it?

If so, share it with me! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

A Book Review: The Reaper's Bride (The Reaper Chronicles)

This month's book review is author A. J. Richmond's debut novel The Reaper's Bride. I had the opportunity to read the novel before publication, my friends. Now that it's out I want to share with the universe how much I enjoyed The Reaper's Bride! Let me tell you all the reasons why you need this book in your life!

goodreads
amazon

Book Description: It’s not an easy task ushering souls to the afterlife—just ask James the Reaper. When he stumbles upon 83-year-old Molly at a funeral, he realizes she has the uncanny ability to see into the secret world of reaping souls.

James must convince Molly of her talent and entice her to join him as a recruit. But if he thinks this task is without its challenges, he’s sorely mistaken. Molly’s best friend, Mildred, wants in too. Unlike Molly, Mildred is a sharp-tongued, politically incorrect senior who lacks the empathy and tact to make it as a successful recruit.

With Molly’s natural abilities at guiding souls, James is determined to add her to his growing network—even if it means taking on Mildred.

He must ensure that Mildred fulfills her reaping contract without further angering the Gods and losing control of his reaping empire. Although Mildred seems hell-bent on making mischief for James, Molly isn’t so innocent herself. She must outwit both James and Mildred to get what she truly wants.

A suave reaper, two cantankerous elderly ladies, and a melange of dead souls make up the quirky cast of The Reaper’s Bride.

Ang's Review: Molly and Mildred are funeral crashers. They get off on bad funerals and mocking the deceased person’s loved ones. The tackier the flowers and the slimier the pickles the better.

Enter James: the Grim Reaper. Not a grim reaper, not death, but THE one and only Reaper.

Death keeps James busy. So busy he’s hired living people to help him reap souls. When he learns that Molly can see departing souls he is desperate to get her on his crew. Death is busy, and James is barely hanging on. The plan seems foolproof. But there are a few unforeseen problems: pesky Spain, a bunch of pissed off gods, and the biggest problem of all—Mildred.

A. J. Richmond’s The Reaper’s Bride kept me on my toes from page one. Pack with a heavy dose of snark and heart wrenching moments, The Reaper’s Bride is a quick, clever read. Weaved throughout the story of two bitter old women and one over taxed Grim Reaper is a rich back history that begs to be explored. I could not put this book down. And I cannot wait for the second book in The Reaper Chronicles series. A. J. Richmond has become one of my go-to, must-buy-right-meow authors.

Follow A.J. Richmond on Twitter and Instagram.
Make sure to check out her website.
And pick up your copy on Amazon today!

UPDATE: The Reaper's Bride giveaway is now closed!
Winner was announced.
Thank you to everyone who entered!
Follow my Instagram account for more bookish giveaways coming soon!

Bonus: Check out my Instagram Giveaway for The Reaper's Bride!
I am giving away one paperback copy.
Rules to enter are here.

Ang's Top Five Contemporary Standalone Novels

In my humble opinion, a great standalone novel is worth its weight in avocados! Last month I shared five of my favorite standalone fantasy novels. This month we're looking at five contemporary standalone novels I think are bonkers awesome!

So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld
goodreads

A thought-provoking young adult contemporary mystery,
So Yesterday is a fun read that will make you laugh,
fall in love with a cutie named Hunter,
and get you thinking about advertising and trends.
I would recommend it to just about everyone.

The Curious Case of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
goodreads

The protagonist of A Curious Case is Christopher,
a fifteen-year-old boy with autism.
Christopher is relatable even when he's throwing a king-sized tantrum.
Mr. Haddon not only addresses the difficulties Christopher faces,
but the toll it has taken on his family and those around him.
The author deals with hard themes with grace.
The plot twists are enjoyable. I loved meeting Christopher.
And I know this novel gave me a better appreciation
not only for children with autism,
but the families who help them lead healthy, productive lives.

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
goodreads

I've Got Your Number made me laugh so hard my sides hurt
and my face ached from grinning. Since reading this book the first time,
I have reread it multiple times. It never gets old.
And that's what I've got to say about it!

The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Never Had To by DC Pierson
goodreads

This novel left me baffled in a good way and I'll take it.
My inner geek loved The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep in ways I can't explain.
Full of wit that made me literally laugh out loud,
the book combined reality with the unimaginable
in a way that was both endearing and funny.
Darren and Eric both stole my heart.

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Ms. Matson's writing style is packed with wisdom and charm.
Amy's struggle with the loss of her father and the emotional distance
she feels from her mother and brother is heart-wrenching.
The story doesn't feel weighed down.
And Amy's and Roger's friendship blossoms right before the readers' eyes.
All while the author takes us on a journey
through the United States reminding us how grand it is.
This is one of my all time favorite YA Coming of Age novels!

Do you have a favorite standalone novel?
Do you prefer standalone books or series?