Get Started in Writing Young Adult Fiction by Juliet Mushens

Series: N/A

Author: Juliet Mushens

Page Count: 224
Published: June 18th, 2015
Publisher: Teach Yourself

5 Stars ★★★★★

I received this book in a Goodreads first reads giveaway.

In this book, Juliet Mushens, a professional literary agent, gives authors advice on writing young adult fiction. Covering everything from a novel's characters to the publishing process, this 'teach yourself' guide utilizes examples from popular novels, personal anecdotes and helpful exercises throughout.

This book came at the perfect time for me; I want to write a YA novel, I've had this idea in my head for a while but I never got to putting specific details down on paper. This workshop-within-a-book pushed me to get my ideas organized, and helped me to improve my writing skills in the process.

Exercises were suggested in each chapter, often during or after the author explained something or gave tips. These exercises, ranging from creating small lists to editing pre-written paragraphs to researching literary agents, gave me new perspectives and forced me to really delve into the world that my novel was set in and to think realistically about my goals.

One of my favourite exercises included drawing a map of the world my novel was to be set in. I hadn't really thought of doing this before as a way to organize my setting and keep things consistent, but after completing it I realized just how valuable this strategy could be when it comes to describing setting, travelling and distance.

While this is specifically oriented towards writing in the young adult genre, I feel many tips within the pages can be applied to other genres as well. I appreciated this because if I decide to write books targeted at a different age range, I'll still be able to improve my stories and navigate the world of publishing much easier.

I absolutely recommend this book to those who want advice when it comes to writing!  If you want to write a YA book and you would like some guidance, this book is for you.


Find Get Started in Writing Young Adult Fiction on Goodreads

Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat

Series: Captive Prince

Author: C.S Pacat

Page Count: 270
Published: April 7th, 2015
Publisher: Berkley

5 Stars ★★★★★

I received a free copy of this book through a Goodreads first reads giveaway.

Damen used to be known as Prince Damianos of Akielos. Then, his brother Kastor sent him as a slave to Vere, faking Damen's death and becoming king. Damen is gifted to Prince Laurent of Vere; arrogant, infuriating, and the future king of his country. Unfortunately, Laurent also hates Akielos and hates Prince Damianos, who killed his brother in battle. Damen has to be careful....nobody can find out that he is actually a prince. Due to Laurent's hatred and past, he could find himself executed.

As Damen plots his escape, he gets to know the Prince's guards and household, hoping to gain enough trust that he might be able to hear of the latest news about Akielos, happenings in Vere, and potentially receive aid in his escape. In he meantime, he is subject to slave and 'pet' performances, the rivalry between Laurent and his uncle, and Laurent's cold, yet complex, demeanor.

This book has earned it's way into my favourites collection. First of all, the writing style is amazing. It's elegant and descriptive and I felt like I was there, in the setting, with the characters. Even though it is written in third person, I got to know Damen, and his way of thinking, well and I cared about his story and his welfare. That kept me reading; even when I needed to put the book down to go do something else, I snuck a few extra minutes of reading time. When I absolutely had to be away from this book, I often found myself thinking of the story and theorizing what might happen next.

Then we have the characters. They were all quite unique and memorable, even the more minor characters. While I absolutely hated some of them, I found myself appreciating their roles in the story. I also appreciated how the characters weren't all black and white. Some were incredibly un-likeable, yet they weren't one hundred percent evil.

I have never read a book quite like this one before. Set in what appears to be another, or an alternative version, of the world, I was captivated by the setting, the visuals, the customs and the people. 

I really appreciated that, unlike many other LGBT novels, the author didn't make a big deal out of the fact that same sex relationships occured. In fact, within Vere, it was the norm to take pleasure slaves of the same sex while taking slaves of the opposite sex was considered almost taboo. No fuss was made, there was no coming out or bullying due to one's identity. I understand that in many contemporary LGBT novels these themes are explored because they are important and very real, however I much appreciated a break from those themes. 

I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this book....my only issue is the ending! I have to grab a copy of book two as soon as possible!

A few trigger warnings: rape, pedophilia (which is accepted within the society of Vere), and general/pleasure slavery are all found within this book. There are also scenes and mentions of physical abuse and assault such as flogging.

An amazing, unique novel and a gem in the LGBT genre, I recommend this book to those who enjoy LGBT books and to those who are looking for something that strays from the average M/M story. If you like stories that pull at your emotions, captivate your mind and keep you hooked from beginning to end, this book is for you. 

Find Captive Prince on Goodreads

Banned Books?

So I was reading a post about banned books on bookjourney.net and it got me thinking....

I am 100% against censorship when it comes to books. While I may not enjoy every book, I feel that all books are a work of art. Somebody took their time to write something, to express something, to spread ideas and provoke thought....and I feel that every author has the right to have their work out in the world, shared for others to enjoy, critique, or recommend.

I understand banning books under certain circumstances, such as an elementary or high school banning books due to inappropriate content for the age range. But I feel this is the only real, acceptable excuse for banning books.

Click here for a list of frequently challenged books by decade.

Click here for a list of frequently challenged books of the 21st century.

Click here for a list of banned and challenged classics.

I'm surprised by some of the books that have been challenged or banned. The Goosebumps series by R.L Stine? The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie? Twilight by Stephenie Meyer?

In the end, I find banning books is generally a silly practice meant to silence voices, prevent diversity, prevent free thinking and diversity of thought, and to control through censorship. In other words, I don't like it.

What are your thoughts on banning books? What's your favourite banned book? Comment below!

Beautiful Cover(s) of the Day

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire has a stunning cover; the blue, white and black colour scheme, the gorgeous and intriguing imagery of a butterfly trapped within a jar. As for Walking Disaster, I love how the butterfly is half real, and half tattoo. These are two covers which I feel perfectly complement the other, and I adore the usage of the butterfly on both of them.

Find Beautiful Disaster on Goodreads

Advice?

Hello everyone! So I've come across a book-related problem recently and I am seeking out advice.

To put it simply, I have run out of room on my bookshelf. My room is very small and I can't really see anywhere else I could store my books. I don't have the money to buy an extra bookshelf, either.

Where do you store your extra books? Have you ever experienced a bookshelf 'overflow'? What do you suggest I do?

Thank you!