Take on the Monolith: 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

The year is 1984 and the city is Tokyo.

A young woman named Aomame follows a taxi driver’s enigmatic suggestion and begins to notice puzzling discrepancies in the world around her. She has entered, she realizes, a parallel existence, which she calls 1Q84 —“Q is for ‘question mark.’ A world that bears a question.” Meanwhile, an aspiring writer named Tengo takes on a suspect ghostwriting project. He becomes so wrapped up with the work and its unusual author that, soon, his previously placid life begins to come unraveled. 

As Aomame’s and Tengo’s narratives converge over the course of this single year, we learn of the profound and tangled connections that bind them ever closer: a beautiful, dyslexic teenage girl with a unique vision; a mysterious religious cult that instigated a shoot-out with the metropolitan police; a reclusive, wealthy dowager who runs a shelter for abused women; a hideously ugly private investigator; a mild-mannered yet ruthlessly efficient bodyguard; and a peculiarly insistent television-fee collector.

A love story, a mystery, a fantasy, a novel of self-discovery, a dystopia to rival George Orwell’s—1Q84 is Haruki Murakami’s most ambitious undertaking yet: an instant best seller in his native Japan, and a tremendous feat of imagination from one of our most revered contemporary writers.

-Amazon

I cannot tell you how excited I am for the release of Haruki Murakami's latest masterpiece, 1Q84 on October 25th!  There was a kind of mysterious allure around this novel that first intrigued me enough to learn more about it. There were so many awesome reviews about it from those who got the chance to read this in Japan, that expectancy soon grew here in America. Really, I wanted to read a novel that would pose a challenge to finish by the end of the year. I'm sure that 1Q84 cannot be the challenge that War and Peace would pose, but it's up there with a whopping 944 pages of pure Murakami lyricism. It's one of those novels that the bibliophile in me, can't wait to hold, and stare at the cover for a while before I read. Hardcovers will do that to a person!

Haruki Murakami is known for mythologizing his native Japan, creating worlds where hidden beautiful magic can rise from the cracks at anytime, blending realities, and opening characters up to dual realms. He's one of my writing inspirations because the music of his words cannot be denied. His writing is simplistic and yet sensational, which suits his extraordinary themes that are often tinged with bleak hopefulness. I have an appreciation for Japanese writers, because from my observations, they have a penchant for turning the ordinary world into something extraordinary with beauty and color. I desire to imbue my own writing with this wonderful talent. After reading Sputnik, Sweetheart, I vowed to read all of his work, and so I jumped at the chance to be a part of the release of 1Q84. 

It's interesting that he uses George Orwell's 1984 as inspiration. I'm a HUGE fan of dystopian literature. However, knowing Murakami, he promises to make this an unpredictable ride that makes you think, that frightens you a little bit, and that makes you want to forge through with Tengo and Aomame. (Of course, I'm always the softy for a romance!). I'm looking forward to reading late into the night with an incredulous expression on my face, shaking my head.

Are any of you looking forward to 1Q84? What are your favorite Murakami works?

Sartorial Lit: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Sartorial Lit is a new feature at Forelsket that combines fashion with fiction.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver, is about a girl named, Lena, who lives in a world quite similar to our own, but with one difference...Love has become the fatal disease, Amor Deliria Nervosa, with a cure that all citizens are expected to undergo when they turn 18. Lena is excited for her own cure...until she meets, Alex, and experiences this troublesome force called Love for the first time.

Delirium has had my mind in the clouds! I've thought of revolutions and serendipitous meetings that make you want to conquer the world. It made me wonder what it would be like to live in a world where, Amor Deliria Nervosa, is cured, and one must experience love, music, and pretty much anything that produces a strong sentiment, underground. As much as this could be problematic, think of the adventure that this could pose? Secret concerts, discussions of banned literature, long walks in the woods, galaxies of glowing stars waiting for you and your soulmate, with the threat that it could all vanish with the slip of the tongue. As crazy as it seems, it also seems beautiful if you know where to look.

Romance can imbue your ways of life. It can cloud your mind, stain your books, or flow through your wardrobe with pastels, neutrals, and strong bursts the color of wine. After being inspired by the novel, I decided to attempt to give you a sartorial interpretation of Delirium.

Etsy designer, River of Romansk, has perfectly captured my experience of Delrium. Taking in the beauty that Lauren Oliver describes of Portland: glowing sunsets, stars so close you can reach up and place them in a bottle, and the whisper of love, I thought that neutral or soft colored fabric would be lovely. Wispy fabrics that undulate in the wind, with delicate details offering just a touch a femininity and the wonder of change. I imagine Lena as a natural beauty who's presence comes into shape with the passage of time. I can imagine she and Alex having a meeting in one of these gorgeous garments.

Where the garments would imbue a kind of romantic chimera, I thought that with the novel's many layers, the accessories would be more edgy to showcase the threat of the government's rule.

Marty White Designs

Iloniti

DebbieChoo

SecretCharm

These beautiful accessories give a hint of edge without going overboard. The necklace and earrings retain the theme of a light and airy chimera. The ring and bracelets show the beginnings of an edgy rebellion. All choices retain their delicate nature, but they also have a touch of dissonance that reeks of a silent rebellion.

I imagined that nail varnish and makeup would give this style an edgier quality. Instead of being completely romantic by adding creme's, I thought that metallics, dark burgundy's, browns, or violets, lighter grays and other deeper colors would give this style a drama that would enhance a natural look with the aura of discovery.

With the natural terrain explored throughout the novel: booties, combat boots, and flats would finish off this Delirum style.  I thought that these selections made for a truly eclectic outfit, blending romance and weathered styles. Nothing delicate here, as anything can happen at any moment. Yet, it's still imbuing a feminine beauty.

Delirium is potentially a wealth of outfit inspiration, and I would love to hear your suggestions. If you were living a romantic adventure tinged with mystery, and threatened by penalty of death, how would you translate this into style?

To read my recent book review of Delirum, check it out at Novel Days.

Sources: Brushes used in photo collages by: Stardixa.

Summer, Invisible Dissertations, and Newbies

Hello Dreamers!

How's your summer coming along? Mine has been pretty busy as I've returned home at the end of July! It's been a real kick to see my family and friends after being away for so long.

Updates

The first thing I did when I arrived back in NY was get my hair relaxed (Thank God!) and cut into a cute little bob. I've been having such fun doing Dita Von Teese inspired hairstyles. I totally see myself making the transformation to vintage living bit by bit. There's a sense of romantic drama that comes with curling your hair for no reason save to look and feel beautiful. I purchased my subtle cat eye sunnies from Urban Outfitters in pink for $14. A few years ago you couldn't catch me wearing sunglasses! Loving this change! I've also been wearing more flowing dresses, yet in the past, I was a bit self conscious about my legs. I think I'm living my most confident summer yet!

Novel Days

I've really started to consider my reasons and purposes for blogging. I'm constantly inspired by Casee Marie (The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower) and Jen of Style Through Her Eyes, and Gabrielle of Cinderbella's. They each have a way of imbuing their personality into their content, all the while maintaining a professional presentation. I tend to frequent loads of fashion blogs because I adore them, however I never felt completely at home enough in this genre to pursue it professionally. I've wondered where to place Forelsket, and I've decided that it is truly a place for my inspirations with hopes that it will inspire others to live their lives to the fullest. Nevertheless, I wanted a blog that could be used as a portfolio of sorts on a professional level. I have no idea why this came as such an epiphany, but the thing that comes most naturally to me is reading and writing. What's the best choice for me? Book Blogging. I'm sure none of you are surprised!

I wanted to find a community kind of like the Independent Fashion Bloggers, as they have done a fantastic job of creating a networking haven for bloggers. After scouring the net, I learned that book bloggers have tons of similar communities. I'm very excited about this because there's nothing I would love more than to work with books for the rest of my life (When I'm not writing them, of course)! There's an event called Book Blogger Appreciation Week that just happens to start on my birthday this year. If that's not a sign, I don't know what is!

With this in mind, I've gone ahead and made my Novel Days category into an actual blog! It feels so right. I've been making goals of where I would like to see it (God Willing) a year from now. I would love to have the opportunity to interview authors, receive Review copies of novels before their release, a chance to be a nominee during Book Blogger Appreciation Week 2012, and the opportunity to go to book conferences. I'll share my journeys with you every step of the way.

From now on, all of my book reviews will be posted at Novel Days...speaking of Reviews: I have one up for Passion by Lauren Kate, feel free to check it out!

Question: If you follow Book Blogs, what suggestions would you have for someone starting out? What else would you like to see on a blog of this nature? (Thanks to all who help!)

In the Midst of all of this, I've a 20,000 word dissertation due by September 30th. It's funny how these lovely little distractions come to blind you to what you should be focused on.

I hope you all are having a wonderful summer, and wish you many blessings in all of your goals for this season!

Stay Dreaming!

Novel Days Book Review: The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.

Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.

The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.

-Simon & Schuster

he's a good example

It's like 

the silence

that follows

    the beautiful song.

Or

the darkness

that follows

    the glitter in the air.

He knew 

what to do

to make it better. 

-Amber, The Day Before-Lisa Schroeder 

What would you do the day before your entire life could change? Wallow...stress out over the bits and bobbles...or celebrate? Lisa Schroeder's novel, The Day Before, chronicles one girls' day of fear-busting celebration and unrelenting support.

This novel is full of tender moments that I could back and smile over. Amber, a girl seeking to leave 'making sense of things' for the next day, was a great character to follow. She's inspiring, interesting, and relatable in her desire to be swallowed up in her day of refreshing exploits. Amber meets Cade whilst watching for jellyfish in an aquarium. Cade is intriguing in his immediate (but believable) connection with Amber. Yet, he is troubled which adds to his dynamic. I wondered at the circumstances that seemed to haunt his character even as he met with the effervescent spirit that Amber carries.

Overall, the novel is simplistically lyrical. It is such an awesome experience to read a novel written entirely of verse. It takes a wonderful writer to write in this manner! I loved the romance between Amber and Cade...not overly dramatized but just enough to engage in a once in a lifetime experience. It was apparent how much they meant to each other even after having met up for a day.

The novel inspired me to decide on an adventure of my own where I take along a backpack, a book and and open heart.

The Day Before is a refreshing read, and just the reminder needed to get you appreciating every facet of life.

Suggestion: As Lisa Schroeder, herself, suggested to me, read whilst downing a bag of Jelly Belly beans.

I give the novel 5 out of 5 stars.

Novel Days Book Review: The Subterraneans by Jack Kerouac

Written over the course of three days and three nights, The Subterraneans was generated out of the same kind of ecstatic flash of inspiration that produced another one of Kerouac's early classics, On the Road. Centering around the tempestuous breakup of Leo Percepied and Mardou Fox--two denizens of the 1950s San Francisco underground--The Subterraneans is a tale of dark alleys and smokey rooms, of artists, visionaries, and adventurers existing outside mainstream America's field of vision.

-Grove Press 

"...no girl had ever moved me with a story of spiritual suffering and so beautifully her sould showing out radiant as an angel wandering in hell and the hell the selfsame streets I'd roamed in watching, watching for someone just like her and never dreaming the darkness and the mystery and eventuality of our meeting in eternity, the hugeness of her face now like the sudden vast Tiger head on a poster on the back of a woodfence in the smoky dumpyards Saturday no-school mornings, direct, beautiful, insane, in the rain.--We hugged, we held close---it was like love now, I was amazed..."

-Leo Percepied, The Subterraneans by Jack Kerouac

The Subterraneans is an exciting, frantically paced novel written as if driven to get it all down and out before it simply dissipates. Kerouac is known for his spontaneous prose, and this novel is one of the greatest examples of this practice: fragmented, unformatted paragraphs, and sentences that seem to run on for days and days. Nevertheless, these are the facets of Kerouac that I cannot help but be intrigued by.

One of the most important factors of this novel is Kerouac's depiction of an interracial relationship in the 50s, a time when it was unheard of, or kept in shadows. It was most fascinating to read of Leo's attraction to Mardou and also his internal struggle with possibly loving a Afro-Cherokee woman. I appreciated this depiction even more as the novel didn't focus on their obvious differences. 

Mardou is depicted as this elusive 'Queen' of the Subterranean subculture. She is intelligent and fiesty, a figure that the characters seemed both intrigued and put off by. Beyond this mythologized figure, Mardou is broken---often fearful of nervous breakdowns, sewed to her therapist like a misplaced hemline. She, like many in the subculture, battles drug addiction, and although living the life, often strapped for cash.  I found her to be just as fascinating as the other characters seemed to. I felt that as much as Kerouac divulged of her, there was so much more that we didn't know or understand about her upbringing and her own aspirations. 

Leo and Mardou are two broken people in a fragmented love that everyone knows is doomed from the start, but it doesn't stop them from diving in. By the end, it seemed Mardou would be a woman that haunts his psyche as time passed. Each seemed a lesson in relating to people: Regardless of good intentions, they would eventually hurt one another. 

Kerouac included great ponderings on what it meant to be in a relationship with someone, jealousy, and the power that a woman has over a man: "...a man may act stupid and toptippity and bigtime 19th century boss type dominant with a woman but it won't help him when the chips are down--the loss lass'll make it back, its hidden in her eyes, her future triumph and strength--on his lips we hear nothing but 'of course love.'" Beautiful fragmented prose, bursting of prisms and beat. I also loved reading of Leo's interactions with the many characters with in the Subterranean world. What can be more fascinating to an artist, than read of trips to crazy/beautiful jazz clubs, discussing novels, music and art? Some of their more negative behavior had me shaking my head.

Overall, Kerouac made me fall in love with him, want to read everything he's ever written, and discover the other characters of the novel. One awesome facet of his novels is that they are semi autobiographical, so you can always discover them in a real context. 

I give the novel 4 out of 5 stars- Rated R...obviously!

Happy weekend, dreamers!

Forelsket Presents:The Novel Days Blogger Event

I'm so excited to present the reading picks of some of my best friends and blogger/entrepreneurs! It's inspiring to see how and why a novel inspires each of us in different ways. I hope that you enjoy reading through these awesome entries, and I thank every single one of you girls for submitting to Novel Days!

I am such a bookworm, with so many favorites to list, that I decided to share what I'm reading now instead of an all-time favorite. I'm currently re-reading Mary Balogh's novella A Matter of Class. I'm a sucker for romance, and if it's set in a historical time period I can finish a novel - no matter the size - in one sitting. Happy endings are the only kind of endings that make me happy. I guess I'm a bit optimistic and a bit of a dreamer, so that's why the books I read have to be able to transport me to another time and place. Life can be hard at times, and yes happy endings aren't always waiting at the end, but in a book you can find those things and rejoice with the characters. Sometimes I share my thoughts on what I've read at my blog. Though I cannot promise I'll make sense, I hope that my passion and excitement shows through.  

-Gabrielle of Cinderbella's Diary and Cinderbellas Etsy Shop 

I'm Venita V. Johnson and author of Musings of a Lovesick Rabbit. Follow me on tumblr for Vintage/Morbid/Thoughtful posts!

I am reading two books. I like to read several books at the same time, to me it's like channel surfing. Right now it is War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy and Extremely loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. Because War and Peace is famously one of the longest novels, it would be way too heavy for me to carry around so the Kindle App on my android phone allows me to pick up wherever I've left off. I'm not sure what page I'm on but my Kindle app says I'm 3% done and I've read A LOT so far. There are so many characters to keep up with but the smooth dialogue feels natural and very much like listening in on a big conversation. Then I switch gears from 19^th century Russia to 2001 in New York. I did some internet research on Foer after he made an appearance at my college last year promoting his then new book Eating Animals. I felt like EL&IC was a good place to start with him and I was right. I've fell in love with smart little Oskar and all the quoteables in the book. "I regret that it takes a life to learn how to live." Ugggh that is CHURRRRCH! I'm on page 210 and excited to finish it up.

 -Venita V. Johnson author of the awesome poetry collection Musings of a Lovesick Rabbit

I’m re-reading AMERICAN GODS for the second time, but this time, it is my own copy and it happens to be the tenth anniversary edition. It contains more content from the author than previously published editions, so I’m excited to have it in my hands and be able to read it again. I received it in the mail while I was away on a trip, so I opened it when I arrived back at home. I started to read Neil Gaiman’s work, starting with CORALINE, when I was in high school, but I was introduced to SANDMAN while still in junior high school. Still, I didn’t start to read his writing until high school. Maybe I started a bit late? Who knows, and who cares? He’s one author whose books will be on my shelves for a long time. His writing is, admittedly, not the best but the stories still grab me. I love fairy tales and mythologies, so when I found out he’s an author who plays around with them in his writing, I got hooked easily. Alas, I bought this one from Amazon, since independent bookstores in my area are hard to come by, especially if you want to be economical with your driving at the same time. 

-Thesanica, Editor of the up and coming Literary Magazine Short Harbingers 

This photo encompasses one of my most adored combinations in life...Jane Austen and a steaming cuppa Joe! The romance of my favorite Austen novel, Emma, has delighted me for nearly two decades. I never get tired of reading about the precocious Miss Woodhouse and her dashing Mr. Knightley! Le sigh.

-Kristin of Bon Bon Rose Girls 

“A waft of wind came sweeping down the laurel-walk, and trembled through the boughs of the chestnut: it wandered away – away – to an indefinite distance – it died. The nightingale’s song was the only voice of the hour: in listening to it I again wept.”

I call Jane Eyre my favorite novel for many reasons, not least of which is Charlotte Brontë’s exquisite creation, the narrator, the protagonist: Jane Eyre. I see in her a small bit of myself, my reticence and the inner-tremendousness of my own being, but in her I also see a strong, fiercely loyal and determined woman – one that I greatly admire and strive to resemble in my day-to-day life. The way she grows in boldness throughout the novel inspires me to tap into my own valiance. We can all learn a lot from Jane – and from Rochester, for that matter. Besides their eminent romance (which is also a favorite element of the novel). Jane and Rochester both represent two very life-changing personalities. I never cease to be fascinated by the way they evolve, both together and apart, throughout the story. Meeting them all over again every time I revisit the world of Jane Eyre makes for one of the most enchanting reading experiences I’ve ever known.

-Casee Marie of The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower 

An now for your's truly:

I've decided to write about my first novel purchase since being confined to a Kindle. As Forelsket readers, you can tell that I have an affinity for Mr. Kerouac. Aside from thinking him a total dreamboat of whom I would've gladly danced with during the On the Road years, I find his writing absolutely magical.  Kerouac never fails to take us underground into the elusive, exclusive life of the Beats.  He always makes me want to find a lounge tinged in smokescreens and saxophones that lull you into relationships that you may or may not regret come daylight. So far, my reading of The Subterraneans is pretty trippy, what with the novel having been written over the course of three consecutive days in 'an ecstatic flash of inspiration.' There's nothing better than reading the work of someone who's decided to give us a sincere glimpse of life without the gleaning of editors. So far, I'm finding this novel pretty fascinating, and I might possibly blog a review of it once I've finished! 

Once again, a huge THANK YOU AND CYBER HUG to all you crazy awesome women who participated! I hope you had as much fun with this blogger event as I have! 

Happy Reading and have serendipitous week!

"We turned at a dozen paces, for love is a duel, and looked at each other for the last time."

I'm totally looking forward to this film! Jack Kerouac is one of the dreamiest gifts in writing history. Although, I haven't finished reading On the Road, there's something epic about it. Even if I come away from the novel not as enthused about the story itself, the writing is too jazzed not to be admired or appreciated. The fact that it's autobiographical is something special. It's like he's mythologized his own life, documenting his moments not in stark mundanities, but rather in sensational reality. It's brilliant!

This film stars none other than one of my favorite people: Kristen Stewart. I remember when I first heard that she was cast as Marylou. It's totally perfect for her, and I look forward to seeing her portrayal. Due to the phenomenon that is Twilight, it's almost as if the world has forgotten that she was/is a grade A, indie actress, primed for films highly rated by academics and hipsters alike. It's time for the world to see her (and every other actor in Twilight) in a different light! And what a light to be cast in! 

Now, I've got to challenge myself to have this novel finished by the end of the summer. I've both Penguin and Kindle editions...nothing should stop me!

Gosh, I'm so excited for this film. Hopefully, both novel and book will have me going:

A Love to Die For

My latest guilty verbose pick is the novel Torment by Lauren Kate. I remember that while reading the first novel of the series, Fallen, I was taken by the the richness of it. There are very few novels, that are popular YA niche, that draw you into a world that you want more of. The first novel left me intrigued with the wonderful gothic settings of Savannah, Georgia, with its thick, humid air, and its antebelum cemeteries. I loved how Kate wove the world of fallen angels intricately in with the human world, and more particularly how she painted the histories and present of Luce and Daniel.

In this next novel, we're taken into a new school that Luce must attend to be protected from the forces that seek to end her relationship with Daniel, and even moreso, her life. I'm still reading it, but I can't wait to delve deeper into her past lives with Daniel, how he came to fall in love with her in the first place. I'm loving this angelic 'other world' that Luce is thrust into. I hear the ending is one incredible cliffhanger, and while I'm looking forward to it, I also hate being left in the dark until the next novel! It's horrible, but what can you do!

This series is definitely one to watch out for!

For writers out there who love hearing other writers discuss the construction of worlds, as much as I do, here's a video of Lauren Kate describing the process of Fallen.

Source: Barnes & Noble

"If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger: I should not seem a part of it."

 

 

 

I tend to stay strictly with Penguin Classics. But I've found another publisher which may have my heart more. At least when it comes down to cover art. Vintage Classics. I love that the beauty in each one is simplistic, yet tells a bit of the story in what I find to be a very profound way. Before I leave the UK, I would love to build up a collection of Vintage Classic novels, starting with the ones above.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens: I was watching the cancelled television show, The Best Years, and the main character, Samantha had to read it for a homework assignment. She found out how strangely it correlated with her life. Now, I'm simply intrigued. I believe I tried reading this as a child and I simply couldn't stomach it. Maybe now, it'll be 'awesomesauce' in binding.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: I was pretty Christmas-crazy as a child, and I find that being away from home makes you want to recreate all of the wonderful traditions you have. I've never read this novel, but of course, most everyone knows the story. Reading this, with a chai tea in hand, while walking the high hills of Bangor in December will be sure to bring back my playful spirit.

Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray: I confess that I've only chosen this because Rob (as in Pattinson) was in a deleted scene of the film! Nevertheless, its 'classic-ness' beckons me.

What Maisie Knew by Henry James: Ever since reading Washington Square, I've been quite taken with Henry James! He's a master wordsmith, and I would like to try to read his entire collection. However, his novels seem to become more and more undecipherable in the later half of his career, much to the chagrin of my mind! But this story seems brilliant, and I'm looking forward reading it.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: As I believe I've mentioned here before, I'm an English Major who's never read this novel. I've observed women the world over simply melt at this book. I never thought of reading it until I watched a scene of the movie with Kierra Knightly: The scene where Darcy first tells Elizabeth of his love for her. By the end of it, my mouth was wide open. Lovely scene. And so I venture to read it through. Maybe blog about it!

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte: Yes, my attentions were peaked as Bella makes constant allusion to it in Eclipse. I've already read it, but I would love to read it again. There's something psychologically stunning about a two people who both hate each other, and yet cannot live without one another. Thankfully its only a novel!

Happy reading!

Source: Barnes and Noble

Beauty in Bloom

Here's a hot-pick snagged straight from my Wishpot List. Beauty in Bloom is a treasure penned by Australia native, Natalie Bloom. Ms. Bloom is the founder of the Bloom makeup line, which launched in 1993! She started off creating greeting cards, and soon branched out into massage oils, and finally makeup.

I cannot wait to receive this in the post!   It's seems to be quite an eccentric makeup/style manual, as it takes on the form of a scrapbook of sorts. Inside, you'll find beautiful illustrations, quotes about life, makeup/style, and cultivating the beauty around you.  It also promises other whimsical bits about nature, notebooks, and more, which I'm excited to look into. Many style books I've observed seek to tell you what's right and what's wrong in the fashion world. What you should have in your closet, and what you shouldn't even form your lips to speak on. However, its quite refreshing to see a book which seems to communicate with its audience as a friend, immerse you in the beauty of illustrations, all the while glowing with the possibility of creating your own world of beauty. As soon as I've received it, I'll do a 'post-review' on whether it lives up to its promises. Beauty in Bloom retails for £8.49 ($12.71)

Photograph Source: Bloom Cosmetics

Six Novels in my Purse...

So to be able to fit six novels in your purse, its not much of a purse as it may be a potato sack!
Here are my current novel picks. For now, at least. Tomorrow, more may come...

I really don't understand what it is about this novel that draws me so.

It's the way each word flows together.

The way that Duroy is incredibly sympathetic, and even though his method of getting ahead is wrong

you still feel for him a bit.

Either way, lovely novel :-) so far.

Last weekend, Pride and Prejudice, with Keira Knightley came on television.

I'm not the biggest fan of hers, so I've never really watched the movie. 

But the one scene, where Darcy admits his love for her, and she shuns him, stuck with me.

Literally, by the end of the scene, I had to shut my mouth!

the scene was well done.

That alone prompted me to buy this novel. Being an English Major

and Jane Austen fan, I should've already read this. 

But oh well. 

I'm on chapter three, and I really hate Darcy so far

but a friend told me to keep reading, so...

The novel I'm writing is about music, and one of the main character's names is Allie.

Coincidentally, it is the same for this novel. I take it as more of a confirmation I should finish writing mine, thankfully a completely different musical story!

I'm still in the first chapter, but it's a very interesting read. 

Reading about a young girl who has more of an appreciation for vinyl records than mp3's is refreshing in this day and age. There is a music all its own that infuses the book from the start. I love that it is in many ways a call to bring back music that actually means something. It's a lot like a bibliophile's plea to keep printing physical books, instead of letting it fade to a Kindle.

It certainly brought me back to a time when we bought cd's from record stores, and we scheduled trips when albums were released.  Not to mention, because my novel is about music, I'm using this novel as a bit of a trainer for all those great classic artists that I may not know! To create believable musicians, you have to know facts on other wonderful artists who paved the way!

The novel in its physicalness is lovely, its jacket sparkly, and fits perfectly in my hands. 

I know, I'm weird, but I do consider these things!

Why do I have this novel?

I think you know... It's Rob's next film!

I remember when it first came out.

It seemed interesting but I never got around to it,

now, because of Rob, I've made time.

Vintage circus tales are interesting.

I'm going to review this in the very near future.

It's haunting, grabs you from the first word. Intriguing.

A believable dark romance, after Edward and Bella.

Great for fans of Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick.

This book I found on a Valentine's Day table at the Strand.

I thought I'd give it a try. This author says some interesting things about love.

.06

Bits and bobbins inspiring me now:

My Tumblr

Before I started using Tumblr, I just found it to be another superfluous blogging platform. 

Some of my good friends, Gabbie and Jen in particular, encouraged me to get on, and so I did.

Now, I just can't seem to ween myself away from it. Its like the moleskine of blogging platforms. I love that it separates everything into quotes, videos, text, audio, photographs. That seems to make each post significant. I also love that I don't feel the need to speak in paragraphs over there: just short and poetically.

with the lovely tumblr comes

Tumblr Audio Parser

This widget compiles all of your musical posts into this

kaleidoscopic symphony of a page. 

To hear my music picks, click on "Cacophony" in the menu bar!

I was privileged to have read a draft of the script and it affected me in such a personal way.

You all know I adore Rob, but Rob aside, this story is beautiful, 

its characters flawed and lovely. 

It's one of those stories that reminds me why I write.

{Another Remember Me related post coming in the near future.}

(picture photoshopped by me, wink wink!)

By Guy De Maupassant

It's absolutely one of those scandalous novels,

and yes, it has the obvious Rob affiliation.

But, it's surprisingly refreshing for classic literature. 

This translation is gorgeous. 

Some books, you read.

Others you read, and inhale, and speak aloud

and teach yourself how to write with it.

Gothic Charm School

I've recently started reading Gothic Charm School, by Jillian Venters. I've always been a bit intrigued by people in interesting subcultures; punks and rockers have always struck me as some of the most chill and individual people. There's something about people willing to completely stand out, even if it seems really outlandish. There has always been this certain something about Goth's.  Of course, there are obvious affiliations to witchcraft (which can be both true and a stereotype) that I disagree with, but there are other things to find quite interesting about them. 

They seem to walk in a life of perpetual Wuthering Heights, donning intricate, vintage, Victorian dresses, and all that lace and velvet. I love the deep red stones, antique time pieces, 'haunting' structures, and even...really really old graveyards.

It seems Jillian had people like me in mind when she penned her ode to Goth. People who find it interesting, may have questions, and want to find out more. She tackles everything from Gothic history and Stereotypes, to learning how to accept their differences, and how to tell if you're a Goth.

News flash for me...of course I'm not Goth. But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate a good Gothic atmosphere like and old Welsh castle, or stories like Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre.

I've only just started it, but Jillian's voice is brilliant. She doesn't take herself too seriously by trying to sound brooding and intense, but she does take the Gothic Culture seriously, which is appreciated. Her comments are witty, and quite comical! I've watched some of her Youtube videos about the book, and I think they are informative, as they are hilarious!

For more information, peep her website Gothic Charm School!

And now for something deep:

Last year, I found a website called Christian Goth.

And its pretty eye opening. I recommend every Christian to go on there, 

even just to check it out. Because for a subculture that's often hailed as satan-led

these Goth's are as on fire for God as some of the best Christians I know, and how I try to live daily.

Oh, With hard work and persistence...

I come bearing big news for my writing life! I'm now apart of the staff of the Open Book Society . If you love supernatural fiction, from Harry Potter to Twilight, and everything else in between, and you'd like to gather with others for one big book club discussion, feel free to stop by! They also have news on a lot of other happenings in the supernatural genre, tv shows (The Vampire Diaries, True Blood, etc), and movies. Maybe I'll move on to a bigger job, but for now, I write book reviews, and summarize chapters for book club discussions! And...I've had my first review published. Thats right. I'm finally published as Britta Kirk! I knew that pseudonym would come in handy!

Any hoo, my first review:


 
your invitation to the creaky mansion at the top of the road. there's a handsome vampire waiting... 
Vampire Kisses (Book One)
The first three novels are in this one lovely volume. I think the cover's breathtaking! A beautiful way to portray Goth culture. For whatever reason, it's inspiration to continue reading on to the next novel. We'll see about the third.
Cheersbritta.

FB#1: She bled tears through the heart sewn on her white shirt...

{writing tips from one fledgling novelist to another}

{postsecret, via weheartit}

y writing pal's always going on about vulnerability. Its the one emotion that forces you to come out, buck naked in front of a popcorn chomping public. They could laugh, or they might get it, but its the most beautiful emotion of all.


Characters who don't have this real, gut wrenching, crazy-wonderful side to them often read flat on a page. One character, or really a couple (not saying who, as not to drive people away from this post), are almost nauseatingly vulnerable with each other. I noticed that behind closed doors, I thought it a beautiful portrayal of two people who are ridiculously honest about their obsessive need for one another. Two classic characters that show this: Catherine and Heathcliff {Wuthering Heights- Charlotte Bronte}. Those may be considered extremes of vulnerability, but they do show it in ways that enrich the texts.


Character Enriching Idea #1: Go to Post Secret. 
This website has some of the most brutally honest, borderline disturbing and beautifully human secrets posted by people who are brave enough to send them, even if it is anonymously. It just came to me, as I was blog scanning, that this collection could become a possible inspiration for writers seeking to create fleshed out characters.


Why?
It is possible that vulnerability displayed within a character can reach such an extreme that it becomes cliched, or often like a soap opera. If you're like me, you don't want that plastic psuedo-drama in any of your pieces. Reading over the photographs on PostSecret could offer you vulnerable little bits which can be the difference between a cardboard character and one that's timeless. Of course, learn from other writers who've done it well, but remember that there's no better characterization lesson than to observe real humans. Humans who've stopped trying to be perfect, and started admitting the flaws.


Warning: 
Please don't use the exact secrets seen on the website. That's just wrong! 

When you get writing your masterpiece, think of the emotion you are trying to portray within a particular scene, through your characters. Consider whether it reads believably. Think of ways to really flesh your protagonist out, or make your romance standout.

One thing my pal showed me, is that vulnerability hurts most of the time. So if you read it, and its slightly painful, you just might be headed in the right direction! Make your readers remember what it's like to fall in love, to lose it, or to endure that awkward conversation with someone!

My Journey: Once I stopped writing prototype characters all the time, I was finally able to move forward on my novel idea. Although challenging, I am in love with my series, and the process!

Happy Writing!