With the re-release of a couple of my books, I seem to have lost my reviews. I'm looking for people who are interested in reading and reviewing, so shoot me a message! More information about the books is below, and I have pdf and mobi versions available.
If these books don't interest you but you want to check out one of my other ones, let me know! You can find them at my author page.
What happens when humanity's hope rests on the shoulder of a teenager?
Caleb didn’t come out of the zombie uprising unscathed. He’s been scarred—both mentally and physically. The rest of humanity is trying to rebuild, to make the world normal again. Caleb is trying to return to a normal life also, but after all he’s seen, after the loss of his family and friends, the transition is difficult.
The darkness that led him down a path of self-doubt and self-harm has never left his mind. Things only become worse when he discovers he’s immune to whatever makes a zombie a zombie. Fighting zombies was predictable. He knew what to expect. Fighting humans is volatile. They are malicious and treacherous. They won’t stop to get what they want, and Caleb has to figure out exactly what that is.
Does being immune to becoming a zombie still make a person human?
Caleb tried to live a normal life after the uprising. He moved into the city, found a home, and worked a job. He yearned for days full of tedium and schedules. Instead, he discovered he was immune to becoming a zombie, and his life was turned upside down.Fear and uncertainty have replaced normalcy.
Caleb no longer knows if his immunity makes him human or something else … something monstrous. He knows who is after him, but to find out what his captors want and what he is he'll have to play their game and give up his freedom. His sacrifice may or may not lead to the answers he desperately craves.
Showing posts with label young adult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label young adult. Show all posts
Some Things to Share
This post is a bit late because I was waiting for some news so I could share. The first is that I did an online interview, and you can listen to it here. If you click on the orange text near the top of the blog, it will download the player.
In addition, I have re-released the first two books in my Saving Humanity YA zombie series. They even have lovely new covers. Currently, they are only available as ebooks, but soon they will be available as paperbacks. Links are below. Enjoy!
Humanity's Hope
Edge of Humanity
In addition, I have re-released the first two books in my Saving Humanity YA zombie series. They even have lovely new covers. Currently, they are only available as ebooks, but soon they will be available as paperbacks. Links are below. Enjoy!
Humanity's Hope
Edge of Humanity
This Week's Featured Books
ZOMBIES!
This week, I am going to feature my zombie books. As you can see, this is one genre that I really enjoy writing in. There's a little bit of something for everyone in here, including a novella and a nonfiction.
Enjoy!
Seventeen-year-old Krista must quickly figure out how she's going to survive in the zombie-destroyed world.
The one advantage humans have is that the zombies hate humid environments, so they're migrating west to escape its deteriorating effects. The survivors plan to construct a wall at North Platte to keep the undead out, and Krista has come to Nebraska to start a new life.
Zombies aren’t the only creatures she has to be cautious of—the other survivors have a dark side. Krista must fight not only to live but also to defend everything she holds dear—her country, her freedom, and ultimately, those she loves.
Join Krista in her quest to survive in this thrilling apocalyptic novel by Pembroke Sinclair.
Seventeen-year-old Krista has already proven she can survive the zombie hordes.
After moving to North Platte with her distant cousin General Liet to help build a wall that will keep the zombies in the West, it becomes apparent that the zombies aren’t the biggest threat—some survivors are far more dangerous than Krista had ever imagined.
With the help of Quinn, a survivor and fighter from the zombie-infested wildlands of the West, they free the garrison at North Platte from the power-hungry Liet. But there is a bigger battle to fight.
The Families who rule Florida and use intimidation and the threat of the zombie horde to coerce their territory want Krista and Quinn captured, the zombies want to devour them, and other survivors want them dead. Caught between powerful forces, will they survive long enough to devise a new plan and put it into action? Or will they self-destruct?
Find out in book two of this thrilling apocalyptic series by author Pembroke Sinclair.
What happens when humanity's hope rests on the shoulders of a teenager?
Caleb didn’t come out of the zombie uprising unscathed. He’s been scarred—both mentally and physically. The rest of humanity is trying to rebuild, to make the world normal again. Caleb is trying to return to a normal life also, but after all he’s seen, after the loss of his family and friends, the transition is difficult. The darkness that led him down a path of self-doubt and self-harm has never left his mind.
Things only become worse when he discovers he’s immune to whatever makes a zombie a zombie. Fighting zombies was predictable. He knew what to expect. Fighting humans is volatile. They are malicious and treacherous. They won’t stop to get what they want, and Caleb has to figure out exactly what that is.
Does being immune to becoming a zombie still make a person human?
Caleb tried to live a normal life after the uprising. He moved into the city, found a home, and worked a job. He yearned for days full of tedium and schedules. Instead, he discovered he was immune to becoming a zombie, and his life was turned upside down.
Fear and uncertainty have replaced normalcy. Caleb no longer knows if his immunity makes him human or something else … something monstrous. He knows who is after him, but to find out what his captors want and what he is he'll have to play their game and give up his freedom. His sacrifice may or may not lead to the answers he desperately craves.
Drunk womanizer Duke, spends his life selfishly taking care of himself and screw the rest of the world. After one particular black-out alcoholic binge, he wakes to find the world changed the dead are rising from their graves.
Lonely, guilt-ridden Hank is someone who minds his own business, and sympathetic but strong-willed Lana is on the receiving end of harassment by other students. Forced together for survival, the three misfits must confront their world gone strange. God said the people of Earth would be punished for their sins, and so the end has come.
Duke, Hank, and Lana must walk their own paths to salvation, but they also must depend on each other. Will their salvation lie in Finding Eden?
A zombie story with inspirational elements.
Jessica Robinson's obsession with zombie films started when she was in junior high. Horror films are a great lens to examine concerns society has about modern science. Let’s face it, when it comes to horror movies, science has a bad reputation. Blind ambition, experimental serums, and genetic experiments are often blamed for the giant monster terrorizing the city or the reason aliens are taking human prisoners or the cause of the dead rising from the grave to consume living flesh.
Using film, literature, and interviews with experts, Robinson examines how zombies portray real-world fears such as epidemics, mind control, what may or may not exist in space, the repercussions of playing God, and the science behind the fears. Robinson's goal is to explore how zombies become a metaphor for our fears of science and what could happen if science gets out of hand.
This week, I am going to feature my zombie books. As you can see, this is one genre that I really enjoy writing in. There's a little bit of something for everyone in here, including a novella and a nonfiction.
Enjoy!

Seventeen-year-old Krista must quickly figure out how she's going to survive in the zombie-destroyed world.
The one advantage humans have is that the zombies hate humid environments, so they're migrating west to escape its deteriorating effects. The survivors plan to construct a wall at North Platte to keep the undead out, and Krista has come to Nebraska to start a new life.
Zombies aren’t the only creatures she has to be cautious of—the other survivors have a dark side. Krista must fight not only to live but also to defend everything she holds dear—her country, her freedom, and ultimately, those she loves.
Join Krista in her quest to survive in this thrilling apocalyptic novel by Pembroke Sinclair.
Seventeen-year-old Krista has already proven she can survive the zombie hordes.
After moving to North Platte with her distant cousin General Liet to help build a wall that will keep the zombies in the West, it becomes apparent that the zombies aren’t the biggest threat—some survivors are far more dangerous than Krista had ever imagined.
With the help of Quinn, a survivor and fighter from the zombie-infested wildlands of the West, they free the garrison at North Platte from the power-hungry Liet. But there is a bigger battle to fight.
The Families who rule Florida and use intimidation and the threat of the zombie horde to coerce their territory want Krista and Quinn captured, the zombies want to devour them, and other survivors want them dead. Caught between powerful forces, will they survive long enough to devise a new plan and put it into action? Or will they self-destruct?
Find out in book two of this thrilling apocalyptic series by author Pembroke Sinclair.
What happens when humanity's hope rests on the shoulders of a teenager?
Caleb didn’t come out of the zombie uprising unscathed. He’s been scarred—both mentally and physically. The rest of humanity is trying to rebuild, to make the world normal again. Caleb is trying to return to a normal life also, but after all he’s seen, after the loss of his family and friends, the transition is difficult. The darkness that led him down a path of self-doubt and self-harm has never left his mind.
Things only become worse when he discovers he’s immune to whatever makes a zombie a zombie. Fighting zombies was predictable. He knew what to expect. Fighting humans is volatile. They are malicious and treacherous. They won’t stop to get what they want, and Caleb has to figure out exactly what that is.
Does being immune to becoming a zombie still make a person human?
Caleb tried to live a normal life after the uprising. He moved into the city, found a home, and worked a job. He yearned for days full of tedium and schedules. Instead, he discovered he was immune to becoming a zombie, and his life was turned upside down.
Fear and uncertainty have replaced normalcy. Caleb no longer knows if his immunity makes him human or something else … something monstrous. He knows who is after him, but to find out what his captors want and what he is he'll have to play their game and give up his freedom. His sacrifice may or may not lead to the answers he desperately craves.
Drunk womanizer Duke, spends his life selfishly taking care of himself and screw the rest of the world. After one particular black-out alcoholic binge, he wakes to find the world changed the dead are rising from their graves.
Lonely, guilt-ridden Hank is someone who minds his own business, and sympathetic but strong-willed Lana is on the receiving end of harassment by other students. Forced together for survival, the three misfits must confront their world gone strange. God said the people of Earth would be punished for their sins, and so the end has come.
Duke, Hank, and Lana must walk their own paths to salvation, but they also must depend on each other. Will their salvation lie in Finding Eden?
A zombie story with inspirational elements.
Jessica Robinson's obsession with zombie films started when she was in junior high. Horror films are a great lens to examine concerns society has about modern science. Let’s face it, when it comes to horror movies, science has a bad reputation. Blind ambition, experimental serums, and genetic experiments are often blamed for the giant monster terrorizing the city or the reason aliens are taking human prisoners or the cause of the dead rising from the grave to consume living flesh.
Using film, literature, and interviews with experts, Robinson examines how zombies portray real-world fears such as epidemics, mind control, what may or may not exist in space, the repercussions of playing God, and the science behind the fears. Robinson's goal is to explore how zombies become a metaphor for our fears of science and what could happen if science gets out of hand.
Happy Release Day!
Today is the day! Edge of Humanity, the second book in the Saving Humanity series, is now available for your reading pleasure! You can find it on Amazon and other online retailers.
The publishing of this book marks the 13th fiction book I've had published. 13! To celebrate, I'm giving away signed paperback copies of all of my books to one lucky winner. You can enter the contest below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Book 2 in the Saving Humanity Series
Does being immune to becoming a zombie still make a person human?
Caleb tried to live a normal life after the uprising. He moved into the city, found a home, and worked a job. He yearned for days full of tedium and schedules. Instead, he discovered he was immune to becoming a zombie, and his life was turned upside down.
Fear and uncertainty have replaced normalcy. Caleb no longer knows if his immunity makes him human or something else…something monstrous. He knows who is after him, but to find out what his captors want and what he is, he’ll have to play their game and give up his freedom. His sacrifice may or may not lead to the answers he desperately craves.
Fear and uncertainty have replaced normalcy. Caleb no longer knows if his immunity makes him human or something else…something monstrous. He knows who is after him, but to find out what his captors want and what he is, he’ll have to play their game and give up his freedom. His sacrifice may or may not lead to the answers he desperately craves.
The publishing of this book marks the 13th fiction book I've had published. 13! To celebrate, I'm giving away signed paperback copies of all of my books to one lucky winner. You can enter the contest below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Young Adult Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Giveaway
I’ve teamed up with 25+ fantastic authors to give away a huge collection of Young Adult Sci Fi & Fantasy novels to 2 lucky winners, PLUS a brand new eReaderto the Grand Prize winner!
Oh, and did I mention you'll receive a collection of FREE reads just for entering?
You can win my novel, The Appeal of Evil, plus books from authors like Brenda Hiatt, Matthew Mather, and Cidney Swanson.
Enter the giveaway by clicking here.
Good luck and enjoy!
Katie wants to invest her heart and soul in love, but she may lose both to Hell.
Katie, a senior in high school, is torn between loving the "good" guy, her childhood friend Wes who makes promises he doesn't keep and abandons her when she needs him the most, and the "bad" guy, the new kid at school Josh who is also a real demon from Hell. Katie wants someone who pays attention to her and puts her first, but what is she willing to give up to find him?
Find out in book one of this thrilling young adult paranormal romance by Pembroke Sinclair.
Finding Time to Read
This week marks the celebration of Teen Read Week 2018. The goal is to get teens and kids to read, and this year’s theme is “It’s Written in the Stars: READ.” As I’m sure you can imagine, the goal is for teens to find books written in the science fiction or fantasy genre, but they are also encouraged to find any story that is “out of this world.”
I think this is an amazing celebration, and I’m more than happy to encourage readers in any way possible. As an author with stories of her own, that encouragement will come in the form of free books. If you’d like a chance to win some free signed paperbacks (open to U.S. shipping only), then comment below and let me know which book of mine you’d like to read and why. Winners will be chosen on October 14, so leave a way for me to contact you.
The vast majority of my books are written in the young adult (YA) genre. I have a few middle grade and adult stories, but YA is really where my passion lies. I enjoy creating characters that are a little naïve and angsty. It gives them a chance to grow and make discoveries about the world they live in. They are allowed to have their flaws, and that really appeals to me.
It’s been a long time since I was a teen, but I remember it was tough to find time to read for enjoyment. Between school, homework, and sports, I didn’t have a lot of downtime to just lose myself in a book. If I wanted to read, I had to make time.
The books that appealed to me the most when I was growing up where those written by Christopher Pike. He was one of my all-time favorite authors, and his stories weren’t overly long. If I wanted to, I could read an entire book in one sitting. If I didn’t have that kind of time, I could fit it in to multiple sessions. But in the end, the books were quick, easy, entertaining, and fit into my schedule.
I’ve tried to incorporate the same elements into my own stories. I want them to be entertaining, quick, easy, and not burdensome. Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wrong with incredibly long books and series. They can be quite entertaining and keep a reader engrossed for long amounts of time. Personally, I prefer something different.
Reading is an important part of life. It teaches us so much and gives us a chance to unwind and relax. Everyone should make time to read, especially teens and kids. It will benefit them later in life—and it’s a lot of fun to do.
The vast majority of my books are written in the young adult (YA) genre. I have a few middle grade and adult stories, but YA is really where my passion lies. I enjoy creating characters that are a little naïve and angsty. It gives them a chance to grow and make discoveries about the world they live in. They are allowed to have their flaws, and that really appeals to me.
It’s been a long time since I was a teen, but I remember it was tough to find time to read for enjoyment. Between school, homework, and sports, I didn’t have a lot of downtime to just lose myself in a book. If I wanted to read, I had to make time.
The books that appealed to me the most when I was growing up where those written by Christopher Pike. He was one of my all-time favorite authors, and his stories weren’t overly long. If I wanted to, I could read an entire book in one sitting. If I didn’t have that kind of time, I could fit it in to multiple sessions. But in the end, the books were quick, easy, entertaining, and fit into my schedule.
I’ve tried to incorporate the same elements into my own stories. I want them to be entertaining, quick, easy, and not burdensome. Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wrong with incredibly long books and series. They can be quite entertaining and keep a reader engrossed for long amounts of time. Personally, I prefer something different.
Reading is an important part of life. It teaches us so much and gives us a chance to unwind and relax. Everyone should make time to read, especially teens and kids. It will benefit them later in life—and it’s a lot of fun to do.
My Mind Has Just Been Blown
As I sat down to write this post and tell all of you wonderful readers about my upcoming release, it dawned on me that the book I have coming out this fall will be my 13th novel. 13 NOVELS! I can’t believe it! I’m fairly certain this calls for a celebration, and I’ll think about what to do.
Side note: I also have three nonfiction books floating around, but 13 novels? Where did I find the time to write all of that?
In the meantime, let me continue this post by telling you about Edge of Humanity, which will be coming out this fall. It’s the second in the Saving Humanity series. Humanity’s Hope is the first book.
This series holds a special place in my heart, mainly because Caleb isn’t a typical hero and I can relate to him on a variety of different levels. My goal with these books is to show that people who have been damaged by tragedy and mental issues still have a place in this world, even if they don’t always see their worth and have a hard time being “normal.” I’m excited for you to read about Caleb’s latest adventure.
If you haven’t started this young adult zombie journey, Humanity’s Hope is available for 99 cents on Kindle. Go check it out!
What happens when humanity's hope rests on the shoulders of a teenager?
Caleb didn’t come out of the zombie uprising unscathed. He’s been scarred—both mentally and physically. The rest of humanity is trying to rebuild, to make the world normal again. Caleb is trying to return to a normal life also, but after all he’s seen, after the loss of his family and friends, the transition is difficult. The darkness that led him down a path of self-doubt and self-harm has never left his mind.
Things only become worse when he discovers he’s immune to whatever makes a zombie a zombie. Fighting zombies was predictable. He knew what to expect. Fighting humans is volatile. They are malicious and treacherous. They won’t stop to get what they want, and Caleb has to figure out exactly what that is.
Side note: I also have three nonfiction books floating around, but 13 novels? Where did I find the time to write all of that?
In the meantime, let me continue this post by telling you about Edge of Humanity, which will be coming out this fall. It’s the second in the Saving Humanity series. Humanity’s Hope is the first book.
This series holds a special place in my heart, mainly because Caleb isn’t a typical hero and I can relate to him on a variety of different levels. My goal with these books is to show that people who have been damaged by tragedy and mental issues still have a place in this world, even if they don’t always see their worth and have a hard time being “normal.” I’m excited for you to read about Caleb’s latest adventure.
If you haven’t started this young adult zombie journey, Humanity’s Hope is available for 99 cents on Kindle. Go check it out!
What happens when humanity's hope rests on the shoulders of a teenager?
Caleb didn’t come out of the zombie uprising unscathed. He’s been scarred—both mentally and physically. The rest of humanity is trying to rebuild, to make the world normal again. Caleb is trying to return to a normal life also, but after all he’s seen, after the loss of his family and friends, the transition is difficult. The darkness that led him down a path of self-doubt and self-harm has never left his mind.
Things only become worse when he discovers he’s immune to whatever makes a zombie a zombie. Fighting zombies was predictable. He knew what to expect. Fighting humans is volatile. They are malicious and treacherous. They won’t stop to get what they want, and Caleb has to figure out exactly what that is.
Projects In Progress
Is it just me, or is anyone else a little weirded out that it’s May? That means that school is almost out and summer is right around the corner. It means FREEDOM! I’m not sure I’m ready for the boys to be away from their schedule. I’m sure they are.
Despite my unreadiness, time will keep marching forward and summer is the perfect time to lose yourself in some great books. I’ve got some in the works, so I wanted to share what projects I have in progress and what you can expect from me in 2018.
Death to the Undead Audiobook
The second book in the Life After the Undead series has been recorded and should be approved any day now by ACX. If you haven’t listened to the first, you can find it on Audible or iTunes.
The Ifs Audiobook(s)
I am also getting The Ifs series turned into audiobooks. The first one should be available mid-summer. I will let you know when that’s available.
Undead Ifs
Speaking of The Ifs, the third book in the series, Undead Ifs, will be available in Kindle and paperback format soon. Again, if you haven’t read the other two books in the series (The Ifs and The Ifs Return), now is a good time to get caught up.
Edge of Humanity
I’m assuming that toward the end of the year Edge of Humanity will be available as an ebook and paperback. It’s the second in the Saving Humanity series—Humanity’s Hope is the first. Check it out if you haven’t had a chance!
Caleb didn’t come out of the zombie uprising unscathed. He’s been scarred—both mentally and physically. The rest of humanity is trying to rebuild, to make the world normal again. Caleb is trying to return to a normal life also, but after all he’s seen, after the loss of his family and friends, the transition is difficult. The darkness that led him down a path of self-doubt and self-harm has never left his mind.
Things only become worse when he discovers he’s immune to whatever makes a zombie a zombie. Fighting zombies was predictable. He knew what to expect. Fighting humans is volatile. They are malicious and treacherous. They won’t stop to get what they want, and Caleb has to figure out exactly what that is.
Summer is the best time to get find yourself in new and exciting worlds and to meet some new imaginary friends. I hope to expand and enrich your reading experience with my latest releases and the first stories from the various series.
Despite my unreadiness, time will keep marching forward and summer is the perfect time to lose yourself in some great books. I’ve got some in the works, so I wanted to share what projects I have in progress and what you can expect from me in 2018.
Death to the Undead Audiobook
The second book in the Life After the Undead series has been recorded and should be approved any day now by ACX. If you haven’t listened to the first, you can find it on Audible or iTunes.
The Ifs Audiobook(s)
I am also getting The Ifs series turned into audiobooks. The first one should be available mid-summer. I will let you know when that’s available.
Undead Ifs
Speaking of The Ifs, the third book in the series, Undead Ifs, will be available in Kindle and paperback format soon. Again, if you haven’t read the other two books in the series (The Ifs and The Ifs Return), now is a good time to get caught up.
Edge of Humanity
I’m assuming that toward the end of the year Edge of Humanity will be available as an ebook and paperback. It’s the second in the Saving Humanity series—Humanity’s Hope is the first. Check it out if you haven’t had a chance!
What happens when humanity's hope rests on the shoulders of a teenager?
Caleb didn’t come out of the zombie uprising unscathed. He’s been scarred—both mentally and physically. The rest of humanity is trying to rebuild, to make the world normal again. Caleb is trying to return to a normal life also, but after all he’s seen, after the loss of his family and friends, the transition is difficult. The darkness that led him down a path of self-doubt and self-harm has never left his mind.
Things only become worse when he discovers he’s immune to whatever makes a zombie a zombie. Fighting zombies was predictable. He knew what to expect. Fighting humans is volatile. They are malicious and treacherous. They won’t stop to get what they want, and Caleb has to figure out exactly what that is.
Summer is the best time to get find yourself in new and exciting worlds and to meet some new imaginary friends. I hope to expand and enrich your reading experience with my latest releases and the first stories from the various series.
2018 New Year New Reads Blog Hop
Did you get a gift card for the holidays? Are you looking for something to spend it on? Well look no further! If you're looking for some great reads for a low price, you're in the right place!
For the New Year, Life After the Undead is on sale for 99 cents! Get the ebook now and enjoy some zombie fun!
The one advantage humans have is that the zombies hate humid environments, so they're migrating west to escape its deteriorating effects. The survivors plan to construct a wall at North Platte to keep the undead out, and Krista has come to Nebraska to start a new life.
Zombies aren’t the only creatures she has to be cautious of—the other survivors have a dark side. Krista must fight not only to live but also to defend everything she holds dear—her country, her freedom, and ultimately, those she loves.
Join Krista in her quest to survive in this thrilling apocalyptic novel by Pembroke Sinclair.
I Have to Make Time
A couple of weeks ago, I was filling out an interview for a blog site. One of the questions asked what books I was currently reading, and—sadly—I had to answer that I wasn’t currently reading any books. Things had been so crazy busy, I honestly didn’t have time.
I felt a small bit of my soul die when I typed that. After all, I’m a reader; I always have been. I love being able to escape daily life and go to another place. I love living experiences through other people’s eyes. That’s also why I write. Unfortunately, I haven’t had a lot of time to do that either.
After typing those words, I told myself that something was going to change. No one was going to give me time to read, I had to take it for myself. So I did. And let me tell you, it makes a world of difference.
So, to answer the question of what I’ve been currently reading, I’ve been revisiting my teen reads. You may recall a blog post I did about finding inspiration in reading these texts, well, I’m still looking for it.
It seriously brings back a lot of memories and makes me feel so good to read these books. It gives me ideas for my own. It gives me the chance to escape. And because they are short, it doesn’t take me long to breeze through them. I’m just really enjoying my reading time again.
The most recent book I finished was The Eternal Enemy by Christopher Pike. At the back of the book are pages that recommend other authors. I’ve always known they’ve been there, but I didn’t pay too much attention. For some reason, one author drew me in. Have you heard of Richie T Cusick? I hadn’t, although she apparently wrote a bunch of Buffy books.
Anywho, I decided to check her out, so I picked up The Lifeguard. I’m not finished with it quite yet, but I’m really enjoying it. I’m definitely going to check out her other books.
It’s no secret that my life has been crazy busy lately—mainly because I keep telling you about it. It’s tough, and I’m trying to find a balance, but I’ve realized that I have to make that balance; no one is going to give it to me. I’ve started with getting back into reading, and the next step is getting back to writing. I think it will help improve my mood that much more. And trust, it’s been a super sh*tty mood.
What have you been reading lately?
I felt a small bit of my soul die when I typed that. After all, I’m a reader; I always have been. I love being able to escape daily life and go to another place. I love living experiences through other people’s eyes. That’s also why I write. Unfortunately, I haven’t had a lot of time to do that either.
After typing those words, I told myself that something was going to change. No one was going to give me time to read, I had to take it for myself. So I did. And let me tell you, it makes a world of difference.
So, to answer the question of what I’ve been currently reading, I’ve been revisiting my teen reads. You may recall a blog post I did about finding inspiration in reading these texts, well, I’m still looking for it.
It seriously brings back a lot of memories and makes me feel so good to read these books. It gives me ideas for my own. It gives me the chance to escape. And because they are short, it doesn’t take me long to breeze through them. I’m just really enjoying my reading time again.
The most recent book I finished was The Eternal Enemy by Christopher Pike. At the back of the book are pages that recommend other authors. I’ve always known they’ve been there, but I didn’t pay too much attention. For some reason, one author drew me in. Have you heard of Richie T Cusick? I hadn’t, although she apparently wrote a bunch of Buffy books.
Anywho, I decided to check her out, so I picked up The Lifeguard. I’m not finished with it quite yet, but I’m really enjoying it. I’m definitely going to check out her other books.
It’s no secret that my life has been crazy busy lately—mainly because I keep telling you about it. It’s tough, and I’m trying to find a balance, but I’ve realized that I have to make that balance; no one is going to give it to me. I’ve started with getting back into reading, and the next step is getting back to writing. I think it will help improve my mood that much more. And trust, it’s been a super sh*tty mood.
What have you been reading lately?
I’ve Been so Exhausted
Well, it’s been a little over a month since I started my new job, and I’m enjoying it, but it’s exhausting. Of course, training for a new position always is. I keep telling myself that once I make it through this part, the rest will be smooth sailing.
Because I’ve been so tired, I’ve been neglecting doing other things in my life, like writing. The thought of using my brain to put words to paper either makes me want to fall to the ground to throw a temper tantrum or my eyelids get super heavy and I can’t move.
However...
Over the weekend, I did manage to get some writing done. It wasn’t much, but it was better than a tantrum. I’m currently working on the sequel to Humanity’s Hope, which (as you may recall—but it’s okay if you don’t) is another young adult zombie series I’m working on.
I sent Humanity’s Hope to the publisher earlier this week, and I was told the editor should get started on it next week. We shall see how that goes, and as always, I will keep you informed about the progress.
Until then, I’m going to keep plugging along and doing what I can do. I hope you do the same.
Because I’ve been so tired, I’ve been neglecting doing other things in my life, like writing. The thought of using my brain to put words to paper either makes me want to fall to the ground to throw a temper tantrum or my eyelids get super heavy and I can’t move.
However...
Over the weekend, I did manage to get some writing done. It wasn’t much, but it was better than a tantrum. I’m currently working on the sequel to Humanity’s Hope, which (as you may recall—but it’s okay if you don’t) is another young adult zombie series I’m working on.
I sent Humanity’s Hope to the publisher earlier this week, and I was told the editor should get started on it next week. We shall see how that goes, and as always, I will keep you informed about the progress.
Until then, I’m going to keep plugging along and doing what I can do. I hope you do the same.
Teens Will One Day Change the World
Last week, I read on io9 about an awesome Twitter trend. It’s called #VeryRealisticYA, and it points out the unrealistic way teens in young adult stories act. Some of the tweets are hilarious, and very spot on. They were fun to read. I laughed.
Young adult stories are often far stretches of the truth, along with a lot of other stories. But that’s the point: stories portray events or characters that don’t actually exist in the real world. They are created to entertain.
Of course the vast majority of teens in the real world aren’t going to act like Katniss or Tris. At one time, I was a teen, and I could barely look beyond the weekend to decide what to do with my life. Why would I even dream about saving the world?
But the point of these stories is to ask the question: what would teens be capable of if they weren’t self-absorbed?
One of the amazing things about teens is that they are an in between group. They are no longer children, but they aren’t yet adults. They are allowed certain freedoms to figure out who they are as a person or who they want to be. They have this freedom to experiment and make mistakes—all in the hope that one day they will become contributing members of society.
What is so fantastic about YA stories is that they propose this idea of who teens can be. They show them that they are capable of great and wonderful things. They show that they can change the world. They show that there is a larger world out there—and if they want to make an impact in it, they can. They are supposed to be inspiring.
More often than not, the reason we tell stories is to teach some kind of lesson. Fairy tales and children’s stories are notorious for teaching children how to share or what happens when they don’t follow the rules. It’s a way for society to pass their values and morals down in an entertaining fashion. Children don’t want to be lectured day in and day out, but if the lesson is fun and exciting, maybe a little surreal, kids are going to listen.
The same thing with adults. Life is hard. The world can be a cruel place. But stories allow us to escape and follow a character that is having a more difficult time than we are. And when that character overcomes those ordeals, we cheer her on and realize that maybe our lives aren’t that terrible or it gives us hope that we can also overcome hardships.
I appreciate that YA novels portray teens in a way that isn’t typical of the real world. I enjoy that they are strong and overcome adversity. It gives teens something to aspire to. It reminds them that no matter what the world says, they are capable of great things. They just have to go out and get it.
Young adult stories are often far stretches of the truth, along with a lot of other stories. But that’s the point: stories portray events or characters that don’t actually exist in the real world. They are created to entertain.
Of course the vast majority of teens in the real world aren’t going to act like Katniss or Tris. At one time, I was a teen, and I could barely look beyond the weekend to decide what to do with my life. Why would I even dream about saving the world?
But the point of these stories is to ask the question: what would teens be capable of if they weren’t self-absorbed?
One of the amazing things about teens is that they are an in between group. They are no longer children, but they aren’t yet adults. They are allowed certain freedoms to figure out who they are as a person or who they want to be. They have this freedom to experiment and make mistakes—all in the hope that one day they will become contributing members of society.
What is so fantastic about YA stories is that they propose this idea of who teens can be. They show them that they are capable of great and wonderful things. They show that they can change the world. They show that there is a larger world out there—and if they want to make an impact in it, they can. They are supposed to be inspiring.
More often than not, the reason we tell stories is to teach some kind of lesson. Fairy tales and children’s stories are notorious for teaching children how to share or what happens when they don’t follow the rules. It’s a way for society to pass their values and morals down in an entertaining fashion. Children don’t want to be lectured day in and day out, but if the lesson is fun and exciting, maybe a little surreal, kids are going to listen.
The same thing with adults. Life is hard. The world can be a cruel place. But stories allow us to escape and follow a character that is having a more difficult time than we are. And when that character overcomes those ordeals, we cheer her on and realize that maybe our lives aren’t that terrible or it gives us hope that we can also overcome hardships.
Teens are looking for the same kind of escape. They want to go to a place where they get to make up the rules and where they are in charge.
The vast majority of YA stories that are popular now are dystopian. They look at how the world has been destroyed and how it is rebuilding to be “better.” More often than not, there is a corrupt government that has to be taken down. And who is in charge of this government? Adults. All the other adults in the story are usually complacent and happy with the world they live in, it’s all they’ve know, but the teens refuse to follow the crowd. They question the status quo. They refuse to be mediocre.
What these stories do is take what happens in teens’ everyday lives and magnifies it. They are a reflection of society told metaphorically. Think about it. What is the biggest complaint you had as a teen? For me, it was that my parents controlled my life. They wouldn’t allow me to do what I wanted to do. I had to follow their rules when I lived in their house, so I rebelled against them. The teens in these stories aren’t doing anything different. They’re rebelling against the authority figure. They’re just doing it on a grander scale than a real-world teen.
Most teens aren’t on the streets with guns taking down the government, but they are staging protests. They are speaking out for their rights and making stands against injustice. They are changing the world, but in a quieter fashion than what these movies portray. Sure, the stories are incredibly grandiose and over the top—the complete opposite of reality—but that’s the point. That’s what makes them entertaining.
The vast majority of YA stories that are popular now are dystopian. They look at how the world has been destroyed and how it is rebuilding to be “better.” More often than not, there is a corrupt government that has to be taken down. And who is in charge of this government? Adults. All the other adults in the story are usually complacent and happy with the world they live in, it’s all they’ve know, but the teens refuse to follow the crowd. They question the status quo. They refuse to be mediocre.
What these stories do is take what happens in teens’ everyday lives and magnifies it. They are a reflection of society told metaphorically. Think about it. What is the biggest complaint you had as a teen? For me, it was that my parents controlled my life. They wouldn’t allow me to do what I wanted to do. I had to follow their rules when I lived in their house, so I rebelled against them. The teens in these stories aren’t doing anything different. They’re rebelling against the authority figure. They’re just doing it on a grander scale than a real-world teen.
Most teens aren’t on the streets with guns taking down the government, but they are staging protests. They are speaking out for their rights and making stands against injustice. They are changing the world, but in a quieter fashion than what these movies portray. Sure, the stories are incredibly grandiose and over the top—the complete opposite of reality—but that’s the point. That’s what makes them entertaining.
I appreciate that YA novels portray teens in a way that isn’t typical of the real world. I enjoy that they are strong and overcome adversity. It gives teens something to aspire to. It reminds them that no matter what the world says, they are capable of great things. They just have to go out and get it.
Declaration by Rayna Noire
Rayna Noire is an author and a historian. The desire to uncover the truth behind the original fear of witches led her to the surprising discovery that people believed in magick in some form up to 150 years ago. A world that believed the impossible could happen and often did must have been amazing. With this in mind, Ms. Noire taps into this dimension, shapes it into stories about Pagan families who really aren't that different from most people. They do go on the occasional time travel adventures and magick happens.
Website
Amazon Author Page
Ethan finds himself trapped between the world he knows and the world that could be. A sadistic bully, an unsympathetic principal, and an unreachable love interest make high school difficult for Ethan. He feels like he’s living a lie, trying to blend in at school in an effort to keep his head attached to his body.
The support his Wiccan family provides is negated by fear of not being the son his father wants. An impromptu trip into the future saves him from an enraged bully while instilling doubts about where he really belongs. Somehow, he has to find a way to survive in his own world tossing aside his mask and doubts.
Book Trailer
Available at Amazon
Q) What inspired you to write this story?
This is book three is the Pagan Eyes series. Ethan is the younger, outspoken brother in the earlier two books. He’s sometimes annoying as little brothers can be.
I don’t shape characters and make them do what I want. They appear fully formed with a mind of their own. I never even planned to write Ethan’s story since he was a gay male, but he had other ideas.
Q) How long did it take you to write?
Six months, it was harder than the first two. Not because Ethan is male, but the world building that had to be done. I had to create a new world with two distinctly different cultures.
Q) What is your favorite thing about writing?
The what if’s—what would happen if I did this. I work in high school, so I often ask students for reactions to various scenarios.
Q) What is your least favorite thing about writing?
The very end of editing because you’ve read the story dozens of times, but you need to reread everything one last time. That’s when I have to stop myself from trying to rewrite the entire book.
Q) If you could be any famous person for one day, who would you be and why?
Jayne Ann Krentz because she’s talented, kind, and organized. Everything I want to be. She’s fun person too.
Q) What is the oldest thing in your fridge and how old is it?
I do have some lavender mustard that is probably six months old. Not much use for lavender mustard.
Q) What can readers expect from you in the future?
I am finishing out the Pagan Eyes series with Affirmation (fourth book.) There will be a bonus book about the grandparents.
Then it is onto the Druid series called Druidic Dreams. (Four books.) This YA series deals with teen Druids and life issues similar to Pagan Eyes.
After that, it is Shaman Sisters. This one is a little different because instead of personal issues, the sisters are working to fulfill the family shamanic legacy and uncover the mystery behind their parents’ death. (Three books.) Finally, The Alashian Chronicles, which is a three book series about an undiscovered culture on present day Earth. (Three books.) That should keep me busy for a couple of years.
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Behind the Story...The Appeal of Evil
My mind has a tendency to wander. If given half a chance, I'll stare off into space and let my thoughts take me where they may. One day, I was thinking about teen love and the process girls go through to find a boyfriend. It was because of the Twilight series and Stephen King and the fact that he doesn't like the series and hasn't been quiet about it. Technically, Stephen King probably shouldn't like these books. They weren't written for him. They were written for teenage girls. He shouldn't be able to relate to what Bella is going through. If he can relate to the experiences of a teenage girl, I'd be a little worried. And curious.
As these thoughts were swirling through my head, I started to wonder why Bella found Edward so charming. Why was she drawn to his "bad boy" attitude? That thought then ventured into the idea that girls and women always seem to be drawn to the bad boy. There is this idea that we can change them, make them better, and it is socially acceptable to get emotionally hurt going after this "noble" cause.
I smirked inwardly. Why is this all right? Why do nice guys always finish last? What happens if the guy you're going after is really, truly evil, like from the pits of Hell? What would happen then?
The light bulb clicked on, and I decided to explore that notion. As a teenager, we know so very little about what it means to be in love or what it really takes to make a relationship work. However, we have to start somewhere and learn and grow. Katie is simply trying to figure out what it means to be in love. She wants to be the center of someone's world, their reason for existing, and she wants to feel that way about someone else. Haven't we all been there at one point in time? Maybe at some point we found that with someone who was completely wrong for us. But we were told that we could change them. We were told we could make them better.
And, more than likely, we probably tried. Maybe we were successful. Maybe we weren't. But along the way, we learned something about ourselves and love. The bad boy can be incredibly appealing, especially when he's viewed as a challenge. But "good" guys can be just as challenging, and the other point of the story is that "good" and "bad" aren't always clear cut and easy to recognize. There are gray areas; ones that are confusing and full of hurt. How do you cope with those? The Appeal of Evil tries to answer those questions.
Katie wants to invest her heart and soul in love, but she may lose both to Hell.
As these thoughts were swirling through my head, I started to wonder why Bella found Edward so charming. Why was she drawn to his "bad boy" attitude? That thought then ventured into the idea that girls and women always seem to be drawn to the bad boy. There is this idea that we can change them, make them better, and it is socially acceptable to get emotionally hurt going after this "noble" cause.
I smirked inwardly. Why is this all right? Why do nice guys always finish last? What happens if the guy you're going after is really, truly evil, like from the pits of Hell? What would happen then?
The light bulb clicked on, and I decided to explore that notion. As a teenager, we know so very little about what it means to be in love or what it really takes to make a relationship work. However, we have to start somewhere and learn and grow. Katie is simply trying to figure out what it means to be in love. She wants to be the center of someone's world, their reason for existing, and she wants to feel that way about someone else. Haven't we all been there at one point in time? Maybe at some point we found that with someone who was completely wrong for us. But we were told that we could change them. We were told we could make them better.
And, more than likely, we probably tried. Maybe we were successful. Maybe we weren't. But along the way, we learned something about ourselves and love. The bad boy can be incredibly appealing, especially when he's viewed as a challenge. But "good" guys can be just as challenging, and the other point of the story is that "good" and "bad" aren't always clear cut and easy to recognize. There are gray areas; ones that are confusing and full of hurt. How do you cope with those? The Appeal of Evil tries to answer those questions.
Katie wants to invest her heart and soul in love, but she may lose both to Hell.
Katie, a senior in high school, is torn between loving the
“good” guy, her childhood friend Wes who makes promises he doesn’t keep and
abandons her when she needs him the most, and the “bad” guy, the new kid at
school, Josh, who is also a real demon from Hell. Katie wants someone who pays attention
to her and puts her first, but what is she willing to give up to find him?
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