The Journey: Life Long Reader to Teller of Tales.

Suddenly, time sped up and I am finding myself with only 2 weeks (TWO WEEKS *hyperventilates*) Until Finding June comes out for alllllll the world to read.

Since Christmas, things have been cray cray. (I love how people hate this word. It makes me want to use it more). With my last semester of grad school, work, and Finding June type things, I have found my time compacted and filled with busyness. And when it's not? I'm just reading.

But this post is mostly about Finding June. Two Weeks. So today I thought I would give you a little insight into how writing has fit into my life and how Finding June all came about.

See, I've always been a reader. Always. Some kids talk about the sports they played as a kid at different ages or the movies they remember as a kid (I can't. I fail at that) I can talk books. I can talk about elementary school and how I read all the boxcar children books, Nancy Drew, The Giver, Goosebumps (choose your own adventure!! #ftw) and how in middle school I read ALL of V.C. Andrews books, the kid on the milk carton books. How I grew up with Harry Potter and in 8th grade I read the 4th book in one day.  How that trend lasted until the last book by my 19th birthday. I can tell you about how in 2005 I picked up Looking for Alaska by (then unknown) John Green and the book changed my life. How I spent my gas money at the age of 16 and 17 to drive the 45 miles to the public library every two weeks and read every book by Nora Roberts, James Patterson, Nicholas Sparks, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Sarah Dessen, and Janet Evanovich. (Or how I have a senior pic with me reading a book. And I totally owned that pic, damn I wish I had it!!)  I can tell you about how my freshmen year of college I read This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald and it was the only classic book I liked.

See I have always been a reader. In many ways, I have been a writer as well. I wrote poetry in the 8th grade. Short stories in high school no one ever saw. Writing was one of many dreams I hoped one day to fulfill. But life got in the way and it seemed so far away, a goal as difficult to accomplish as the one where I wanted to be a broadway star. (Love me some musicals)

 When you're graduating high school you have a lot of dreams. They tell you that you can do whatever you want. As long as you can support yourself and make money. At that time (in 2006) I didn't know if writing would let me do that. Plus, I felt like I was a crap writer. In high school, I had no outlets for creative writing. At all. My very small high school didn't have creative writing classes or anything remotely close to that. It was all academic writing. And then that trend has continued. Because I have been spending the last seven years writing a crap ton, all of it academic writing. I had to focus on getting a degree, because then all the doors would be open and by now (at the age 25) I would have it all! Everyone made it seem so simple.

I was so damn naive.

I don't regret the journey I've had to get here, even if it wasn't as easy as I thought. Though, I don't want to say I expected it to be easy, I expected things to move a little faster. Sigh.

In 2011 I was able to pick up my love of reading again. I read everything (with the help of my handy kindle) and then I started to see the push for self publishing and ideas starting popping my head.

One year ago I wrote the first scene for Finding June. I had no idea it would be a book or that I would publish it. But I feel the same things as June. The Plan. Must follow the plan. Right? This became an outlet for me.

I learned, in many ways, that the plan sucks and can limit your thinking. Because you think that if the plan isn't working, it's broken and you try to fix it, when instead you need to realize the plan isn't broken. It's just different. And that's okay.

My book in many ways is a story you've heard, but I think it's different too. It's real issues laced with love and humor and embarrassing situations and those moments. Those moments that mean everything.

When I was writing Finding June, this book was all for me. It was all the things in my mind that were tumbling around and I was able to voice them with June and Reece and the rest of the gang.

So in two weeks I hope you pick up Finding June. I hope you join June on her own journey, because I am so proud of her! Yes, I am proud of a fictional character. Even though I am nervous for what people will think of Finding June, it's a true fact that I am proud of her journey and growth in this book. A totally satisfying feeling.

Blog Tour: The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons

Today I''m bringing you my five star review of Heather Lyons new book, The Deep End of the Sea! This is the story of Medusa, but in a way you've never read before!

Synopsis 

What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?

Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.

But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.

My Review 

This is the tale of Medusa. But it's not the one you're use too. No, this is a spin on Medusa's story that has heart and makes you feel for this poor ol Medusa and the struggle she went through. I will say I wasn't too familiar with her story, so as I started to read this I took a minute to read the original story. To say I was pleasantly surprised with this book would be an understatement, I was ecstatic with this retelling.  

"It out to be noted I have some of the most wretched luck ever to be doled out."

Now, I'm not one to recap the story in my reviews, I feel like it takes away from reading the book so instead I'm going tell you all the wonderful things I loved about it. The first is Medusa herself. This is her story. Yes, there is a romance in it (swoon) but it's more than that. This is a story of redemption and finding you're way back to the living after being shunned for ages. Medusa has a lot to prove but underneath her worries and her fear, she is very strong. Yes, it's scary for her to try all these new things, to open herself up for these emotions she has had to keep hidden, but she does it. She takes the steps necessary to live a life worth living. And I loved watching her on this journey, finding the strength within herself.

"When I look up at him, all I can think is, he won't let me fall."

She has help along the way. Oh heeeyy there Hermes. Hermes was a character that surprised me. He was soft and kind and loving to Medusa. I was expecting that. And I guess since they have known each other for so long, their emotions made sense, how they were already kind of there. What did surprised me was how...alpha male he could get. That, I was not expecting. I mean, he is a God, I guess it makes sense. And I know he was doing it to protect Medusa. Because he does protect her, he does everything within his power for Medusa.

The other part that was real plus in this story is the talent of Heather Lyons to weave the mythology in this book so effortlessly. There is a lot to keep track of and she does so magically! I loved all the Gods and loved how they were portrayed.

"For the first time in two thousand plus years, time stands still. I pray it stays that way, because this moment here? Divine."

The ending. Again it was a way I was not suspecting the story to go but I did enjoy it! I was so proud of Medusa and all of the things she did. She truly become a strong independent female. And one of the last scenes, where everything is coming undone, secrets revealed, it was great. I couldn't put the book down until I found out everything!!

"Love makes every misery, every struggle, every moment of life worth it." 

Medusa's journey in Heather Lyon's book is a tale of love, strength, family, and overcoming the cards that have been dealt to you. I loved this book. I was different and keep you on your toes and had total swoon worthy moments where you just melt into a puddle of awwww. This is a book to pick up!

Purchase The Deep End of the Sea

Amazon

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About the Author

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

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Finding June- COVER REVEAL

Today is the day!!! My own Cover Reveal!!!! I am so happy to share with you the cover to my New Adult novel coming out March 4, 2014. The cover was done by the talented Carly Stevens and I am absolutely in love with it!

Make sure to scroll down to check out an excerpt and add Finding June to your goodreads.

Without further ado- I present to you Finding June's cover!!! 

Synopsis

Tell me your story June....

June thought she had it all. She soon found out how wrong she was. Her dreams of finding the good life were washed away when she was dumped on the sandy beaches of Mexico. Now back in Boise as an overeducated server, she doesn't even know where to begin on fixing her life.

But one thing June does know is the new guy at work is one to stay away from. Reece Day catches June's attention, even if she doesn’t want it. Reece has the uncanny ability to always get in the last word, to get under June’s skin, making her question what she really wants in life.

June quickly realizes that for the first time in her life, she finally has the chance to find herself.

Excerpt

*Subject to change in final version and this is has only been edited by myself*

Reece’s deep voice cut through my thoughts. “So, tell me your story June?”

I glanced up to see Reece filling the last of the pepper shakers and moving on to the salt.

“My story?” My story. Not anyone else’s but my own.

“Yeah, your story. What’s the story of June Rosewood?” His gaze drifted up to mine, his face holding a look of curiosity, like I was a book he wanted to open, to discover what was written on my pages.

I shrugged my shoulder. “I don’t know. I don’t really have a story. I’m a typical girl trying to figure it out.” His gaze on me seemed innocent but it felt like it was more, like he was asking me who I was and I couldn’t give him an answer.

“I don’t buy it. Everyone has a story.” Every time he spoke, he had confidence in his words, not in a way that was cocky but like he was sure of what he was saying and wasn’t going to be affected by my attempts to brush him off.

I shook my head. “Sorry to disappoint, but my story is pretty lame and right now, in revision. No one would be interested in it.”

This time, Reece stopped filling the salt shakers and focused all of his attention on me. “That’s not true. I’m interested in your story. I want to know your story, even if it’s not perfect.”

His words threw me. “Why? You just met me and I haven’t been the most pleasant.” Understatement. Oh, and the whole “incident” from the first day. All strikes against me. “It doesn’t make sense.” His attention never wavered from me even when I went back to stacking plates.

“Maybe that is why I want to know.”

I laughed. “Because I was a bitch. Sure, that totally makes sense.”

“Honestly, I think it’s a front, only a superficial layer of your story, and it makes me want to dig deeper. And if you don’t know your whole story right now? That’s okay. I don’t mind hearing it in bits and pieces. Tell me a tiny piece of your story June?”

By now I couldn’t focus on cleaning the table. I moved around the table and sat in the chair, only feet away from Reece. This man was different from anyone I had ever met. I felt like a moth drawn to a flame. His features were handsome, one of the most attractive men I had encountered. His hair fell in his eyes and his lips looked inviting, all of it inciting me. But what really got me was his words. His words drew me in, even if the rational part of my brain was telling me to resist. He cocked his head and tipped his head, encouraging me to tell him something.

“I…” I couldn’t even figure out something worthwhile to share with Reece, to keep him interested in my so called story. “Don’t think too hard about it. The first thing that pops in your head.”

“I like music.” It was true, music was a soothing balm when I needed a moment away from the frantic pace of life. Reece nodded his head, like he approved of my answer, a content look on his face. “I do too. All right, a true music lover’s question. Which do you like better, the original Wonderwall by Oasis or Ryan Adams’ version of it?” Reece pointed up the ceiling and as I tuned my ears in, I heard the Ryan Adam’s version through the speakers.

I laughed and this time it wasn’t one full of snark. “Is it bad if I say Ryan Adams’ version?”

He turned in the booth, facing me. “No, not at all. Why?”

“I’m all for the original, it’s a great song but Ryan Adams’ version is haunting and at moments demands you to listen to it, but then fades again into only soft sung words. Oasis’s version is like an orchestra and Ryan Adams’ has as much power in the song with only a few instruments and his voice.” I was surprised at myself, the passion I had just spoken with. I looked over at Reece for his reaction and saw his eyes roam over me.

“That’s beautiful.” It was soft spoken but his words crushed around me, the quiet of his voice leaving no room to hide from. I blushed as his words, amazed at what a simple word can do. He wasn’t calling me beautiful but it had been a long time since anyone had directed that word towards me. He continued on, easing the moment we just had, “I tend to agree with you. I actually heard the Ryan Adams’ version before I heard Oasis. I guess that version stuck with me more.”

“Where did you hear it from?”

His gaze went beyond me and for a moment he looked like he was somewhere else. “From someone who played a role in my story.”

 He looked back at me and I sat there with nothing to say, though I suddenly felt pretty interested in his story.

Make sure to add Finding June to your Goodreads TBR List and to get the book March 4, 2014!!!

About Caitlin 

Caitlin Kerry is obsessed with the stories we tell. Her love of reading and writing led her to accomplish a goal she set for herself at the age of seventeen. She has a degree in History and Political Science and is only a semester away from a Masters in Public Administration. Caitlin is an avid tea drinker, hopeful adventurer, lover of music and often finds the best medicine is the quiet of nature.

When Caitlin isn't writing or reading she usually can be found enjoying the great outdoors with her geologist husband, always looking for the next adventure. She currently resides in Southeastern Idaho.

Make sure to check out the links on the side to connect with me and to be kept up with all my bookish news!! 

Self Marketing in a Self Publishing World

(Pictures used in teasers are my own) 

In case you haven't heard (though I bet you have!) I'm self publishing my debut new adult romance Finding June on March 4, 2014! I started writing Finding June in February 2013, so it will be a little over a year start to finish for this book. I had no idea that I would work up the nerve to publish it. Honestly, I didn't even know I was writing a whole book. At first, it was just scenes and then suddenly a story grew from there. I didn't plot anything out, I just wrote. I wrote down notes at work while sweeping, or on post its during class or walking on campus.

But, you all know that. What I'm decided to write about today is Marketing. One of the biggest plus (or cons depending on how you look at it) is that in the self-publishing world, you are spear heading all the work. You're finding your own editor, finding a cover artist are attempting it yourself, formatting is the same. You're not only putting yourself out there with your writing but also with how well you market yourself.

And I have to be honest, I fear that I suck at it.

I'm not a pusher. I've worked in restaurants for almost ten years. One of the biggest things you have to do when you're serving is to increase the bill, because the more they spend the bigger tip you should get (in theory...) So where I worked (and if you're my old boss, ignore this. Just remember how awesome of an employee I was.) we were always told to upsell upsell upsell. Sell beer and flavored lemonades. Cheese on salads and burgers, desert, all of it. Push it. Sell it. I hated it. You want a water, well then get a freaking water. I don't drink soda, I know it's bad for you, I wont push it on you. You don't want to eat desert, fine I seriously don't care. I just want to make sure you have everything you need, not what I want you to have. There were times I would watch coworkers and someone asks for a burger....eight questions later....All of that makes me uneasy.

This above example shows you that not only do I hate pushing things to sell, I'm also not good at it. Article after article I read is about the importance of getting out there, making sure people know who you are before your book comes out. I see people with over 2 or 3k likes on their Facebook paged before their first book even comes out (bravo to them!) and I sit here with 50 likes on mine.....I think a problem is that I'm more a hybrid blogger, not a specific book blogger or life style blogger. I write about books, music, myself (because even though I don't like to push myself, I do enjoy talking about myself. That might be an only child thing...)

So really what does all this rambling mean? Well, I can't wait until Finding June is in the world. I seriously can't believe I'm actually able to cross of a goal I made at the age of seventeen. But I hate the idea of throwing my book in people's face. I hate bothering people and being like HEY LOOK OVER HERE. I WRITE THINGS. THEY MIGHT NOT SUCK. and expect my Facebook to have thousands of likes and everyone favorite my tweets (though I wouldn't mind...) And I'm in awe of those you do!

So, I guess this is my (poor) attempt at Marketing. Finding June comes out in less than two months. I hope you join me on this journey. If you're a blogger, I would love to talk to you! And honestly, it doesn't even have to be about my book. I love all books in general :) If you want to learn more about me, scroll through my archives. Usually my Monday Inspiration posts are about things going on in my life. If you want to help with my journey, you are amazing. I'm happy to do guests posts on blogs, or tell you more about my book, the music that inspired it (thats a few posts within itself!) or really anything! I'm a pretty open book.

And I shouldn't say that I have done this by myself, I have been so lucky and blessed with such amazing help from a few fellow bloggers and authors and friends! A huge thank you!

And the first thing: Here is the sign up for Finding June's COVER REVEAL which will be JANUARY 20, 2014!!!!!!!! So please feel free to sign up!!!

Finding June Cover Reveal- SIGN UP HERE

Book Review: Contessa by Lori L. Otto

First book review of the year! Let me give you a quick background about this book. Contessa is actually a side story of Lori L. Otto's magnificent Emi Lost and Found Series, a series I read (more like devoured) in November. I LOVE that series. It is so amazing! This is the story about Emi and Jack's daughter Livvy and is Young Adult compared to the Lost and Found series which is Adult Contemp. 

Contessa by Lori L. Otto

Book One of the YA/New Adult Choisie series by the author of Emi Lost & Found.

When she was four, a generous couple welcomed orphan Olivia Sophia into their lives. As she grew up, her parents made good decisions for her, raising “Livvy” to be an intelligent and creative young girl. Now sixteen, three people influence many of her choices: her first love, her second father, and a third man who speaks to her through his artwork.

Livvy’s father is practical and steadfast; even-tempered and quietly observant. She’s an artist who acts on her emotions and thrives on attention. Unhappy with their differences– and misunderstanding her father’s methods– Livvy chooses to focus on the similarities she shares with an enigmatic painter from her mother’s past. Her overactive imagination leads her down an obsessive path– one that only stands to hurt everyone around her.

The distraction of a new boyfriend has the potential to end her search and reunite her family, but his involvement in her life could be just as devastating, taking Livvy away from her father for good.

Review

I finished this book last night....and honestly I don't even want to pick another book up because I just want to read more about this family. I was totally spoiled by reading all three of Emi's books in a row because now I just want more of Livvy's story!!!

So what did I do???? What any self respected person would.

I stalked her instagram and liked all of her pictures. Because that's what you do when you just can't let of a story, right? Right????? 

Anyways.....

I fell in love with Emi's story and was so happy to see her continue on with these characters and we get to see Livvy's story! Livy is a typical teenager, full of angst and on the cusp of adulthood. Jack and Emi are amazing parents but Livvy clings onto a person from Emi's past, trying to make sense of who she is. Livvy is also a bit infatuiated not only with this person, but with a boy. Jon Scott.

"You're a complete distraction, and you've completely disarmed me of all propriety and manners and good intentions."

Lori L. Otto doesn't give us clean stories that easily end with fluffy HEA, no  she gives us tales of a person going through a journey and though that journey you get to see the friends and family that surround her. These people are the ones that will help Livvy through whatever lies in her path. I think we see that in this book, the set up for Livvy's future. 

Livvy is very much a teenager. She has lived a pretty plush life, let's be real here. Jack and Emi have through their hardships in order for Livvy to never go without. Oh Jack. I felt for him as he deals with his daughter that is quickly growing up. I hurt for him and had multiple times during the book where I had to slap my forehead when Livvy does something stupid. (Which can seem like a lot...)

"I'm telling you exactly how I feel right now. If I can't show you tonight, I've got to make sure I communicate it somehow." 

Jack and Livvy are trying to figure each other out. Livvy is also testing any boundary put in front of her, most with her new boyfriend Jon. Jon *hearts in eyes* I loved Jon because he is so kind and acts much older for his age. He is smart and knows that Livvy has some growing up to do.

"Exactly. You're not a kid anymore. You're the woman I want to be with. And I like the way it sounds. I love you, Olivia." 

Overall, this book, to me, was about family and how strong that strength is. It was also about love, new love and finding your balance as a teenager trying to be everything you want to be. I seriously can't wait until the next book in this series, because I love watching Livvy grow and I love reading about this family. Love. So trust me, you want to not only check out this book but also check out the Lost and Found Series as well. 

New Year....New...Something

2014.

My blog is one year old! Crazy! And I'm super proud of myself for keeping up with it. :)

Now, you're all wondering what wonderful ambitious goal centered resolutions I have this year.

.......

I got nothing.

As I watched friends and others throw out their plans for the new year; working out being number one, as usual, and other things I just felt like I couldn't commit.

I felt like setting up plans for this year was setting myself up for failure.

Last year I was able to cross off one of my 17 year old goals- I wrote a book. And I'm publishing it.....
MARCH 4, 2014

(yay! I have a release date!)

But..back to my New Years Goals, or lack thereof. See, I have this huge problem with jinxing myself. Now, stop rolling your eyes. The stories I have with how many times I jinx myself. It's so freaking stupid, every damn time. I felt like setting up goals was like jinxing myself, that if I said it out loud it won't happen.

And honestly, this year I don't feel the need to say my goals out loud for the whole world to hear (defeating the purpose of a blog in a way) They are like a secret, and the only person I have to hold accountable is myself. No one else has influence on them.

But there are a couple things I can publicly say I'm trying to be more aware of.

Labels. The internet can be an amazing thing, a great place to connect and find people with similar interest. It can also be a breeding ground for stereotypes and labels. When we attach labels to people, we are almost taking away from each unique individual. Just because you label yourself as something...doesn't mean your experience is the same as the person next to you who shares that same label. We each see the world different based on our experiences and who we are. We solve problems differently, because our minds and knowledge is different from each other.

This general labels are umbrella stereotypes that filter people into a general consensus and description of that label. How epically awful is that. So this year I'm trying to be more aware of not only how I see myself, but how I see others. I want to see each person for who they are, their strengths, the things that make them unique, not the roles they play in their lives. I hope people join me in this because we often judge based on one's own experience and man, it's hard not to do but if you only take a step back, look at the situation through unfiltered eyes, it could be very beneficial. I want to see people without their labels.

The other. I want to see myself without my labels. I want to be more kind. I want to step outside the box I live and see the world from different perceptions. And, honestly, that's not a New Years resolution, that's just simply a goal in life.

I also know that this year...I don't have any expectations. I'm just along for the ride.

This year, how are you changing how you see the world?

Top Music of 2013

I've been walking around with headphones on my head or in my ear since I was a kid. I used to make mix tapes from the radio when I was eight. I grocery shop while listening to music (it calms me, this way I don't get pissed when people block the isle) Music is a large part of my life. This last year, with the help of Spotify, Twitter and new music loving friends I made a bazillion playlists (exaggeration, but close) and discovered so many awesome artists. Below is the top 30 songs that were on constant repeat for me this year. Not all of them came out this year, but got heavy rotation on my playlists. 

Top 30 songs of 2013!

"Com On Let's Go" - A House For Lions

"Was It You" - Joy Kills Sorrow

"Flaws" - Bastille

"Ghosts" - Laura Marling

"Closer Than This" - St. Lucia

"Fools Gold" - Fitz and The Tantrums

"Ghost" - Folly and the Hunter 

"Falling" - Haim 

"Tight Rope" - Alex Clare 

"The Woodpile" - Frightened Rabbit 

"Montezuma" - Fleet Foxes

"You Rocky Spine" - Great Lake Swimmers 

"Man on Fire" - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros 

"Shell Suite" - Chad Valley 

"Dreamers" - Savoir Adore

"Dear Avery" - The Decemberists 

"We Sink"- CHVRCHES 

"Broken Afternoon" - The Helio Sequence 

"All Eyes On You" - St. Lucia 

"Fantasy" - MS MR 

"Keep It Quiet" - Ra Ra Riot

"Ghost Town" - First Aid Kit

"Perth- Teen Daze Mix" - Bon Iver

"Candles" - Daughter

"I'm Getting Ready" - Micheal Kiwanuka

"Original Sin" - Geographer

"Spiders" - Night Riots

"Float" - Pacific Air

"Christians In Black" - Rouge Wave

"Safe and Sound" - Capital Cities