Wednesday Writing

So Wednesday is my official writing update day. I have so many story projects going on and I need a push to get some done. So I will be trying to post each Wednesday about how my writing adventures are going (and I may need a swift kick in the pants by you guys sometimes).

Current Active Project:

Princess Bs - 32,131 words

A story about a woman, recently divorced and returned to her home town to figure out what is next. She encounters an old friend and spends a weekend with him and his daughters. Feelings that are long since buried are rising up again, but are her recent loss and his current life going to stand in the way of their happily ever after?

Other Works in Progress:

Tamlyn Marie's Grace - 12,072 words

Think Cinderella only with a matchmaker ;)

The Last Mountains - 15,352

A equine shapeshifting family is being hunted to near extinction and the young new leader must go against all her lessons and approach the elite council for aide. Will they help her? How will she keep her family's traditions and values alive, let alone her herd?

Night Rider - 17,229

Alice is a recent high school graduate who is a very accomplished competitive rider in Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Western/Rodeo. Her parents had arranged for her to attend a private college on the east coast geared specifically to equine professions. However, Alice wants to focus on her studies in English Literature. When she arrives at the college she hides her riding abilities, but can she keep her talent and love of horses hidden?

Other Ideas Plotting:

The New Old Home

A lottery won and what is decided to do with the money.

Bloodsoar's Story

A pegasus struggles through life, ejected from the herd, near capture by humans.

The Assassin's Assassin

A student learns what the school is really teaching and sets out to destroy those who support the program.

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Nothing new this week, but I hope to have some done next week and maybe start planning for November's Nanowrimo!

Poetry Pause: Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare

I am working in the poetry section of my own 2011 Reading Challenge. I had planned on posting the poems for you to join me in reflecting on them; however, I am not entirely certain on the copyright laws regarding some of the poets we will read. So to be on the safe side I decided to try to link you to the poem I will be reading.

Another option, if you are looking to purchase a book of poetry, I suggest Half Hours with the Best Poets (Barnes & Noble or Amazon)

This is a fantastic collection of poems, nearly all of my top poems are in this one book!

So the next poem is

 

Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare

The title link with take you to the poem

 

 

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

 

I don't know if I am just in a pessimistic mood today or what because I honestly am not struck with this poem. I know it is one of the most popular of love poems and is on Valentine's cards, Wedding cards and Anniversary cards. I really don't get the feel of why it is a love poem other than loving the person's beauty, but you don't know what that beauty is. I also don't that surge of feeling that you get when reading something to do with love and think about your own loved ones.  I have to say I am definitely more partial to Shakespeare's plays as opposed to his poems.

Its Monday, What are you Reading?

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

I decided to join in this meme for my sanity and your own to keep track of what books have bookmarks in them!

I have a few weeks to catch up on here! I read a ton while we were out of power and didn't get a chance to review everything (heck I don't even know if I have them all listed!).

What I Read Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

 

A Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Grampa-Lop by Stephen Cosgrove

How Do I Love Thee? by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Hearts Aflame by Johanna Lindsey

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Dangerous Desire by Diane Escalera

Bloodmaiden by Christine E. Schulze

Heart of a Knight by Barbara Samuel

Wild Hearts by Susan Mallery (no review)

Virgin Slave, Barbarian King by Louise Allen (no review)

Dusty Britches by Marcia Lynn McClure (no review)

 

 

 

Currently Reading:

Wildwing by Emily Whitman - HC - on page 35 of 359

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke - PB - on page 18 of 348

A Clash of Kings by George RR Martin - on my Nook, page 20 of 1439

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See - PB - on page 23 of 269

 

Next Books to be Read:

Catundra by Stephen Cosgrove - Childrens/Bedtime stories

Holes by Lewis Sachar - Middle Reader/ 2011 Challenge

Sabriel by Garth Nix - YA/ 2011 Challenge

Sonnet 18 by Shakespeare - Poetry/ 2011 Challenge

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs - Rhodie Readers Book Club

Review of Heart of a Knight by Barbara Samuel

Synopsis: "Lady Elizabeth D'Auvers returns to her beloved home, Woodell Castle, after a self-imposed exile to save herself and her stepchildren from the plague sweeping Britain. Afraid that she will find death and ruin, she is relieved to discover that her castlefolk and lands have thrived in her absence due to the presence of Lord Thomas of Roxburgh. Lord Thomas's great physical size is equaled only by the size of his heart, and his kindness and care for her people earn him the Lady's gratitude. But Elizabeth soon feels much more for Thomas than gratefulness, for desire and passion draw her to the dark, mysterious knight. Thomas, too, is powerfully attracted to the beautiful Lady, but the secrets he keeps may destroy their chance at happiness and bring about his own death."

My Review: Another beautifully written book by Barbara Samuel. I aboslutely love her descriptions, it paints such an amazing picture you can almost look around you and see the scene playing out. The characters were well thought out and even the sub-characters were well developed. It did seem like there was a little too much pushing and pulling in the middle that caused a little lull but it was nice to see the little things that cause love to grow. The ending is such a rush of nervous excitment that you can't pull your eyes away from the page.

My Rating: I really enjoyed reading this one, though it did seem a little slow at times and is definitely longer than most romance novels I have read, but it was beautifully written and put together.  I give Heart of a Knight a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag!