You Decide: To revive, or not to revive?

I'm thinking of adding Book Faery's very first challenge for the new year, but I need your help!

As an English major, I've grown to slowly (make that slooooowly) appreciate some of the classics that are out there. For example, upon reading Wuthering Heights in my sophomore year in college, I fell in love with Heathcliff's character. In my junior year of college, Milton's Paradise Lost inspired the first urban fantasy manuscript I ever wrote.

I'm ashamed to say that there are so many other classics that are out there that I have either not read, or haven't even heard of. I've never read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, nor have I cracked open Tolstoy's Anna Karenina... even though I insisted my mother buy me a copy. Hell, I haven't even read Orwell's Animal Farm (though I will be for my satire class!). And let's be honest: we've all seen the Wizard of Oz, but how many of you have read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz? Before this semester, I did not.

That's just the tip of the iceberg. These are the classics, and yet some high schools do not delve into the truly interesting books out there. Frankenstein? Dracula? Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?


I know that many of you out there would be interested in reading some sort of classic book, but like me, perhaps you've added it to your TBR but have never gotten around to it. There's nothing wrong with that... especially with how many wonderful novels that we enjoy reading and reviewing in the paranormal genre alone that comes out every month.


Here's my plan: for 2012, I want to do a monthly reading challenge. On the first of each month, I will post a book list (with 1-3 classic titles) and a widget that will make links public. The classics that are suggested will be simply that--suggestions. You can pick one of the titles on the list, or, if there's another book you're dying to read, you can read about that one.

Within that month, what you need to do is read the book (or if you're feeling adventurous, read more than one!), write a review, and then find a place to post it at. If you're a blogger, on your blog. If you're a reader, perhaps on Amazon or Goodreads (though if you are uncomfortable with the idea of writing a review, we can always work something out--this is the brainstorming stage, after all).

Once the review is published, you add a link to the widget on that month's post so that we can all see what you thought, and you will automatically be entered for a giveaway. The giveaway may be an item that is themed with that month's book, or it may be an Amazon gift card. The possibilities are endless.


Here's what I need from you: Tell me what you think in the comments!

• Do you like this challenge idea? Hate it? Want to improve it in some way? 
• Do you think there should be an option to suggest which classic to read for the following month?
• Do you think re-reading a book should be an acceptable option?
• Do you have an idea for a particular item in for the monthly prizes? 
• What items would you like to win if you participated in this challenge?
• What do you think of having authors participate in the challenge? Perhaps they can offer one of their own books as a prize for the month that one of their favorite classics is being highlighted?
• For readers only: would you feel comfortable writing a review? Do you have a suggestion for how you can enter?
• Any other ideas or comments or suggestions?

Copycat Syndrome

When it comes to "specializing" in a genre, as most blogs tend to do, you're bound to stumble upon trends. Whatever sells, right? But when is copycat syndrome a bad thing?

Here's what I've noticed from reading so many books:

In Paranormal Romance (YA), love triangles are predominant. Forget about kicking ass and not taking names; we need two guys who will tolerate anything and everything because they want the girl, and we need the heroine to go back and forth between both of them. 

In Dystopians (YA), 90% of the human population is dead and zombies have taken over the world, or, teenagers are baby-makers. (I haven't read enough dystopians to complain about either, yet)
 
In adult PNRs, the hero MUST angst so much that he inevitably pushes the heroine away in a wretched attempt to save her from himself... despite the fact that he is madly in love with her, and she with him. OR, one of the characters is keeping a secret, which will inevitably hurt and piss off the pursuer, who then backs off in their rage.

Finally in Urban Fantasy, the heroine is either too meek that you forget about her the second another character appears, or she's too snarky/badass to the point where it seems like she's trying too hard instead of being naturally snarky/badass. 

Now of course, if you read as many books as bloggers tend to, you're bound to become jaded at some point. When one considers how many books are out there, it's impossible to find anything truly unique. It's an issue all authors struggle with when creating their universe. It is also what makes "copycat syndrome" understandable. Something from a book moved an author enough that he/she wants to recreate that character/element in his or her own story. 

The problem is when the majority of publishable books follow the same themes and plot formulas. This "copycat syndrome" begins to exhaust people, which makes them become more critical, and then everything suddenly seems like crap (during the burnout periods). I've heard complaints about how readers no longer want commit to reading a book because it either A) has a cliffhanger; B) is part of a series; or C) has both. Of course, that is not the author's fault, and it would be silly to blame an author for that in the first place. These complaints do beg the question of why it is necessary to drag certain series out, just because others were so successful.

Is it better to keep churning books out and losing that originality and spark that earlier books once held? Or, is it better to get the story out and then move on? I actually love Lauren Oliver's books because she does just that (which is a rarity nowadays). BEFORE I FALL was the perfect example of less being more. Granted, I wanted to have something else happen, but it was clear that the world and its characters served their purpose.

So readers, I have a few questions for you:

* Series or solo books?
* Series: drag it out, or end it when it's "time?" When is this "time?"
* Series: how many books does it usually take before a series begins to go downhill?
* Copycat Syndrome: good, or bad? Would you prefer other authors to do "spinoffs" of your favorite series, or would you prefer authors to create their own world, hopefully avoiding influences (as much as possible) from other series?

Boycotting Books: Who does it REALLY hurt?

I read an author post yesterday concerning some issues with Dorchester (specifically, the complaints focused on receiving payments, author rights, etc). I won't pretend to know what's truly occurring between the publisher and the authors, nor will I claim that I've read every post, both good and bad, which discusses the publisher in question. That means don't turn around and bite my head off because I'm not 100% on top of this situation.

However, I would like to raise an important point since what I heard alarmed me. There was some encouragement on this author's blog to boycott Dorchester books. Now, I'm all for boycotting things to make a point, if it will make a point, but I think there's an important distinction that needs to be made here. Not all authors are unhappy with Dorchester. There are plenty who are willingly sticking with the publisher, and who wish to continue to advance their writing careers with the people there.

With that said, I think it is selfish for whoever agreed to participate in this boycott to refuse to buy all books associated with Dorchester. Who are you truly harming when you do this? I'll tell you who: it's the authors. Wonderful people like Leanna Renee Hieber--a woman I will shamelessly promote on this blog because she deserves the praise--suffer because you refuse to buy Dorchester books. If you've read anything by Leanna, then you've seen how the woman can beautifully weave a sentence together with such sophistication and grace, it could bring a tear to one's eye. If you've ever read her blog or twitter, then you know that she's incredibly kindhearted and supportive of all those around her. And if you've ever been blessed to meet her in person... Well, you'll just have to see for yourself how sweet she really is. Do you really want someone, with so much skill, kindness, positivity, and potential, to suffer from any boycott?

Think about it in a different way. If you were an author, and you heard other authors complaining about your publisher, would you want potential fans to refuse to buy your books because you were associated with that publishing house? I think most of us would say "hell no!" so why should these authors be forced to deal with the added stresses? Why should certain authors, who already spend so much of their precious time writing, revising, imagining new and inventive ways to execute ideas to impress us readers, sweating, crying, and self-promoting suffer?

This post is going to sound self-righteous to some, but I do not think other authors on twitter should be supporting any boycotts of books (unless, of course, the support is for abstaining from buying anything Dorchester sells written by the authors who complain). Of course the authors in question may want to support those who were wronged... but they're also potentially harming those who weren't wronged. Sometimes it's better to simply keep quiet and let things play out the way they should, instead of adding more negativity and drama to the situation.

Just remember that there's always consequences. Think about who you're truly hurting when you boycott a publisher's books.

To Refrain, or not to Refrain?

NOTE:  I will be posting giveaway winners ASAP.  My apologies about the ridiculously long wait but Eleni and I got backed up this past week.  I'll make it up to you all soon with a huge book giveaway :)


My final is tomorrow and instead of studying, I got distracted and went onto Twitter (go figure).  I've been juggling with a question ever since I started blogging and my reader-base grew.  It's the type of question that's made me want to rip my hair our and scream bloody murder.  It's the type of question that has no real answer, either.

I've been struggling with positive and negative reviews as of late.  Do you post negative reviews on the blog if you're an aspiring author?  Do you bite your tongue and refrain from reviewing?  WHAT DO YOU DO!?  And holy crap, what do you do if an author asked you to review a book and you didn't like it?  Well for that one, I know what to do, but for the other questions?  My brain still hurts from overthinking.

Some people tell me I'm nice when it comes to writing negative reviews.  I try to, if I did not enjoy a book, say what didn't work and then back up that statement with some constructive criticism.  That's my goal for books that simply did not work for me.  I don't attack the authors.  I just state what's wrong.  Yet... there are authors who will still hate your guts for doing that, I bet.  I know I've probably ruined a few friendships with some authors online because I might have been a bit too honest in their eyes (when I thought I was simply making a harmless statement)... and it sucks.  Who wants to lose a friendship with someone over an opinion regarding a book?

I know that I personally would love to see constructive criticism in reviews regarding any future books I might get published.  If there's a problem in my book that a lot of people take issue with, why not?  It's nice receiving an outsider's opinion, and I know I would take those suggestions to heart when plotting/writing/revising any future works.  I also know not everyone wants to receive such reviews.  But guess what?  Getting a book published means you're not going to please everyone.


I don't want to step on any toes before I'm even published.  So what do I do?  Do I refrain from posting those negative reviews about the books I didn't like?  I'm not going to lie and bullshit about how awesome a book is if I didn't like it, so does that mean I simply do not review those books that I did not enjoy?  I guess if I don't want to step on any toes, then it would make sense to not post negative reviews in general, but what about the readers? 

What. about. the. readers? 

If I don't post negative reviews, I'm going against one of the primary reasons I started blogging in the first place.  Yeah, I wanted to blog to make friends, review books I love and spread the love.  I wanted to review the not-so-great books and explain why they didn't work, because you know what?  Amazon reviews for super-omega popular books, books like TWILIGHT, all had gushing 5-star reviews stating: "ZOMG DIS BOOK RAWKS!" and that shit used to piss me off.  Not because people loved the book, but because when I finally went to go read it, I absolutely HATED IT and was angry that I ended up wasting $7-20 bucks on a mediocre book I could have rented from the library.  (Btw: No hate on TWILIGHT here, I'm just using it as an example since I assume Meyer's not going to give a shit).

I always used to wonder in those situations: Why the hell wasn't there anything that politely stated what the flaws were and what the reader wished was there instead?  Why weren't there more negative reviews that warned me of what I was getting myself into?

When it comes to buying books, most of the time, I ignore all of the 5-star reviews and search for the 1-3 -stars.  Why?  Because I know what I like to read about and I'd prefer to hear the brutally honest truth about a book I'm going to be spending/wasting MY money on.  If there are a majority of low ratings that all state that the heroine in the book is dumber than a rock, then chances are I might feel the same way too.  I've also come to realize that a lot of bloggers tend to bull shit and gush in their 5-star reviews.  No hate on those reviewers, but I'm not interested in hearing how much you "looooooooove this book!" if I'm considering buying it.  I want to know why you like it, and what you didn't like about it, and who you think will enjoy it. 

Now I've ranted and raved about why I think negative reviews are important.  The question still remains:  for aspiring authors, do you post those negative reviews and risk stepping on some toes, or do you refrain?

I'm thinking that I might start refraining and only post 3-5 -star ratings from now on.  Perhaps I'll leave the negative reviews to Book Dragon.

What do you all think?  I know some of you wanted to know which books I DNF'ed.  I know some of you appreciated my lower rated reviews.  Will you stop reading my reviews if I only post about books that are positive?

You can be totally honest.  If you'd stop reading my blog because I gave in, tell me.  You're not going to hurt my feelings.



EDIT:  After receiving such supportive responses, I've decided to keep writing negative reviews.  This post was oddly therapeutic, so thank you very much everyone! :)

You Decide: Start at the start, or in the middle? & Write the review, or not?

I've had the fortune, as a new blogger, to not receive snarky comments in regards to the reviews I write.  Everyone who has left a comment has always been so kind and sweet, thanking me for the honest review I've written.  You don't know how much I appreciate the kindness, and knowing that people enjoyed my review.  It takes time for me to think of thoughtful things to discuss for a book review, so it's gratifying to know that I've helped the author, and likewise, the readers, in some teensy way.

I suppose that eventually, on some platform, that happy little bubble was guaranteed to eventually burst.  After a comment from a reader who believed that reviewing/rating a book you did not finish was simply unfair to the author, two significant questions had been raised that I would like to discuss with you all today:

Where should one start with a series?


Should you post a negative review about a book you did not finish?

For me personally, I feel that each person is entitled to start a series wherever they desire.  What if an author has a horrible debut, but a spectacular second book?  What if each book in the series--much like paranormal romances--focuses on one couple per book, and you discover that the first and second books were with characters readers genuinely disliked, yet the series continues on with couples that everyone loved?

I'm not promoting going by the public's word all the time.  If you're interested in a book, then you should go read it and not let other opinions sway you.  Likewise, if you're only mildly interested, you should be able to attain the book by whatever means--legally, of course--possible.

In my eyes, a strong series is a series that has a combination of individual stories per book that allow it to generally stand independently from the rest, and an overarching plot that connects all the books, in some way, together.  I'm generally not a huge fan of cliffhangers (unless I can get the next book ASAP), and I appreciate the short recap authors do at the start of books further in the series.  It helps me remember what happened last.  It also assists new readers in somewhat orienting themselves with a new, foreign world.

Personally, I prefer to read books from the start if I can help it.  However, if I attain a book for free that is further in the series, I will read that book first and decide from there whether or not to invest in earlier books.  If I find myself genuinely enjoying the world, yet I'm somewhat lost due to that overarching plot, I will then stop reading the current title.  It is at this point where going back to explore the previous books in that series to better orient myself is my priority.  Clearly the author's done something right if he or she has an engaging book further in the series that someone new is genuinely interested in.  And if they don't, why should one have to spend money on a series that doesn't captivate them?

Likewise, I feel that if I approached reading a story with the intention of reviewing a book, either received or bought, it is my job as a reviewer to post the review.  I know there was a huge debate about this a while back, so I guess this is my belated way of addressing the issue at hand.

I used to have stated in my "review policy" that I absolutely hated seeing hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon (this was before I knew what Goodreads was and before I realized there were book review blogs), only to discover the book was poorly written and/or poorly developed in whatever way.  I would have appreciated at least some warning from someone that it wasn't that great, with reasons why they felt that way.  It's not fun exploring a new world with high expectations, only to realize either the characters, the world itself, or the overall writing falls flat.

So yes, I feel that book review bloggers have a duty--to make it sound poetic--to warn their followers when they did not enjoy a story.  Readers put enough trust into their reviewers to take their word when a blogger gushes about a title they absolutely adore.  Don't they deserve the same heads up for a title that did not hold your attention?

The key, I think, is being professional when discussing the books that did not appeal to you.  This shouldn't be a personal attack on the author.  For me personally, I am experiencing how much time and effort an author spends working on that 80,000 word story.  People make mistakes.  Some people need to develop their writing skills more fully.  Not every writer out there is going to blow you away with the pure genius of their text.  And let me tell you, it's a rough journey packed with self doubt.

So, instead of bashing the story you hated, how about transforming that negative review into constructive criticism for the authors who don't quite meet your "standards" for a good book?  I think if reviewers explained why instead of bashing, it would help everyone in the end.  It not only helps the author (assuming they even see your review), but it also helps aspiring authors, readers, and even publishers.  Not to mention you appear more professional in the process.

That's my take, so what's yours?  Do you agree, or disagree?

You Decide: Should there be more?

Today is the last day of BEA for me.  Sorry for the lack of a post yesterday, but I kind of got swamped and went to bed early on Tuesday, so I couldn't prepare anything.  BEA was so much fun, and I'm going to try and take a lot more pictures so I can post them all up this weekend.

So to follow the post I had up on Monday, I have three new questions/polls for you all.  Please take the time to answer each one:

1. Do you think the quick story section I sometimes include in reviews is useful, or should I focus more on the "My Opinion" section?  (go here to see an example of what I mean)
2. Do you want Thirsting for Thursday (my monthly new releases update) to be every Thursday, as opposed to the first Thursday of every month?  That would mean the first Thursday of every month would be the overall list.  Each Thursday following that would be a post for releases that week which would include back cover summaries.
   
   
   • If no, do you like the cover pictures only, or would you also prefer a summary for each book that month?
3. Do you feel that The Faerie's Contest Finds is helpful, or should I remove it?

Have any other comments and/or suggestions for my blog?  Please, let me know!  Your input is, like always, extremely appreciated!  And thank you everyone who voted/commented on my other poll :)

Online Surveys & Market Research

Online Surveys & Market Research

Online Surveys & Market Research

You Decide: New Feature?

As most of you know, I am still a fairly new blogger.  Because of this, I'm in the process of trying to discover a consistent posting schedule with quality content.  I want said content to be not only informative--because it's always exciting when one discovers new books--but I also want it to be fun.  That's why I have started doing opinion posts, and it is also why I've been considering adding a couple of new features.

June 11th will be the 4th month I have been blogging.  Since I will be swamped with finals this week (not to mention BEA on Wed/Thurs), I figured it was the perfect time to get your opinions and suggestions for the blog.  That is why I will be doing a couple of these posts, focusing on my:

• Book Reviews
• Thirsting for Thursday post
• The Faerie's Contest Finds post

Since I want to have content that will appeal to you all, please take the time to answer the polls this week.  I have provided one in regards to a new feature below.  By the end of next week, I'll check out the answers and consider adding this new feature based on what you all have said. 

If you'd like to be even more helpful, then please, feel free to leave a comment or email me with any suggestions or features you'd like to see added :)

---

New idea:  A cover face-off.

Every week I would pick two "visually appealing" paranormal covers, either from debuting authors, or from books that have already been released.  There would also be a poll for viewers to vote for which they like most. 

1. Option 1: Have blog followers participate, either by suggesting future covers for these face-offs, or by including a synopsis of why they find that week's cover compelling.
   
2. Option 2: Simply provide the two covers to vote on.

Obviously, I'll have to think more about this, but please, tell me what you all think!

Online Surveys & Market Research

Calling All Paranormal Readers!

As I was writing yesterday, a thought came to mind, and so, I've decided to pose these questions to all of you.  I hope you guys will be interested enough to come and answer! :D

• What genres of writing do you think paranormal romances apply to?
  
  • A genre of its own
  • Young Adult (ex: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater)
  • Urban Fantasy (ex: Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs)
  • Anything

• When you read paranormal romances, what do you read them for?
  
  • the sex
  • the plot
  • the HEA (happily ever after)
  • a combination of all of those
  • or something that I haven't included?

• When you read paranormal romances that only allude to sex, are you disappointed?  Is that a huge turn off for you, as a reader?
  • Does this only apply to books labeled solely as PNRs, or does this apply to ALL books?
  
  
• When you read paranormal romances, which do you prefer?
  • gratifying sex scenes (sexual tension is included, of course. What kind of gratifying PNRs don't have tension!?)
  • sexual tension only

• Have you ever read a paranormal romance that only alludes to sex?
  • Note: think of Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series or Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series.  They are paranormal romances first and foremost.

For me personally, I find that I expect sex scenes in PNRs.  However, I've found that in a lot of urban fantasy and YAs that are a combination of the two, the sexual tension is more gratifying than the sex scenes could ever be.

So, what do you all think?

You Decide: Independent Women

Hey there everyone!  Many of you were so excited to participate in the ALPHA MALES posts.  Thank you for that enthusiasm, and for supplying so many male characters!  I've compiled a list of alphas that I will post later on, just so you can all see everyone's picks :)

I suppose that, by the title of this post, you know I'm not done asking questions.  Since so many of you were interested in the alpha post (and since I know a lot of you read books with heroine leads), I have a new question for everyone:

Who are your favorite kick ass heroines?

This list applies to ALL females in any paranormal books you can think of (PNR, Urban Fantasy, YA, etc)

List all the lovely ladies you can think of.  Please supply their name/series/author, thanks!

I'll start!

Mercy Thompson- Mercy Thompson series- Patricia Briggs
Jane Yellowrock- Jane Yellowrock series- Faith Hunter
Mariketa the Awaited- Immortals After Dark series- Kresley Cole
Olivia- Lords of the Underworld series- Gena Showalter

Alpha Males pt II

I just realized it's 4/20.  To those of you celebrating.... Have fun!

Before I begin, I just wanted to say that when I went to search "Jacob Black without..." Google automatically finished with: "his shirt on." LOL I love it!

Major thanks to everyone who posted their favorite ALPHA MALES last week, and who continue to do so now.  The list is growing, and will hopefully continue to grow!

An interesting thought came to me while reading all of the answers supplied.  Most (like 99.99%) of the alpha males mentioned were from Paranormal Romances or Urban Fantasy genres. 

So here's my new question for you all:
Can you think of alpha males (or potential alpha males) from other genres like YA lit?

Now's the time to include any YA paranormal readers you're friends with!

I found it extremely interesting that all of the men listed (that I knew of) were strictly PNR/Urban Fantasy characters.  Which made me start to wonder: why is that?  Why are books intended for older audiences abundant with alphas?  Is it because alpha characters--or potential alphas--in YA are too young yet to be that arrogant, (insert quality here) that we associate with the term "alpha male?"  Or, is it more because YA has an entirely different focus behind it?


One person said Jacob from Twilight was one of their favorite alpha picks. 

I'm going to supply Ash from The Iron King by Julie Kagawa.  He may not be *entirely* alpha-ish yet like the men in PNR, but I personally think he has the qualities to be one in the future.

So, if you can think of them, who are your younger alpha picks?  List as many as you can think of!

You Decide!

I've been having an intense debate with a few friends this week.  It has gotten so intense, that at one point, I think each of us were ready to grab a couple of heavy hardcovers--ANNA KARENINA GO!--and start smacking each other over the heads with them.  Despite the urges, we behaved.  *puts Anna Karenina away*  We are, after all, civilized women...

So now I turn to you, because I know you guys wouldn't ever attack me with a book. (right? ...right?!)

What I want to know:

1. WHO are your top 5 paranormal Alpha males?
   They can be from paranormal romances, YA books, anything!  I just want to know who your top 5 are.  (Ex: Adam from Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series)
2. WHO are your top 3 alpha male-writing authors?
   Once again, this can be any kind of paranormal author.  If you feel that this author writes believable alphas that you love, then list them!
3. WHAT is your favorite paranormal series that contains an alpha male?
   Please mention who wrote the series, and which character this is.

Thank you in advance to everyone who participates in this!  I'm plotting a future event (fingers crossed that it will be a big one) and I want to make sure that you all are involved in some way or other!