Hey all,
I figured I should update the blog since I haven't in quite a bit. Nothing really exciting and/or happy has been going on lately I suppose, I will get to my main reason for posting in a moment, but other than my brothers and I getting the stomach flu (all gone for now PRAISE GOD!) nothing really has happened actually ha-ha. Which brings me to my point for posting; disappointments. I have two of them I'd like to talk about, and just the general subject of disappointing things. Because of me getting the stomach flu I had to miss horseback, which I'm not to happy about right now, but I look on the upside; my birthday party is this weekend and I won't miss it. =) Yay! And my second one... just the general subject of writing I suppose. There's a contest thing going on the Go Teen Writers blog by Stephanie Morrill, and I'm just disappointed quite a bit because there has been 7 contests that I've entered, and I haven't even placed 20th in a single one. It just frustrates me I guess, because you have to write the next 100 words from a writing prompt the blog author posts and send it in by a certain time; and then you place in a spot.
Well I haven't placed in squat...
It makes me extremely jealous and angry that I can't seem to get my stupid writer brain to work and figure out what they want in 100 words, I was positive I was going to place 20th this time around... but I was wrong... again. Its like luck of the draw or something!
I can't leave out too little information, and I can't cram to much information in those 100 words. I thought I did perfectly this time around, but like I said I was wrong again. This will blow off by tomorrow most likely, but it just frustrates me and makes me very disappointed in myself that I can't seem to figure out how in the world to get a perfect 100 word thing that will AT LEAST give me 20th place. That's all I want right now, 20th place. I don't think that's to much expentancy, now is it?
...Which leads me to my next subject; fears.
That contest is making me quite fearful that I'll never be good enough unless I place somewhere on that contest, because if I can't write a decent 100 word thing... HOW in the world will I get a publisher to even take a glance at my work? It stink! Because I know I'm wrong. =( And then I question myself, and say "Should I even bother writing? Whats the point? I'm not even good enough anyway." Which in reality I'm probably not, because I'm a teen, and teens don't get published.
I'm feeling like this right now, and I'm trying to remind myself that I can be whoever I wanna be and nobody can stop me. And I HAVE to get 100+ rejections before I quit sending in manuscripts to publishing companies, or at least 62 rejections like J.K Rowling did. Or enough rejection letters like the author of the famous comic; Garfield had... he had enough to cover an entire room with the letters. So I'll end this ranting message with happiness...
I am trying my hardest to look to God right now, but it is sooooo hard not to just drop it all and quit. I'm not even going to go any further with how I feel on the matter of keeping on moving on something that seems absolutely pointless if no success is going to come out of it. *sighs*
I'm just hoping and praying that my dreams will come true one day, because I know for sure not everybody can become a successful author... not everybody can be a Stephenie Meyer who sucks at writing yet didn't even have to barely try to get into the publishing business.
Just gotta keep my chin up high...
~Jazz
Writer, crazy horse girl, artist, musician, stage actress, sister, daughter, and follower of Jesus Christ... Passion and love are my everything
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
"The Lightkeeper's Ball" by Colleen Coble - Review
It is the dawn of a new century and Olivia Stewart is heiress to an empire. Her family numbers among the Four Hundred - those considered the wealthiest and most distinguished in America.
Unfortunately their wealth has nearly disappeared, and now their security rests upon the Stewart daughters' marrying well.
Olivia's sister, Eleanor, was engaged to Harrison Bennett, one of the nation's wealthiest men, but has since died. Now the pressure is on Olivia to take her place, despite her suspicions about Eleanor's fiance. Using her family's long-forgotten English title, Olivia travels to Mercy Falls, California, as Lady Devonworth, hoping to learn more before committing to marriage. There she finds that Eleanor's death was no accident. And Harrison is not the man she thought he would be.
When Mercy Falls holds a charity ball masquerade to raise funds for the new light-house, secrets-and truths long hidden-will be revealed. But can Harrison really love Olivia when he finds her true identity? Can she live with the repercussions of failing her family, or will she finally realize that nothing - not money, family or romance - will ever compare to God's unconditional love?
I can describe this book in one word... FANTASTIC!
Kudo's to Mrs. Colleen Coble! All throughout this great novel I had fun, I laughed, I cried (not literally), and I was suspicious... ;)
And I send a word of confidence out to all of you, I think that any girl (or guy) who likes romance and/or suspense will most likely like this book. More romance lovers than not. But I do tell you to take heart and not be deceived if you think the description I just gave (I got it off the back of the book) makes it sound like a bad book, it's NOT!
Colleen Coble did a wonderful job with this book and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Olivia is a strong character, and honestly unlike most heroines in novels they are weak and even spineless at times - but Olivia has a strong opinion about things and is good at expressing them even if it is only in her mind.
Because mind you, back then ladies were pretty much to be seen- and not heard.
The inner conflict with both Harrison Bennett and Olivia Stewart is amazing, I'm not going to give anything away but the way Colleen Coble keeps on stringing you along waiting for that magical moment, it's worth the reading.
You learn so much about them in only a 288 page book.
And the twists and turns she weaves into the story is great to, I was constantly wondering and suspecting two very main characters (one of course Harrison and the other I won't mention in order not to give the plot away) that might have killed Eleanor and caused other ruckus in the book.
And the big climax was pretty great. =)
And the big thing I really like is how it encourages the readers of the book to grow in their relationship with God subtly, it's not all about God, but it has lots of things here and there about Him. And it's not pushy or in your face about it, and the book isn't revolved around faith either. I like that - because I don't know many Christian authors that have good books that aren't in your face about God.
This book grabs you from the start, at least for me. I was immediately interested in what was going to happen next to Olivia, and even more interested when Harrison's point-of-view came into the story.
The dislikes I have for this book, however, aren't as many as my likes for this book. A few times the words were a bit mixed up I think, and I couldn't quite understand what Mrs. Coble was trying to tell me through Olivia.
I did sigh with contentment at the end of the book, but I do I feel like certain things that I can't say in order not to give it away, were very unexpected but not so satisfying....
I think what I'm trying to say is that I couldn't quite grasp the idea that she put near the end. (AKA, the big climax) I felt like it was the wrong person, and I hadn't gotten inside the head of that person enough to suspect that person, and that I couldn't see the real motive for their evil actions.
But all in all I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!
Seeing how the dislikes I have for this book aren't that really significant, and to me don't really matter, I love this book indeed like I've written it myself.
To the readers of this blog, and if Mrs. Coble ever reads this, I look forward to reading more of Colleen Coble!
~Jazmine
**NOTE: I am not obligated to write a good review; only an honest one**
**Thank you to Booksneeze.com for providing me with this free copy for reviewing on my blog =) **
**I do not own the cover image of the book I have just reviewed**
And the big climax was pretty great. =)
And the big thing I really like is how it encourages the readers of the book to grow in their relationship with God subtly, it's not all about God, but it has lots of things here and there about Him. And it's not pushy or in your face about it, and the book isn't revolved around faith either. I like that - because I don't know many Christian authors that have good books that aren't in your face about God.
This book grabs you from the start, at least for me. I was immediately interested in what was going to happen next to Olivia, and even more interested when Harrison's point-of-view came into the story.
The dislikes I have for this book, however, aren't as many as my likes for this book. A few times the words were a bit mixed up I think, and I couldn't quite understand what Mrs. Coble was trying to tell me through Olivia.
I did sigh with contentment at the end of the book, but I do I feel like certain things that I can't say in order not to give it away, were very unexpected but not so satisfying....
I think what I'm trying to say is that I couldn't quite grasp the idea that she put near the end. (AKA, the big climax) I felt like it was the wrong person, and I hadn't gotten inside the head of that person enough to suspect that person, and that I couldn't see the real motive for their evil actions.
But all in all I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!
Seeing how the dislikes I have for this book aren't that really significant, and to me don't really matter, I love this book indeed like I've written it myself.
To the readers of this blog, and if Mrs. Coble ever reads this, I look forward to reading more of Colleen Coble!
~Jazmine
**NOTE: I am not obligated to write a good review; only an honest one**
**Thank you to Booksneeze.com for providing me with this free copy for reviewing on my blog =) **
**I do not own the cover image of the book I have just reviewed**
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
My Secret Life: I love my Tipper boy =)
 |
| The bond between horse and man...=) **I do not own this picture** |
You know... I am in love with horses. =) Horses are such amazing animals, they are so expressive and they show you such great amounts of love no matter what kind of day your having and no matter how you look.
Now I know what your thinking... God is that way to, but hey - I see it as one of God's fabulous gifts to me; my passion for horses.
Now one of my most favorite horses in particular; is Tipper!! My beautiful boy!!
I have GOT to get pictures of me and Tipper up here sometime... I've been thinking about getting mom to come to my lessons again and get pictures of me and him riding together. I think we make a fabulous team, he's finally starting to listen to me because he knows I don't take any nonsense from him. =)
Well he has listened to me before but not as well because he's just being a butt haha.
I really hope he doesn't get sold anytime soon, I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't ride him anymore. =( He's like 15 I think and that's right around the time that Corrie sells her horses, and she got Tipper quite a while ago actually.
Probably only a few months after she sold an old horse of hers named Major.
Anyway, I just thought I'd update my blog and say how amazingly blessed I am to be able to ride every week and on that beautiful best buddy horse of mine... ^_^
God is so good to me, I just have some trouble seeing it sometimes through all my teenage mumbojumbo haha.
Alrighty, I'll be posting a book review on here probably sometime within the next week or few days or so, I'll be reviewing "The Lightkeeper's Ball" by Colleen Coble. So far I really like the book, it takes place in older times and it looks like a quite interesting romance/suspense novel.
I look forward to writing that review. =D
I'll write soon!
~Jazz
------
So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.
--Ecclesiastes 8:15, NLT
Friday, December 24, 2010
My Secret Life: Christmas Eve
Hey all, =)
Well it sure has been a while since I last blogged on here... I don't know why but i just haven't really felt the need to.
Well, whats been going on recently for me? I'm on vacation in Idaho with my family for one thing. =) And its Christmas Eve! Though I swear I haven't felt that anticipation like I have all my life for Christmas right now... =(
But I'm having an awesome vacation =D I'm really enjoying doing NO algebra!! XD lol
And I've even gotten a lot of writing done, I'm writing a new book with my best friend Kayla. =)
For now its called "Sports Cars and Saddles"
Its about a guy named Joshua Phoenix who is a big time pop-star/actor, and of course he's got a bad attitude. Basically he's a complete gentlemen while on stage or on camera, but "behind the scenes" he's a complete jerk to his family and everybody else he knows.
I'll post a little blurb here at the end of this post. =)
But so far writing this book has been a blast, though we're not that far. I'm still working on the first chapter. Then Kayla's gonna do the second chapter and so on, and we're gonna give each other input and stuff. It's really fun so far! =D
Anyways, I'm reading "The Phantom Stallion" series, and I'm on the third book... well I haven't read the second one because I'm borrowing them from a friend but I LOVE THEM!!!!
I just finished the third book "Dark Sunshine" this morning. It was SO GOOD!! I don't know what Terri Farley does to make it so gripping.
But the character development is great, its got suspense, action, and so many emotions. I feel sad, or scared when Sam does... its just amazing. =D I can't remember the last time I felt like that when reading a book, I think it was Inkheart the last time I felt like that... and the other two in the trilogy; Inkspell, and Inkdeath.
I'm very critical about books, I can't read something that doesn't catch even the slightest thing of my interest. Phantom Stallion really gripps my attention and its really hard not to love the books lol, I can't find one thing about the books that I don't like.
All I know is I want to READ MORE xD And I want a horse like Zanzibar (The phantom stallion).
I actually tried making a special name for Tipper, the horse I ride at lessons almost every week back home. And it worked. =D It seemed like he perked his ears up when I praised him with his secret name I gave him.
I call hIm Tipper and then his secret name. Or just his secret name. Or just Tippy.
I can't wait to be at home again and ride him =) I miss him, he's fun and does pretty well with me.
Ugh I wish I could buy him, I bet I could get a great relationship with him if I spent a lot of time with him. And then I could do whatever I wanted with him and I'd keep him till the day he dies, or needs to be put down. But I also do wish I could buy an Andalusion horse... I want a pretty horse with a long forelock and mane and tale. =) Not really long though haha.
Well I'm gonna go, I wanna get some reading and writing done. =) Ta ta! And heres the blurb...
Joshua, Josh Phoenix, a seventeen-year-old singer/songwriter/actor has let the limelight get to his already large head.
When in front of the camera, he is the all around good guy, the guy-next-door, the guy that all the dads in the world want their daughter to date.
But after all the red lights turn off... he isn't who he is said to be. And, after firing his SIXTH director for his latest music video, his managers... A.K.A his parents, take matters into their own to get their client (son) back on track.
So with no room for arguments, they ship him off to a ranch in... gulp, Copper Hills, Wyoming.
His old, small home town. Little does anyone know just how much this summer trip will not only change his life, but also the lives of the people in Copper Hills.
Especially Riley Carter's. Riley cannot stand celebrities.
Everywhere you look... they were there, just reminding you how special they were and how ordinary you are.
So, you can imagine her dismay when she finds out that her parents are taking in a delinquent teenage pop star.
Will Riley be able to show Hollywood's hottest face what a real life is? And will Josh be able to help this small town girl, regain her dreams and trust her heart to others again?
Cool hm? I'm having fun writing it. =D
Anyway, hope ya'll have a Merry Christmas!!
-Jazz
Well it sure has been a while since I last blogged on here... I don't know why but i just haven't really felt the need to.
Well, whats been going on recently for me? I'm on vacation in Idaho with my family for one thing. =) And its Christmas Eve! Though I swear I haven't felt that anticipation like I have all my life for Christmas right now... =(
But I'm having an awesome vacation =D I'm really enjoying doing NO algebra!! XD lol
And I've even gotten a lot of writing done, I'm writing a new book with my best friend Kayla. =)
For now its called "Sports Cars and Saddles"
Its about a guy named Joshua Phoenix who is a big time pop-star/actor, and of course he's got a bad attitude. Basically he's a complete gentlemen while on stage or on camera, but "behind the scenes" he's a complete jerk to his family and everybody else he knows.
I'll post a little blurb here at the end of this post. =)
But so far writing this book has been a blast, though we're not that far. I'm still working on the first chapter. Then Kayla's gonna do the second chapter and so on, and we're gonna give each other input and stuff. It's really fun so far! =D
Anyways, I'm reading "The Phantom Stallion" series, and I'm on the third book... well I haven't read the second one because I'm borrowing them from a friend but I LOVE THEM!!!!
I just finished the third book "Dark Sunshine" this morning. It was SO GOOD!! I don't know what Terri Farley does to make it so gripping.
But the character development is great, its got suspense, action, and so many emotions. I feel sad, or scared when Sam does... its just amazing. =D I can't remember the last time I felt like that when reading a book, I think it was Inkheart the last time I felt like that... and the other two in the trilogy; Inkspell, and Inkdeath.
I'm very critical about books, I can't read something that doesn't catch even the slightest thing of my interest. Phantom Stallion really gripps my attention and its really hard not to love the books lol, I can't find one thing about the books that I don't like.
All I know is I want to READ MORE xD And I want a horse like Zanzibar (The phantom stallion).
I actually tried making a special name for Tipper, the horse I ride at lessons almost every week back home. And it worked. =D It seemed like he perked his ears up when I praised him with his secret name I gave him.
I call hIm Tipper and then his secret name. Or just his secret name. Or just Tippy.
I can't wait to be at home again and ride him =) I miss him, he's fun and does pretty well with me.
Ugh I wish I could buy him, I bet I could get a great relationship with him if I spent a lot of time with him. And then I could do whatever I wanted with him and I'd keep him till the day he dies, or needs to be put down. But I also do wish I could buy an Andalusion horse... I want a pretty horse with a long forelock and mane and tale. =) Not really long though haha.
Well I'm gonna go, I wanna get some reading and writing done. =) Ta ta! And heres the blurb...
Joshua, Josh Phoenix, a seventeen-year-old singer/songwriter/actor has let the limelight get to his already large head.
When in front of the camera, he is the all around good guy, the guy-next-door, the guy that all the dads in the world want their daughter to date.
But after all the red lights turn off... he isn't who he is said to be. And, after firing his SIXTH director for his latest music video, his managers... A.K.A his parents, take matters into their own to get their client (son) back on track.
So with no room for arguments, they ship him off to a ranch in... gulp, Copper Hills, Wyoming.
His old, small home town. Little does anyone know just how much this summer trip will not only change his life, but also the lives of the people in Copper Hills.
Especially Riley Carter's. Riley cannot stand celebrities.
Everywhere you look... they were there, just reminding you how special they were and how ordinary you are.
So, you can imagine her dismay when she finds out that her parents are taking in a delinquent teenage pop star.
Will Riley be able to show Hollywood's hottest face what a real life is? And will Josh be able to help this small town girl, regain her dreams and trust her heart to others again?
Cool hm? I'm having fun writing it. =D
Anyway, hope ya'll have a Merry Christmas!!
-Jazz
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