It’s been a great year – I read 47 great books, but unfortunately did not meet my reading goal of 50. (2014, maybe?) Below I’ve listed (in no particular order) the best books I read in 2013. Click on the links to read my review of the book.
*Several of the books on this list were published in years prior to 2013, but are included merely because I read them for the first time this year.
Which fictional world would you most like to be a part of, and what role do you think you would fulfill within it?
For the past year or so, I’ve been really into dystopian novels (Hunger Games, Divergent, Matched, Legend) which all feature extremely unique story-worlds. And while the story-worlds are a large part of what keeps me engaged, it occurred to me when I read this prompt that I would NOT enjoy living in any of them.
Dystopian novels are about societies which were intended to be utopian, or perfect, but are instead extremely flawed. As an indecisive person, it would drive me crazy to choose a faction in which to spend the rest of my life, and to conform to one personality trait like the characters in Divergent. As for the districts in the Hunger Games, I don’t think anybody would willingly choose to live in poverty. (But the Capital? I’ll think on that).
So I’ve narrowed it down to two story-worlds I think I’d genuinely enjoy being a part of it. (They’re on completely different ends of the spectrum, but never mind that).
The world of Harry Potter is so, so fascinating to me. (Who isn’t fascinated by the wizarding world?!) I would give anything to be able to perform magic. And every day I go to school I wish I were going to classes half as interesting as the classes Harry, Ron, and Hermione take. And let me clarify: I’d like to live in a post-Voldemort world.
I’m also obsessed with spies and spy novels, so to study at the Gallagher Girls Academy would be a dream come true. Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girls novels are about teens training to become operatives. Of course, these girls often face danger, and I’m not much for danger, but not everyone is cut out to be a field agent. I’d be a lot like Liz, I think. (Except I’m not a genius.) Cool gadgets, interesting classes, classified missions – and the truth about all government secrets and conspiracies. (I’m smiling devilishly as I write this).
Why am I so enamored by two schools?
Anyway, I’m excited to read what everyone else in the blog chain has to say about fictional story-worlds. Be sure to check out the other participating blogs!
Do you want to be a productive writer? I know I do, but I have so many excuses. I have too much homework. I have a job. I’ve been so busy, I deserve a break. It’s Thursday night and time to watch White Collar.
So, naturally, I wasn’t getting much done when it came to my writing life. And I felt guilty for it.
Take my commitment to NaNoWriMo, for instance. For the first fourteen days (which are crucial, by the way) I wrote hardly anything at all. I think, in that moment, I might have given up. Oh, I’ll try again next year. Unfortunately, I knew this wasn’t an option, because I’d told my critique partner I’d do it and how embarrassing would that have been to tell her I’d quit??
Quite.
Which brings me to the crux of today’s post: accountability. Every writer (I don’t care who you are) needs accountability. You won’t always be able to do it by yourself. It’s important to have someone holding you accountable, someone who will accept nothing but your best work and whom you can thank later after they’ve whipped you into shape. (Because, let’s be honest, sometimes it’s painful.)
My critique partner asked me about my NaNo progress. I didn’t reply for several days. (The shame, oh the shame). When I realized I couldn’t wait any longer, I responded with an honest answer.
She later sent me the most motivational email, with tips and an inspirational photo, quote, and video clip. Her thoughtful email gave me the push I needed to jump back in.
It really makes all the difference, knowing someone cares and wants you to succeed just as much as you do. You should find someone to hold you accountable, whether it be a friend, a sibling, a parent, a mentor, a teacher, a coach, a critique partner, or your Twitter friends.
