Tag: Toi Thomas

Categories
WIP Updates

WIP Update 13 – Writer’s Creed 2

WIPU

I have been doing a lot of reading and very little writing. I’ve been reading for critique and review, as well as reading for pleasure, but I’ve had much difficulty finding time to write outside this blog. My personal life, work life, and writing life are all battling for my time and mind; at the moment and I don’t think any of them are winning. Hopefully I’ll find a balance soon so I can bring some of my currents WIPs to their conclusions.

I found one beta and am seeking another to offer feedback on my completed WIP sequel to Eternal Curse.

I have been making many new friends in the blogosphere and look forward to sharing with them. I continue my efforts to promote books and authors by interviewing or promoting authors: Penelope Dyan, Lillian Brummet, L.A. Little, Jaq D. Hawkins, as well as others in the weeks to come.

-Do you have a WIP update to share? Do you want to take on the Writer’s Creed 2014?

-Feeling a little lost about what’s going on in this post? Just see the side panel and search My Topics, WIP Updates-Writer’s Creed, to get all caught up. Also check my WIP tab to see what else I may be working on.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Categories
IWSG

#IWSG March 2014: Negative Reviews

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Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.

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Before I start my spiel I just want to say that: I never have enough time, there is so much going on in my life that I feel like I’m constantly running even in my sleep, I missed one of my regular posts yesterday because I was on the road and forget to schedule it because of family drama…

But I keep on trying every day, anyway. 🙂

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So I’ve received my first two negative reviews for my debut novel, Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel,  and I’m still here. I haven’t thrown my body into frozen shark infested waters, but I’m not going to pretend that the thought didn’t cross my mind. As far as I know, these two reviews haven’t been posted to the public yet, but I’m sure they’ll surface any day now.

I find that I’m not too bothered by the idea of these reviews going public for three basic reasons and one hope.

1. I value the opinions of readers. I mean, I do write to entertainment them, so why wouldn’t I try to take into consideration how they feel about my work. If authors pout, cry, and throw a fit every time someone doesn’t like their work, readers may just stop bothering to read.

2. I’m grateful to anyone who’s willing to give my book a try. In my personal experience, most people don’t “waste their time” reading the work of some unknown writer. Just how some people don’t watch indie films or listen to indie music, some people aren’t interested in reading anything indie, “new”, or “small”.

3. I understand that everything isn’t for everyone. I’d be a fool to think that my book would be the first to be loved by all unconditionally and universally. On top of that, I like the idea of being able to learn from such reviews to see if there are things I want to change or improve about my writing. In essence, some people will enjoy my work and some will not because that’s how the world turns, and I’m okay with that.

4. It’s my hope that when these reviews go public that the reviewers are honest without being hateful. I know for a fact how one of these reviewers feels about my book and can’t and won’t argue how she feels. She was very honest and clear about what she did and didn’t like. I may not be happy about it, but I can’t be mad at her for being honest…Now, I have no idea what this other reviewer is going to say. This may be a bash fest in the making or maybe this other reviewer will also be honest and clear, without invoking hate, to explain why he/she didn’t care for my book.

While I’m glad to currently have more positive reviews than negative ones, I’m ready to face the reality that others may not like my book…And I’ll be sure to travel with a buddy when around sharp objects and the ocean.

BTW-Eternal Curse is participating in the Cover Wars over at The Masquerade Crew. Visit my side panel to check it out and possibly give me a vote. 😉

After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:  Tina Downey, Elsie, Elizabeth Seckman, and Julie Flanders!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #220).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Categories
Books

Review: Divergent

Divergent (Divergent, book 1) by Veronica Roth

I give this book a 5.

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Here is a story that is simple and yet compelling all at once. It’s YA and I like it, no question, which is really saying something for me.

As with all dystopian novels, there is a ridiculous amount of struggle in this book, but if there wasn’t it wouldn’t be dystopian. I don’t know if anyone else feels this way, but this story screams irony to me. Factions are somehow established to keep order and bring peace to this world seemingly built of wreckage, but the characters in the book don’t seem to realize how their factions are flawed and will be their ultimate demise (just a prediction).

Beatrice starts out as a small and meek member of the selfless faction and through a series of hard to imagine, understand, and believe events ends up being, Tris, a semi femme fatale member of the brave faction. There is a great deal of violence to this story that may be all shock value, but I like action in my movies, so why not in my books. There are several unanswered questions remaining when this book comes to an end, but I didn’t feel like I was lost in my understanding. I know what I know about the story and assume the rest will be explained later. Even if my questions are never answered, I’ve enjoyed the intrigue.

While this is a great novel for teens, I wonder if younger teens will be able to grasp the meaning of it all. I enjoyed the story immensely, but could understand why someone who is either a true fan of dystopian works or who isn’t a true fan of YA works might have problems with it. In any case, I think it’s worth a read just to find out whether you like it or not.

*I can’t imagine what Hollywood will do to this story on the big screen. I’m a little scared.

This review has been posted to GoodReads.

If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try this link.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords