A Bookish Sarah

encouragement & bookish things

slide code

Social Media Icons

Photo

Sarah
Welcome, friend! Relax & rest awhile, if you please. I'm an ordinary girl, a follower of Christ, mama to Gabriel, Heidi, & Aidan; and wife to Evan. Here in this little space of the online world, I share all manner of bookish things, including full content reviews, writerly snippets, encouragement for everyday life, and a whole collection of names & their meanings.

welcome to my blog

social media icons 2

Search

category 1

Reviews

category 2

Names

category 3

Encouragement

April Wrap, Updates, Camp NaNo + Snippets!

Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash
Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash
Farewell, April.
Hullo, May!

I realize basically the only posts I shared here during the month of April were solely book reviews (with the exception of one product review)... Originally, that was not my attention, and you are probably missing the Name posts as much as I am, but with the many things on my plate as well as my participating in Camp NaNo, it worked out to my benefit.  However, from here on, my NaNoWriMo months will have little to no posts throughout said months & I can rest knowing my brain's mostly-full-power is devoted to those times of writing.  ;D

THAT SAID.
Welcome, dear heart!  Sooooooo glad to see you!  How was your April?  Did it seem to pass by as slowly as I think it did?  Did you take part in Camp NaNo also?  Are you so ready for the world to return to some form of normalcy??


Books I Read in April


Dead Silence by Robin Caroll
(^ review to come)
Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay
Emberhawk by Jamie Foley
War Bound by Tara Grayce
(^ review to come!)
Stars Descend by Kara Jaynes
(^ review to come)
Red Rover, Red Rover by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick
(^ will review soon)
Princess in Disguise by E.D. Baker
The Liftsal Guardians by Alexandra Moody
(^ review coming soon!)
Moonscript by H.S.J. Williams
(^ review & blog tour coming May 15th!!!)

Wow.  This is probably the most books I've read in one month in quite a while...
And all of them were either 4- or 5-star ratings, in my opinion!


Updates



In regards to the Mommy Blog, the idea is still on my mind, but another opportunity has come up (all good things!) and I'm taking that as a sign to wait before plunging ahead on creating & getting an entirely new website up & running.  It's still a passion of mine to share my experiences as a mama, as well as the ministry that comes with that, but right now it's on hold.  And all in God's sweet timing.  :]

I've also been looking to upgrade this little blog here... Researching domains, much like I've done for the mama blog---but just like with it, a blog upgrade is on hold as well.  And I'm okay with that.  (Honestly tho: why must all things involve money??) ;D



Camp NaNoWriMo





HAHAHAHAHAHA ^
That's just LAUGHABLE. xD
BUT HEY.
I managed to make my goal for Camp this time around!  It was a teeny baby goal, but I made it, albeit just BARELY
*cue laughter again*

As you can see, I may have had quite the dry spell for the whole middle of April... But somehow, I made it, and although I don't feel like much progress was made, I am pleased with what was written (whether or not it'll stay in the story is another thing).  I still love the story and I still love my characters---it's the plot & climax that's giving me trouble... (Anyone else have this problem??)

The almost four chapters I worked on this past month for Camp turned out to be a refreshing twist in that the story turned more towards Brom's POV, whereas for a good portion of this draft, it was either from Noya's perspective, or that of the Beast.  Working with Brom is always a delight, and I'm finding myself now wishing to write HIS story... <333

But I digress.  Would you like some snippets??




Snippets!



concept cover...


S
he awoke chilled.

          Was it morning already? Her bleary sleep-heavy eyes attempted to adjust in the dim light from the fire in the hearth. It still blazed brightly, despite the dullness all around. But simply seeing the flames eagerly working through the logs to give warmth somehow cheered her despairing spirit. Strange that she felt so comfortable at the fire when the season of falling leaves had only now come upon them.

           But there was certainly nothing normal about this castle and its grounds.

          Movement caught her eye in the shadows, and she startled with a muffled scream—her own hand clamped across her mouth. But she immediately relaxed in relief as the figure materialized in the little light from the hearth.

          His expression held apology, though none left his lips. If anything, his gaze held far more sorrow than she had yet seen.

          “Emyr?” she whispered inquiringly. Had something happened in only the few hours or so she’d slept? She did not recall him moving to rise, nor covering her with the woven blanket. Neither could she remember if Eleniel had appeared, though the fresh bandage at her neck and shoulder attested otherwise—the Beast was yet clumsy with his current state of hands.

          He knelt before her, taking her hands in his own.

          Never before had she seen the determination in his features. Something lifted in her heart. Had hope been restored to him? Was he at last going to battle this blasted Curse?

          Regret stole into her. She had given up. How could she have done so?

          “Emyr—”

          “Noya,” his use of her name stopped anything further from leaving her lips.

          She gripped his hands more tightly, anticipation rising along with something else. My dear Beast.



          

Would she mourn for him?

          Perhaps.

          Hers was the gentle heart of one who cared far more than she should.

          Was that why he felt drawn to her?

          She reminded him of his mother, who loved the broken, the hurt—the monsters.

          With a soft growl, he shook his head at the unwanted memories. No use dwelling on them.

          Not now.

          Noya’s lovely freckled features and large hazel eyes came again unbidden to his mind.

         He recalled her shock upon hearing of that young man who was injured by Marduk’s demons. If he had survived, perhaps she had someone other than her own family to care for her. If the man had half a brain, he should ask for her hand as soon as she returned and keep her safe—or so help him, he’d come back as a half-spirit and haunt the mortal’s every night.

          That thought brought a smirk to his sharp features, despite it all.



          

Brom knocked lightly on the door, wondering if a response would come. The Cayne Estate was the largest house and grounds in the little town of Lakeside, and it’s well-crafted architecture and manicured landscaping held the rest of the residents’ houses and shopfronts to a high, yet simple, standard.

         He missed the bustling mains and overall rowdy atmosphere of Meyrn’s city port, but he couldn’t help but feel the peace and tranquility that such a township as Lakeside held.

          Still, if ever his life returned to some measure of normalcy, he found himself yearning for that bustle, and more still for the taste of salt water air and the feel of a ship beneath his feet. His hands itched from disuse. He was grateful for the mild carpentry work he assisted his father with for the town and distant neighboring villages, but he couldn’t help but wish for more. Those were projects he could accomplish in his sleep, he mused, not altogether too boastful, for he held an uncanny measure of skill.

          Oh, how he missed the sea!

          As the door opened, he was caught in the middle of a deep breath, unconsciously sniffing the gentle breeze for the desired saltiness—

          Instead, he met Mrs Cayne’s amused features. “I’m afraid I’ve no fresh sweets come from the oven yet, Mr Enlow,” she stated dryly, but not unkindly.

          His cheeks blazed, and he swept off his hat, recovering with a bow. “Good afternoon, Missus,” he greeted with a grin and a wink, like the rascal he was. “Did you say ‘yet’?”



How—er, how is Noya doing? Have you heard from her at all?”

          If circumstances had been different, Brom would’ve laughed at his friend’s hopeful tone, which held possibly every ounce of nervousness the man felt in asking him after his little sister’s health. Lord knows that implies a certain interest.

        Before he could respond, Laomer had continued, his voice lowering as they drew closer to his mother’s realm and her humming. “Perhaps, in Meyrn, we could chance to visit her? I mean, of course—should our business there allow—er, for such a thing. Of course.”

          Brom hid the wave of sorrow he felt, the lie already forming on his lips. The great lady had encouraged him to have courage. To hope. She had said Noya had a part to play in this whole Beastly thing… Pun intended, he thought dryly. He just prayed with all his heart it wouldn’t cost her life, whatever it be.

          “We haven’t heard from her in weeks, unfortunately. What with the—raids—” he didn’t think Laomer caught his slight, almost non-existent hesitation, “—along the border, the mail couriers have taken all the necessary caution and decreased their routes for the time being.” Outwardly, he shrugged, but inwardly, he winced, the lies tearing at him. “As to a visit in Meyrn, I honestly cannot say.”

          A flash of disappointment crossed Laomer’s features briefly, but he nodded. “I understand.”




          
In just those tranquil moments, Brom tried to forget it was the Wood that swallowed his sister—with the Beast therein—and he was sure Laomer worked just as hard to dismiss the nightmare and pain he had witnessed within its living walls. Brom was pleased his friend had accepted to stay the night—he was not comfortable sending him back to town in the dark—nor did he believe his friend possessed the courage to do so at present. And besides that, Aylin had practically glowed having her older brother around, especially to watch him interact with her son.

          This was probably the first real outing Laomer had taken since the severity of his injuries and the aftermath of the attack.

          However, would he sleep well tonight knowing how near the Wood lay?

          Brom prayed so.

         Laomer’s soft words broke through his thoughts in that moment, and he turned slightly to his friend, catching the tells of nervousness. Dread came then, and he knew Laomer wished to speak of Noya. I pity the fellow. Poor man.

          “Brom?” he began, turning the mug in his hands over and over, mindful of the handle.

          But before he could continue, movement at the Wood’s edge brought his hands to the short sword he kept ever near and his muscles on high alert. It was not yet dark enough that the shadows from those ancient trees reached far outward, as they often seemed to do in the deepening darkness, and the light from the fading sun clearly revealed a small figure.

          A girl.

          Dressed richly in a gown of soft red, and bearing a smile he would never forget.

          Her name refused to tear away from his throat, but he managed to choke it out, and lurched from his chair as if his sister would disappear should he even think to hesitate.

          In the mere seconds it took him to meet her, she too had run halfway tripping only once upon stepping from the treest, and he scooped her up with a yell, unsure whether he spoke intelligible words at all or if he was simply speechless or—blast it all—weeping with joy.

          They collapsed on the trodden grass and he cupped his little sister’s face in his hands, barely believing she was here and whole.




And there ya go. :]


I do hope you enjoyed these little tidbits!  It felt soooooo good to get back into writing Noya's story. 
Perhaps the next Camp NaNo will see more progress!


> > > > > > > > > > < < < < < < < < < < <


Talk to me!


Do you have any plans for May?  It's just now starting to feel like Summer in my neck o' the woods.  My little boy is sure enjoying his kiddie pool, I can tell ya that.  ;D

How fares your own WIP(s)??  Are you already prepping for November's NaNoWriMo?  xD Not me!  At least not yet...  

BTW, my fellow blogspot users: are you using the updated version for editing posts & such?  I like the shiny newness, but it's taking me a little while to get accustomed, haha.  *^ - ^*

Have a lovely week, y'all!


Comments

  1. This was so lovely getting an update on your Camp! CONGRATS ON REACHING YOUR GOAL!!!! And your stats are NOT laughable! I admire that you pushed at the end there to reach your goal. That is awesome! It's such a crazy time and I can imagine you're so busy with your household, the fact that you still made time for writing is so, so admirable. AND made time for plenty of reading too. LOOK AT YOU GO!!!

    Also...

    THESE SNIPPETSSSSS. *devours them whole*

    Oh my goodness, I am so utterly enchanted by this story, and become more and more so each time you share delicious snippets with us. I mean, DAT FIRST ONE. O________o THE ENDING. "My dear beast." *FLAILS* GAH. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENSSS. And Brom is SO. MUCH. FUN. "Pun intended." XDD I love him! These were such a treat!

    Congrats again on reaching your goal! I do hope finishing it up will go well! Climaxes can be SO tricky, ugh yes. I feel you, girl. But I know you're gonna ROCK IT!!! This book looks like it's shaping up so, so beautifully. <333

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TT_TT *bawls happy tears*

      CHRISTINE. Your comments always bring such joy & encouragement!! THANK YOUUUUUU. <333 I can't say it any better than that. You've such a dear heart, girl!

      Awwww! Thanks so much! I'm so very pleased when you say you "devour" my snippets whole. *beams* heehee That certainly gives me hope that my writings are actually readable HA xD Thank you! I'm hoping in the editing these lovely characters will become far more fleshed out & real---cuz I love dem so MUCH.

      Thanks, girlie!!!!! And UGH YESSSSSSS. EEP! You're too much!! *^ - ^* <333 *HUGS*

      Delete
  2. Camp was pretty awesome this time around!! I wrote a story with Jules, finished up The Gingerhaired Girl, and began plotting two other stories (including my NaNoWriMo novel)! I didn't quite hit my 50k goal because I didn't really need to, but I got fairly close. Now that May is here, I'll be diving back into various edits, which should be interesting.

    Those snippets were amazing!! Congrats on winning Camp! I hope May is a"may"zing for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oooh, how lovely! So glad to hear your Camp was successful as well. Well done, girl!! You were busy :] That's all sounds so fun. And wow! Already plotting for NaNo?? I applaud you!!! Best wishes in your editing---and happy writing!!! <3

      Awww, thank you! xD haha! I hope the same goes for you, Sarah! :D *hugs*

      Delete
  3. THESE SNIPPETS *heart eyes* They're so good! Girl, I need this book. And Brom! I love him already.

    I confess that, despite the failure that was my April Camp attempt, I *have* been thinking of July and November. I haven't decided on projects, but I do intend to participate in at least the main NaNo. Hopefully, hehe.

    I didn't realize there was a new Blogger update! I'll have to look into that. (Sometimes I still feel like I've just gotten used to its current setup, haha!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww, THANK YOU, girlie!!! You are too kind! *BEAMS* <333 And yes, I'm trying my best to make Brom the sweetheart/humorous charmer. ;D

      And don't stress out on "failing" Camp. You are certainly NO FAILURE. The best you can do is to simply give your best. *^ - ^* <3 Ooooh! I'd be SO VERY intrigued to see what your new projects will be!!! You have such great concept ideas! I haven't even TRIED to think of NaNo yet... too afraid it'll mess with my NOYA goal... HEHEH

      Yes. Apparently, there's a Classic Blogger as well as an updated. And HAHAYESSSS. I totally feel the same. I do like the looks & layout of the newer version, but it's basically like relearning how to blog on an almost different system. Once you get the feel for it, though, you shouldn't have a problem. I think it actually runs a little more smoothly... HOPEFULLY xD

      Delete

Post a Comment

To each is given a bag of tools,
A shapeless mass, and a book of rules,
And each must make, ere life is flown,
A stumbling block or a stepping stone.
-Anonymous-

ppl love these

February Snippets!
Here are some Snippets from last month.  These hail from my WIP Safia and another project I'm …
Name Reveal!
Happy November! I don't know about you, but as I sit & type up this little post, I have the …
Book Review | The Goblin Crown
Hello, lovelies!  Just now attempting to get back into the swing of things here in the blog world. …
Book Review | When Mountains Move
Well, no worries, my lovelies!  This review will be rather short.  Simply because. . . I didn'…