Thoughts on Writing & Being a Writer

There's a significant difference between saying "I write", and "I'm a writer". One is a matter of action, the other is a matter of identity. It's not an easy thing to say, to own. Yes, I write. But am I a writer?

For a long time, I didn't consider myself a writer. A writer was someone who was published, someone who finished every piece they started. But my opinion has changed: a writer is someone who writes for the sake of writing. It doesn't matter if it gets published, a writer would write it anyway.

I recently started writing in a more professional atmosphere as an intern. Unlike writing for school and writing for personal enjoyment, this writing is actually being used somewhere, and it no longer only has my name on it. It's a lot of pressure, but it's also fulfilling to know that there's something about the way I use words that sets me apart from others.

Since I started this blog, and since I started my internship, I've noticed myself saying - with more confidence and frequency - that I'm a writer. It doesn't mean that I know exactly what I want that to look like in the future. I could be a novelist, a full-time blogger, or a fashion writer. Who knows?! Calling myself a writer just means that writing is something I do with intention and thoughtfulness. It's something I take seriously whether it's being published on a website or simply scribbled in a notebook.

One of my screenwriting professors in college said, "You know you're a writer when you feel bad about not writing. People who aren't writers don't feel bad about not writing."

That's how I know I'm a writer. Because when I don't write for a period of time, I feel like I've been neglecting a part of myself. Writing is a part of who I am, and I don't think that will ever change.

XOXO

Fall Reads Written by Women

One of the best ways to get in the mood for fall weather is to pick up a great book full of lush detail, sweeping romance, strong characters, and tender moments. Each of these books remind me of fall in one way or another, whether it's the setting, the characters, or the overall tone of the language. Additionally, each of these books is written by a female author! Girl power! 

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - There's a reason this book is a classic. From the passionate love story of Heathcliff and Catherine, to the tumultuous landscape of the moors, to the distinct and separation of social classes and the lives lived within them, this book is a masterpiece on many levels. Once you get into the story and get to know the characters, you'll find yourself invested in an emotional journey that crosses generations and social boundaries.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton - If you've never read this book, read it now! Although commonly assigned in middle school classes, I read this book for the first time while I was in college, and I absolutely loved it. The language is simple, but the characters have a complexity that you'll connect with immediately. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you won't be able to put this book down.

Sonnets from the Portuguese and Other Poems by Elizabeth Barrett Browning - I'll admit that poetry and I have a love-hate relationship. It can be incredibly frustrating and confusing, or it can be enlightening, inspiring, and beautiful. Browning's sonnets are definitely of the beautiful variety, filled with wonderful language and emotion. I find that I enjoy poetry much more when I allow myself the time and freedom to read it sporadically, not for hours on end, cover to cover. Keep this collection on your nightstand for a quick, romantic bedtime poem.

A Day in the Life of a Smiling Woman by Margaret Drabble - This collection of short stories brilliantly provides snapshots of everyday life and the lives of women. Drabble portrays women honestly and unashamed, giving each female character a complexity that allows room for contradiction and irony. Reading this collection is like flipping through a stranger's photo album - everything is bit distant, but the universal emotions and experiences provide a connection and understanding. 

What books make you think of fall? What's on your to-read or to-reread list this fall?

XOXO

My Favorite Beach Reads

There's something about the beach that just calls for a fun, romantic book. Whether you're lounging in the sun and sipping on a cool drink, or curled up in towels behind a wind screen, a good book is a necessity. These are just a few books that I think would be great beach reads:

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

This book has everything you'd want from a beach read: romance, humor, heart, and a good deal of self discovery. This book is the first in the series about Belly and her relationship with Conrad and Jeremy - two very different brothers. You can probably guess that there's a bit of a love triangle, but Jenny Han also writes beautifully about family relationships and coming of age. Also, the setting is a seaside town, so the beach parties and sunrises will fit right in with your own surroundings.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

This book is a beautiful story of - you guessed it - second chances. Set in a lakeside town, this book has all the charm of a small town, plus all the inevitable drama. One thing I love about this book is that it is partly told through flashback, as the main character relives her past summers. Although there is a sad element to this book, Morgan Matson also draws out the hope and sense of belonging that comes from family relationships and close friendships.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This book is for beach readers looking for something with a little drama and mystery - it had my jaw open in shock! This book also takes place in a small beach community, and explores the relationships between families and friends. Along with the engrossing plot, the characters are richly portrayed and the language is beautiful. If you love the YA genre but want something a little different,  I think you'll love this suspenseful read.

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison

Now, this book doesn't exactly take place at a beach, or during the summer, but it will have you laughing out loud. This is the first in the Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series, a series I read over one summer and thoroughly enjoyed. Georgia Nicolson is a hilarious teen who never fails to get herself into embarrassing situations. Written in a diary format, these books are perfect for traveling and beach reading because there are many places to stop, and easy places to pick it back up. If you love anything British and everything girly, you'll love this series. 

What are your favorite beach reads? Are there any series you can't put down?

XOXO

*cover images are from each publisher's website, linked to the title

New & Upcoming Book Releases

Is it just me, or does it seem like the end of each spring is accompanied by the release of SO MANY YA BOOKS? Now, I'm not complaining! It makes sense that YA publishers would release books just in time for summer reading. One of my favorite activities during the summer is to sit outside with a cold drink, some sunglasses, and a good book. And by good book, I mean YA Fiction! Here are some new books that I'm looking forward to reading this summer. (click on the titles for plot summaries and info!)

P.S. I Still Love You - Jenny Han (already released!)

Jenny Han is one of my favorite authors. I find her heroines to be very relatable - dealing with real issues, and not just who likes who. This book is the sequel to To All The Boys I've Loved Before, so if you haven't read that, be sure to check it out first! While I was sad when the first book ended without a firm conclusion, I'm happy to have a whole other book to read about Lara Jean, Peter, and Josh. 

The Boy Most Likely To - Huntley Fitzpatrick (August 2015)

I also love Huntley Fitzpatrick. Her books are a perfect summer read - full of romance, family, and humor. While you're waiting for this book to come out in August, check out it's companion novel My Life Next Door.

Saint Anything - Sarah Dessen (already released!)

Sarah Dessen's books are like old friends - you know you can always count on them to have just the right combination of real life problems and dreamy boys. This sounds a little more intense than some of Dessen's other books, but I have no doubt it will be just as sweet on the romance front and just as moving when dealing with family relationships and friendships.

The Fill-In Boyfriend - Kasie West (already released!)

I've read some of Kasie West's other books and am looking forward to reading this one. Her books are a quick read for me, so I'll probably save this one for when I'm in the mood to stay up late reading. The premise of this book - pretty obvious from the title - sounds just like a Hallmark movie... so I know I'll love it! 

These last few books are by authors that I haven't read before, but I have heard of them on Goodreads or seen the books at the bookstore. I'm a sucker for cute cover art, and these ones caught my eye. 

99 Days - Katie Cotugno (already released!)

Last Year's Mistake - Gina Ciocca (June 2015)

Finding Mr. Brightside - Jay Clark (already released!)

The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things - Ann Aguire (already released!)

What's on your summer reading list? I love to make a big stack of all the books I want to read - no school books or homework allowed!

XOXO

*All images from publishers' websites, linked to titles.

Spring Book Picks

Spring is one of my favorite seasons. The sun finally comes out, and I love to just sit in the warmth and read. After finishing my English degree back in December, I've been enjoying the freedom of reading whatever I want, whenever I want! Looking through my bookshelves and revisiting my favorite books and characters is one of my favorite things to do. I thought I'd share some of my favorite books that make me think of Spring. If you're looking for a Spring read, I've got you covered!

The Moon-Spinners by Mary Stewart is a suspenseful novel that follows a young woman on her adventures in Crete. There's murder, mystery, romance, and plenty of beautiful descriptions of the landscape. I picked up this book because I love the film version produced by Disney in the 60s. I still love to read books after I've seen the movie, because in many cases - like this one - the book offers more detail and plot intricacies. 

 

Emily of Deep Valley is one of those books that I just can't think of without smiling. This book is about a young woman making the transition from High School to adulthood in the 1910s, but the challenges she faces and the emotions that come with them are timeless. Maud Hart Lovelace beautifully captures many forms of love: the love Emily feels toward her grandfather, her friends, her beaus, and the community she serves. I love the simplicity of her story - showing how one can make a difference in their own community. 

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith is a sweet, humorous, and daring novel, written in the form of diary entries of the main character, Cassandra Mortmain. I also read this book because I saw the movie, but the book offers a unique perspective. Set in an old castle in the English countryside during the 1930s, this books reminds me of Spring just because the setting seems so fresh and green. Like the other two books I recommend, this book is a coming of age story, emphasizing the Spring notion of a new beginning. 

What books remind you of Spring? Or what's on your Spring to-read list? 

XOXO