It's been a while

So, yes, it's been a while. I've been wondering what I should do on this blog. I just haven't had much to write (really, having two blogs about pretty much the same thing doesn't leave many colorful ideas). I decided I would gear this blog to more mommy things. I am a mom, who writes YA. How do I deal with kids and writing, and what do people think of me? So that's my focus on this. I can't guarantee a post on a regular basis, but let's face it I need to blow off mommy steam too. I hope I can give tips as well.

For example: today has been "one of those" days. I'm tired, my brain is not functioning except to only want to write. My little guy has other things in mind--saying my name every five seconds and just pushing every button I have. Can kids detect when you are not on your game? Totally. I'm also trying not to lose my patience, which results in yelling. It's not the answer, but the only way I feel like I'm in control. I've just finished reading an article in Parents magazine about this.

I have seen my kids use my yelling in their own frustration so I'm trying to change it. The article basically states to take a calmer approach, which is easier said than done, but I've been trying to do it. Believe it or not it does change things. Doesn't mean I don't lose it now and again, but my little guy is a little calmer. Of course, this method can help in other situations--crazy neighbor, job frustrations, etc.

Now, I have to find a way not to feel guilty when I let the kiddos watch TV while I write. :)

How do you handle situations where you want to scream and yell (doesn't have to be related to kids)?

Have a great day!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I know most of you follow my other blog so I'm just sayin' it again. Thankfully, no craziness in my adult life and YA life that would make me feel all weird. Other than a girl at Barnes and Noble, who maybe slightly younger than me and worked there. Believe it or not, she actually made me feel good.
I was a crazy shopper there. I got a gift card, so naturally it was burning a hole in my pocket. I was alone (no kids, yippee!) and I walked up and down the YA aisle. What to choose? I had $50. The other problem--I have about 10 books on my bookshelf I have not read yet. I know I'm a slacker. Shouldn't I read those first? Nah. I love pretty covers.

So here is what I picked:
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Matched by Ally Condie
The Dark Devine by Bree Despain
Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead ( Yes, I still have to finish the second one in the series, but... but)

I wound up only paying $3.96. Oh yeah!
The cashier (that young girl) said I made some great choices. That's what made me feel good. She didn't smirk or snear, raise her lip, or squint her eyes. She spoke to me on a normal adult level, not judging me. In fact, relating to me. I wanted to ask her if she wanted to start a book club, but then she might of thought I was weird. One step at a time.

Have you gotten any good books?

Have a wonderful day!

Meet

So, It's been awhile. I know. I'm having a hard time with this, you know, meeting people. I'm social, I am, but I never seem to find people I connect with. Through blogging, yes. In everyday life, no. My husband, yes, and some of my friends, but I'm not sure if they understand the whole me all the time.

In a work situation, I'm fine. Vendors, clients, no big deal because the whole purpose for any interaction is to get the job done. Nothing else is really discussed.

In a meet the mom situation, I'm fine at first. You discuss your kids, housework, husbands. Things you can relate to. My problem is when the question turns to personal. Like what type of books do you read? It has been awkward to say the least. I usually get a blank stare, almost as if I'm a child not growing up. It's almost as if I said a naughty word. Now, I will admit I don't want to grow up, but I know my priorities and responsibilities. I just don't like some of the adult things. Books for example. I don't usually go for anything that has to do with real life. I like to get away from this world. Not that it's bad just sometimes boring (in a sense that we can't levitate. Example only). I do like to read some books about real life, but mainly in the YA sense that do deal with some heavy topics. Maybe it's the age of the MCs, I don't know. I prefer not to read books about adults living everyday life. Not that they are bad, just that I'm living it. Although, if you add a little paranormal in there, I may be interested.

I'm also not a typical mom. I refuse to listen to Barney. Does that make me horrible? My daughter (age 5) actually would rather listen to Muse. I tried the Wiggles, she wanted the Beatles. Why fight that? Some mom's almost run in horror when I tell them that.

I know I should have seen this coming. I have never felt fully included/comfortable even in high school. It was always awkward. I was part of the punk/skater/artsy kids crowd. When I went to high school, it wasn't cool. My friends got beat up over it. I did feel comfortable and actually accepted with them. So why has that changed?

I can get along with anyone. I don't want you to think I'm some sort of wacko. I can pretty much find something to talk about with anyone, and I'm fine with that. I just have never felt a connection with other moms. I almost feel like I'm in high school again. 

Any news with you folks?

The book club

Well, it has taken me a while to post on this. Sorry. Things are a little hectic.

Lately, I've felt a little shunned (if that is even the right word) as someone who likes YA. This usually occurs around adults. If they don't get it, they are scared to even try. At my recent bookclub meeting, I offered two books for the group to decide on. I'm the next host, so I decided to offer a YA crossover and a womens fiction novel. I offered Tender Graces by Kathryn Magendie and If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Kathryn Magendie actually contacted me about her book because I posted on my other blog asking for book suggestions.  Which is fine. I like suggestions.

I thought I would offer a possible crossover into the YA world since I knew most of the book club members did not read YA. I read the blurb about Tender Graces. No one said anything, they just nodded. Then I read the blurb for If I Stay. Before I could finish, everyone yelled out Tender Graces. I have nothing against Tender Graces. In fact, I like it so far. I just was hurt by the immediate respose to womens fiction vs YA. They didn't even give it a chance. I've read everything they have put out there. Most of which is womens southern fiction.

All of the books have been written well and the stories are entertaining. Some I really like. I'm glad I'm exposing myself to these books, but my genre doesn't get a chance? YA books are written well and if they knew what goes into writing them, they may think differently. Trust me, I'm revising one and I have so much more revising to do.

This is the behavior I'm talking about. I would love to start my own book club, but it probably would be YA only. That's not a bad thing, right?

Any strange adult behavior come your way?

Have a great day!

First post

Welcome. This is a blog about Young Adult books. Well, how it feels to be out of the 12-18 age range and read this wonderful genre. I guess you could say, I'm still in my late teens/early twenties in my mind so the attraction to this genre is pure love.

I will post every so often about my encounters with the adult world and how they perceive people like me. Trust me, many awkward moments. I wear many hats--wife, mom, interior designer, writer-yes, I dabble in the writings of YA. Here's my writing blog.

I will also post reviews of books I've read. You will hear about a book club I belong to,which is not YA (I'm still looking for one of those). I joined it to read books I wouldn't normally buy and to learn more about the world of writing. Some of the books have been worth it.

So I hope you will enjoy my ramblings. Have a great day and stop back soon!