I am words.

I wrote this in my journal several weeks ago, and although the rough period mentioned was--for the most part--limited to that week, the rest still rings true. Actually, this summer can be most accurately described as a roller coaster. I moved across the country, one of my favorite people in the world (my grandmother) left this world, and this country seems to be falling apart at the seams. But there is beauty everywhere, and I am full of words.

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There are words jumbling around inside of me, struggling to pour forth from my fingertips, but I don't know what they are or how to make any sense of them, just that I am full of passion. I drifted awake this morning hating this current chapter in my life and wanting to sleep through the day--as I have felt all week--and suddenly, I was filled with this inexplicable, undeniable longing to do, change, grow, live. I want to make this work. I am here, and it must be for a reason, so I will make the most of it. I am resilient. I am God's instrument, and God can do anything. Anywhere.

So who am I to ignore the world as it cries out in pain, and yet still blooms in beauty? Who am I to ignore God's call? No. I will live. I will pray. I will write. I will let this passion consume me, and then emanate outward in whichever direction it will go, but I have a feeling it will hit paper--and thrive. I will thrive. The world is alive, and so should I be.

I write for myself, yes, because it helps me tangibly process my thoughts, but more importantly, I write because the words need to be on paper. The words flow, tangled, through my mind and then suddenly become frantic--I become frantic, with the need to let them out, to be their scribe, to be their written voice. I don't know if the words come from my own mind, or from God--sometimes I wonder if there's truly a difference--I just know with an unquestionable certainty that I need to write. That the words need to exist outside my head.

Am I still writing? friends and family ask. Yes. I am still writing. I will always write. Mostly because I can't stop. I am words. God formed me with a word, and He fills me with words, and I cannot deny what I am, what God has given me. So I will live, and I will write.

how to increase your dragon hoard (of books)

It is an undeniable fact that bookwyrms love acquiring books. In fact, one might say that we're a bit obsessed, especially upon witnessing the magnetic pull that bookshops seem to have on us. But where are the best places to pick up a stack of reading material? Here are my favorites:

1. Local library Since I lack both money and space, I try to avoid accumulating too much stuff--including books. Besides, the library is a bookwyrm's dream: There are shelves and shelves of books to get lost in, and you can walk out the door with a stack as tall as your torso without spending a cent (assuming, of course, that you return things on time . . .).

If your library system doesn't have a book you want, you can always request that they buy it. Mine is pretty good about purchasing recommended books, and the person who recommends them gets first dibs on reading them.

2. Library sales Many libraries host an annual (or even more frequent!) book sale. This is a great place to get cheap books, and the money you spend there supports a good cause! (Which is, of course, keeping you and the rest of the community supplied with free books.) Some libraries even have a bag sale on the last day, meaning you can take home as many books as you can stuff into a grocery bag for five bucks.

3. Independent bookshops I love exploring all the nooks of a small bookshop--there are few places more magical and comforting. It's like going on an adventure and curling up next to a cozy fireplace all at once. And it's even more fun when you find that book you've been wanting for so long, or maybe that one you never knew you wanted (but you certainly do now!).

4. Powell's City of Books Imagine, if you will, a book store the size of an entire city block. This is what I walked into seven years ago during my first visit to Portand, Oregon, and it is every bit as incredible as it sounds. Powell's is technically an independent bookstore, but it really needs a category all its own. The City of Books contains thousands of used and new books, and even a rare book room.

I have made several serendipitous finds here, including the book that introduced me to Christian fantasy. I also once spent four hours scanning the endless shelves--the only reason I left was for lunch (only to discover later that they have a small cafe inside . . .). If you are unable to make the pilgrimage to the City of Books, Powell's does have an online store as well.

5. Better World Books This is by far my favorite place to buy books online. For every book purchased, Better World Books donates one to global literacy programs. They have a pretty good selection of used--and new--books, and a fabulous "Bargain Bin," where you can get used books for less than four bucks each. Hint: This is a great website for Christmas shopping.

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Where is your favorite place to acquire books? Do you wish you lived in a castle that is half library?

you can't be a Christian

Last fall, my husband and I went to Texas for a wedding, and while we were waiting for a train to take us back to the airport, an older gentleman engaged us in light conversation--where were we from, etc. When I explained that we were volunteering on a sustainable living homestead, he said cheerfully, "Oh, we have very different political views, then: I voted for Trump."

It took me a moment to catch up with him, not sure at first how he'd jumped from gardens to politics. However, I quickly realized that because I'd been talking about sustainability, he assumed that I also support abortion and gay marriage (two issues he brought up later in the discussion). Suffice it to say that he was not entirely correct, even if I do lean very far to the left. After deciphering his train of thought, I smiled and nodded, not wanting to get into a pointless debate with him. But he wasn't finished yet.

"I don't see how Democrats can be Christian," he said matter-of-factly. If he'd said, "I don't see how Christians can be Democrat," I might have let the comment slide. But he didn't. What I heard was not a jab at my political views, but a discrediting of my faith. He might as well have looked me in the eye and told me, "You can't be a Christian."

I pushed back, of course, and we quickly discovered that we interpret the Bible, especially Jesus' teachings, very differently. Finally, he decided to discredit me because of my age and lack of experience.

"I've read the Bible at least 35 times--I read through it every year," he said. So, obviously, I am wrong. I have to admit he had me for a second, as I do believe in respecting one's elders, and that they have much to teach us. I think I responded with something like, "That's a very good practice to have," and he looked very pleased with himself, like maybe he was gaining headway with this ignorant child.

But I was still angry. What about my parents, grandparents, teachers, professors, mentors, pastors? Were they wrong, too? Sure, he's lived longer than I have, but so have all of the people who have taught me in my short experience.

Our train arrived soon after, and we parted with a friendly "it was nice to meet you." To him, what had just transpired was a lively discussion--perhaps he'd intended to start it with his inflammatory comments--and I did not think any less of him as a person. Whatever his intentions, I don't believe he meant any harm. But he had awakened a fire within me.

Because I am young, are my opinions worth less? Because I lean a certain way politically, am I any less a Christian? No. The man at the train platform and I are both Christians, and our opinions carry the same weight. We both believe the other is wrong, and I don't think anything but God could change our minds, but that doesn't make either of us better than the other.

There's a hymn that says, "They will know we are Christians by our love." I don't care what your political slant is, or whether you interpret the New Testament the same way I do; when you meet someone, don't belittle them because they are different. Show them love. After all, that's what ties us all together, isn't it? "For God so loved the world . . ." and so should we.

make a difference by Christmas shopping {gift guide}

Christmas means so many things. Christ's birth, family, friends, cookies, twinkling lights . . . commercialism. With so much greed surrounding us, how do we participate in the joy of gift-giving without causing harm? Although I have, year after year, found myself drawn to the convenience of shopping on Amazon, I'm choosing something better this December. If you'd like to join me, here are some options for making a positive difference this Christmas, simply by doing your holiday shopping.

1. Fair Trade
Make sure the people who made your gift are respected and paid fairly for their hard work by choosing items that are Fair Trade certified. From a bag of coffee to a coffee table, you can find a Fair Trade option for just about anything! Check out this handy gift guide if you're not sure where to begin.

Gift ideas for bookworms, bloggers, and writers:
Fair Trade notebooks, chocolate, tea, coffee, or comfy socks.

2. Local
Instead of joining the crowds at WalMart or scanning page after page on Amazon, take a stroll down Main Street or check out a holiday craft fair and support your neighbors.

Gift ideas for bookworms, bloggers, and writers:
Locally made snacks or candy, a book from the local bookshop, notecards from a local artist . . . the options are endless!

3. Recycled
While you're browsing local shops, craft fairs, and Fair Trade stores, look for items that are made with recycled materials. Like-new used items can make great gifts, too! By choosing recycled gifts, you're helping keep useable materials and products out of the landfill.

Gift ideas for bookworms, bloggers, and writers:
Used books, recycled paper notebooks or stationery, a recycled materials pencil bag, or recycled cotton socks.

4. Homemade
Making something yourself ensures that you know exactly what went in it, plus it can be fun, comes from the heart, and might even save you money! There are countless tutorials and recipes online for creative homemade gifts.

Gift ideas for bookworms, bloggers, and writers:
Hot chocolate mix, homemade candy, bookmarks, or a box made from an old hardcover book.

5. Donate
For the person who has everything, a wonderful option is to donate to a nonprofit organization in their honor. Many organizations offer a printable gift card for the person in whose honor you donate, but you can also write a message in a Christmas card made by a local artist!

Gift ideas for bookworms, bloggers, and writers:
Donate to your local library, New Community Project's Give a Girl a Chance program (girls' education), Mennonite Central Committee (choose "Education"--or any category!), Books for Africa, or Room to Read.

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I highly recommend going to brick-and-mortar stores, but if you prefer shopping online, here are a few options that fall under one or more of the above categories:

Amazon Smile -- still Amazon, but a portion of what you pay is donated to an organization of your choice
Better World Books -- online bookstore that donates one book for every book sold
Booksavers -- nonprofit used bookstore
Heifer International -- nonprofit organization focused on ending hunger and poverty
Ten Thousand Villages -- sells only fair trade items (TTV has physical stores too--see if there's one near you!)

now what? {publishing tips}

Perhaps you just won NaNoWriMo, or maybe you've been laboring over your manuscript for months, but the result is the same: a glorious, complete novel that you're ready to share with the world! First, congratulations! Writing a novel is no easy feat! Second, don't publish it yet. There are many steps to publishing a book, and completing the first draft is really just the beginning!

I haven't finished my novel yet, so I'm not writing from the experience of a published author, but rather as a beta reader and professional editor who has done her research. Despite having participated in two NaNoWriMos, I still have not written 50,000 words--though I reached my personal goal of 25,000 last year, I only penned 10,000 this year. I'm still satisfied, though, because that's far more than I wrote all year! But I digress.

Publishing a book is a process--a journey, if you will--that does not end with the triumphant clicks of a keyboard that set "the end" at the bottom of your last page. It's going to take some time. You've been laboring over this beautiful manuscript for countless hours, so it only makes sense to ensure that it's in its best possible form before launching it into the world.

I know you're itching to publish this masterpiece, but please, please, please don't take any shortcuts. I've read too many self-published books that had great potential but weren't great novels, because they lacked proper editing. It breaks my heart to see them, because I know the effort that went into writing those books, only to have them fall flat for want of a little more attention.

So, it takes time. It also takes some financial investment, and I know as well as anyone how hard this is, being on a very tight budget myself. But if you go through the proper steps, you will eventually sell books, which will bring in some money. There are also ways to do this more cheaply, especially if you are self-publishing. If you have the money, though, I highly encourage you to hire professional editors, and not just because I am one myself. I want your novel to shine!

The Chicago Manual of Style is an extremely helpful tool to have around during the editing process (the 16th edition is the most recent), and I also recommend taking a look at Joel Friedlander's 10 Things You Need to Know About Self-Publishing. Although the former is an investment, the latter is available as a free pdf.

And now, here are five steps to take before publishing your novel. Don't rush, avoid those tempting shortcuts, and make sure you do these in order!

1. Take a break
You've just spent a lot of time with your novel, and it's hard to edit a manuscript with your eyes glazed over. Let it sit for a week--or four-- while you take care of all those things you neglected while writing. Clean the house, spend time with family and friends, or work on a different writing project. Just don't touch this one.

2. Self edit
Before you have others look at your manuscript, edit it yourself. This may involve some extensive rewriting, especially when you're working with a first draft. Get the story where you want it and edit for structure, flow, and mechanics. Take a break between drafts (see above) so that you can tackle each one with fresh eyes. And yes, you should go through several drafts!

3. Developmental edit
If you can, hire a professional developmental editor. This person will help you further polish your story, catching plot holes and other things you may have missed. If money is tight, you can look for editors just getting their foot in the door who are willing to look at your manuscript for very cheap or perhaps even for free.

You can also send your manuscript to beta readers, though I recommend doing this in addition to--and not in lieu of--developmental editing. Have the professional editor look at it first, make the necessary changes, and then hand it off to a team of beta readers.

4. Copyedit
A copyeditor will check your manuscript for proper style, mechanics, and, depending on the level of copyedit, organization and presentation. Again, hire an experienced professional if at all possible, but know that you can find an amateur to do the work more cheaply if you need to.

5. Proofread
This is the absolute final step before your book is published. If you make any changes after the proofread, you risk introducing more errors that will most likely end up in the published version, so please make all changes before sending your final draft to a proofreader!

Also, make sure your book is in the proper format--check spacing, alignment, paragraph formatting, chapter headings, etc. Have all elements of the book laid out exactly how you want them to be published, from front matter to back matter, and then send the whole thing to a professional proofreader.

And then, publish your book.

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From the Editor's Desk {Tip of the Week}

editing your novel

After writing a novel comes editing. After typing "the end," start with self-editing, and finish with professional proofreading. For all the steps in-between, read the list in the blog post above. :)

Need an editor? Check out www.serenaedits.com.

I offer copyediting and proofreading services for everything from blogs to books!

Advent

I'm super strict about giving Thanksgiving its place in the spotlight before moving on to Christmas, but I wanted to share this with you all before Advent begins.

I've been searching for that perfect Advent devotional for years--one that chronicles the Christmas story from beginning to end without sappy/boring/unrelated anecdotes stealing the limelight. I've found countless books that include cute little stories that only sort of relate to the daily scripture readings, and scripture readings that only sort of relate to Christmas. Anticipation? Check. Hope? Check. The birth of our Savior? Eh, that shows up on Christmas day. Maybe. That perfect Advent devotional doesn't seem to exist--or, if it does, I haven't found it yet (if you have, let me know, please!).

So, I finally created my own. It's cobbled together with Old Testament prophesies listed in Halley's Bible Handbook for the weekday readings and pieces of the Christmas story for Sunday readings. I struggled to stretch the selections through Epiphany, so the passage for January 6 is Jesus' baptism, which apparently is what some churches celebrate on Epiphany, as opposed to the visit of the magi.

I must also note that I am not a Bible scholar, so this is by no means a "perfect" Advent devotional. I might discover partway through that it's not worth using, or I might decide to tweak a few things and try again next year. In any case, having spent several hours putting this together, I decided to share it.

I recommend reading the notes and cross-references in a study Bible as you read each day's passage(s), or consulting a concordance or handbook like Halley's Bible Handbook (if you have this one, check out the section between the Testaments on prophesies about Christ). If you decide to use this list of readings, please send me comments, questions, and suggestions for improvement!

Click here to view the 2016 Advent devotional!
Please print double-sided to save paper (this is best done from the preview page that loads directly from the link--opening the document in Google Docs will mess up the formatting, unfortunately. . . .)

inspired

Sometimes I read a blog post and just think, wow. And I wish everyone in the world would read it, and feel that warm prick inside to wake them up as it did me. Sometimes it's a poem, others a rambling essay, or maybe photos or a simple list. In any case, here are a few of those posts that have made me feel inspired.

the practice of giving thanks | trembling but roaring {a poem}

Why Older People Will Save the World (& Teenagers Won't) | Penslayer {an essay}

if places were people no. 3 | She Laughs {a poem}

The Ultimate Diverse Reading List | Read Diverse Books {a list}

Magic by Any Other Name | Jenelle Schmidt {an essay}

Throw Pillows | The Goodness Revolt {photos & an essay}

You Don't Have To Travel To Find Yourself | A Portrait of Youth {an essay}

Dear Girls | Princess Faith {an essay}

fire | Down by the Willows {a poem}

Where have you found inspiration lately?

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From the Editor's Desk {Tip of the Week}

allude/elude/illude--which one?

Ah, homonyms! Whatever shall we do with them? Here are the definitions for allude, elude, and illude, so you won't confuse them again!

Allude: to refer to something indirectly
Elude: to avoid capture
Illude: to deceive

She alluded to her elusion of the man who had illuded her.

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may the odds be ever in your favor

The beautiful month of October draws to a close today. In Celtic tradition, if I remember correctly, today also marks the end of the year, which in some ways seems more fitting to me than December 31. The trees, having celebrated the bounty of harvest and the changing seasons with an unbelievable cacophony of colors, now stand nearly bare. Yes, let's begin the year with cleansing snow. God plants in the autumn, after all.

For some of us, tomorrow heralds in something entirely different--a month-long sprint of insanity, you could say. Some of you are eyeing your keyboard or pen with anticipation and something akin to fear, and you know exactly what I'm hinting at. Others of you are wary of the acronym I'm about to type, and may even be ready to unfollow any blog on which you read it, for fear of being overwhelmed by writing updates disguised by incomprehensible flailing in the coming weeks.

NaNoWriMo. I think I knew all year that I would do it, yet the decision to participate in my second National Novel Writing Month still came with some uncertainty. Do I really have the time? No less than I did last year, I suppose! I still plan to trudge forward with my reading challenge--I read before bed to wind down, so writing won't affect that--and I promise that I won't write another NaNo-centered post until the end, when I will probably do a wrap-up post. Before last year, I became very tired of seeing "NaNoWriMo" plastered on blogs every November, so I try to strike a balance with my own blog now that I participate in this madness.

I'm working on the same book again this year, since I haven't hardly touched it since last November, when I wrote about 26,000 words. My working title is The Hippogriff, and after "pantsing" my first NaNo, I scribbled out a skeleton of an outline a few weeks ago in hopes that I can get the story moving forward.

Being a slow writer, and not wanting to greatly affect my normal responsibilities, I'm also keeping my same humble goal of 25,000 words. Some may say that I'm not a true NaNoer if I don't aim for the full 50,000, but I say that while it's good to stretch yourself, it's also important to respect your limitations.

Speaking of limitations, I currently live in a yurt(!), so my access to electricity (not to mention internet) is a bit limited. This means, of course, that unlike last year, I will be writing my novel by hand over the coming weeks. Who knows . . . maybe I'll find that I prefer it this way!

If you're also doing NaNoWriMo this year (or if you're simply interested in more frequent updates), please add me as a friend on the NaNo website or follow me on Twitter! Good luck, and happy writing!

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From the Editor's Desk {Tip of the Week}

spacing

How many times should you hit "enter" after a paragraph, or the space bar at the end of a sentence? If you're writing a manuscript, the answer to both questions is "once." There should never be two spaces between sentences, and paragraphs should be indented, not separated by a blank line.

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Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? If so, what is your book about? If not, how do you feel about blogs that post constant writing updates throughout the month of November?

Small is Beautiful {blog tag}

I follow a lot of blogs, and many of them have several hundred--or more!--followers. But some of my favorite blogs have a much, much smaller following. Like me, they have fewer than 100 regular readers, and lately I've been wondering, how can we change that? How can I help these bloggers, who create some wonderful content, connect with more readers? Sometimes, getting your name out there is hard!

And so, the idea for Small is Beautiful was born.

With this tag, small bloggers feature other small bloggers, and those they feature will feature yet more bloggers, and . . . well, you get the picture. If you are not featured, but would like to join in the fun, please do!

Guidelines:

1. Feature 3-5 blogs with fewer than 100 followers.
2. Write 1-3 paragraphs about each blog, including information like what the blog is about, a brief bio of the blogger, and/or why you recommend their blog. Don't forget a link to their blog!
3. Include an image for each blog, whether it's a blog button, profile photo, header, or simply a screenshot of the blog.
4. Thank the blogger who featured you, and include a link to their blog. If you like, you can even include them as one of the blogs that you feature (especially if they joined the tag without having been featured by someone else).
5. Include the tag image somewhere in your post.

Optional: For extra visibility, share a link to your post on Twitter with #SmallBlogsTag. I'll retweet it! Don't forget to follow the hashtag and retweet others' links!


The Book Hound | R.M. Lutz

It is no secret that I love fantasy, and, well, romance isn't my favorite genre (a slight understatement, perhaps). And so, when I read R.M. Lutz's about page, I knew I had to follow her blog, The Book Hound. She says that while other girls melted over Amish romance, she spent her school years fighting orcs, flying on dragons, and attempting archery. R.M. began to notice that the books that she enjoys--action-packed but clean--are often difficult to find. So she launched The Book Hound.

On The Book Hound, you will find well-written, informative (and fun!) reviews of Christian and other clean speculative fiction, as well as miscellaneous posts on similar topics. I love reading R.M.'s reviews. They're well-structured and succinctly written, giving just enough detail without being long-winded. And she understands my flailing over The Auralia Thread series.

blog | facebook | goodreads

Flowers of Quiet Happiness | Kara

Kara also writes wonderful book reviews, and she reads a wide range of genres. She often posts other fun topics as well, like a "Jane Austen Would You Rather." Recently, I've especially enjoyed following her 30 Days of Books posts, which she's been interspersing on her blog over the past several weeks. The bright yellow flowers gracing the background of Flowers of Quiet Happiness lend a cheerful vibe to the blog, and Kara's words are always uplifting.

Some things that make Kara happy include bookshops, libraries, journals with empty pages, happy memories, comfortable silences, gerber daisies, unexpected compliments, and gooey chocolate chip cookies. In her own words: "Basically? I. Just. Love. Books."

blog | goodreads | twitter

The Jumping Bean | Wendy Greene

How do I begin to categorize The Jumping Bean? It is a delightful conglomeration of books, writing, and just general fun--in short, it refuses to be put into a box! Wendy Greene has a wonderfully upbeat writing style, keeping each of her unique posts positive and engaging, not to mention sprinkled with wit and sarcasm!

An aspiring writer, Wendy recently began publishing a story on Wattpad. She also enjoys reading, art,  walking on beaches, and seeking adventures. Chocolate, of course, is a given, as are dragons. She began a BookTube channel back in May, so be sure to check that out, as well!

blog | goodreads | twitter

O Ye Scribes | Candice Williams

"All things bookish" sums up O Ye Scribes quite well, as every post relates to books in some form or another. The book reviews are thorough without being too long, and I always enjoy reading them. Other posts include life updates, bookish lists, and discussion posts centering on topics like "Am I Being too Critical of Christian Fiction?" Occasionally, you may be treated with a glimpse of Candice's delightful wit.

I am convinced that Candice is my long-lost sister, as the more I find out about her, the more I discover we have in common. A fellow small-town introvert, she likes the color green, chocolate, Emily Dickinson, and maple trees (sound familiar? Those are a few of my favorite things, as well!). She currently works at a library and is writing a steampunk novel.

blog | goodreads | twitter

Totally Graced | Grace Anne

Totally Graced is a blog dedicated to words--a celebration of creativity and the journey of life. As Grace Anne says, "Words. They're constantly swirling around in my head, an endless cycle. I don't see them stopping anytime soon. And neither am I." Her posts center around writing and blogging, with lifestyle and a few bookish posts sprinkled throughout. She certainly does have a way with words, and I love her upbeat writing style!

A homeschooled teen from the southern U.S., Grace Anne is passionate about performing and writing. She also likes dancing, singing, reading, makeup, and photography. She believes that we were all created to create and that the world always needs a little bit more magic.

blog | instagram | twitter 

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What are some of your favorite small blogs?

If you plan on joining in the tag (please do!), leave a link in the comments so I can meet some new bloggers and share your post!

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bookish discussions + free books

Sometimes, we bookwyrms say silly things like, "If only I could be paid to read," and the non-reading humans around us nod and smile at our little fantasy, perhaps with a hint of pity in their eyes. We get similar reactions to our sudden outbursts while reading, or our gushing rants after we turn the last page--"That's nice, dear," says the unfortunate, wide-eyed bystander as they slowly back away from the obviously rabid bookwyrm. (this is, perhaps, only a slight exaggeration...)

Unfortunately, they're right--most of us aren't going to make a living reading books, nor are we going to find a cozy neighborhood of fellow bookwyrms to move into. We must find other occupations--editor, librarian, writer, farmer, teacher--and attend parties and family reunions full of people who, for  the most part, don't spend hours of their week in a fictional world. But these things are good! (says the introvert) I want to edit and farm, and I enjoy (on occasion) spending time with family and friends!

We are, nonetheless, bookwyrms, and we still do crave reading and bookish discussions regardless of other interests and relationships. So we blog, or join Goodreads, or participate in a book club at the local library.

Where am I going with this absurd post? Bookish discussions and free books. Yes. Here we go.

You can find bookish discussions at the afore-mentioned places, and free books are abundant at the library--if you don't already take advantage of that fabulous public building in your community, you should go visit it this week and check out a pile of books. And perhaps a movie or two.

There are also many books-for-review sites (several of which I've highlighted before), and so I finally get to my point: one such site is OnlineBookClub.org. And though I've only been a member for about a month, I highly recommend it! 

OnlineBookClub.org is a free bookish community with forums, reviews, and yes, free books. In fact, as you collect points and climb the ranks, you can even earn a little pocket money for writing reviews. After only five weeks, I've reached level three (out of six), and recently completed my first paid review. The payout is only five dollars, but as I achieve higher levels I'll have more access to higher-paying reviews.

All reviews are posted in the forums, where you can also discuss everything from what you made for dinner to which classic novel is your favorite. If you're the book club type, there's also a thread for discussing the book of the month. And it won't replace Goodreads, but OnlineBookClub.org does have a bookshelves feature where you can add books you have read, are reading, or want to read. To make things easier, you can even import your shelves from Goodreads!

If you decide to join, please do look up my profile and add me as a friend--or send me your username and I'll find you!

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Do you have a bookish website to recommend? What's your favorite way to acquire books or connect with fellow rabid bookwyrms?

judging books by their covers

Raise your hand if you've ever judged a book by it's cover. (Now put it down; you look silly, and I can't see you anyway. Maybe comment instead?) I imagine you all have judged books by their covers -- we're bookworms, we can't help it! A pretty cover is like a magnet, and a less attractive cover, well, we're probably going to look right over it, unfortunately. Which is why there are reviews and blogs to steer us in the direction of ugly ducklings. But I digress.

In a recent post, I turned book spines into poems, so this week I'll put the front of the books on display.

My ideal cover is simple yet eye-catching, with few, well-matched colors and an easy-to-read font. Speaking of fonts, I'm usually a little turned off when the author's name is larger than the title -- if I'm looking for a particular author, I can usually find it easily because shelves tend to be sorted alphabetically. If I'm perusing with no specific goal in mind, I want to read the titles, not random names that mean little to me (sorry, that's just the truth of the matter). Oh, and it should definitely tell me something about the book.

So, what exactly does this ideal cover look like? I'm glad you asked, because I have a few examples to share!
(links go to my reviews)

1. In the Shadow of the Dragon King by J. Keller Ford

This is the perfect example of my ideal cover. It's simple, has an easy-to-read font, and the title is much more prominent than the author's name. I love the silver accents against the textured blue background and the single image of a dragon taking center stage. I've never actually read this book, but as soon as I saw it on a blog tour, I added it to my Goodreads TBR. It's about teens, a prophecy, a paladin, and a dragon (obviously). Basically, I want to add it to my hoard... er, shelves, asap (what? I'm a bookwyrm after all! and a firm believer in hoarding good books like shiny dragon treasure).

2. Unbowed by Wangari Maathai

The plain, neutral background on this one really lets the simple illustrations and colorful text pop. It's a beautiful cover on an incredible book. In fact, I highly recommend it to everyone, even if you don't like memoirs (I'm not usually a huge fan of them myself). This is a book about an incredible woman who, when she saw a problem, immediately began looking for a solution. And yes, there are trees involved.

3. Insurgent by Veronica Roth

My eye is immediately drawn to the beautiful, intriguing, swirling tree on this cover. In addition, I get a good idea of the setting from the unobtrusive background. This is book two in a trilogy, so if you haven't delved into it yet, definitely start with Divergent. I love, love, love this series.

4. Auralia's Colors by Jeffery Overstreet

I don't typically like people on covers (especially large faces that look nothing like any of the characters...), but I think this one is very tastefully done. The title pops without clashing, and the illustration captures the slightly mysterious feel of the book, while hinting at the main character's playful personality. The plot is hard to describe, other than to say it is a Christian fantasy without being overtly Christian. Although this first book can be a bit challenging due to the author's unique writing style, it's worth the read, and the rest of the series is amazing (at least, what I've read of it!).

5. Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb

I snatched up this paperback at the bookstore because a) it's about dragons, b) it has a beautiful, simplistic cover, and c) it's the perfect size for holding (yeah, I'm a little weird like that). Yes, it does break my rule that the title should be larger than the author's name, but I'll forgive it that one flaw. Looking closely, you may notice that the dragon perhaps looks sickly and deformed, and that's exactly what the book is about: a herd of deformed dragons. It's an interesting read, and the second book, which I'm partway through, is at least as good as the first!

6. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

This one is just plain pretty. There is lots of color, but it all fits together pretty well, and it doesn't feel crowded. And yes, if you haven't read it, the eye (reflected in the dagger) is actually significant -- gifted people, called Gracelings, have two different colored eyes. It's a fun YA fantasy, though due to some mature content, I recommend discretion for younger readers. Check out my review for (spoiler-free) details.

7. Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Another dragon book! (gasp.) I love how the simple illustration is framed, with the title and attribution set off at the bottom. It makes for a very neat and organized look while still staying whimsical with the beautiful scratchy font for the title. If you haven't read this one, it's a YA fantasy with a rather cliche plot, but the amazing writing style and characters make up for that. And the sequels flow into a very unique story. I highly recommend it!

8. The Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen

What in the world is a cookbook doing in this list?! Well, I might be less picky about my cookbook covers, but I still appreciate pretty ones (and cringe at the... less pretty ones). I get really tired of seeing someone's plastic smile pasted on the front with their perfect apron and impeccable kitchen. That tells me nothing about the recipes inside. This delightful vegetarian cookbook has a simple cover reflecting simple recipes. What you can't tell from the image is that this edition is hard-bound but with a fabric texture, and the images and text are inset a little, making it especially unique.

9. Because We Are by Ted Oswald

I don't really know what to say about this novel, except that it's gorgeous -- inside and out. The colors pop and blend simultaneously, and the silhouette within a silhouette makes for a unique yet simple image. As intimated by the cover, this is a story about a young Haitian girl, written for an adult audience. It's a rough read, but totally worth it. I very highly recommend this one.

10. Resistance by Jaye L. Knight

The title is the first thing I see when I look at this cover, followed by the sword, which points to the author's name. Very simple, linear, and tasteful, and it can tell us a lot about the book. The woods in the background shows the setting, the sword gives us a general idea of the time period and that some fighting is involved, and the banner across the top tells us that this is a series. Which, actually, is very important, because few things are worse than enjoying a good book only to realize you unwittingly read the second book in a series, because it was not noted anywhere on the cover. In any case, Resistance is an absolutely amazing New Adult Christian fantasy novel, and everyone should read it. That includes you.

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What does your ideal cover look like? Did any of the books above catch your eye? 

mid-year check-in and Exciting Announcement!

Like many bloggers, I posted a list of goals back in January, and now that June is creeping to a close, I thought I'd revisit them. ALSO, I have a very, very, very Exciting Announcement (oh yes, that is deserving of caps) to share with you all!

First, though, the goals.

reading:

35 books

I'm actually ahead of schedule on this one -- three books, to be exact! Check out all of the fabulous (and not-so-fabulous) books I've devoured on my Goodreads Challenge page, or browse through my "scribbles of the past" in the sidebar.

writing:

100,000 words
I signed up for WriYe, a year-long spinoff of NaNoWriMo, but, erm, I've written only 1,159 words so far this year (not including a few handwritten pages). Ha.


miscellaneous:

spend more time outside
Check! Since I live on a homestead, I'm spending lots of time outdoors!

learn to knit socks
mmm, nope. My knitting repertoire is limited to two potholders thus far.

finish the One Year Bible
Sadly, I finally gave up on this one in favor of exploring other Bible study techniques.

practice yoga regularly
I've been mildly successful in this, as I do yoga at least once each week. But I'm also more active in general, so I don't feel like I've really failed in this area.

start a healthy (early) morning routine
Since this spring has been a little... odd, what with two moves, I haven't quite figured out the perfect routine yet.

others... ?
I had added this thinking I'd set monthly goals for myself, but instead, I took on a rather large project, which leads me to my Exciting Announcement...

I launched my editing website!
Writers, I am now offering proofreading and copyediting services for all types of text, from blogs to novels. And readers, there's something for you, too -- I plan to organize blog tours and book blitzes, but first, I need hosts! Visit my website to see how you can help support authors and get free books.

If you think you remember, somewhere in the dusty recesses of your mind, that I talked about doing this before, you are right. This website has been a long time coming, and for a while, I wasn't sure if it would actually happen. But I have been studying and planning and doing freelance work on UpWork in preparation of this frabjous day, and it has finally arrived!

So take a look around and let me know what you think!

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Did you set goals for yourself this year? If so, how are you doing? Also, I'd love to hear what exciting thing (or things!) you've done this month!

finding Purpose

A few months ago, I hinted at the possibility of a big move. Well, looking at you from the other side of this great event, I can tell you it's not at all what I expected. Instead of heading south, we came north. I could explain the why and how -- which is a fun story -- but for brevity's sake, I'll jump right into the where and what.

I live at the very end of a dirt road in the mountains, where my husband and I are full-time volunteers on a non-profit homestead run by the family living in the house to which our current apartment is attached. I am tired almost from the moment I wake up in the morning, and if my muscles don't ache when I crawl out of bed, they almost certainly do by the time I crawl back in. And yet, I don't want to be anywhere else right now. For the first time in a very long time, I feel like I am exactly where I'm supposed to be.

When I finish working for the day, even though I'm exhausted and the work is never truly done (it is a farm, after all), I don't feel compelled to throw a frozen dinner in the the oven and drop on the couch, or simply crawl under a rock and disappear. These are things that I felt in the past several years, while working office jobs, but I don't feel them now. Now, I am excited about the kitchen again. I walk into the apartment after digging and hoeing and mulching and sweating, ready to experiment with strawberry bread or figure out what to make for supper using asparagus and wilting arugula. Or, a constant battle, how many different ways I can use eggs (we have 37 laying hens in our backyard...).

I have been saying "I want to farm" for years, and sometimes the longing grew so strong that it became an ache within my soul. But recently I have been questioning that. Is farming a feasible occupation for me? Do I even want to do it anymore? Then I came here, and I know that this is my purpose. Every aching muscle tells me that I am feeding hungry people, and that is a beautiful thing.

I look out my window and see chickens, squirrels, and songbirds; I turn and smile at the solar panel providing our home with renewable energy. And at night, sometimes, I can open the back door and listen to barred owls calling to each other like howler monkeys.

My weeks are filled with planning, digging, and growing gardens. And my Sunday worship consists of volunteering at the local food distribution, where my low-income neighbors "shop" through a smorgasbord of items that the grocery store rejected and, thankfully, donated to our humble cause. I am not a people person -- not by far -- but as these souls wander through the fellowship hall, cheerfully loading up their grocery bags, we smile and greet each other and discuss the virtues of different kinds of bread. We laugh over spilled grape tomatoes rolling across the floor, and stoop to pick them up. The kind woman who dropped them takes the package anyway -- they'll be good as new after a thorough rinsing, she points out.

I'm not at all where I thought I'd be right now, but I'm exactly where I belong. God has a purpose for each of us. This is mine.

dragons and hope {spine poetry}

I've seen quite a bit of spine poetry floating around the internet, and I finally decided to try my hand at it. After all, this is a book blog titled poetree.

Also, I haven't read any of the books in the photos, so you might see reviews of them here in the near future!

the unexpected dragon,

breed of giants--

airs beneath the moon,

a thousand splendid suns

earthkeepers

surprised by hope--

the God of animals

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Have you ever tried spine poetry? How did it go? And most importantly, how would you feel about an unexpected dragon? (Honestly, I'd be quite excited. Unless, of course, it tried to eat me...)

after the mountain burned

A few weeks ago I wrote a poem titled "for now the mountain burns," and later I went to the place where the mountain burned. But I did not see destruction. I saw beauty. Yes, there were swaths of charred land, black scars on the peak, but there was also an incredible amount of green. Flowers and fiddleheads poked out of the ashes, and trees leafed out where days before flames had blossomed.

It is amazing how something so devastating can give way to so much life.

11 {a tag}

11 facts
1. my favorite color is green
2. I've ridden horses all my life - they're my favorite animal
3. my favorite mythological creature is either the dragon or the hippogriff
4. when I was little, I told a woman my name was Wilbur (yes, as in Charlotte's Web. I had an overactive imagination...)
5. I've been to four continents, including this one
6. I've visited nine countries, and passed through a few others
7. I've been to... a lot of states. Let's just say most of them (no, not Alaska or Hawaii, sadly)
8. my favorite food is dark chocolate
9. or maybe ice cream...
10. I love to bake
11. in fact, the kitchen just might be my favorite room


11 answers
How many books do you hope to read this year?
35, the same goal as last year, even though I read 49 books in 2015.

What's your favorite song?
I don't actually know. I like hymns, and Third Day, and Dixie Chicks, and The Steel Wheels, and Lunasa, and songs I can't match an artist to and maybe don't even know the name of. Some that have touched my soul the deepest are those I sang with my high school touring choir.

What's your least favorite holiday?
I like holidays -- any excuse to eat good food, celebrate, and/or gather with family!

Why do you blog?
I ask myself this question all the time. On good days, the answer is because it's an outlet for casual writing and an encouragement to share my poetry, to think critically about books I read, to share what I enjoy and connect with others, to shine a light, however small. On other days, the answer is simply, "I haven't the slightest idea."

Favorite dessert?
All of them. Especially the chocolate ones. More specifically: cake, ice cream, brownies, and Nan-nan's cherry pie.

One movie coming out in 2016 you want to watch?
I don't think I even know what's coming out this year.

Some books set for 2016 releases you want to read?
Samara's Peril by Jaye L. Knight. So excited for this one!

What historical era intrigues you most?
Colonial America, Lewis and Clark (not really an "era," per se...), first century A.D.

Where would you love to visit?
One of my life goals is to visit every continent (except maybe Antarctica). I have Africa and Australia left, but I would also like to go to Ireland, and I've always wanted to see the Amazon. Oh, and the redwood forest!

Some of your favorite blogs?
See "11 bloggers" below.

What things inspire you to write/blog?
Nature inspires a lot of my writing, but this blog is powered almost exclusively by books.


11 questions
How many books do you hope to read this year?
How many books have you read this year?
What is your favorite song?
What is your favorite holiday?
Why do you blog?
Favorite dessert?
Some books set for 2016 release that you can't wait to read?
Where would you most like to travel to?
What things inspire you to write/draw/take photos?
What is your favorite mythological creature?
Favorite (non-mythological) animal?


11 bloggers
Abbiee | Abbiee
Ashlyn | A Girl and Two Brave Horses
Rita | Weaving Pages
Britt | Encouragement for Everyday Struggles
Candice | O Ye Scribes
Opal | Opal Swirls
Kate | The Goodness Revolt
Beth | The Quiet People
Annie | Curious Wren
Olivia | the cwtch
Brian | Wilder Ground

Thanks to Shantelle from A Writer's Heart for tagging me in the Infinity Dreams Award! (months ago...)

Rules:

use the Infinity Dreams Award picture

thank the blogger who tagged you

tell us 11 facts about yourself

answer the 11 questions

tag 11 bloggers