Hello friends, happy Wednesday! Today it’s time again to wrap-up the month… and I want to say, FINALLY. Is it just me, or has January been dragging on for three months ??
January has been THE LONGEST MONTH, I feel like we should already be in April. Everything was painfully slow.
If I am thilled that the Christmas season is over and that all the tourists I mentioned last month are now gone, everything otherwise has been quite predictable and… well, nothing much has happened. I took some steps outside of my comfort zone this month though, sending some dreaded emails, meeting some people, being rejected yet one step closer to what I would like to do and would make me happy, professionally. I think. Slow steps, everyone.
Anyway, let’s hope February will be MUCH QUICKER than January, people. I’m looking forward to a couple days’ off at the end of the month, but also to MORE BOOKS, food, sleep and watching The Good Place, Dynasty and the rest of the Harry Potter movies (ALWAYS HARRY POTTER).
So far, I’m doing okay with my reading: I have read 6 books this month and I really enjoyed ALL of them. I am ahead on my Goodreads Challenge AND I have read 3 backlist titles and 3 new releases… LOOK AT ME JUGGLING THESE BOOKS RIGHT. Let’s take a moment to be proud, okay?
I also have to mention that I did not buy any books this month, at all. I’m feeling really lucky to have received / won two books this month (Eliza and Her Monsters as well as How To Disappear). Let me set things straight right away, though: February has my most anticipated release of… THE YEAR coming, THE BELLES and I will buy that one for sure because I NEED IT SO BADLY.
Books I read
For someone who didn’t know a damn thing about Batman’s story, I really enjoyed that one? You can already read my full review here.
I loved that adorable contemporary so much and wanted to hug everyone. You can read my full review here.
As a huge fan of the Mara Dyer series, I expected to fall in love with that one. I enjoyed it a lot, but it has been too long and somehow missed some of the magic? Full review coming soon!
Highly anticipated by SO MANY people, The Hazel Wood was a really great, captivating and imaginative read. You can read my full review here!
I expected to love that one. Spoiler alert: I DID. I also felt emotions and RELATABLE AND AHHH. Full review coming soon!
One of my most anticipated reads of the year and I was not disappointed. It was so relatable, the characters were GREAT and Arvin is making its way in my authors-to-follow list. Full review coming Friday!
I actually have an announcement here, friends. FOR REAL. Sometime at the beginning of this month, I actually opened my Word doc again and started the very stressful process of re-reading my WIP. I was expecting to cringe, to throw my computer away and cry every two lines because it was so bad.
Yet, I was surprised. I didn’t cry (so far). I didn’t throw my computer on the floor (so far). I actually managed to link together plot elements and I actually like my characters??
My re-reading is taking a LOT of time, as I only take time to do so on the weekends. I’m about 50 pages in (my word doc is around 120 pages). As I am re-reading, I know I still need to work on things, such as world-building and characters-shaping. But I think I didn’t write something that bad, somehow?
It’s been a… crazy blogging month overall. I’ve been feeling inspired, motivated and the blog hopping force was with me as well. Let’s hope this lasts??
Book reviews
Click on the book covers to be redirected to my reviews.
Discussions
Book Blogging
Writing
Nyx’s Corner
Hello friends, I actually bookmarked tons of amazing blog posts this month, so BE READY to discover ALL of them from the book blogging sphere below. I probably missed some, but I did my best.
- Holly @ Nut Free Nerd asked “What does it mean to be a relevant reader?“
- Lia @ Lost in a Story talked about negative reviews, authors, bloggers and the book community.
- Marta @ The Cursed Books talked about Book Piracy. She also did a brilliant post on blogging, social media and ARCS.
- Lu @ Lu Reads asks herself if there is PRESSURE to read in the book community. Answer, yes. She also did two other AMAZING posts on reasons to unfollow a blog and on ARCs, ups and downs and worth.
- Elizabeth @ Redgal Musings shares some lifestyle tips for us bookworms.
- Pam @ Reverie Society talked about the right (and wrong) way to judge books in an amazing post.
- May @ Forever and Everly shared some amazing WordPress tips!! ALSO IT WAS HER BLOG ANNIVERSARY AND GO CELEBRATE her awesomeness.
- Analee @ Book Snacks wonders if we put too much pressure on producing quality content. For me, the answer is YES.
- Dani @ Perspective of a Writer asks if we revisit old posts.
- Sim @ Flipping Through the Pages tells us all about Audiobooks and why they’re not for her.
- Shar @ Virtually Read shares some YA books set after high school. Books we need more of.
- Aimee @ Aimee Always tells us why we should read and review backlist books.
Laura @BlueEyeBooks says
Haha weirdly enough, I felt like this month went way too quickly! I was savoring my winter break from uni and didn’t want it to end (I’m back now and there’s SO MUCH WORK). I’m really curious about Batman: Nightwalker after all I’ve been hearing about it. I first thought that it would be the story of how Bruce became Batman and his feelings on the subject but I gather it’s something else entirely and I don’t know how I feel about it. I am still really looking forward to reading the others in the DC series, though! I just need to give it a shot 🙂 I hope you have a lovely February, Marie, and that it goes a little quicker than January 🙂
Laura @BlueEyeBooks
Marie says
Ahah oh if you were on winter break, I understand that time went by a bit faster ?
I hope you’ll give Batman a shot! I’m not entirely familiar with the origin stories of Batman, so I couldn’t really give you a comparison or anything, but I had lots of fun reading it 🙂
Thank you so much, Laura! I hope you’ll have a fantastic month as well! <3
Holly says
So glad you had a great month, both in terms of reading and writing! Also, that’s so exciting that you’ve started re-reading your WIP. I can only imagine how nerve-wracking yet thrilling that must be.
Thanks so much for the shout out! <3
Marie says
Thank you so much, Holly! <3 It is a bit nerve-wracking, but also… yes, thrilling. I can't believe I wrote some things sometimes ?
Leslie Nichole says
Whoa, 6 books this month?! Your my idol! I’m still trying to get through my first. I’m going to click through your book marks, happy Wednesday!
Marie says
And here I felt like I hadn’t read that much ?, I’m so glad to hear that ahah, thank you, you’re too sweet!! <3
I hope you'll have a great February and happy reading!! 😀
Mridula Gupta says
Looks like you had a great month. Some really amazing book right there 🙂
Marie says
Thank you so much!! 🙂 I hope you’ll have a lovely February <3
Mridula Gupta says
Thank you 🙂
Kathy @ Books & Munches says
I am SO HAPPY January is ending. I felt like the end wasn’t even creeping closer like, at all.. Which is weird considering past months flew by without me even noticing and I expected January to be the same but nope.
Does look like you had a good month though! Taking steps outside of your comfort zone and taking risks: GO YOU! We all need to do that once in a while, no matter how scary it is. I’m trying to do the same thing right now and I’m freaked out but still going for it, haha.
*Now I’m going to read some of those posts you mentioned because they sound interesting, whoop.*
Marie says
I KNOW RIGHT?? I had the same feeling. Everything went by so fast, the last few months of 2017 went by in a blur and then… time just stopped somehow, I feel like we should be in April already ? I hope it’s just January, I’m not a fan of that slow-time ?
Thank you so much, Kathy! It is a bit stressful, but you can do this, GO FOR IT!! <3 <3
Kathy @ Books & Munches says
Oh boy, no April! I have so much to do before April! My sister-in-law is supposed to have her baby then and my boyfriend wants to turn our second bedroom into a room fit to babysit and and.. GOD.
Same here though. Time is allowed to go a tad *more than a tad* faster from now on. January was weirdishly slow.
Same for you!! <3
Marie says
Hahahahaha, okay, well… then that’s great we are only in February, you have time to prepare for all of these things 😛
Ellyn says
Yess, I’ve heard so many people say this, and I completely agree – January was WAY too long =, what was up with that???
You read so many good books this month, The Hazel Wood looks awesome!
Marie says
I know right?? it was endless. let’s hope February will be better ?
I hope you’ll read The Hazel Wood soon, I really enjoyed it 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment! <3 <3
Aimee (Aimee, Always) says
CONGRATS TO US BECAUSE I ONLY BOUGHT 1 BOOK THIS MONTH! *throws confetti* But I AGREE–February is full of awesome releases. D: My fingers are physically going to itch for them, I swear. SO glad you enjoyed Girl Against the Universe–I’ve read 2 books from this author before and really enjoyed them, plus she is a SWEETHEART. <3
AND YAAAAY FOR YOUR WIP! I CANNOT read any past 5-chapter drafts of "books" I tried to write before. I may want to smash my laptop in frustration. Good luck with rereading and editing–I HOPE YOU GET PUBLISHED ONE DAY. <3
And thank you for sharing my post!! <3
Marie says
YAY congratulations to us!! 😀 I think February is going to be much harder, there are so many amazing releases to get to… I want to read them all ?
Oh so happy to hear it! I’ve read that one as well as This is how it happened by Paula Stokes and I loved both so much. Can’t wait to read more 🙂
Aw thank you! I haven’t smashed my laptop just yet, only… 60 pages or so to go, hope I can do this haha. And thank you, that would be a dream <3
Ashley says
I felt the same way about the month of January dragging! I felt like it was never going to end. CRAZY! Awesome job reading six months and it’s always a plus when you enjoy them all. I really want to read Down and Across and I love the book cover for it too. I definitely need to get my hands on a copy of that one ASAP! Awesome job on your writing, hopefully the reread continues to go well.
Marie says
It was sooooooo slow haha. I hope that February will be a bit better 🙂
I hope you’ll get to read Down and Across soon, I loved it so much 😀
Thank you, Ashley! <3 <3
Angela says
Yes, January basically feels like the longest month ever! I’m glad you loved How To Disappear – can’t wait to read your review!
Marie says
Let’s hope February is better, or a least… quicker ?
It was such a great book, I loved the story and characters so much. I’ll have a review soon for sure 😀
Thank you so much, Angela! <3 <3
thewilsoncrown says
I always feel like January drags every year! I feel like after the holiday commotion in the previous months, January is hard to get through as you are transitioning back to a normal non-holiday life.
I think my favorite book I read this month was My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry.
Marie says
Oh that’s actually a great theory, I never thought of that before? You’ve resolved the mystery of the slow-january ?
Ohh I don’t know that book – happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Thank you so much for stopping by and for your comment!<3
Rebeccah @ The Pixie Chronicles says
What are you talking about!?! January FLEW by!!! I’m not ready for it to end yet 🙁 Come back January!!
But omg, that’s so exciting that you’re working on your WIP again! That’s so great you’re happy with it! Please share if you’re feeling up to it your progress as you continue to edit, I’d love to read it 🙂 I’m also in the midst of edits (line-work at this point) and it’s going soooooo slow. Omg. Hoping I finish by the end of February!
Marie says
Well I’m happy it went by really fast for you ? I wish I had the same feeling ?
Oh wow, thank you so much, that’s so sweet of you <3 I've been thinking about doing more posts about my WIP, but I'm not that experienced and always a bit nervous to talk about it… maybe I'll try though. 🙂 BEST OF LUCK for your edits! What kind of story are you working on, if you don't mind me asking? 🙂
Thank you so much!! <3
Rebeccah @ The Pixie Chronicles says
I really hope you do! Even if you’re still learning I still think it’s incredibly interesting and fun to see how other authors go about fixing up their work and shooting ideas back and forth. And I’m working on a retelling of Beauty and the Beast 🙂 not the most original premise, but I like to think I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
Marie says
Oh thank you! Well for now, I have to re-read everything before starting to fix it, … don’t think I will start the proper editing before… march?? haha. but I will 🙂
OHHHH That’s SO great. I love Beauty and the beast, I hope I’ll get to read your work someday 😀
fessjarmer says
Sounds like you’ve had an awesome month! Thanks for the blog links at the end of the post. I’ve just spend some relax time working my way through them 🙂 x
Marie says
Oh you’re so welcome, I hope you’ll find great bloggers and posts you enjoy 🙂
Have a lovely month, and thank you for your sweet comment! <3
Book Bosomed Blonde says
I found that this month just flew by without me realising it! So funny how the same month can play out so differently for other people! Looks like you read a lot of cool books though 🙂
Marie says
Oh well I’m glad this month was good and not endless for you, haha, that’s great 🙂
Thank you so much! I hope you’ll have a lovely February 🙂
Book Bosomed Blonde says
Oh thank you, you as well Marie 🙂
LairOfBooks says
Marie! you had a FAB reading month! I’ve been gently kicking myself for not yet reading Wonder Woman or Batman lol, I’m glad to see you enjoyed this latest installment in the DC series. Loved your discussion posts & only request you keep them coming! Happy reading <3! 🙂
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, Lilly! <3 I hope you'll read Batman soon, I really enjoyed it – Marie Lu is such a fantastic writer <3
Happy reading to you too!!
theorangutanlibrarian says
Oh gosh yes- January always feels so slow. I’m glad you took steps out of your comfort zone though- good luck with reaching your goals! Belles does sound really good! Yay I’m so so glad you managed to start reading it and that you had a good experience with it. Great wrap up!
Marie says
I know, right? I hate this month so much, just glad it’s over ?
Thank you! I hope you’ll have a great month <3 <3
theorangutanlibrarian says
hahah yes!! ?
You’re welcome and thanks! <3 <3
Raven @ Dreamy Addictions says
Great wrap up! I’m sorry January has been a longest month for you! For me, it was quite the opposite. You had a great month and I’m so glad you loved Batman. I’m hoping to pick it up soon. It’s good to know that you’re back on track with your writing. Goodluck Editing and hope you have a wonderful February! 🙂
Marie says
Thank you so much, Raven!! I’m happy to hear January was a bit faster for you 🙂 Hope you’ll have a fantastic February as well 🙂
Kat Impossible says
I am so proud for how far you have gotten with rereading your WIP! I know we haven’t done many sessions, but you getting back to your WIP also has me really motivated to work on Arcadia. I just get more done when it’s with a sort of purpose – like a reading/writing sprint haha
Marie says
THANK YOU, I couldn’t do it without all of your support, really <3 <3 <3 <3
I get it, it's great to be able to write together / kind of share motivation. I am SO happy you are writing Arcadia again, as you know, always waiting for new chapters 😀
Kat Impossible says
The outlining for Chapter 14 is happening hahaha but I also want you to know that I couldn’t do it without you <3 you are one of my biggest support people!
Marie says
Awww, ALWAYS, I’ll always support you and read and scream about Dyson. 😛
Kat Impossible says
Dyson is pretty awesome, right?
Marie says
He is the BEST !
Kat Impossible says
<3 <3 <3
shihtzusandbookreviews says
I actually love this post. I really like getting to know bloggers I follow and this felt like I was having coffee with you, hearing about your month!
January was THE LONGEST month. My favorite read this month was A Tangled Mercy by Joy Jordan-Lake!
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, I’m so happy you liked this post! 😀
I know right? I’m just glad it’s over and hope that February will be better ahah 🙂
thank you so much for stoppin by! xx
richfluxinglife says
I definitely need to start reading on a daily basis! Love how you make your reviews and happy with your productivity! It inspires others to do just the same 🙂
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, that’s so sweet! 🙂
I hope you’ll have a lovely month! 🙂
Camilla @ Reader in the Attic says
So glad for your writing and reading month, which seems quite fine to me 😉 I know the feel of doing a little more inspection into the whole novel. Just figure that I started doing research all over again and in every details because I don’t feel confidente at all about the repof my many heavy cast characters. It’s hell. A pleasant hell.
For me was a long month too but I’m fine with that, since it actually helps me to focus much more onto things to do to take care of myself. But I easily get sucked into other stuff and I don’t manage to read enough.
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, Camilla! 🙂
It is SO hard… to know what’s wrong and to try and fix it overall. For now, I’m just re-reading, but…. getting back into critical mode and trying to figure out what to fix and most importantly, HOW to do so, is a bit insane.
I am sure you will manage with your story, YOU CAN DO THIS, I will be rooting for you! What are you writing about, if you don’t mind me asking? 🙂
I’m glad you could take care of yourself this month and I hope that February will be great for you!<3 <3
Camilla @ Reader in the Attic says
Most difficult question ever! I’ve an heavy cast of characters, mostly diverse. While my ownvoices is my ownvoices… well, all the others aren’t. And they’re many, so I’ve to do many many research. So I’m basically writing of them trying to survive in the first book. I know that is basically like saying nothing, but I like to keep it private
Marie says
OH I completely understand you wanting to keep it private! I hope you’ll have tons of fun writing it 😀
Valerie says
YAY EDIT THAT WIP MARIE. You got this! And I did not catch the fact that you live in a town which has a famous Christmas market. That is pretty cool, maybe one day I can be one of those tourists hahah.
I’ve been hearing so much about Down and Across! I think I’m going to have to put it on my list, because this is the second time I’ve heard how amazing it was.
January was…I think normal for me? It was pretty long, but at the same time I can’t believe it’s February…
Marie says
I’m not going to say the name, but it was in the New York Times one day, top cities to visit of ever… 😛 Just saying. You should visit someday 😛
I hope you will get to read Down and Across at some point, Val! I loved it so much, it was refreshing, a lot of fun and the main character was so relatable <3
I know. It was a slow month, yet the year is going quickly already, haha. How will we have time to read all the books?? 😛
Thank you so much! <3 <3
Aila @ One Way Or An Author says
I read so many books in January! (21, to be exact) It definitely won’t be that way in the next coming months, but at least I got to schedule a lot of reviews on the blog, ahaha.
Marie says
21 BOOKS? IN ONE MONTH? You are my role model, Aila, how did you do that?? I admire you so much haha 🙂
I hope you’ll have a fantastic February! And thank you so much for stopping by <3
tea & tiffany says
Congrats on reading 6 books! That’s honestly so amazing (more than one a week!!) ? I’m so tempted to read Batman because I’ve heard such good things. Your post has convinced me!
Marie says
Oh thank you so much! 🙂
I hope you will read Batman, I’d love to hear what you think of it – I’m not even a Batman fan, but I really enjoyed that one. Marie Lu is such a fantastic writer 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment <3 <3
tea & tiffany says
Also, I really liked the way you formatted your blog post (in real life, books, blogging). Could I copy your format for my own post? I think it’s really organized, but I didn’t want to just copy it without permission ?
Marie says
Oh thank you, that’s so sweet!! Oh yes please do, as long as you quote me as your inspiration for the first post, it’s perfectly okay 😀
danielle says
Yes – this month felt sooooo long! I discovered your blog this month and am really enjoying following you! Best of luck with your writing <3
Marie says
Oh thank you SO much, Danielle, that’s so sweet of you!! <3 <3 I hope you will have a lovely month 🙂
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
Awww I’m so glad to hear you feel like you are making baby steps in your career! And YAY FOR YOUR REVISIONS STARTING! How exciting is that! And you aren’t hating it, YES! That is so sweet to hear and thank you for keeping us updated on your progress! ♥️
Sooooooo many great posts! There were a couple I missed so I’m going to dive in! And THANK YOU for including my post. ? I hope you LOVE The Belles! I look forward to your review.
Marie says
Yeah…well, baby steps haha, reaaally small ones towards knowing what I want I guess haha. It’s not much, really 🙂
Thank you so much, Dani! I don’t know, so far I’m not hating everything and wanting to throw my computer on the floor, so… I think I’m doing okay haha. Let’s hope I manage to keep that feeling until I’m done re-reading 😛
You’re so welcome, you always have fabulous posts!! <3 I hope you'll have a fantastic month and thank you so much for your comment <3
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
It seems like you had a brilliant month overall Marie. You definitely got through so many books and some of these seem like incredible reads as well. 🙂 It’s great you’re ahead on your reading challenge, I still need to read Batman: Nightwalker but I’m hopeful that I’ll enjoy it given everyone else seems to have, but oh it’s a shame about The Becoming of Noah Shaw, I’ll be looking forwards to reading your thoughts on that one when you post a review.
That’s great news about your WIP. I guess now you’ve opened the Word document and have re-read everything you can get started on the editing, it’s great you have some direction already though, I know world building is one of the things I need to work on too. 🙂
Great post, and I hope you have a brilliant February as well. 😀 <3
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, Beth 🙂
I can’t wait for you to read Batman, I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Marie Lu was brilliant, as always 🙂
I will probably be done re-reading by…the end of February, if I’m being REALLY hopeful, so I have time to see the editing coming and time to DREAD IT haha.
Thank you so much! I hope you’ll have a great month as well <3 <3
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
That’s all right. 🙂 I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed, but yeah it’s by Marie Lu so that’s a good sign to start off with.
I’ve never tried editing before so I can guess why you’re dreading it, but good luck and thanks! 🙂 ❤️
Marie says
Thank you!! <3
Michelle ? says
It’s not just you Marie! January felt a lot longer than just 31 days. The last few years I’ve marvelled at how fast time flies, but January??? How is it only February TODAY?!
Anyway so proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone and making important steps! ❤️ And for rereading your WIP! You’ve got this!
Marie says
I know, I don’t get it, it was just SO SLOOOOOW ? I hope that February will be a bit faster and better 😛
Thank you so much, Michelle!! <3 <3
Bridget says
January was an incredibly stressful month for me because of work, but I didn’t feel like it dragged?? Instead it felt as though it flew by and I was trying to catch up! Awful experience haha I hope February will be more slow-paced for me.
Great job on reading 6 books! I read 3 last month (which is good for my speed!). 🙂
I will definitely be checking out some of those blog posts you linked – that is such a great feature! Share the love!
Marie says
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that January was a stressful month for you – I hope that February will be WAY better <3 <3
3 books is already SO great, I hope they were great reads 🙂
And thank you so much for your comment! I hope you'll find great posts and bloggers you will love in here 🙂
Emily @ Mixed Margins says
Best of luck on your WIP! Keep us updated on how the rewriting goes. 🙂
I also felt like January was the longest month in history. You’d think with the holidays/snow day it would have gone by more quickly, but it just dragged. But I know that I’ll blink and then March will be here…
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, Emily! I won’t be re-writing or editing anything for a while, need to finish my re-read first, but I will keep you updated for sure. Hope I can do this ??
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one feeling this way… January is the longest month ever, haha. I hope that February won’t be as long, I’m lookin forward for spring to come back ?
Thank you!! xx
amortalreader1 says
You had an amazing month Marie! I am so glad. You should be so proud of how much you manage to read, blog, edit photos when you work so hard at your full time job as well. SIS YOU ARE KILLING IT.
I’m sure your WIP is amazing. I cannot wait to be able to read it <3
I hope you have an amazing February!
Marie says
Oh thank you, you are WAY too sweet. I needed to hear that tonight, I’m feeling a bit exhausted hahaha thank you!! <3 <3
I hope you will be able to read it at some point, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it <3 <3
Thank you!! xx
SERIESous Book Reviews says
Great job with your WIP! You did way more than I did! I told myself on my days off I would get back to mine and it never happened…oops. Hopefully I can find some time in February and get back into the groove of things!
Marie says
Oh thank you so much! I hope you’ll be able to get back to your WIP soon, I’ll remind you if you need me to! 😀
Hope you’ll have a fantastic month 🙂
my1stchapter says
girl, IM SO GLAD TO HEAR YOU LOVED ALL THOSE BOOKS!!! that’s so awesome. also yes, thank you, batman was fantastic, i LOVED it
and idk how you can DARE say you thought you would cringe, throw your computer away or cry. THAT WIP IS GOING TO BE A BEST SELLER OKAY DONT TALK BADLY ABOUT MY TO BE FAVOURITE BOOK
Marie says
AWWWWW YOU WHY ARE YOU SO SWEET THANK YOU!!! <3 I don't know about the best seller thing, haha, I'll already try to write something that's decent and readable 😛
Thank you!!! xx
lry93 says
You had such a productive month! You are not the only one who feels like January was crazy slow! I feel like it was as well, but my husband disagrees ?♀️?
I have The Hazel Wood on my tbr and I have heard SO MANY amazing things, so I will definitely have to get to it 🙂
I’m also glad to hear that you are not hating on your WIP! So hopefully that’ll go well for you as well with re reading, editing etc. 🙂 happy reading! ?
Marie says
Ahah, I feel like there are two kinds of people, the ones with January being the slowest month ever and the ones with it being really quick, no in-between 😛
Oh I can’t wait for you to read The Hazel Wood, I’ve read loads of mixed reviews, I hope you’ll end up enjoying it 🙂
Thank you so much!! I hope you’ll have a great month <3
lry93 says
I’ve only read good things about it… but I’m definitely looking forward to picking it up 🙂 I hope you do too! ❤️
Cait @ Paper Fury says
omg yes January was endless…why even IS THAT?!? I’m so glad it’s over haha.? Also it’s super hot in Australia so it’s nice to get through that. Aaaand CONGRATS SO MUCH ON GETTING READY TO START EDITING YOUR BOOK!! I think the reread before the edits can be the toughest part tbh, but get through it and here is ALL THE CAKE of encouragement. I hope inspiration comes too and helps you figure out how you want to make it better.!!! 😀 😀
And so glad you enjoyed Batman, eeep. I did like that one too and I’m super excited to read The Hazel Wood!!
Marie says
OH PLEASE, give me a little bit of your warm weather haha, here I am waaaay too col and I hate it ?
Thank you so much for your support, I hope I will manage to find a way to make this better without wanting to pull my hair out… fingers crossed ?
Thank you, Cait! Hope you’ll have a fantastic month xx
Amber says
!!!!
I am so, so happy that your re-read is going well! It’s always scary, going back to those manuscripts and waiting for the brick in the face… :/ I’m really excited for your that you are liking yours!!!
Also, you read all the most interesting things? I think I just clicked through to every single one of your recommended posts. 🙂
Marie says
Thank you so much!! It is stressful a little bit and I am waiting for the moment I’ll want to throw everything haha, but…. fingers crossed that won’t happen hahaha 🙂
Oh thank you, I’m so glad you found great posts to read 😀
flippingthruthepages says
Haha, to the contrary, this month passed quickly for me 😛 Seems like you had a great reading month. And I am o glad that I actually won one of those books 😀
And you won Eliza and Her Monsters? wow, I so want that book but unfortunately, the price is not going down 🙁
Oh I have heard good things about Belles and I hope you get to read it in Feb for sure.
And that’s a great news that you re-read your WIP. I can’t imagine the struggles that you are facing but definitely, I can understand 🙂 Good luck with that.
And here to an even better February!
Marie says
I never won these kind of giveaways so I was thrilled to actually win one. It was for the book of my choice and I picked Eliza, I’ve been wanting to read it for so long! I hope it will be great 😀
Thank you so, so much! I hope you’ll have a great February as well <3 <3
flippingthruthepages says
I hope you enjoy your book ? Have a lovely Feb ❤️
Marie says
Thank you so much!! You too! <3 <3
Lais says
all the posts you recommended here seem so good i can’t believe i’ll have to check all of them out! hahah
january was a suuuuper slow month for me to. it seems like so much has happened already, and we’re just now on february? i traveled twice this month, chilled at home for the rest of summer break, got back to school and am about to go for my first exam of the year and is only the 2nd of february. i really hope 2018 continues to be this slow, because i’m terrified about the college entrance tests and the end of the year.
i’m so glad you got back to your writing game and i’m sure you will not throw away your computer, cringing on how bad it is. i’ve written a lot of things in the past and even though they’re bad, i always re-read it with the idea that i was a younger version of myself. re-reading our own work is the best exercise ever, because it allows us to notice where we’ve improved and feel prouder of our own hardwork. i’m sure what you’ve written is already amazinggg!
happy february, marie! xx
Marie says
Oh, I am so happy you got to travel a little bit last month! I hope that everything will be well for you in February, and try not to worry too much, I am sure everythin will go just the way it’s supposed to go for your college exams and everything <3 <3
Thank you so, so much for your sweet words of support, this means SO much to me <3 I hope you'll have a lovely february as well <3
Elizabeth says
Yay for working on WIPs! They can be either terrible or incredible! And I love writing characters I grow to love 🙂 Also, yay for fewer tourists and a chill February with LOTS of Harry Potter!
Marie says
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! I’m just glas it wasn’t as terrible as I thought it would be, haha. Let’s hope it will be that way until I’m done re-reading 😀
Thank you!! I hope you’ll have a lovely month xx
Sophie Li says
Hello Marie!!!
YAYY congrats on beginning to reread your novel!! I am SO glad to hear that you are enjoying your own writing!! See, it’s not as bad as we think it is, right? 🙂 🙂 I think I always get like this as well: After finishing a novel, I am terrified that it is actually terrible, however, when I reread it, I am positively surprised 🙂 Hope that you will enjoy the rest of the novel! Looking forward to hearing more updates!!! 😀 <3
It is also great to hear that you enjoyed the books that you've read this month!! 😀
Wishing you a wonderful February <3
Marie says
Thank you so much, Sophie! I hope that I won’t be too disappointed by anything, so ar I’m just, well, happily surprised, like you said. Here’s to hopin I can edit this thing to make it the best it can be! 😀
I hope you’ll have a wonderful February as well <3 <3
Sophie Li says
Seems like you are off to a good start so far Marie! When I reread a draft, there were always scenes that I didn’t like as much, however because I’d taken a break from the novel for a while, I always felt motivated to change them up for the better 🙂 I feel like having some time and distance between drafts also makes it easier to get new ideas! Wishing you all the best on this new draft 🙂 <3
Marie says
I’m feeling motivated sometimes to write a bit more, I just feel like I will have a harder time cutting scenes or figurin out whether they are a right fit, or just useless ? I guess time will tell ahah, thank you 😀
Sophie Li says
That’s great that you feel ready to start writing again Marie <3 Yes, time will tell 🙂 I find that having put aside my writing for a month or two, it becomes easier to cut out a scene that I know doesn't belong. All the best!!
Marie says
Thank you so much!! <3 <3 <3
Amanda @Cover2CoverMom says
Ugh! I’m sorry January drug on for you, and hope that February treats you better 🙂 At least you seemed to have a good reading & blogging month! I am happy to hear you opened your WIP and did not cry or cringe! I wish you luck while re-reading & adding to your book! I think you shared a post last year about your WIP am I right? YA fantasy? Dark? or was that someone else?
Marie says
Thank you so much, Amanda! 🙂 Almost, ahah, it’s a contemporary… well, a contemporary with a bit of twisted mystery in it 🙂
The Candid Cover says
It’s so thrilling when you enjoy all of the books that you have chosen to read. I also really loved Batman and The Girl Against the Universe. I am so happy that you found Down and Across to be enjoyable because it is one that I have been anticipating. Have a wonderful February! 🙂
Marie says
Oh I hope you will be able to read Down and Across soon, and that you’ll love it 😀
Thank you so much, have a lovely month as well! xx
It’s Lu Again says
omg yes January. . . what a messss. It’s felt so ling and short at the same time and I feel like time is just slipping through my fingers. I only read two books, which I’m disappointed with, but, OH WELL. 6 books in a month — that’s sooo good!! I wish that I could be reading that much aha.
READ ELIZA AND HER MONSTERS NOW.
I’m so glad that the rereading of your WIP is going well, that must be the best feeling!!
Aww thank you so much for linking to my posts and I hope that you have a great February <3
Marie says
Oh don’t beat yourself too much – you will be able to read more next month and what matters is that you are reading GREAT books, not the quantity 😀
YES! I will for sure get to it this month, I can’t WAAAAAIT.
You’re so welcome, I hope you’ll have a lovely February! xx
It’s Lu Again says
AW thank you!! HVAE A GREAT FEBRUARY, MARIE!! YOU DESERVE IT SM <3 XX
Marie says
Aw thank you SO MUCH <3 <3 <3
It’s Lu Again says
YOU’RE WELCOME <3 <3
Summer @ Xingsings says
Happy February, Marie! That is really interesting that you thought January passed by slowly, because it went super quick on my end to me, haha. As for the reading/blogging, it looks like you had another successful month. I’m glad that you mentioned that you liked Batman. I know you haven’t gotten in the original comics/movie franchise, but Batman is the only super hero I like. I was wary of reading Lu’s retelling of the story but I might give it a shot now that I know you enjoyed it. And omg, YAY for actually liking your WIP when you reread it. You already know I’m not really a writer but if I was I am 1000% sure that I’d cringe 99% of the time if I reread mine, haha. Also, I love that you’re including “around the blogosphere” posts; I’m sure you might have been doing it for a while but I’ve been gone so long that I didn’t find out until now. (To my dismay, 80% of the bloggers you mentioned are new to me, too.) That’s so awesome though! Anyway, I hope you have a lovely month, dear friend! And happy Valentine’s day in case I don’t speak to you until after. <3
– Summer at Xingsings
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, Summer! <3 <3 I am happy to hear the month went by a little quicker for you 🙂
I hope you will give this Batman book a shot someday, Marie Lu is amazing when it comes to world-building and the characters were so great 🙂
Oh thank you so much, Summer, you're the sweetest!! I hope you will have a lovely month and happy Valentine's day to you too, you are the sweetest. sending you all the love and hugs <3 <3
Michelle says
I’m so happy you had a good January, Marie ?
It did feel like this month dragged a bit, but I don’t really want the year to go by super fast so I don’t really know how I feel about it! I’m so happy you got back into your writing and that you didn’t fling your computer out of a window ?
I’m sad to hear you didn’t like The Becoming of Noah Shaw; I loved Noah in the first Mara Dyer book and I’m still looking forward to finishing that trilogy as well as this book. I’ve started The Hazel Woods and I’m really loving it so far, so thanks so much for that lovely review of yours ❤️❤️
I hope you have a lovely February xx
Marie says
Thank you so much, Michelle! <3 <3 I know, before we know it, it's going to be Christmas again ?
I liked Noah's story, yet I think I expected a bit more from it? I loved the Mara Dyer series to pieces, but didn't feel as addicted as before to that one. I hope you'll enjoy it when you will get to it 😀
And yay! I am so happy to hear you're enjoying The Hazel Wood <3
Thank you! I hope you will have a great month as well <3
lindseyhabets says
Totally agree that January has been so SLOOOW. I’m also really happy it’s finally over because at least February’s a short month and March means ALMOST SPRING!
Looks like you had a great reading month! Batman and Girl Against The Universe are both on my TBR so glad to hear you enjoyed them. And yay for the re-reading of your WIP, I’m sure it’ll turn out amazing!
Marie says
YES EXACTLY, I LOVE the way you think ? I can’t WAIT for spring, sunshineeeeeeee and everything. I hate the cold ?
Thank you so, so much, Lindsey! I hope you’ll get to read these books and that you will love them 🙂
Have a great February! xx
Olivia-Savannah says
I am sorry that January was so slow, but it sounds like you did things which will bring you closer to where you want to be in the future. And yay for getting some of the edits going for your WIP 😀 It also sounds like you aced this reading month with balance and no book buys whatsoever as well DD: Hope February is a brilliant month for you!
Marie says
Thank you so much for your sweet words and your support, this means so much to me <3
I hope you will have an amazing month as well! <3 <3
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence says
I’m surprised that February is here tbh! There was so much that happened in January that I’m kind of glad it’s over. That’s great news to hear about your WIP! I’ve been taking my time with drafting and exploring my own. Best of luck for Feb!
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, Jeann! I hope you will have some time to explore your WIP and get some writing done maybe this month 🙂
Wishing you a great month! <3 <3
Becky Gutierrez says
I LOVED THIS POST!!! IT WAS AMAZING❤️❤️❤️❤️ First I would like to say good luck with your WIP❤️ I started to work n a secret project last month and I’m hoping to finish this month! I loved Girl Against the Universe and WOW You read 6 books last month, that’s AMAZING * sends cookies * One of the most amazing things that happened last month is that I went to DC to a book launch party! It was amazing and an incredible experience for me?
Marie says
AWW thank you so, so much, you’re so sweet <3
Secret project?? Now that sounds REALLY interesting, I'll have to wait to hear more about it, I guess? I will wait patiently then, but I hope everything goes well! 😀
It's so great you got to go to a book launch party, it must have been so, so incredible <3 <3
I hope you'll have a fantastic month!! xx
Becky Gutierrez says
HELLO HAPPY FEBRUARY!!! I commented but didn’t see if I actually click * post comment * or not so I’m writing again LOL! First I LOVED THIS POST!!! I’m so happy for you, you read six books WOW! I was only able to read 3 books but I’m planning to read more books this month❤️ I loved Girl Againts the Universe, I’m glad you liked it too? Good luck with your WIP! I
Marie says
Your comment was posted, but… I’m getting twice the love so I couldn’t be happier!! <3 <3 Thank you so much!! <3 <3
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
First off, congrats on getting back to your WIP. I can relate to how hard it can be to look back at that old manuscript—it’s scary!! I just opened like all the posts from your Around the Blogosphere section, so you’re keeping me very busy! 🙂
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, Nicole! It is so scary, so far I think it’s going okay, let’s hope it stays that way ?
Oh and well, you’re welcome ahah, there were so many great posts this month 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3
shar says
Thanks for sharing my post!! I’ve been a bit absent this month but I found 2 of your posts I need to go back and read! I hope you LOVE Eliza and Her Monsters! I think it’s pretty great to be honest.
I hope you have a better month! Hopefully it doesn’t drag out and you get a few less rejections. Plus YOUR WIP! I’m so in awe of anyone who has written a novel, because I can’t understand how. Also, what is this anticipated book 0.0 ??
Marie says
You’re so welcome, Shar! <3
I can't wait to read it – I will get to it this month for sure and I can't wait. It sounds exactly like the kind of book I would love 🙂
It's The Belles!! I can't WAIT to read this book, my pre-order is supposed to be coming soon and I am so excited ahahah 🙂
Thank you so much!! I hope you will have a great February <3
Meggy | Chocolate'n'Waffles says
So proud of you about your writing, darling <3 Keep at it!
January was awesome and awful for me, and February hasn't started so well, but I'm keeping hope it'll get better! 🙂 xxx
Marie says
Aw thank you so much my sweechie <3
I'm so sorry that January was a bit of a mixed month! I hope that February will get better for you, I'm always here if you need to rant. Sending you all the love <3 <3
Meggy | Chocolate'n'Waffles says
February is being mean <3 But I have you! xxx
Marie says
Oh no, well I’ll kick February’s ass for you, don’t you worry. You can do this, you’re the best!! <3 <3
readarella says
I love that Hazel Wood cover, is it the UK edition?
I also realize I need to have more on my blog than just hauls, challenges and reviews. I’ve always been hesitant about making discussion or just normal blog posts for some reason. Hoping to break out of that this year!
Marie says
Yes, it’s the UK edition! I feel like The Hazel Wood has amazing covers, no matter the edition ahah 🙂
Oh, why are you hesitant? If you’re feeling inspired, go ahead! I’m sure you will have tons of fun 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! xx
readarella says
I feel like I’d be disappointed if no one comments lol silly reason I know!
But you’re right, every edition of The Hazel Wood is so pretty!
Marie says
Oh that’s NOT silly at all, it’s a valid reason! But I’m sure people will come and comment, discussions always make people want to talk, even more than reviews, I think 🙂 At least that’s the general trend, haha 🙂
readarella says
I gave in and just posted one! I actually feel A LOT BETTER now that I have!
Marie says
YAY so happy to hear it!! 😀
Caro @ bookcheshirecat says
I agree so much – January was loooong and I felt like it was neverending. February has already been better for me but granted it has only been one week *keeps fingers crossed* ?
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed so many of the books you read this month! AND I’m so happy that you still love your WIP! ♥ It can be hard rereading what you’ve read, so it’s a pleasant surprise that you like a lot of it 🙂 I hope that happens to me as well *glances at unfinished WIP from NaNoWriMo*
Marie says
I’ll keep my fingers crossed that February will keep on being great for you! 😀
Thank you so, so much for your sweet words! I am sure that when the time will come, you will be able to re-read your WIP and will be surprised by the amazing things you managed to write 😀
Caro @ bookcheshirecat says
Thank you 😀 ♥
I really hope too, as I want to edit my WIP this year (after I finish the first draft, which keeps glaring at me) and have to reread it 😀
Marie says
I hope you’ll re-read it and that you will love it. I’d love to hear more about it 😀
Caro @ bookcheshirecat says
I just reread a few parts of my WIP and … it doesn’t suck??? How is that possible? ? I’m still shook ?
Marie says
AAAAAAAAAAAH I’m so happy to hear that!! It’s because somewhere, your mind just ended up going over and over what you did, thinking it was sh*t, but it surely is NOT. I’m so happy you liked what you read 😀
Jenn @ Bound to Writing says
January really did feel like it took forever! However, it looks like you had a really great month. I absolutely love The Good Place, and am so sad that the season finale just played and that I don’t know what will happen next! Also congratulations on working on your WIP again! It’s great when it’s not as terrible as we expect it to be!! I hope you have a great February! 🙂
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, Jenn! x
I am sooo impatient to watch The Good Place again. I need the new season to be released right now, I miss it already so much 🙂
I hope you’re having a great month so far! 🙂
Lara @ Words With Lara says
Yayyy! I had an excellent January, and it looks like your was super busy and hectic but it also sounds like you achieved some pretty awesome stuff! How exciting that you’re rereading your WIP! I only have one finished WIP but and I’m too afraid to read it, but maybe I need to pull it out and just do it… We’ll see.
Marie says
Aw thank you so much Lara 🙂 Oh I hope you will be able to re-read your WIP soon, who knows, you might end up being surprised by it all in a great way 😀
Charlotte says
You sounded so so busy in January! Well done on your writing too <3
Also, I have nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award, as I love your blog A LOT <3
Charlotte | https://charlotteidek.com
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so much Charlotte, that’s so sweet of you!! <3 I hope you're having a great month xx
Katie Grace says
AH I WANT TO READ THE HAZEL WOOD SO BADLY. I’m SO here for haunting/mysterious/creepy reads so I hope it’ll live up to that?? I have it on hold at the library and am now just anxiously waiting its arrival. 😛
Marie says
OH yay!! I can’t wait for you to read it, hope you will love it <3
Thank you so much for your comment! <3 <3
journeyintobooks says
I’m sorry January seemed to drag on for you but I’m glad you enjoyed all the books you read. The Hazel Wood sounds brilliant and I cant wait to read it.
Marie says
Thank you so much! I hope you will love The Hazel Wood whenever you get around to it 🙂 x
journeyintobooks says
Your welcome and I hope I do too ??
Jackie @ Too Much of a Booknerd says
Yay Marie, I’m so glad you were brave enough (wow, this sounds so dramatic) to open your WIP and read through it! I’ve literally only started writing my story but I already don’t want to read it over because it’s BAD XD and I’ve just started the Mara Dyer series and so far I’m really liking it! I’ve heard some mixed reviews on the new Noah Shaw book but I can’t really make any comments because I’m only at the first book and I don’t really have an opinion on Noah yet XD
Marie says
It IS a bit dramatic, when you think about it? ? I’m still afraid I’ll want to throw my computer out the window, but I am doing something, or trying, so I guess that’s good? ?
OH YAY I am so happy you are enjoying the Mara Dyer series, fingers crossed you will until the end!! <3 <3
AND WHAT – tell me your opinion on Noah as SOON as you have one, I NEED TO KNOW.
Jackie @ Too Much of a Booknerd says
okay well I’m only 20% in but so far I’m liking Noah??? he kinda seems like the cliché perfect YA love interest, but I really like the way he teases Mara and stuff?? and he has a British accents so OBVIOUSLY that makes me like him already! (is he gonna end up being the bad guy tho?? idk i have this feeling he isn’t just some random dude from her new school hmm…)
Marie says
Yes, I think that’s what bothered some people, how cliché he seemed, but…. I like him, I think it’s the British accent that has my heart ?
AND I WON’T SAY anything, you’ll have to wait and seeeeeeee 😛
Jackie @ Too Much of a Booknerd says
oh my goooosh Marie! WHY DIDN‘T YOU TELL ME THE BOOK WOULD BE SO ADDICTING. I literally stayed up until 6am to read and then I slept for 3 hours and woke up to continue reading ?
And I have to say I really like Noah now! He‘s a little cliche and a bit too controlling and possessive at times but it‘s actually bearable and he‘s so good to Mara ?? I love them so much, I CAN‘T WAIT TO READ THE NEXT BOOKS.
Marie says
Well, because I wanted you to have the surprise – and the terrible lack of sleep, too ??
I CAN’T WAIT for you to read the next books, I hope you’ll love them all and PLEASE never forget to fangirl with me, I want to hear ALL your thoughts on this!!
Jackie @ Too Much of a Booknerd says
hahaha thank you so much for that then ?? AHH YAY I’M SO EXCITED NOW. I’ll make sure to remember to text you when I read the next books!!! ❤️
Marie says
YES PLEASE DO, I need to know everythiiiiiiiing. <3
Wondering Wanderer says
I saw Harry Potter and I never pressed “Like” faster 🙂
But I concur on January being weirdly long and exhausting! I wish I could make more time to reading books though! You are doing an amazing job!
Marie says
Ahah thank you! Harry Potter is just so, so, so great <3
I get it. I use my lunch break and long commute to read, I always wish I had more time to read ALL the books I want to, though!
I hope you are having a lovely month! 🙂 thank you for your comment!
Panic At The Bookstore says
6 books is super awesome!! I have my exams coming up so I’ve barely been reading the past month and a half and I hate it! Im kinda sad about Noah Shaw, I was really looking forward to re reading the Mara Dyer series and then picking this up.
Great post!!
Marie says
Oh best of luck for your exams!! <3
And please, don't let my thoughts on Noah Shaw influence you too much – I think I did the mistake of not re-reading the Mara Dyer series before, which left me a bit confused at the beginning of the story. If you re-read everything, I think you might find yourself into the story a bit more? 🙂
I hope you'll love it 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment <3 <3
Panic At The Bookstore says
Thanks a lot!!
Haha, its cool I think I’ll just re read everything when I’m in the mood for it and let you know if that makes a difference ?
Marie says
Ahahah yes, you’ll have to let me know then 😛