So I’ll try to make this short and sweet because there’s not much to it and no need to draw it out longer than necessary.

I haven’t been here.

Duh, that’s obvious since my last post and overall activity was January 3rd. It’s the 15th now. Yeah, I’ve disappeared. That much is obvious.

I’d like to say there’s been a major, major reason for my absence, but I think the truth is that I was so active in December (and basically only one of my friends acknowledged it) that I just burnt myself out. My devotion to LJ kind of died for the time being (I think).

But in case there’s anyone out there wondering what I’ve been up to so far this month it’s this:

Writing – Lots of it! Cleaphytes is rolling along nicely whether it be edits or whole new chapters. It’s been a long time since my characters have been so constant in my mind, but I am NOT complaining!

… And I’m also not reading a lot because I don’t want to risk losing my characters when they’re so loud in my mind, but I have read some….

Reading – I’ve read a couple books despite my avoidance of the bookshelf (because I’ve been desperately wanting to pick up a Sherrilyn Kenyon book). Those books were:

Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan – I loved this book. It took place from Christmas to New Years in NYC and centered on a book of “dares” left in a popular bookstore’s shelves, created by Lily and continued by Dash. They are complete strangers, both left alone by their families at Christmas (for different reasons). Through the book they get along smashingly, but when they try to meet in person things don’t go as well as they’d hoped. By the time New Years comes around they’re still both alone, and their outlook is not so good, but fate just might grant them with a night of bliss together. Maybe?

Rachel Cohn & David Levithan are the writers of the now popular book-made-into-movie “Nick & Nora’s Infinite Playlist” and if the success of that story is anything to go off of, Dash & Lily’s story is sure to also be made into a movie as well and will definitely be a must see!

Beastly by Alex Flinn – I really loved this book (like couldn’t put it down until it was finished). As a child, I was always a fan of Beauty & the Beast and all renditions of the story so I assumed I would enjoy this modern day twist as long as the writing was good. And the writing was not only good, but fantastic. Told from the Beast (Kyle Kingsbury/Adrian King)’s perspective, the voice changes drastically with the physical changes that occur in his life as a result of the witch’s spell. And his growing love for Lindy is just simply beautiful. Honestly, I’d consider it a must read.

This book is making it’s way to the big screen in March 2011 and even though from the trailer alone I can already tell the movie will differ greatly from the book (as most do), I’m still extremely eager to see it (and for more reasons than just my obsession with Alex Pettyfer and Vanessa Hudgens). Check out the trailer:

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce (currently reading) – This is a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and already (30+ pages into it) I can tell I will enjoy it. The intro has been filled with nothing but action and badassness from the female lead(s) and an already budding romance with the male figure fighting with the “Sisters Red.”

I think that I’m very much into these modern day twists on old tales so maybe I will read more than just Sisters Red and Beastly this year. Any personal favorites that you think I should read?

Weight Loss – It’s not happening. Just flat out. In fact, if I’m honest, I’ve gained weight which is just sad (at least for me). Still, I feel determined. Sometimes it takes reaching maximums you never thought yourself capable of before action takes place and I believe I’ve officially reached them for myself. You know, those maximums that make you cringe. Yeah, that’s where I am right now. So, action has started this week. It hasn’t amounted to much yet, but the fact that I’m sticking to the simpleness of it means something and I hope that by the years end it equates to my goal reached and/or surpassed!

And so that’s it. With the exception of chatting online with my critique partners, I haven’t even really been online. Work has sucked like never before and just being near a PC has turned me off so… aside from these three focal points and chatting with my BFF’s (edgyauthor and poseiwriting) nothing major is going on these days for me except the normal daily grind (which is totally no fun).

Boy what I wouldn’t give to go back to being a kid….

Until Next Time,
Sarah

P.S. I’m getting my hair cut/colored this weekend and finally being brave enough to try a cherry red strip or two amongst my chocolate and caramel’s. If it’s to my liking, I will try and post pictures!

P.S.S. I realize I’m majorly behind on LJ comments. I will try to get to all of them this weekend. Promise!

P.S.S.S. So much for being short. Guess I had more to say than I realized. My Bad.

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