IJustFinished's Book Reviewers Made My Day!

For those of you that follow this blog, you already know that this blog/website(Ijustfinished.com) and start-up are all the pursuit of my dream. For those of you just landing on this page, or just finding Ijustfinished.com for the first time you may see a nicely polished book website. Regardless,in reality there are a lot of blood, sweat, and tears behind the site. Last night was I had a "Thankful Gratitude" which was again rekindled this morning.
Here's what happened...
Last night, (Sat) I had a lot of business to do in Austin. I still consider Austin home, and all my friends are there as well, and a couple of Ijustfinished.com's team members. We (SilverBack and I) were with Luvyaduvya, and out of the blue one of our oldest friend calls and invites everyone over to have dinner, and hang out. After debating the luxury of a social life, since we are at least three weeks behind with work for Ijustfinished.com, we decided to stay for a while and you know, socialize.

Although we had a great time, I felt very guilty that during this 'free time' I should have been working, and the site was being neglected. We drove home (about 2 hours) and just got settled to bed, and my phone chimes (hey Renee, you have new email), so I check my email on my phone. Yes, I do know that I have issues, thank you very much. There in my in box on Sat night, two new reviews submitted for the website. I was so excited that people think enough of Ijustfinished.com to go there and write and post a review, even on Sat night. I went to bed thinking, "the site is going to make it after all, the people we have are just amazing".

So then this morning, I began to manage the reviews that have accumulated over the last 24 hours, and here is the really cool thing. We also had a new reviewer register yesterday, and she (Alexis88) submitted a review. Her review was in response to another review posted on the site previously, giving "All Ye Zombies" a 1 rating, and the newest reviewer loved the book. So she was compelled to write a dissenting review of the first review. HOW COOL IS THAT!! That is the conversation of books! That is the whole point of the site, for people to talk about what they like and hate and how books affect them. That is the reason why the site was founded in the first place, and today I feel like a very proud parent.

I cannot begin to thank all of the reviewers enough. Since Aug 1st, 2008 when the redesign, and the ability to upload reviews went live, the amount of reviews, and quality reviews posted is amazing. Reviews are posted everyday, and we are nearing 100 reviews posted. There are sites with years behind them, whose numbers we are gaining. I cannot thank you all enough!

We are continuing to schedule authors to interview on 'Coffee with an Author' and working to bring authors and readers together for the conversation of books. The reviewers are amazing, and I spend a large amount of my time working to get more books from publishers, which I can in turn send out to this amazing, ever growing community of book reviewers. I am honored to so for you all, and am humbled by the passion and intelligence demonstrated on Ijustfinished.com everyday.

Thank you so very much!
Renee

(Forgot to mention the last trip to Barnes & Nobles 18 books that we have reviews posted were being featured, 5 on the first table when you walk in!)

Young Adult Series Trend

The biggest trend that the entire publishing industry seems to have embraced is the young adult series'. Fantasy series seem to be the favorite. Maybe since youth have great imaginations, I am not sure.
Here is my observations. I distinctly remember my parents mentioning Harry Potter as is was just beginning to gain momentum in the US, and I thought 'why are they so excited about a kids book'. Then they went on and on about how I needed to read the book, so I did. Needless to say, we all would go the first day or pre-order the books as they were published. We had to each get our own copies since no one wanted to be the poor schlup who has to wait until everyone was finished to read the book.
For me, and the rest of the book world it seems, that was liberating. Not only have I picked up many more YA books and series, authors were able to write to that audience that was youth, crossed over to adults. The YA genre is one of the biggest requests that we receive from Ijustfinished.com's reviewer profiles. Not only that, it is an almost sure fire hit for publishers. Many of the series have such a loyal following, that people (note I did not say kids) pre-order and line up for the next in the series. To follow that up, they seem to translate to the big screen quite well. Many YA series have been become movies. Many successful movie series actually started as successful book series, including "The Princess Diaries" by Meg Cabot, and of course the latest due out this Dec is "Twilight".
That brings to mind the down side of the trend. Series are nothing new, even the James Bond movies that are books first and then became movies. The pressure to continue characters and story lines has to be difficult, but keeping YA readers happy is a challenge in itself. Teenagers are a fickle bunch anyway, and just in the way that characters evolve and grow and present themselves differently through their experiences, so does the YA demographic. I clearly remember the tone and mood change of Harry Potter in book 5, when he became a full blown teenager. He was darker and more brooding. As an adult reading, you know that is part of the process, but as a teenager, that might be enough for them to put the series away. That pressure has to be tough, along with the leaking of plots and rumors of story lines.
The great thing about the trend, however, is that it allows for the most creative worlds, and stories. Marie Rutkoski author of "The Cabinet of Wonders" dropped by 'Coffee with an Author' a few weeks ago, and the world she created is so original and creative that it takes you back to childhood. Maybe that is the attraction for those of us adults that enjoy YA so much.
I really hope this is a trend that finds a permanent place in the publishing industry, and doesn't flicker out.

Go to the Bookstore

My new favorite way to regain focus and feel great about the site is to go to the bookstore. Yes, I know you are saying, I am sure trips to the bookstore are not a new found thrill. (And, yes I buy all books on the site through Amazon now anyway.)
It has taken on a whole new meaning. I used to go to the book store to pick out books to read, like normal people. Now I only go to the bookstore to take a mental health break, and count all the books that we have posted on Ijustfinished.com. It has become a new game. I go to all the "New Arrivals" "New Fiction" and "Best Sellers" areas, and any other cool displays and look to see how many of 'our' books are there. I really got excited to see Kathleen McCleary's book House and Home displayed on the "New Fiction" shelf the other day. I thought, hey I know her, she just interviewed on our site!
Today I counted 11 books that have current review on the site, and I was just passing through the store. It is so exciting to follow along the life of a book, and know that I am participating in it's journey. It feels like the tiny parts of a dream coming true.

Speaking of my dreams, we are planning on attending the Texas Book Festival as press, so any of you readers and writers alike please let me know if you will be there, we want to meet you! It would be so great to have the members of the site participate in the "Conversation of Books" video series. Look for lots of great info to follow regarding the Texas Book Festival (Nov 1 & 2).

Pink Felt Hat 2

Pink Felt Hat 2
Originally uploaded by JunieFlickr

I have been beating myself up for not blogging as often as I should, but struggling cause most of what I think to blog seems like complaints that I have too much to do and not enough time to do it all. No one likes a whiner! So, I pulled up my chair (well ball actually, yes I sit on a giant pink ball to work, don’t laugh) and decided to take off all my other hats, and there are many, and put on my blogger hat, to get the creative juices flowing. Of course, the idea was a metaphor when I went to Flickr to find a cool hat picture, (something about scanning Flickr for just the perfect image helps me get in the writing mood), and I found this hat. I think it is so stinking cool, now I am going to have to go out and find one.

More to the point…..What is going on here in my crazy world. You may have noticed that the new look has launched on ijustfinished.com and is getting great reviews.
Some of the bugs, and my “ideas” as the rest of the teams likes to call them, are still being hashed out, much to my frustration, but overall it is rocking.

We have tons of new reviewers. They are signing up, entering their profiles, and sending feedback. That is very exciting. Soon they will have a meet the reviewer page, so the community feeling will continue to grow. That is what I am the most excited about!

Publishers are sending up ARCs for review, and beginning working relationships with us, that I hope will one day turn into advertising, once they see how invaluable the site with be for marketing their authors, and new books.

You might have heard me and my Texan drawl along with the rest of the ijustfinished.com team on the first “Coffee with an Author” podcast, up on the site, or on iTunes, or blogtalkradio.com. The show is our weekly podcast where authors chat about what they just finished. You can subscribe to the weekly show via iTunes or Blogtalkradio.com, or listen from our site.

We are also working with a videographer, Debbie, who is polishing our video cast, “The Conversation of Books”, and expect to have the snappy new intro and a weekly installment for the everyday reader, giving candid reviews of what they are reading.

That is the cliff notes version of the goings on here at ijustfinished.com. As you can see, I have many hats, and am a busy girl. Now, I have to put on my errand girl hat (think really stylish news boy hat) to head to the post office, so I can get all these books out to our awesome reviewers!




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Happy Easter!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!! I couldn't resist the picture, that is Bella, yelling greeting to everyone. I though I should do the same.

Today's news is good. Lots of brainstorming going on, and Robert reports that he finished the back end of the database that will manage all the book info. I am working on beautifying the message boards. We are also planning on using the networks of writers groups to beta test teh site, before the big user launch. A marketing plan, and task action plan is forming, and we have all agreed that by May, in time for Book Expo America, we will be fully functioning. It is a lofty goal, but we will succeed, the is no other option.

Also, we are going over a press plan for Book Expo America, so we get as many interviews from Authors, and other book insiders that we possibly can. That way we can get them on to the site for everyone to enjoy, as well as get that info out there to bring others back to the site. Don't be jealous, I know we would all love to meet all our favorite authors, but I cannot afford to take everyone, so you will have to live vicariously through us!

Remember Me? Sophie Kinsella

A must read! I sound like those old dudes that review movies but I can't think of any other way to get you to run out and get Sophie Kinsella's "Remember Me?". It is great. You could wait and watch the movie because it is sure to be the next big chick flick right after Hollywood finishes her first movie, "Shopaholic". I am officially a junky! Lexi wakes up with amnesia. She is not the person she is. No really, she is sweet and nice and the bitch from hell boss. Each day she learns something new about herself that doesn't even resemble the person she is. Imagine waking up with a new smile, an amazing body, different friends, a posh address, an amazing job, a drop dead gorgeous, successful husband and hating it. All you want is your old raggedy life back and the great friends that went with it. Sophie takes you on a fun trip into everyone's dream day. I hope you run out and get it no matter what the old dudes review!

Fred the Mermaid

MaryJanice Davidson is one of may favorite authors. She has a humor that is young, and sarcastic. Since I am young and sarcastic, well perfect. All of the MaryJanice Davidson books I have read have been the vampire paranormals. This new series is about a Mermaid named Fred. Fredrika, actually, and she is only half mermaid, but still, great byline! Since I spent much of my childhood convinced that I was actually a mermaid stuck with legs, and could not for the life of me imagine why Disney's Ariel wanted legs when she had the best gig ever with the tail, and princess thing, it didn't take one single arm twisting for me to pickup this book.

Fred is a hybrid mermaid, marine biologist, daughter of a hippie named Moon, and she had blue green hair. Did I mention that she was allergic to seafood. That might account for her general foul temperament. Fred is grouchier, more sarcastic, and self absorbed than most any I have read. She is also one of the most original.

The book is a quick read, with fun anecdotes, and laugh out loud one liners. In short, a great escape from my life for a few hours. Even better if enjoyed while in the bathtub. That is just a personal preference, though.

For the pure and simple entertainment value (yes, I read for that reason), Sleeping with the Fishes a 4 of 5 stars, for the simple laugh out loud factor. (Oh, and 'cause I like mermaids)

Currently reading the sequel, so look for the review soon.

Classes Start Today!

"I am not young enough to know everything" Oscar Wilde
There are many clever quotes regarding wisdom being the understanding of what you do not know, but alas, Mr. Wilde summed it up nicely, I think. The older I get, the less I know, no doubt about that!
I have read several books, and even more web site tutorials about all things web design and development. My conclusion is that it is time for me to start taking classes. The more I have learned, the less I understand. I am currently stuck in a holding pattern with the site. So, you can imagine that the classes are in the nick of time! I am stubborn, and desperate to see this through, so it's back to school for me!
Actually, I have enlisted the help of a tutor, Robert. (More info on him to follow, if I get his permission) We have not met in person yet but, I suspect that Robert is one of those freakishly smart people that masters things like the Rubik's cube while whistling a song, chewing gum, and standing on one foot. My only hope is that he is also a great teacher, since I was around for the Rubik's cube the first time, and now the reissuing of it, I still cannot solve it! Yep, I was one of the kids who just moved the stickers, I admit freely it now!
So, I am told that on this first lesson we will be going over HTML code in notepad, to get the basics. "Is that even English?" I say. Well yes code happens to be written in English, but it is also it's own language. Well Shit! Three years of Spanish, and I am still "muy poquito espanol"!
Okay, maybe web design basics are not glamorous, but that doesn't scare me! I have spent the last 14 years of my professional life doing most things that can only be done while wearing latex gloves, so bring on the code!
My class is at 3pm today, so watch for the riveting play by play update. More importantly, watch for the web site to finally start to unlock itself, and become something exciting, and useful. If you have an extra prayer or candle to light today, keep me in mind, I can use all the help I can get!
Hasta luego!

On a side note, I have gotten a couple requests for guest reviewers, so I have figured out how to make that happen. Please watch for guest reviews, and if you are interested in being one yourself, just email me or post a comment, and I'll set you up!!
Thanks again for reading!

"If You Can See Me Now" by Cecelia Ahern (Winter Book Challange Review #1)

I recommend, and loan out books I love, all the time. Rarely, does that happen to me, however. My author friend, Jen, loaned me this book with so much excitement, it was like she had found a treasure. I moved it to the top of my to be read list. I had not read anything by Cecelia Ahern, only heard of her since her book, "P.S. I Love You" just came out as a major movie. I would have passed it up on the shelf, 'cause it seemed to romancy for me. Those perfect happily ever after books depress me, so I pass. I prefer my characters to have some flaws, and relatable issues.

That said, wow, I think Cecelia Ahern is my new favorite author! She is Irish, young, beautiful, and her Daddy is the Prime Minister of Ireland. Easy to assume, those are the reasons she is published. Nope! Frankly, she is talented. She has written a movie, a TV show (Samantha Who), and several successful books. She has creativity oozing from her. I am so very jealous.

The book. "If You Could See Me Now" is a beautiful, original, and creative story. So, unusual in fact that it is difficult to give a brief description of the story without giving away spoilers. It takes place in Ireland, in a small, scenic village. Elizabeth is the young woman, who thinks she is in control of her life, but painfully unhappy with the cards she was dealt. Ivan enters her world, and, let's say, opens her eyes. I know, sounds like a blurb from a classic romance novel. Trust me, it's not, but to go into more detail would spoil it. This book did not disappoint, and is well written, and thought provoking. Total woman's book, but not in the usual "chick lit" style. It will be added to the list of books I enthusiastically recommend to my friends. Look for reviews of all of Cecelia Ahern's books soon, I plan to read them asap!

4 of 5 shiny new author stars!

up next: "Seven Dragons: A Guide To A Limitless Mind" by Jen Blackert

"Holy Smokes" by Katie MacAlister

QUALIFIER!! I am a proud Katie MacAlister fan. I am here to represent! Her "A Girl's Guide to Vampires" was my gateway book that got me addicted to paranormals, and urban fantasy. I have faithfully followed her Aisling Grey series, and buy then hot off the shelves. That said, this was not my favorite Aisling book. I would only recommend this book if you follow the series, it is not a stand alone.
Aisling is trying to get married. If everyone would stop intruding, and take care of their own problems, that would be simple. One crisis after another interrupt the weddings, yes that is weddings.
First, the positives. What is so fun about Ms. MacAlister's writing, is that all her paranormals while following different characters, and plots all take place in the same vivid, rich, creative, unique world. All the books exist in the same world, and follow the same rules, and dynamics. Katie MacAlister is also witty, sarcastic, and laugh out loud funny. So, you can count on that in any Katie Mac book you read. "Holy Smokes" maintains that tone. She also writes descriptive sex scenes, so if that is your thing, well consider this book like an all you can eat buffet at the MGM Grand, mimosas and all. I am usually left wishing that someone wanted me that passionately, and that often, and that I wanted them that badly, too. They don't call it fantasy for nothing.
Now, the bad. Ms. MacAlister is a very prolific writer, and publishes many books a year. And, this one I felt like should have been three books. Too many plot lines, and quick resolutions. I wanted follow up on all the issues, and although I realize that the tone of Aisling's life is chaotic, I felt like I was being rushed.
Overall, if you follow the series, this book is integral, and explains as much as it leaves open. I won't be abandoning this series, but I do feel like this episode in Aisling's life was unfulfilling.
I with heavy heart, give it 2.5 committed to the series stars.

Up Next: "If You Could See Me Now" by Cecelia Ahern

Winter Book Challenge

In 1965, when Richard and Robert Sherman wrote "It's a Small World" for Disney, it was more than a decade before computers were even available for home use. They could not even have imagined the world of the web. I am humbled, and reminded how amazingly huge the world wide web actually is, of course, after many many hours of surfing blogs, and book sites. My head was spinning.
Then, I was blessed by a comment, and invite by a fellow lit blogger from Karlene at InkSplasher http://inksplasher.blogspot.com/. Questions answered, and information offered, all free of charge out of "small world" type kindness. That is so refreshing, and motivating!
I also joined the Winter Reader's Challenge on InkSplasher, for a goal of reviewing every book I read for the 12 weeks of winter. The directions are actually to make your own goal and list of books to be read during the twelve weeks of winter. I actually have a to be read pile that spans the next 12 months at least, I am making three different, but related goals.

1. To read a book a week for those twelve weeks of winter so a total of 12 books.
2. To blog a review of each of those books.
3. Stop putting the non-fiction books to the bottom of the pile, and try to learn something useful!

The second one really makes the challenge, since I don't really need much arm twisting to read a book a week. Interesting, quality reviews, of all those books, there in lies my challenge.

Wish me luck, and feel free to join in the fun! There are prizes involved, so sign up quick!

Now, I am off to finish my links list so I can get the blog out of it's construction phase, oh and read my weekly book, "If You Could See Me Now" by Cecelia Ahern.

Holidays Are Hell By Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, and Vicki Pettersson

In the spirit of the season, albeit paranormal holidays, I thought I'd rush out and buy this book. I got sucked in and read it in two days. It is a compilation of four short paranormal stories.

I already follow the Rachel Morgan series that Kim Harrison writes. That series has a huge following, and rightly so, it is well written, and fun. Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel is a prequel to the series, and is set before Rachel starts her career. This younger Rachel story gives insight into characters previously only minimally introduced in the series, and lets you see a clearer image of Rachel's background. Some of the aspects that shape her adult self, and motivations. That part of the story was very satisfying for me, since I am committed to the series. The overall story however was a little rushed. I hate to nit pick, since the Hollowsverse (as the world Ms Harrison writes is known), is so amazing. The thing is, after reading a Rachel book, I always come away wanting more. Having unanswered questions, and this story just wrapped up too neatly for my expectations. But, as a stand alone, it is great. I give it 4 out of 5, I'm committed to the series, stars!

Run, Run, Rudolph is by Lyndsay Sands. This is a continuation of another short story she wrote in a different anthology, Dates from Hell. As she does with some of her other writing she profiles characters that had supporting roles in the previous story. That makes it fun, but stand alone as well. Ms. Sands style is light, and more romantic than the other three stories, but fun nonetheless. It was an entertaining, quick read. Satisfying in a, funny episode of a sitcom way. 3 out of 5 light funny stars.

Marjorie M Liu, wow! I have never read anything by her, but have considered her on my "I should check her out" list. Her story Six, placed her in the "next new author I read" pile. This story, and I think generally her theme, is based in the east, China and the like. Her paranormal world looks and feels much different than the mainstream ones of this genre. Much more exotic, and foreign. I admit the short story was difficult to understand until it was underway, but it was interesting, and complex. It made me want to go out and buy all her stuff, so watch for more ML Liu, soon. 5 out of 5 very interested stars.

And, finally, The Harvest by Vicki Pettersson. This, I gathered after I read the story, is a part of a series, as well. That ironically, is my only real complaint. I haven't read this series, and was lost for the first half of the story. The writing is good, and the world is clever (all in Las Vegas), with original concepts I hadn't yet encountered. It is, as best I can figure, a prequel to the series. I will read her Zodiac series, but still wish I had read the first one at least, so that I had a better understanding of the world she has written. I found the main character difficult to relate to, but interesting. I think I will enjoy the series more, that main character is the daughter who is only mentioned in The Harvest. I give it 3 out of 5 tentative stars, but might have been more if I was familiar with the books.

Please, tell me what you thought.

Next Up... Holy Smokes by Katie Macalister.