Just an update.
You may have noticed my posts, when they restarted after the accident, were twice a week instead of thrice. And lately once a week. Errr, yeah.
My personal life has been hectic. (Work full time, work part time, going to a chiropractor 3x a week, visiting with friends once a week, housesitting for various family members, and, oh yeah, relaxing.)
Work is fairly stressful on my eyes/brain, so I haven't been 'reading for pleasure' as much as I once did. I'm hoping this will change in time, but for now it's a limitation I'm working within.
So what does this mean? Mainly it means my reviews will be coming...when they come. I'm hoping this hiatus won't last long, but I wanted to let you know why the slow trickle may have suddenly stopped. It will return. I will be sure to announce if I ever plan on NOT continuing my reviews. That isn't the plan at the moment.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Showing posts with label update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label update. Show all posts
17.8.13
3.2.13
A Heady Update
You may have noticed still no reviews. Well, I have one that I've written and I have a film review list that may be ready to go up after that, but otherwise nothing.
I can read, which is a good thing, yes? But I've also been really judgemental about books I've been reading (like, books I previously enjoyed!). So I've hesitated jumping into a new book for fear I will judge it wrongly. But hopefully this week I'll feel like reading one of the dozen delicious books I have waiting for me.
And then updates will resume like normal. Hopefully this week there will be two updates, and then we'll go from there, but I'm making no promises.
I can read, which is a good thing, yes? But I've also been really judgemental about books I've been reading (like, books I previously enjoyed!). So I've hesitated jumping into a new book for fear I will judge it wrongly. But hopefully this week I'll feel like reading one of the dozen delicious books I have waiting for me.
And then updates will resume like normal. Hopefully this week there will be two updates, and then we'll go from there, but I'm making no promises.
17.1.13
Being Broken (update)
As anyone who follows me on twitter or tumblr knows, on Dec 29 I was in a car accident. I don’t remember anything about it, but this is what I’ve been told:
I was driving home from my parents’ house and it was starting to snow. The roads were exceptionally slippery that afternoon, although we don’t really know why. I slid out of control, turned 360 and went into the opposing traffic, where a jeep ran into my trunk (or I ran into it, the details are unclear, I suppose). My trunk was pushed into my back seat and the rest of my car followed suit. Amazingly my only injury was some lower back pain and a serious concussion (and several brain bleeds). I was in the ICU for a week and then moved to a regular hospital room before being released into the care of my parents.
All of this is scary enough, but some of the scarier things, for me at least, happened once I was released home. I felt normal. Sure I was weak on my feet and got dizzy, but that seemed fine. Once I was home however, I realized that there were some other concussion ramifications aside from dizziness and memory loss.
For a while I couldn’t read anything because my eyes would focus on two different points in the word and I’d see double of it all. This was especially terrifying since I work as an editor as a living, a writer as a dream, and a reader as a mainstay of existence. So that had me panicking, plus I couldn’t read to relax when tense, so it was a cruel circle!
My eyes are slowly getting better. While now I have some issues focusing, especially for long periods of time, at least now I don’t need to close one eye just to browse the internet/read twitter. I still have physical therapy and exercises to do, but the progression I’ve already made encourages me not to panic about the issues I still have.
My parents moved a bed to the downstairs for me (to keep me off the steps when they weren’t around), but I had a ton of trouble sleeping at night. The bed has since moved upstairs into my old bedroom and I’ve been sleeping somewhat better, although some nights are still hit or miss. The fact that I can now read when I’m restlessly awake has helped. Reading old favorites helps me keep my sanity.
On a grander scale, I’m extremely limited in many parts of my life.
The accident happened on Dec 29 and I went to my parents’ home on Jan 4th I believe. However, I can’t go back to work (any work) or drive until I have a follow-up appointment with my neurologist, which isn’t until January 31st. So I’m very much stuck. (For reference, my parents live in the country, so there are no sidewalks and very little public transport, so I’m dependent on the kindness of family and friends for visitations and travel.) As soon as I get approval from the neurologist I get to buy a new car (errr, a new used one) and go back to work, but considering how easily I tire, even work will be slow in returning to normal.
What all of this means....
*** I can’t write (despite having TONS of free time). I can’t focus; I can’t sink into the stories I was writing; and I’m somewhat terrified of screwing up the stories I did have going.
*** I can’t edit. Until recently, reading was almost impossible for more than a few sentences, so I can’t edit any of my previous works and I can’t work at all. I’ve been working on developing my ocular strength, but it’s really something that won’t let itself be pushed.
*** I’m not reviewing. While I could technically start reading and reviewing again, I’m holding off because I’m a bit of an emotional mess at the moment. Some mornings I start crying for no reason. I’m not a crier. So I’m a little concerned any book I read/review may not be honestly reviewed, so I’m not jumping right back into that.
However...
*** I’m hoping at the beginning of February to return to my full-time job, have a car, and slowly ease back into my hectic life. It’s probably going to be a little crazy in the beginning as I learn to re-cope with everything, but I will be returning. Please be patient.
*** I have a short story that needs some additions/edits, but will hopefully be going out and be accepted for a free anthology. It’s just supposed to be a fun little thing, but it will sort of be my first writing thing back after the accident, so it’s scary!
*** I’m making good progress with my physical therapy and overall advancements. I go to the gym and walk the track at least 3 days a week to keep me physical (and help me sleep at night). So I’m not wasting away, although all progress results in headaches and muscle aches.
I’ll try to keep everyone fairly updated, but the best place to find random updates is on twitter @alexwhitehall or on my tumblr here: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/alexwhitehall.
That’s it for now. More updates, reviews, and future writing adventures to come as my scrambled little brain can handle it.
I was driving home from my parents’ house and it was starting to snow. The roads were exceptionally slippery that afternoon, although we don’t really know why. I slid out of control, turned 360 and went into the opposing traffic, where a jeep ran into my trunk (or I ran into it, the details are unclear, I suppose). My trunk was pushed into my back seat and the rest of my car followed suit. Amazingly my only injury was some lower back pain and a serious concussion (and several brain bleeds). I was in the ICU for a week and then moved to a regular hospital room before being released into the care of my parents.
All of this is scary enough, but some of the scarier things, for me at least, happened once I was released home. I felt normal. Sure I was weak on my feet and got dizzy, but that seemed fine. Once I was home however, I realized that there were some other concussion ramifications aside from dizziness and memory loss.
For a while I couldn’t read anything because my eyes would focus on two different points in the word and I’d see double of it all. This was especially terrifying since I work as an editor as a living, a writer as a dream, and a reader as a mainstay of existence. So that had me panicking, plus I couldn’t read to relax when tense, so it was a cruel circle!
My eyes are slowly getting better. While now I have some issues focusing, especially for long periods of time, at least now I don’t need to close one eye just to browse the internet/read twitter. I still have physical therapy and exercises to do, but the progression I’ve already made encourages me not to panic about the issues I still have.
My parents moved a bed to the downstairs for me (to keep me off the steps when they weren’t around), but I had a ton of trouble sleeping at night. The bed has since moved upstairs into my old bedroom and I’ve been sleeping somewhat better, although some nights are still hit or miss. The fact that I can now read when I’m restlessly awake has helped. Reading old favorites helps me keep my sanity.
On a grander scale, I’m extremely limited in many parts of my life.
The accident happened on Dec 29 and I went to my parents’ home on Jan 4th I believe. However, I can’t go back to work (any work) or drive until I have a follow-up appointment with my neurologist, which isn’t until January 31st. So I’m very much stuck. (For reference, my parents live in the country, so there are no sidewalks and very little public transport, so I’m dependent on the kindness of family and friends for visitations and travel.) As soon as I get approval from the neurologist I get to buy a new car (errr, a new used one) and go back to work, but considering how easily I tire, even work will be slow in returning to normal.
What all of this means....
*** I can’t write (despite having TONS of free time). I can’t focus; I can’t sink into the stories I was writing; and I’m somewhat terrified of screwing up the stories I did have going.
*** I can’t edit. Until recently, reading was almost impossible for more than a few sentences, so I can’t edit any of my previous works and I can’t work at all. I’ve been working on developing my ocular strength, but it’s really something that won’t let itself be pushed.
*** I’m not reviewing. While I could technically start reading and reviewing again, I’m holding off because I’m a bit of an emotional mess at the moment. Some mornings I start crying for no reason. I’m not a crier. So I’m a little concerned any book I read/review may not be honestly reviewed, so I’m not jumping right back into that.
However...
*** I’m hoping at the beginning of February to return to my full-time job, have a car, and slowly ease back into my hectic life. It’s probably going to be a little crazy in the beginning as I learn to re-cope with everything, but I will be returning. Please be patient.
*** I have a short story that needs some additions/edits, but will hopefully be going out and be accepted for a free anthology. It’s just supposed to be a fun little thing, but it will sort of be my first writing thing back after the accident, so it’s scary!
*** I’m making good progress with my physical therapy and overall advancements. I go to the gym and walk the track at least 3 days a week to keep me physical (and help me sleep at night). So I’m not wasting away, although all progress results in headaches and muscle aches.
I’ll try to keep everyone fairly updated, but the best place to find random updates is on twitter @alexwhitehall or on my tumblr here: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/alexwhitehall.
That’s it for now. More updates, reviews, and future writing adventures to come as my scrambled little brain can handle it.
6.8.12
Slight Hiatus
A slightly unplanned hiatus.
Which you may have noticed since I didn't post anything last week.
Last week and this week I've been busy working on proofs, plus my own edits, plus working full time, (and last week, caring for a dog). I only have so many hours in the day (my time-turner hasn't arrived yet) and sadly this falls bottom of the list. All my being busy time has meant I haven't had much time to read outside of work related things (which, you may have noticed, I stopped putting reviews up for), so I'm lacking reviews to post. A little bit. Hopefully by the end of next week I'll be back on my feet and throwing reviews out there, because I have some great books in the line-up to be read (or what hope to be great books!).
Currently Reading: Changing Worlds by Cari Z
Next up (not necessarily in this order):
Which you may have noticed since I didn't post anything last week.
Last week and this week I've been busy working on proofs, plus my own edits, plus working full time, (and last week, caring for a dog). I only have so many hours in the day (my time-turner hasn't arrived yet) and sadly this falls bottom of the list. All my being busy time has meant I haven't had much time to read outside of work related things (which, you may have noticed, I stopped putting reviews up for), so I'm lacking reviews to post. A little bit. Hopefully by the end of next week I'll be back on my feet and throwing reviews out there, because I have some great books in the line-up to be read (or what hope to be great books!).
Currently Reading: Changing Worlds by Cari Z
Next up (not necessarily in this order):
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1.7.12
Four reviews this week
An FYI regarding reviews this week:
The GoodReads group M/M Romance sometimes has a writing bonanza in which images (sometimes with a teaser line, sometimes not) are posted and then authors pick the images/teaser and write a story. It’s a fun way for readers to find new authors and get lots of free short stories, plus authors can get their names out there. I did one last year, but have been too overwhelmed (and hardly involved in MMR lately) to write one, let alone read them all!
However, five Storm Moon Press authors participated and SMP collected their four stories and provided them on their website (free still, of course, but also formatted and with covers). Which is pretty awesome. They directed me to these stories, so I read them and this coming week, I’ll be reviewing one Monday through Thursday.
I will probably go back and read the rest of the stories in Love Is Always Write, but not until I dig myself out of this to-review pile that I’ve put myself in! Best place to be...honestly.
Well, I hope you enjoy the reviews to come this week, and I’ll be back to my regular Monday and Thursday schedule after that.
The GoodReads group M/M Romance sometimes has a writing bonanza in which images (sometimes with a teaser line, sometimes not) are posted and then authors pick the images/teaser and write a story. It’s a fun way for readers to find new authors and get lots of free short stories, plus authors can get their names out there. I did one last year, but have been too overwhelmed (and hardly involved in MMR lately) to write one, let alone read them all!
However, five Storm Moon Press authors participated and SMP collected their four stories and provided them on their website (free still, of course, but also formatted and with covers). Which is pretty awesome. They directed me to these stories, so I read them and this coming week, I’ll be reviewing one Monday through Thursday.
I will probably go back and read the rest of the stories in Love Is Always Write, but not until I dig myself out of this to-review pile that I’ve put myself in! Best place to be...honestly.
Well, I hope you enjoy the reviews to come this week, and I’ll be back to my regular Monday and Thursday schedule after that.
28.10.11
A Note About November
November is Nanowrimo (that's National Novel Writing Month...you can see why everyone just calls is Nano), and I'll be participating again this year (I won in 2009 and used last year's Nano to do editing on 2009's project). The goal of Nano is to write 50,000 words in the month of November, which is 1,667 words a day, which for some authors is no problem, but for me is kind of a big deal. (We'll blame poor time management and the inability to stay focused...on pretty much anything.)
This means two things:
1. My time is going to become rather regimented. Less time online and more time writing (and running, which helps me clear my head). It also means less time reading (except for Counterpunch, which comes out Nov. 4). Less time reading means fewer reviews being posted. You see where I'm going with this? I still may read some, and may post some movie reviews, but November may be rather sparse.
2. Aside from Twitter and tumblr, I'm probably going to become very inactive online. I think this is a good thing, as I waste enough time online as is and maybe clearing my plate of a few things can help me do what's important...AKA, writing and reading. I'm spending so much of my free time browsing the internet (and I realize I'm using it as a distraction) that I'm squeezing in time to read and write reviews. Since Nano means I have to get writing done, I'm going to have to cut off my distractions. The good news? After November, I should be more prolific with my reading and reviewing if I'm wasting less of my time online.
So that's what to expect in the month to come. I hope you'll be patient with me!
This means two things:
1. My time is going to become rather regimented. Less time online and more time writing (and running, which helps me clear my head). It also means less time reading (except for Counterpunch, which comes out Nov. 4). Less time reading means fewer reviews being posted. You see where I'm going with this? I still may read some, and may post some movie reviews, but November may be rather sparse.
2. Aside from Twitter and tumblr, I'm probably going to become very inactive online. I think this is a good thing, as I waste enough time online as is and maybe clearing my plate of a few things can help me do what's important...AKA, writing and reading. I'm spending so much of my free time browsing the internet (and I realize I'm using it as a distraction) that I'm squeezing in time to read and write reviews. Since Nano means I have to get writing done, I'm going to have to cut off my distractions. The good news? After November, I should be more prolific with my reading and reviewing if I'm wasting less of my time online.
So that's what to expect in the month to come. I hope you'll be patient with me!
26.10.11
404: Review Not Found
I bet you were expecting a review. So was I!
A Note About November
November is Nanowrimo (that's National Novel Writing Month...you can see why everyone just calls is Nano), and I'll be participating again this year (I won in 2009 and used last year's Nano to do editing on 2009's project). The goal of Nano is to write 50,000 words in the month of November, which is 1,667 words a day, which for some authors is no problem, but for me is kind of a big deal. (We'll blame poor time management and the inability to stay focused...on pretty much anything.)
This means two things:
1. My time is going to become rather regimented. Less time online and more time writing (and running, which helps me clear my head). It also means less time reading (except for Counterpunch, which comes out Nov. 4). Less time reading means fewer reviews being posted. You see where I'm going with this? I still may read some, and may post some movie reviews, but November may be rather sparse.
2. Aside from Twitter and tumblr, I'm probably going to become very inactive online. I think this is a good thing, as I waste enough time online as is and maybe clearing my plate of a few things can help me do what's important...AKA, writing and reading. I'm spending so much of my free time browsing the internet (and I realize I'm using it as a distraction) that I'm squeezing in time to read and write reviews. Since Nano means I have to get writing done, I'm going to have to cut off my distractions. The good news? After November, I should be more prolific with my reading and reviewing if I'm wasting less of my time online.
So that's what to expect in the month to come. I hope you'll be patient with me!
Earlier this month, I had plans of grandeur, where I posted a review every Sunday and Wednesday, and then posted a review or other content on
Friday. It seemed like a good idea.
It wasn't.
For the last few weeks I've been doing just that, trying to post three times a week, often with reviews. I felt stressed abou
t it, and not really too inspired, but I was getting it done. Woo! I was psyched.
And then I started reading Moonlight, Tiger and Smoke, and I felt...uninspired. so halfway through I set it down and picked up City Falcon. And because it had a generally easier story to get into, I finished it. But I realized that I was dissatisfied, and it wasn't necessarily with the book. Because I felt obligated to read, I wasn't enjoying. I wasn't letting the book offer itself to me, I was demanding it show me its best. Doing this wasn't putting me in the right frame of mind for reading, nor for reviewing. I feel like some of my recent reviews weren't very good and I apologize. I'm not saying they are gonna be awesome to come, but hopefully just working at my own pace will help me settle down.
Also, I planned to post this on Friday, but I'm here now...
A Note About November
November is Nanowrimo (that's National Novel Writing Month...you can see why everyone just calls is Nano), and I'll be participating again this year (I won in 2009 and used last year's Nano to do editing on 2009's project). The goal of Nano is to write 50,000 words in the month of November, which is 1,667 words a day, which for some authors is no problem, but for me is kind of a big deal. (We'll blame poor time management and the inability to stay focused...on pretty much anything.)
This means two things:
1. My time is going to become rather regimented. Less time online and more time writing (and running, which helps me clear my head). It also means less time reading (except for Counterpunch, which comes out Nov. 4). Less time reading means fewer reviews being posted. You see where I'm going with this? I still may read some, and may post some movie reviews, but November may be rather sparse.
2. Aside from Twitter and tumblr, I'm probably going to become very inactive online. I think this is a good thing, as I waste enough time online as is and maybe clearing my plate of a few things can help me do what's important...AKA, writing and reading. I'm spending so much of my free time browsing the internet (and I realize I'm using it as a distraction) that I'm squeezing in time to read and write reviews. Since Nano means I have to get writing done, I'm going to have to cut off my distractions. The good news? After November, I should be more prolific with my reading and reviewing if I'm wasting less of my time online.
So that's what to expect in the month to come. I hope you'll be patient with me!
Here's a sexy picture to make up for it.
21.10.11
Stars in My Eyes
One day, while browsing through books I'd read and pondering a re-read, I noticed something a little...off. While my 4 and 5 star reads were pretty consistent, I noticed 3 stars tended to run the gamut from books that were "Ok" to books that had positives but I'd never read again. Obviously these reviews have taken place over a stretch of time and my review approach has changed. I'd like to think I'm more consistent with my reviews now than I was, but to truly be consistent, I'm going to write up a general guideline for when a book falls into a star category. In addition to be listed here, it will be saved on a sidebar.
Star rating system as of November 2011:
1 star - A work with minimal or no positive qualities, a 1-star rating indicates that I had to struggle hard to finish it and most likely skimmed large portions. Would probably be considered "did not finish" if I ever didn't finish books!
2 stars - Works earn 2 stars when they have strong points, but those are outweighed by the weaknesses. May involve skimming sections, lack of interest in characters/plot, or bad writing. Would not re-read.
3 stars - A work with good points and bad points that didn't particularly impress me, but was overall enjoyable. While not high on my list, would potentially re-read.
4 stars - Strong works with a one or two flaws normally earns 4 stars. The flaws normally fall into the "It didn't grab me" category, although pacing, singular unbelievable events, or other weaknesses will bump it down as well.
5 stars - Perfect or practically perfect, a work with this star rating not only earns strong marks in writing, plot, and characters, it also is emotionally moving. Minor weaknesses due to preference, minor pet peeves, or other inconsequentials are permitted if few in number.
I think the main differences will appear in the 2 and 3 star ratings. I always tended to not give out many scores below 3 stars, but I think that's unfair to the higher end 3 stars. Hopefully the review itself will clarify the rating. Also, hopefully this will allow me to be more consistent with my star usage!
13.1.11
Details, Details, Details
First, I'd like to say that if there is a sudden lag of reviews being posted, there are two reasons for this.
One, my main computer decided to get a virus and is currently not being used. My secondary computer decided some time ago to rebel against the man and has been out of service for the past three months. I'm working off my work computer (shh) and my 10-year-old laptop to do anything internet/computer related. The secondary computer is repaired (supposedly) and I have hopes for the main computer, so within a week or two everything should be back to how it was. I hope. Not only does this computer issue mean I have difficulty posting, it also distracts me from reading as much, as I spend many hours glaring at my monitor.
In addition, I'm trying to broaden my reading horizon to include non-M/M romance novels, which means books that are normally longer and more complex to read, so I can't get through one in a single sitting. This means reading fewer books (potentially), and more variety in what I am posting. Yes, a vast majority will still be M/M romance.
What you can expect in the future: I have a review ready for Like a Sparrow Through the Heart that should be posted on Friday, I'm currently reading You Better Not Cry and Darkly Dreaming Dexter, as well as Oscar Wilde's "De Profundis" (which, if you follow me on GoodReads, you'll notice I've been reading for months).
I'm also contemplating something book-related that isn't just reviews, so if you have any suggestions, I'll hear them out. (One thought is giving away books I already own if they aren't a favorite, but I feel weird giving away books I didn't like.)
One, my main computer decided to get a virus and is currently not being used. My secondary computer decided some time ago to rebel against the man and has been out of service for the past three months. I'm working off my work computer (shh) and my 10-year-old laptop to do anything internet/computer related. The secondary computer is repaired (supposedly) and I have hopes for the main computer, so within a week or two everything should be back to how it was. I hope. Not only does this computer issue mean I have difficulty posting, it also distracts me from reading as much, as I spend many hours glaring at my monitor.
In addition, I'm trying to broaden my reading horizon to include non-M/M romance novels, which means books that are normally longer and more complex to read, so I can't get through one in a single sitting. This means reading fewer books (potentially), and more variety in what I am posting. Yes, a vast majority will still be M/M romance.
What you can expect in the future: I have a review ready for Like a Sparrow Through the Heart that should be posted on Friday, I'm currently reading You Better Not Cry and Darkly Dreaming Dexter, as well as Oscar Wilde's "De Profundis" (which, if you follow me on GoodReads, you'll notice I've been reading for months).
I'm also contemplating something book-related that isn't just reviews, so if you have any suggestions, I'll hear them out. (One thought is giving away books I already own if they aren't a favorite, but I feel weird giving away books I didn't like.)
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