Daily Archives: January 30, 2014

The Devil’s in the Details–Taking Your Fiction to Higher Level

Great post on getting the details correct in writing by author Kristen Lamb

Kristen Lamb's Blog

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There are a few common reasons most of us become writers: 1) We are not normal. Let it go. The Normal Ship sailed long ago while we were bartering for a cheaper price on a t-shirt and souvenir shot glass 2) We hopefully like to read and probably need a 12 Step Program for our book habit 3) We are Masters of “Things Few Know and Fewer Care About” 4) We are  pathological liars born storytellers.

This aside, just because we are born to write doesn’t mean we’re any good, especially in the beginning. I use this analogy. We could see some gal at a club who can really dance. She has great moves. This doesn’t mean she’s automatically qualified to tour with Katy Perry. Training (lots of it) and practice (more of it) and discipline (whoa, crap, even MORE of that) is required to go pro.

Today I…

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Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Insurgent (Divergent, #2)Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth.  Published May 1, 2013 by Harper Collins    CDN $10.91Kindle edition

Fighting for survival in a shattered world… the truth is her only hope.

The thrillingly dark sequel to No. 1 New York Times bestseller, DIVERGENT. I have done bad things. I can’t take them back, and they are part of who I am.

Tris has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family. But she has paid a terrible price. Wracked by grief and guilt, she becomes ever more reckless as she struggles to accept her new future.

Yet if Tris wants to uncover the truth about her world, she must be stronger than ever… because more shocking choices and sacrifices lie ahead. (Goodreads Excerpt)

WOW, I have to say WOW.  I am so amazed at this story.  Insurgent was as good as Divergent (which is rare) but a little sadder at times and perhaps a little more emotional when you take in all that Tris has to go through including her strained relationship with Four that is tested to the limits.  They go through ups and downs and everything in between leaving the reader in agony over the outcome of their relationship.  

I love the quote on the cover, ONE CHOICE CAN DESTROY YOU.  Like holy cow, no kidding.  This book is all about choices.  Tris has to make some really tough ones that she knows may cost her everything in the end.  She struggles with herself and what she is and risks everything to make the right decision.

I love how the author builds on Divergent and keeps going.  It never lags or drops but keeps you on the edge of your seat.  We learn more about the factions and more about the characters that belong to them. Tris’ whole world is wrapped into a web of secrets and lies and she must decide if the truth is worth everything she might have to sacrifice to obtain it.  The Candor manifesto wraps up this story nicely.

Like a wild animal, the truth is too powerful to remain caged. 

I don’t want to give too much away, but Insurgent is a fantastic sequel to Divergent.  It is amazing, thrilling, full of intrigue and emotion and leaves you breathless and wanting more.  I can’t wait to read Allegiant.

5 stars for me.