Dec 17: “Born in Chains” by Caris Roane. This is a
paranormal romance; Book 1 of the Men in Chains Series. Blurb on back: Adrien is an
Ancestral vampire, one of the strongest of his kind ever to exist. Scarred,
tormented and extraordinarily powerful, he’s been imprisoned high in the
Himalayan mountains…until a beautiful woman releases him from his chains and
demands his help. Two years ago, Lily’s home was invaded by vampires who killed
her family and kidnapped her son. Now she had one mission--to get him back. And
the only man who can help her is a vampire whose strength has made him
legendary. But can she ally herself with a creature who frightens her…and
ignites her darkest needs? As Adrien ushers Lily into his hidden vampire world,
he must show her that his kind can be trusted. But when saving her son requires
her to unleash a weapon that will destroy his entire race, can he say the same
for her? Their relationship started with animosity toward one
another (she hates vampires, he despises humans) and it took awhile into the
book before they started liking one another (I guess the sex helped - haha).
Once they got their sh*t together, I started to root for the couple. While the
story for this couple ended, you can tell more is to come. I gave this 3 stars
on Goodreads.
My next book needs to be something I can breeze through so I
can reach my goal by Dec 31. That means I won’t read the last Dexter book until
after the next one I choose. It’s not like I don’t have a LOT
to choose from, though. Decisions, decisions…
Speaking of decisions… I’ve been struggling with a decision
ever since I heard my local (non-RWA) writers group is not only enforcing I pay
monthly (regardless if I attend meetings, which is how it has been in the
past), but increased it another dollar/month (last year it went up from $2 to
$5).
I can’t say it’s just the fee increase, but it’s certainly
helping to push me out the door.
When I joined this group 4 years ago, I only had one book
under my belt and was looking for feedback. I’ve gotten it, too (taking in mind
the majority of the members don’t care for romance), but we’re only allowed to
bring in no more than 1000 words for critique. Meeting once a month makes it
hard to get a whole novel critiqued (unless you want to spend years at it), so
I only brought in the beginnings of my stories (those were always the hardest
anyway) and did mostly critiquing.
I voiced my concerns about the cost of staying with the
group, wanting to know where my money was going (there is no board that I know
of; there certainly isn’t any voting if there is). I figured they would
convince me to stay (you know, tell me all the benefits I would receive).
Instead, I was basically told if it’s not working out for me then don’t come
back.
Okay, then.
I didn’t want to be THAT person who quit going to meetings
once they became published, and the timing of all of this makes it look like
that’s what I’m doing. I wanted to stay. I had prepared to stay. But at $72 a
year, I don’t see the benefit to me. Is that so wrong?
Maybe I’m better off just sticking with my semi-local RWA
chapters. They might not do group critiques, but at least they “get” me (and
account for where the money goes!).
So, did you play Mega Millions last night?
Happy reading!
Stacy
9 comments:
No mega millions for me, I generally don't play the lottery. And I hate getting stuck in line behind people who are converting their latest $20 win into..."Let's see, give me one 'Mega Millions', and...hmm...two of those, and...."
Anyway--as far as the group goes, they don't seem all that invested in having you stay. And they should be willing to say, "Hey, we use the money for snacks" or whatever.
If there's money involved, I want to see an organized board, otherwise you have no checks or balances. A board keeps everything (mostly) honest.
I'd walk. That's too much money.
RWA just doesn't hold itself together as well as it should. They amaze me with some of the crap they pull. So for me, it's an easy no thanks and walk away.
No on the Mega Millions but I did go to bed at nine last night and read fiction for an hour before bed.
Not cookery magazines. Not another bake book, not a store flyer, but a fiction book. Had to tell ya.
Jeff - We don't normally play the lotter either, but couldn't pass a chance at that jackpot (which we didn't win - darn!). Of course, I usually send my husband out to buy the tickets (haha!).
I was told that the group spends $12/month on the Meet-Up site. I found that outrageous!
Maria - That's what I think too. Thanks!
Ivy - This group is NOT associated with RWA. I don't have any problems with my RWA Chapters. This is a local group that started small for critiquing only. That's what I liked about it. But yay you on reading! I hope the book was good. :)
Glad your chapter works for you, you are lucky - but then wait, wow, they want that much for critique? What the flip for? Where's the money going?
Ivy - My guess it's going to the Meetup site (sort of their website) and possibly the location we meet to hold our critiques, but I'm not sure since they don't say how much anything has cost. I just think the group has gotten way too big.
Yikes. That sounds like a steep fee for very little return, Stacy. Is there a person in the group who does like romance that you've clicked with? Maybe the two of you could form a separate critique duo. It works for me and my critique partner.
Hi M.Q.! Thanks for stopping by. I do have a couple of friends in the group and one of them writes romance. I thought about contacting her directly, so I'll probably do that. I like the face-to-face critique. It really helps.
I'd hate to see you drop the group. I don't have a problem with the dues myself, but you're right, if we're going to pay dues I guess at some point there should be an accounting of where they go.
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