When a book disappoints.

Yes, I have personal experience with this. I am so aware that my book needs a WHOLE lot of work, but that is ok. When I have a little downtime, I edit. I have edited a small amount (truth, not much), I have jotted down several ideas to begin writing new manuscripts, I have vamped up a few short stories, and I made time to read. I always make time to read, as I am a firm believer that if you want to be a writer, then you need to continue learning and experiencing your craft.

I was at the beach this past weekend with my younger son (pictured above, what a handsome young man), and finally finished James Patterson's Witch and Wizard. Ughhhh! I made myself finish it, and it was extremely difficult. When I first picked it up, I didn't realize it was written for young adult, not that it should have mattered. I love the Twilight series. This one was also written with Gabrielle Charbonnet. I hoped that they would finish the story with Whit and Wisty explaining how they escaped the execution, if they did, but it was left open for you to continue reading the series. Which, I won't.

The constant change in point of views drove me insane. One chapter from Wisty, one from Whit, 2 from Wisty, 3 from Whit, 2 from Misty, etc. etc. There was no method to this madness. I kept thinking I was reading from the other one's perspective. Not only was this confusing to me, it must have been confusing to the writers, as I know for certain in one chapter from Misty's point of view, it ended with "said Misty." Alrighty then, I thought these were her words, yet you have to state it.

The storyline was so-so. I thought the characters were cheesy and didn't stay in character. I suppose I will just keep writing my own masterpiece and never receive a bad review (in a perfect world).

Eclipse - Edward vs Jacob (Edward, no question)

Ok, I went to see Eclipse tonight - yeah, I know, better late than never. This book though was my least favorite of the series. It was long, and not just in word count, but the story itself. I never doubted she would be with Edward (the old "the heart wants what the heart wants"). Not to diminish her feelings for Jacob, and though love, not the "you touch my soul," "melt my heart," "I am putty in your hands, do with me what you will" love. The movies are getting better. They encompass the story and feelings of the books and the characters. I have yet to be unhappy with any of the casting. I am eager to see how Breaking Dawn turns out.

I loved the books, couldn't put them down. If you haven't read Stephenie Meyer's novel The Host, you need to. It was slow in some places, just as in the Twilight saga, but she writes smoothly and her stories are unique and captivating (and once again, love the characters).