Let's Talk About Dystopias!

Hi Bloggy Buddies!  Today is my birthday (whoo hoo!) and to celebrate, I wanna talk dystopian books.  YA ones to be exact, 'cuz that's my fav.  So, I'm gonna throw out three discussion questions with my own answers, and I want you to pick one or two or all three of them to answer yourself.  Can't wait to hear your thoughts on one of my fav book talking topics!

1) Which YA dystopian book is your favorite and why?
For me, I'd have to say The Giver.  That was the first dystopian book I read (I was in 8th grade) and I was hooked.  I loved the idea of not being able to make choices about your life, and yet still feeling like life was perfect that way.  It really opened my eyes to a new world.

2) Which YA dystopian society would you LEAST like to be a part of and why?
The Hunger Games.  Although I devoured that book, I would not want to live in a time and place where watching teens get killed was fun entertainment.

3) What are your top five YA dystopian book recommendations?
Tough one, but I'd choose The Giver, The Hunger Games, Divergent, Matched, and Unwind.

Your turn!

ROWnd 4!

'Tis the final ROW80 of 2011!  I'm so happy to have participated every single round, though I've been such a slacker about posting my check-ins.  In fact, I don't really check-in (sorry fellow ROWers) but just know that I'm working on my story while taking care of other things going on in my life.  Like numerous weekly appointments for my little man.

Anyway...

ROW80.  I'm finishing up my manuscript which I hope to have completely done by Christmas!  And I also want to begin a new writing project, so I've broken down these goals by month.  Goals will be updated as the rownd progresses.  Here goes:

October:  Continue revising.

1. Continue getting feedback from my critique partners.
2. Revise at least 15 minutes every other day.  Every day is ideal, but every other day is manageable.
3. Outline next writing project.

November: Continue revising manuscript and begin new writing project.

1. Enter NaNoWriMo.  I have for the last four years and never finished, but I always write more than I would otherwise, knowing others are plugging away at their stories.  I have a story idea that's been tugging at me for so long I can't wait to get it out on paper.
2. Continue revising based on feedback from my critique partners.  15 minutes a day every other day.
3. Send to beta readers.  Revise based on feedback.

December: Finish revising and begin the querying process begin sending to beta readers.

1. Get feedback on query letter manuscript from five or more people.
2. Begin querying.  Scary, yet exciting!  Begin querying in January.
3. Finish Continue revisions based on feedback of beta readers and critique partners.

Good luck to my fellow ROWers!  Rock that writing boat!

Dystopian Book-talking Birthday Bash Winner...

Hi all!  Thanks to those that posted on my dystopian book reviews yesterday!  I  had a blast and I hope you did too.

Rachel of Rachel Morgan Writes !

Rachel will be the proud new owner of The Giver.  Excellent choice! ;)

Dystopian Book-talking Birthday Bash!

In honor of my birthday I'm hosting a Dystopian Book-talking Birthday Bash.  And yes, there will be a prize!  Nothing like a birthday celebration to host your very first blog giveaway, right?

Who: For those who enter Jenn Musing on my birthday and post at least one comment on a Dystopian Teen Read Review

Where and When: Right here, on Tuesday, the Teen Read Review Day, October 5th

Why: Simply because I love books about dystopias and would love to discuss them on my birthday!

What It Is: Since my birthday falls on a Tuesday, the Teen Read Review Day, I've decided to review not one, not two, not three, not four, but FIVE books that fall in the category of dystopian YA literature.  Why five?  Because my birthday is on the 5th.  Which works out, 'cuz I have five YA books I've read about dystopias and want to review.

How It Works: Throughout the day on Tuesday, October 5th, a Tuesday Teen Read Review will be posted.  Simply read the review and post a thoughtful comment.  The reviews will be posted in reverse alphabetical order approximately every 2-3 hours.  

How You Can Win: For every thoughtful comment you post, (only ONE per book review) you will be entered in a drawing.  That gives you up to five entries!

What's The Prize: The randomly selected winner can choose which of the reviewed dystopian books they would like to win.  That book will be shipped to the winner from The Book Depository.

What's a Dystopia: According to Wikipedia (I know, a very reliable source!) it's Greek for "ill-place" and is defined as "a futuristic society that has degraded into a repressive, controlled state, often under the guise of being a perfect place or utopia."

What do you think about science fiction books?  Dystopias?