Where The Crawdads Sing – A Small Book Review

23/04/2020
Where-the-crawdads-sing-book-review

I finally finished reading Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, and it was good enough for me to actually blog about it and write a review. This is also the first time in months that I have finished a book, and writing about one on the blog…

There are lots of mixed reviews on this book, some don’t like it at all, and others have loved it. I suppose ‘some’ features of this book may be slightly unrealistic BUT ITS FICTION, that’s the whole point surely… It’s not a true story, it’s not real. Anyway, let’s get into it.

If you are interested in reading this book, you can buy it here! Click Here *this is an affiliate link*

where-the-crawdads-sing-book-review

About Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Set in the late sixties/seventies, Where The Crawdads Sing portrays the story of Kya, the Marsh Girl.
After her family eventually all left her, she brought herself up on the marsh with what she could and managed with what she had. Her only relationship being with Jumpin’ from the shop, who helps her with money and supplies. Eventually, Kya allows a friendship to grow with Tate who teaches her how to read and write. This ends in heartbreak.

After readjusting to being alone again, Kya meets Chase. They had met once before when kya attending school for one day. After her one day at school, she decided to never go back. Chase and Kya also have a romantic and what seemed nice relationship until Chase also breaks her heart.

Without giving much else away, a turn for the worst happens and Chase is found dead. Kya is immediately the main suspect, of course, since no one really likes her or knows her personally, they think she is weird and capable of doing such things.

Kya’s life is seemingly ruined, GOSH I can’t write anymore without giving details away so, yes, just read it now.

What follows after these events create drama throughout the story (I had to finish the book at this point).

where-the-crawdads-sing-book-review

What I Liked

I liked this book the whole way through, there never was a point that I thought it was boring or dragging, all of the information about Kya’s life and her upbringing is interesting to read.

I liked how this book is the female lead and shows a female caring for herself from a young age and being able to cope in her own way.

I also enjoyed reading about how Kya learnt how to read and write and become successful using the Marsh. She learns everything she can from the names of the birds, the types of feathers, and the different seashells etc, it’s all so interesting, I have never read anything like it. It’s hard not to like the main character because she is so different.

I LOVED the ending, but I can’t tell you what happens there. You just wont expect it.

What I didn’t Like

… That it ended? Well, no, actually I really enjoyed the ending. I really don’t have a bad word to say about this book.

Where The Crawdads Sing Book Review

Positive / Negative

The Positives

  • The time this book is set makes it even better, and it’s easy to visualise Kya’s life.
  • It’s so different and fun to read about a character who is alone and living differently to the normal person.
  • The story takes many different turns, it’s not just about how she lives alone, there’s drama, romance, pain, heartache… So many different themes.

The Negatives

  • I would have liked to have known what happened to her family, all her brothers and sisters… But that’s part of the story i guess, the not knowing.

Overall Opinion

My overall opinion on Where The Crawdads Sing is that it’s a great book with a fascinating story that you have to read. If you enjoy reading books from the era of 60/70’s then you will enjoy it. It’s not just your usual book, it’s about themes and depths I haven’t personally explored in reading before.
I liked how the story went back and forward through time to help you build up your own picture of what might have happened at the end. I enjoy trying to figure it out, even if I am wrong…

Star Rating

5/5 – Must read

If you are interested in reading this book, you can buy it here! Click Here *this is an affiliate link*

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? Happy Hump Day ? Also happy April fools day ? I mean this whole situation is just a huge (very real) joke so I won’t be cracking any today… – ?Also here’s a little reminder that pretending online that you’re pregnant with baby scan photos etc is not actually funny and you should probably be a little more thoughtful about women who cannot conceive/have lost babies ?? – Anyway, this book is the first book I have read since forever that I have actually wanted to pick up and read ?? I can’t wait to finish it and see what happens ✨ – Plans for today are to play the sims, tidy up, exercise, and read ✌?What are yours?? ? – – – – – #uklockdown #wherethecrawdadssing #booksandflowers #lavenderandbooks #flatlaybooks #thesims4 #addictedtosims #readingbooks #bookstagramfeature #bookstagrammer #booksofig #booklover #bookwormsunite #littlebookworm #epicreads #readingismagic #welovebooks #readersofinstagram #prettybooks #bookishlove #bookaddict #bibliophile #becauseofreading #pursuepretty #stilllifephotography #seeksimplicity #darlingdaily #reclaimthehappy #thatsdarling #youaremagic

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I have already written a post about coming back to the blog and what you will find here in the future, you can read it here! *Click me*

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Take a look at some of my other posts about books too!

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Written By Charlotte – The Comeback

21/04/2020
written-by-charlotte-blog

Well look at that, Written By Charlotte is making a comeback. I’m excited about this one though, things are different, things are changing, its all good here.

Written By Charlotte was originally created to share my interests and knowledge on writing, but things change.

I’m sure you have all experienced the feeling of not wanting to force content just because its the niche you’ve started with and IT’S FINE. We are allowed to change our interests and the things we like to do.

Written By Charlotte Returns

I had stopped blogging because I wanted too. Simple as that really…
I wasn’t feeling motivated to talk about the things I had been, and I was quite frankly just having a bad time, so blogging just didn’t even pass my mind.

Thankfully, I have decided to return to blogging so I can learn more about the process and hopefully turn this into something successful, and share my journey with you.
A long time ago I had a lifestyle blog where I posted random things from how to make a smoothie to my favourite yellow coat *cringe*, so here I am, back at it again to blog about lifestyle things…
(No content about yellow raincoats though…)

written-by-charlotte-the-comeback-post

What To Expect

As I mentioned, this blog was solely about books and writing.
That is still true since I do have a category all about books and writing under ‘HOBBIES’, so, if you are here for that kind of content, do not worry.
I still read, I still write reviews and I sometimes still write fiction.

However, the different subjects can be seen above in the navigation bar…

  • WORK WITH ME
    If you require a service to do with blogging or writing (or something of that kind) then click on this link to find out more and contact me. I am available to create content for your websites/blogs, so drop me a message if you are interested!
  • LIFE
    – Healthy Living: I have recently been working out and trying to be healthier… I will be sharing all sorts to do with food, fitness and more, here.
    – Self-help/ Advice: This category is about all kinds of things that can help with your own personal development, especially within the areas of taking care of your mental health and wellbeing.
    – Personal: Here you will find things about myself if you are interested… I will be sharing some of my own life stuff that hopefully will be relatable, or entertaining in some way.
  • MAKING MONEY
    One of the reasons I have decided to relaunch this blog is so that I can start earning money from it! Who doesn’t want to earn some money from something they spend a lot of time working on. Of course, as of now, I have only ever made about £6 from blogging and that’s just from ads…
    Because this is something new, I am hoping this side of the blog is somewhat of a journey for us all… A learning curve.
    – Social Media: This category will be about how to use social media and little tips and tricks I have found useful when trying to grow platforms and utilising them to earn/gain traffic to your blog.
    – Blogging: Speaks for itself… This section will help you with your blog, I will also share updates from my own blog here too.
    – Selling Products: Eventually, I would like to sell my own products. If you would also like to make some money online, have products to sell is another good way of receiving some income. Using your blog to do this is a great way of marketing yourself
  • HOBBIES
    This category is yet to be established. At the moment there are a couple of sections about the things I have already written about and the things I already like to do. This is subject to change as I’m sure I will pick up more hobbies/want to write about different things in the future.
    – Books and Reviews: I haven’t written many book reviews. I have deleted some that I just didn’t want on here any more too… I will be sharing book reviews as and when I finally finish reading books!
    – Writing: As you may already know, I do enjoy writing fiction. However, this hobby comes and goes, so I guess the content here will too!

To conclude, Writtenbycharlotte.com is now a lifestyle blog. It is still a little bit about reading, but more about relatable topics a twenty-something-year-old might want to talk about or learn.

What You Can Do

  • Subscribe to the blog to receive updates when I post and to stay in the loop!

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    I post on instagram daily!
  • Here is an example of my Instagram content…
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? Spent way too long trying to get some photos for this instagram, ended up taking the same ones as usual so I guess the feed isn’t going to change that much until I up my skills ✌? Any advice for taking your own photos??? – Today I have done a grand total of nothing but a food shop, I am going on a run later on so I suppose that’s good, I ran my first ever 2k the other day without stopping ??? – Has anyone else got into the routine of actually doing some exercise now? I’ve even been lifting weights ?️‍♀️? – I was going to have a new blog post written and published today, however, that’s looking more like tomorrow’s job ✨ – Name your best/favourite instagram photo taking tip or technique ???‍♀️ (I set a self timer because my hands are shaky but that’s about it ??‍♀️) – – – – – #bloggersofinstagram #bloggervibes #bloggingcommunity #bloggercommunity #blackandwhiteuniverse #girlbosstribe #bandtees #contentcreators #ledzeplintshirt #contentcreator #digitalcontent #lifestylebloggers #visualcontent #creativehappylife #calledtobecreative #mylookoftheday #fashionoutfits #fashionlooks #stylepost #fashioninfluencers #stylelookbook #fashionfury #wiwtoday #personalstyleblog #ootdinspo #modellife #activeliving #powerofshe #youcandoit #fitnesslifestyle

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Thank you so much for reading this post.
Sorry, it has been a while, here’s to Written By Charlotte Blog in doing well (woo)…

You can find some older posts below, or stay tuned for new fresh ones coming soon!

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1

Create a Self-Care Plan – Easy Journal Ideas

18/09/2019
self-care-daily-plans

Having a self- care plan in place is super important, it’s one of those things you need to try and not forget about. You know, amidst the bustle of working, life, family, friends. You need to remember to take care of you and notice what you need.

self-care-bullet-journal-ideas

Overview

I have written eight things for you to include in your daily bullet journal to implement self-care.
Self-care is super important to include in our everyday lives, because after all, who is important? You are.
The ideas I am about to share with you are just a guideline, they may or may not work for you. They are very easy to start doing, and I am almost 100% sure you will see a difference after a few weeks of making these self-care changes.
However, if you don’t think these ideas will work for you, I would love to know what daily things you include in your self-care plan!

Self-Care Plan & Journalling

Many of you may already have a journal because you love to brain dump, or because you like to try your hand at bullet journaling.

Brain dump Journal = Writing down all of your thoughts onto however many pages it takes up to create some more headspace

Bullet Journal = Sometimes a very creative space to fulfil multiple needs such as; time blocking, tracking, tasks, and so on.

But, I can guarantee most of you don’t include a self-care plan into your journals. Now, if you are already brain dumping then you’re doing a good job. Emptying all of your thoughts is a great way to practise self-care already. Now just add in a few more things and you’ll be grand.

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

Audre Lorde
self-care-daily-plans

Journaling

I mean, how are you supposed to start including a self-care plan into your bullet journal if you don’t even have one yet?

I love to use the Leuchtturm 1917 journals, but there are tons out there!

Find a journal here –

My two Leuchttum Journals!
The orange one is lined, the yellow is squared.
I use the yellow one for bullet journaling, and the orange for my writing (brain dumping).

The things you want in a bullet journal are;

  • Hardback
    Not everyone likes a hardback journal, but I like the sturdier feel, and if it is in your bag, its less likely to get crumpled up. All personal preference though.
  • A5 size
    This is also a preference, if you want a full-size A4, go for it.
  • Quality paper
  • Squares? Lines? Dots?
    The paper can come in different forms, I prefer to use the squares.
  • Back Pocket
    Most journals have a pocket at the back for you to put notes in, or maybe photos.

Anything else that the journal is missing, you can add in yourself. That’s the beauty of bullet journaling.

books-journals-pens

Things To Log

Here are the 8 things you can log in your bullet journal to promote self-care.

You may not want to do all of these, or you might already have some ideas of your own… I have tons of pins on my board about self-help etc.

Eights Ideas For Your Journal

1

  • Track your sleep.
    Getting enough sleep is so important. You already know what happens to your body when you are tired.
    You’ll be grumpy, unmotivated, and all-round in a bad way. You will spend your whole day waiting to get back into bed! This site has some good sleep tips and statistics for you if you want to take a look – Sleep Council.org.uk – Sleep Stats

2

  • Plan your meals.
    I am rubbish at doing this, so planning what I am going to eat is something I have started to do. It is so important to make sure you are eating throughout the day to avoid burnout. It is too easy to work through your break, and feel like rubbish by the end of the day because you have 0 energy left! Look at food as our petrol, you need it to keep going.

3

  • Log your movement.
    By this I mean, make sure you include time into your day to move. Get out of bed, move from the sofa, maybe even go for a slow jog if you’re feeling up for it. I have to admit. I’m also not the best at this. Another thing I will be adding to my journal.

4

  • Measure screen time.
    Spending too much time looking at our phones is ruining us. It really is! Do you really need to sit scrolling through social media for four hours per day? Think about what you could be getting done instead of that! You can track your screen time using apps, or taking a look in your settings.
    Here is a very detailed post about Screen Time – Inc.com

5

  • Check into your body.
    Is it time to wash your hair? Shave your legs? Paint your nails? Check into your body, take a good look at it! It’s your body and the only one you have, so look after it. Maybe even pamper it now and then.

6

  • Hobby log.
    Don’t forget to do the things you love, if you wanted to schedule an hour into your day just for reading, or going to the gym, then do it. An hour of your time for yourself if really not a lot, so if you arent even spending that much time doing something you enjoy, then start tracking it!

7

  • Night-time routine.
    I love having a nighttime routine. It’s the best way to get prepared for a good nights sleep. Well, know what happens when we have a good night sleep! Log the time you are going to get into bed, and what you are going to do to preop for this; bath, read, hot drink, film?

8

  • Daily gratitudes.
    My favourite thing to add to my self-care plan. Writing down one thing every day that you are grateful for, or that you have loved, can really help to lift your spirits and see the good in every day.

Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.

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self-care-plan

Thank you for reading, I hope this post has given you some useful information and encouraged you to include some self-care into your daily routines! I will have a more in-depth blog post on how to include self-care every day of the week for self-employed/working from home people.

Other related posts you can take a look at are;

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Bookstagram For Beginners – The Easy Guide

13/09/2019
bookstagram-list-ideas-help

#BookstagramLife

I started the bookstagram life a few years ago now… It took me a while to get used to it since I had no idea what to really post, or what to put in my captions.
Now I have learnt, you can do whatever you want really, just make it look nice…

First of all, I didn’t really know what I was going to post. I had no plan, no structure and no idea…

Bookstagram doesn’t have to just be books… It can be anything bookish, writing-wise, and even life wise!

Since writing full time and trying to get my name out there, I update my Instagram regularly with all kinds of posts, varying from personal ones, to writing ones, to purely books.

So, I am writing this post for you today to share my tips and tricks for taking photos, and ideas for captions and posts. Hopefully, you will find it of some use and will be able to integrate some of these tips into your account.

“All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.”

J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
bookstagram-list-ideas-help

Post Ideas

Most of the time I just post however I am feeling that day.

If I have been clever, I will already have a backlog of photos I can. However, if I have been lazy, I’ll set up and take a picture of what I am currently doing.

Photo Ideas

  • Monochrome Books.
    Post a picture of books that are all the same colour, talk about what themes they have in common (if they do). Or, in contrast to that, post a rainbow picture, very aesthetically pleasing.
  • Books depending on the occasion.
    For example, around Halloween, you can post your favourite scary story, or Valentine’s day – Post your favourite love story.
  • Books in public places.
    Geotag where you’re reading! It’s fun and interesting, and you’ll most likely get a good photo.
  • Your reading corners.
    Do you have a cosy place to read? Or a place for inspiration? Post that on insta with the hashtag #readingnook #cosycorners or anything along those lines.
  • Your TBR pile (stands for to be read…)
    It’s cool to see what others are reading or thinking about reading next. Share the books on your pile and ask for recommendations to spark some conversation.
  • Food/Coffee
    Everyone looks a little coffee and food pic here and there. You can pretty much squeeze some books into anywhere and get a bookstagram worthy image. Also because who doesn’t like books and coffee?
  • Bookish things.
    By this I mean, candles, mugs, props, fairy lights…
    All can be included in your photos; some people even have their own shops where they sell their own!
bullet-journal-book-photo

Caption Ideas

  • Books reviews… Obviously!
    Make your reviews more interesting by adding emojis, maybe a different point of view/angle.
    You don’t need to go in-depth here if I’m honest, I hardly ever read the super long captions. A short and to the point summary does the trick. In return, you will probably get some feedback from others who have read the same book.
  • A quote from the book you are reading.
    You’ve probably already told everyone what you’re reading by now, so insert a quote that stood out to you. This may even influence someone else to buy the book.
  • Monthly Updates.
    Share what you read that month, what theme you followed (if you did).
    Add a star rating to each book, which ones you loved/didn’t.
  • Do a QUOTD (Question of the day).
    Ask your followers your most burning questions! Stick to the theme of books, writing, literature etc though.
  • Life updates.
    Don’t forget, you’re a real person, and so are your followers! A little life update or a #meetthebookstagrammer post will boot your recognition as a person, not just a reader.
outdoor-book-pictures

Days of The Week Inspo

Sometimes it can be easier to create a days of the week plan, just so you know exactly what to post.

Hashtags are super helpful when posting as it helps your images be seen because it kind of connects you together with everyone else who is posting the same sort of stuff.

A good blog to read for WAY more hashtag inspo than what I have provided is – www.theriversidelibrary.com

Monday –

I love a good #mondaymotivation
Besides the fact its the start of a new week, it may also be the start of a new book! Share your plans for the week, what you want to achieve, and where you’re going to start.

Tuesday –

You can go down the path of a #tuesdaythoughts or #tuesdaytransformation.
What did your insta look like a month ago? Compare how far have you come/improved?

Wednesday –

During this time of the week, I like to reflect on the week and rethink how the rest of the week will go. So, a #wednesdaywisdom or #wednesdaywellness hashtag is a good place to start.
Share something you have learnt about yourself, or what your most recent read has taught you.

Thursday –

#throwbackthursday is a classic but you could also do a #tbr or #thoughtfulthursday.
Along with the #feels hashtag, you can also interject a little bit of self-help advice here, or maybe spark conversation with others about what they are reading, or what their thoughts are about a certain topic.

Friday –

#Fridayfeels is easy to remember.
It’s the end of the week! Without a doubt, the best day of the week for some of us. You can talk about what you have done, what you have achieved. Maybe even go over your goals for next week! Recap over the book/s you have read, how did it make you feel?

Saturday –

#saturdaymornings to share some weekend motivation or #saturdayselfie to show your followers you are a person…
I tend to always forget to post on Saturdays, so having old photos ready is helpful!

Sunday –

The end of the week, and time to chill! #Sundaychills #Sundayslumber
Take a photo of you and your books looking all cosy with coffee and snacks, maybe even share what film you are watching etc (my favourite kind of bookstagram post). Furthermore, you can drop another weekly overview in there too.

My Bookstagram/Writing Instagram

instagram-prntscrn-bookstagram

Writtenbycharlotte_

There are also tons of accounts to follow, simply search the hashtag #bookstagram and lots will show up.
I will be sharing accounts I love on my Instagram too, so make sure you are there to check it out.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1dQfEogeBg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Finally, we have come to the end!

I hope all those random bits of information help you at least get started with your bookstagram journey! When you have created one, comment your link down below!

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5

Five Steps To Get Back On Track

14/08/2019
Five ways to get back on track

Getting back on track is hard sometimes since life is a literal rollercoaster that does not stop going.

There is no off button, or break button.

This isn’t the film ‘Click’…

We can’t fast forward, or rewind time. All we must do is just keep going forward.

An important thing to remember though, before you start pushing yourself to breaking point. Is to always think about you.
If you’re feeling stressed, burn out, or about to give up.

Then it is okay to stop and take a break. If you like to read in your break and you are also out of the routine of doing that, read this post here – Get back into reading

Just don’t break and sleep for five weeks, keep in mind what you want.

So, when he hit the upside down twists and turns, it knocks us off track.

So, here are my five steps to get back on track, when you feel like you’re spiralling out of control, and away from what you want to achieve.

The Five Steps – Get Back on Track

Getting back on track is always the main goal when you’ve found yourself wasting time when you have better things to do. Most of the time it’s the silliest of things that make you lose control of your routine, and where you want to be.

For me, it’s my new baby. No, it’s not a human, he’s a tortoise. Meet Frankie. The pain in the arse who I cannot stop worrying about as if he is an actual child. (I love him though, just as much as a real human, I just wish he would chill out.)

get back on track, make lists

ONE
First Step to Getting on Track – What do you want?

Write down all the following

  • What you want to achieve.
  • Where you want to be in a years’ time.
  • Why you want to do it.
  • How you are going to do it.
  • Who can help you?

Once you have done this, it should be clear in your mind what your goals are now.

This is the most essential step when you’re trying to get back on track, you may well have written these lists before, but do them again.

TWO
Next, What is Stopping You?

Think about your time each day, what do you do every day? More importantly, what is wasting your time/what are you wasting time worrying about.

You cannot get back on track, if you keep on stopping!

Once you have identified your problems, think about how you are going to fix them.

At the moment, my tortoise is driving me crazy because all he wants to do is escape, and he keeps flipping on his back. Therefore, I am spending all my time watching him, and stressing about building a new tortoise table. Not ideal.

So, to fix this problem, I am going to build him a new table (and hope for the best).

Write another list of all your distractions and how to overcome them.

Getting back on track, bullet journalling, planning, productivity

THREE
Stop Stopping Yourself

Sounds ridiculous enough, right? Overcome all the things you listed in step two, or at least be starting to overcome them.

Sometimes it’s not as easy to fix problems in a day, or even a week. As long as you know you are finally sorting out the things you need too, you can move on and focus on yourself.

Remember the most important thing is you, and you are the only person that can get things done for yourself.

So, do it.

No more distractions. Reward yourself, or even tell yourself off!

FOUR
Write More Lists

Lists are the best, if you do them right. It easy to write lists and get carried away with all the things you want to get done.

Don’t write ten thousand word lists, you’ll get lost, frustrated, and you’ll be back at square one!

I mean, write a list of three or four things each day, depending on the time you have, and complete them.

I like to write down lists and goals in my bullet journal, I use a Leuchtturm, you can buy one here! 

Other lists you can write are;

  • Things you want to achieve in the next month
  • what you want to achieve in the next six months
  • what you want to achieve in the next year

These lists help keep your head in the game, and your mind focused!

Then you can write under each one, the big tasks you need to get done, then under those, write the small details on how to do it.

For example, if you decide you want to publish a book, you can’t just find one in thin air, you need to work. Plan the novel, write it, edit it… Then you need an agent, and a publisher, then you need to market it. Once you have outlined all your steps, it will seem a lot simpler!

If you decide you want to plan a short story, I have already written a super simple post on how to do so! – Four steps to plan a short story.

FIVE
Calm down, you’ve got this.

If you feel yourself falling back off track, you now have the five steps to get back on track.

Remember that you must allow life to take its twists and turns, and to not get frustrated if you are set back, just keep pushing forwards.

Stay calm and focus on yourself and what you want to achieve, and everything else will fall into place.

This step is mostly about staying on track, but also about giving yourself time.

If you feel yourself getting overheated. Stop before you burn out.

Have a well-deserved day off, take some time to chill, and be ready to get back to it.

five ways to get back on track, reading, writing, planning

If you feel like you need anymore help, dont hesitate to follow me, and message me on social media! I am always happy to have a chat, and help wherever I can. I would also love to hear your side of the story and learn how you get yourself back on track…

Some of the ways I am getting myself back on track is by freelance writing!
So if you know anyone, or need a writer, you can hire me!

View my portfolio here – Freelance Portfolio

Take a look at my other posts below and share some love!

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0

Get Back Into Reading Books

02/08/2019
Get-Back-Into-Reading

*This post contains Affiliate Links*

Do you need to get back into reading? Have you lost the mojo, or fallen out of a routine? The slump has fully hit you.

It is possibly the most annoying this ever when you lose the reading bug. Especially when you know deep down that you love reading.

So, here is my post about how to get back into reading!

I have always read books from a young age, but only started to really love reading around age 16, when I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower… You can find this super old post about it here…

You are probably the same, being 16 is easy, you have time to read! Then life happens, and suddenly you are an adult with one million things to do before bedtime and reading just doesn’t fall into it.

I have been there, multiple times, and I always manage to pull myself out of it…

A few easy things you can do are;

  • Setting time aside/reading before bed.
  • Take a book and read that instead of scrolling through your phone.
  • Make time to relax and use it to read, not sleep midday.
  • Try different book genres.

Here are a few things to help you beat the curse and get back into reading.

Get-Back-Into-Reading

INSTAGRAM

This sounds like such a whatever comment, but I love my book/writing account… I get to share the books I am reading, talk to others about them, and talk about my writing too.

I have connected and spoken to so many people that love books, reading and writing.

Instagram is a great way to get into a community that motivates you too. Its also fun to take cute pictures and share them online, sparking conversations about books as well.

I like to see others TBR (to be read) piles, because this gives me inspiration on what books to possibly buy next.

Its also good to read others reviews of books they have read; I have bought some books I have never heard of but purchased because someone I follow liked it!

The best thing about your insta account, is that its yours! Follow the accounts that red the same genre as you so their content will always be something you want to see on your feed. Follow anyone who inspires you, engages with you, and creates content that you love. Then do the same!

Here is my Instagram account below, as you can see, I am still growing it, but my pictures are improving, and so is my engagement.

I will do another post about Instagram another time, a more in-depth version.

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GOODREADS

I did use to use Goodreads all the time, but I have gotten out of the flow! Although I have re downloaded the app, I am yet to update it yet… STAY TUNED FOR THAT LOL.

Anyway, I do think this is a great resource for some, you can follow people’s reviews, see what books the best right are now, what others are reading, what they don’t want to read. Once again, you can connect with others, share reviews and write your own.

Writing reviews helps me get back into reading because I like sharing what I loved and what I didn’t about a book, especially if I enjoyed reading it.

So, get into the flow of remembering things about books, maybe even taking notes, and write some reviews for your blog, or your Goodreads account.

Get Back Into Reading – Some Books to Try

Here are some books that I personally have read that helped me get back into reading.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I whizzed through this book when I was a teenager and I absolutely loved it.

Its short, sweet, and intense.

A book everyone should read.

Fantastic Beasts

These books are just great. Although they are written in script, it’s a fun new way to read, and it’s also quick.

Maybe it’s because I picture Eddie as the main character is what makes me enjoy them more.

Only Time Will Tell

My dad actually MADE me read this.

He went on and on about it for a while, until I caved and read a book I usually wouldn’t.

And I loved it.

I haven’t read the other ones, and I really want to.

But it did the trick to get me back into reading.

Where Rainbows End

Cecelia Ahern usually writes books that are always so lovely. Admittedly I don’t usually read books as ‘nice’ as this, but once again… I had been converted.

The story altogether is great, and the characters are easy to love.

It did take a while to read, but opened up a different genre for me.

Normal People

LOVED READING THIS.

I don’t need to say much, just read my review here. 

Roar

Currently reading this and its fair to say this is one of my all time favourites already.

A book full of short stories all about women.

Amazing.

(A review will be up when I am finished.)

If you need more help with reading, have a look at this post by Kristi Craig too! Covering a few different areas to what I have – The Wonder Forest – Get back into the habit of Reading

So, thank you for reading, I really hope this helps you get back into reading  (if it does, comment below!)

Be sure to follow me on social media for more updates and pictures…

Also, take a look at some of my other posts below!

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Mini Book Review // Normal People by Sally Rooney

24/07/2019
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A Mini book review of Normal People by Sally Rooney.

I have been reading for a long while, and I totally got out of sync with it all, until I read Normal People… I saw the cover on Instagram for ages before I finally decided to order it.

I’m glad I did! There are lots of elements to this book that I loved, and a few that I would maybe change. Not that I disagree with the writer or anything, the whole book is extremely well written, there’s just parts I found uncomfortable, and I think a few others agree.

Anyway, a slight disclaimer; I only review books I have actually liked otherwise I see no point, and all views in this post are my own.

So, here is my mini book review! (Sorry if it’s a bit squeaky, I haven’t done one for a while).

My last book review was actually How To Stop Time by Matt Haig, (which is a great book, I 100% recommend).

About Normal People

Normal People is about Marianne and Connell.

The novel tells the story of their life from their school years, and through college.

The two of them have a secret romance which is too graphic for me to write about here on the internet.

ANYWAY, despite it being slightly awkward at times… It’s nice to read about how they change and people and develop differently throughout.

They both move away after school to go to a different college, Marianne in fact was the one who convinced Connell to do the same, if she hadn’t, his life and hers would have turned out very different.

Connell, who was once seemingly confident, and a friends with everyone person,  and Marianne who didn’t really have any friends and was deemed as the weirdo, reversed roles. They were now living each others social status, and it’s great.

I don’t want to really go into much detail because I want you to read the book and I hope I am not giving away too many spoilers (I may already have…)

But, in a nutshell, Normal people, I think, is really about how no one is normal, what is normal?

There is no such thing as a ‘normal person’. We are all our own selves, with individual personalities and appearances.

In one aspect of their life Connell was totally normal, but in another, it was Marianne.
Although her life is very different to most, there are lots of people with lives like her, and lives like Connell, so in turn, they’re both ‘Normal People’, just living hard lives!

The book basically portrays how their friendships and their romances are affected by their status and the people around them throughout the book, splitting them up, but always finding a way for them to be magnetised back together.

Wow I hope that makes sense…

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What I Liked 

Since this is a ‘mini book review’ I’ll keep this short and sweet.

I loved how easy it was to read, the words and sentences flow into one, and the dialogue is very pleasing to read throughout.

I do love reading contemporary writing because it does feel real. It’s like these people do exist, especially because there isn’t too many main characters, or characters you really needed to focus on other than Connell and Marianne.
Although I wouldn’t want to live their life, it helps me connect with the characters and really visualise them.

I liked how there was lots of twists and turns in their relationship throughout, and how different characters changed the dynamics.

The main thing I liked, is the size of the book, it’s the perfect length. Not too long, and not too short.

What I Didn’t Like

I’m not sure if I liked how detailed and graphic it all was, or maybe it’s me just being a baby.

I suppose I would read another book like this though, I think I feel this way because I personally wouldn’t be able to write in that context, purely because I know my parents might read it! I suppose as an adult, that shouldn’t really be a problem…

Well, I think I’ve just convinced myself to try a new style…

I didn’t like how it ended! Only because I want to know more.

I do think it’s really clever when a book just ends with a cliffhanger, it makes me think about it for a long time. Which I suppose is the aim of the author really. So well done Sally.

Positive/Negative Content

Some of the content is a little harsh, I however am fine with reading things that might suggest triggering content; however, I did find a lot of the writing rather sad and depressing, and it did affect me slightly…

Although I was, and am fine, I can understand why some individuals might not like all of it.

I do like how Marianne has a supposedly better time at college to begin with, as the reader I felt happy for her since she now had friends, and was living the life of a ‘more normal person’.

I also enjoyed the parts where the two main characters found themselves back together, but they always found a way to be apart again!

So as soon as you read a positive part, the negatived seep in and weight it all back out again.

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Overall 

Overall, I think this book was amazing. I loved reading it. I didn’t find it at any point boring or a drag.
Also, I didn’t want to rush through it at all.

There are probably some parts I would have liked to have been a little bit milder, but then maybe that would have taken away the end feeling of the book?

So again, overall. Great read and I do really recommend.

Star Rating

I am giving this book four and a half stars.

I want to give it five but there’s just something there that is stopping me!

Maybe it’s my babyishness to reading detailed intercourse scenes haha.

You can buy the book here! This is an affiliate link.

I have more mini book reviews to come so stay connected via my Instagram page for updates on new blog posts!

Older book reviews from AGES AGO can be found here;

Rupi Kaur Poetry Review – Milk and Honey // The Sun and Her Flowers

Turtles All The Way Down – John Green // Book Review

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D Schmidt // Book Review

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas // Book Review

 

 

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How to be Happy in Your Own Company

27/06/2019
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Some people know how to be happy in their own company. Others struggle. If you fit into one of the ‘others’ then join the club, and welcome to this page.

This post is a list of 11 things you can do to help yourself feel less lonely in your own company. Yes, this is a real thing.

So, if you are not an alone type of person, but need to learn/slowly transition into being one; here are some things you can do.

How to Enjoy Your Own Company

You might think some of these are cliché, but I’m just giving you a load of different options. Some things work for others, and some don’t. Self-help is tailored to what you want, and what helps your individual needs.

1) Love Yourself

This sounds so silly and simple. So many people do not love themselves, and that is where the mistake is. Once you love yourself, you will always come first. This is a long road, and it can be hard to change your mindset on yourself. Accept what you look like, accept who you are, what you like, what you dislike. You are you, and no one can change that.

2) Find a Hobby

Having a hobby is great for when you are alone and need to keep busy. I like to be creative, I write things all of the time, I write things down if I am angry or sad, or I write creatively, for your entertainment and mine! So, discover what you love doing and get into a routine of doing it.

3) Have Some YOU Time

Enjoy your own company by doing the things you would do with anyone else. Take a bath, light some candles. Go to the gym, swim, sweat! Think of things only you want to do, make it all nice and fancy, and do it. Spend a couple of hours pampering yourself.

4) Read

Of course, I am going to write about reading on here… When you have hours to spend alone, pick up a good book, and read. Play some music in the background and lose yourself in a book.

5) Write

I like to use my journal to pass some time. Mostly I write about what I have done that day and really try to avoid writing negative things.

If I do write something angry, I usually try to end it with something good that had happened that day, or I scribble it out!

Find how and what you like to write and do it.

Another thing you can do is write your goals at the start of the day, look back at the end of the day and write yourself a little positive review! Try to keep it positive, include affirmations.

6) Learn Something

When and if you have lots of spare time alone, why not learn how to do something new? Think about that hobby you have always wanted to pick up and never have.

You should always be expanding your knowledge since there is so much to learn about. It’s also a great way to stay happy in your own company since you’re staying occupied and achieving something!

7) Yoga/Exercise

This is total preference. I understand that yoga isn’t for everyone. So, you can always just go to the gym, or create your own workout at home.

If you’re feeling anxious, or you can start feeling yourself sinking, stop sitting on your bed overthinking. I like to watch yoga with Adriene on YouTube. Put on some music, set the ambience, and relax. Yoga is a great way to take your mind off things and meditate.

Exercising in the gym or at least breaking a sweat somehow releases hormones in your body at literally make you feel happy. Sweat out that stress.

8) Tidy

I love to tidy up when I have spare time. It makes you feel so much better and ready to get on with what you want to do. I find it hard to sit and write if my room is a mess. If my room is a mess, my brain is a mess!

So, hang up the clothes off the floor, give it a hoover, make the bed, and you will feel so much better.

9) Cooking

Cook yourself a meal, instead of ordering one or microwaving one! It is fun to create a yummy meal from scratch. Take your time, test the flavours, and remember to follow the instructions!

Once you are finished you will have a nice meal, prepared all by yourself, for you to enjoy!

10) Music

This one is simple, yet very effective (if you choose to listen to the right stuff). Put your headphones in, relax on the sofa or your bed, and listen to some music. Avoid the type of music that makes you want to cry or feel angry and sad. Play some upbeat music, something with nice lyrics and a happy tune.

Contradicting this, I like to listen to classical music when I am trying to chill out so, maybe try that too?

11) Practice your Hair/Make up skills

Not that I do this, I just know it takes a long time to practice these things. If you are into being creative with your appearance, spend some time practising making it better. Once your done, document your work, share it if you want too, or keep it to yourself so you can track your progression.

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Thank you so much for reading this post, I hope at least one of these things help you! If you have any other ways to keeping yourself happy in your own company, don’t hesitate to comment down below what it is that you do, and your blog link (so I can have a look).

If you would like to contact me further, please send me an email, or message me via social media.

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