Best Books of 2010

As I delve into my reading list for 2011, I realize I never posted my favorite reads from 2010. I feel this is an oversight that should be rectified immediately.

Stolen

by Lucy Christopher

A haunting, tortured, beautiful story about a girl who is kidnapped from the airport and taken to live in a remote Australian desert by a boy she comes to both love and hate. This is a special, rare read that stuck with me for weeks after finishing it.

The Dead-Tossed Waves

by Carrie Ryan

This is the second book in Ryan's 'zombie romance' series. While I didn't think I could ever get into a zombie story, hers are so well paced and well written that I wanted to unhinge my jaw and swallow them whole. I preferred this installment to her first because it combines several of my favorite things in fiction (love triangles, secret longing and thwarted dreams) and delivers them with breakneck speed.

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

by Suzanna Clarke

I listened to this period/fantasy on audiobook - twice - and loved it. I'm a fan of dry, British, Jane Austen-style language and am also a fan of history and of magicians in general. All of those things combined? Awesome.

The Magicians

by Lev Grossman

Combine Harry Potter, A Separate Peace, and something else literary and angsty, and you have this fantastic fantasy for grown-ups. The main character, Quentin, is fun to follow around as he tries to figure out the key to magic and to the meaning of his life. A book to treasure.

Linger

by Maggie Stiefvater

I love this writer. Love. Her. This second book in her Wolves of Mercy Falls series got some flack from avid lovers of her first, Shiver, but I loved it just as much. If anything, I thought this second book showed greater talent and a richer storyline. I loved getting the story from four perspectives, and that each character was raw and damaged in their own ways. Stiefvater has one of the most unique voices in YA fiction.

Bird by Bird

by Anne Lamott

A classic for anyone who wants to be a writer. I'm amazed it took me so many years to discover this.

Eat Pray Love

by Elizabeth Gilbert

I was loath to read this book, as I don't tend to sway towards things labeled 'spiritual nonfiction', but this book came into my life right when I needed it. I think Gilbert is a brave and eloquent writer and that her journey has a lot to say about the importance of finding the balance in every woman's life.

The Graveyard Book

by Neil Gaiman

Beautiful. Go read it. Right now.

Top 5 Albums to Write To: 2010

As we round the bend to the end of this year, I find myself thinking back to 2010's discoveries of the musical kind. I love finding new music, especially when it's music that finds its way into my writing life. Music helps me get into writing zone, to refine my characters, and to understand the essence of what it is I'm trying to write.

This was what I had on repeat while I wrote my way through 2010:

1. Radiohead - In Rainbows

If I had to pick one album that cut into my soul this year and made a home there, this would be that one. Its sharp, moody tones and intense, haunting lyrics made my work-in-progress possible. Every major character of mine has to have a theme song. Two of my current characters' songs come from this album ('All I Need' and 'Weird Fishes/ Arpeggi')

2. White Rabbits - It's Frightening

Sooo good - fast paced, choppy, but with rich sounds, addictive drum beats, and great vocals. If my current work-in-progress had a theme song, it would be ' The Salesman (Tramp Life)'.

3. Arctic Monkeys - Humbug

These guys have a fantastic, punky sound, that makes me think of chunky platforms and the London Underground. I sometimes like to give moments in scenes I'm writing theme songs that capture the general mood-of-the-moment: 'Potion Approaching' and 'Dangerous Animals' and 'Crying Lightening' all did the job nicely.

4. Florence + the Machine - Lungs

Finally, a female artist to add to the list - one with a kickass voice and a really unique sound. I love the way she mixes the soft plucking on the harp with the booming of the drums. The more haunting songs are my favorite (trend, anyone?), like 'Blinding' and 'Cosmic Love'.

5. Eclipse Movie Soundtrack

Don't judge a CD by its cover! No matter what you might think of the book series, their soundtracks has been amazing, and I think this one has been the best of all. There are so many rich, beautiful tunes to be found here. Some of the ones I've written to on repeat are 'Heavy in Your Arms', 'My Love' (by an Aussie artist, might I add: go Australia go), and 'Jonathan Low'.

Resolution Time!

I'm a big, big fan of setting goals, writing them down and posting them up where I'll have to stare at them. I come from a long, long line of crazy "list" people. There's nothing more satisfying than taking down that list that you've been staring at and getting to cross something off it with a big, juicy marker.

Usually I do this on my birthday, which is in November, but this year the goal-making sort of slipped on by me. I've thought a lot this week about what I want to focus on this year- what I want my life to look like- and what kinds of goals will help to get me there. I've realized recently that I'm happiest when I have a clear and inspiring sense of purpose. Being a camp counselor made me happy for many reasons, but chief among those was the fact that it gave me a strong and abiding sense of purpose every day. A busy, purpose-filled Kate is a happy Kate.

My problem is that I tend to be a little overambitious. I've tried to make sure that my goals for this year are 1) within my control and 2) not completely outrageous. I wanted goals centered around what mattered to me most and that would pose a good challenge.

So here they are:

1) Outline and write full draft of novel #2.

2) Finish editing Spellbound and seek representation for it.

3) Find a job that satisfies my needs (i.e. contributes to bills, points me towards future career goals, allows time for writing).

4) Learn a new artistic skill (photography, print making... TBA)

5) Revise Alexander P. Dragon AND draw accompanying illustrations.

6) Write 1 letter a week to a friend or family member that I haven't talked to in a while.

7) Travel somewhere with Manfriend that we've never been to before.

8) Write two pieces of travel journalism and attempt to get them published.

Here's to a challenging, goal-filled New Year!