Word of the Day: February 28

Amuse-bouche: a bite-size, often complementary, appetizer or pre-meal taste

Literally translated, this word means "to please the mouth." It is widely used to describe appetizers, as suggested above, but I like words best when they operate outside the norm. Amuse-bouche can also be used to describe an event that whets the appetite for things to come. 

Here is an example of how to use the word:

Her captor drew the knife across her skin with just enough force to draw blood. He cackled as he maniacally teased her, the slice becoming an amuse-bouche to the grandiose plans he had in store for her.

Savor this little morsel and use it wisely. Who knows what world of words it will open up to you after you've had a taste.

Hump Day Book #2: On the Island

Today's book recommendation is, once again, not as steamy as some of the books out there, but steamy enough nonetheless. On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves is a gripping tale of a tutor and teenage boy when they become stranded at sea. I was actually drawn in on that pretense alone and was held captive as a reader by learning all the ways they managed to MacGyver this or that out of island rubble.

Warning, things do get hot and heavy, and Double Warning: Cougar Alert (Good for her, though haha)!! It is a beautiful tale, and the author answers virtually all of the questions you have as you begin to read the story. And trust me, this particular plot with its twists and turns leaves you with A LOT.

Enjoy this read, but please don't invite me on a vacation to the Maldives any time soon. For now, I like the thought of my two feet planted firmly on the ground.

Word of the Day: February 27

Ephemeral: transient, or lasting a very short time

This is the type of word you use to describe a fleeting moment, one that if you blink, you may miss. Since it's Hump Day, one example could be love at first sight in a romance novel. It is something that happens so quick, yet perhaps it has a lot of meaning to your character. 

Here is an example of how to use it in a sentence:

Her name made it to the front page of the tabloids, but it was fleeting fame - an ephemeral blot on the pages of Who's Who in Hollywood.By the following Tuesday, the articles and her head shots were buried in the nearest landfill.

You might need to lock this one down - you know, like slip some kinky handcuffs on it or something. Otherwise, you may not be able to keep it around for long with that short attention span. Gee, that kind of sounds like my boyfriend...

Word of the Day: February 26

Mellifluous: sweet, musical, or pleasant to the ears.

How wonderful it is that not only the meaning of this word is pleasant, but that the word itself is a pleasant package of syllables that roll off the tongue. This word can be used to describe melodies, a person's voice, or to describe the way words or sentences sound. I think that the word itself is quite mellifluous.

Here is an example of how to use it:

As the symphony reached its conclusion, she became overwhelmed with emotions drawn out by the ominous bassoon, the sighing violins, and the fluttering harp. Each note from each instrument married with the others into a mellifluous union that beckoned a single tear from her eye.

I'll take my chances by guessing this word's ideal first date is an opera or musical, rather than a hip-hop concert or rave. Buy it a nice evening gown and perhaps some satin gloves, and make sure to behave like a perfect gentleman when you take it out. Because, let's be honest; she's too beautiful not to deserve that.

Word of the Day: February 25

Effervescent: bubbly, high-spirited or animated

Every time I hear  this word, I imagine myself soaking in one of those champagne glass tubs with bubble bath foam up to my ears. You've seen them before - you know, the ones they install in shady motels for nighttime romantics. I'm pretty sure even Beyonce took a dip in one, specifically in her music video for "Naughty Girl." 

This lively word can be used to describe the carbonated nature of soda pop or a bottle of champagne, but I like to use it to describe a vivacious someone who can't quite tame the energy bubbling up inside them.

Here's an example of how to use it:

I never listen to the instructions preceding a plane ride, but this flight attendant commanded my attention. She pointed her fingers and shook the oxygen mask with such an effervescent, sparkling charisma, I barely remembered I had seen this type of performance dozens of times before.

Order yourself a glass of Prosecco and settle in with this one in first-class. Side effects include giddiness and possible belching.

Word of the Day: February 24

Reticent: reserved in style, restrained or reluctant

This is the type of word that lends me a helping hand when I feel like my literary bag of tricks is running low. If I am writing a story about a quiet, coquettish young lady, it is only a matter of time before I start using the same few words over and over again. Quiet, reserved, shy. Boring, boring, boring. For those of you who get stuck writing "big" every time you mean "big," and "shy" every time you mean "shy," here is a word to break you from your rut.

Here is one way you could use this word in a sentence:

Though today was the final draft deadline, Celia was reticent to submit her first novella for publication; she much preferred that her personal musings stay just that, private and in her old scribbled notebook.

This is the type of word you might want to take for an afternoon tea - or maybe to that stuffy family reunion you have been avoiding for the past few years. Please don't be reticent to use it.

Short Story Sunday #1: Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been

Joyce Carol Oates' Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been is a household name in the world of contemporary short stories. The first time I read it, I had no idea of its widespread acclaim, but it struck a chord in my adolescent girly mind, as I imagine it did with teens who read it at its release, in the 1960s.

I remember scouring the internet for examples of short stories after receiving an assignment in senior-year Creative Writing. Dr. Walters asked us to author a descriptive narrative in 8-10 pages, and I hadn't the slightest idea how to make a story complete in that short amount of time. In that search for literary insight, I found this piece. This story was the first short story I ever read, and it has stuck with me ever since.

The story begins with a teenage girl who is vain and self-consumed, a character flaw  often synonymous with adolescent girls. She spends her evenings, when she is allowed out, cruising for boys at a local eatery, but is fated one night to meet a man who will soon obsess over her youthful looks. One day while she is home alone, this man arrives at her home, clearly taking his obsession to a frightful level. The story details their tense conversation as he tries to coax her into a joy ride in his gold sedan. The man's insistence begins to escalate, and by the end of the story, our outlook for the main character appears inevitably bleak.

There are several things that I enjoy about this story. For one, it takes the fantasy of a quintessential family of four and shakes the reader into reality - reality that there are bad people and bad decisions that can lead to a breakdown of that American dream. It strips away naivety and instead replaces it was the cold truth that we cannot just assume safety. Secondly, I appreciate the flicker of unknowing that Joyce Carol Oates uses so well in her writing. During one scene toward the end of this story, her vagueness lends the reader to a few theories of what might be going on, but it is never clarified. I love this kind of writing, because it is the kind of story that sticks in your mind, that forever begs the question, "What really happened?"

If you have never read this story, I strongly suggest you read it. It is a beautiful example of short story, and the main reason I love to read and write short stories above all else.

Here is a link to Joyce Carol Oates' website, where you may read the story for free:

http://www.usfca.edu/jco/whereareyougoing/

Book Review #1: Ellen Foster

The first book I am choosing to review is one that I finished reading less than a month ago - Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons. This book was actually written decades ago and was a first novel for Gibbons, but is still considered a valuable literary piece.

I can remember my mother trying to get me to read this when I was younger, most likely in an effort to make me thankful for the life I led, but alas, it took me 10+ years to actually pick it up and read it cover to cover. Though I think it would have been a meaningful read for me at the time, I think that I was all the more able to appreciate it now, relating to it as an adult (and having the prospect of raising kids on the horizon).

The book essentially details the life of a ten year old girl who never quite knows what 'home' means or feels like. She moves around to houses of friends and family after various crises, but life always seems to upset her plans.Once she is settled somewhere, she is made to pack up a small box with the few objects she can call her own. Though it is a depressing narrative for the majority of the book, it is an honest and vulnerable recounting of what a girl like this would go through. One of the things I appreciated most was the raw voice of our main character, and that she stayed consistent with the time and geographical settings of the book. 

It is a short book, just over 100 pages, and is a poignant, thoughtful read. I would recommend this book to all adults, and even middle- and high-schoolers to gain some perspective on life outside of their own. It certainly helped me to count my blessings for my upbringing, and reminded me how not to be whenever I get around to having children. 

I found this book exceptional for its rich content, ease of reading, and originality. This is one you should think about adding to your shelf. And if you prefer your novels in movie form, you're in luck! Its film adaptation was made 1997.

Word of the Day: February 23

Crepuscular: referring to or active in twilight

This word is most often used to describe insects or other animals who uses the hours of dusk and dawn to do their prowling. Though it has a bit of a harsh sound when spoken, I think the vision it evokes is one that is very peaceful and beautiful.

Here is an example of how to put it into a sentence:

As the pinkish hues of dusk began to settle on the horizon, the screeches and hoots of crepuscular creatures filled the valley with nature's twilight symphony.

Something about that visual makes me want to sing "Home on the Range"...does anybody have a banjo I could borrow?

Word of the Day: February 22

Abhor: to loathe or despise

This word hits you right in the jugular. It doesn't dance around the issue or whisper behind your back, it just straight-up-and-to-the-point tells you "I don't like it."

Here's an example if how to use this sucker punch of a word:

After eavesdropping on the vicious rumors spreading around the office, Kelly knew she had her work cut out for her. This was no longer a friendly workplace spat; she now abhorred these girls, and was dreaming of ways to make them pay.

Make sure you put the safety on this one before you put it in your literary holster, because it's loaded, and it's packing heat.

Word of the Day: February 21

Provocateur: one who incites or stimulates another into action

I don't know about you, but there is something about using French words that makes me feel all fuzzy inside. I guess the name of my blog sort of gives that away, but don't you feel it too? It's something about the way the words roll off your tongue, like each syllable is trying to make sweet love to your ear drums. This word is no exception in my book, especially since its a sibling to the word "provocative." Oh, you naughty, naughty word. Love it.

Here's an example if how to use it:

As the baritone commanded the attention of the Center Square, droves of passersby surrounded him in mesmerizing adoration. The wily provocateur drew in his marionettes, breaching every last golden coin out of their pockets and into his hat with abandon.

Be sure to slip on a beret or at least a cunningly cocked eyebrow before taking this word out on the town. Pairs well with Sauvignon Blanc.

Hump Day Book #1: Wallbanger

Today’s book recommendation is Wallbanger by Alice Clayton. I am sure everybody expected a trilogy with whips, chains, and handcuffs to be my first Hump Day book (don’t worry, it’s already on the list), but I think Wallbanger deserves the first spot.

This is a story about a young single girl, to whom I think nearly every woman can relate. Without giving away too much, she is young, vivacious, and beginning a career as an interior designer in San Francisco. She loves Food Network, has a hilarious cat – and I don’t even like cats because I’m deathly allergic – and goes through the type of obnoxious neighbor issues anyone in a condo already knows about. I chose this book because, while it certainly has the steamy scenes any reader hopes for, the character’s voice is absolutely hilarious. There are times you will find yourself short of breath from getting hot and bothered, but other times where you are short of breath from belly-rolling laughter.

If you are new to the modern romance scene, and are looking for something a bit less exotic than E.L. James, I think this is the book for you. It is touching, witty, and an all-around good story.

After you read it, I look forward to hearing what you think…and I hope that Clive becomes your favorite character, because he is definitely mine!

Word of the Day: February 20

Satiate: to satisfy fully or to excess

This is a word that is commonly used when describing an extravagant meal, but it can also be used to describe fulfilling other wants or needs. Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy an oversized piece of chocolate ganache cake just as much as the next woman, but there’s something to be said for having those other desires satisfied fully. If any of you read the modern romance novels gracing the shelves of Barnes & Noble, you know exactly what I mean.

For example:

After spending the better part of daylight intertwined beneath the covers, Juliette was certain that her new husband could satiate her passionate desires, and very well at that.

What a fitting word for our first Hump Day. :)

Word of the Day: February 19

Quintessence: a pure, concentrated, or typical example or form

I think this is such a beautiful word. Just say it out loud to yourself. Quintessence. Quintessence. Lovely.

The meaning of the word is also beautiful, used to describe an authentic and complete example of something.

Here is an example of a sentence using our Word of the Day:

Robert was the quintessence of passivity, immovable and emotionless as he watched her take her final breath.

Try using it in a sentence today. It may just become a new favorite!

The Prologue

Well, hello there, friend! 

In the spirit of starting this blog like any good story, I will begin with a little bit of background.

My name is Bethany, and I am 24 years old. I was born and raised in the Philadelphia suburbs, and currently reside in Hatboro, PA. I went to college for Psychology a few years back, but have found myself more inclined to write than anything else as of late. It's funny how things work out like that sometimes. Not so funny are my ever-looming student loans, though.

At the heart of it all, the real problem is my hunger for a good story, whether I read it or I write it. I think it all began when I was growing up, specifically in a home with books rather than cable television. At a young age, I grew to appreciate stories with a strong narrative, and in my adulthood, I am now attempting to pen such stories.

In this blog, I look forward to sharing my favorite finds for all genres and ages, and even sharing some of my own work. If you choose to read this blog, here are some of the things you can look forward to each week:

• Short Story Sunday - I absolutely love short stories. I think that it takes a strong author to create a well-rounded character in a matter of a few pages. Each Sunday, I will share some of my favorite short stories, written by authors such as Joyce Carol Oates, Edgar Allan Poe, and even myself.
• Vocabulary Word of the Day - If there is one thing I learned as I began to develop my writing skills, it is that a broad vocabulary is your friend in the literary world. No one wants to read the same word ten times before the end of a paragraph. Join me as I expand my lexicon and better my ability to express myself.
• Weekly Book Reviews - Though much of my free time is taken up by creating my own stories, I am still an avid reader, and often times finish at least one book weekly. I choose books from different genres and authors, and will be happy to share my thoughts on each new novel I complete.
• Hump Day Book - Each Wednesday, on a day so aptly named Hump Day, I will suggest one of those gulity pleasure, tummy-tingling, toe-curling kind of books you don't want to read in public. Sure, these books aren't for everyone, but they certainly grab the attention of the reader.

I look forward to writing this pilot blog, and I hope you look forward to reading it! Thank you for stopping by, dear friend. Now let's see where the typing takes us...