ABC Books "P"

Here's a bunch of titles for "P".


Percy Jackson and the Olympians series- Rick Riordan. Mr. Riordan's first series about our favorite demigod is awesome. I love mythology, so this series was perfect for me. I haven't finished the second series yet, but I plan to.

Prince Caspian- C. S. Lewis. I've mentioned before that I haven't read all the Narnia books, but this one is probably one of the best after TLTWATW. Good story.

Peter and the Starcatchers- Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. This is the first in a series of a cool retelling of Peter Pan. I've read the first three, I think, and they're pretty fun. Plus, Dave Barry is one of my favorite humorists. I used to read some of his stuff in Reader's Digest all the time.

The Princess Bride- William Goldman. I didn't read this until after the movie was a huge favorite of mine. I was kind of surprised by how vastly different the book was, but it's still great. I love that we get more back story on the characters, and Goldman's random inserts are hilarious.

The Prisoner of Cell 25 (Michael Vey)- Richard Paul Evans. This probably should have been on my "M" list, but I forgot about it. This is the first in the Michael Vey series, about a boy with electric powers and the crazies who want the use him. It's pretty good. I think there are 3 books out now. I've read 1 and 2.


If you didn't already notice, there's a shiny new badge on the right side of my blog. The Bride was nominated and won Indie Book of the Day for September 27 from indiebookoftheday.com. Though it's a relatively small recognition, I'm very pleased about it and don't feel bad about tooting my own horn. Toot toot.

Book Club Blues

Short and sweet today.

My next book club meeting is next week and I haven't finished the book yet (Women Write). I'm having a hard time with it. It feels a lot like a school assignment. The women whose writing has been included in this compilation are great writers, I'm sure, but it's so far from my realm of interest. I know I should broaden my genres and so forth, but I like what I like. Does that mean I'm missing out on some great books? Perhaps. Will my life go on if I stick to what I like? Pretty sure. I am willing to try different things, but that's no guarantee I'll finish them. Any thoughts?

Top Ten List #16

I enjoy cooking and consider myself to be a good cook. There are some foods I try to make from scratch, or at least as close to "from scratch" as I can. This list won't necessarily be in order of favorites, just a list of foods in general. Some come from recipes I got from my mom, others I've made up myself or found online. I also like to tweak recipes to fit my personal tastes.

Today's Topic: Foods I Make From Scratch

10. Tomato Sauce. I usually end up using canned tomatoes and tomato paste, but always my own blend of seasonings. I also like to puree other vegetables to add to the sauce. I've done carrots, zucchini, different kinds of squash, and broccoli.
9. Maple Syrup. I don't really like store bought syrup. It's too thick and has a strange after taste.
8. Naan bread. I have two versions. One with yeast, one with baking powder. Both are fairly easy and delicious.
7. Muffins. My favorite kind has whole wheat flour, oats, coconut, chocolate chips, and dried cranberries. I'm planning to make some later today.
6.Tortillas. Homemade tortillas have such a better taste than store bought. I wish I had a tortilla press, though.
5. Waffles. One of my favorite breakfast foods. With homemade syrup :)
4. Soup. Any kind. chicken noodle, clam chowder, vegetable beef, curry, Asian inspired, minestrone ...
3. Gravy. I have never used packaged gravy and never plan to. I used to use canned cream of chicken soup for certain gravies, but now I make my own using chicken stock, flour, cornstarch, and seasoning. So much healthier.
2. Chocolate pudding. So far I've only done the cornstarch version, but it tastes pretty good.
1. Cookies. I love cookies. There aren't many things that are better than  fresh, warm chocolate chip cookies.

ABC Books "N" and "O"

A combo of two letters today. I was surprised I couldn't think of more "N" books I've read. Oh well.

Number the Stars- Lois Lowry. I don't remember much about this book except that it takes place during WWII. I can't even remember if I liked it or not. Maybe I should read it again.

The Outsiders- S. E. Hinton. Good book, if somewhat depressing. I always remember the weird nicknames that some of the boys have (Ponyboy, Sodapop, Two-Bit) The movie version is pretty good, and not just because of the actors who portray the characters :)

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish- Dr. Seuss. I had to include this one. Classic Dr. Seuss. 


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I've recently become obsessed with Doctor Who. I blame my husband. We're trying to catch up on episodes we've missed before the 50th anniversary airs in November. I'm ecstatic that David Tennant and Billie Piper will be among the cast. I've mentioned before how much I adore Ten and Rose. I also rewatched seasons one and two of Sherlock, hoping I might catch some clues as to how Sherlock survived his "fall". Nothing. That's probably why I will never be a good detective. That doesn't stop me from thinking and rethinking about it. I have a brain that won't stop thinking about things, even when I know they don't really matter. Makes for some sleepless nights.

Curse you, BBC!!

Stuff That's Happening

I'm currently working on the epilogue for the print version of The Bride. I've got a nice start to it. When I'm a bit farther along, I just might give some clues as to what it's all about. Because of this, I probably won't have the print version ready for publication until October. That's my new goal.

I'm trying to think of ideas for simple merchandise related to my books, but I don't want to start something if people aren't interested in purchasing. So here's one of my ideas for The Bride. I want to put together an hourglass pendant with colored beads inside. It could be used for a necklace or key chain. I'm also considering printing some of my artwork on canvas. Any thoughts? I'd REALLY appreciate some feed back.

My next book is nearing the end of its first round of editing. I'm pretty excited about this one. My editor has already told she really likes it. I'm hoping it will be of interest to male readers (more so than my other two books) since the main character is a young man. More info to come . . .

This has nothing to do with anything, but I've been listening to Lindsey Stirling's music pretty much nonstop for the past couple of weeks. She's awesome!! If you've never heard any of her stuff (electric, dubstep violin) check her out on YouTube.

Top Ten Tuesday #15

This list is related to the one I did about my favorite genres of music (here). If you recall, I LOVE Enya. I could listen to her for hours. In fact, I've done that numerous times. It all started when I first heard Orinoco Flow on the radio many years ago. I fell in love with her melodies and exquisite harmonies. Each of her songs are magical. I often listen to her while I write. This list was very hard to make because of all the wonderful choices.

Today's Topic: My Favorite Enya Songs

10. To Go Beyond, from The Celts
9. Water Shows the Hidden Heart, from Amarantine
8. Watermark, from Watermark
7. The Celts, from The Celts
6. Only Time, from A Day Without Rain
5. Storms in Africa, from Watermark
4. Orinoco Flow, from Watermark
3. Caribbean Blue, from Shepherd Moons
2. Book of Days, from Shepherd Moons
1. The River Sings, from Amarantine

If you're looking for soft, soothing songs, you can't go wrong with Enya. Her album Paint the Sky With Stars is sort of a "best of" album. It has six of the ten songs on my list. Great stuff!

Book Clubbing 2

I meant to post earlier, but I was busy sleeping in and then watching the first two episodes of The Legend of Korra season 2, and then some Doctor Who. I'm officially a Whovian. Fun stuff!

Thursday evening I was able to attend a book club meeting as a guest author. My sister-in-law invited me after suggesting her group read The Bride. I wasn't too excited by the prospect at first, because I don't like being the center of attention. But I decided I would give it a try, since I hope to someday do book signings and such. The ladies there were all very nice and told me they enjoyed reading my book. We started with a Q&A about my writing in general and some specifically about The Bride. (I took a camera with me, but I totally forgot to use it!) One of the ladies mentioned that she wished there had been an epilogue. I had considered doing this originally, but decided against it. Now I think I've changed my mind. When I publish the print version in the next few weeks, I intend to add an epilogue. I have a few ideas for it already. Hopefully it will tie any loose ends and make the ending even better. So, all in all, it was a good experience!

My Designs

Today I thought I'd try promoting something else I enjoy doing, which is t-shirt design. I have a little online shop with spreadshirt.com that features my designs for shirts and accessories. There's a link to the shop on the right side of my blog. For anyone who hasn't clicked on it to see what it's all about, I'm posting some of my designs here to give you a taste of what I have. Also, from now until September 17, you can get free standard shipping when you buy two or more items. Use code FALL2013. I believe this is only for US purchases.

I have a series of these called Grim's Days Off where I put a cute Grim Reaper in everyday situations that might happen when he's not gathering the souls of the dead.

I also have several cute animal designs, all in this simple style. Others include hippo, walrus, duck, T-Rex, turtle, flamingo, and a few more.

This is one of two dragon designs I've done. Still fairly simple, but I think it's cool.

If you can't tell, this says forever, with the letters mirroring each other from the center outward. I'm working on a couple others like this.

He's my favorite. This is Kuroshiro, the Samurai Penguin. I have a whole back story for him and I just might be using him in an upcoming writing project.












All the designs on my shop's website are for preselected shirts and accessories. If you like a design, but want it on something else, you can go HERE to pick one of my designs and then choose a product. Otherwise, go to my shop and take a look!

*all these designs belong to Kacie Taylor and should not be copied or used without permission.*

Top Ten Tuesday #14

I haven't had the pleasure of being able to travel a lot. I've never been out of the US, but I would like to someday. There are many wonderful places out there with amazing things to see, people to meet, and food to eat.

Today's Topic: Countries I'd Like To Visit

10. Spain. I had a pen pal from Spain when I was in elementary and one of the post cards she sent was of the Barcelona Cathedral. I thought it was a beautiful building and have wanted to see it in person ever since. 
9. Russia. Another country with awesome architecture. We had a jigsaw puzzle of St. Basil's Cathedral when I was a child and thought it was such a cool looking building. (Fun fact: I have a brother-in-law who lived there for two years and speaks Russian.)
8. Germany. Two of my brothers went to Germany a few years ago for a huge music festival (Wacken) and brought back great pictures and stories of Germany.
7. China. My husband has been there and has great things to say about it.
6. Japan. My husband LOVES everything about Japan. He even speaks some Japanese. We both would love to go there.
5. New Zealand. What can I say, I want to see the Shire.
4. France. Paris. Enough said.
3. Greece. Once again, architecture. I love beautiful buildings.
2. Italy. So many cities with so many cool things to see. (My brothers made a stop in Rome while they were in Germany.) Plus, I just finished reading Dan Brown's Inferno and now I want to see all the places in Florence and Venice mentioned in the book.
1. United Kingdom. I had to put all the UK countries together, because if I ever make it over there, I'm not leaving until I see ALL of them. The reasons for wanting to go here first could be another Top Ten list by itself.

There are so many other countries I'd love to visit, but that would be a Top 100 list instead of ten. These are the ones I'd visit first. If you have reasons/suggestions that might convince me to go somewhere else first, let me know!

ABC Books "M"

Several on the list today. A nice variety, too.


A Mid Summer Night's Dream- Shakespeare. I know it's not a book, but it kind of felt like one when we read it in school. Fun story about mistaken love and mischievous fairies.

Matched- Ally Condie. I really liked the premise for this book and enjoyed it quite a bit. Unfortunately when I started book 2, it lost my interest. Love triangles can be tricky, and I'm not usually a fan of them. Something about this triangle and the progression of the story just didn't work for me.

Magyk (Septimus Heap)- Angie Sage. Here's another book series that started out fun and exciting, but lost my interest in later books. I seem to have several book series that I start and don't finish. I didn't realize I was so picky. Still, this one might get another chance someday, because it was interesting.

Matilda- Roald Dahl. This book is super fun. I recommend it to all youngsters and even adults. The movie version is fun as well.

My Antonia- Willa Cather. Another high school AP English assignment. It was okay. I would have liked a different ending, but all in all it was fine. Probably wouldn't read it again.


Have a great weekend!

Book Clubbing

Some ladies in my neighborhood decided to start a book club. I've never participated in one before, so I decided to give it a try. It will give me an opportunity to read things I might never choose for myself and also get to know more people who live around me. I'm kind of a hermit, content to remain in my own house, in my own safe little bubble. It should be interesting.

We had our first meeting yesterday to pass out our first book. We'll be reading Women Write: A Mosaic of Women's Voices in Fiction, Poetry, Memoir, and Essay. Edited by Susan Cahill. I would never in a million years choose this. I'm not a fan of poetry and can't say I'm overly fond of essays. But this book has contributions from some of the greatest female writers in history (Jane Austen, Virginia Woolf, Toni Morrison, Emily Dickinson to name a few). So I suppose it's the perfect opportunity for me to get a taste of a nice variety of style and content without having to get a handful of individual books. I plan to write a review of sorts after I read each book we get.

Speaking of book clubs, my sister-in-law is in a book club in her neighborhood and she asked her group if they'd like to read my book The Bride. They agreed, which I thought was awesome. She then asked me if I'd like to make an appearance at the gathering when they discuss it. At first I was kind of reluctant. I don't like being the center of attention, and its one thing to read someone's review online and another to hear it first hand. But she also said there would be treats. Who can pass up free treats? I've decided to go. I figure if I want to do book signings and interviews someday I need to get used to the idea of talking to people about my books. The meeting is next Thursday. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.

Saturday is the last day to enter the giveaway for The Bride! You can find the link in my previous post.

Top Ten Tuesday #13

Continuing with another list of Beatles' songs.


Today's Topic: Favorite Songs Sung by John Lennon

10.Tell Me Why
9. Nowhere Man
8. I Should Have Known Better
7. You're Going To Lose That Girl
6. Across the Universe
5. In My Life
4. Norwegian Wood
3. You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
2. Come Together
1. Help!

Now, these are sung just (or mostly) by John Lennon. Really, there are just too many great songs so I try to narrow it down as much as possible. I'm sure I'll do a list of favorite songs by multiple singers. 


There are still a few more days to enter the giveaway for The Bride!

Post Schedule

Throughout the summer I've had a lot of time to work on this blog and it's been a blast! I'll be staring a new job this week which means less time for the fun things. After today my regular posts will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. There is a chance this will change from time to time, depending on work and free time. Tuesdays will remain Top Ten days and Thursday will be updates/news about books and such. Saturday might be a mixture of book stuff and other stuff, like my ABC books.

During September I will be focusing on getting both my books ready for print. I've been looking at using both lulu.com and createspace. If anyone out there has had success with other self-publishing sites for print books, I'd love to hear about it. Also, I'm planning to end the discount price for the ebook versions at the end of this month, so hurry and buy your copies soon!