REVIEW: The Siren, Tiffany Reisz
The Siren by Tiffany Reisz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read many books in my life. But nothing prepared me for this one. And I might just have to kiss the author for it, followed by a swift and brutal punch. (I have a feeling that Mz. Reisz will understand and smile when I say this.)
I can only hope that I will have 1/10th of the honesty she has in her writing someday.
Forever, a piece of me will be grateful for reading it. But in the same token this is a book that shall never EVER be re-read. Because of the moment that I read it. Because of the importance of the message and the characters at this ONE time in my life. All of it may never be duplicated. And I need its moment of perfect perfection.
A re-read might never be the same again and I can’t sully its beautiful hold.
The characters are so honest and so amazing that it was painful to watch everything unfold. The brilliance was terrifying. That the author never wavered, never took the easy route–NEVER let me rest through the book was only part of its power.
Books are supposed to change you.
They rarely do.
This one did.
If I could give it 6 stars–11 stars–100 stars, I would.
Thank you for writing this book.
Thank you for pushing every characters to the edge.
Simply…thank you.
Sorry I’ve Been MIA
I wish I could say it’s because I’ve been super busy, but it’s just been me in a funk. Reassessing my career path, the kind of books I want to write, and just what I’m willing to do to continue on my current path isn’t easy. Some hard truths have come to light.
I’ve been a happy puppy about this publishing thing for a good year now–Pretty much just under a year since my first contract was in July 2011. But even before that I’ve been the constant cheerleader for others. And I love that role. I honestly do. Especially for some of my favorite people.
But I’ve also seen that I’ve been giving a lot of my time and effort to things that aren’t good for me as well. I speak out of turn in excitement, I’m misunderstood when it’s pure laughter I’m going for, and I’m too honest for this game called publishing. There are far too many personalities out there for me to just keep going on as I have been.
Hard lessons, but important ones.
- Your personality is not necessarily good for your author persona.
- Think before you tweet or FB–Words are forever.
- Gossip isn’t fun.
- Words matter.
- Your reputation is all you have, especially when you’re starting out.
- Snark doesn’t always equal laughter.
- Writing is hard. Those that have said otherwise have never been edited.
- Learning is necessary.
- Confidence can be a shield and a hammer.
- Don’t let anyone stop you from writing.
That last one is the most important one. And the one that I’ve had to remind myself of the most. No matter what games are being played in email, social media, publishing, and at conferences–writing is what matters when you’re behind the keyboard.
Your stories matter.
MY stories matter.
The rest of the bullshit can get bent.
What…I’m never going to lose all my snark. 
