March TBR + Special Announcement
- Matthew Dawkins
- Mar 2, 2019
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 11, 2019
If you can't believe it's March raise your hands! *waves frantically*
Readers, I'm telling you, time waits for no one. Go out and chase your dreams ASAP. Speaking of dreams, if you've been following me on Wattpad and Twitter (which you should be by now, links will be at the end of this post) then you know I've really been hyping up two announcements as of late. Now, it's all really exciting and I'm shaking as I type this but just bear with me. I'll be telling you guys everything at the end of this post.
But first, I want to touch on my March TBR. Regretfully, I haven't been doing as much reading and I hate myself for it. I want to get back to that place where reading was an escape and it felt less like a chore, you know? So, in my efforts to rekindle that flame I've made a list of all the books I want to read this month (because I think lists will somehow encourage me to not procrastinate, we'll see how that one goes) and I want you guys to see what I'm reading and maybe pick up some of the same so we can read them together. Of course, this list will include both traditionally published and Wattpad books because, Wattpad books deserve love too and are often, just as good. Okay, enough chit-chat! This is my March TBR!
Love and the Sea and Everything in Between
Synopsis:
College Freshman Adam West's world has been falling apart for a long time. Broken, betrayed, abandoned, alone... there's nothing left for him but a handful of mental illnesses. He's tired and ready to end it all. Then, Elizabeth Richards comes along. All it took was the kindness of a stranger to make Adam's world a just little bit brighter. For the first time in a long time, as they travel the West Coast together, he's starting to see that there are still some adventures worth living for. But pain isn't easily forgotten. And the past doesn't just disappear. Sometimes the only way to come alive is to fight and wrestle through all the darkest places.
First up on my list is this absolute gem! Brian McBride first published the draft for this book on Wattpad (where I binged the whole thing, I believe) but has since taken it, perfected it and self-published it on Amazon. I'm already a few chapters in and Brian's writing is just, I mean, he's incredible. Plus, he's a really cool guy and if you're not completely invested in his writing career, you're missing out tbh.
Hooking Up With Hugo Hong
Synopsis:
Over the past two years, Christine Lee has perfected the art of hooking up. The rules are as follows:
Rule #1: Don't spend the night.
Rule#2: Don't hook up more than once.
Rule #3: Don't sleep with someone you have feelings for.
But then the notorious Hugo Hong comes into her life and suddenly she finds herself breaking all of her rules with hopes that, maybe this time, things will turn out differently.
Unsurprising, perhaps because I love @EmSlough but recently she re-wrote the first chapter of this book after much request and it looks like she'll finally be updating it. So, in the month of March, as long as she updates I'll be by my phone waiting. I really love reading Em's work besides the clear plus of a mostly Asian cast, her style is so polished. I genuinely feel like I'm reading a published book every single time. In addition to that, her characters are brutally real which I think is an element you need to posses if you ever want to write contemporary. She's amazing guys and I highly recommend you read every single thing she's every uploaded. I'm not even kidding.
BLOOD ON THE LEAVES
Synopsis:
Wealth, status, and beauty define the elite of Kensington Prep. Every one of them possesses the ability to get away with anything and everything they want, unscathed and remain as privileged and superior as ever.
But Amory Scout decides that time has come to put a stop to that.
After the accident that killed her parents and the suicide of her brother, Amory Scout decides it's time those at the top of the hierarchy have a taste of their own medicine.
Embarking on the thorny path of revenge, Amory Scout returns to her old school of Kensington Prep, blending into the crowd and climbing up the ranks of popularity, not letting on that she has been there before. In an effort to right some of the past wrongs, she plans vengeance on those who wronged her and her family -- and she doesn't care at what cost.
Even her own heart.
[A modern retelling of Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince]
I've only recently been introduced to @khalidvibes but I must say, I love what I see so far. The first thing that stuck out to me about BLOOD ON THE LEAVES was the cover, then I read the synopsis, then I started the prologue and it was all downhill from there. She has a way with words that is rare, I think, and her writing has great potential. Also, if you've watch YOU on Netflix, you'll love this. Big stalker-killer vibes.
The Poet X
Synopsis:
Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking.
But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers—especially after she catches feelings for a boy in her bio class named Aman, who her family can never know about.
With Mami’s determination to force her daughter to obey the laws of the church, Xiomara understands that her thoughts are best kept to herself. So when she is invited to join her school’s slam poetry club, she doesn’t know how she could ever attend without her mami finding out. But she still can’t stop thinking about performing her poems.
Because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent.
I'm already past halfway in this The Poet X but in March I really want to prioritize finishing it. That is the goal. I've already raved about how amazing this book is but just in case you all need a refresher, it's amazing. Written with deep Spanish-Caribbean roots, Elizabeth has seriously set herself a part, yet the struggles she deals with are so relateable that any artist can sympathize with her characters. Plus, her poetry cuts deep.
Announcements
Okay, now that all that's out of the way, let's talk, readers.
1. So to no one's surprise, I've been working assiduously on my novel, Wicked, Wild, Wonderful on Wattpad. Also, to no one's surprise, it's been on hold for a few months because I wanted to be sure that the plot was heading in the right direction. Firstly, I'd like to say, that was the best decision I ever made because wow, those chapters were about to be trash. I stopped at the perfect time. But yes, with all that being said I am now coming back! I have the official release date too!
Mark your calendars, readers.
Wicked, Wild, Wonderful returns March 15th!
I am so excited for you guys to see these chapters because Naomi is, well, she's changing a lot and that's why I needed to make sure it was an organic change and not cringey to read. Plus, for those of you have been waiting to see the Guise, you're finally getting your wish!
2. Okay, second thing. *inhales* *exhales* Are you guys familiar with, Wattpad NEXT?
Just in case you're unaware, the Wattpad NEXT program is currently in Beta and it's essentially where readers, like you, are given the opportunity to be able to purchase coins from Wattpad to unlock special stories on the app/site. *begins nervously laughing*
Well, Wattpad NEXT is coming out of Beta real soon and guess who Wattpad asked to be a part of it. Me! Ya boi! When Wattpad asked me to be a part of their NEXT program, I was shocked. Still am. I never thought I'd be able to participate in anything like this and I am beyond honoured. What this means is that, when you guys use online coins to buy chapters of my book or the whole thing, I get supported through that!
If you have been following me for a while, you should have an idea of my work ethic and how much of a perfectionist I am so being able to gain compensation for my efforts is a big deal for me. What it means is that I can now begin prioritizing my writing over other things and work even harder to produce better content. If you don't think you're able to buy coins, I understand completely. The first nine chapters will remain absolutely free and if after those you’re still unable to support, fret not! I still have three other books on my profile for free and I will continue to make free content for you guys!
It's really hard to be taken seriously when you do what I do but at the end of the day, I write for myself, you guys, and to one day change the world. Thank you guys so much for all your support, especially if you will be spending coins, from the bottom of my heart, seriously, thank you!
If you have any other questions feel free to consult this link Wattpad's fully detailed FAQ here!
Conclusion
Wow. Life is crazy. I literally just...wow.
I want to hear what you guys have to say so be sure to comment below and let me know what you think about my involvement in the program! Also, if you're excited or if you're gonna pick up some of the books on my March TBR tap that little heart button to show some love!
Lastly, don't forget to follow me on Wattpad to read all my works and Twitter and Instagram where I occasionally rant, share music and discuss the pains of being a creator. Oh, also, I share sneak peeks of my novel and new blog posts at times too, if you're interested in that. That's it! For everyone who has supported me, written any positive comment, came to me in person, anything. Thank you. Seriously. I wouldn't have this opportunity if it weren't for you and writing would be a lot duller without you. Have a great weekend!
Congratulations!