The Introverted Detective

It is the end of the year and I am looking at my TBR (To Be Read) stats. Today we're looking at how I did on my TBR, what I could do differently, and other stats based on my TBR Excel sheet. Let's dive in.  I began this journey because one coworker asked how many books I read in a year. I kept a log all 2023 long, detailing how many were read-it-or-unhaul-it challenges, TBR between my husband and I, vacation TBR, and what wasn't a TBR. I also kept track of what books I decided not to finish (DNFed) and what I finished. This year was me getting a feel for how much TBR to put on my list without being too ambitious.  What To Change I am adding more books to my TBR list from the start. About three a month was the least amount I finished, thus that's what my 2024 TBR is going to be based on. I underestimated how many books I could read in a year. It turns out I need a longer TBR. On the other side of things, my husband and I didn't sit down and listen to audiobooks as of...

 I have done this before, and here I am doing it again. I will randomly pick three books from my unread books list to review. If I like it, it stays, but if I don't, it leaves to go elsewhere. Ready? I explained it before. I'll quickly fill you in for those who have yet to see the first Read It or Unhaul It challenge.  1. I pick three books (from an Excel sheet list of unread books) using a random number generator. 2. I read those books and review them in this blog post. 3. I decide whether they leave or stay in my library.  For those concerned about where the books go, you need not worry. They get donated to used bookstores and donation places. I don't throw away books; they just don't stay in my personal library. If I am reading an ebook it simply gets deleted if I don't want it.   Knights and Rogues - a medieval romance sampler by Claire Delacroix Courtesy of the-bookreview.com This book is a romance sampler written to show off the first books of the author's...

 I found a book at Dollar Tree. It is a choose-your-own-adventure, only it is a romance! This is my review after I have gone through every possibility in the storyline. Onward! Courtesy of Pinterest This book does not take itself seriously. This book is, from the character descriptions alone, hilarious. They took four main types of romances and put the stereotypes and common plots in every category. The humor here is amazing. This should not be treated like a serious drama. This is a reading-slump-breaker and an "I don't want a serious plot" book. It's an easy, light read purely for fun and good laughs, though I wouldn't call it pure in content or read it in public.  To talk about the greatness of this novel, I need to talk about everything you can do in it. Spoilers are here. If you want to experience it first, stop and come back. I'll wait. This book is so much fun I'd save this page and come back if I were you. I'm not kidding. Don't spoil this....

I have been thinking about what my writing routine is. The real question is this; do they matter? Let's dive into that.  Courtesy of Dissolve.com First, we define a writing routine. A routine is a sequence of actions regularly followed, according to the dictionary (Oxford Languages). By that logic, a writing routine is a sequence of actions you do when you sit down to write. Or stand up at a standing desk to write. Everyone has a different learning style. Everyone writes differently. It doesn't mean you force yourself to sit at your desk for five hours daily. No, that's not what this is. If that works, great, but not all writers worldwide can do that. It is personalized for how your brain works.  Is it important? Yes, it is. This routine tells your brain you are getting down to business and will write no matter how far away your personal muse is at the time. Whether the muse (your motivation) is practically dead or actively dancing around your desk metaphorically, the routi...

I can't usually handle much horror, but, these games were really good. I could handle them. If you are anything like me, so can you. Let's review some games.  Courtesy of Nintendoeverything.com I'm not going to be playing FNAF (Five Nights At Freddie's) anytime soon, nor am I going to be playing Garten of Banban, Poppy's Playtime, or Bendy and the Ink Machine. I'm not that type of gamer. My husband will watch people play those, but won't watch them with me. The point of saying all this is to point out I'm a cozy, mystery storyline gamer. I'm a Nancy Drew gamer and a farming sim gamer.  This makes it all the more impressive when I can play and enjoy a game labeled "horror". Not all horror is the same. Some games are just light horror and mostly comedy, like West of Loathing and Shadows Over Loathing. Others are more suspense-based and have a rich storyline that doesn't scare you as much as unsettle you, like Call of the Sea and Dredge. D...

I may or may not be jumping into a DnD group sometime soon. So, I need to figure some things out. Learn with me! Courtesy of adventureswoodworks.com Let's get the elephant out of the room first. How many of you have heard that DnD (dungeons and dragons) is of the devil? I can't see you, but I bet at least one of you did. Let's clear the air. I am a Christian and know many people (also Christians) who play. This is a game of storytelling, with one person being the narrator who makes the rules (sort of) and writes the story. The other characters improvise their storylines.  At the end of the game, an epic story has been told (provided the group is functional). The dice are the chances of success. For example, if you throw a high number you can probably do what you want to with great success. If you throw a low number you probably took some damage in some form. It is not of the devil. Now that we have gotten that out of the way, let's dive into the game basics.  Starting T...

 I am going to buy Ooblets one day and have decided to do my research on starting off on the right foot. Join me in finding the best hints and tips for this game.  Courtesy of Wallpaper Cave I have watched someone play this, but not as much as other games. Today I'm depending on all my sources to tell me what is important. Ooblets is a farming game that involves little creatures, and these creatures do dance battles. It is adorable and I want it. I have patiently waited for Steam to have it. Now that they do, I want to know how to start off on a good note.  Energy and materials What I did see on my playthrough is that energy is quickly spent. It is best to drink beanjuice and take power naps (as the game allows you to nap or sleep until morning). Stay fed. Oobsidian is something you should keep early on in the game. Clothlets are also needed items. Shells are on the beach. You should pick them up, but make sure you sell only some and not all of them.  Items in homes ...