A.K.A. Rekindling my Creative Spirit
Welcome to what I’ll be calling WriterlyWednesdays. With all that happened to me in the last few months, the drive and passion to write fell away. Despite the negative events that have transpired, some good has come from the madness including the opportunity to force myself to look inwards to help myself get through the tough stuff.
WRITING:
July’s Camp NaNoWriMo is a month away. I decided to forego the extra masochism and NOT do JunoWriMo as originally planned. More worldbuilding, character sketches and plot development prep for Camp. I’m excited because I want to write the darned thing already–no. I will NOT join in JuNoWriMo… hehe (I have three days to decide. Man, I need to join WA: Writers Anonymous). *sigh* Something tells me I’m going to be doing JunoWriMo in some way or another especially with the challenge I’m about to tell ya about below.
In the meantime, there’s also WRITE YOUR NOVEL THIS SUMMER where we write our novel from June 21st to September 21st. I’ll give my current book in the series a tweak here in there while prepping for Camp. I love me some multitasking!
READING:
A few days left in the #middlegrademay challenge has me scrambling to read a few more titles. I still can’t believe I read seven books this month. *pats self on back* I’ll try for a couple more. I’m currently reading THE GIRL WHO CIRCUMNAVIGATED FAIRYLAND IN A SHIP OF HER OWN MAKING by Catherynne M. Valente and INKHEART by Cornelia Funke. I’m excited that I’ve been such a reading machine. I’d like to continue the joy.
I’m ashamed and slightly appalled that I’ve read more this month than I have all last year. I mean, self kudos for the May Reading Challenge but super tsk tsk for letting the mental workouts slide. Reading is just as important to a writer’s arsenal as the act of writing itself. One enhances the appreciation for the other. It’s a symbiotic relationship that needs constant TLC. To that end, I’m considering a couple of reading challenges in June and will continue reading regardless of genre throughout the year because it’s the right thing to do.
==> 48 Hour Book Challenge from June 7-9 during which I shall read/blog like mad.
==> 30 Books in 90 Days begins June 1st. It’s pretty self-explanatory. Seeing my progress this month, I think I can up the ante and also vary the genres to keep things fresh. Oh, and I’ll still read more than one book at a time. LOL
BLOGGING:
The #ROW80 updates continue. Check-ins twice a week and also there are #wipmadness check-ins every Monday. I’ll keep everyone posted (and myself accountable) of my progress and my roadblocks.
Clear skies ahead… even in Raincouver! SO. EXCITED.
WRITING:
Fell behind on my workshops. Boo. Caught up on worldbuilding and discovered new realms of awesomeness for my fairytale series. Yay! Haven’t received feedback on the assignments even though I had a day left in the class. Boo. But I learned a lot in character and setting development from working through the exercises. Yay!
READING:
THE FAIRYTALE DETECTIVES by Michael Buckley and Peter Ferguson and MAGYK by Angie Sage and Mark Zug.
I’ll have more insight or maybe even a full report on tomorrow’s #middlegrademay check-in on Deb Marshall’s site. I had higher hopes for the Grimm Sisters and I’ll tell you why I’m enjoying the story but only sorta. I’m digging MAGYK more. The setting is easy to fall into and I like the pacing. More on these tomorrow. I’m pleased that I met my reading goals for the month. I’m already at five but I’m hoping to add a couple more before the end of the month. 🙂
BLOGGING:
Hello, fellow bloggers. How art thou? I like keeping in touch and reading what other folks are up to in their neck of the cyberwoods.
For those in the States, enjoy the long weekend. I see many words in my future–written by me and others.
WRITING:
More worldbuilding and prep for the fairytale series. I believe this will be the subject of my writing updates for at least the next handful of months. I’m also excited now that I’ve allowed myself to read fairytale inspired tomes. I even watched Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters the other night. I like the feel and the setting, clothing, and even glimpses of steampunkiness are a good feel for what I’m after in my fairytale universe. I think keeping it a nondescript year and do a mishmash of tech that seems to fit with the ‘times’ is a good way to go on this one.
MAY READING CHALLENGE:
THEODORE BOONE by John Grisham ended abruptly, but I gather that it continues in the second book of the series. I’ll get to it after I’ve explored more middle grade marvels. I did like the story though I’m still trying to connect with the voice. THE PECULIAR by Stefan Bachmann brought me to an interesting world that I almost believe to be real. 🙂 However, I’m not sure I liked the way two of the main characters literally bumped into each other in the latter third of the book. I stuck with the story because individually, I was drawn to the characters. I’d like to think that collectively there’s more potential. I’m almost finished this book but wanted to start on the next two already.
Next round of books: THE FAIRYTALE DETECTIVES by Michael Buckley and Peter Ferguson and SEPTIMUS HEAP with MAGYK by Angie Sage and Mark Zug. I literally just loaded them onto their respective apps. Good thing, too, so I can switch back and forth from Kindle to Kobo without having to bookmark and exit out of an opened book. I’ll have more insight or maybe even a full report on Monday’s #middlegrademay check-in on Deb Marshall’s site.
Once #middlegrademay is finished, I’m going to immerse myself in all the fairytale inspired novels out there that I’ve held back on while I wrote the first instalment of the series. I will also treat myself to a Once Upon a Time marathon because my PVR is mad that I’ve neglected my favorite shows. Keeping in the genre will help maintain the writing spirit as this writing journey continues.
BLOGGING:
Speaking of writing… the blog goes well and I’m excited to share my progress and ideas with my fellow writing community. I’m on the hunt for new challenges in the coming months, but I’ll eventually get to fixing up the blog both in content and aesthetics. More on that in the coming weeks.
Hope everyone’s May hasn’t flown by too quickly. 🙂
Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers out there.
This weekend, my sister and I took Mother Superior to Seattle to honor her for all that she does for us. After such a busy April with writing, May has taken a different turn. I’ve had a lovely reminder that taking time away from the organized chaos is an essential way to recharge and refuel the muse.
WRITING:
My work for HAMELIN continues. Worldbuilding and character development have kept me on my toes in between writing new scenes for this first in a series of twisted fairytales. I haven’t written as much as I’d like, but switching gears is helping rest my frenzied brain rather than burn out my creativity.
I need to catch up in my workshops, as well. I’ve decided to forego any future enrolments until I’m all caught up or at least reviewed the downloaded lessons of workshops wherein I wasn’t able to participate.
READING:
I loved THE FALSE PRINCE by Jennifer A. Nielsen. I’ll get into more detail in tomorrow’s #middlegrademay check-in post. I have a couple new books I’ve started but want to read a few more chapters each before bringing them into the check-ins. I’d forgotten how much I relished the immersion into a new world. I’m grateful that this reading challenge allows me to keep with my goals and enjoy the love of books.
BLOGGING:
Because I was out of town, I only had time to post my nominations for the Liebster Award and the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Now that I’m back-ish, I’ll inform the awesome people of their awards this coming week.
How’s everyone else doing as we reach the halfway point in May?
Textploits of the Writerly Persuasion 