Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I've completed the edits for the first 65 pages or so of Garrett's story. I've hit the point where the first of the major rewrites will take place to close the gaping plot hole I found during my read through of the entire manuscript. I'm not certain how much writing I'll get done as there are a number of appointments this week. 

Motivational Quote:  "You get to pick what your life has time and room for. Be discerning." ~ Taylor Swift

What I'm Reading:  I'm going to start reading Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey this evening. The book has an interesting premise so we'll see how it goes. I've never read anything by Ms. Posey so I don't know what to expect.

Random Things:  I signed up for a class on hand lettering. I always wanted to learn calligraphy. The class will teach a much more basic form of it. I'm hoping with consistent practice I'll be able to master it enough to use on my handmade holiday and birthday cards instead of always relying on a stamped sentiment. 

Random Photo:

I'm not sure which thing Mrs. Green was happier about - that the Chewy order with her treats arrived or that she had a new box to take over. 
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I didn't make much progress on my revisions of Garrett's story. I found a major plot issue that is going to require major rewriting. I'm torn between leaving it for now and doing the other edits first or doing the edits until I get to the area that will need the complete rewrite then going on to finish the rest of the edits. I'm worried if I do the other things first, then the major rewrite, that the rewrite might cause other things to have to be changed or rewritten as well. I'll have to think about it for a bit, but honestly, it makes more sense to do the big rewrite first then fix/edit anything that comes after that.

Motivational Quote:  "Even if we are busy, we have time for what matters. And when we focus on what matters, we can build the lives we want in the time we've got." ~ Laura Vanderkam (American speaker)

What I'm Reading:  I started reading The Summer that Changed Everything by Brenda Novak on Friday. It wasn't a book I had on my To Be Read list, but I saw it at the library and the cover caught my eye so I added it to the small stack of books I was already going to borrow.  

Random Things:  I came across the motivational quote above in mid-December. It almost seemed as though the Universe was trying to tell me something as I had been complaining to a friend how I never seem to have time to do everything I want to do or need to do without feeling like I'm always falling behind in something. As I mentioned in last week's post, I'm trying to be more intentional in how I spend my time. It's too early to tell if the changes I've made are working as it's only been about 2 weeks, but I am feeling less stressed. 

Random Photo:

I didn't get a chance to post photos of the coffee cup I bought to use in the month of December so I thought I'd post it this week before I put it in the back of the cupboard until next December.

 

Monday Check In

 Welcome to my first Monday Check In of 2026. 

Last week...

Writing Related:  I spent the last week reading through the draft of Garrett's story and making a lot of notes. Leaving it alone for about a month really helped me see what needs fixing. There are some plot holes that need filling, some areas that need fleshing out in terms of description and emotion, a sub-plot that kind of meandered off into nothing, and of course way too many uses of the word "just." It seems to be one of my favorite words to use in my writing. I'm not sure how much time I'll get to work on revisions this week as both my mom and I have doctor appointments, I have a four hour class, and we'll be having family visiting on Thursday that may take up most of the day. 

Motivational Quote:  "We have to believe that we are never too old, never too jaded, and never too broken to take our first steps toward change. We wake up every single day with the ability to start fresh - it is never too late to take advantage of that." ~ Bianca Sparacino (Canadian writer)

What I'm Reading:  I started reading Beyond What is Given by Rebecca Yarros yesterday afternoon. It's the third book in her Flight & Glory series. 

Random Things:  I really want to make good use of my time this year so I'm trying a new to me way of scheduling my day. I'm hoping it'll help keep me on track not only with my writing career goals, but with some projects around the house I'd like to have checked off by June. I'm going to follow the new process for the 1st quarter of the year and see how it goes. It'll be hard to see if the process is working this month as my family has a lot going in January. No slow start to the new year for us but things will slow down drastically in February and March which I'm pretty happy about. Those are the worst of the winter months where I live so I'm fine with not having a million things to do outside the house during that time. 

Random Photo

One of my sisters gave me this coffee cup as a gift. I think applies to reading and when I'm writing and have to stop for one reason or another while the words are flowing. 
 

 

Monday Check In (Sort Of)

Happy New Year!

I'm doing a short post this week as I didn't get anything writing related done last week. I spent most of last week celebrating Christmas with various family members and their families. I have five siblings and twenty-three nieces and nephews so it's impossible to see everyone on Christmas day or even the few days afterward.  

Now that the multiple Christmas celebrations are over, I'll be getting back to my usual routines which will include writing and editing/revising so next Monday's check in post will be back to normal. 

I hope you have a good week

Katherine