Monday Check in

Last week...

Writing Related:  Last week wasn't as productive as I'd hoped but figuring out my dangling plot thread problem has made the edits and rewrites easier. I just didn't get as many chapters edited as I expected to. I'm sure it's because I'm doing a lot of rewriting to fix the plot thread issue. 

Motivational Quote:  "Keep dreaming no matter who says you can't do it. The only one who can decide that is you and only you." ~ Yusra Mardini (Syrian swimmer and activist)

What I'm Reading:  I'm currently reading Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison. It's the 3rd book in the Lovelight Farms series. I'm not lost at all considering I didn't realize this book was part of a series and haven't read the previous two books in it. This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm really enjoying it.

Random Things:  I love, love, love summer. There's very little I don't love about it but I'm ready for fall. I have a bunch of new recipes I want to bake. (I refuse to bake anything when it's 85 degrees or higher even if we do have central air.) I'm looking forward to the crisp smell of autumn air, going apple picking, and cozy nights at home with candles burning while I'm cuddled up with a blanket, a cat, and a good book.  

Random Photo:

I purchased some hand soap from Bath and Body Works during a sale last week and didn't even realize until I arrived home that they were all fall themed. I guess I really am ready for a change of season. 
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I made some minor progress on edits for Garrett's book. I'm hoping to be able to get a lot more done this week since my brother is far enough along in his recovery to go back to his house though he will still need to have shoulder replacement surgery in a month or so. He may need to come back and stay with us at that time so I really want to have all of the edits and rewrites for Garrett's book done by then.

Motivational Quote:  "Sucking at something is the first step towards being sorta good at something." ~ Jake the Dog (John DiMaggio) in Adventure Time, season one. 

What I'm Reading:  I finished reading The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer last night. It was an enjoyable book. I'd describe the story as a combination of mystery, fantasy, and magical realism. I'll start a new book this evening. Not sure what it will be though as I have about five books I borrowed from the library to choose from. 

Random Things:  I heard that the local Dunkin' will be adding pumpkin spice drinks to their menu on or around August 19th this year. I like pumpkin spice coffee as much as the next person, but I think it's too early for it. Wait until at least September before making fall drinks available. I like fall, but I love summer and don't want to rush the end of it. 

Random Photo:

 Popcorn is my favorite snack but I'm not so sure I'd like dill pickle flavored popcorn. I guess I'm a traditionalist - I like my popcorn with salt and just a bit of butter. 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I've started receiving feedback from my beta readers on Garrett's book. I've gone through some of the notes and comments. I should have the feedback from the remaining beta readers by the end of this week. I hope to get through everything and set up a schedule to make any necessary changes and do line editing at the same time. I do know that one section needs major rewriting so I may tackle that first.

Motivational Quote:  "Work with peace in your heart, find peace in your soul, and everything else will follow." ~ Juan Manual Santos (Colombian politician)

What I'm Reading:  I finished Beautiful Exile by Catherine Cowles last night. It's the 4th book in the Sparrow Falls series. I have a couple of books from the library that I can start tonight but haven't decided which one I want to read first. One is a contemporary romance by Ali Hazelwood and the other is a fantasy type mystery by Meg Shaffer. 

Random Things:  My post-op appointment went well. I no longer have to wear the orthopedic boot unless I'll be doing a lot of walking or standing. The surgeon was pleased with how the incision looks and how well the swelling and bruising looks. I'm glad he's pleased because while there is only some residual swelling, the bruising looks horrific. The entire top of my foot from both sides of my ankle to just under my toe nails is one giant bruise ranging from a deep, dark purple to a reddish hue. 

Random Photo:

I came across this on Facebook. It made me laugh probably because I've been told that I have too many books as well.  
 

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I found a solution to a major plot point problem in Garrett's book. It'll require significant rewriting but I think it'll make the conflict between him and Dotty (the female main character) a lot stronger. I didn't get much editing done but still feel like the week was productive. Now that I know how to fix the big plot issue, I'm hoping the rewriting will go much quicker.

Motivational Quote:  Allow yourself to be human. Look around you. Celebrate the little wins. Accept the downfalls with as much grace as you can muster. ~ Molly Burford (American writer)

What I'm Reading:  I didn't read much of Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey last week. It wasn't a book for me. I'm currently reading The Reality of Everything by Rebecca Yarros. This is the fifth and final book in her Flight & Glory series. I should finish it this evening.

Random Things:  Most people in my area were disappointed that the groundhog saw his shadow on Feb. 2nd. Yes, I'm as tired of winter as everyone else, but it didn't matter to me whether the groundhog saw his shadow or not. We always have at least six more weeks of winter. Winter has never ended in February in my area. We're lucky if winter is over by mid-April or early May.

Random Photo:

  Mrs. Green was fascinated with the rotating circle of white dots during a Windows update