The year in books - March and April

I got a bit behind.  Slowed down a bit.  Changing your meds can do that to you.  You know, my thyroid meds.  You just don't understand how important that one little hormone is until you mess with it.  It's leveling out, and so am I.

I spent March and April working my way through Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices Series.   Let me take this opportunity to just say Wow!  I liked the twists, turns, and the unexpected ending.  I mean, I hoped, but never dared to dream that she would see it through.  I'm now interested in starting the Immortal Instuments by the same author.  However, first we are taking a detour.

I've started reading Let's Pretend This Never Happened, by Jenny Lawson.  First let me tell you, I'm not one for memoirs.  Not since Erma Bombeck have I laughed this hard.  At times I am ashamed of laughing, because let's face it, it's not nice.  Other times, I'm howling, because I've been there.  Right there.  Turkeys and all.  I'm loving this book.  Maybe one day I'll get to meet Jenny, and we can stare at each other missing small talk and smiling.  She's brilliantly illuminating.  Thank you.

So, what else are you doing?

Has anyone ever asked you  this question?  I got hit with it a couple of months ago, and I'm still kicking it around.  Our director of nursing came by, and we were having a friendly conversation before the task we were working on.  She asked what I had been up to.  I told her that since we'd last spoken, I'd acquired three more grandchildren, renewed my advanced certification, finished my bachelor's of nursing, and published a book.  Presently, I am working on research in compassion, writing another sock knitting book, and exploring fiction writing.  My husband has formed a company, has published his first book, and is working on his next project as we speak.  She looked at me, nodding politely, and asked "So, what else are you doing?"  'Enjoying life' was my response.

We've become far too focused on achieving; so much so that people now feel guilty for doing the little things to care for themselves.  We expect others to make decisions, make us healthy, cook our meals.  It's time to stop.  There is nothing wrong with a bit of determination and drive.   Just don't drive yourself crazy.

For me, knitting a bit, writing a bit, and being happy are enough.  I don't need anything more.  I am happy doing what I am doing.  


There, I said it.

In the Actor's Studio - Lipton's Questions, My Answers

1.What is your favorite word? hope
2.What is your least favorite word? can't
3.What turns you on?  innovation
4.What turns you off?  hypocrisy
5.What sound or noise do you love?  lover's sigh
6.What sound or noise do you hate?  sirens
7.What is your favorite curse word? fuck
8.What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?  writer
9.What profession would you not like to do?  preschool teacher
10.If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?  Wow, you're not on our list, but I'm sure we can fit you in.  You'll be in the "open-to-interpretation" section.

How would you answer these questions?

My year in books - 2/21

This week I read Ravenous by Dayna Macy.  This book chronicles the author's quest to identify the source of her food issues, and find a healthy link to the act of eating.  It is well written and engaging.  It lead me to examine my own connection to food, and rethink old patterns.

My year in books

A personal goal this year is to read a book a week, in addition to the rest of my projects.    I'll try to remember to post the books I read here, along with a bit of a review of the book.

Jan 1 - Divergent by Veronica Roth

           Sometimes you choose, sometimes you are chosen.  Being able to tell the difference makes all the difference.  This book was fast paced and well written.  The world it is in is revealed gradually, as it is discovered by the main character. 

Jan 7 - Insurgent by Veronica Roth

           The second book in the series, this one kept up the pace.  Good subplots and excellent use of POV.  I was surprised by the direction it took.  I can hardly wait for the next installation.

Jan 14 - Hammered by Kevin Hearne

             I re-read this one to refresh my memory before setting off on the newest edition.  Kevin incorporates humor in a manner that is unexpected and refreshing. 

Jan 21 - Tricked by Kevin Hearne

              Again a re-read.  I just can't put a good book down.  This novella bridges the first series to the second, and provides context for Trapped.  It sets up the next book beautifully.

Jan 28 - Trapped by Kevin Hearne

              A wonderful romp with the gods of old.  Kevin brings them to life and lets them run pell-mell through your brain.

Feb 7 - Crewel by Gennifer Albin

            As a needleworker, this book appealed to me in a unique way.  Her imagery of the world as a tapestry presented an interesting approach to story telling.  This is the first in a series, and I am looking forward to the next installment.

Feb 14 - Outlining your Novel: Map Your Way To Success by KM Weiland

              This book presents outlining in a casual, yet structured manner, that should help any writer improve their work.  The author presents justification for taking the time to work an outline, and the rewards that come with persevering through the process. 

I am also working on the next sock knitting book.  This will be a book of men's sock patterns.  The working title is Ribbed for His Pleasure.  It will take a while, so be patient with me.  Thanks to NaNoWriMo the writing bug has also bitten.  There are several novels in planning stages, all racing toward the starting line.  I hope to participate in Camp NaNo in April.  If I survive that, we'll look at doing August.  I will not be doing November this year, because that is our anniversary  time and my guy wants to spend time with me.  Go figure.

So far, so good.  I have enjoyed all of these books. Back to the stacks...

To Whom It May Concern:

Dear Oh-so-talented writing guru,
Once again I have shelled out hard-earned cash for your book of fabulous wisdom about the craft of writing.  Please I beg you, choose a different story to use as your example.  We are sick and tired of reading the outline/hero's journey/plot exposition of Star Wars.  It's been done.  Try a different movie.  May I humbly suggest Vanity Fair, Harry Potter, Shawshank Redemption, or even Family Stone?  The point is, you could use this opportunity to encourage your reader to expand their reading and movie watching base by utilizing other pieces of the art as your example.  While Star Wars is easy, well known, and essentially ubiquitous, there are other works of fiction upon which to draw. 

Sincerely,
your frustrated reader

As things get more complicated...

So it's finally finished, edited, corrected, and proofed. Abundant Sole is available in full color print through Lulu.com, or as a download from Ravelry. As soon as I jump through the hoops and figure it all out, it will also be available on Amazon. I am also writing fiction. Nanowrimo is over, and I won!!!! What a process that turned out to be. Who knew authors were allowed to suck?!? Anyhow, that first draft is about to come out of hiding for a review and edit. Several more projects in the works. My favorite right now is Korsal's Revenge. I'll post more on that later, when I'm more comfortable with it. On the home front, my companion/editor/muse/publisher/husband is rapidly approaching the finish line on his project. The art for this project has been a nightmare. We finally found an artist we adored and could afford - 85% through the art and BAM! Life happens. He needs surgery and cannot draw. The Bear is revamping his layout, and thinks he will have it all done by the end of the month. February 1 is my target for his Lulu release, with Amazon about 6-8 weeks later. He's already looking ahead, and has started a dungeon module. It's good to see him with a focus after so much time. I haven't seen him this happy or content, despite the set backs, in years. It looks like I'll be heading to Tucson in late January or early February. My mom needs surgery, so I'll be caring for her for a couple of days. That really translates to lots of knitting time. And maybe some writing. And definitely grandkids. If I can swing the flights right I may be able to see my best friend from high school on the way, if I can get the layover I want. We'll see.

 Get a hard copy at Lulu.com  

 Get a digital download at Ravelry.com