What's Up Wednesday: Just Can't Get Enough Edition
Hello friends! It's been some time since I've posted for What's Up Wednesday, so here is a brief update:
WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY
What's up with you? I'm off from work today so hopefully will be able to make the rounds and say hello!
What's Up Wednesday hails from the blogs of Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk. Go to Jaime's blog to add your link - it's a great way to share what's going on in your life and to make the rounds and get to know other bloggers!
WHAT I'M READING
This is one of my favorite times of year - crisp autumn days, chilly nights. Perfect for curling up in front of the fire with a cup of coffee and a good book. A good, creepy book.
I'm currently reading THE NEAR WITCH by Victoria Schwab as part of the YA Buccaneers October Reading Mutiny.
I just finished my amazing CP Dawn Klehr's YA debut, THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR, which had plenty of mystery and creep-factor.
And then there's the Ruby Red trilogy. More on this shortly.
WHAT I'M WRITING
I have to be honest and say that, for one reason or another, I haven't written much since finishing a recent round of revisions in mid-September. I'm excited to get back into revisions for BEAUTIFUL BIRD, SING ON now that the weather has turned and I'm finding inspiration in my surroundings, especially since...
WHAT ELSE I'VE BEEN UP TO
...I just made a quick weekend trip to Duluth, the setting of BBSO and one of my favorite places in the world.
WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW
Mary Casanova, a Minnesota author of many picture books, American Girl books, and the YA historical novel FROZEN, happened to be at Barnes and Noble in Duluth this weekend. She spent a great deal of time with me and my college girlfriends after her reading. She was so very gracious, kind, and encouraging of me. She was absolutely wonderful and our chat was very inspiring.
Finally, I've spent the last 10 days or so reading and listening to the Ruby Red trilogy by Kerstin Gier. The final book, EMERALD GREEN, was released on October 8 and I found it on the shelf a few days early.
After I finished (and re-read), I began the trilogy on audio book. I love them even more, if that's even possible.
These books, these characters, have been a bright spot in a somewhat dismal month. I look forward to listening and catch bits and pieces wherever I can.
I just can't get enough. Will I ever be able to stop reading them?
What's up with you? I'm off from work today so hopefully will be able to make the rounds and say hello!
Love those pictures! :-) And I really enjoyed THE NEAR WITCH...the atmosphere and setting are so powerful in this book in my view!
ReplyDelete(by the way when can I expect BEAUTIFUL BIRD, SING ON in my inbox? --> I think the title is awesome!)
Hello darling! I'm really liking THE NEAR WITCH so far. As far as BBSO - I've got my work cut out for me. I'm not doing NaNo this year to focus on revisions - so, maybe by the end of the year? :)
DeleteI haven't read the Ruby Red trilogy yet but I love good audiobooks. Sounds like your trip to Duluth was fun and that meeting Mary Casanova was a good experience.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend the books - in any format. Obvs. hclib has them on audiobook! Yes, I hope to be able to chat with Mary again in the future - so genuine.
DeleteI love the title of your revision project. Love, Love, Love! I also love how speaking with an author who is able to take the time to chat, is super inspiring.
ReplyDeleteYou and Tracey have made me officially angst ridden to read that Ruby Red trilogy, I am now even more antsy.
Oh, get them! Soon! And aren't the covers lovely?
DeleteHey lovely... I've been thinking of you! If you'd like some company when you're ready to dive back into writing, let me know. I'm often on Twitter as I write. I like the solidarity and motivation of my buddies. :-)
ReplyDeleteI've yet to read the RUBY RED trilogy, but I've been hearing amazing things about it over the last few weeks. It's definitely one I'll check out. Thanks for the rec!
Yes, I'm slowly getting back into it - maybe I'll see you on twitter one of these nights very soon! I appreciate having writing buddies, too.
DeleteThe RUBY RED book covers look soooo pretty side by side. I was just admiring my copies as well. :-) I actually started EMERALD GREEN last night, so I'll be sure to share my impressions as I read. Ah, Duluth. Been there! Many times! How cool that it's the setting of BBSO. And what a wonderful excuse to pick up and take a trip there. (As if you needed one, right?) I'm going to be getting back into revisions once we move, so we'll have to cheer each other on. Have a wonderful week, Sara! :D
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you started EMERALD GREEN even though you're not done packing! I'll bet you're ready to get that behind you - and yes, we can support each other in our revisions when you get back into it!
DeleteJaime reminded me about Emerald Green so right after reading her What's Up Wednesday post, I reserved it at my library. Unfortunately, they don't have any copies yet, so it might be awhile until I get my hands on it.
ReplyDeleteOh! I hope they hurry up and get those copies in! I think you'll be happy with it. :)
DeleteDo love a bit of Depeche Mode ;)
ReplyDeleteYou're so right - this weather is perfect for snuggling up and reading LOADS.
Have a lovely week :D
I have great memories of discovering Depeche Mode - this is one that has stuck with me over the years even though I don't care for them as much as I did in junior high and high school. My stack of books from the library is threatening to topple over, so yes, the weather is perfect!
DeleteThe Ruby Red series is new to me. Sounds like some great stories. There are so many good books out there. It would be nice to just curl up and read all autumn. :)
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it, though? Yes, so many good books out there - hard to decide what to read, and yet I still find myself re-reading favorites, too!
DeleteI think a break is always needed after finishing revisions, and lucky that you got to take such a great and inspiring trip! By the way, I will definitely be pestering you to let me read BBSO when you get these revisions done. Just some advanced warning :)
ReplyDeleteNoted! I'll be happy to share... don't hold your breath, though. It's going to be a while! :)
DeleteI CANNOT wait to dive in to my RUBY RED trilogy!!! I purposely waiting until all three books were released before starting the series -- and since I just got EMERALD GREEN, the series is next on my list!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had such a great time with your girl's weekend -- and how awesome to have that much time to talk with Mary.
I wish you the best of luck on your revisions for BBSO!
Sending BIG hugs! xoxo
Oh, I hope you like them! Can't wait to hear what you think. Yes, it was good to talk with Mary - she had some very encouraging things to say. Just what I needed. :)
DeleteI've never been to Minnesota, but one of these days I really should go there. My characters' Russian-American farming community near Lake Superior is fictitious, but seeing similar, real-life farming towns could help with better details.
ReplyDeleteI love the covers of the Ruby Red books. The color is so eye-popping, and I love original cover art.
Oh, you should definitely visit the area around Lake Superior. It's awe-inspiring! And yes, aren't those covers gorgeous!
DeleteThis is the third mention I've seen of The Ruby Red series. I definitely need to read them soon!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with diving back into writing.
The Near Witch is so good! The Ruby Red trilogy sounds intriguing - I'll have to check them out!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of Duluth! There's nothing like the Great Lakes states in fall--I miss Wisconsin a lot this time of year. I'll have to check out FROZEN soon!
ReplyDeletewow - your ringing endorsement of the Ruby Red trilogy makes me want to check them out NOW. I loved the Near Witch. Hope you're enjoying it too.
ReplyDeleteI've had RUBY RED on my TBR for a while. I'm a little hesitant because, if I recall correctly, it was originally written in German, and I'm afraid some of the original voice might be lost in translation. Hopefully, one day soon, I'll get over this--especially if someone with ability in both languages can confirm that the English is as true as you can get to the German. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a productive writing week, Sara!
I've not read the Ruby red series. I will have to take a look at them. It can be nice to have a break from writing especially after doing a round of editing. Enjoy it and don't worry. When your ready you can get back to it. :) Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by my blog :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm super excited to hear what you think of THE NEAR WITCH! :) I love your photos from Duluth too, it looks like a great place. And you go to book signings with your college girlfriends?! That sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, Sara! :)