What's Up Wednesday: Winners! Edition
Here's what's up:
First, I'd like to announce the winner(s) of last week's blogoversary Luurve Prize Package: Katy Upperman and Krista McLaughlin! Katy already had a copy of HOW TO LOVE, so she very generously suggested I select a second winner. Thanks for all the anniversary love and for entering the giveaway!
Just a note: there are still a couple of days to enter to win a First30 Critique for my freelance editing anniversary!
WHAT I'M READING
I've read some really great books over the last few weeks. Right now I'm savoring THE CHANCE YOU WON'T RETURN by Annie Cardi, which officially released yesterday. I've waited for this a long time. Annie is so sweet and has a great website and (so far) tells a beautiful story.
From Goodreads:
When your mom thinks she's Amelia Earhart, navigating high school, first love, and family secrets is like flying solo without a map.
Driver's ed and a first crush should be what Alex Winchester is stressed out about in high school - and she is. But what's really on her mind is her mother. Why is she dressing in Dad's baggy khaki pants with a silk scarf around her neck? What is she planning when she pores over maps in the middle of the night? When did she stop being Mom and start being Amelia Earhart? Alex tries to keep her budding love life apart from the growing disaster at home as her mother sinks further into her delusions. But there are those nights, when everyone else is asleep, when it's easier to confide in Amelia than it ever was to Mom. Now, as Amelia's flight plans become more intense, Alex is increasingly worried that Amelia is planning her final flight - the flight from which she never returns. What could possibly be driving Mom's delusions, and how far will they take her?
WHAT I'M WRITING
I'm working very hard to finish a revision/reconstructive surgery on KEYS, but, as so often happens when one revises, I am discovering new depths to the story. As I add elements and further layer the characters, I've come to the conclusion that I may not finish by April 30 (self-imposed deadline) and I'm okay with that. My CPs will just have to wait a bit longer.
And just this morning in the shower, I had an inspiration for a short story, which has not happened in many years, and which I will now jot down in my notebook before it completely disappears with the chaos of the morning.
WHAT ELSE I'VE BEEN UP TO
We had a nice, laid-back Easter, hosted by my nephew and his wife. Their lovely, serene home has inspired me to de-clutter, so that project starts this weekend - although I'm taking baby steps on that, as I do have a revision to finish! Let's see, what else. Work events, laundry (which still needs to be folded), homework, the usual kid stuff, etc. Very exciting stuff.
WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW
I feel like this spring has brought a wonderful array of YA Contemporary books into the world, and for that, I am so happy and inspired. I very rarely feel guilty for reading when I could be writing, because losing myself in a good book, especially one in the same genre, is important for my craft. Here's a sample of what's in store for me over the next few weeks - and I've also got OPEN ROAD SUMMER and GUITAR NOTES waiting at the library!
Also - spring weather - finally! We got dumped on last week with 10 more inches of snow, but it's ALL GONE NOW. All gone.
So, what's up with you?
I always feel inspired when surrounded by great books! Glad to hear spring's finally on the way, too!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Your reconstructive surgery revision sounds exciting. I'll admit, I enjoy discovering new depth to my stories while revising. Spring Weather! That is a wonderful thing. In Texas it last about two months (if that), but I love it while it's here.
ReplyDeleteThere have been so many great YA contemporary books lately. I'm most through "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" and it's excellent. I just heard about The Chance You Won't Return yesterday and I cannot wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteRevisions are tricky that way but that's part of what makes them fun (and maddening... it's a Mad Hatter sort of fun). Good luck!
I tend to get a lot of my best ideas in the shower too. Good luck finishing your revisions, and finding time to write this new short story.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
My copy of THE CHANCE YOU WON'T RETURN is on its way and I'm excited to read it! I'm also inspired by all of the amazing YA books coming out. Now if there were only extra hours in the day just for reading...
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your revisions!
I find revising to deadlines is sometimes too stressful. You've got to do it for yourself and whatever works best for the story.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
I haven't read a contemporary in a while, but you're definitely making me want to gobble a bunch up. I've been reading a lot of sci-fi and fantasy, which I love, but I think I need a little break. I'll have to check out the books you have in that stack. :-) I'm with you on not feeling guilty about reading instead of writing. It almost always helps my own writing, so that's not wasted time.
ReplyDeleteI like the term "reconstructive surgery" as applied to revisions. Um, yes. That's *exactly* what I'd call the process I'm going through with my WiP. Hope you're having a great week, Sara! Good luck with decluttering, too. :-)
Dude. Your library rocks. Ours NEVER has new books. By the time they arrive in our silly little town, they're a year old. Oh darn... I guess I'll just have to buy ALL the books. ;-) Thanks again for the awesome giveaway.. I'm so excited to have won. Best of luck with your revision, Sara!
ReplyDeleteI do not know how you all deal with the snow INTO APRIL. Glad it's disappearing. :) And yay for so much great contemporary! Have a great week, Sara!
ReplyDelete