What I'm Reading
Sadly I've been in a bit of a slump since finishing Strands of Bronze and Gold, not because of that book at all, I just haven't been able to get into anything. I'm not quite sure what I'm in the mood for. I love my Historical Fiction, but I've read quite a lot of it recently and now I'm in the mood to take a little break and ready something a little fluffier, like a light-hearted Contemporary. Sadly, all of my Contemporary reads aren't at university with me.
I'm thinking about picking up Maria V. Snyder's Magic Study at some point this week if I'm in the mood for a bit of Fantasy.
What I'm Writing
I introduced the next big plot point in my current WIP in my seminar yesterday, and I got a lot of positive responses so I'm pleased. Other than writing that scene (which needs a lot of editing) I've mostly been planning this past week.
I've been planning future scenes in my WIP, planning the novella I want to work on over Camp NaNoWriMo and doing a teeny, weeny bit of planning for the Fantasy novel I'd like to work on once I'm done with Bloodroot and Bracken.
What Inspires Me Right Now
For so long writing a novel was something I so wanted to do, but something that terrified me; I was never sure I could stretch an idea to fill an entire book. Over the past week I have begun to feel the most content with my writing I have ever felt, and that in itself is inspiring.
My current WIP started out as a short story almost two years ago, and I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to stretch it out into a novel, but the more I write the more I realise I need to write, and the story just keeps growing. It's a great feeling!
What Else I've Been Up To
Other than uni stuff, I've been watching Hannibal (Beverly, NOOOOO!), preparing for the new series of Game of Thrones (I'm so excited!) and getting ready to go home for my Easter holiday this weekend. This term has been fun but it feels like it's really dragged, and I'm ready to go home and just relax for a bit. I'm taking part in Camp NaNoWriMo obviously, but because I'm aiming for 20,000 words rather than 50,000 I'm not going to let it take over April.
What's especially nice is that my parents are picking me up this Sunday, so I'll be able to see my Mum on Mother's Day for the first time in about four years!
What's new with you?
Good luck with your writing! I have the exact opposite issue with length—I've always been fine with writing novels, and, when I was younger, novella- and novelette-sized books, but it's really hard for me to write a short story. Almost always, the shorts I've written feature pre-existing characters instead of all-new people I only know for under 20 pages.
ReplyDeleteThank you. :) I'm in envy of you, I'd love to be able to write too much! Though I have to admit, since starting work on my current WIP I've found it much more difficult to write short stories.
DeleteThere have been many great novels that began as short stories first! Off the top of my head The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd and Swamplandia! by Karen Russell come to mind, but I know there are many more. So good luck and have fun with it!
ReplyDeleteHappy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines
Thank you! :)
DeleteIt's great to hear that you're feeling content about your writing. I think that's a really difficult point to arrive at. Most days, I still feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster when it comes to my writing. Best of luck with all your story planning!
ReplyDeleteIt's a point that's taken me years to arrive at, and I'm sure once I'm finished with this WIP I'll be back to panic mode! :) Thank you!
DeleteI can't wait for Game of Thrones either. We're in countdown mode. So excited! When I took creative writing classes I always had a problem writing a short story. I could never seem to type the end. I need to practice writing short stories. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteNot long to wait now! :D I can't wait!
DeleteI always found short stories easier to finish if I had a last line to work towards. In everything I write I find it much easier if I know how it's going to end, but writing out a final line always helped me with short stories. :)
Thank you, you too!
I think the greatest accomplishment in writing your first ever novel is knowing that you're actually writing an entire novel! Crazy, right?
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for GoT it's not even funny. I just want it to be here NOW!
Have a great week and enjoy Mother's Day actually with your mum :)
I definitely agree with you there! :)
DeleteUgh, tell me about it - not long to wait now, though!
Thank you. :) You have a lovely week, too!
My husband and I just finished rewatching GoT Season 3 the other night to prepare for Season 4. Can't wait! I think it's fantastic that you're inspired by your writing. I remember thinking the same thing, that there was no way on Earth I'd ever be able to write a whole novel...and then I ended up with this big honking book that needed to lose words big time lol. It can totally be done! Isn't it awesome to know you can do that? I hope you have a wonderful week writing-wise and otherwise, Jess!
ReplyDeleteIt feels like the whole world's excited for it! :) It really is an amazing feeling to know you can accomplish something you've been dreaming of accomplishing for years. Thank you, have a lovely weekend!
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