What's Up Wednesday is a weekly blog hop created by Jaime Morrow and Erin L. Funk as a way for writers and readers to stay in touch!What I'm Reading
Last week I was nearing the end of Grave Mercy, and this week I'm nearing the end of the sequel, Dark Triumph. I'd hoped to finish it at the weekend, but I haven't managed to do any reading in the past couple of days because I've been busy with uni work.
What I'm Writing
I found out just yesterday that I have to prepare an extract from my current WIP, Bloodroot and Bracken, to read aloud. One of the extracts I'm most proud of is the opening scene, which takes place at the funeral of my protagonist's mother; I think it's one of the more atmospheric pieces that I've written, so this week I'm going to be editing that until it's at a point where I'm happy to read it aloud.
What Inspires Me Right Now
Hilary Mantel, which is odd considering I have yet to read any of her fiction, but I do love listening to Bookclub on Radio 4 and roaming through the archives online to listen to authors who interest me. I recently listened to the interview with Mantel following the publication of Bring Up the Bodies, and I just adore the way she talks about history and Historical Fiction.
What Else I've Been Up To
Yesterday I had a meeting with an old tutor of mine to discuss the possibility of doing a PhD in English Literature in the future. The meeting I had was very positive, so now I just need to use my time to really think about whether or not a PhD is something I want to apply to do next year - first I'm going to take a year out, I don't think I could do 7 years of higher education in a row!
PhD in English Lit would be a cool moniker to have. Lots of hard work I would imagine, but also, admirable.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes with the reading aloud excerpt!
This is true, but I think all the hard work would be definitely be worth the end result. :)
DeleteThank you!
Preparing to read aloud is a great opportunity to fine tune your writing. It's often said that you ought to read your work aloud anyway, to get a feel for the flow and "bounce" of your prose. If there are words and phrases that cause you to stumble--and that's not the desired effect--then you know that might be a problem for your reader, and you might want to smooth those out a bit. Anyway--all the best with that, Jess!
ReplyDeleteI've considered doing a doctorate in Theology, but aside from the financial consideration, one of the things that gives me pause is the question: Why? What do I need one for? Aside from the disciplined study, and being able to call myself "The Doctor", what purpose would it serve? I know what kind of study is involved, and I know I could do it on my own, so the only thing I'd really gain would be the certificate at the end. And right now, that's not something I need. Maybe that's helpful to you as you consider your PhD options.
Have a really awesome week, Jess!
I always read my work aloud when I'm alone, but whenever it comes to reading in front of other people I always end up stumbling at some point. Hopefully I won't this time!
DeleteMy main issue in regards to my future has always been that I'm interested in too many things, and there are too many career paths that sound great to me. I do love to learn, though, so a career in academia is definitely something I'm considering. :)
Thank you, you too!
How exciting! I considered doing a PhD in english, too, but in the end, I decided to do an MFA instead. Good luck with your decision.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThat would be an awesome Ph.D. My ultimate educational goal is to have a Ph.D. in Russian history, with a focus on GULAG and the Great Terror.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your public reading!
Cool! I must admit I don't know much Russian history, we only really learned about Stalin in school. That sounds really interesting, though!
DeleteThank you!
Good luck reading aloud! Sounds exciting :D
ReplyDeleteWow, a PhD. Go for it! Also, wow, 7 years in university. I barely survived 4 ^^;
Have a brilliant week!
Thank you, I'll probably need it - I always end up stumbling over my words when I read aloud in front of other people!
DeleteHaha, I obviously just want to be an eternal student.
Thank you, you too!
An English Literature PhD sounds great! I think I like the idea of doing a PhD more than I'd like the reality. :P I do miss university, though! Good luck with the reading. :)
ReplyDeleteI obviously just want to be a student forever. :P That and I actually have an idea for a thesis that I'm interested in pursuing, so I'm going to use my year out to try and figure out what it is I want to do. :)
DeleteThanks!
reading out loud in front of others is nerve wracking, but I'm sure you'll do great. I really enjoyed Grave Mercy but have yet to pick up Dark Triumph!
ReplyDeleteI hope so! :)
DeleteI just finished Dark Triumph this morning, and I enjoyed it even more than I enjoyed Grave Mercy - you should definitely pick it up!