In case you missed it, I’m participating in the Ready. Set. WRITE! blog hop on Wednesdays this summer. It’s not to late to sign up! And you can find this week’s linky list of participating writers here.
What Inspires Me:
Last night, I got to attend one of my critique partner’s book launches for her new YA sci-fi, PARADOX! Ammi-Joan Paquette is multi-published already–our group has been together for eight years–but this kind of thing doesn’t get old. Three things really stood out to me sitting in the audience this time:
- I am so proud and happy for Joan. I was even a bit nervous! But no worries, the launch went off great.
- It was amazing to listen to her read that first chapter in its printed form and find it so similar to the very first version I read a few years ago.
- It was an inspiration to hear her talk about the problem-solving and research she did to resolve some of the issues her editor wanted her to work on once she had his letter. This book is sci-fi, and it’s got some pretty complicated aspects to its plot. I remember some of the emails that made my brain hurt as she was brainstorming, but in the end, both she and her editor were much happier with the changes.
What I’m Reading:
Last week, I finished another YA sci-fi ARC my friend Jen brought back from BEA. ENTANGLED is by Amy Rose Capetta, and what struck me most was the beautiful writing. I personally had some issues with the plot, but again, lots of gorgeous imagery in the writing.
I started reading SERENA by Ron Rash because I heard that Jennifer Lawrence is going to be playing Serena in the movie version. I’m having a little trouble concentrating in the beginning, but I’m going to try to stick with it. It’s a historical novel and there’s something a bit Hemingway-esque about the writing, so I’m hoping I get to an un-put-down-able point.
Two great research books came my way this week. I got THE GERMAN ARMY ON THE SOMME 1914-1916 from the library, and just spent $50 (on one book!) for BRIEFE AUS MUZOT 1921-1926, which are letters Rilke wrote, including several he wrote to my main character’s mother, so I’ve already read and marked those.
SURFACING by Nora Raleigh Baskin arrived yesterday, and I was just going to peek at the first page last night, but ended up reading the whole first chapter. I might need to finish this before SERENA. Totally gripping beginning!
What I’m Writing:
Last week, I did some more research that led me to the book of letters pictured above, and found out a few more details about some of the other characters, so that was pretty exciting. I also made some progress on pulling my new outline together, and even drafted the first couple of paragraphs that might become the new beginning. So, yay!
But I also got some more feedback on another ms and waded through all the comments I’ve gotten so far with a critique partner, and will be switching gears in the coming week(s) to do a little revising on that project.
Still, forward momentum is forward momentum!
What Else I’m Doing:
One of my best friends from high school was up for the weekend, and we all went to Chinatown for dim sum. I’m still drooling thinking of the dumplings and scallion pancakes. Still having an awesome summer playing and reading with my little girls in spite of all the rain, but I’m really looking forward to the writing retreat I’m going to next week. I’ll be there from Sunday-Wednesday so hopefully I’ll have a full-of-goodness post next week.
Ooo – I wish I could have been there. It would have been fun to hear Joan read. And isn’t it wild to remember things from so long ago and the process of it all?! I can’t wait until I’m hearing all about one of your book launches, Kip!
Awww, hish you had been there too, Julie! When the day comes for my book launch, your attendance will be required. Even if you need a cane or a walker by that point.
I remember reading about Paradox. I so want to get my hands on that book. Sounds like you’ve been doing really great on your writing lately. Good for you!
Thanks! And I hope you get to read Paradox. It’s a really fast-paced read!
Sounds like you have been having awesome success with your revision/rewrite of Rilke. *gets out pom poms* Go KIp!!!! And I’m sorry I couldn’t make Joan’s signing last night – I was planning on going but then a friend got us tickets to the Sox game…AND IT DIDN’T GET RAINED OUT! 🙂
Thanks! Hope to see you later this month for crepes at least. 🙂 And glad you finally made it to Fenway!
I knew you had some published authors in your critique group, but Ammi-Joan Paquette? So cool! It sounds like you’re moving along on all your projects. Let me know if you need eyes on Brightest Midnight again. And enjoy your retreat!
Bah-hah-hah, I guess my secret’s out of the bag. 😉 Thanks for the email exchange today!
Sounds like you’ve had a wonderful writing, researching, and reading week! Also, PARADOX looks and sounds wonderful!
I hope you have another wonderful writing week!
Thank you, and same to you! Hope you can get your hands on Paradox–well worth a read!
The book launch sounds so wonderful! I heard about Jennifer Lawrence playing Serena, I love her (& Hemingway) so I definitely should pick up the book before the movie comes out. Glad to see you’ve found some more research, I’ve just started a new WIP & can’t wait to get deep into the research phase (boy do I love it!).
So glad you shared a snippet on your blog! And hope you stay in love with the new WIP!
What a great week! I hope this next one is just as awesome 🙂 I love having lovely crit partners and can’t wait to see some of mine get published some day!
Thank you! It’s truly a wonderful feeling–like part of you the CP is in those pages too. 🙂
First of all, congratulations to your critique partner on her book launch! It sounds like you’re making good progress with your story. Writing a new beginning for a WIP is often so hard to do, so that’s awesome! After reading your dim sum description, I’m craving Chinese food. Mmmm! Good luck with your writing this week!
Thanks! It’s definitely weird starting it again, but hopefully it’ll come out a lot stronger. Hope you have a great writing week too!
Wow, what a gorgeous cover. Congratulations to your CP!
I’m so intrigued by all of your research! And absolutely, forward momentum is forward momentum. Onward!
Have fun at your writer’s retreat!
Ahhh, thanks! It’s good to be making progress somehow, even if unexpected. 🙂
Congrats to your CP! Her book sounds great and it sounds like her launch party was really fun and inspiring. Have a wonderful time at your retreat! I’m always super productive when I go on those!
Serena is on my TBR, as well, for the exact same reason you’re reading it: Jennifer Lawrence. Otherwise I’m not sure if I’d have heard of it, although it does sound like something I would like.
Good luck continuing with the forward momentum! I hope you get a lot done on your retreat 🙂
Sounds like a great group. I’d love to read Joan’s book.
That’s awesome with the writing. Keep going.