Tag: Slow-Read

Tropical February

It’s that part of February where we get a classic warm spell. Fifty degrees Fahrenheit yesterday with lots of sun, and we’re looking at that for today as well. Yes, it’ll get colder again, but considering that a month ago, the highs were below zero, we’ll take it.

In fact, I saw people out shopping in sleeveless shirts yesterday. They looked so happy.

In writing news, I completed the new opening of The Marigold Miracle. There’s a lot of revision to be done on the existing draft. Even so, I’m pleased. I feel more confident in saying that I can publish the book this year. (Lord willing and the creek don’t rise. I’m always hedging my bets.)

Today is Sunday, which means it’s Jane Eyre day. I’m going to listen and clean my house a bit. It’s getting to the point where someone might question whether I have ever cleaned my house.

Wishing you warm weather and plenty of sunshine.

Early mornings and Jane Eyre

So, more than a week into my new (very) early morning writing routine, and I’m pleased to say that it seems to be working. I’m getting more words per day, and they feel like better ones. (I mean, they may not be better ones, but they feel that way.)

Something is clicking in these early-morning sessions, writing before the day intrudes. I don’t even check the weather before I start writing. But I get my words in, and then it doesn’t matter so much how the rest of my day goes. Like last week, when the furnace decided to stop working.

I also decided to dive into the slow read of Jane Eyre. In fact, I was listening to my chapters yesterday instead of writing my check-in. And while the narrator is working well in the audio version, it’s really Caroline’s voice that is so soothing. I loved listening to the Possession debriefs, and I’m looking forward to the first Jane Eyre one today.

The respite of books and, oddly enough, Duolingo

Well, January was certainly the longest year.

It’s been a lot, I’m not going to lie. But I’ve managed to do some writing, and some reading, and I even made it to the first meeting of my book club.

We read If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin. We all agreed that, in its own way, the book was a timely read, even though it was published in 1974. The group was so welcoming to me, as a new member, and I’m excited for next month.

I’ve rearranged my schedule, so I write in the very early mornings, while it’s still dark out. Although, can it actually be morning if it’s still dark out?

When I can, I read. Another thing I’ve been doing? Duolingo. Really. Last year, I was using it to learn a little Italian before I left on my trip. Now, I’m revisiting German. Between the four years in high school and two in college, I figured that would be the easiest language to start with. Maybe it’s that familiarity, but it’s an oddly peaceful activity.

I’m also thinking of signing up for the slow read of Jane Eyre over at The Tattooed Governess (formerly Book (& Craft) Alchemy). At some point, I bought the audio version, and it’s oddly soothing in the moment, too.

Finally, if you’re looking to help Minnesota but don’t know where to donate, may I suggest ICA Food Shelf? They do tremendous work. Currently, they’re ramping up new support programs and would be grateful for any amount you can give.

Quiet Sunday

I’m happy to report that, a week later, kitty is so much better. I’m relieved. I’m also relieved that it’s the last day of antibiotics as well. Because, yes, there’s nothing like giving a cat some medicine.

So, I’m hoping for a much quieter Sunday. Knock on wood.

Some fun things from the past week (or so)

This last bloom of the year:

This view on this morning’s walk:

This hockey game (my son, playing for the Frost Giants):

I also started, in earnest, work on The Marigold Miracle. Mainly notes and thinking on paper, but that’s all part of the process.

Today’s goal, I hope, is to finish Possession. I’m not behind in the reading, but I’d like to finally finish the book.

Getting ready to switch gears

The moon keeping an eye on me during my morning walk

Did a few marketing things this week for The Pansy Paradox (out on Tuesday!), but I’m also looking ahead to what’s next. Namely, The Marigold Miracle. Because the best marketing is the next book.

Also, I’m excited to head back into the writing cave.

In other news, my daughter and I have committed to clearing out the basement. We are determined to turn it back into the cozy oasis it is meant to be. Still, we have a carpet tear-out this week. Wish us luck. But today I’m putting my feet up and catching up on the slow read of Possession.

Suddenly, it’s sweater weather

Autumn decided to make a grand appearance this week. It’s been chilly enough to pull on sweaters and grab a jacket. That being said, this coming week looks like we’ll have a last hurrah of summer. And if I’m clever, I’ll get myself into the yard. The alternative, of course, is to wait until November, when I don’t have a choice and it’s nothing but a wintery mix.

This week in writing was pre-order and cover reveal week. On next week’s agenda are the print covers (each distributor wants something slightly different for each cover because, of course, they do). Then I’ll move on to getting The Capstone Conundrum on pre-order as well.

This week, I also attended a Little Free Library Steward meetup, which was a lot of fun. I left with an armful of new books for my Little Free Library courtesy of Magers and Quinn.

And speaking of books, I made good progress with the Possession slow read. I’m even ahead (page 85). I’m really enjoying the easy pace of this, and I think that I might use it to tackle books I’ve been meaning to read or reread. (Yeah, Tolstoy, I’m looking at you.)

Diving into Possession

So I read on Anno’s blog that author Caroline Donahue is running a slow-read of A.S. Byatt’s Possession on her Book (& Craft) Alchemy site. Considering that I had just been musing in morning pages that I wanted to do a deep dive into something more challenging, this felt like the universe offering that up—especially since I found my copy of Possession almost immediately.

I’m trying very hard to ignore the fact that my little Post-it flags are completely uneven.

I’ve already listened to the behind-the-scenes podcast, and I love the fact that Caroline and Simon dubbed Possession the original Dark Academia book. (So the OG of Dark Academia, if you will.)

Also, if you’re a writer, it might be worth subscribing for three months—her site is cozy, informative, and very well organized.

I also love that now that it’s September, it means I can pull out my Dark Academia playlists, which I think will nicely complement Possession.

The ones I currently listen to:

Dark Academia Classical (a Spotify-generated list)

Witch Faerie Academia (instrumental) by BrittanyWarman

Witch Faerie Academia (with lyrics) by BrittanyWarman

To be clear, that’s Dr. BrittanyWarman of the Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic. They did a Dark Academia course last year (I think). I didn’t take it since, at the time, I didn’t have the bandwidth. (At the time, I barely had the bandwidth for showering.) So, I’m excited about this new challenge, and with any luck, I can report back in on Sunday that I’ve read my first fifty pages.