“What’s Up Wednesday” is a fun weekly meme started by my friends Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk. From Jaime: It’s similar in some respects to the Currently… post, but it’s been whittled down to only four headings to make it quicker and more manageable on a weekly basis. You’re invited to join us if you’re looking for something to blog about, a way to let your blog friends know what’s been going on with you.
{Please make sure to link your What’s Up Wednesday posts to the list on Jaime’s blog each week. That way, other participants can visit your blog and check out what you’ve been up to. In that same spirit, I urge you to visit as many new blogs as you can every Wednesday. The most awesome aspect of What’s Up Wednesday and Ready. Set. Write is that they include a built-in support system. Let’s make sure we’re rooting each other on and offering as much encouragement as we can. Who knows… You might make an awesome new writing buddy, or a find a fantastic beta reader, or hook up with an amazing critique partner!}
And now, here’s what’s up with me this week…
What I’m Reading: Over the weekend I read OCD Love Story by Corey Ann Haydu. Don’t let the cheery yellow-and-pink cover mislead you; OCD Love Story is a heavy book about teens dealing with sometimes debilitating mental illness, and there are some cringeworthy moments. But there are also moments of humor and a sweet, sweet romance, making this an issue book that doesn’t feel like an issue book. Now, I’m reading Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson, which is dark and magical and gorgeous, and I am loving every minute of it.
What I’m Writing: Bleh. I’m mad at my WiP. It’s being uncooperative and troublesome. My goal for last week was to read through the first 35K and revise it according to some changes I’m making to backstory/character motivations. I got a good chunk of it done, but I didn’t finish completely. Boo. The sections I have revised are much improved, though, and I am making progress, but it’s slooooow progress. My goal for this week is to keep plugging away. I WILL finish my read-through/pre-revision, and I’d like to write at least one new scene. That said, my daughter’s birthday party is Friday, her official birthday is Saturday(!), and we’ve got a date with friends at the water park on Sunday. It’s going to be a busy weekend, but I’m going to do my very best to make time for my WiP.
What Else I’ve Been Up To: Mostly, I’ve been gearing up for my girl’s sixth birthday. She wants a rocker-girl theme, a guitar cake, a piñata, and lots of music. So, that’s what we’re doing. I’ll share pictures next week. 🙂
Last week’s Kenny Chesney concert was AMAZING. He’s such a dynamic performer, and he played all of my favorite songs — I was so happy! John Mayer made a surprise appearance and spent some time jamming with Kenny on stage. So cool! The party bus was also predictably awesome, and we had a fantastic time with our friends. I was beside myself with glee the whole night. 🙂
I also tried a new cookie recipe… Total win. Peanut butter and chocolate are pretty much the best combination ever, and when paired with a frosty bottle of Well’s Banana Bread Beer (YES), well, that’s pretty much culinary nirvana. (I used this cookie recipe, but instead of peanuts, I used peanut butter chips. Yum.)
What’s Inspiring Me Now: My daughter, who met her summer reading goal a few weeks before school started. I’m so proud of what an excellent reader she’s become. Her love of books thrills me.
Tell me… What’s up with you?
katyupperman.com 
Sounds like you have a BIG weekend ahead of you. Can’t wait to see the pictures!
Sorry, your WIP is being mean, but even a little progress is still progress. Oh, and I’m sure those cookies help – yummy!
I think the cookies helped a little too much. Now I keep wanting to make more! Thanks, Tonja. 🙂
I love seeing pictures of you and your family and so glad you had a blast at Kenny Chesney! Also, that pic of your daughter with her reading list is awesome. I am blessed with two terrific readers – so nice. 🙂
Sorry the story is being uncooperative (my blob is a little unruly too), but if I know you, you will shape this story into something utterly brilliant. Good luck this week with writing!
Have a blast this weekend! And happy early birthday to Claire! Can’t wait to see more pics!
Thanks, lady! Here’s to both of us whipping our WiPs into shape so they’re fit for the light of day (someday). 🙂
Aww, Katy I love all of this! Thank you so much for sharing! Also, I think a rocker girl themed party is one of the coolest I have heard about! I can’t wait to see pics 🙂 V is sticking with an Ariel-themed party and we are celebrating on Saturday too. Birthdays can be a lot of work, but I love getting to celebrate our sweet girls. The Kenny Chesney concert sounds like it was so much fun, and you and your hubby make the cutest couple. Also, I think you made some amazing progress on your WiP!!! Read-throughs can be so challenging, and the fact that you already know what needs tinkering with to achieve your vision shows how fully-formed and real this story is. You totally have this, Katy, and I am SO excited to read! Wishing you all the best this week ❤
I hope V has a wonderful birthday, Tem! I miss the days of Princess parties… We’ve done Princess and the Frog as well as Rapunzel. Now my little miss thinks she’s too old for a Princess party. *sob*
I hope you find time to devote to your writing/revising this weekend! ❤
Happy early birthday to your girl! And that’s a fun theme she’s chosen. I’ve got some great childhood memories of cool cakes my mom made.
I’ve been debating whether or not to add OCD LOVE STORY to my TBR-list, but it’s going on there now! You’re right, the cover did throw me off 🙂
Thanks, Jen! Hopefully the party will be all she’s hoping for. 🙂 You’ll have to let me know how you like OCD LOVE STORY… Its voice is absolutely fantastic!
Happy early birthday to your daughter! I really want to read TIGER LILY–it sounds so good.
Slow progress is still progress, and that’s awesome. Have a great, busy weekend!
Yes, read TIGER LILY, Rebecca! I’m about ten pages from the end and I am truly loving it!
Sorry your WIP is being uncooperative, Katy. 😦 It sounds like all the work you’re putting in with these revisions will be for the best, though, so keep plugging away!
Again, SO JEALOUS about your Kenny concert! Sounds like he puts on an awesome show. 🙂 And those cookies look delicious…I might have to steal the recipe!
Let me know if you decide to make those cookies, Kaitlin… They were a hit among my crowd. And yes, I hope you have a chance to see Kenny one of these days. He’s amazing!
It’s too bad about your WIP but it looks like you had a great time otherwise 🙂 I remember summer reading goals with my local public library, I used to love doing that when I was little. It’s such a great way to inspire young readers. Also I’ve got to try that cookie recipe, it looks delicious…smart decision to switch out peanuts for the chips.
–Good luck on your writing this week, I’m sure you can do it!
Thanks, Patrice! My girl and I love to take trips to the library. We’ve visited a lot this summer! Best of luck with your writing this week as well!
Oh your weekend sounds amazing! I hope your girl has a wonderful, magical birthday!
Sorry to hear your WIP is being a pain! I hope you find a bit of time this week and get things sorted. If not there is always next week. This one sounds a bit special and busy 🙂
I have had Tiger Lily on my TBR list for ages. I love the dedication, one of the best. I hope it keeps being brilliant.
Have a great week!
I love TIGER LILY’s dedication too, Alexa! It perfectly sets the tone of the story. I hope you get a chance to read it soon… I’m loving it! I hope you have a wonderful week!
I’ll have to add OCD Love story to my list.
Always remember, if the WIP makes you mad, you can always threaten it with the delete key! (If only it were that easy) Revising is not fun, but you’ll get it!!!!! 😀
Your little girl is such a cutie. Hope you have a blast this weekend!
You ALWAYS make me want cookies!!
I SHOULD threaten my WiP… Perhaps that’s why it’s being so uncooperative — it knows cuts are in its future. 🙂
I hope you have a fantastic week, Mandie!
Congrats to your little reader, and happy birthday to her too. Oh yeah, and good job mom on meeting your own goals and raising an almost six year old who loves to read. 🙂
Thanks so much, Kate! I’m very proud of my book loving girl. 🙂
My twelve-year-old is taking guitar lessons. Never too early to get them into music.
My munchkin takes guitar lessons too, Matt! She’s just about to the point where she knows more than I’m capable of helping her with. 🙂
Phew, busy weekend! Happy 6th Birthday to your little one and I hope you can get some writing done too. Have an awesome week!
Thanks so much! I hope your week is awesome as well!
I think it’s fantastic that your girlie is an avid reader too! I hope when we have kids that they are book lovers like me and Todd. I do think that’s cultivated by the parents, so you’ve obviously rubbed off on your girlie. Go you! 🙂
Sorry to hear that your WIP is giving you issues. Been there…a lot. Hope it all gets sorted out and you’re able to find your groove again. You have a busy week ahead, so try not to be too hard on yourself. Can’t wait to see photographic evidence of this awesome rocker girl party you’re planning. How fun is that?
Have a great week, Katy! 🙂
I totally agree that book love is cultivated at home, Jaime. I’ve been reading to C since she was born, and she LOVES her books. It’s especially fun now that she can read independently.
Thanks for your condolences regarding my WiP. Hopefully it’ll start behaving soon, and same with yours!
Tiger Lily sounds amazing. I hate that you’re stuck on your WIP. I understand the problem though. Hope you can power through ASAP.
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to that sweet girl!
Thanks, Jennie! I’m loving TIGER LILY, and I totally recommend it if you’re looking for something unique and dark and beautifully written. 🙂
Tiger Lily is a beautiful beautiful book. I loved it and I am so glad you are too! I really want to read OCD Love Story, but B&N won’t carry it (Simon & Schuster and Barnes and Noble are in a huge huge fight) and I couldn’t find it at my local bookstore either. Off to the library I suppose! 🙂
Happy to hear the Kenny concert was a blast, though not surprised – and too cool that John Mayer showed up too! 😀 As for your WIP: Honestly I always say even the tiniest words are words you didn’t have before. Keep up the positive thoughts and I am sure it’ll work out.
Happy early 6th (??) birthday to C! May this year be filled with fun!
P.S. For once in a blue moon, I updated my blog!
Boo to B&N! I hate when politics get involved with book availability. Stock quality books, bookstores! I hope you’re able to find OCD LOVE STORY too. I thought it was excellent!
Looking forward to checking out your post today, Rachel!
Revisions are no fun, but work through it. The end result will be so rewarding. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I promise to continue plugging along. 🙂
I love that your daughter is a reader. I am working with my son on early reading, slowly but surely, he’ll get there. He’s not even four yet, so I am not being to stringent.
I hate with WiP’s are uncooperative, but it still sounds like a productive week! Well done.
It seems like kiddos who have parents who love reading end up loving books themselves. It’s especially fun reading with my girl now that she can actually read independently. Your kiddo will be there before you know it! Have a great week, Rebekah!
Oh my gosh, that picture of cookies made my mouth water. Glad you had fun at the kenny chesney concert! I really want to pick up Tiger Lily, glad to know you’re enjoying it. Sometimes I get mad at my WIP too, when it happens I usually turn my attention over to a different story to get my mind straight.
Definitely pick up TIGER LILY when you can, Prerna. I am loving it so much! Hope you have a wonderful week. 🙂
Things are going okay with my WIP revisions so far, but I know trouble’s just down the road. I have a sub-plot to add, and I know it still needs polish. Much of my revising right now is for voice. It’s just taking such a long time to do. So, I sympathize. Though I’m sure yours will turn out awesome in the end. Hopefully your daughter’s birthday celebrations will prove a welcome break and a chance to come back to the WIP refreshed.
I hope you have a fun week, Katy! 🙂
Ugh… Revisions are SO tricky. I love revising, but yeah. Such a challenge! I hope yours don’t torture you too much, Colin! And have a wonderful week!
Happy birthday to your delightful daughter! And good luck with your revisions. They can be really challenging to plod through when you’ve made significant changes to the plot or characterisation.
I only wrote about 6,000 words this past week, and am hoping my productivity gets back to normal after camp ends. At least slow progress is still progress.
Thanks so much, Carrie-Anne! I’d definitely count 6K words as awesome productivity — way to go!
I’m sorry to hear your WIP is being uncooperative. Mine has been lately too, so it must be something in the air this week. Looks like things have been awesome otherwise though. I’m not a country fan (much to my dad’s disappointment) but the concert sounds like a lot of fun. Have a great time celebrating your daughter’s birthday this weekend, and good luck with your pre-revisions and writing a new scene. I’m sure birthday cake will be the perfect writing fuel. 🙂
Thanks, Erin! I’m going to revise a bit tonight, so hopefully I’ll find a groove. I’m tired of struggling with my mess. Hope you have a great weekend!
Will you be reviewing OCD Love Story? I saw the book when it first came out, and it piqued my interest, seeing as, at that point, I was actually writing an OCD character falling in love – but I never got around to reading the book in the end.
Keep powering through your WIP. A couple of days ago, I was finding mine veering into places I hadn’t expected and just generally being uncooperative, but I know we can battle the stories into shape!
I will most definitely be reviewing OCD LOVE STORY, next week for a Bookanista/Debut Author Challenge post. I thought it was an excellent book, and I look forward to talking about why. 🙂
I love that your nails match OCD Love Story. So cute (as is the cover design of that book)! Also, it’s very awesome that your concert night was such a fun one. It definitely sounds like it was a good time (but then again, when isn’t it when a party bus w/friends is involved?)!
The cookie looks and sounds divine. Om nom nom!
Good luck with your WIP goals, and happy early birthday to your daughter! Yay for birthday parties! 🙂 Can’t wait to see the pictures.
I think there might be something rather OCD about my nails matching the book I was reading. 😉 And of course I’ll share lots of birthday photos next week. Have a great weekend, friend!
Tiger Lily sounds like something I’d love. I’ll have to add it to my TBR list. I’m with you on feeling bleh about last week’s writing. I was wondering why the Twitter parties were few and far between, and it seems I wasn’t the only one in a rough patch. I saw your pictures of the cupcakes and guitar for the birthday party–I think you’re probably the best mom ever. 🙂 I hope it goes well and good luck with your writing goals this week!
Liz, I totally think you’d like TIGER LILY. It’s dark and bittersweet and beautifully written. And thank you so much for your sweet comment about my mom-ness. I definitely try my best. 🙂 Let’s try to Twitter-write sometime in the next few days!
Yay for summer reading! I love the summer reading program. I loyally participated in it from 3rd grade and all throughout high school and I get a kick that my kids enjoy it too. Such a great accomplish for your little girl. Happy birthday from all of us to her!
I’m mad at my WIP too. I hope that by Wednesday we’ve made up… 🙂
Thanks, Tif… Here’s hoping you and your WiP had a better week than last week. My WiP and I have *almost* made up. 🙂