“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. If you’re participating, make sure to link your What’s Up Wednesday posts to the list on Jaime’s blog each week. That way, others can visit your post and check out what you’ve been up to.And now, here’s what’s up with me this week…And now, here’s what’s up with me this week…
What I’m Reading: I finished The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu (out in June) and totally dug it, and I read Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson and fell head-over-heels in love. I talked about both books in more detail in my March Reading Wrap-Up. Over the weekend, I read The Infinite Moment of Us. Since reading Shine, I’ve become a fan of Lauren Myracle’s style and prose, and Wren and Charlie’s story really impressed me. This is one steamy book, friends, and I kind of loved it. (Though, the ending — I definitely could’ve used one more scene for the sake of closure!) Now, I’m reading The Symptoms of My Insanity by Mindy Raf and it is aWeSoMe! Seriously funny, and with a voice that’s just fantastically unique. How is this book not getting more hype?
What I’m Writing: Nothing, technically. But I am doing a lot of mental brainstorming for my Shiny New Idea, and I’m pinning all kinds of images and research sites to a (currently) secret Pinterest board. I’ve also been doing lots of beta reading, which has been a pleasure. I learn so much from immersing myself in the fantastic work of my talented friends.
What Else I’ve Been Up To: I’ve been weirdly sick over the last week. I’ll spare you the details, but it hasn’t been much fun. My girl and I have been laying low, watching a lot of The Voice and reading a lot of books. We did venture out of the house to see Noah, which sucked, frankly. There are fallen angels made of of stone, a creepy warlord who’s a descendant of Cain, plus a totally bizarre storyline involving Emma Watson (the movie’s only bright spot) and neonaticide. It’s not the kid-friendly Bible story I recall, so… Don’t take your six-year-old.
My girlie and I have also been doing a lot of doodling. As I mentioned above, I’m musing my next writing project, and drawing has been a sort of palate cleanser. I’m able to let my mind wander without any real commitment. It’s kind of fun!
And then there are my two furry friends. I’ve been spending a lot of time with them, too. Cuteness overload, right?
What’s Inspiring Me Now: The essay Nuts and Bolts: “Thought” Verbs by Chuck Palahniuk will be a year old in August, but I only just stumbled across it. I’ve gotta say, it’s one of the best “how to write” articles I’ve ever read, and it totally changed the way I think about point-of-view and showing vs. telling and the work required to truly paint a picture for readers. I think it’s a must-read for writers at any stage of the game. (I’ve already reread it!)
And… Shiny New Idea inspiration!
Tell me… What’s up with you today?
katyupperman.com 
Those last pictures are making me all kinds of curious about this SNI! Share soon please! Also, I hope you’re feeling better! Being sick when the weather’s nice is horrible. Okay, being sick is horrible. Get better. Soon! 🙂
And yes – THE INFINITE MOMENT OF US. Good steamy, but Charlie and Wren definitely needed an ice bath! Also, how weird is it that I read three books last year with characters named Wren?
Love the doodles! Have a great week, Katy!
That is weird… Now I’m wondering what the other Wren books were. And thank you; I am feeling better. Finally!
Hi Katy! What a great article about thought verbs! I thought (haha) I was pretty good about not using those in general (realized, wondered) but realized (haha) after reading that I have some work ahead of me!
I hope you’re feeling better soon. Take care of yourself! ❤
Yeah, I’m a big old fail on those thought verbs, especially in first drafts. My list WiP is in 3rd person, which I’ve found is even trickier. Great info though, right? Have a great week, Sara!
Hope you are feeling better soon! And yeah, NOAH did not look good to me at all so I will definitely pass. I liked THE INFINITE MOMENT OF US but not as much as SHINE…To me it was really cheesy and insta-love and the ending def needed some more umph to it(hey we can agree on that!) I need to go scramble and do a What’s Up Wednesday Post. 🙂
Yes, I definitely wanted more from the end of INFINITE and looking back, I recall a few cheesy moments. But that must’ve been what I was in the mood for, because they didn’t bother me too much. And yes, I agree that SHINE is overall a “better” book. Also, don’t waste your time on Noah. Boo. 😉
I’d really like to read Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour – so far I’ve heard only good things about it. 🙂
I hope you’re feeling better soon!
Oh, it’s AMAZING. In my top five favorite YA contemps. 🙂 And I am feeling better… Thank you!
I hope you feel better soon, Katy! Also, so excited for you about your shiny new idea – I absolutely love the planning and dreaming stage. So much possibility ❤ I loved the picture of your adorable dog and cat, and also loved the doodles that you shared! I had no idea that you are talented as an artist too – all those swirling lines and cheerful colors are pretty much my favorite 🙂 Big week for us over here as E is turning six tomorrow! Lots of mama planning, but also a special week for reflecting, too. Hope you have a great day, and I definitely plan on checking out that article link you shared, thank you ❤
Tem! First, I totally owe you an email. It’s coming — promise. 🙂 And yes, this stage if daydreaming and throwing ideas around (I’ve bounced a few off C!) is such a pleasure. One of my favorite parts of the process. 🙂 Happiest of birthdays to your beautiful girl! I can’t wait to hear all about your celebration. More in tonight’s email. ❤
I can’t wait to hear more about your SNI 🙂 Sorry you haven’t been feeling well. I have an SNI, too that I want to put time into but am trying to wrap up outlining. Feel better soon!
You’re so awesome about researching and outlining! I’m an outliner too, but sometimes I can’t help but to start writing, even if all my planning isn’t done yet. Have a great week, Liz!
Timely article about “thought” verbs – my characters WANT a whole lot and I have to nip that in the bud.
Awww to your pet pic. My tabby cat goes a little nutty when he hears the neighbor’s dog, so I don’t think I’ll ever have luck getting him to pose with a puppy. I can dream though 🙂
I’m actually really surprised by how tolerant Daisy is of Daphne the kitty. She’s the sweetest dog ever, but she does not take kindly to any of the cats we see out on walks. Daphne must be especially charming. 🙂 Have a great week, Jen!
I can’t wait to read THE TRUTH ABOUT ALICE! I read a sample chapter online, and it was excellent.
Feel better this week!
Yeah, the whole story holds up to that first chapter, Rebecca. It’s a pretty fantastic book!
Cute pets! I’m a sucker for the fuzzy ones.
That Chuck Palahniuk article is brutal. I wanted to toss my laptop across the room the first time I read it. It’s kind of maddening to consider it when writing because I feel like I can’t write. But stepping back, I have to remind that a first draft isn’t polished, and that type of stuff comes with later editing. If you think too hard on every little mechanic when drafting I don’t think we’d ever finish drafts.
I’m looking forward to The Truth About Alice since the writer and I share an agent!
I think you’ll love THE TRUTH ABOUT ALICE, Stephanie. I was super impressed by how it was executed. And I totally know what you mean regarding that article. It’s definitely advice I have to ignore while I’m drafting!
I’ve heard that “Noah” is cinematically impressive, but in terms of being a faithful account of the Biblical story… umm… notsomuch. In fact, it manages to miss all the major important theological points, and deals with the Genesis material with way too much artistic license. Needless to say, I’m not inclined to see it. Perhaps another case where the book was infinitely better than the movie. 😉
Those are fun little doodles, Katy! You and your daughter should consider co-authoring a picture book. 🙂
All the best with SNI thoughts and plans this week!
Definitely a case of the book being better than the movie, Colin! I just can’t even fathom how the movie makers thought the “artistic license” they were taking would be well-received by the majority. I thought the whole movie was ridiculous. Though, I suppose it did LOOK pretty. Funny you mentioned co-authoring a picture book… My daughter talks about doing that all the time. 🙂
Ooh, I like your SNI already just based on those pics!
I’ve heard the same things about Noah. I didn’t expect it to be like the bible story but I was hesitant to see it in the theatre. I think I’ll wait until it’s on the movie channel!
Sorry to here you were sick- hope you’re better now.
I am feeling better, Melanie. Thank you! And yeah, I’d definitely wait for Noah to be free on TV if you’re going to watch it. Let me know if you find it as absurd as I did. 🙂
Hope you feel better! Brainstorming a new project can be really fun. I’ll have to check out that article!
Hope you find that article helpful, Emma! Have a great week!
I hope you’re feeling better this week. I’ve really enjoyed seeing your doodles on Instagram – you’re REALLY good at it! I could see those as prints sold on Etsy. 😉
I’ve heard really good things about THE SYMPTOMS OF MY INSANITY. I love the sound of it so I’m excited to read it soon.
Thanks for sharing that article – I’ll check it out. And have fun brainstorming and pinning for your SNI!
Oh, your words about my doodles are far too kind. But thank you! We’ll have to chat about THE SYMPTOMS OF MY INSANITY once we’ve both finished reading. I’m really liking it so far! Have a great week, Ghenet!
Just read that Chuck Palahniuk article and…I feel like the worst writer ever lol. I bookmarked it so I can read it again when I tackle my WiP in another revision. Sorry to hear that you’ve been sick, Katy. That’s really crummy. 😦 Hope you’re feeling better soon. I like that you’ve made the most of your time hanging with your girlie and furry friends and doodling (love the pics!). Very cool. I added THE SYMPTOMS OF MY INSANITY to my Goodreads TBR list. I remember hearing about it, but for some reason forgot to add it before. I like books with great voice, so I’ll have to check this one out.
Have a great week, Katy!
Hope you enjoy INSANITY once you get a chance to read it, Jaime. I’m really liking it so far! And I am feeling much better. Thanks so much! Have a great week, lady!
Those are really nice doodles. I really need to do more drawing. It’s been awhile since I regularly drew. Nowadays, I only draw every so often, though I have such a nice, almost-empty sketchbook and some great sets of colored pencils and art-quality markers.
You’ll have to share your art one of these days, Carrie-Anne! Have a wonderful week. 🙂
Going to read the Chuck Palahniuk article, and you reading wrap up, pronto! Glad you dug The Truth About Alice! Loved it and Jennifer is awesome. I read The Infinite Moment of Us in November, and was, yeah, whoa steamy. I blushed.
Hope you are feeling better, Katy!
Ha! I blushed too! I read some of the steamier bits in a public waiting room — yikes! Have a fantastic week, Rebekah!
Now I want to check out that Chuck Palahniuk essay 🙂
You should! As Stephanie said, it’s brutal. But, it’s also super insightful and helpful. 🙂
Holy artistic talent, Batman! I love your doodles! They are gorgeous. 🙂 I can’t wait to check out the Chuck Palahniuk essay. And I see more books to add to my TBR pile. Hope you’re feeling better soon! Have a great week!
Thanks so much, Steph! You’re too kind. 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful week as well!
Hello hot guy and a tiny bikini!!! Love it!
Haha! It’s not a Katy WiP unless there’s a hot guy in it. 😉
I’ve been wanting to read SYMPTOMS OF MY INSANITY since I saw the cover, but then I forgot about it. Thanks for reminding me it’s out there now 🙂
And yes, the new Noah movie is odd. It’s based off of a graphic novel that’s based on a Noah that takes place in a different world, which my brother warned me about so I figured that wasn’t the type of movie for me. Even though there is Emma Watson.
Sounds like your new idea is going to be an interesting one. Enjoy the brainstorming stage, that’s always a fun one 🙂
I did not know that Noah was based off a graphic novel set in a different world. Clearly I should’ve done a little more research because I wouldn’t have gone to see it had I known it would be so… creative. Have a wonderful week, Kim!
Hope you’re feeling much better soon, Katy. A little down time is nice for mulling over your SNI, but it’s too bad it comes at the price of feeling crummy. I’m glad you enjoyed AMY & ROGER’S EPIC DETOUR! I loved that one too. I really need to check out that link to Chuck Palahniuk’s article. You always have such useful links in your posts. It gives me a little homework to do each Wednesday after I’m done WUW stuff. Have an awesome week!
Glad you find the articles I link helpful, Erin. I figure if I can pick up tips from them, then my writing buddies can too. Have a great week, lady!
THE SYMPTOMS OF MY INSANITY sounds good. I love that cover. It’s going to go on my list. Thanks! Have a great weekend!
I love the cover of THE SYMPTOMS OF MY INSANITY too. So bold and a little erratic, which is very much like the story itself. I hope you enjoy it once you get a chance to read it, Amy!
I love your blog; added you to my blogroll! I’m on spring break from teaching this week. I should be reading for inspiration and working on chapter 2 of my book, but I’m also weirdly sick and haven’t felt like doing much of anything 😦 Hope you and your girl get well soon!
Thanks so much, Heather! I hope you feel better very soon and have time to enjoy your spring break. Best of luck with your writing… I look forward to hearing more about it!
Glad to hear you have a shiny new idea. What fun! Mental brainstorming is important, too. Thanks for the warning about Noah, and the two furry friends are adorable.
Thanks, Kirsten! Hope you’re writing is going well!
I remember seeing the trailer for NOAH before DIVERGENT and thinking, “I know it’s been awhile since I’ve cracked open a Bible, but…” So it’s unfortunate to see that my impression was correct.
I’ve been loving all of your adorable pet pictures on Instagram. Definitely getting a cat once I live in a place that will let me have one!
I’ve never been a cat person before (I actually used to really dislike them!) but little Daphne has become my BFF. She’s a good writing buddy. 🙂 And yeah… Don’t waste your time with Noah!
Hope you’re feeling better! I love your furry babes, so cute! 🙂
Thanks so much, Crystal! Have a great weekend. 🙂