“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…
What I’m Reading: I finished Cristin Terrill’s All Our Yesterdays and loved it. Highly recommend! Now I’m reading 17 & Gone by Nova Ren Suma. I’m not super far along yet, but the mystery is intriguing and the writing is gorgeous.
What I’m Writing: I’m still spending most of my work time beta/CP reading (aMaZiNg stories by Mandie Baxter, Riley Edgewood, and Alison Miller), but I have started revising The Road So Far (I’m happy to find that I still love it after six weeks away), and I’m thinking about my next project. Last week I asked my husband what I should write and his answer was REALLY GOOD. We’ve been brainstorming together (which is odd because he rarely helps me with writing stuff, but very cool too!) and I’m feeling super inspired.
What Else I’ve Been Up To: More of the usual…
I’m enjoying what’s left of Florida’s beautiful summer…
Watching Daphne and Daisy act extra cute…
And cheering on the sweetest little cheerleader.
What Works For Me: Visual inspiration. I use Pinterest obsessively and have boards for all my writing projects. I finally made my Where Poppies Bloom board public, though some WiP boards are still secret, like that of the story I’m musing now. Here are a few of the images I’ve pinned so far…
Tell me… What’s up with you today?
katyupperman.com 
I still haven’t read anything by Nova Ren Suma, but everyone raves about her so I’m going to have to add her to my TBR list, I think.
I love that your husband gave you a great idea for your next writing project and that you’ve been brainstorming together. My hubby is beta reading my last WIP now, and I find his input super helpful. There should be an award for supportive guys like that. Best of luck with this shiny new idea! 🙂
You’re right! We need to initiate the Supportive Husband Award. 🙂 At the very least, if I ever sell a book, mine will get my first dedication. Here’s hoping yours gives you excellent feedback on your story, Erin!
That inspiring board of yours is very inspiring…and I´m dying to know what your husband answered! 🙂
Good luck with revising, Katy. You can do it!
Once I get this story idea nailed down and feel that it’s actually going to go somewhere, I’ll email you all the details. It’s sort of muddled right now. 🙂 Have a great week, Elodie! I hope you’re all settled soon. I’ve been thinking of you! ❤
I loved ALL OUR YESTERDAYS, too! I really need to read 17 & GONE. IMAGINARY GIRLS was fantastic.
I use secret Pinterest boards for future projects as well. Sometimes it can help to have the inspiration right in front of you!
Have fun brainstorming and revising! ^_^
I liked IMAGINARY GIRLS a lot too, Emma, and so far, 17 & GONE is equally excellent. Have a great week, lady!
I really really liked 17 & GONE. I loved IMAGINARY GIRLS more for the sister story/really unreliable narrator but 17&G was also creepy. Nova Ren Suma is amazing and I’m always sad she is so underrated!! Pinterest is my jam, too. 😉
I agree — Nova’s books don’t seem to get enough attention. Her writing is so beautiful and brave. I’m a fan! And yay for Pinterest! 😉
Awesome that your hubby is brainstorming with you. Whenever I ask mine for “boy” advice, he grumbles that he’s not a teen boy. And I tell him he was once 🙂
I’ve got a very similar pic of my tuxedo cat – your furry family is adorable!
Thanks, Jennifer! My husband makes fun of me for taking so many pictures of our animals, but I just can’t help myself. 🙂 Have a great week, lady!
17 & Gone is magnificent! All of Nova’s books are magical, in both their writing and the storytelling.
It’s great that your husband is brainstorming with you, and being an active part of the process with you. I think that’s really great.
Thanks for sharing your successes this week! I love this meme because reading others’ successes just inspires me to keep striving for my own.
I’m inspired by WUW posts every week, too, Bailey! Knowing that all of the participants are moving forward with their projects makes me want to work all the harder. Have a wonderful week!
I’ve never gotten into pintrist, but I’m glad it works well for you. Have a great week!
Thanks, Kate! Give Pinterest a shot if you’re ever feeling stuck, creatively. It helps me a lot. Also, lots of great dessert recipes. 🙂
I think it’s so fun to brainstorm with your partner. I get so many good ideas that way that really his name should be on the cover. 😉
And I’m with you on loving Pinterest Boards. Most of mine stay secret, but sometimes when I get stuck, it really helps to stare at them for a bit.
Also, your pictures are always so adorable! Cutest family ever. (fur-babies included) 😉
My husband has helped me brainstorm my way out of plot holes, and he’s come up with ideas before, but this is the first that sparked real excitement in me. So fun to get his opinion on all of the little related ideas that are coming to me now! And thanks for your super sweet words about my family. I like them too. 🙂 Have a wonderful week, Kris!
That is so cool that your hubby helped you come up with a new story idea! My husband is great for bouncing ideas off of, but we haven’t yet come up with an idea together. You and I are on the same page today with pictures as inspiration. It works so well for me too. I think the idea for creating a mood board is all thanks to you mentioning it this summer, so thanks! It’s been very helpful so far. Hope you’re having a great week! 🙂
Yes! I loved your mood board today! It’s got poppies, and you know I’m a fan. 🙂 I love to make them too. I’ve got one for THE ROAD SO FAR (which I’m revising now) set as my desktop background. Have an awesome week, Jaime!
Lots of people seem to use Pinterest for inspiration. I’ve avoided it mostly because I’m afraid of time wasting, but I do love finding pictures to go along with my WIPs.
I’ve been using Pinterest for years, like, since it was in beta form and invite one (weird, because I’m usually late to trendy parties) so the newness has definitely worn off. But, I used to waste HOURS pinning things. Beware! It’s super helpful once you get going, both for story inspiration and cookie recipes. 🙂 Have a great week, Melanie!
Intrigued by your new story, and that is so cool that your husband is involved this time! Gah, what could it be??? 🙂 Also, I love your Poppies board! Some of the quotes on there are shivery-delightful!
Nova Ren Suma can write. I haven’t read IMAGINARY GIRLS, though I have it, but I did read 17 & Gone, and wow can she write (and write magical realism!).
Thanks, Alice! I kind of love my POPPIES board too. I’ve been accumulating those images for years! And yes, yes, yes regarding Nova Ren Suma’s writing skills. She kind of makes me want to throw in the towel! Have a wonderful week, lady!
I’m obsessed with my Pinterest boards as well, where I normally have multiple for each book. One for a character – clothes, bedroom, style, precious objects, one for the theme(s) of the book, one for setting, etc. It really helps to “see” it all laid out in concrete visual images – then all you have to do is describe what you see. Plus, it’s a great way to spend 5-10 minutes when you haven’t the energy to focus on the writing bit.
I really miss Florida! Normally I spend a month there every winter but now that I’m living across the pond, it’s not possible. I go to the St. Petersburg area with a trip to Clearwater to see Winter and a trip to Sanibel to collect seashells with my daughter. I sure miss fresh Grouper on my dinner plate!
We went to Clearwater to see Winter last month! So fun! My daughter and I love Dolphin Tale and we were so excited to “meet” its star. 🙂 I do really enjoy living in FL, though I’m a west-coast girl, so it takes some getting used to. I am loving all the sunshine, though! Have a great week, lady!
Jamie talked about Pinterest boards, too. I think you may have hit upon the one thing Pinterest may be of use for, for me!
Oh, Wendy, Pinterest is a black hole of usefulness! 😉 It’s a major time-suck if you’re not careful, but awesome for writing/story information and inspiration, and I also use it for collecting recipes. I’ve found some definite winners there! Best of luck if you give it a try. 🙂
I have a Pinterest, but I lost interest in it because it just reminded me that I’m not a rich, clever, or fashionable as I’d like to be, and that I’m not much of a cook either. 🙂
Perhaps if I just focus on secret, story boards, though!
Ha! I know what you mean! I hope you find it useful for story inspiration. 🙂
Your pics are always so great! And I’m a big fan of Nova’s work too. She’s definitely on my list of underrated authors.
Thanks, Adrianne! And I agree — Nova is totally underrated. I can’t wait to read her 2015 book, THE WALLS AROUND US!
I’ve also read IMAGINARY GIRLS and have been wanting to pick up 17& GONE. Love your photos. Looks like your Pinterest board is something I can click on so I’m off to check that out. Good luck with the revisions and new story ideas! (Sounds like you’ve got a great helper!)
Thanks so much, Sheri! I hope you enjoy 17 & GONE as much as I have. Have a wonderful week!