“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 All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven and oh, my gosh… It was incredible. Like, so, so good. I already suspect it’ll be among my most-loved 2015 releases. Now, I’m reading Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy, which is fantastic so far. Incidentally, if you’re not listening to Sarah Enni’s First Draft podcast, you should be. Last week she interviewed Julie, who was endlessly delightful. It was their transparent and engaging conversation that made me want to rescue Side Effects from my towering TBR pile.
What I’m Writing: I got feedback on my road trip book, The Road So Far, from my agent. I’m pleased to report that she loved it — phew! Of course, this book’s a follow-up, so its predecessor has to sell first, but it’s such a relief to know that she understands what the story is meant to be and is on-board.
As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been dragging my feet on finishing my NaNo book, Stars Like Dust, and I’m starting to realize that the reason for my procrastination is… I screwed something up along the way –> the pacing of what will eventually be the final third. I was discussing the problem with my husband the other day and he said (plainly, like the solution was obvious), “Why don’t you just have [important event] come before [other important event]. And I was like… “Huh.” Negative: The fix is going to be a pain in the butt. Positive: The fix is going to make the story much stronger. Goal: Adjust what’s already written, then replot the end of Stars Like Dust so I can tackle it during February’s writing retreat.
What Else I’ve Been Up To: We’ve been playing tourist in our own area, which is always fun. We move A LOT and in order to make the best of it, we make a point to see as much of each new “home” as possible…
We visited Destin’s Gulfarium, an aquarium that’s literally on the beach. My girl and I have been once before, but we wanted my husband to see how awesome it is, too. If you’re ever on the Emerald Coast, check it out!
We also visited Fort Barrancas, a centuries-old military fort and National Historic Landmark overlooking the Pensacola Bay. It’s very cool (especially if you’re into military history, like my husband) and the views are gorgeous.
This girl started her basketball season. It’s been so fun to watch her improve with every game. My sweet, gentle child is becoming so aggressive!
What Works For Me: What works for me? THIS…
Tell me… What’s up with you today?
katyupperman.com 
So glad your agent likes the book! Hooray 😀
And good luck sorting out the NaNo book. The big fixes are always the trickiest, but always worth it.
Have a brilliant week!
Thanks, Cole! Hope you have a fantastic week!
Yay for your agent liking the book! And LOL at your husband – mine is the same way with feedback. He’s always like, “you wrote it, why can’t you change the character or scene if you don’t like it?” As if it’s magically simple 🙂
I love playing tourist although it’s been way too long since I have.
Enjoy your week!
Funny how the most obvious fixes are often the hardest to see. Happy to have a husband and CPs who can offer fresh perspective. 🙂 Have a great week, Jennifer!
It’s great that your agent loved your book! I am a little nervous about showing my agent my next WIP—since she’s only read the MS that she offered rep on so far.
The books you’re reading look great! And your daughter has such a cute smile 🙂
I’m nervous every time I send my agent something! She’s always super supportive and enthusiastic, but still… Scary! Have an awesome week, Kim!
I really, really need to try out that podcast. Melanie–please remember to actually do it this week. It really sounds awesome, as does your writing world right now. Congrats on the agent liking the book. That’s so important.
Yes, Melanie, try to remember to check out First Draft, and let me know if you like it! Have a wonderful week!
Good luck with your revisions! Radical rewrites and restructurings are challenging, but sometimes they’re necessary.
There are a lot of places to visit in my area, though I don’t go to the downtown places very often anymore since getting my own car. Albany really does have a nice downtown (apart from a few areas it’s wise to steer clear of), but it’s so hard to find parking.
Yes, I think restructuring is definitely necessary in this case. Glad I’ve finally gotten to the bottom of the problem! Have a great week, Carrie-Anne!
I really enjoyed Side Effects May Vary, and Julie is just as awesome as she seems. Good people. 🙂 I’m so glad your agent liked your MS and that you are figuring out the revision. Such a wonderful feeling! Your daughter is a doll, but I’m glad to hear she’s got a (healthy) competitive spirit. Have a great week!
Thanks, Rebekah! I’m definitely enjoying SIDE EFFECTS, and Julie seems wonderful from what I’ve seen on social media. It’s awesome when authors are as cool as their books. Have a great week, lady!
Woohoo! I’m glad your agent loved the book. Enjoy writing this week, and good luck with revisions.
My What’s up Wednesday post.
Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful week as well! 🙂
After putting up my last vlogagram, I went out and bought ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES. I’ve just heard so many great things about it and can’t wait to read it! I keep meaning to check out Sarah Enni’s podcast too. Your hubby sounds like a great sounding board. Awesome that he was able to help you sort out what was causing you grief in your draft. I think that’s pretty great. 🙂 And YAY for your agent loving your WiP!!!
Have a wonderful week all around, Katy!
I’m so glad you’re going to read ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES, Jaime! That book really tugged at my heart, and the voice and writing are wonderful. I hope you enjoy it! Have an awesome week, lady!
Glad to hear your agent loved the book! Those big fixes can be tricky, but it’s great that you’ve figured out how to fix it. Good luck! 🙂
Thanks, Emma! I think I’m going to need luck for this one. 🙂
Yay for your agent liking the book! Changes are a pain, but it’s always wonderful to see how shiny the book comes out afterwards. Enjoyed the pictures – the fort looks like a lot of fun.
The fort was really cool, Tonja. Check it out if you’re ever in the Pensacola area. Have a great week, lady!
Every time I read that title- Stars Like Dust- it makes me happy. =) Your small trips look like fun + dolphins!
Aww, thanks, Leandra! I love that title too, though I can’t take credit since I borrowed it from a Rumi poem. Have a wonderful week!
Haha – I discovered a glitch in my setting (kind of a big one that makes me sound like a hypocrite considering my research rant today) and so that’s going to require an overhaul – but thankfully not a huge one. Good luck with yours! You can do it and yes – sounds like it will make the story stronger!
Also, yay for awesome feedback! And I MUST read All the Bright Places! Especially after hearing your rave review!
Have a great week!
Well, you’re allowed to find glitches while you’re revising. That’s the point, right? 🙂 I bet you’ll be into ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES. It’s full of ALL the emotions, and I loved it! Have a great week, friend!
I am a First Draft addict! Thanks again for mentioning it a few weeks ago. So. Good. Ah, football. I have been feeling so homesick for football lately and rented Friday Night Lights this week for my fix 🙂 Thanks for the video and congrats on your agent liking the book! Have a great week!
Aaah! I LOVE Friday Night Lights! I’m a football fan in general, plus Tim Riggins. ❤ So glad you're liking that podcast, Carrie. So inspiring! Have an awesome week!
Definitely have to put All the Bright Places on my TBR. And I’ve heard wonderful things about Side Effects May Vary.
Have a great week!
Yes, they’re both awesome books, Melanie. Enjoy, and have an awesome week!
Yay for positive feedback from your agent! What a load off your mind, I’m sure. 🙂 And that is so awesome that you can run ideas past your husband – and better yet, that he fixes them for you! Have a great week!
Yes! My agent is awesome and super enthusiastic and positive, but sending her stuff is ALWAYS scary. Such a relief to know that she gets it. Have a wonderful week, Kitty!
Sometimes those big fixes can be a pain! But once you’re finished it always feels great to have a stronger story. 🙂
Oh, they’re definitely going to be a pain, but hopefully they’ll be worth it! Have a great week, Crystal!
I kinda hate when I have to back up and change something because it usually means hours of wasted time, but the end result is worth it, right?
Totally worth it, Niki, yes! I mean, I guess it’s hard to learn the RIGHT way to structure a story without doing it wrong first, especially since this was a NaNo story and I didn’t spend nearly as much time plotting as I might have otherwise.
I was thinking of you today (not in a creep way; in a we-haven’t-chatted-in-a-while way) so I’m glad you did this post. 🙂 So happy your agent liked the road trip novel. Yay! And, you know, my husband is the least literary person I know, but talking things out with him helps so much. He’ll have the same kind of reaction as yours and I’m like, WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?! Glad you figured it out, though. Now you have something to work toward aside from pulling teeth. 🙂
You’re right — it’s been too long since we last caught up. And now that I saw your amazing news this morning, I’m starting to realize how busy you must’ve been over the last few weeks. Congrats on being officially agented, Trace. So excited for you!
YAY that your agent liked your book! What a relief! 😀 Also glad that you found a way to fix what was off in your WIP. It might be a pain, but at least now you know what you have to do! It’s so helpful to get an outside perspective sometimes. Good luck with it! 🙂
Also, I have been loving your pictures. It does not look like winter at all in FL! It’s kind of like CA that way. 😉 And lastly, congrats to the Seahawks! That was a crazy game & while I’m sad for the Packers, I know so many of you WA peeps who are obviously thrilled with the outcome. So I’m happy as well. I don’t really have strong allegiances to either team, but Aaron Rodgers was QB when I was a freshman at Cal, so I always like to see him do well. On the other hand, I like to see Marshawn Lynch do well too (another Cal alum I got to see while there). So win-win really. 🙂
That’s so cool that you were at Cal with Marshawn Lynch! He’s such a badass, and it’s so fun to watch him play. I take it you’re cheering for the Seahawks for the Super Bowl, right? 🙂 Have a great week, Alice!
Love the First Draft podcast! Her voice is so soothing, my son often falls asleep when I listen to it in the car, haha… but of course that’s not the only reason I love it!
Good luck tackling that major revision! You can do it! 🙂
Her voice is soothing! I love the sense of community, too. Makes me feel less alone in my writer craziness. 🙂 Have an awesome week, Crystal!