(I plan to do a “Currently…” post every other Tuesday. You should join me! Find the origins of the idea HERE.)
Loving
My New York & Company 7th Avenue Design Studio Knit Pants, which look like dress slacks and fit like yoga pants, currently buy one, get one free. The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression, which I bought because my writing descriptions are starting to feel quite stagnant; I’m loving how this craft book gives me fresh perspective. Shenandoah National Park, which we’ve now hiked twice — so beautiful. The YA Buccaneers, who invited me to guest post about my experience submitting to Swoon Reads. And my new Erin Condren notebook, which I’m using to compile family recipes and my go-to Pinterest favorites; it’s mostly filling up with desserts.
Reading
I finally finished Grave Mercy by Robin LeFevers. It took me for-freaking-ever to get through, but that is in no way a reflection of my feelings about the book — I loved it! Ismae is a badass, and her story transported me to 15th century Brittany completely; I was totally caught up in the political intrigue and, of course, the most excellent romance. Now, I’m reading Shattered Blue by Lauren Bird Horowitz, a romance involving a girl and a Fae — not usually my thing. But this recent release is set at a Monterey boarding school, which is so totally my thing. Plus, the writing is gorgeous. I’m really liking it so far!
Watching
My new favorite You-Tuber, Ashley at That is All. I discovered her a few months ago while pouring over planner reviews (her review was a big part of the reason I bought an InkWELL Press planner for 2016), though the main focus of her channel is makeup. She’s delightful and she has cute kitties and I’ve picked up a few excellent skin care products on her recommendation.
Listening To
Am I the only gal who ends up with an anthem for each manuscript she drafts? For my current WiP, I’m listening to Matt Nathanson’s Faster on repeat, all the time. It’s inspiring all the romance. ❤
Thinking About
The tragic terrorist attacks that occurred in France and Beirut last week. My heart is broken for everyone affected.
Anticipating
The holidays. My husband and daughter love the many foods associated with Turkey Day (I love the pie) and my parents are coming for a visit during Christmastime. Looking forward to getting started on my seasonal decorating and shopping. Our Elf on the Shelf will be here before we know it. 🙂
Wishing
That she will always fall asleep with a book in reach.
Making Me Happy
I have a job! Well, sort of. I recently joined the pool of substitutes in Fairfax County, hoping to work two or three days a week at my daughter’s elementary school. But on my first day of eligibility, I was offered a multiple-week position as an instructional assistant in one of the resource rooms. So, I get to visit various classrooms and work with kids on various subjects, including reading and writing, which is awesome. The only downside is that my daily drafting time has all but disappeared. Who wants to do nighttime sprints with me?
What’s currently making YOU happy?
katyupperman.com 
Katy, congrats on the job and the new planner. I am so excited your girl is reading ELLA ENCHANTED – that is one of my favorite books and I think I’ve reread it a ton every year. Very feminist and awesome (and especially that the girl and guy don’t get together until the end and become friends first through letters and *SWOON*). I too am thinking about the global deaths and how frightening this time is. Wondering what will be done next, what will happen, what can be resolved, if so how can it? Lots of thoughts over here…
I’ve never read ELLA ENCHANTED! I have seen the movie, but maybe I’ll steal the book from C when she’s done. 🙂 And I’m with you — lots of thoughts. I wish I could DO more… Hope your week is good, lady!
Yay! I’m so happy you loved GRAVE MERCY. What’s not to love about Gavriel Duval, right? Congrats on the new job! I hope your evening writing sessions will be super productive, since you won’t have time to write during the day anymore. I keep meaning to do a Currently post, but things have been busy. One of these days maybe! 🙂
I adored Gavriel! He’s totally my book-guy type. 🙂 And yeah… I have done exactly zero writing in the evenings since I started subbing. 😩 I’m working with higher-needs kids and I am mentally exhausted by the time I get home. But, I’m liking the job a lot and it’s nice to be out of the house and among people a little more. 🙂 Hope you have a lovely rest of the week, Erin, and I hope you’re able to join me for a Currently post soon!
Congrats on the job!
I also have “anthems” for WIPs. I’ll make a playlist but there’s always that one song that stands out.
Enjoy your week!
Same, Jennifer! I have playlists for all my WiPs, but there’s always that one fantastically perfect song. 🙂 Have a great week, lady!
Congrats on the job, and I will most definitely do night-time (which would be not-so-night-time for me) sprints with you. I need to get writing again. I wrote a poem about how much non-writing I was doing the other day, and it was truly awful. Bleck.
Looking forward to the holiday food too and reading more. Have loved seeing your hike pictures. It’s so beautiful!!
Yay! I love that you wrote a poem about NOT writing. That seems like a really good way to make yourself, you know, WRITE. 🙂 And I’m definitely down for sprints. I need the motivation and accountability. Have an awesome week, Alice!
Congrats on the new job! It sounds perfect for you. 🙂 I’m an evening writer (the whole job thing has cut into my writing time, too) and am always up for a sprint!
Kaitlin, you have to teach me your tricks — I’ve been so drained by the time I get home, make dinner, deal with our pets, blah, blah, blah, that I’ve had zero energy left for writing. Share your magic! Hope you have a wonderful rest of the week! ❤