Because you can’t have a bad day after watching this…
I hope you have a fantastic week!
Author: Katy Upperman
Bookanista Thursday
No review for me this week, but please do check out what some of my fellow Bookanistas have to share…
Rebecca Behrens leaps over THE MOON AND MORE by Saran Dessen
Elana Johnson has props for THE PLEDGE by Kimberly Derting
Tracey Neithercott croons about CROAK by Gina Damico
Kimberly Sabatini delves into THE INFINITE MOMENT OF US
by Lauren Myracle
What’s Up Wednesday
“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: I recently read In the House upon the Dirt between the Lake and the Woods by Matt Bell. It was… weird. Very literary and very dark. If you like adult fiction that steps way outside the box, you might want to check it out. Now I’m reading The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken, a futuristic dystopian/thriller. It’s action-packed and pretty fantastic so far.
What I’m Writing: Still plugging away at my WiP. I made a Love List for it and, despite all its 1st draft flaws, I do really and truly love this story. I wrote 5,913 words this week (my goal was 3,000) and I’m up to 32,592 total. Considering that I started Ready. Set. Write! with about 9,000 words, my forward progress makes me really happy. This baby is starting to feel like a story that’s finishable! A favorite bit written last week:
He’d just shredded a hole into his already precarious acquaintanceship with Dylan, a hole that could very well be beyond mending, yet here he was, instantaneously and inappropriately enamored with her sexy black underthings. But really… Who could blame him? It’d been months since he’d seen a bra.
My goal for the coming week is 3,000 words, which should be doable. I’m finding that writing at least 500 words a day is becoming a routine, one I definitely want to keep up as the summer begins to wind down.
What Else I’ve Been Up To: I’m honored to have been chosen to help judge the August Pitch+250 Contest held by one of my favorite blogs, Adventures in YA and Children’s Publishing. Submissions will be accepted starting Wednesday, July 31st at 6:00pm EST, and will close August 3rd at 11:00pm EST, or when 50 submissions are received, whichever comes first. If you’ve got a complete and polished manuscript, consider submitting a pitch (not a query) and the first 250 words of your story. All the details of the contest are HERE.
Also, over the weekend, we visited the The Old Mission in San Jaun Bautista. The Catholic church’s construction began in the early 1800s, ending in 18 12. The building and grounds are ornate and beautiful. We also explored San Jaun Bautista, which is a charming little town with some cool antique shops and a fabulous Mexican restaurant, Jardine de San Juan, that we totally pigged out at.
And, finally, I’ve been doing the mom thing, carting my girlie from activity to activity, supervising playdates, giving pedis, and reading countless stories. School starts August 7th in these parts, so I’m already beginning to mourn the end of summer. It’s flown by so quickly!
What’s Inspiring Me Now: My WiP’s new setting, based on a mash-up of a few small agricultural towns near us. I’m calling my tourism “research.”
What’s up with you today?
(If you’re a Ready. Set. Write! participant, don’t forget to enter our fantastic giveaway. Alison Miller, Elodie Nowodazkij, Erin Funk, Jaime Morrow, and I will be sending an awesome Writer’s Care Package to one lucky winner. The giveaway closes in one week. Find the Rafflecoptor and more details HERE.)
Love List ♥ ♥ ♥
Many moons ago, I read an inspirational guest post about Love Lists by contemporary young adult author Stephanie Perkins’ for author Natalie Whipple’s blog. Here’s what Stephanie had to say:
Whenever I begin a new project, I also begin a list called “What I Love About This Story.” I start by writing down those first ideas that sparked the fires of my mind, and then I add more ideas as I discover them during my push through early drafts. I use this list as a touchstone to remind myself during the hard times why my story is worthwhile. It’s easy to forget the GOOD STUFF when I’m wading through the muck, and the end is still months away, and it feels pointless and hopeless to continue. This list becomes a crucial reminder: Yes! This is a story worth telling!
Brilliant, right? Last year I made a Love List for Cross My Heart and, since I’m currently knee-deep in the Muddled Middle of my new WiP, I thought it might be a good time to write up its Love List. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far…
Best Friends
Boone’s Farm
Birthdays
Betrayal
Baseball
Bubble Gum
Small Towns
Red Hair/Freckles
Vintage Movie Theaters
Fast Cars
Full Moons
First Love
Desperate Love
Dancing Under the Stars
Dead Ends
Dusty Libraries
“Love is a splendid tragedy…”
Kissing (Obviously)
Tim McGraw
Train Tracks
Twiggy
Unspeakable Secrets
Escaping/Fleeing/Breaking Free
“Inside all of us is a wild thing…”
Have you ever made a Love List for a work-in-progress?
(If you decide to make a Love List for your WiP, let me know…
I’d love to check it out! Also, be sure to visit the Love List my friend Alison Miller posted today — it’s awesome!)
Bookanista Rec :: WHERE THE STARS STILL SHINE
Today’s Bookanista recommendation is
Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller (Sept. 24, 2013)
From Goodreads – Stolen as a child from her large and loving family, and on the run with her mom for more than ten years, Callie has only the barest idea of what normal life might be like. She’s never had a home, never gone to school, and has gotten most of her meals from laundromat vending machines. Her dreams are haunted by memories she’d like to forget completely. But when Callie’s mom is finally arrested for kidnapping her, and Callie’s real dad whisks her back to what would have been her life, in a small town in Florida, Callie must find a way to leave the past behind. She must learn to be part of a family. And she must believe that love–even with someone who seems an improbable choice–is more than just a possibility. Trish Doller writes incredibly real teens, and this searing story of love, betrayal, and how not to lose your mind will resonate with readers who want their stories gritty and utterly true.
So… This book is a challenge to critically evaluate because, for me, it read as pretty much perfect. A total Katy Book. I only have raving, fangirl-ish things to say about it — I loved Where the Stars Still Shine SO MUCH. It saddens me that I read it in the form of a graciously-loaned ARC because when I was done, I had to return it. I can’t admire its pretty spine on my shelf, and I can’t flip back through the novel to revisit my favorite parts (mostly involving Alex).
I cannot wait to own a copy of Where the Stars Still Shine come September.
Callie is my favorite sort of main character. She’s scarred and angry and confused — fate has dealt her an awful hand — yet she’s got a relatively mature perspective on life. She isn’t hateful to people who try to help, and she doesn’t let bitterness drag her down. Even though she makes mistakes, it’s exhilarating and gratifying to watch her grow into her new way of life. I was rooting for her every step of the way. I want to be Callie’s friend.
The cast of characters Callie finds in Tarpon Springs (a fantastic Florida setting I want to visit) give this story depth and vibrancy. Think My Big, Fat Greek Wedding, but with far less kitsch. Callie’s father, Greg, is incredible — understanding and kind and patient. Her cousin/new BFF, Kat, lightens the mood and keeps Callie honest. And Alex… Oh, Alex. How I adore him. As far as 2013 books go, he is far and away my favorite book boy (man? he’s nearly twenty-two…). In fact, Alex ranks right up there with Jonah and Cricket and Perry on my Swoonworthy YA Guys list. I totally understand why Callie took risks to be with him.
Trish Doller writes so beautifully, so naturally. Her weaving of Callie’s current challenges with (often troubling) anecdotes from the past felt seamless. The highs and the lows, the happy and the sad, the loving and the loathing — the novel was a complete emotional journey. It left me with a sense of hope that, at times, I wasn’t sure would come. I think Something Like Normal is an amazing story, but Where the Stars Still Shine is my new favorite Trish Doller novel.
Check out what my fellow Bookanistas are up to today!
Lenore Appelhans adores THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US by Kasie West
Christine Fonseca fawns over THE FUTURE OF US
by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
Elana Johnson is wowed with DUALED by Elsie Chapman
Nikki Katz is speechless over UNSPOKEN by Sarah Rees Brennan
Stasia Ward Kehoe flips for ALL THE TRUTH THAT’S IN ME by Julie Berry
What’s Up Wednesday (It’s giveaway time!)
“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!}
GIVEAWAY DETAILS TO FOLLOW!
What I’m Reading: I finished Katie McGarry’s Dare You To. It was an entertaining read. Beth, despite all odds, grew on me, and Ryan was pretty freaking adorable. If you like Pushing the Limits, you’ll probably like this one too. Now I’m reading The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, this month’s selection for YA Book Club, hosted by Tracey Neithercott. So far I’m… confused? I’m not sure I like the story, exactly, but I have this funny feeling that the end is going to be amazing and the payoff will be grand. Only time will tell.
What I’m Writing: I smashed last week’s 3,000 word goal with a grand total of 6,183 words for the week. The best part? I think there may actually be some good stuff hidden among all those words. Win! In other news, I’ve decided to change my WiP’s setting (for some reason I set it in a small Appalachian town I’ve never visited. Why, Katy?). I’m going to switch things up and set the story in a fictional California town, one based on a town that’s about an hour from where we live. The change shouldn’t be too drastic; I’ve still got the small town life atmosphere going for me, but I’ll have to do some adjusting regarding weather and scenery and other such details. Sounds tedious, but setting is kind of a big deal to me, so I’m excited about the change. I think I’ll do a better job of writing about a place I’ve actually been to. I like details. 🙂 Goal for next week: 3,000 words, along with some research on a few religious aspects of my story.
What Else I’ve Been Up To: We had a busy holiday weekend (belated Happy Fourth of July to all who celebrated!)…
Fireworks are strictly forbidden in our town which, frankly, is fine by me. So, on the Fourth, we headed to our favorite beach for a barbecue and a bonfire. It was a gorgeous night, and we had a blast hanging with friends, playing in the waves, and devouring delicious food.
I’ve been writing, therefor I’ve been baking. When I’m drafting, I’m usually good for about an hour before I have to get up and do something else (clean, run, play with my girl, whatever). My favorite thing to do is fix a treat because baking is mindless and the outcome is awesome. This week, I made Homemade Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (pictured left — no-bake!) and Oatmeal Bars with Dark Chocolate Frosting (pictured right, recipe from the Linen Napkins to Paper Plates cookbook). I also made a Banana Blueberry Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Nordy Bars. I went through tons of butter and chocolate chips.
On Sunday we hiked the Pinnacles and it was beautiful. We ventured through some caves and found a lovely man-made reservoir. It was about 95 degrees outside, so our hike was cut short by a sweaty, somewhat grumpy five-year-old, but it was definitely fun while it lasted.
What’s Inspiring Me Now: I’ve been suffering from a bout of Writer Crazies. Meaning, I’ve been second-guessing everything about my WiP (see the above comments about setting…). Is the story too weird? Too edgy? Are the characters unrelatable? Are they boring? New doubts contradict their predecessors, and then a whole new crop of insecurities emerges. I’m terrified that I’m getting it ALL WRONG, and that’s making me grouchy. But, I happened upon the following quote the other day, and it really hit home:
Lose the fear, Katy. Lose. The. Fear.
Ready. Set. Write! Giveaway
As promised by myself and Ready. Set. Write! co-creators Alison Miller, Elodie Nowodazkij, Erin Funk, and Jaime Morrow, participants in this summer’s most awesome writing intensive now have the opportunity to win a fantastic Writer’s Care Package featuring goodies from all over the world (literally!). Celebrate five weeks of writing productivity by entering to win a journal, tea, a mug, a book on craft, tasty treats, and other fantastic writing-related surprises.
To be considered eligible for the Ready. Set. Write! Giveaway you must have participated in AT LEAST one week of Ready. Set. Write! and shared an update of your goals and progress on your blog (most likely in the form of a What’s Up Wednesday post). To enter, click on the link below and fill out the Rafflecoptor with information about your Ready. Set. Write! progress, as well as any bonus entries you may have earned. The giveaway runs through Tuesday, July 23th. Winners will be announced Wednesday, July 24th. Open internationally.
Good luck, writers!
Tell me: What’s up with you today?
Quick: Three words!
I’ve been following mother/Australian/social-media-maven Fat Mum Slim (AKA Chantelle) for awhile now. Her Instagram feed is fantastic (she created #FMSPhotoADay) and her blog is an inspiration — full of tips on photography, entertaining, travel, and building a platform, as well as some very thoughtful reflections on parenting and life. I recommend following if you’re not already.
Anyway…
The other day, Chantelle posted the following question:
How would you describe your blog in just 3 words?
I’ve been blogging for over three years, and I love it. I’ve found my personal blogging style mostly through trial and error. While I’m sure I’ve made a few mistakes along the way, I’m very proud of what my blog has become. Through it, I’ve learned a lot and made some wonderful friends. I look forward to many more years of posting. Here’s how I’d describe my blog in 3 words:
Cheerful, conversational, bookish.
Tell me: What 3 words would you use to describe your blog?
On Book Nerdiness…
Last week, I wrote a Four Book Friday guest post for Mackenzi Lee‘s blog. In it, I discussed four books that have greatly impacted me. It was fun to reflect on all the books I’ve read and loved, and to dissect what it was about each one that affected me so deeply. Please do check the post if you’re so inclined…
Two of the books I chose for Four Book Friday (Blubber and The Face on the Milk Carton) are books I first read and fell in love with when I was (technically) a child. You see, I’ve always been an avid reader, an enthusiast of stories, and a collector of books. I recall being very young, using the slice of light cast into my bedroom from the hallway to page though tattered copies of Ramona and The Babysitters Club. I recall family visits to Waldenbooks (remember it?), turning squeaky racks packed with Sweet Valley High books, searching for the perfect paperback. I recall high school, disappearing into the library during lunch hour, where I devoured books instead of food.
Even now, I sneak bits of reading into my day. While on the elliptical at the gym. Blow drying my hair. Sitting in the spectator section during my daughter’s swim lessons. And I always read before I go to sleep at night. A good book is the perfect conclusion to any sort of day.
I am such a Book Nerd.
The other night I went into my girlie’s room to tuck her in and found her already asleep, snuggling her favorite doll and a book.
I can’t tell you how happy this sight makes me. It’s as if my life has made a full and complete circle… My baby is an emerging Book Nerd. I am so proud.
Are you a lifelong reader?
What kinds of books did you read when you were young?
What’s Up Wednesday
“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: I finished Jessica Spotswood’s Born Wicked. It’s an awesome book, but the ending! Cate… Finn… My heart! I need to get my hands on Star Cursed as soon as possible! I also read a middle grade story, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, which was absolutely beautiful. Thanks so much for recommending it, Tem! And in a jarring change of literary pace, I started Dare You To by Katie McGarry, which is pretty darn good so far. In fact, I think I like it even better than Pushing the Limits. Plus, there’s a fantastic scene-related playlist that includes tons of country music — yay!
What I’m Writing: I’m glad I scaled down my word count goal for the last week. Because we had family visiting, I knew my writing time would be limited, and I didn’t want clouds of guilt and pressure hovering over my head while we had company. I was shooting for 2,000 words and ended up doubling that with 4,012 words. The surplus is courtesy of a few bouts of insomnia (boo!), but I passed the 20K mark and I still like my story, so I can’t complain. In the next week, I’m hoping to add another 3,000 words to my story. Here’s an excerpt:
It’d been a weird month. Despite his parents’ not-so-subtle discouragement, Tyler had managed to leap into a new relationship just weeks after moving to Clayton City. This thing he’d started with Jenna was good, new and different and intoxicating, but it was far from effortless. The girl was sweeter than honey and the mere sight of her got him all hot and bothered, but her mood was precarious at best. She was never bad-tempered, exactly, but her timidness had a way of blurring into unjustifiable panic, and that scared Tyler shitless.
He was polite and considerate, had always heeded signals and treated girls with respect. He’d learned by example: Tyler had never heard his father utter a discourteous word in his mother’s direction. But when it came to Jenna, good manners fell just short of enough. Tyler was always on his toes, endlessly aware of and adjusting to her moods for fear of upsetting her.
He took off his hat and ran a hand through his sweat-dampened hair. Jenna… She was wound tighter than a monkey’s nuts and she made him anxious as hell, but she was exhilerating in a way he’d never experienced—a prize just out of reach. They’d been making out for a month and the kissing was really freaking good, but Tyler wanted more. Of course he did.
What Else I’ve Been Up To: I’ve gone a whole week without baking, so no tasty recipes to share, but I have been keeping busy with other things…
For starters, last week I hit a big running benchmark: I ran my 1,000 mile of 2013. I’ve been keeping track of my distances each day (whether they be on the road, treadmill, or elliptical), and as I inched closer and closer to the 1K mark, I started pondering physical locations 1,000 miles away that I could have run to. For example, Monterey Bay to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Or, Monterey Bay to Spokane, Washington. Not that I have a burning desire to go to Santa Fe or Spokane, but still… Fun to think about.
We had a wonderful visit with family last week. My daughter enjoyed plenty of cousin time, and we did lots of fun touristy things: the aquarium, Carmel, the beach. We also ate lots of yummy food and indulged in plenty of treats and laughs. Just look at those smiles…
What’s Inspiring Me Now: Lately I’ve read a couple of craft posts that have been both helpful and inspiring. First, Why the Hero’s Journey is a Tourist Trap by Lisa Cron (at Writer Unboxed), about focusing on your story, trusting your intuition, and continually asking why?. And second, Trouble Shooting Deep Point of View and Voice by Susan Dennard (at Pub[lishing] Crawl) about understanding your POV character’s world view, and the questions you can ask to get to know that character on a deeper level. I highly recommend both articles! What else…
A cool new book-related Instagram photo challenge, hosted by RaeGunRamblings. I’m having all kinds of fun with this one!
And, of course, gorgeous summer sunrises. The promise of views like the one above are what get me out of bed early each morning.
Tell me: What’s up with you this week?
June Reading Wrap-Up
I’m a visitor on Mackenzi Lee‘s blog today, talking about the four books that changed my life. You should totally check it out!
******
I read A LOT of books in June! Here are the highlights…
{Click on book covers for each novel’s Goodreads page.}
Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland – Nantucket Blue turned out to be just what I was expecting: beachy and romantic, a fresh take on mature contemporary YA. I adore its lovely, washed-out cover, and the fact that Jenny Han blurbed it, well… that says a lot.Pick up Nantucket Blue if you’re looking for a sweet, summer read with just the right amount of depth. My full Bookanista review is HERE.
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker – A beautifully written adult novel with a unique (and scary) premise. The Age of Miracles is a melancholy sort of book, but eleven-year-old protagonist Julia is easy to relate to, and her friendship with a sweet loner boy from her school keeps the novel from getting bogged down in sorrow. A definite recommend for fans of literary fiction with a light science fiction slant.
The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay – This novel is beautiful, beautiful, BEAUTIFUL. I finished it several weeks ago, yet I’m still thinking about its characters and, of course, their romance. A new addition to my Favorite Books of 2013 list. Find the acrostic poem review I wrote HERE.
Golden by Jessi Kirby – Jessi Kirby has become one of my go-to contemporary authors, a member of the same trusted group as Sara Zarr, Sarah Dessen, Gayle Forman, Sarah Ockler, and Stephanie Perkins. Golden is such a lovely story, part mystery, part romance, part road trip. Main character Parker is a joy to spend time with, and my imagination had no trouble bringing this story’s mountainous setting to life. A definite recommend for fans of contemporary YA.
Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson – A novel full of gorgeous prose, though the story itself was not so much my cup of tea. I do think people who enjoy historical fiction will like it; the descriptions of life in the 1850s are fascinating. Find my DAC review HERE.
Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller (September 24th) – I’ve got a Bookanista review planned for this remarkable novel, but for now I’ll just say: I LOVE THIS STORY. So, so much. I cannot wait for its September release because if you like contemporary young adult romance, this novel is for you. You will adore main character Callie, and you will fall head-over-heels for Greek charmer Alex. Another for my Favorite Books of 2013 list.
The Girl Guide: Finding Your Place in a Mixed Up World by Christine Fonseca – I will definitely have a copy of The Girl Guide: Finding Your Place in a Mixed Up World on hand to give my daughter when she’s in middle school. This book is all kinds of fun, and it educates girls without coming across as preachy or stiff. It reads like a conversation with a friend, not the self-help manual you might expect. My full Bookanista review is HERE.
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender – Two adult novels in one month? What is my life coming to?! 😉 This one was bizarre, but I didn’t dislike it. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake‘s characters are complex and well-drawn, and the writing is gorgeous (though, I didn’t understand the author’s stylistic choice to forgo all quotation marks… why?). My issue with this story was in its conclusion. I wanted more explanation, or maybe a different explanation. I don’t know… I’m kind of torn. Have you read The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake? What did you think?
Tell me: What’s the best book you read in June?
Katy Upperman ~ Author 