What I’m Reading
I sped through the great historical-fiction middle grade Esperanza Rising and lingered in Alice Munro’s Dear Life. Her stories are fantastic–sharp and poignant. Now I’m starting Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior. I love her books so much, and so far this one is no exception.
What I’m Writing
I’m taking a break from revising while I keep working on guest posts (here are some of the ones I’ve done so far: WAMA blog tour) and get ready for my launch party (this Thursday! At Books of Wonder, if you’re in NYC) and a few fun upcoming events. I miss writing/revising–but I’ll be back to it soon, and reenergized thanks to this time away.
What Inspires Me Right Now
The enthusiastic and enriching writing community; the readers and bloggers I’ve had a chance to meet the past few weeks; my insanely supportive friends and family.
What Else I’ve Been Up To
Baking a ton (I almost mean that literally) of cookies for my launch party; practicing reading my book out loud (not the world’s easiest task for an introvert like me); binge-watching House of Cards–seriously, how did I not watch this show until now? I’m 6 episodes into Season 1 and I’m pretty obsessed.
So what have you been up to lately?
What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme that helps readers and writers touch base with blog friends. You can find the link widget (and cute buttons!) on Jaime’s and Erin’s blog posts.
I can’t wait to hear all about your launch party, Rebecca, and I’m super impressed that you’re baking all the cookies for it. Take lots of pictures!
Thanks, and I will take tons!
I’ve thought about doing readings. I’m not a terrible reader–I’ve had practice with my kids, and in other venues. But I take solace in the fact that not all great writers are great readers to listen to. Honestly, the readings I’ve heard from Stephen King haven’t blown me away. I think other people read his books better than he does. So while it’s good to practice and be prepared to do the best you can, don’t hang your career on your oratory skills. You’re a writer. If you were an orator, you’d be an actor or a politician. 🙂
All the best with your writing, and all the frantic awesomeness that seems to be involved with promoting your book. Congrats again on being published, Rebecca, and all the good feedback you’re getting. The few reviews I’ve seen have all been very positive. 🙂
Colin, this comment was so comforting to read today! You’re right–I’m a writer, not an orator. That reminder is helping me focus on having fun instead of stressing about it. 🙂 Thank you!
That sounds like a fun launch party, if homemade cookies are involved.
I considered Esperanza Rising for one of my projects in my recent Children’s Lit class, but I ended up choosing other 20th century historicals to fill out my selection. It either wasn’t available at the local libraries, or I felt it were too long to finish in time.
Thank you! If your local library does get it at some point, Esperanza Rising was a great book!
Good luck with your launch party! I just read your book last weekend and LOVED it. I’m sure all your future readers will too. You have nothing to be nervious about, only excited.
Have a wonderful week!
Thank you, Kate! I’m getting excited now. 🙂
Okay, trying to comment again – why must you eat my comments, Internet???
I hope you have a marvelous, fantastic book launch party and I wish I could be there!
Grr, comment-eating Internet!
Thanks–wish you were going to be there, too!
I would LOVE to attend your launch party. And at Books of Wonder to boot! Hope it’s completely wonderful all around, Rebecca! While it’s hard to be away from writing/revising, this is a totally awesome ‘distraction’ lol.
I’ve watched the first couple of episodes of House of Cards, but I’m not sure what I think of it. I’ve discovered that I find it hard to get into shows where we’re asked to root for morally questionable characters. (Couldn’t watch Dexter for that reason.) I’ll have to watch more episodes and see if it sucks me in. Have a great week, Rebecca. And enjoy every second of your launch party!
Thanks, Jaime! I was thinking about how it’s about a year ago that we got to meet in person at SCBWI! Time flies.
I had the same problem with Dexter initially, but so far I’m loving House of Cards (I definitely know what you mean about feeling unsure about rooting for these characters, though!).
Your launch party sounds SO EXCITING OMG!!!!!! Have an amazing time and pretty please share loads of photos with us next week 😀
Will do!
Rebecca, I agree 100% that the writing community is filled with incredibly supportive people. I met a good friend of yours, Kim Liggett, this last week at the Djerassi Retreat. She is awesome, and she had so many great things to say about your book.
I am so impressed you’re baking for your own launch party. I don’t bake for my own family. (I am not the best at following directions.) Post lots of pics!
Kim is one of my most favorite people on earth! So glad you got to get to know her–and that Djerassi Retreat looked amazing.
Good luck with your launch party! Wish I could be there for a cookie and to hear the reading! 🙂
Thank you!
Your launch party sounds like it’s going to be so much fun, and I love that you’re baking cookies for it! I hope you and your new readers have a wonderful evening and that the book reading goes well!
Thanks, Erin! I’ve just finished four batches–I think that’s enough cookies. 🙂 (Can there ever be enough cookies, though?!)
the writing community is great, so supportive and amazing! Glad it’s inspiring you! And baking, want to send some cookies my way? 😉
Been hearing so much about your adorably-covered book lately. I hope to get my hands on it soon. But congrats and I hope you have the best time at your launch party!!!
On another note, I really need to get on this House of Cards thing. My sister just started Season 2, and it sounds like it’s just getting better!
One bad thing about not being online a lot lately is that I’ve missed out on ALL THIS GOOD STUFF!!! Rebecca! Congrats on all the events and your book release and the cookies! I can’t wait to read your book! And I wish I lived closer so I could attend your launch! I’m sure it went beautifully. Congrats again on all the things!