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.
What I’m Reading
I finished Tiger Lily, which I loved. I also read Brandy Colbert’s Pointe, which was incredible. Bookanista rec for that to come next month! Now I’m reading the great MG Esperanza Rising.
What I’m Writing
I made some slow progress with revising over the past week. I also wrote a short story, kind of randomly. It was an idea that I’d been circling for a while, and I found myself with some extra time on the couch (more on that below), so I just sat down and wrote it. Which was incredibly fun and refreshing.
What Inspires Me Right Now
Cheering for the winners of the ALA Youth Media Awards (and watching my TBR list grow and grow). Celebrating the book birthdays of fellow Class of 2K14-mates and OneFour Kid Lit writers. And anticipating my own book birthday next week (eep!)!
What Else I’ve Been Up To
Remember my last What’s Up Wednesday post, when I said I did something to my hip in yoga? Well, apparently I’m not so great at anatomy, because it wasn’t actually my hip–a doctor’s visit confirmed that I have a hamstring injury, from some combination of overuse in running and yoga. It’s been a bit of a bummer–I spent the first week after figuring out what was wrong with me doing nothing but rest and ice. Being sedentary and me don’t agree, and it will be quite a while before I can run again. But if there is a bright side, it’s that I’m learning to slow down a little. Actually, a lot. Being kind to myself is working, and I’m already feeling a lot better. I’m looking forward to running again this spring when I’m good as new (or as “new” as a thirtysomething can be!)–hopefully we’ll be rid of Polar Vortexes by then. 🙂
So what have you been up to lately?
I hate to hear about your hamstring. At least now you know what it is and you can get all healed up. The idea of slowing down terrifies me, which probably means I need it. I can’t believe your book birthday is next week! Yay!
Now that I’ve been slowed down, it’s not so bad! Although I’m eager to get back to yoga, but maybe in a more relaxing way.
Ouch! An injured hamstring is not fun. Hope it heals well and fast.
Huge congrats on your upcoming book birthday! I am very excited to read When Audrey Met Alice. I am hearing wonderful things about it!
Have a great week, Rebecca!
Thanks, Rebekah!
I’ve been looking forward to reading POINTE for so long, glad it’ll be out soon.
Boo about your hamstring, hope you’re feeling tip-top soon!
POINTE is so good! I really could not put it down.
Yay for your release next week! I can’t wait to read When Audrey Met Alice. I’m totally impressed that you are getting other writing done. I know I have deadlines on my next project but can’t seem to focus on anything but releasing the first one. Have a great week! And I hope your leg gets better soon.
I’m having plenty of trouble focusing too–if I can revise a scene a day, I’m considering that a victory right now. Good luck with all of your release work!
Ugh, that sucks! I dislocated my hip joint last year and had to stop exercising for over 4 months and do lots of PT … it was pretty hard, on my mind and body (I gained almost 10lbs then!) … Hope you recover much faster than that …
Writing short stories is fun, and quite the challenge. Great writing exercise. The thing is, I usually want to expand it and transform it into a novel LOL
Oh, no! I’m glad you’re recovered now!
Boo! I’m so sorry about your injury. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to be stuck on the couch. Good for you making the best of it and writing a short story, though. I probably would have binge-watched bad TV. 🙂 Hope you’re good as new soon, Rebecca!
Well, I’ve been watching a lot more TV, too. 🙂 Thanks!
Oh, crummy about the hamstring injury. 🙁 But I suppose sometimes it’s good to slow down, even if the reason is kind of poopy. Your the second person today to mention writing a short story this week. I’ve never attempted it, but I think it could be great practice for cramming so much into something so…short. Does that make sense?
Looking forward to your book’s release, Rebecca! Hope your leg starts to feel better soon. 🙂
It does make sense! It’s been an exercise in being succinct while still writing something with plenty of shading and detail. I think I might make a habit of writing short fiction in between books because it’s good practice.
Yeah, I feel you on the mistaken pain thing. I thought I had messed up my back last year but it turned out the problem was in my pelvis. Fun times were had in physio sorting that out. Hope you feel better soon!
Don’t you love it when you find the time to just sit and write and it all comes pouring out?
Have a fantastic week!
I do love when I have the time and the words. 🙂 Thanks, and have a great week!
Ouch about the hamstring >_< Hope you're feeling better soon! But OMG BOOK RELEASE! 😀 So excited for you!
Thanks, Lori!
aw man, injures suck. Hoping you make a quick (but much needed) recovery.
Thank you!
That’s awful about your hamstring. I hope it doesn’t take long to get back to normal and that you don’t start feeling too stir crazy. I guess this time of slowing down is the calm before the storm, isn’t it? A little break before your book comes out might not be a bad thing, although it would be nice if it wasn’t so painful! I’m not sure how you can even concentrate on revisions or writing short stories with all that excitement coming up! Have a great week, even if you’re stuck on the couch! 🙂
You’re right–I’d rather not be injured, but the timing is actually okay. And thanks!
Ouch. I hope you heal quickly. Have a great week.
Thanks!
Hip, hamstring… whatever, it hurts, yes? You have my sympathy, Rebecca. At least you can redeem the rest time by writing and editing. I hope you have a great week, and your recovery is swift. 🙂
Thanks, Colin!
I find writing short stories while I’m revising helps me keep the creative juices flowing. It’s also a great way to see if an idea that’s been plaguing me can become something more, or if it’s just an idea.
I loved Tiger Lily!!! (jumps up and down) It was so good, and I just read it at the end of last year. I love books that re-imagine classics…I’m also looking forward to reading Pointe!