Happy Friday, everyone! I feel like this week has been about three weeks long, so I’m psyched to get to the weekend. Here to start things off, a look at what I’ve been reading and writing.
Reading: Thank You for Your Service by David Finkel
A very tough but very necessary read about veteran care and PTSD.
Writing: I haven’t gone to confession since I started junior year.
A new WIP, a new first page I’ve re-written about five times.
Happy Friday, everybody! Although I’m still in denial that it’s actually Labor Day weekend, I’m so excited to be heading into a long weekend with the possibility of s’mores in my future. Let’s start things off with a look at what I’ve been reading and writing in fifteen words or fewer:
Reading: Running Like a Girl: Notes on Learning to Run by Alexandra Heminsley
Light but motivating look at running for people who don’t think they’re runners.
Writing: There’s always a sacrifice in fairy tales—a heart, a home, a body.
New story at the Hanging Garden coming on Monday!
Happy Friday, everyone! Somehow it’s the last Friday in August, which means I want to soak up every possible second of summer before it’s over. Let’s get the weekend started with a look at what I’ve been reading and writing in fifteen words or fewer.
Reading: The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming
Like reading about the people in the Capitol in The Hunger Games, but real.
Writing: “…no one drinks if they don’t want to. Peer pressure is for the lacrosse team.”
Team rules.
Happy Friday, guys! Somehow it’s Friday again? Not that I’m complaining, but this week kinda got away from me ( cough no blog posts cough). At least I can catch up with a good ol’ look at what I’ve been reading and writing in fifteen words or fewer:
Reading: The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
Finally read it! Feels way more epic than I expected; love the family stuff too.
Writing: “first causality of the quiz bowl road trip—somehow dinosaur-related.”
No, it’s not a time-travel. Into revisions and hoping to have draft two ready by the end of the month (gulp).
Happy Friday, guys! I’m kind of in shock that we’re already in the middle of August–can we rewind to a Friday back in June? Until I manage to figure out how to bend the rules of space-time, here’s a look at what I’ve been reading and writing in fifteen words or fewer:
Reading: Rites of Passage by Joy N. Hensley
‘First girl in a military school’ doesn’t even begin to cover everything here. So good!
Writing: “Spanish club doesn’t count when you only show up on days they’re making Latin-American cuisine.”
Diving back into my WIP for a first round of revisions; protagonist isn’t exactly a joiner to start off with.
Happy Friday, everyone! Tonight, I’ll be at Porter Square Books with a bunch of awesome YA authors, so come say hi, get some books signed, and chat with us about all things writing/reading.
And even if you’re not in the general Boston area, we can get the weekend rolling with a look at what I’ve been reading and writing in fifteen words or under:
Reading: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Brought back lots of good first year of college feelings. Also dig a fandom story.
Writing: “Fortunately, we’re accepting volunteers for the secret project.”
Hijinks in the WIP!
Happy Friday, everyone! All week I felt like I had no idea what day it was, so I’m way glad to see that the weekend’s finally here. Let’s kick things off with a look at what I’ve been reading and writing, in fifteen words or fewer:
Reading: Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Exciting story that explores the layers beneath tropes of magic girls and dark forests.
Writing: “If there’s a dragon round, just run. Not worth the third-degree burns.”
So the WIP’s not fantasy, but I had to work in a dragon reference somewhere, right?
I sat down today to get some major work done, and ended up completely distracted by the SCOTUS ruling in favor of marriage equality. I’m so happy for friends, family members, and other couples and families whose lives are directly affected by this change. Your relationships have always been valid, and I’m glad they’re now supported legally.
So instead of the regular Friday Fifteen, I’m harkening back to the micro-review days of yore. Here are a few of my favorite LGBTQ (mostly) YA novels, reviewed in fifteen words or under:
Far From You by Tess Sharpe
The sleuth-smarts of Veronica Mars meets the self-destructiveness of House, centered around a heartbreaking relationship.
Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley
Dual perspectives about two girls on opposite sides of desegregation left me shaking with emotion.
Ask the Passengers by A.S. King
King blends philosophy and magical realism and sexuality and family life together beautifully.
Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You by Peter Cameron
A coming out story that’s sharp, funny, sad, and surprising in turns.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
A hard one to read in many ways, but Cameron’s story is poignant and hopeful.
Baby Be-Bop by Francesca Lia Block
Touching story of coming out, from one of Block’s classic characters.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Surprisingly gentle story of friendship, identity, and coming out, and I loved the parental presence.
Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
Heartbreaking look at family life and gay relationships in the 1980s, via bereft teen June.
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Lola’s family life, particular her dads, were my favorite part of the story; so genuine.
I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Told in dual perspectives, Noah’s narration is so sweet and sad.
Happy Friday, everyone!
H
appy Friday, guys! Today’s the start of the Tenth Annual 48 Hour Book Challenge, and although I’m so sad I can’t take part this year, I’m cheering for all of you diving into a weekend of (slightly competitive) intense reading. In the meantime, here’s a look at what I’ve been reading and writing in fifteen words or under.
Reading: If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Even knowing what happened, loved the family dynamic. Forman’s writing is so elegant.
Writing: “Gotta work on the side of the angels every so often,” Harrison said.
This WIP has references to Sherlock, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, and Welcome to Night Vale. Nerd explosion!
Happy Friday, everyone! Here’s to a weekend of summer weather and summer reading. Let’s kick things off with a look at what I’ve been reading and writing, in fifteen words or fewer.
Reader: The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson
Quieter than I expected, which I enjoyed. Lots of feels for this circle of friends.
Writing: “The dinosaur is the cowboy’s only known enemy.”
Feels appropriate considering Jurassic Park is back this week.