A couple of months ago, I cracked open a beloved book in hopes of learning something about craft from the words within. I ended up just getting lost in the author's world and reading the whole book right then and there. Forget trying to pay attention to piddly details like craft.
My goal is to finish the draft of Oracles Promise before my birthday. December 19. That gives me roughly 16 days to finish the draft from here. (Is it December already? Crud.) I only have 29,361 words left to write. No big deal, right?
After that, I'm taking a month or so off. (Could be more thanks to school starting in January.) No writing. During this time I'm going to read for pure pleasure and joy. My TBR list is ever-increasing. (So is my book wishlist.)
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The List:The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde
The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde
Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde
First Among Sequels by Jasper Fforde
The Naming by Alison Croggon
Fall of a Kingdom by Hilari Bell
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story by Carolyn Sturgeon
Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul
Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
Wake by Lisa McMann
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
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My wishlist: (Thanks to Natalie at Between Fact and Fiction and Moonrat at Editorial Ass)Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter by R.J. Anderson
Wings by Aprilynne Pike
Silver Phoenix: Beyond the Kingdom of Xia by Cindy Pon
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison
OK, so I realize that this post may have been a virtual repeat of one from September. But it's nearing the end of the year and I'm getting stressed out that I've yet to tackle my TBR list. So I wanted to post it as additional motivator.
My theory is, the more carrots I dangle, the faster I'll write.
It's not working so far.
Fingers crossed you'll get OP done and get some time to read!
ReplyDeleteLOL Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Fast writing doesn't equal quality writing. Take the time you need. You'll have less editing to do later. ;)
ReplyDeleteLynnette Labelle
http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com
Good luck with reaching your goal. I'm the opposite. I have to be reading while I'm writing, it sparks that creative part of my brain.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great TBR pile waiting for you. I loved Wake and the City of Bones trilogy.
Good luck with the writing goal and I hope you get to start reading through your TBR soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone. I've been working on this book for 7 years so I'm starting to feel the sadness of separation the closer I get to typing "The End."
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm on writing hiatus, I think I'll post about the books I'm reading on Fridays. Just whether I enjoyed them and a little bit about why I would recommend them, if that's my sentiment.
Roni, I have only bought the first book "City of Bones" just to try it out and see. I've never been big on the whole vampire thing, but I've heard such good reviews about the series I had to check it out.
I'm not allowed to read until I finish this revision, but I'm hoping to be done by Sunday. *crossing fingers*
ReplyDeleteI almost bought Shiver last night, but Barnes & Noble is having a 25% off educator night on Saturday so I'm going to go back and get it then. It looks great!
Great wish list! Mine is significantly longer, but still. Happy reading! Er, when you're done writing that is.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, I think you'll like it. There are vampires that play a role but it's not a vamp book. The MC and love interest are something else all together. :) Just be warned, the first one starts a bit slow, but then it cruises after that. It was one of those books that I had to go to the store as soon as I finished each one to buy the next one.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have quite the TBR list. Don't rush the writing though. It just makes for that much more revising on the next draft. LoL.
ReplyDeleteI can't read books for pleasure while I'm working on my WIP. All of my spare time is spent writing! But I did take a few days off to read Catching Fire when it came out:)
ReplyDeleteStephanie, jealous! My B&N didn't have it when I was there or else I would have bought it to add to the pile. (Instead I bought Wake and City of Bones.)
ReplyDeleteElana, thanks! Mine would be longer if I ventured from my bedroom more often.
Roni, thanks for the info. I can't wait to get to it. It might have to be the first one I grab.
Katie, thanks!
Melane, I know what you mean about all the spare time going to writing.
I am one of those people who find it difficult to write if I am not also reading something great. Words inspire me. I need the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteAll the best with your goals. :)
Stephanie - DEFINITELY move City of Bones to the top of your list. Vampires are a very small part, especially for the first book. It's an amazing fantasy world, but it's more about the very REAL characters and how they cope with it.
ReplyDeleteGo ahead and buy the other two. You'll be reading them as soon as you put the first one down. I reviewed it on my blog last week if you want some more details about Cassandra Clare's awesomeness. I read all three of them in 4 days (and that's on top of working 40 hours in those four days!) I didn't even think the first one got off to a slow start, like Roni. I was sucked in from the beginning!
I'm glad you'll be reading again soon! I am like Tab and some of the other commenters. I have to have a book going. I can't imagine not reading something every day! My problem is delegating time to my own writing when the book is really good (like City of Bones). I find myself just reading until bedtime (or beyond)!
~Tara
I know how you feel, having to balance the writing and the reading and mayhap being unable to do both at the same time. I gets it.
ReplyDeleteSo, on that note, good luck pumping out those last words. I can't wait to read the post that says DONE. :-)
Enjoy the challenge of finishing your wip :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe Santa will bring you more for your January readathon too!
Good luck Stehpanie. That's a lot of writing to get done in 16 days, but you can do it.
ReplyDeleteTabitha, thanks! I wish I could be one of those people. But, like Tara, I'd find all my time getting pulled into reading and not writing. And I'm not yet disciplined enough to balance it.
ReplyDeleteTara, will do. Great to hear so many good reviews about the books. I'll have to buy the second one with next paycheck.
Thanks, Weronika. You and me both!
Thanks, Glynis. Fingers crossed!
Thanks, Susan. There's a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it in, but I feel confident.