With the extension of quarantine, the past couple months have been rough on mental health.
Things that have helped me cope during this time:
- Reading webtoons and graphic novels
- Going on walks around the neighborhood
- Spending time with family members (same household)
- Scheduling time to chat with friends (and making these virtual meetings)
While I haven’t been updating the blog as much due to mental health, I’ve remained active on Twitter and Instagram @kestlong. If we’re not connected there yet, I’d love to friend you there!
Note: I’ve decided to stop using Facebook since it now requires a two-step verification to update my page, and most of my engagement takes place on Twitter and Instagram.
Writing Progress
I finished writing 30k towards my novel. My next goal is to finish writing the first arc (not necessarily in the next month). Feedback from readers has been good. I’m sure there’ll be much to clean when I reach the editing/revising phase, but for now I’ll keep on writing new chapters.
What I Read
Best of June
Malice (The Faithful and the Fallen #1) by John Gwynne (Goodreads)
The Faithful and the Fallen promises to be one of my all-time favorite series. I love for the complex characters; strong family involvement the intrigue and politicking; fierce, loyal animal companions; and themes of good and evil, truth and courage. It’s amazing.
Tower of God by SIU (Webtoons)
Tower of God is pure epic. It has great character development, for both the protagonist and the supporting characters, action-packed battles, intrigue and politicking, and so much more. The pace picks up as the series progresses.
Best of July
Dragon Keeper (Rain Wild Chronicles #1) by Robin Hobb
Robin Hobb is a skilled writer with a deep understanding of what motivates individuals. She has a talent for making me, in turns, love and hate a character, thereby showing the complexities of human (and dragon life).
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
Gene Luen Yang captures the American Born Chinese experience—the sense of having two separate lives, one at home and one at school, the feeling that one doesn’t entirely belong in either culture, the struggle to form one’s identity. I wish I had this book to read growing up!
On the Blog
Features & Discussions
Book Reviews
The Kingdom of Liars by Nick Martell
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
The Angel of the Crows by Katherine Addison
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
Parachutes by Kelly Yang
The Beholder by Anna Bright
Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey
2020 Challenges Progress
In June/July, I finished 19 books, which places me at 60 books towards my goal of 100 books in 2020.
Discussions: 15/20 (Creative Conversationalist)
I wrote 3 discussion posts in June, 1 in July. This puts me on track for my goal of 11-20 discussion posts.
Best Books I Read In 2019: Patterns & Aging Out
Starting a Book Club & Legacies Discussion Guide
How I Organize My E-Reader
10 Fantasy Books to Read This Spring
Can a Book Have Too Many Points of View?
12 Signs to Identify a Bibliophile
10 Series to Start This Spring
10 Book Titles That Would Make Cool Band Names
10 Reasons to Read Speculative Fiction
A Conversation with Mark Siegel: The Transformed World and the Transformed Individual
Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey: Book-to-Film Comparison & Discussion Guide
Black Lives Matter: 12 Fantasy Books by Black Authors
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter: Discussion Guide
12 Science Fiction Books by Black Authors
Best I’ve Read in 2020 So Far
Other Ongoing Challenges:
Library Love*: 10/36
Modern Mrs. Darcy: 7/10
r/Fantasy Bingo 2020: 12/20
I’m going to drop the Library Love challenge. I have a lot of books at home that I need to read, and many of the libraries in my area are closed due to covid.
Puppy Shenanigans
This is Skylar’s favorite blanket. It’s actually my blanket.
Let’s Chat
How was your June and July?
What were your favorite reads?
Danielle Hammelef says
Skylar is always adorable and I love the look in the photo here. American Born Chinese is actually waiting on hold for me at the library. I checked out two other of his graphic novels to read on my long drive tomorrow (I’m shotgun, not driver). Exercising outside and books have kept my mental health in check and I hope your August has been better for you.
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Danielle! I hope you enjoy American Born Chinese! August was better. Thanks for asking! Classes have been a lot of work, so I’ve been behind on blogging. I hope to get a better schedule worked out this month!
Marie @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books says
I’m sorry to hear the month has been tough on your mental health, take care of yourself first and always, sending you all the love <3
I am loving your Skyler pictures so much, they make me SO happy <3 and yes for your writing progress, 30k is so exciting, yay! I hope you can continue writing and continue loving it all <3
Have a beautiful August and take care <3
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Marie! So sorry I’m just seeing this now. Classes have been keeping me busy. Skylar is a joy. She reminds me to rest now and then. I hope that you’ve been having a good fall! ❤️
Sam@wlabb says
Keep the pictures of Skyler coming. They all made me smile. Glad you are able to find ways to take care of your mental health. I feel fortunate to be with my parents, though I hope to see my child again someday (it’s been over 6 months now)
Crystal (Kester) says
Will do. Skylar brings so much joy in my life; I’m glad that she makes you smile! I hope you get to see your child again soon. Quarantine has been a trying time!