My Life
May has been a quiet month. As I shared in my Mid-Monthly Rewind, I finished final papers and exams. Strange Horizons published a review that I submitted to the editorial staff. (Note: The book for which I wrote that review lingered in my mind after I read an ARC for review, so I got my hands on a finished copy and reread it. And wrote a second review. It’s that good.) Since then, I’ve been working on my novel. I’ve completed my chapter outline. Now, I’m working on the scene-by-scene outline while writing the first draft.
What I Watched
Attack on Titan season 1 (rewatch): Attack on Titan is a well-written show. I’ve heard that the mangaka was heavily involved in the writing of the show, and he treats it as the final draft of his manga. I started rereading the manga after watching season one. The anime adds character and plot developments that flesh out the story.
Haikyuu seasons 1 & 2 (rewatch): I love sports stories for the inspiration and for the team collaboration towards a common goal. What I enjoy in particular about Haikyuu is the humor. Plus, it has the plot twist of anticipated rivals enrolling at the same school and having to learn how to work together.
The King’s Avatar (drama): My brother and I have read the web novel and watched the anime. We stumbled upon the live-action drama while browsing Netflix. The story has been reworked to incorporate more of the relationship dynamics, which I love, though there’s quite a bit of drama involved because of miscommunications or personality differences. I’m also picking on a few Chinese words.
Writing Progress
Favorite Reads
The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
I enjoyed The Witcher show, but I loved The Last Wish. Both book and show provide epic fight scenes and expansive worldbuilding (more of the latter in the book). What the book does better: The Last Wish interweaves the Voice of Reason in a reasonless world. In doing so, it asks philosophical questions—most prominently, the recurring questions of what is reasonable? Who is the real monster? While The Last Wish explores these questions through the world and characters, it doesn’t give us clear answer and instead leaves the reader to reach his or her own conclusions.
This is my second book-to-show read in recent days. In both instances, I enjoyed the book more because of its examination of and reflection on human nature. What are your thoughts on books to film and books to show? Do you tend to enjoy the book or the adaptation more? Share some examples!
The Amber Anthem by Mark Siegel & Alexis Siegel, illustrated by Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockefeller, and Boya Sun
The fourth installment to my favorite YA graphic novel series, The Amber Anthem provides a mirror to our reality. It examines—through the world and characters—real-world concerns, including racism, betrayal and forgiveness, and the spread of disinformation. For more, you can read my review of The Amber Anthem. You can also check out my conversation with author Mark Siegel about the 5 Worlds series.
On the Blog
Features & Discussions
On Writing a Sequel: Interview with Barbara Bennett
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
April & May Reviews
April and May were quiet months on the blog because of midterms (delayed due to an extended spring break) and finals.
- Gotham High by Melissa de la Cruz, illustrated by Thomas Pitilli
- The Amber Anthem by Mark Siegel & Alexis Siegel, illustrated by Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockefeller, and Boya Sun
- The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
2020 Challenges Progress
In May, I read 6 books, which places me at 39 books towards my goal of 100 books in 2020.
Discussions: 11/20 (Creative Conversationalist)
I wrote 3 discussion posts in May. 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
Other Ongoing Challenges:
Library Love: 6/36 (Overdrive Junkie)
Modern Mrs. Darcy: 6/10
r/Fantasy Bingo 2020: 6/20
Puppy Shenanigans
Let’s Chat
📚 How was your May?
📚 What are you currently reading?
🐶 Help me write a caption for the photo of my puppy!
Danielle Hammelef says
Skylar is so cute! I miss my pup. I just got a copy of Gotham High last week! I wish you the best on your writing–I just can’t seem to get my head out of the world long enough to get back to my own writing.
Crystal (Kester) says
I hope you enjoy Gotham High! Thanks, Danielle. I hope your writing goes well.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) says
The puppy is adorable! I have a story I want to finish, and I should probably go back and do a chapter outline to maybe help me figure out where I got stuck and how to dig out of the hole. Although really I need to polish up the finished YA novel I have and try to do something with it before I move on. Unfortunately I miss being able to go sit at the library to write because my dogs are not conducive to me getting things done at home. Hope that you have a great June!
Lisa Loves Literature’s May Wrap-Up
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Lisa! Best wishes with your writing. I agree that dogs can be a distraction! I hope that you have a wonderful June as well.
Sam@wlabb says
Sounds like you had a pretty productive month. I don’t even think I would be able to outline a story, so, gold star for you. I am over here, cheering you on!
Crystal (Kester) says
May was a crazy month, but it was productive—and I learned a lot! Thanks, Sam! 🙂
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer says
So excited to hear you are enjoying The Witcher books. I listened but loved the depth and insight. I am following you on Instagram now. Sorry it took me so long. Skylar looks adorable.
Crystal (Kester) says
I agree it has depth and insight! Followed back 🙂
Thanks. Skylar brings my family much joy!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
Wow, sounds like I really need to check out Empress since you loved it so very much!
Crystal (Kester) says
It’s a great novella. Well written and layered, and it has compelling characters!
Amber says
Skylar is so adorable!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Amber!
Ethan says
Good luck on your novel! I know how much of a daunting undertaking it can be, but I think starting it will be the hardest part. I helped a friend edit his novel last year and remember how consumed he was by it all.
Also, I’m in love with your puppy!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Ethan! I agree that starting is the hardest part. I’m thankful for my summer independent study, which is holding me accountable to weekly word counts.
I’m happy to hear that. Skylar is a sweet dog, and she loves people!