It feels like we celebrated the start of the 2020 just yesterday. I can’t believe it’s already February!
In January, I held my first SFF book club. You can learn more about my experience and what we discussed in this blog post. My brother and I started attending a non-credit Chinese course at a local university. A classmate thought we’re twins, maybe because we talk so much . . . so it’s a good thing we aren’t actually twins. I don’t think I could have survived high school like that.
I also started attending graduate school full time. I had a blast writing about the Mistborn trilogy for a paper, and I recently submitted my first query letter (for a nonfiction article on Asian representation in Western literature). I got the go-ahead to write it for consideration.
Books I Read
I read less this month because classes started again mid-way into January, but I did read some pretty good books!
- Scavenge the Stars (Scavenge the Stars #1) by Tara Sim
- Starsight (Skyward #2) by Brandon Sanderson
- Legacies (Corean Chronicles #1) by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.
In My Writing Life
While writing buddies and mentors look over my extended outline and prepare feedback, I’ve returned to the character development and worldbuilding phase. I’ve completed most of my character charts. My focus right now is on the setting and magic system. I plan to start drafting my novel soon, or at least writing shorts from the perspectives of the main characters, because I need to start getting back into the practice of writing.
I’m also writing a nonfiction article on Asian representation in Western literature for potential publication. The recent rise of Asian representation on the market has led me to reflect on the scarcity of Asian representation in my childhood reads and how that has impacted my life, and those of others who look like me. For example, despite growing up within the same household, my brother and I have very different attitudes towards our ancestral culture.
Follow My Writing Adventures!
I thought that I was going to write a novella to self-publish as a class project, but then I realized that I don’t have time to write a novella. (I’m taking the equivalent of 18 hours. Fortunately, only 12 of them are for credit.)
Before I came to my senses, I did create some social media accounts to document my writing adventures since I plan to write under a pen name. As much as I love the name my parents gave me, it’s a very common name. Plus, in place of the novella project, I’ll be publishing a series of Tweets on SFF books. I’d love to share my writing adventures with you!
You can find me on the following social media sites:
Puppy Shenanigans
Skylar has been loving the recent warm weather. I confess that I have as well, though I know this means global warming is an issue. You can see in this photo how happy walks make her.
Danielle Hammelef says
Good luck with your writing! I’m trying to write more myself and am studying picture books and reading nonfiction writing/research posts from published authors to help me understand this genre better. Skylar does look happy. We just had the 4th warmest January recorded and I don’t mind, except like you I know it means trouble for the planet.
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Danielle! Best of wishes with your writing studies / adventures. Yes, it’s been a really warm winter!
theorangutanlibrarian says
Very curious about your nonfiction article on Asian representation in Western literature!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks! Hopefully I’ll get a chance to share it soon! 🙂
Helena @ Fictional World Dreamer says
I can’t believe it’s February either. Usually, winter is very slow but doesn’t seem like it this year.
Also Congrats on your first query letter I wish you nothing but the best.
I have been meaning to read Skyward series since the beginning 😩 I’m glad you are keeping up tho.
Skylar is always 😃 happy, I love that.
I hope you have a wonderful week ahead.
Muah 💋 Helena
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, winter seems to be moving very fast this year. I wonder if it’s because this winter has been warmer than usual.
Thank you, Helena!
Skyward is fantastic. I hope that you enjoy it when you get the chance to read it!
Skylar is a joy-filled presence in my life 🙂
I hope that you have a wonderful week as well, Helena!
Lisa @ Reading, Writing, and Random Musings says
Sounds like a busy month! Kudos to you on all that you are doing with your writing. I’m currently struggling to find balance in my life with work, life, and pursuing my writing dreams. And your pup is adorable!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Lisa. It’s been crazy, but I’m learning to find pockets of time to do what I love. Best of wishes with your writing dreams and finding balance!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
Congrats on getting the go-ahead to write that nonfiction piece! Good luck with it!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Nicole! I’ve received good feedback from my classmates so far!
Aj @ Read All The Things! says
Good luck with graduate school and writing. I hope you’re having a great February!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, AJ! My February has been off to a good start, outside of the stress of my first exam, which I took recently. I hope that you’re having a great February as well!