Classes have been a blast. I love the writing assignments for my creative classes. In my January wrap-up, I shared about an article that I was writing on Asian representation in Western literature. Writing that article has led me to explore how the books I read have influenced who I am and the stories I tell. I also love my language classes. With our first exam coming up, my Greek class is planning a study group. This week, in my non-credit Chinese class, we learned time words, something new to me. It’s funny how I never felt the need, growing up, to learn these expressions.
I have some fun writing projects in the works. I’ve completed the article on Asian representation in Western literature. As soon as I get my professor’s feedback, I’ll submit it for consideration. In the meantime, I’m working on another article—this one will examine lessons we can learn from fantasy literature—and a ghost story.
I’m looking to interview a fantasy writer for a write-up. If you or someone you know would be interested, please send me an email!
Week in Puppy
Skylar made a new friend. Squirrels are courageous creatures.
My Bookish-TV Life
Read
- Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen
- Real Pigeons Fight Crime by Andrew McDonald and Ben Wood
- Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business by Lyla Lee
Watched
- Miracle was a rewatch of an old favorite. I love sports films, especially when they’re based on true events.
- Togo ruined one of my childhood loves (Balto) in a fantastic way. I can’t speak to the accuracy of this film, but it did a great job conveying the perils of Togo’s run—and showing the wonderful friends we have in dogs.
- Gordan Ramsey: Uncharted took me to the high altitudes of Peru. The food looks delicious (even though I’m vegan and wouldn’t eat most of it).
On the Blog
- [Review] Real Pigeons Fight Crime by Andrew McDonald and Ben Wood: A Fun Romp with Great Humor
- [Review] Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business by Lyla Lee: A Super Cute #OwnVoices Chapter Book
In the Blogosphere
- Aj @ Read All the Things shares what she learned from reading 200+ “Best Books of 2019” Lists.
- Cam @ Camillea Reads shares 5 tips on creating a healthy blogging mindset.
- Dani @ Perspective of a Writer shares her epic crushes from The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee.
- Kat @ Novels & Waffles shares 41 books by asian authors.
- The Orangutan Librarian shares adverts for lonely characters looking for a soulmate.
Chat with Me
What’s new with you this week in life and books?
This post is linked to the Sunday Post feature hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
So glad you’re enjoying your classes! Wishing you luck on the article you wrote!!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks so much, Nicole!
ShootingStarsMag says
I’m glad your courses are going well, and good luck with all of your writing assignments! They sound great. And aww your dog is so cute!!!
-Lauren
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks so much, Lauren! Skylar is a sweetie!
Marie @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books says
Ahh I’m so happy your classes are going well and that you’re enjoying your writing assignments, too, that’s so great! <3
I love Skylar so much, I just want to hug him ahah <3
I hope you'll have a lovely week! <3
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Marie! I hope you have a wonderful week too!
Angie Elle says
Thanks for sharing! That is one brave squirrel, indeed. LOL
I think it would be so much fun to read writing assignments. I’m sure over the years it might lose its appeal, but I think it would be so interesting for a while.
Crystal (Kester) says
The neighborhood squirrels are ferocious! Some of the older ones love to taunt my puppy into chasing them; she never wins.
Yes, it’s interesting to read my classmates’ writings during workshops.
Aj @ Read All The Things! says
Aww, cute dog photo. I’m glad your classes are going well. Good luck with the writing projects!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks so much, Aj!
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
Glad to hear your classes are going so well. And writing a couple articles too, how neat! I felt immense pressure writing some guest posts for an indie publisher, so you are amazing to me. And thanks for sharing my post. We’ve got to share the Asian love.
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Dani. I agree that about the pressure writing for publication. It’s especially challenging writing about Asian literature and #OwnVoices because I feel the need to represent the Asian community correctly, but I also know that my perspective is but one voice among millions. My pleasure. We do need to share the Asian love 🙂
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight says
Glad that classes are going so well! Skylar is so cute!! And I love Miracle too- I am also a sucker for sports films that are based on real stories- because it’s like, hopeful that good stuff actually happens!!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Shannon! Yes, it’s inspiring to hear about the underdogs’ success stories!
Sophia Rose says
Neat that you finished your article and are already planning out your next one. I like the topic, too. Way to go learning your time words in Chinese class.
Looks like a good stack of books and shows to keep you busy. You have me interested in Togo now so I need to look it up.
Fun puppy pic!
Have a good week, Crystal!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Sophia! I hope you enjoy Togo; it’s a fantastic film.
I hope you have a wonderful week too!
Cam @ Camillea Reads says
Thank you for sharing my post! Your pup is lovely <3 How old is Skylar? I'm currently finishing up Red Hood by Elana K. Arnold (so good!) and will be starting Black Leopard Red Wolf by Marlon James soon!
Crystal (Kester) says
My pleasure, Cam! Skylar is approximately 2.5 years old. (She’s a rescue dog, so we don’t know her exact age.) I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying Red Hood; it’s on my TBR list!