I’ve been MIA the past several weeks because of final papers and exams, so this post doubles as a look back into April.
I survived finals! The move to the virtual classroom this spring was rough. I loved the time I spent in class. When we moved online, I lost a lot of motivation, and I felt like I was trying to survive from week to week. Somehow, I still managed to learn something. I still have much reflecting to do, but I have come to understand what my art as a writer means to me.
The Run-Stop-Sniff. Skylar (my dog) and I discovered that we enjoy going on run-stop-sniffs (the latter pleasure belongs solely to my dog). The short story: I took Skylar out one morning intending to walk her around the neighborhood, but she decided that she wanted to run. So we ran until she stopped to investigate an interesting sniff. And then we ran some more. And so forth. I’ve started to wear running shoes when we go it. It’s been a blast.
Writing my novel. I’m doing an independent study this summer in which I’m writing 30,000 words towards my novel (in addition to completing some readings and reflections). As I’ve worked on my outline, I’ve learned more about the world and characters, and I’m looking forward to seeing them come to life on “paper.”
Recent Reads
The Amber Anthem (5 Worlds #4) by Mark Siegel
What makes 5 Worlds my favorite YA graphic novel series, besides the compelling characters and detailed worldbuilding, is the mirror it provides 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 what author Mark Siegel has to say about the 5 Worlds series.
Kim Ji-Young, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
Kim Ji-Young’s story gives a look into the lives of millions of ordinary women who have experienced misogyny. Footnotes back the story with facts and statistics.
Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse #1) by James S. A. Corey
I picked up this book after watching The Expanse show on Amazon Prime. While the show has its strengths (it fleshes out the supporting cast, it adds Avasarala’s POV for additional worldbuilding), the book does a better job of developing intrigue and adding depth to Miller’s character. In comparison, the show makes changes to build drama. And while many events happen by coincidence in the show, in the book characters take deliberate actions that cause events to take place.
Cash: The Autobiography by Johnny Cash
In his second autobiography, Johnny Cash look back on his life and how his gifts, circumstances, and the people around him made his success possible. This book gives insight into a man who has made mistakes and learned from them, a man who has received much from other and gives due thanks, a man who has contemplated on life and shares his reflections.
On the Blog
Here’s what I’ve shared on the blog since my last update.
A Conversation with Mark Siegel: The Transformed World and the Transformed Individual
Seeking Unity in a Transformed World: The Amber Anthem
10 Reasons to Read Speculative Fiction
5 Reasons to Read Dark Skies by Danielle L. Jensen
10 Book Titles That Would Make Cool Band Names
On Writing a Sequel: Interview with Barbara Bennett
5 Reasons to Attend Gotham High
Around the Blogosphere
- Claire @ clairefy shares her experiences with covid-19 and racism toward Asian Americans
- Elyse Martin shares how fantasy writers have used footnotes to, among other things, subvert tradition, engage with readers, and explore the implications of authority.
- Jon Skvoron gives a thoughtful reflection on how epic fantasy gives us perspective and empathy for events that are “perhaps too close and too upsetting to grapple with directly.”
Puppy Shenanigans
Let’s Chat
📚 What’s happening in your life?
📚 What are you currently reading?
📚 What are some of your favorite posts / discussions happening around the blogosphere?
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
How fun that you’re running with the pup! She’s going to keep you in shape. 🙂 Good luck with your writing this summer!!
Crystal (Kester) says
It’s been fun running with the pup! Thanks, Nicole! 🙂
Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out says
I hope your grades are all you wish for.
Your puppy shares her name with my new grandniece:)
Wishing you a great reading week
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Shelleyrae. That’s a neat coincidence. Skylar is a wonderful name 🙂
I hope you have a wonderful week of reading as well!
Danielle Hammelef says
Great job surviving final exams! And best wishes for your independent study this summer. I enjoy being in the classroom too and the social interaction. Being the only person in the room while taking classes is not as much fun, though I’m grateful to be self-motivated. Your time with Skyler sounds so much fun. I’m glad the baby Blue Jay flew away without injury.
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Danielle! Yes, online classes requires a lot of self motivation! Skylar is a joy to have around.
Ethan says
Congrats on finishing finals and devoting your time to such a large writing goal!
My dod also motivates me to run instead of walk!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Ethan! One of the many charms of a dog! 🙂
ShootingStarsMag says
Yay for surviving finals! Good luck with your novel this summer. I really want to work on mine more as well. Your dog is so cute – glad you’re having fun on your run-stop-sniff outings. 🙂
-lauren
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Lauren! Best of wishes with your novel! 🙂
Sam@wlabb says
Congratulations on surviving finals. *applause, applause* Your pup is too cute. That picture is precious. Good luck with the book. That’s awesome that you can work towards writing your book and your degree. Winning!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Sam! Yes, it’s great to be able to work towards my book and my degree simultaneously!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Sam! Yes, it’s great to be able to work towards my book as a part of my degree!