TSS: July 26, 2015

Just heard on the news we should expect triple-digit heat index temperatures over the next three days. I take that as a sign to stay inside and read and write, what do you think?

Reading:
I don't have much reading progress to report this week.

I've read about 70% of Lisette's List, but I'm hoping to finish it within the next few days. I am still enjoying the story line and the art appreciation lessons.

I added several new MG books to my TBR list. Thanks to those of you who offered suggestions - and if you know of other titles, I'm always listening!

In fact, that reading list has grown so large that I decided to add a new bookshelf to my GoodReads account:  MG want-to-read. This way when I'm out-and-about, I have easy access to my wishlist.

I hope to return to the MG reading routine this week. I have little on the social calendar and the weather forecast is calling for extreme heat - sounds like perfect reading conditions to me!

Writing:
What I lacked in reading this week, I made up for in writing.

Last week I talked about using Myer's Briggs and the Enneagram as tools to help me develop fictional characters. I also researched famous people who exhibited each of those types.

In the end I decided my protagonist, 13-year-old Phoebe Cox, is a type 6 Enneagram (Loyalist) and is most like an ENFP (the Entertainer). I imagine her a younger version of Meg Ryan, Julia Roberts, and/or Anne Hathaway.

Now that I have an idea of her personality and can picture her face in my mind, I will try to delve further into her character. I have several worksheets I can use, but it I think I might try the idea of keeping a journal as Phoebe.

While I love to journal, this is well outside my comfort zone - pretending to write as someone else? But maybe... just maybe... I can let go and have a little fun. I'll let you know how it goes next Sunday.

Blogging:
I followed my blogging schedule for the third week in a row. So far, I like this blogging pace, and the variety of post topics continues to hold my interest.  Hopefully I can remain consistent over the long term.

Here's a recap of this week's posts:

• Monday Middle Grade Mania - where I reviewed Rescue on the Oregon Trail by Katie Messner
• Wordless Wednesday - where I showcased Doge's Palace in Venice
• French Friday - where I discussed the annual tradition of Paris Plages (the beaches of Paris)

Teaching:

I have watched about a third of the OYAN DVD lectures. For the most part, I find the education outstanding! I have learned quite a bit, not only how to teach the class, but also how to improve my writing.

I am taking notes to help me organize class lessons, and I am also using the workbook to help flesh out characters and scenes of my own novel.

Since we announced this course offering only a month ago, no one has had an opportunity to enroll. I am hoping for six students (enough to foster class discussions, but manageable for a first-time through the curriculum), but there is the possibility no one will enroll this year.

I'm ok with that though. I am learning valuable writing lessons, progressing with my own work-in-progress, and preparing in advance of the next academic year.


I wish you all comfortable days ahead, filled with lots of literary goodness!