Sunday Salon: April 10, 2016

I'm debating about joining the Dewey's Read-athon, scheduled for April 23rd. It's been a long time since I've participated, but I sure love the camaraderie of prolonged reading with thousands of online friends. Are any of you registered?

Reading:

I recently became reacquainted with an old friend.

Back in 2009 when I started this book review blog, ebooks were just starting to gain in popularity. NetGalley was a start-up company that put electronic advanced review copies into the hands of reviewers. My Cozy Book Nook registered with the company, and I even sat in their booth during BEA to answer questions of those who stopped by.

A couple of weeks ago I went to their site again; the first time in more than five years. I really didn't expect my account to be active, nor did I expect to find a review copy that interested me. I was wrong on both accounts.

I downloaded only a few books, but I've already completed one and almost finished another. I also have a couple more Middle Grade novels waiting in the wings. It is as though we picked up our relationship where we left it so many years ago.

The first book I downloaded (and finished) is The Rejected Writers' Book Club by Suzanne Kelman (released March 29, 2016).

The title and the premise had such promise. This particular book club is limited to writers who have never been published. The goal is to collect rejection letters, for once a manuscript is accepted for publication, the writer is no longer welcome in the club.

I love this way of viewing rejection, and I must keep it in mind when I start querying my own manuscript. But alas the book fell short for me.

I struggled with the melodrama. Yes, I understand there was conflict and  yes, I understand that undo embarrassment must be avoided, but it was just a bit over the top for my taste.

And I also struggled with the immediate love-at-first-sight subplot.

Overall, I would rate the book 3 out of 5.

The second book I downloaded - and am savoring every single chapter - is Julia Cameron's newest work in the Artist's Way series: It's Never Too Late to Begin Again (release date scheduled for April 19, 2016).

I am a huge fan of Julia Cameron - her morning pages, artist's dates, and weekly walks - and this book, geared towards the middle-aged and recently retired, does not disappoint.

I am skimming the book this first go around, and when it is released, I plan to buy a hard copy and work through it chapter-by-chapter. I'm thinking of writing a twelve-week blog series to share my thoughts, insights, and journaling prompts that arise from the activities.

I am about 75% done with Gone Girl and still loving the psychological thriller aspect of the novel; the profanity, however, is wearing on my nerves. I should finish the book by mid-week.

Currently I only listen to audiobooks while driving, but since most of my travel is within a 20 mile radius of home, that does not provide much listening time. I'm starting to think of other activities where I can help pass the time by "reading" audiobooks, like walking perhaps (?)



Writing:

Manet - Bob, Chien Griffon

I finalized my chapter-by-chapter synopsis and shared it with my writing group. To my pleasant surprise, they liked it. No one had any concerns or suggestions, and in fact one participant noted I am a fiction writer (whether I feel like one or not).

I left the meeting excited to proceed with the project. Currently I am adding detail to the synopsis, a la the Snowflake Method, so when I sit down to draft the novel, it will (hopefully) flow.

I worked ahead on blog posts this weekend so I can focus on writing the novel this week. Next Sunday I should report at least one chapter completed.

Blogging:
I managed to maintain my blogging commitments this first week of April. I continued with normal blog topics, did not miss an A-Z challenge post, and wrote a 4,500 word synopsis for Camp NaNoWriMo. Let's hope I can keep the pace for the remaining three weeks.

Here's what I published this week:

• How to Journal: Stepping Stones
• Totoro Family Recipes: White Gingerbread
• A-Z Challenge: C is for Cassatt, D is for Degas, E is for Escargot, F is for Fromagerie, G is for Garnier Opera House, H is for Haussmann

FUN:

http://ow.ly/10t2q8

While there's not much of free time with all the writing challenges, I did begin to organize for May's scrapbooking project. I ordered an album with pre-printed pages. I love the cover and hope the pages will help me finish the album quickly. Michaels' offered a great cardstock sale (5 for $1.00) so I matched colored card stock to the three primary colors of the album: burgundy, teal, pear green

Do you ever find prepping for the project more fun than working on the project itself?!