As promised, here’s the next episode of my bookish video series.
Enjoy!
BZ
Goals Summary 2020 – Wk #13
Hey Blogland,
It was a busy week of Staying Home, and Staying Safe. I’m starting to get restless, and really want the sun to come out so I can at least take the dog for a walk. But, there’s a lot of writerly things happening, so let’s get to it!
Last Week
- Edit The Lament of Kivu Lacus
- Finish listening to Tunnel of Bones
- Write 800+ words
How’d I do?
- Edit The Lament of Kivu Lacus
- Yep. This round was a bit more productive as I recognized some superfluous lines and tightened things up a bit.
- Finish listening to Tunnel of Bones
- Yep! I didn’t expect to have so many feelings about a poltergeist, but I sure did.
- Write 800+ words
- Oh, yes. Without even really meaning to.
Weekly Word Count: 2,314
This was a very bookish, writerly week. I worked on some fanfic, edited my short story, read a bunch of Ashlords and finished listening to Tunnel of Bones. I released two episodes of Mrs. Harlow’s Quarantine Reads! I discovered and listened to all of the Ask the Bards podcast. It’s Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne talking all things writing and publishing, which is rad. I started Wonderbook, which I’m treating as a sort of class. I’m reading a chapter or two each week and doing the associated Writing Challenges. It’s fun, challenging, and is really kicking my brain into “Craft” gear. Which is good because, well, I did a thing.
I finally read the Tavi rough draft. You know, that Urban Fantasy novel I finished last spring? I’ve been avoiding it because revising novels has been a highly unpleasant experience so far. I was terrified that it would be even worse than I imagined and so just kept glancing at the printed manuscript on my desk like it might reach out and bite me.
But, on Friday, I decided to dive in. And, you know what? I loved it! It’s fun, and there are a lot of elements that I’m incredibly proud of. The pacing is generally good, I kept reading, not out of a sense of duty, but because I was genuinely enjoying my story. In fact, I couldn’t put it down. I read the entire thing in basically one sitting. From about 9am to 7pm, and was absolutely thrilled with it.
That’s not to say it’s perfect. There is definitely work to be done, but nothing so daunting that I’m hesitant to get started. I’m actually looking forward to spending time in this world and with these characters again. Crazy, right?
What’s Next?
- Edit The Lament of Kivu Lacus
- Finish reading Ashlords
- Write 800+ words
This looks familiar on purpose. It’s worked for the last two weeks, so why mess with it? Especially when polishing and submitting Lament is my top priority right now. Finishing the rough draft of The Shadowboxer is priority number two. Once both of those are done I’ll start revising Tavi. I’m hoping to have it “done” before July. We’ll see how that goes.
And then I have a new novel idea. Which is a dangerous thing, but also a very motivating one. I can’t work on the new idea until all of the above is complete. And I really want to write the new thing, so I’d best get to work.
Speaking of work, I start working remotely this week. I still have no idea what that’s going to look like, so who knows if I’ll be able to keep this routine I’ve just established. I’m trying not to think about that too much just yet.
Be on the lookout for a couple more Quarantine Reads this week. I’ll have Ep. 5 up either this evening or tomorrow and then Ep. 6 later this week.
Until later, Bloggos!
BZ
Mrs. Harlow’s Quarantine Reads! Ep. 4
One of these days I’ll write an actual book review again. Until then, I hope you’re enjoying these videos!
Stay safe and healthy, Bloggarts. I’ll be back before you know it to talk about goals.
BZ
Goals Summary 2020 – Wk #12
Hi Bloggarts!
It’s a little weird jumping into the blog so late in the year, but late is better than never I suppose. By now you know that I’m not working (at least not in the same capacity) because of Covid-19 and this sudden addition of unstructured time has led me to re-examine my routines. Which reunited me with my trusty whiteboard…
Last Week
- Edit The Lament of Kivu Lacus rough draft
- Read Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights
- Write 800+ words
How’d I do?
- Edit The Lament of Kivu Lacus rough draft
- Yep. I’m sort of struggling with this one because I like it so much. I know better than to submit a story that hasn’t been extensively revised, but I don’t know what else to do to it…
- Read Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights
- Yep! The video review is up now!
- Write 800+ words
- Yep. Pretty much right away. Some things clicked into place and my writing brain kicked into gear.
Weekly Word Count: 1,618
So. Yeah. First week “back” and I accomplished all my goals… That’s weird. But, not only did I accomplish all my goals, but I started a new YouTube series for my students. I’m screaming about it here on the blog so I’m sure you’ve seen it. I won’t blather on here about, but I do recommend you check it out.
Beyond video-making and goal-reaching there really isn’t much going on. State Parks closed today so I’m feeling pretty down about that. The nice weather finally gave out and we’re back to cold rain and grey skies.
I’m still playing Dragon Age, because y’know, I’m obsessed. I’m still writing fanfic and working on original projects. I’m here. Home and working and trying not to wonder too much about the future.
So, What’s Next?
- Edit The Lament of Kivu Lacus
- Finish listening to Tunnel of Bones
- Write 800+ words
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Right? Last week’s successes don’t need to be built upon just yet. I want to get into a rhythm and used to working again before I start getting ambitious. Besides, this week is officially Spring Break. There are no work expectations for me right now, but starting the 31st I’m expected to be available and may have work to do. I don’t want to plan goals based on my time constraints now only to have them change in a few days.
That’s about it, Bloggos. I’ve already made another video to share later this week. I’m still listening to Tunnel of Bones and reading Ashlords. I’m playing Dragon Age and pining for a hike, and seriously missing my bi-weekly karaoke sessions. Luckily our Dungeons and Dragons group has agreed to video conferencing our sessions so we don’t have to sacrifice that. A little normalcy will be nice.
I’ll be back later this week with another video! Until then, Blogland.
BZ
Mrs. Harlow’s Quarantine Reads! Ep. 3
I’m back with a new video and more than a little bit of geekery. Enjoy!
I’ll be back later this afternoon to discuss how my week went and what I’m looking forward to this week.
Talk soon,
BZ
Mrs. Harlow’s Quarantine Reads Ep. 2!
In just a couple of days, my first video has almost 100 views. I received a lot of wonderful comments from friends on Facebook and a lot of enthusiasm from students and staff! So here, have another episode!
I’ll be back on Monday with a *drumroll please* Weekly Update, and another Quarantine Reads!
Thank you all and have an awesome day!
BZ
Mrs. Harlow’s Quarantine Reads!
Hello Blogland!
As I’ve mentioned, I’m a Library Media Assistant at a nearby high school here in Oregon. If you’re paying attention to all this Covid-19 madness, you may have noticed that Oregon schools have been ordered to close from March 16th until at least April 28th. That’s a long time to be away from my library and my students. So, I came up with a crazy idea to keep in touch with them and keep the library a relevant space in this time of Social Distancing.
Let me know what you think!
BZ
