Aside from Hunted Fate’s release getting pushed back a couple of weeks, there’s not much major news this week. However, it’s time to prep for Nanowrimo! Having done this so many times, I’ve got this down to a science.
- Lay in food and snacks: You can see where my priorities lie, given that this is first on the list. I hate to cook much during Nano, so I’ve got lots of things already made and some quick alternatives ready to go.
- Choose a focus: This year I’m not starting a new book. I’ll be finishing one already in progress and then, if I need more words, beginning the second book in the series.
- Gather ideas/research: I get to skip this part this year since I’m working on something already in development.
- Get the playlist together: This is mostly done since I’ll be continuing work on a WIP. I’m trying to add some more “angry” songs and “epic” instrumentals, though, for some scenes that I know are upcoming.
- Find a location: I’m still trying to find a good alternative location for this year. My favorite coffee shop closed last spring! I need a place to go when I just have to get out of the house. I’d use the library, but I prefer more background noise. I’m visiting coffee/sandwich shops to find one with a happy little vibe. (And free wifi.)
- Gather my support peeps: This is mostly done. Many of my friends are in it again this year, and I’ve added a few new friends to the crew. We’ll meet a few times during the event to keep each other going.
- Eliminate distractions: I’ve told people to leave me alone. (They won’t listen, but I tried and thus they are totally deserving of my surliness when they interrupt.) I’ve taken care of as many appointments as I can to clear the calendar for the month. It’s sacrilege, but I’ve even suspended most of my holds at the library so I don’t have too much (more) reading material coming in.
I am ready! Just as soon as I finish this week’s reading list… (Clearly the hold suspension didn’t happen soon enough.)
The Reading List
Caroline: Little House Revisited, by Sarah Miller. This new novel, approved by the Wilder estate, tells the story of Little House on the Prairie from Ma’s perspective. More or less. Think of it as Little House for grown ups. Since I loved the originals as a kid, it should be fun to revisit the story as an adult. I just hope it doesn’t ruin the original.
Origin, by Dan Brown. If you haven’t been under a rock the past few years, you likely know of Dan Brown, his character Robert Langdon, and the bevy of pretty women who help Langdon solve the (usually religious) mysteries of the ages using codes and symbols. This book is no different, except this one has Langdon trying to help a friend solve the mysteries of creation and evolution.
The Ship of the Dead (Magnus Chase #3), by Rick Riordan. This is the third book in Riordan’s Norse mythology series. I’m enjoying this series more than the Greek-based books at this point. I think he took that series too far and branched it off in too many directions. This one is (so far) more compact and easier to keep up with.