• 2020 Reading List,  Blog,  Books,  Weekend Reading

    Ickabog

    I just went to Target and picked up J.K. Rowling’s new book! The Ickabog.

    I started keeping up with the installments online, but then held back and stopped myself from reading anything further. That took a lot of will power. I wanted to really wait for it to come out in proper book format.

    And here it is! I have J.K. Rowling’s new book in my hands. The drawings inside are so much fun. They are made by children, and a very cool idea to include.

    Now I need to get some of my favorite desserts, find some quiet time, and read.

  • Blog,  Weekend Reading

    Hello Weekend! 5/22/20

    A little update: this week was another productive one. I am STILL actively searching for a literary agent, while working on another manuscript and script. I have to admit that I prefer writing young adult stories, rather than writing a movie script, but scripts go much faster and are easier to write. Selling your writing work on the other hand can be a challenge.

    As for the agent search, it’s finding the right one who will support me and not spend all their time on Twitter ranting about politics. This is a red flag for me. I’m looking for someone who is focused on business.

    Speaking of focus. If it’s one thing I know I’m capable of, it’s completing my goals and tasks. While I write I use a few tools to help me stay organized. Here are some cool links I wanted to share.

    Taskade // Such a great organizational tool to help keep track of my to do list. I’m still a paper planner girl, but I love how I can create tasks for group or teams, as well as keep track of my goals on desktop. Play around with this tool and see how it can work for your needs. I’ve been using the free one which is great!

    Forest // I wanted a visual and fun timer to help me accomplish my writing goals. This is a fun app that you plant virtual trees with. The app allows you to set a timer, during which your virtual tree grows. As long as you keep the app open, your tree grows. Your tree will die if you exit the app. Yes, I’m the type of person who needs this kind of app to stay focused 🙂

    GoodNotes // I have an iPad Pro and love using this app to keep my digital notes/notebooks organized. I looked into the other apps, but prefer Goodnotes because of the notebook covers and the choice of papers. Here’s a great Youtube video, skip to 6:00 if you just want to see the GoodNotes app in action.

    New York Public Library Spotify list // We’ve all been in lock down during the pandemic of 2020, and it’s been quiet. Missing are the sights and sounds of the world. Since I was in New York City towards the end of December, this playlist allowed me to relive a part of my trip. It’s great for background white noise for editing too. I don’t know why but I need to have background noise when I’m writing or editing???

    I hope to share more digital finds with you in future posts. Let me know if you end up trying these!

  • 2020 Reading List,  Blog,  Weekend Reading

    Weekend Reading

    Happy weekend!

    How was this week for you? I have to admit, this week wore me out! In between revising my YA manuscript, researching agents, writing articles and proposals for submission… it’s been a pretty hectic one. Productive, but hectic because I’m also juggling 2 online courses as well.

    So this weekend I’m really looking forward to chilling out and reading for pleasure. I need to recharge my inspirational batteries. I’m going to start with this book, The Art of the Good Life by Rolf Dobelli. I can’t wait to be honest. Since Jan. 1, 2020, I have been on a search for some intense life encouragement. I don’t know why? Maybe it’s because I feel like this year has some incredible potential. Whatever you are up to, I hope you have a great weekend!