Preparing for NaNoWriMo?
Thoughts about writing goals, my favourite fantasy trilogy, and the quest to finish The Hobbit
Thoughts about writing
NaNoWriMo is coming up. Any of you writers planning to take part?
I tried and failed a couple of years ago 😅 But I still have a soft spot for all these community-let’s-do-it-together projects. Like #The100DayProject. #Inktober. And of course, #NaNoWriMo. So I try to do these every year if I can.
But. I’m also mindful that these projects, while fun and inspiring and can be the push you need to get started on your creative practice, can be quite stressful and disheartening if you can’t keep up or reach your goals.
So my advice? Be gentle with yourself.
If you feel like doing it, I say go for it! But remember to give yourself grace too. And enjoy the process.
It’s okay if you miss a day or two (or 75% of the entire project. Maybe even 90%…). The point is it gives you an excuse or encouragement to get connected with your creative side and rev it up.
And if it gets too much, there’s no shame in stopping. Give yourself a pat on the back for how much you’ve achieved – not cry over how you’ve failed to finish.
You gave it a go and did something. You’ve moved somewhere.
That’s more than what most people can say. So, go you!
Remember: no effort is wasted.
And also, you can always try again next year, if you want.
Books, books, books
My TBR pile is rising. I keep telling myself to STOP buying books. Read what I have.
But, if you’re a fellow bookworm, you’ll know… that it simply won’t work 😆
Someone once said reading and book-buying are two separate hobbies. I’m inclined to agree.
Titles I’ve read and loved
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden is the first book of the Winternight Trilogy, and I highly recommend the entire series. From the very first line, I was captivated. Katherine Arden weaved such an atmospheric, enchanting, yet at times terrifyingly dark, fairy tale-like stories.
I was 100% invested in Vasya’s journey, as well as her relationship with the Winter King. The romance was beautifully done – but this series is much more than the love story. It’s about how a young girl grew into her own person, and navigated the complexity of relationships with families, friends and spirits (yup). And of course, as this is fantasy, being part of the fight of good versus evil. But even then, grey areas abound.
This is hands-down one of my favourite fantasy series, and I cannot recommend it enough!
Another fantasy for you: Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. I find Neil Gaiman such an inspiring writer, and I loved his course on Masterclass. I also loved the movie Stardust (based on his book of the same name), which led me to read the book itself, and I loved that too.
Neverwhere is an urban fantasy that takes you to London below. Filled with adventures between the reality and magical worlds, it’s very absorbing. Beautifully written, with amazing storytelling. Perfectly Neil Gaiman.
And now for some romance!
A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood is a YA novel that gave me some serious Great Gatsby vibes. I mean, look at that cover! I couldn’t put this book down as I followed Lou’s journey into the world of moonlit cocktail parties and glitz and glamour. And as she gets deeper into that world, is she abandoning her own roots and family… and will she lose herself? As it’s targeted to YA, the writing is easy to read. But still so beautiful.
Well, I’m pretty sure you've been seeing The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary everywhere now that the movie trailer is out. I’m always a bit apprehensive about movies based on books because they can be either a hit or miss… and usually, quite a miss (Bridgerton, I’m looking at you).
But back to the book, I loved it. It’s a contemporary romance with an interesting premise: flatmates who don’t meet and only communicate through Post-It notes but still fall for each other *swoons*. I read a lot of rom-coms and romance novels, so I have trouble remembering the most of what I read. But The Flatshare is always on my mind. Also, this was Beth O’Leary’s debut novel – and after reading it, she’s become one of my auto-buy authors. (Spoiler: I’ve loved all her books so far.)
Currently reading
Still plodding along with The Hobbit. It is, as expected, quite hard to read in the way that classics are. And I’ll confess that I’m sometimes tempted to ditch DNF pause it for a while so I can sneak in a quick rom-com.
But, I’m still committed! I’ll keep going 💪🏻
On the art side
I got out my acrylics last week to paint this piece for my hubby.
It’s based on a picture I took when we were at Wye River for our camping holiday last month. The holiday didn’t exactly go perfectly – it rained every day, was muddy all around, our friends fell sick and we ended up cutting the trip short.
But it was still a beautiful, memorable time, and the kids had so much fun. And the Great Ocean Road was absolutely spectacular.
Other bits and pieces
Some love for fellow Substackers: I recently discovered Hattie Crisell and I’m quite obsessed.
Another thing I’ve been obsessed with? The Bridgerton soundtrack. As you know, I’m not a fan of the TV series. But the music is spot on. I love how they gave modern songs a classical spin, and I can’t get enough of it. Have a listen.
Ending this week’s newsletter with a dad joke:
I asked my dog what’s two minus two.
He said nothing.