I have an extensive list of books that I would like to read and it seems that my list grows longer every day. But since I’m keeping track of which books I’ve read through the course of the year, perhaps if I keep track of which books I’d like to read, I might stand a chance of reading a few more of those desired titles.
So, without further ado, here are some of the books I’d like to read this year:
That’s right, a real, live book review! It’s been so long since I’ve reviewed a book that I feel like I’m back in high school. Okay, maybe college. Actually, that might very well be the last time I gave a proper book review like I’m fixing to give right here.
Yeah, I said “fixing to.” It happens.
Anyway, my book club met Saturday night and I was unable to make it to the meeting – again – so I decided that, since I couldn’t share my thoughts on the wonderful book we read with my book club ladies, I’d share them all with you! The book we read for January was Defending Jacob by William Landay and, while it was not a book I’d have normally read, I really enjoyed it.
The book follows Assistant District Attorney Andrew Barber as he investigates the murder of a local teenager, one of his son Jacob’s classmates. When Jacob is later arrested and charged with the crime, Andy’s life falls apart. As the investigation proceeds, he struggles to hold together his marriage and realizes how little he actually knows his son. It’s part crime novel, part lit fic, and entirely enjoyable. To find out more, just click here!
My book list, to be updated regularly (I hope):
Books I’m currently reading:
Hiya! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’ve been keeping plenty busy the last week or so and, for the next few days at least, it looks to remain the same. Big things going at the day job have been keeping me tied up from nine to five-ish and my book club’s selection of the month has been keeping me spellbound after hours, in addition to the usual craziness.
So, to sum up: I’m sorry for being so absent! But I plan to share many book thoughts soon (I’ve been collecting them as I read – God, it feels good to be reading age-appropriate material again!). But until then, sweet dreams!
(c) 2013. All rights reserved.
I know it’s kind of a silly thing to be excited about, but this totally made my day:
Woot woot! Finally remembered to track down my book club’s selection with time to spare AND the library has it AND it’s in! 😀
— Kay Kauffman (@kaysielynn) January 11, 2013
@kaysielynn That’s the best, Kay. What’s your book club reading now?
— Kay Kauffman (@kaysielynn) January 11, 2013
I mean, really – Oprah’s Book Club? How cool is that?
But now, if you’ll excuse me, ’tis time to go! After all, I’ve got a book to read and a novel to write. I’m like a kid in a candy store. 😀
(c) 2013. All rights reserved.
Well, since it’s been a while since I’ve posted an update, here’s what’s new with my WIP:
This is how I look when I’m editing, when I’m thinking about editing, and occasionally when I’m writing.
The urge to edit is rearing its ugly head again. I’m fighting it, but wondering if my fight is in vain.
Photo by Kay Kauffman
I went out for lunch today and ate at the local Chinese place. This was my fortune. I’ve had one fortune cookie come true already; why not two? I think I’ll post this up at my desk so I can see it every time I sit down to work on something. It will be my mantra.
(c) 2012. All rights reserved.
Well, today was announcement day for the Pitch Wars competition. Sadly, I was not selected by any of the awesome mentors. But! I did get some fantastic feedback from two of the three mentors I submitted to, which I was totally not expecting. That kinda made my day, actually. Of course, like any author who has sent out a query and had it rejected, I wish the feedback could have been a little more specific and/or had some suggestions for ways to improve, but I know they were all very busy and swamped and I am super grateful for what I got. However, back to the drawing board go I.
I hadn’t really expected to be chosen. And I’ve spent the last week or so kicking myself for submitting so early because I took some advice I received during GUTGAA and used it to hopefully fix up my first page. Whether it would have made a difference or not, I’ll never know, of course, but I really regretted my itchy typing fingers.
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see. -Edgar Degas
Edgar Degas (The Burrell Collection, Glasgow) (Photo credit: dalbera)
The Green Dress (1897-1901)
La Jupe Verte
Edgar Degas
(c) 2012. All rights reserved.
Friday morning, I visited the third graders at Reinbeck Elementary School. The kids were all lovely and quite attentive while I prattled on about poetry and writing, punctuated by the occasional attempt at humor. (My suspicions that I’m not funny were confirmed – not one kid cracked a single smile.)
Mrs. Fleshner introduced me by saying how surprised she was to discover an author in their midst. I imagine it was something of a surprise; I’ve known her a couple years now, as Tadpole had her for third grade last year and nothing was ever said of my writing then. But at conferences this year, we happened to get on the subject of books and how we just don’t have the time to read as much or as often as we would like. I said that my problem was that I wanted to both read books and write them, but I didn’t have the time to do both, and that was how we ended up discussing my writing. She invited me to speak to the class, and I agreed, despite my intense dislike of public speaking.
I surprised her again when I arrived a bit early, laden with visual aids.
Suddenly they all died. The end. 