The Books
Favorite Read from April:
Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta
Notable Quote from April:
It’s an open horizon before us, as far as the eye can see: no angst and no games, just mutual delight. So simple, but so rich. Like chocolate. Not a gold-dusted truffle or a foofy pastry tower teetering on a crystal platter, but a plain, honest bar of the best chocolate in the world.
―Laini Taylor, "Night of Cake & Puppets"
The Blog
I was on hiatus for the past month, so no reviews, features, or discussions to report.
The Writing
My ostensible reason for the hiatus was to work on my writing. I actually did make a bit of progress with my WIP. But, honestly, there was quite a bit going on in my life this past month, and so I primarily used my time to relax and read and write at my own pace.
I think for a while I need to work on short stories and smaller works, to get my creative juices flowing once again. For now, that will be my focus. I still like my story idea, but I'm not feeling as inspired to write as I should (and as I know I'm capable of doing). Just doing a bit of writing each day and allowing new characters and story ideas to flow into me can only be helpful at this point.
An Update
As you can probably tell, I've come back from my month-long hiatus. It was very tempting to continue my hiatus, to be honest. But I think life should slow down enough for the next month or so to allow me some time to blog again.
I still plan on devoting a good chunk of my free time to things outside of blogging, however, so I will not have a regular posting basis. I need to focus on my writing still, and I've also become more focused on my health and personal fitness. Those things are more important to me than blogging at this point, if I'm being honest.
Also, I am currently computer-less. The computer I was using ran Windows XP and was too old to upgrade to Windows 8. My Dell Venue Pro tablet actually runs full Windows 8 and has Microsoft Office Suite, so it works for now, but using it is not quite the same (or quite as easy). Just another reason why I cannot guarantee any regularity to my blog posts right now! (Though I do have a full May schedule planned - hopefully I can keep to it!)
But I'm back. I'm here. I'm ready to give things another shot. :)
How was your April?
Amanda, I'm so glad you're back. Froi of the Exiles is my favorite as well (: Just like you mentioned, I need to refocus on health and personal fitness. I've been having junk food for the past month and so much of travelling. I can't wait to read your May posts. (:
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ini! :) It's good to be back.
DeleteI'm trying to use the fact that it's Spring and nice weather is coming to be my main motivator in becoming healthy. Hopefully I can keep it up. And I hope you can refocus on health as well! (Though I do think junk food is basically a prerequisite for traveling, so I don't blame you there!)
It's always good to take some time off! I've noticed that I have taken quite a few breaks here and there, and they can sometimes be for several days at a time. But if I need them, I need them and that's that. I have tried twice to read the Marchetta books and they seem like such "Asheley" books but I have failed to really get into them both times - I'd like to think that is because I wasn't devoting good attention to them or something. BECAUSE I HAVE THEM ALL and I'd love to read them! Also, I grabbed the LTaylor finale and I want to read that too (but you know it takes me a while to work up to finales because they scare me). I'll get to it! Yay for breaks!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Asheley. If I need to take some time off, I will. And maybe by not delaying, I can avoid taking a whole month off. But if I do, I do. I'll keep coming back, I'm sure. :)
DeleteYou need to read them! I actually felt like Finnikin was really slow starting off (despite there being a fair amount of action). I think it's one of those stories you need to persist with as the payoff in reading them isn't immediate. But it's worth it, I promise. And if you ever need to talk to someone as you read them through, just let me know. :)
Yay! You're back! I'm so happy. I returned to blogging only to find that you were taking a hiatus, and that was so not cool. Haha just kidding. It's always good to take a break when needed, and I took an extra long one so I can hardly judge. As for your writing, I'm glad you've made some progress. I should really get back to it. Let me know if you ever want someone to look at your work :D
ReplyDeleteYay! I am! lol I am glad you're back as well. Now we can get up to all sorts of book blogging shenanigans together.
DeleteAnd I will. Nothing I've written is nowhere near ready to be looked at, but when I eventually get something to a somewhat decent point, you'll be the first person I email. :)
I just love, love, LOVE Froi, Amanda, and Night of Cake & Puppets was so delightful. I also adored Dreams of Gods & Monsters, though I haven't gotten around to writing my review of it yet, but I hopefully will soon. Glad you enjoyed your hiatus and are continuing to plan to make time for yourself and your pursuits - always a good thing. :)
ReplyDeleteFroi and Nights of Cake & Puppets were definitely my two favorite reads from April. I wasn't quite as impressed with Dreams of Gods & Monsters as I'd hoped, unfortunately.
DeleteAnd thank you, Keertana! It really is a good thing. And a necessary one. :)
Nice to hear from you, Amanda! Though I don't at all blame you for feeling that other things in your life are more important than blogging at the moment. You sound busy! Hopefully you can get your computer problems fixed soon. And dang, your post reminds me that I STILL need to read Finnikin of the Rock!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Aylee! And I know. I'm ready to be back and have more problems haha. But I'll manage.
DeleteAnd you do need to read it! I'm pretty sure that it's the sort of story that you'll really enjoy. :)