I woke up this morning to snow. I think the dread of the oncoming winter made my heart sink right through my toes and into the floor. *sniff* Every year I get excited over fall, but forget the season of freezing temperatures that comes next. :P
Beside snow, this month was a good one. Here's what went down.
HIGHLIGHTS
I'M HALFWAY DONE WITH SCHOOL! My pace has slowed with work and life piling on, but I'm making progress. I just have to survive the winter. (which I will do by burying myself in fuzzy blankets 97% of the time) I CAN DO THIS. YOU CAN DO THIS.
Working at Starbucks is still a thing and I'm still loving it. All of the fun Holiday promo is coming out, and I get to help transform our store into a winter wonderland. (which means setting up decorations until midnight. SO PUMPED.) The zombie frappuccino released, which is popular, but nowhere near the crazy disaster of the unicorn frappuccino. So I'm a happy barista. xD
MY MIND IS BLANKING ON MORE HIGHLIGHTS. Usually I write them down as I go throughout the month... but I was a slacker and totally forgot. #oops
LOOK. AT. THIS. FENCE. It's right outside my neighborhood so every time I drive home from somewhere I get to gaze upon its amazingness. The Calvin and Hobbes comics are close to my heart and hold a special nostalgia with them... so this fence always brightens my day. <3
MY MIND IS BLANKING ON MORE HIGHLIGHTS. Usually I write them down as I go throughout the month... but I was a slacker and totally forgot. #oops
(Also, while writing this post I accidentally clicked publish on a very, very rough draft. *heart attack* (so sorry if you read that) But I mean, which genius decided it was a good idea to put the save and publish buttons right next to each other?!)
(speaking of blogging... I've noticed that the GFC widget on blogspot blogs are giving some sort of error. Please tell me if you figure out how to fix it. I'll give you pizza. Virtually. ;)
(speaking of blogging... I've noticed that the GFC widget on blogspot blogs are giving some sort of error. Please tell me if you figure out how to fix it. I'll give you pizza. Virtually. ;)
BOOKISH STUFF
Invictus [3/5] - so the beginning started off SUPER awesome, but as it went on I lost interest and wasn't emotionally involved with the characters. (and my poor mind was very confused about the time travel stuff SAMxD)
Wildwood [2/5] - this book had so much potential! The aesthetic and illustrations were gorgeous... but it was so loooong and boooring.
Knife [4/5] - definitely not my normal kind of story... but I loved it because of the nostalgia! When I was little I read fairy stories all the time, so I adored the trip back to the past. <3
When Dimple Met Rishi [2/5] - cute at times, but didn't live up to the hype. It's hard for me to read a romance story when I don't like either of the main characters very much. :/
Earlier this month I went to a book clearance sale and bought seven barely-used hardcovers for seven dollars. Um, yes please. The only bad thing is that I now have to start stacking books on my floor since my shelves are completely full. :P
Oh! And mark your calendars for November 13th. Why? The amazing Nadine Brandes is revealing the title and cover of her latest YA novel! I'M SO EXCITED TO FLAIL OVER IT WITH EVERYONE. *hype intensifies*
THE WRITING WORLD
I FINISHED PLOTTING MY NANO NOVEL! I was done a week before NaNoWriMo, which is crazy because I am never that organized. But, hey, there's always a first for everything! :P
I debated on whether or not to work on a different project during my free week... but instead I decided to spend my extra time reading. Yes, I could've pushed myself, but I also know that it would've backfired once NaNo started. I need to stalk up on my energy while I have the chance. Beside -- reading is part of being a writer! And I don't do nearly enough of it. *sniff*
My plotting motto for this year: ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS. FIND ALL THE ANSWERS. And that's basically what I did until I figured out my novel's plot. xD I'm more prepared than I've ever been. For instance:
time spent prepping for NaNo 2016: thirteen hours.
time spent prepping for NaNo 2017: thirty-seven hours.
Yeah. 37. That's thirty-seven focused hours. I'm trying to become better at just plotting/writing/blogging, and not getting distracted by taking quick little breaks to scroll through social media. I found this app called Forest that is AMAZING. It helps keep me on task and make the best of my time. Huzzah!
Also, look! I ordered NaNoWriMo merch for the first time! I'm hoping to go to a few write-ins in November, so I'll be able to properly show off my obsession with NaNo. xD
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| #dorkysuperheropose |
RAMBLINGS OF THE MONTH
THINGS TO COME
The last two NaNoWriMos I've done a weekly NaNo recap on the blog, and I'm going to continue that for this year! Stay tuned for excitement, revelations, sleep-deprived moaning about word counts, and incoherent babblings. (what more could you ask for? ;)
And, if I remember, I'll be doing a daily NaNo vlog that I'll put together and post at the end of the month. I'm so excited for the craziness to begin! *hands out cookies for you all to enjoy*
And, if I remember, I'll be doing a daily NaNo vlog that I'll put together and post at the end of the month. I'm so excited for the craziness to begin! *hands out cookies for you all to enjoy*
are you prepared for nanowrimo?
what book(s) do you associate with your childhood?
I've almost checked out Wildwood from the library so many times, but looking at the length, I always end up choosing something else. I LOVE your feature image! What kind of camera do you use? Turning Starbucks into a winter wonderland sounds like a blast!
ReplyDelete~ Ella Marie
I know, it's giant! o.o But there are illustrations and the text is fairly big, so it didn't take me long to read it.
DeleteAww, thank you! I was so happy when that picture turned out. I just used my phone! It's an iPhone... 5se? I think?
Ugh, I still have plotting to do for NaNo and it's FOUR DAYS AWAY!!! I don't know how I'm going to survive school and writing and music classes and life, but hey, #lifegoals yo. NaNo is something I've wanted to do for a long time and I'm finally doing it even if it kills me. (But let's hope that doesn't happen because then I'd never get to read all the wonderful Katie Grace posts.)
ReplyDeleteI associate the Nancy Drew books with my childhood because that's basically what my childhood was. Nancy Drew was my hero and I loved her and NED WAS MY DREAM BOYFRIEND (obviously I had issues...)
YUP. AND NOW IT'S A MERE TWO DAYS AWAY. ASDJKFL; I'm freaking out and now doubting the fact that I'm truly ready. ACK.
DeleteAWW NANCY DREW. Those were some of my favorites. But I preferred the Hardy Boy books. They were cheesy but so good. xD
I'm not doing NaNo this year (i just ran out of time to plan or anything like that), but good luck to you in all of your writing adventures - lovely merch, by the way.
ReplyDeleteAlso, that Calvin and Hobbes fence is wonderful, and working at Starbucks sounds incredible. Where I live we don't have Starbucks, but from what I know about it, it sounds great. One day I'll have to try it! :)
- clara
It's always frustrating to run out of time, but I hope you still have a good month, and maybe get some writing done!
DeleteI've noticed too that all the Google Follower gadgets are saying there's an error! Don't worry, it's not just you. It's been on every blog I've visited today... *squints at the gadget*
ReplyDeleteOh I feeellll you about hitting the publish button. Whoever put "publish" and "save" next to each other... Very, very bad decision. xD
And that fence is amazing!!!
Have a wonderful Novemeber! :)
*November. *sighs* xD
DeleteOkay, good! It must be a glitch with Blogspot itself then... I guess there's nothing I can do until it's fixed!
DeleteHehe, I love the sound of Novemember. XD
Ok, I didn't know I needed it, but I totally need the Forest app. I'm definitely getting it.
ReplyDeleteNice NaNo shirt AND NaNo mug. I approve heartily. Best of luck with your novel!
DO IT. It's helped my productivity SO much within the last few weeks.
DeleteEep, thank you! I'm excited about it. xD
Oooh, yes, I love vlogs!!! Wow, I'm so excited for NaNo... Even though, you know, I'm not doing it myself... BUT I'm super excited for you and everyone else! EEP. November is going to be so awesome! :D
ReplyDeleteYES! It's still just fun to see all the excitement around NaNo and use that as inspiration for making progress and being productive.
DeleteGood luck with NaNoWriMo!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Grace!
DeleteThis is the best highlight post of all highlight posts!!! Hello, I want snow?! #notfair -_- But hey we have actual fallish weather today for a pumpkin party so I guess it all evens out ...
ReplyDeleteThat fence is AMAZING OMG *all the heart eyes*
Okay, WHERE do you people find so many books for pennies???? We have no resale bookstores around here *cries* Even Half Price Books isn't that good! I live for library sales. *is inspired to start a resale bookstore with coffee and flowers* xD
I'm so excited for Nadine's cover reveal!!!! And your NaNo vlog is like the highlight of my November xD So I'M EXCITED ABOUT A LOT RIGHT NOW!!!!!
Have a great rest of your month and survive the cold with your pizza socks and NaNo mug ^.^
I DON'T KNOW MAN. But this was a Half Price Books Clearance sale at our fairgrounds! This is the only book sale I've ever gone to that I've been successful at. It seems like some bloggers go to sale every other weekend. xD
DeleteYESSS. SO MUCH EXCITEMENT HEHE. :D <3
Daww, I shall. :D
You're the NaNo queen!!!! I honestly don't even know what I'm writing yet, it's terrible. Life's been a mess lately, so I'm hoping that I can scramble everything together by Wednesday. Let's do this. *fist bump*
ReplyDeleteAww. And hey, it's okay if you don't! Sometimes life hits you hard and you have to let some things slide. YOU GOT THIS GIRL <3
Delete... I feel like Northerners and Southerners need to switch places every once and a while. Because we had our first frost today, and I was thrilled. xP
ReplyDeleteAm I prepared for NaNo...? Ha. Ha. Ha.
No.
I'm actually less prepared for NaNo than I have been in... A long time. xP I think I gave you all my preparedness. xD
AND YES. O.O I am so excited for Nadine's cover reveal! I will flail with you for sure. xD
I would be PLENTY okay with that. I despise the cold. xD
DeleteOh dear. That isn't good. You have, like, two days. SO... XD GOOD LUCK. Heh.
YES. COVER REVEAL. YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE IT. EEK. *flails some more*
I want to try the zombie frappuccino, but I'm nowhere near a Starbucks. That fence is awesome. I would say you are definitely ready for Nano!
ReplyDeleteAhh. Well, I didn't love it too much, so I don't think you're missing out on anything special. :P
DeleteTHAT FENCE! <3 Gah it's so adorable! Love it. Also, great job with plotting! PLEASE TEACH ME YOUR WAYS! I'm currently freaking out over just how soon NaNo is, and spending waaaay too much of my time on Pinterest. I'm excited for the NaNo vlog! November should be an awesome month. :)
ReplyDeletePS Yes what is up with the Google Following widget thing? It's happened to mine, too, and I've seen it messed up on a lot of other blogs :(
DeleteRIGHT? I wish I had that fence for myself, hehe! But it's good enough to drive by it everyday. xD
DeleteOkay, good. I'm glad I'm not the only one, but it's still annoying. *shrug* Oh well.
Wow is it really snowing?? Geez, fall just got started!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with NaNo this year!
Catherine
catherinesrebellingmuse.blogspot.com
UGH YUP. So annoying. -.-
DeleteThanks! :D
Awesome post, Katie!:) The Calvin and Hobbes fence is awesome, and I love the quote on it.
ReplyDelete-Quinley
Isn't it awesome? thanks for reading, Quinley!
DeleteI've always loved the idea of graphic novels and comics, but I never was able to get my hands on any. I used to read the page of comics in our newspaper, though. My dad cancelled the subscription, but we still got the newspaper for at least five years after. I was always afraid it would stop, but it didn't until I had aged out of it :P I would rush to grab it from the end of our driveway after church and then retreat to my room to read the little comics in peace and quiet. My favorite was "baby blues" because it was about a family of five and I connected on a deep level :P There was one with an old couple that I remember liking, but I can't remember the name of it. And this one of a witch called "Broomhilda."
ReplyDelete*descends into nostalgic feelings*
AWWWWWWW. THAT IS THE CUTEST THING. *flails happily* I think I would've liked tiny Hannah. XD
DeleteSo glad you had a cool month! Also, your NaNo shirt and mug are great!
ReplyDeleteI have a million books, movies, etc. that I associate with my childhood, but the two that came to mind immediately when I read that are The Chronicles of Narnia (first series I read, first major book/movie obsession) and Little Women (I was forced to read sooo many historical novels as a kid (Like Little House on the Prairie and A Little Princess), and I hated almost all of them, but I loved Little Women. I had never really related to a character like I related to Jo March. Also, it was one of the first books to make me cry.).
NARINAAA. Ohh, yes. I remember reading and rereading that series as a child and it's very dear to my heart. <3 <3 Did you have a favorite book in the series?
DeleteI think my favorites changed periodically, haha.
DeleteI'm definitely NOT prepared for NaNo. So. There's that. xD
ReplyDeleteHA! Well, it seems like you're not the only one out there who's not prepared. XD
DeleteOFFICIALLY OBSESSED WITH THE CALVIN AND HOBBES FENCE. I WANT THAT ON MY WALL.
ReplyDeleteWorking at Starbucks sounds like a lot of fun (though kind of stressful at times XD)!
RIGHT. LIKE, CAN I HIRE THOSE PEOPLE TO PAINT SOME NOSTALGIC QUOTE FOR ME. xD
DeleteUgh, yes. Definitely stressful at times, but I couldn't be happier working there! I've been blessed with awesome coworkers. :D
UGH I have snow too... :P I'M NOT READY YET. *wishes fall would last longer*
ReplyDeleteOH MY GOSH that Calvin and Hobbes fence!! ADORABLE!! :D <3
*sobs with you* I KNOWWW. Fall always seems to be gone in a heartbeat. -.-
DeleteRight? Since you're in MN I'll maybe have to send you the address so you can visit it sometime. xD
It snowed here Saturday morning too! It's weird to see the red and yellow leaves with the snow.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with NanoWriMo! I still have plotting to do-and it's three days away. Ahhhh!
Lexie
RIGHT? But it's also so pretty! I just hate the cold, so I kind of wish it didn't happen. xD
DeleteYOU CAN DO THIS. POWER THROUGH.
You woke up to SNOW??? I'm so jealous (confessions of a cold-weather lover). The leaves on our trees have barely started falling. I blame my corner of the universe for being so behind-schedule.
ReplyDeleteI finished my NaNo prep yesterday! I surprised myself because it totally did not think I'd finished in time, much less with days to spare. The only thing is, I don't know if I prepared enough, or if I'll regret not spending more time on it - we'll see.
The novel I most associate with childhood is - Island of Blue Dolphins. I just remember being fascinated by the girl who survived alone on an island.
wishing you all the best for NaNoWriMo!
k.
YES. SNOW. *shudder* Go ahead and take all you want! I've had enough of the frigid temperatures over here. :P
DeleteOh my goodness, I'm so proud! That's awesome that you finished so early. *sends chocolate*
Aww, I was just talking with a coworker about that book! I can't remember if I read it or not but the plot sounded so familiar when they were talking about it.
Ahhhh YOUR SHIRT IS SO COOL. I really want to get some sort of NaNo merch but shipping is insanity and I'm not ready to pay quite that much for a shirt. xP
ReplyDeleteSnow?? SO WEIRD. I mean, it's gearing up to summer over here and yesterday was over 95 and being outdoors was like frying in an oven. xD Aaand it's only halfway through spring for us. *braces self for the coming of summer*
I'M SO EXCITED FOR NANOOO. I've not finished plotting yet (such procrastination XD) but I've got a fairly clear idea of what it will be, and I'll be writing the plot down in the next few days and such. It's going to be a heaaap of fun. ^.^
YESSS I'M SO HAPPY I FINALLY GOT SOME NANO MERCH. And ugh, I knoww. I can't imagine what shipping prices are like for Australia -- it cost a whopping 11 dollars to ship my things! Which is more than the mug itself. Ugh. Oh well. :/
DeleteHAHA. Yikes. I don't think I can deal with that kind of heat. I hate extreme temperatures -- hot or cold. xD
YESSS. YOU CAN DO THIS. And at least you have the major overarching plot settled, and now just need to work out the details. I can't wait to hear about it as you write it! :D
*gasps* I wish we could have snow! It's like 80 degrees today!
ReplyDeleteTHAT FENCE! I NEED IT!!!!
TAKE ALL THE SNOW YOU WANT. Hehe. xD
Deleteit was snowing at my house yesterday too... I was shocked and not very happy about it! I remember us talking about Dimple and Rishi a while back; it wasn't my favorite, either. Good luck with NaNo!!
ReplyDeleteHailey
www.haileyhudson.wordpress.com
"which genius decided it was a good idea to put the save and publish buttons right next to each other?!" <---- MAYBE ONE OF THE WISEST QUESTIONS EVER ASKED, MY FRIEND. I have literally hated blogger so many times for publishing my posts when I absolutely didn't want it to =P like WHY YOU DO THIS TO ME
ReplyDeleteAhhh your job sounds so fun!! Working at Starbucks is like, the writer's dream job, right? Haha, but I'm glad you're enjoying it! OH YES I always forget to write down highlights that happened during the month and I'm always scrambling through my planner at the end of each month for my blog post lol
AND YOU HAVE SNOW !!! WHAT !!! SO COOL !! (pun intended *cough*)
I always look forward to these monthly-highlights-posts of yours. :)
ReplyDeleteSNOW?! I love snow! I can't believe you already have had some! That's awesome!! Last year we got over a foot of snow several times. Usually we only get about six inches, and these next few years are supposed to be the same as the last. XP
WHAT NANO HAS MERCH
ReplyDeleteI must have some...
goodness the photography is this post was just heart melting That fence looks so nostalgic and beautiful like ahhhh what the heck why don't I have a fence like that by my house???
~Samantha https://redheadwithabook.wordpress.com/
It hasn't even snowed yet but it is F R E E Z I N G. Fall didn't really even hit here: it just got REALLY cold all of a sudden!
ReplyDelete