May Recap
What’s New?
So much, but also it feels like things are the same as always.
A lot has happened since I last posted, which tends to be the case when you wait months to update folks on your life, so this is going to be long. They might all be long, because as I’m writing these, I’m learning that I have more things to say than I expected. Oh well.
I went to Italy (and Switzerland for a minute)! You can read all about it and look at all the pretty pictures I took here. I have a lot of writer feelings after the trip. I went to workshop my first novel, It Ends in a Fire, and I think most of me wanted everyone to say that it is perfect and ready for publishing, you’re done. That wasn’t the reality, lol. Which is fine; some might even say that’s great—that the point of a workshop is to workshop. And I would say, I know, but … The idea of having more work to do is daunting. Even small changes can turn into an avalanche with a manuscript that’s 139,000 words, so I’ve been avoiding thinking about it, which isn’t helping me to get back into writing.
That felt like it would be a way bigger update, but honestly, it’s been a lot of laying low, getting ready for my trip, and trying to keep some kind of writing momentum. Spoilers, an international trip actually kills any kind of productive momentum you ever had, and it’s worth it.
What I Got Done:
Hellboys: zero, nada, zilch, zippo
Hellboys got moved to the back burner a few months ago. I finished an outline and started a first draft and it was like pulling teeth. I think it was a sign that something about it wasn’t working, so I tucked that story away. But after the trip I’ve been having a lot of thoughts and think I’ll be diving back in soon.
The Goals: New outline.
The Deadline: 🤷♀️ Whenever. There are no rules.
Flood: more than I thought!
I was feeling a little down on myself because my goal was to finish a zero draft of Flood before I left for Europe. I didn’t quite make it, and I have been struggling to get back to writing since I’ve gotten home. So, I’ve felt like a failure, not reaching a goal, getting stuck in the story, not feeling very strong about things, but when I looked at my actual word count, I thought, ‘oh shit, I’ve done a lot with this.’ Which is a great feeling. I’m going to try and ride that into next week and for real finish the zero draft, and then maybe I’ll pop back over to Hellboys and let Flood simmer for a bit.
The Goals: Finish the zero draft
Deadline: August 1, 2025
Secret Third Thing: nothing, yet.
I’ve been stewing on a story idea that I think wants to be a screenplay, but I haven’t written a screenplay since college, so I’ve been avoiding it. Avoidance is a strong theme in this update. I’m not ready to say much about it, but I am very into the idea, and the thought of writing something that could then be made with my friends is very fun. I went to film school thinking I wanted to be a director and quickly discovered that it was not for me, but after over a decade in the industry, maybe I do want to sit in that chair.
The Goals: Brainstorm an outline and make a mood board
The Deadline: July 15, 2025—I feel like this could be a fun day project, low stakes, more arts and crafts than anything else.
By the numbers:
Words Written: 37,848
Hellboys: 0 Flood: 37,848 Secret Third Thing: 0
What I’m Reading:
Current:
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil
by V. E. Schwab
V. E. Schwab is an instant buy for me, so I didn’t care what this book was about; it was pre-ordered the minute it was available. So far, I am into it. I haven’t read Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire series, but I have seen the iconic Tom Cruise movie, blonde wig and all, as well as the first season of the FANTASTIC Showtime series (I am not working enough to afford more streamers, so am waiting for season 2 to drop on Netflix, but it is top of the watchlist). This book feels like the Sapphic answer to that franchise. It feels like dark velvet and sharp moonlight. It is sultry and angry, exploring the ways that women are dangerous and powerful. I’m about 50% through it and am savoring every page.
Finished:
This list looks very impressive, but that’s just what happens when you don’t post every month and things add up, so these are all the books I’ve finished since my last update. You may notice that Rhythm of War is not on this list because I gave up. I made it nearly 600 pages and just could not do it. Maybe I’ll come back to it when the newest comes out in paperback and I get the urge to complete the set … we’ll see.
I’m not going to talk about all of these books because that would be a novel on its own, so I’ll just drop a quick Highlights/Lowlights.
Highlights
Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang
This was floating around my FYP for a while, and it was one of those books that delivered exactly what I wanted—a unique magic system, a dynamic and flawed main character, and a complex exploration of morality. Very into it, but also definitely a tragedy,
The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
I haven’t read The Hunger Games since they were first published, and skipped Ballad because reading about President Snow in 2020 seemed like a terrible time, but I was fully bought in on the Sunrise hype. Sunrise on the Reaping was a devastating return to Panem, and after finishing, I didn’t want to leave, so I re-read the entire series. I loved the books when I read them in my teens/early 20s, but returning to them as an adult was both comforting and devastating. I did not remember how upsetting these books are! Suzanne, I love you, but it might be on sight.
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
I have been really into folktale/folklore/mythology retellings lately, and this was a nice little novella that scratched that itch. It came at a well-known story sideways without being unrecognizable. I also read it in like 1.5 Silver Lake Reading Clubs.
Lowlights
Darkly by Marisha Pessl
Pessl is another instant buy for me, but I think she’s been bumped from that list. Her previous book was fine, but I didn’t love it, and her newest, Darkly, really missed the mark for me. It rang hollow, and I really struggled to suspend my disbelief, which I am usually great at. Overall, I was disappointed.
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
This was fine. I read it on a plane in one sitting. I was more interested in the sports drama than the romance, but that was probably because I learned that a man telling a woman what to do is an instant ick for me. Take it or leave it, I’m sure there is an Ali Hazelwood romance out there for everyone.
What I’m Watching:
TV
I am in my reality TV era, and I love it. I was drawn into the Scandoval of it all and am now fully invested in the VPR extended universe of The Valley and Love Island. I can’t, in good conscience, recommend The Valley. Season 2 is dark, like dark, dark, but I cannot look away. If it gets renewed for Season 3, I don’t think I’ll stick around. On the flip side, I will follow Ariana Madix anywhere she goes, and seeing her thrive on Love Island is my salvation in these dark times. For one hour a night, 6 days a week, I can just gawk at hot women and mid men and be happy.
I haven’t been following much narrative TV since Severance and The Pitt wrapped up. Loved them both, and I was very upset with Noah Wyle because he is out here stealing an Emmy from my boy Adam Scott. I am enjoying Murderbot on Apple TV. It’s based on a well-loved book series, which is now on my never-ending TBR. I don’t know how it holds up as an adaptation, but Alexander Skarsgård as an autistic-coded deadly robot is a fun time.
It’s baseball season! So I am also sat in front of my TV or radio for every Guardians game. I love my sweet little baseball boys, even if they’re only hovering around 500, and Clase gives me anxiety every time he’s on the mound. It’s early yet, this could be our year!
Movies
I’ve only seen two movies in theaters since the last update, which is just unacceptable. Luckily, though, they were both bangers. I am def Bong Joon and Coogler Hive. I think they are both phenomenal directors and will watch anything they make.
Mickey 17, also based on a book, which I didn’t know, was charming. Robert Pattinson was a delight, and they managed to make very gross-looking creatures also insanely cute. I would die for those little baby aliens.
Sinners was my favorite movie of the last few years. I loved it. I need to see it again, because I know there are so many layers that I missed in the first go around. It was refreshing to see such a large-scale, original film do so well. I hope it starts the trend toward giving space and taking chances on more original IP.
Was A-List Worth It? No
In my head, I feel like I’m at the movies all the time, but so far, the reality is that I could be doing better. Hopefully, by the June recap, I’ll have gotten my act together.
Miscellany:
Happy Pride!
In classic, late-realized, bi-girl fashion, I didn’t do anything for Pride. I’m also terrible at planning ahead, so I didn’t put any thought into a Pride reading list or anything. I’m not even a good ally. Luckily, I can copy the work of my loves over at Silver Lake Reading Club.
Silver Lake Reading Club Pride Book List
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Are you watching Love Island? On a scale of 1 to Giddy, how much were you giggling and kicking your feet when Nicolandria finally happened? I was not an OG shipper, but I am officially onboard.