What’s Up Wednesday
I debated whether or not I’d do a WUW today, but decided to go ahead, just so you know I’m still here. What’s up with me?:
What I’m Reading
Despite the votes for THE DIVINERS last week, I decided to read THE SHERLOCKIAN by Graham Moore. My wife recommended this book to me a while ago, so I decided to go ahead and read it (I’ll get to THE DIVINERS soon–promise!). I haven’t finished THE SHERLOCKIAN yet, but I’ll say this much–it’s good. Very good. If you’re a Sherlock Holmes fan, I think you’ll enjoy it. If you’re not, but like a good mystery, you’ll probably enjoy it too. The novel consists of two stories running parallel to each other: one involving a murder among a group of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts in 2010, and another that has Dr. Arthur Conan Doyle and Bram Stoker investigating a murder case in 1900. They are related to each other in at least one sense that I’m aware of at the moment–they may well end up being related more deeply as the story progresses. We’ll see. I’ll post a Goodreads review when I’m finished, but perhaps that’s enough to encourage you to check it out yourself…
By the way, I know I said I’ll post a review of ALLEGIANT soon, and I will. I just haven’t got around to it yet.
What I’m Writing
Not much aside from blog articles at the moment. With my Mum in town for the next month, I’m trying to make the most of spending time with her. I do need to find some time to make progress on the WIP edits, even if it’s just the odd 10 minutes here and there–just to keep up the momentum. That’s my challenge for this week.
What Inspires Me Right Now
I don’t remember the exact context of the comment–something to do with being able to afford things–but my Mum just casually mentioned the extra income I’ll make when I publish a novel. How can you not be inspired when your Mum a) considers becoming a published writer a reasonable goal, and b) believes it’s something you can (and will) achieve? This is not to say no-one else in my family believes I can and will be published–I know my wife shares my Mum’s conviction. But it’s very encouraging to hear these things from those closest to you.
What Else I’ve Been Up To
As you can guess, largely hanging out with Mum–shopping, catching up, lots of family time. I’m also trying (and not always succeeding) to convince Mum that she’s on vacation, which means she doesn’t have to help with the housework!
How’s your week been? Check out Jaime Morrow’s blog to find out how to join in with her What’s Up Wednesday meme.
I just finished reading Allegiant last night, I expected it to end that way but I was still a little stunned when it did!
I read Veronica’s explanation of the ending, and I find it sad that she felt she needed to write that. Okay, there were themes she discussed that were interesting… but that fan backlash was such that she felt she had to respond? *sigh* As I said last week, I thought it was in-character, and, while perhaps a bit of a shock, totally understandable.
I’m in the minority when it comes to The Diviners, I just couldn’t get into it! Maybe I’ll have to give it another try. Glad your mom is so supportive and inspiring you right now, love having family support!
I’ve heard of people who didn’t get into LEVIATHAN, and other books I really enjoyed–to each their own. I don’t know if THE DIVINERS will be my cup of tea, but I want to read some Libba Bray, and this one seemed to me to be the closest to something I might enjoy. We’ll see. 🙂
Yes–it’s so much easier to pursue writing when you have your family cheering you on. Getting published is hard enough, as it is!
I’m glad you’re having such a great visit with your mom, and that she believes in you.
Thanks, Kate! 🙂
Aww, I love that your mum has so much faith in you! Parents are the best! I hope you all enjoy your visit, Colin. 🙂
As one myself, I must agree that parents are pretty awesome. 😉 Seriously, though, thanks Katy! Not only does such support warm the heart, it also kicks the butt to make sure I show their faith is not misplaced! 🙂
Awesome. Mum sounds great. So nice.
I hope you get a little time, as you said, to stay with the momentum when it comes to your writing.
Those Sherlock stories sound very interesting.
The Diviners. Is that Libba Bray? I read the first book in her Gemma Doyle trilogy but not the others.
Thanks, Ron. Yes, that’s Libba Bray. I’ve been meaning to read something of hers, and this seemed closest to something I would normally be interested in reading. If I like her style, I’ll be sure to read more.
Your mum sounds lovely ^_^
The Diviners is waiting patiently on my Kindle to be read. I’ll have to pick it up soon as well 😛
Have an awesome week, Colin!
Thanks, Cole. She is lovely. Not sure what happened with me…! 😀
Oh, I’ve never heard of The Sherlockian but it sounds great! I love parallel story lines. The Diviners has been on my list for a long time. I love Libba Bray, so I’m looking forward to it.
Enjoy the rest of your family time (but I hope you find some writing time too)!
I’m enjoying the parallel stories, and I’m hoping they intersect in some dramatic way. I really hope the 1900s story isn’t just back story. That would be a bit of a disappointment.
I haven’t read any Libba Bray yet, so I hope THE DIVINERS does her justice.
Thanks, Krispy! 😀
I love the Sherlock movies but not sure if I’d like a Sherlock book but i will give it a try. And I think that is awesome your mom supports you so. Mine, not so much. But my hubby is great about it so that’s all that counts. Enjoy your time with your mother, it sounds like you already are.
Oh, don’t get me started on Sherlock Holmes! The movies are fun, but the TV series are the best, particularly the 21st century version starring Benedict Cumberbatch, and the “classic” version starring Jeremy Brett. And the original Conan Doyle stories are wonderful. Especially the first novel, A STUDY IN SCARLET, and the short stories “The Dancing Men” and “The Speckled Band.” Well worth your time, Dana. 🙂
I’m very grateful for all the support I get from my family. It’s a tough business, so it’s great to have cheerleaders close by. Thanks!
Hmm…I think my comment was eaten by the Internet. If not, you’ll have two from me. Exciting 🙂
I have a friend who loves Sherlock, so I’ll have to pass that title along.
Yay for your mom’s comments, it’s such a great feeling to know your family supports your dreams.
Awww… I only got the one comment. Oh well–not quite as exciting as two, but that’s okay. One’s good. 😉
Thanks, Jennifer! 🙂
Hope you have fun with your mum visiting. 🙂
Thanks, Emma! We’re having a good time. 🙂