That’s a wrap! January-February 2020
I think we’d all agree that 2020 began with a bang. Between the Australian bushfires, starting my first Real Job, and juggling my many writing goals, I have had a CRAZY two months! But I’ve made some progress and also finished 7 great books…so read on for all the details!! →
I think we’d all agree that 2020 began with a bang. Things have been especially hectic in Australia over the last two months, and I know I’m still trying to catch my breath! This wasn’t the way I wanted to start the year, but when life throws challenges in our faces, all we can is our best, right? My key “highlights” from the last nine or so weeks include:
Australian bushfires. I imagine you’d have to live under a rock to not have heard about this. Fortunately, I live in the city, so I’m safe, as are my family in friends. However, I did get involved in the bushfire efforts (through means I won’t be discussing here), and it was a very rewarding experience. My thoughts and best wishes are with those who’ve been impacted by this disaster. 💖
Started my new job. That’s right! Remember that job I told you about late last year? Well I’ve just got to the end of my fourth week, and I am LOVING it so far! The new routine is taking a bit to get used to, and I’m still despairing over how little time I now have to write, but I feel like I’ve found my place and that’s the most important thing.
New Instagram theme. On a less monumental note, I’ve started a new theme on my Instagram account! This has been in the works for a while, as I wanted something a little more flexible and a little less time intensive. I’m certainly pleased with the results so far! Come and check it out and let me know what you think!!
During January and February, despite everything else going on, I managed to publish 2 full blog posts. You can check these out below!
One of my goals for 2020 is to share at least 3 blog posts per month. I’ve been wanting to share more of the excellent content posted by my fellows in the writing community, but somehow I haven’t managed it so far! Now I will. Here are some blog posts I’ve recently enjoyed:
- Creating a catchy novel title by Ally Aldridge
- Foreshadowing tips by K.M. Allan
- How to create an Instagram theme: A comprehensive guide for book bloggers by Kat @ Novels & Waffles
- 10 tips for writers who are scared of sharing their work by Meg Dowell
- How I use my daily planner to create intention & achieve my creative goals by Madeline Bartson
- How to conquer the dreaded paper mountain by Ari Meghlen
Throughout 2019, I talked about my two key writing projects: one a contemporary YA novel, and the other an epic fantasy series. My progress on these WIPs is discussed below, with more information available if you click on the headings. If you follow me on social media, you may have heard me mention my Top Secret New Project—but more will be revealed on that one in the months to come…
Holding Up the Sky
“The weight of the sky—of the whole world—was pushing down, and it was crushing me.”
Status: Querying
Word count: 84,878
What’s new: No new developments on this one since December, so there’s not a whole lot to report. As a part of my very first query, I submitted my contemporary YA novel Holding Up the Sky to a literary agent two months ago, so I’m waiting to hear back from them. Moving forwards, I’d like to submit to a few more agents, but it’s hard to find them in Australia! Any Aussie writers have any recommendations?
Blood of Old (Graceborn #1)
“The Old has returned…and what once was, will be again.”
Status: Beta reading
Word count: 195,170
What’s new: Beta reading is now well underway for Blood of Old, the first book in my fantasy series Graceborn. I’ve had one reader finish and another four are in progress, and I’m so excited that everyone has enjoyed the story thus far! The feedback has certainly been useful, and I’ll have a few things to think about before focusing on revisions. I haven’t yet decided how I’ll proceed from here, but I’ll be sure to keep you posted!
First the Song (Graceborn #2)
The story continues…
Status: Outlining
Word count: 0
What’s new: My main writing effort in the last two months has been focused on First the Song, the second book in the Graceborn series, which I announced late last year. First the Song will be a bit longer, and contain a few more working parts, than its predecessor, so writing a detailed outline is very important for me. I’d hoped to have the outline done by now, but life intervened, and I’m only two-thirds of the way through. I’ll get there eventually!
After getting off to a slow start, I ultimately read a total of 7 books throughout January and February. It’s less than my usual number, but still well on track for my 2020 Goodreads Challenge goal of reading 40 books. The titles I finished in the last two months are:
What has your 2020 been like so far? Has anything unexpected happened? Are you on track with your writing and reading goals?
Rebecca Alasdair
I'm an Australian indie author who hoards books, loves dogs and coffee, and has a tendency of staying up all night!
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K.M. Allan
Congrats on the new job, Rebecca! I’ve fallen behind on reading, and now I’m trying to come up with a suitable writing schedule so I don’t fall behind in that too.
Rebecca Alasdair
Thank you!! Juggling all of our writing/reading interests sure is a challenge, right?
K.M. Allan
Yep!
Andrew McDowell
Best of luck with your job and writing!
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks Andrew!! I hope your Febraury was productive. 😊
Andrew McDowell
You’re welcome. I don’t think it was as productive as I would have liked, but my writing talk a few nights ago was successful.
Rebecca Alasdair
Good one!! 😊
Andrew McDowell
Thanks. It was the second time I’d given that talk (subject: the importance of names); the original I’d recorded and uploaded to YouTube. If you’d like I can post a link.
Janina @ love letters
Good luck on your new job!! I’ve seen a LOT of positive reviews for Red Rising over the years so maybe this year it’s finally time for me to tackle that series. I’m also (definitely!) reading one of Alice Osemans books in 2020 because I’m ready to be a part of the fanclub; just falling into cute love stories and reading realistic descriptions of mental health problems – and I heard that Oseman delivers in those categories so fingers crossed! PS: I hope you find a great balance to juggle work and writing. c:
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks so much Janina!! Finding a balance is all about prioritising, right? Also, highly recommend Red Rising – it’s thrilling to the nth degree!
Lorraine Ambers
I love your new Instagram look! I also really want to read Red Rising. Congratulations on your new job, I can’t thank you enough for taking time out of your busy schedule to beta read for me. 💜
Rebecca Alasdair
You’re most welcome! I always find I’m more productive the busier I am anyway! Glad you like the new Instagram look, and I highly recommend Red Rising!! 😍