Weekly check in
Time again to share my weekly reading… not to mention the other enthralling stuff I got up to last week.
What I read
It was a light reading week as I only read two novels—both of which I read in a night. The former student-who-enjoyed-maths-in-me would thereby extrapolate that I took five nights OFF reading. Hmmm…
As planned I read Mark Billingham’s Time of Death, which I raced through. The review’s already live and it was a book I most definitely enjoyed.
I skipped over the planned saga and then read What Doesn’t Kill Her by Carla Norton, which also kept me turning page after page until I was finished. It’s not out until the end of June, so I won’t be posting that review for a little while.
What I wrote
It was a quiet week on the writing front as well, with only three book blog posts going live on the blog.
In addition to Time of Death, I posted my thoughts on Judy Blume’s adult novel, In The Unlikely Event—which I enjoyed a lot.
I also published my review of Luckiest Girl Alive. The latter featured a lead character I (kindly) described as a “vapid, superficial, elitist, arrogant b*tch”, but I liked the book nonetheless. I didn’t love it as much as others will however, and though I’d like to think it’s because I’ve evolved beyond the point where the superficial and frivolous appeal, it’s probably more likely an age thing.
And finally, my monthly book blog wrap up (favourite books of May) went live on the popular Aussie blog, Styling You.
Other stuff
I spent several days at my mother’s (in a neighbouring town). Ostensibly I was there to help fix her home phone (I failed) and take her to a medical appointment for which she needed a driver, but it was also nice to hang out there as my cold / flu kept me feeling tired and miserable.
I forced myself to attend a local business networking drinks and had psyched myself up to spruik my fledging freelance writing and blogging business—only to find they no longer include a component for new businesses to introduce themselves and what they do. Instead I got to wave when they mentioned my name, but HOURS of rehearsal (of my spiel) were wasted. #Grrrrr
I also went along to an event hosted by the local Council. I wasn’t entirely in the mood, but try (as much as possible) to support local activities. This one is held adjacent to an art gallery (open for the event) and features a bar! (Oh, plus music and food and stuff!)
Next weekend Council is hosting a food and wine festival so I’ll again make the effort to head along, try some wine, taste some food and enjoy the entertainment.
What I’m reading this week
I will tackle Kathleen MacMahon’s The Long Hot Summer which I was supposed to read last week.
I also received Matthew Quick’s Love May Fail which is soon due for publication (so is catapulting itself to the top of the ‘to be read’ list. Matthew wrote The Silver Linings Playbook, so I suspect big things are expected from his latest novel.
That aforementioned TBR pile is fairly hefty at the moment, so I’m not sure what else will be on the agenda for next week, but hopefully I’ll get a third (and / or fourth) book read.
What’s on your agenda? Book or life-wise?
I’m linking with Caffeinated Book Reviewer for the Sunday Post and Book Journey for the ‘It’s Monday’ link-up.
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Jo
May 31, 2015I so admire your courage in networking. It’s something that scares me stupid, yet I know is necessary. I’ve even been putting off sending my enrolment (or whatever you call it) for the RWA Conference in August, because I’m petrified. Will just grit my teeth & do it, I guess!
Debbish
May 31, 2015I’m more than happy to walk up to complete strangers and chat… I really only struggle with the ‘selling myself’ bit. Of course people probably think I’m a weirdo when I interrupt them and introduce myself, but I try to move around so I don’t overstay my welcome! Having said that, seeing some familiar faces (who you can retreat to) is useful as well.
laurelrainsnow
May 31, 2015Oh, you have some great books this week! I am interested in the Carla Norton….enjoy! And thanks for visiting my blog.
Debbish
May 31, 2015The Carla Norton was good Laurel. Second in the series but I don’t think it was a problem, having not read the first.
Elizabeth
May 31, 2015I went to read your review of Luckiest Girl Alive, but comments were closed. I just won it on GR, but am a little ambivalent about reading it. I think I may have a similar reaction to yours.
Debbish
May 31, 2015I close comments on my reviews as I felt bad for those authors who receive few gushy comments. And for my regulars who feel obliged to say something. If you start Luckiest Girl, my tip would be to hang in there. You get to the juicy stuff halfway through.
Kathryn
May 31, 2015Hopefully that spiel will come in useful somewhere else before you forget it! It’s rare that I would read a book in/through a night. However it was 1:30am when I went to bed last night having spent the time drooling over quilting videos and fabrics. Hope your coming week is good.
Debbish
May 31, 2015I read pretty quickly Kathryn, so an average book would only take me about 3hrs. We’re heading into perfect weather to be inspired on the quilting front, anyway!
Greg
May 31, 2015Ah, I love networking- not. Although that looks like a nice event. I liked your article in Styling You- At The Water’s Edge by Gruen kinda got my attention too, not sure if I’ll read it but I’m curious. And Love Ma yFail sounds good.
Debbish
June 1, 2015It’s always hard to choose my favourite reads for the Styling You audience Greg. I’m such a thriller / suspense / crime fiction lover I’ve been reading outside that genre so I can offer up some other suggestions. I haven’t gone as far as fantasy / science fiction or – egad – non-fiction, but am slowly getting there! 😉
Red Iza
May 31, 2015I’m with you on the age thing, the older I get, the less tolerant I become reading about certain types of characters – no more patience for that ! I’m sorry you feel a little tired and out of it, lately, I hope it will soon be just a memory. Have a better week – enjoy the food and wine festival, looks like an appealing event 🙂
Debbish
May 31, 2015Oh yes, I’m with you Izabel. And yes, the food and wine festival will definitely be something a bit different.
shelleyrae @ Book'd Out
May 31, 2015Can’t go wrong when free food and wine are on offer 🙂 I’m not familiar with either of the books you have on deck this week, I hope you enjoy them 🙂
Debbish
May 31, 2015Thanks Shelleyrae. I read over half of the Matthew Quick novel earlier this evening and am enjoying it.
danielaark
May 31, 2015Hi Debbie!
glad you had fun at the event, it is always rewarding to support local business. love the pic!
Too bad you didn’t get to introduce yourself! all those hours of rehearsals! Id’m glad you prepared or it though. I’m sure plenty of other opportunities will present, maybe more informally 🙂
Debbish
May 31, 2015I did get to use parts of my spiel in individual conversations so that was okay, but it’s hard to meet the ‘right’ people (who may need your services). Mostly I probably just bored people who’ll never have any need for a freelance writer! #alas
Catherine @ Book Club Librarian
May 31, 2015The Long, Hot Summer is calling to me. Hope it’s not a prediction of the weather to come in my hemisphere, lol.
My recap: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/05/weekly-book-recap-105.html
Debbish
June 1, 2015Well… happy first day of summer anyway Catherine! It’s the start of winter here and has been (and is due to be today) 26C. Our winters are very mild so I really LOVE them and hope it gets colder soon.
Stormi D Johnson
May 31, 2015Sounds like you had a good week. I want to check out Time of Death cause it sounded good. 🙂 Hope you enjoy your current reads!
Stormi
Week in Review
Debbish
June 1, 2015Thanks Stormi and I did very much enjoy Time of Death!!!
Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog
May 31, 2015I like Mathew Quick so I’m interest in what you think of Love May Fail – Have a great week!
Debbish
June 1, 2015I read over half last night Grace and am loving it. I love his voice – he’s writing from the point of view of several characters and he’s really nailing the first two (the third is in the form of letters so less obvious). It’s kinda how I’d like to write if I was a writer.
Megan @ reading away the days
June 1, 2015You did alot of networking this week. It’s good to spend time with family even if you failed at the mission of fixing the phone LOL. Have a great week.
Debbish
June 1, 2015I feel so guilty though Megan as my mum is of that generation who uses her home phone A LOT. We got it working on a couple of occasions and she had 11 messages the first time and 7 the second time. In just a day or so. I don’t get that many phone calls in a month!
R_Hunt @ View From My Home
June 1, 2015I was going to pick up the first in the Billingham series, Sleepyhead, but read some people said the first one was really violent and gory. I backed out and was thinking of starting with book 2, I don’t know.
I enjoyed Silver Linings Playbook so might look for his new one too.
Good luck with the networking. As I get older I get more self-assured so I wouldn’t mind pushing myself if I had something to say, but pushing into freelance business must be a bit rough–best wishes with that!
Debbish
June 1, 2015Thanks… I’m okay at the networking side of things but struggle with the hard-sell. I spent most of my career in government so was spruiking on behalf of someone else. I’m far better at that!
yvonne473
June 1, 2015The Long Hot Summer sounds like a good read. Hope you have a great week!
Debbish
June 1, 2015Thanks Yvonne!
Because reading :) (@Limabean74)
June 1, 2015Sounds like you have an eventful week! Enjoy your new reads and Happy Reading! 🙂
Debbish
June 1, 2015Ah yes eventful – that’s a good way to put it. Not busy as such… but eventful.
Deb
Terri M., the Director
June 1, 2015Sounds like a busy week! I hope you get more reading and writing in this week.
Terri M., the Director
Second Run Reviews
Debbish
June 1, 2015I hope so too Terri, but I’m feeling better so expect it will be more fruitful.
Char
June 1, 2015I hope you’re starting to feel better by now. You’ve had more than your fair share of sickness lately.
Debbish
June 1, 2015I know – that damn ear infection and now this cold / flu thingy. I’m glad it didn’t get any worse… so it wasn’t a bad one, just hung around for a while and made me v.tired.
Katy Messier
June 1, 2015I’m impressed by all your networking! Not something I’m good at and will need to work on in the future. The event looks like it was fun even if it didn’t meet all your expectations.
Debbish
June 1, 2015If only I could build a networking business I’d be laughing! I’m good at the schmoozing, just not the selling. (I spent a lot of years in liaison roles in government and was also a diplomat, so the networking thing is in my comfort zone.)
fangswandsfairy(alt)
June 1, 2015Keep up your spiel – I assume you mean your “elevator speech” (30 to 60 seconds explaining who you are and what you do. And you never know when you might use it. You are doing the right thing putting yourself out there. Sales is an important component of any freelance biz. It’s the part that gets you hired.
Debbish
June 1, 2015I know… it’s just not the part I’m good at!:-)
I’ve sent emails to a few local businesses, with suggestions about what I could do on their sites but none have responded. I figured it’d be better if I met them in person and I could mention my email. Of course none of those businesses were there however….
GraceMyBookSnack
June 1, 2015I enjoyed your review of In the Unlikely Event. I’ve been curious about this book. Have fun at the food & wine festival!
Debbish
June 1, 2015Thanks Grace. I’d recommend In The Unlikely Event. And I’m very much looking forward to the food and wine festival!
Teddyree
June 1, 2015You never know when your name will pop up, none of it is wasted effort, just a shame it’s not instant gratification! Food and wine festivals I LOVE, wish I could go to them all … enjoy your local council one, take photos … I like to live vicariously. Hope Love May Fail is totally awesome, I loved Silver Linings Playbook, I didn’t read it though, just the movie. Hope you’re feeling better!
Debbish
June 1, 2015I didn’t read Silver Linings Playbook either Teddyree, but LOVE Matthew Quick’s writing. Droll, blunt, sweary, endearing. Just the way I’d like to write. 🙂
And yes, I will take some pics at ‘Relish’ this weekend.
CARLA
June 1, 2015(((clicks away to find LOVE MAY FAIL))) and stays to share Ive been thinking about you.
Debbish
June 1, 2015Oh thanks. xxxx
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
June 1, 2015Sounds like you had a good week, even if you still had your cold, Deb. I’m glad you spent some quality time with her mom, and that you ventured out to the local business evening.
I hope you’ll enjoy your new books! Have a fantastic week and happy reading.
Debbish
June 1, 2015Thanks Lexxie I’m glad I went to to the business drinks as well, as I’d talked about going (to introduce my business) for a few months!
Lola
June 2, 2015That’s disapointing you didn’t got to give your spiel about your business during that event, I hope it was still helpfull or fun. And that’s nice you got to spend some time with your mom and visit her. I hope you have a great week and I hope you’ll read some great books!
Debbish
June 2, 2015Thanks Lola!
Nise' (Under the Boardwalk)
June 2, 2015I hope you are feeling better! My sinus troubles returned uninvited! Looking forward to Matthew Quick’s new book.
Debbish
June 3, 2015Oh no Nise’, sorry to hear that. I didn’t have sinus problems when I was younger, but the changing of seasons certainly causes me problems now I’m older.
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
June 3, 2015Good for you for getting out there and networking! I have to admit, I’ve never run across the word “spruik” before. I’m guessing it’s Australian?
Sorry to hear you’ve been under the weather; I hope you feel better soon. Both your new books look like fun!
Debbish
June 3, 2015Oh, maybe it is an Australianism…. I’m usually good at avoiding the obvious ones! 🙂
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
June 5, 2015It seems like a very useful word – we should adopt it over here!
shannonmiz
June 3, 2015Hope you are feeling better! Networking is so daunting to me, so good for you for being able to do it! Love May Fail sounds really good, I do hope you enjoy, and have a great week 🙂
Debbish
June 3, 2015Thanks Shannon. I’ve actually just posted my review of Love May Fail. I mostly enjoyed it.
buffywnabe
June 4, 2015Love the cover of that Matthew Quick book, may have to check it out! Thanks for visiting my Sunday Post earlier.
Debbish
June 4, 2015It’s great isn’t it? It’s the Australian cover – I know there’s a different one for the US…