Weekly check in

Sunday, November 8, 2015 Permalink

Just for something completely different I’ve been a bit all over the place this week. And yes… that was sarcasm.

God only knows what my problem is because I keep putting things aside until I feel like I can deal with them which ends up requiring me to spend 3hrs responding to / reading and deleting emails on a Friday morning. Some of the emails were two months old and from publishers with their new release listings. 

 

It was nice to be able to check that task off my list however and I’m endeavouring to keep on top of them over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile… back to books and reading!

What I read

I read David Baldacci’s The Guilty in one very long bath-time session and really enjoyed it, though don’t think I’d read any of the previous three of the series.

I actually struggled with Stephen King’s short story collection, The Bazaar of Bad Dreams. I eked it out over three nights and then put it aside for a bit. I suspect I’ll just review it in Goodreads when I get the chance.

And I finally I read my first Kristina Olhsson, The Chosen, which was released here in Australia a month or two ago.

the chosen

What I wrote

I started the week with my review of The Crossing by Michael Connelly. I loved this latest Bosch and didn’t hold back on the gushing in my review.

I also reviewed Isabel Allende’s The Japanese Lover. It was a book that surprised me and before I knew it I was under Allende’s spell and NEEDED to know what happened to these women I’d come to care about.

And finally in a personal navel-gazing post I talked about the importance of looking through the windscreen and not the rearview mirror (and remaining trapped in the past).

And for those playing alone at home, the winner of my Game of Thrones Colouring Book (provided by Harper Collins!) was Tali and it’s already in the mail and enroute. Congrats to Tali from NSW and thanks to all who entered.

What I did

I didn’t mention last week that I had a fantastic job interview for something I think I’d really enjoy. I think I’ve progressed to the next stage as I did a personality test for that company this past week. I won’t hear anything now for another week or two but have my fingers crossed.

I crash and burned on the NaNoWriMo front BIG TIME! I wrote 1700 words on day 1 and then nothing. I’ve decided I’ll play it by ear and keep writing if I can get my head back into the game.

I had a heap of my hair chopped off because (even though I’d been growing it for nearly 4 years) it was annoying me. I think I’ll ultimately go really short again, but in the interim it’s mid-length.

I’m currently binge-watching season 2 of The 100. It’s a while since I watched s1 so I was a bit worried so did some plot synopsis re-reading in IMDb before kicking off! I watched the first 12 episodes back-to-back yesterday afternoon and evening (so have 4 episodes to go). Naturally I had weird apocalyptic dreams about teenagers running the world as a result!

What I plan to read

I received the latest Karen Rose—Alone in the Dark—this past week and am very excited. It’s not up next but I think it might jump to the top of my pile because I’ve missed the last few of her books.

alone in the dark

I have Iona Grey’s Letters to the Lost and am really not sure it’s the sort of book I’d like, but I’ll give it a try.

letters to the lost

And I’ve got Jostein Gaarder’s The World According to Anna. I’ve never read her work and it kinda scares me but hey… I’ll give that one a try as well!

the world according to anna

And that’s about it from me on the books and reading (etc) front this week.

What’s on your agenda for the next week? 

As usual I’m linking up with Kimberly, the Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Kathryn from Book Date.

 

69 Comments
  • Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
    November 8, 2015

    Oooh! Good luck with the job Deb! Could be the start of something fabulous 🙂

    • Debbish
      November 8, 2015

      Thanks Michelle. I have my fingers crossed, but don’t want to get my hopes up!

  • Jacky
    November 8, 2015

    I’m going to get my Sunday jobs done then I’ll be going Alone in the Dark somewhere quiet. This is my plan but anything could happen. Karen Rose is a fantastic author. Can’t wait to start this one.

    • Debbish
      November 8, 2015

      I’ve missed the last couple of Karen Rose books including the first in this series. I know it doesn’t usually matter but do enjoy the linkages between books!

  • viki
    November 8, 2015

    Good luck on the job. I love Karen rose books, hope you like this one.

  • Greg
    November 8, 2015

    Good luck with the job, that’s great news! You had a good reading week. I only read one book, and am not even reviewing it (not because it was bad, just don’t feel like it), but at least I got through that one! LOL

    I think you’re right about looking forward, not back- it’s so easy to look back and spend a lot of energy on that. Nice post. And yay for The 100- I liked S2 a lot more than S1, even with the occasional lapses in plausibility. 🙂

    • Debbish
      November 8, 2015

      Ah yes… plausibility is an issue at times during The 100. I struggled with the start and think there were too many threads, so liked it when the Ark teams met up etc… I’m a little worried re s3 given the whole mansion scenario at the end.

  • Stormi D Johnson
    November 8, 2015

    Good luck with the job! 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you think of Alone in the Dark, sounds interesting. 🙂 I am not where I should be with Nano but I have about 9,254 words so I am giving it a good go. I need to stop thinking so hard and just let it flow and then fix all the uh later. 🙂

    • Debbish
      November 8, 2015

      Well done re NaNo Stormi – nearly 10,000 words is great! And I had to remind myself of that last year… no thinking, just writing!

  • kimbacaffeinate
    November 8, 2015

    I really hope the job pans out and I like your hair cut..I saw it on Facebook. I like my hair long, but like you it needs to be long enough to put up. Bummer about King and the writing. I am so anal about my inbox. You should see my folders..and yes my inbox is emptied out daily. I hope this week is better for you and brings lots of good news!!

    • Debbish
      November 8, 2015

      I used to be good about my inbox at work (coordinated a lot of stuff so had to be on top of it) but so much of what I get now is just stuff from PR agencies and not even specifically addressed to me. I’m interested in the stuff from publishing houses etc but seem to be on a ridiculous number of mailing lists from around the country!

  • Addicted to Happily Ever After
    November 8, 2015

    So much exciting stuff going on last week! No wonder you feel like you’re all over the place. I bet you’re really not. Good luck with the job interview process – I hope it keeps going!!! And the hair thing, I cut off like 4 inches a week ago, too, for the same exact reason! It was bothering my neck, it was too long 😉

    And great books coming up! BTW – what does “navel grazing” mean??? tee, hee – I really have no clue!! 😀

    • Debbish
      November 8, 2015

      Oh.. that should have been naval gazing – spending too much time introspectively mulling over one’s life!

      Hope you’re enjoying your hair cut. I like not having that hot and heavy hair on my neck too! I always did it up anyway.

  • Christy LoveOfBooks
    November 8, 2015

    lol – Your 100 induced dreams. I can totally understand why. I wonder if they’ll ever put a SE3

    • Christy LoveOfBooks
      November 8, 2015

      Well, I wasn’t finished typing my comment but your blog had other ideas, I guess. lol. Anyway, it seems like they’ve pushed the next season f the100 back quite a bit. And good luck with the job!

    • Debbish
      November 8, 2015

      Ah yes… I think I saw s3 of The 100 won’t show until March of so. I gather they’re filming now. I have to admit I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the last season but I hope they get some sense of closure at least.

  • Jo
    November 8, 2015

    I’m reading Sulari Gentill’s latest Rowland Sinclair- Give the Devil His Due…and am loving it!

    • Debbish
      November 8, 2015

      Oh… good to hear Jo. Hope you’ve got your holiday reading planned!

  • signourney
    November 8, 2015

    Thumbs up for the progress with the job interview. Waiting is the worst.

  • Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
    November 8, 2015

    I need to get my hands on The World According to Anna! I loved Sophie’s World, but I haven’t read any other of Gaarder’s books in a long time.
    I totally get you on chopping your hair off. Every couple of years, I decide to let my hair grow, then, when it gets to a certain length I just can’t anymore… Difficult to style, and just plain annoying, and so I chop it all off. I don’t even know how you were able to just cut it to middle length now!
    I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the job, Deb, I hope you’ll get it, since you think you’d enjoy it 🙂
    Have a fantastic week ahead and happy reading.

    • Debbish
      November 8, 2015

      I have to admit I would have gone really short Lexxie but my face feels very fat at the moment and I think short hair would make it look even more so. I actually think this mid-length does as well, but it’s easy to handle.

  • Trish @ Between My Lines
    November 8, 2015

    Love that cover on the world according to Anna. And good luck with the job, fingers crossed you hear something soon. Sounds like something you really want so I’m sending lots of positive vibes your way!

    • Debbish
      November 8, 2015

      Thanks Trish. I was told I wouldn’t hear anything about the job for a couple of weeks now and then – maybe – I’ll get another interview. I put in for something else (also part-time) last week, so waiting on that as well.

  • Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog
    November 8, 2015

    That is great about the job – Good Luck!!! I have been itching to chop my hair but keep chickening out, which is silly. Hope you enjoy your books and have a great week!

    • Debbish
      November 8, 2015

      The other hairdresser at the salon when I was there was agog that I was so calm about getting so much chopped off. I’d had bigger cuts in the past and recall that response before. I’ve had a lot of different hairstyles so pretty zen about those big changes.

  • Mara
    November 8, 2015

    Good luck on your job interview and finishing NaNoWriMo! I often do things later than sooner as well, so I’m glad I’m not alone.

    • Debbish
      November 8, 2015

      I tell myself it’s because I work well under pressure Mara, but not sure that’s the only reason! 😉

  • readerbuzz
    November 8, 2015

    Hope the job turns out to be exactly perfect for you!

    readerbuzz.blogspot.com

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2015

      Thanks Deb. It’s a bit different to anything I’ve done before but requires a similar skill-set. If that makes sense.

  • fangswandsfairy(alt)
    November 9, 2015

    I just came off reading some “serious” stuff; a lot pf WWII themed books and they depressed me so I am going for lighter now!

    Good luck with the job process. Fingers crossed for you!

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2015

      Oh yes… I can relate Steph – I need the ‘light’ in between the heavy stuff. And sometimes the light includes macabre serial killer type books!

      And thanks.

  • laurelrainsnow
    November 9, 2015

    Good luck with the job…it sounds like a great match.

    Enjoy your new books…Alone in the Dark looks like a book NOT to read at night…but now I want it!

    Thanks for visiting my blog, and now I’m going to check out some links. Enjoy your week!

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2015

      I had planned to start Alone in the Dark last night (Sunday) but opted for some TV and early night, so looking forward to starting it tonight. I suspect it’s the kind of book which may tempt me to just keep going when I’ve started so I need to prep my evening in advance!

  • Emma
    November 9, 2015

    Glad I’m not the only email hoarder out there. I have tried to watch The 100 but couldn’t get away with it. Maybe I should try again? Fingers crossed on the job x

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2015

      Emma, as I started s2 I struggled with the first few episodes and was reminded I was the same way with s1. It wasn’t until I was halfway through the season I couldn’t stop. In fact I was at episode 8 or 9 by 11pm and told myself that was it… but kept going until I’d watched episode 12. I justified the very late night (early morning) by telling myself that I then only had 4 episodes to go.

      It ended in a way however that I KNOW the beginning of s3 (when it eventually comes) will annoy me again – a scattered storyline and a bit all-over-the-place.

  • Bea @Bea's Book Nook
    November 9, 2015

    Oh, fingers crossed for the job interview!

    I always enjoy David Baldacci. Have you tried his YA fantasy series? I didn’t like it as much but it’s good too. The Karen Rose book looks good, happy reading!

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2015

      I’m not a big fantasy lover Bea, so haven’t tried DB’s YA series. (I’m not even sure I knew he wrote one!) I should check it out though.

  • Char
    November 9, 2015

    I really hope you get the job Deb. And I hope they let you know soon. Thanks for your offer of help with setting up my business. At the moment I’m still trying to wrap my head around where I’m going with it and what I need to do but I’ll keep you in the loop.

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2015

      Oh yes Char – I just meant if you need any help with the website type stuff… Even if you just need someone to bounce ideas off (you know where to find me!).

  • Heather Duff (@hross42)
    November 9, 2015

    I love how the hair on your page header changes with your actual hair!!

    Good luck on the job front, I hope you get good news from them soon!

    Have a good week!

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2015

      You’r the only person who’s noticed that so far Heather! 🙂

      When I grew my hair and went a bit darker I got the guy who did the banner design to do three new banners – one for each possible hair length. So there’s a short dark version as well! I changed my Twitter avatar and FB banner as well!

  • Yvonne
    November 9, 2015

    Good luck with your job interview. Have a great week!

  • Nise' (Under the Boardwalk)
    November 9, 2015

    Best of luck on the next stage in the job interview! The Japanese Lover has gotten great reviews. I have put it on my TBR list. Have a great week.

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2015

      I really enjoyed The Japanese Lover Nise’ so glad to see / hear it’s been getting good reviews.

  • Kathryn
    November 9, 2015

    Fingers really crossed for job prospect. The Japanese Lover is one I think I’d like and Iona Grey looks like it might be an historical. Saw your hair cut post on Facebook or Twitter I think. Would be nice cool for the summer!

    • Debbish
      November 9, 2015

      My hair’s a little hard to do up Kathryn so not sure how I’ll go with it. May need to be a little longer to do up easily (but not have the weight of my long hair) or short so I don’t need to do it up.

      And yes… The Iona Grey looks like historical fiction. *gulp*

  • Myra GB
    November 9, 2015

    Oh wow! A new Jostein Gaarder too – thanks so much for sharing that one! 🙂

  • Teddyree
    November 9, 2015

    Keeping my fingers crossed for you in the job department. My youngest son is in 2nd round interviews for a permanent IT position, it would be so much less stressful than the contract work. Wow I was undecided about The Japanese Lover, so glad you were hooked. The 100 is on my watch list, haven’t started yet but the number of series I’m watching is getting out of control, a bit like my self-control lol. Have a great week and happy reading.

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2015

      Someone mentioned that The Japanese Lover is a departure for Allende who usually writes magical realism or similar…. if that’s the case then it certainly is a departure!

  • Daniela Ark
    November 9, 2015

    Hi Debbie, glad to hear that, even when you feel all scatter and all over the place, you get so much accomplished! 🙂 Reading, book reviews, writing a great article, two jobs interviews and even 1.7K words on the NaNoWriMo! that’s 1.7K more than me! LOL. I hope you keep going! and I hope you hear back from that job interview soon. Good luck! 🙂

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2015

      Thanks Daniela. I have a follow up interview next week so that’s positive!

  • lattenightsreviews
    November 10, 2015

    I hope you hear back positive news from that interview! Even if you feel like you are all over the place, you have gotten things done and that’s great! Good luck on NaNoWriMo! I didn’t give it a shot because I’m in my senior year of college and I need to focus on school.

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2015

      Oh yes, you have a great excuse for not NaNo-ing. I really wasn’t feeling it this year but did it cos I felt I should…

  • Silver's Reviews
    November 10, 2015

    I hope you hear good news about the job.

    Looks like you had a good week despite things seeming to be scattered.

    Love the cover on THE CHOSEN.

    Going to check out your review of THE JAPANESE LOVER.

    Thanks for sharing your week….enjoy this week.

    Elizabeth
    Silver’s Reviews
    My It’s Monday, What Are You Reading

  • Jess
    November 10, 2015

    Good luck with the job! Love the haircut (saw a pic on FB). My hair constantly annoys me at the moment.

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2015

      Thanks Jess. I always kept my long hair up (including when I went to bed) but washing it was a nightmare and it was so knotty all of the time…

  • Stefanie
    November 10, 2015

    I liked reading how you got adventurous and chopped off some hair. I’ve had short hair for ages and am trying to grow it out some. I’ll probably stop at my shoulders. You sold me on that Baldacci series. I’ve added #1 to my TBR. And how trippy to take a personality test for a job interview. Good luck with that.

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2015

      I’ve done a few personality tests before Stefanie and the hardest thing is that there’s really no ‘right’ answers (unless of course you’re trying to identify socio / psychopaths!). This was more to see if my personality would match with others in the work area.

  • Mallory @ The Local Muse
    November 10, 2015

    I’ve been contemplating a hair chop for a while now; I love how freeing it is to go from heavy and long hair to short and light! I don’t think I could ever write a full-length novel. much less do it in a month, you’re awful brave for agreeing to take that on!
    http://thelocalmuse.blogspot.com/2015/11/top-ten-tuesday-book-adaptations-i-want.html

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2015

      I always think it’s funny Mallory that – for a while after the cut – I put a mass of shampoo or conditioner in my palm when washing my hair, before remembering I need FAR LESS now!

  • Kimberly
    November 11, 2015

    I’ve been growing out my hair for about three years now, approximately the length of time it’s been since my last big chop. I’m not really sure why I bother; I just wear it in a pony-tale everyday. Hope you enjoy the new cut!

    • Debbish
      November 12, 2015

      I was exactly the same Kimberly… had grown my hair from a very short cut but wore it up every day. I’m happy with the new cut but it doesn’t quite go up neatly now which is problematic. Guess I either need to grow it a little (while obviously will happen) or go completely short.

  • Angelized1st
    November 11, 2015

    I also have trouble keeping up with my email. I usually wait until I have over 1000, and then spend a day deleting. I need to do better. The 100 is one of my favorite shows. Was it cancelled? I haven’t heard anything about a 3rd season ;(

    • Debbish
      November 12, 2015

      I think s3 of The 100 is scheduled for March or April next year and they’re filming at the moment. I have to admit I won’t be surprised if it’s the last season… but hope they know in advance so they can offer viewers some closure.

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