Monthly Wrap-Up: April Wrap-Up and Looking Ahead

Despite the late start I got to this month, it turned out quite well. Big life decisions were made this month. Progress was made in every one of my focus areas. I’ve had more good days in the last two weeks than I’ve had in a long time (knock on wood).

I managed to read seven books this month as well. I’m falling behind on my yearly goal, but I have a ton of time to catch up and, thankfully, an object in motion stays in motion.

Those seven books are:

–        The Stars Between Us by Cristin Terrill (ARC)

–        All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

–        Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater (ARC)

–        Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer

–        Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

–        Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo

–        Salt and Sugar by Rebecca Carvalho (ARC)

My favourite was definitely Bravely, even though all of them were fantastic. Six out of the seven were 4 or 5-star reads and each one of them made a distinct impression on me. I didn’t realize how much of the plot of Crown of Midnight I’d forgotten, so it was a unique experience to reread it and realize what I was missing when I read the series before. Rule of Wolves was the end of a great series, and I cried a good amount. All My Rage is an incredible contemporary fiction novel from Sabaa Tahir (review here: https://www.litandleta.ca/home/letas-book-review-all-my-rage-by-sabaa-tahir). I read Marissa Meyer’s contemporary romance novel, Instant Karma, as well, and it made me angry and happy and a lot of things in between (review here: https://www.litandleta.ca/home/letas-book-review-instant-karma-by-marissa-meyer). A few of the other books I read this month will also have reviews during May, so keep an eye on the main page for those!

My novel is the next update. I was able to write two more scenes, adding just over a thousand more words. It’s not nearly as much as I wanted, but I did a ton of work on the administrative work. I have a writing schedule for going forward and it’s working so far. I also taped all of my cue cards (each with a scene written on it) to the wall above my desk. It’s a constant reminder and a huge inspiration for me.

Finally, I learned a new skill this month! I began crocheting and caught a yarn sale for a ton of cotton yarn. I’m making a few little projects, including a special request from my sister: toe guards for her roller skates. I absolutely love being a crafty housewife and it feels so incredibly right. I can’t wait to have a setup for going between writing, knitting and crocheting, and sewing. I might have to get into audiobooks a bit more so that I don’t fall behind on my reading. I encourage everyone to try a new skill! It’s such a proud moment when you realize you’ve got it. Just be patient with yourself, too.

April was a good month, delayed as it was due to migraines. I can’t wait for May. I’m on a roll now and I don’t want to stop.