Where March was a month of beginnings, April is going to be a month of endings and goodbyes. And they're going to hit hard. But I signed at the new job, guys! I'm excited for this new opportunity and really looking forward to the change of pace. I've always felt like education happens at about 80 mph; what I'm going to do hopefully lies more around 60mph, give or take. What I mean by this is that as a teacher, you are constantly 'on', making decisions every 2-3 seconds, and let's not mention the noise! As much as I love teaching, and as sad as I'll be to leave the colleagues I've worked with for 11 years, it's a good decision. Let's just hope the new job offers the respite I need and wish for! That being said, April isn't going to be entirely sad, though. We've got a family weekend coming up to celebrate my in-laws' 45 years of marriage, and my fourth book in the Ilvannian Chronicles, Path of Prophecy, is set to be released on the 27th of April.
What am I currently working on?
I can finally say book 4 is currently in its ending stage! Edits are being done as we speak, I am working on writing the blurb (actually, I'm working on getting the hook right), and I'm gathering information on my characters for... Well, not something I'll be working on, but hopefully something I'll get to share in my newsletter at some point!
I am also working on the outline of book 2 in 'The Erlandian Chronicles', my Fantasy Romance series. Each book is set in the same world, but they are standalones. I am properly excited to get started on this book now that the idea is taking shape. I have to say, though, it kind of feels like cheating on my other characters, but their story is done. For now.
What am I watching?
So, aside from watching Blindspot with my husband, I've started the second season of Shadow & Bone on Netflix.
I have to admit, I wasn't overly sold on the first episode. Perhaps it's because I do not 'ship' 'Malina', at all. I loved the books, but I didn't ship them then either. It felt forced, somehow. Mind you, I also did not like her with the Darkling; okay, maybe at first, until I learned more about him. I absolutely DO like Nikolai, so... I'll just have to settle myself on the couch with episode 2.
Regardless, I love the storyline of Kaz, Inej, and Jesper. I haven't read those books yet (I really should), but I do love the fact that Bardugo took her inspiration from Dutch names (Ketterdam, anyone).
What am I reading?
I finished 'City of Brass' by S.A. Chakraborty last week, and oh. my. wooooord! I could not put it down; not even when we were supposed to be playing a boardgame. I kept sneaking in lines whenever it wasn't my turn. As soon as I finished, I picked up the second book in the Daevabad Trilogy
To be fair, I'm not as far in yet as I would have liked (was rather busy getting my own book sorted), but I am eager to dive back in. Also a little afraid maybe, if only because I know that once I get started, I won't stop. Maybe I should pick a day off, settle on the couch with a blanket and tea and just read? I'd say I deserved it after finishing writing my own! Anyway, Chakraborty's writing style is #goals. Just saying.
Another book I've started reading on my kindle is book 3 in the Guild Codex series by Annette Marie. These books are hilarious, for the most part, with the right amount of action, incredible magic, and enough sass to keep me going. It's also the kind of book I'll devour in a couple of hours. I love reading this on the side, when my brain is too tired for something like Kingdom of Copper.
What else am I up to?
This isn't something I often talk about, the things I'm up to other than reading, writing, and watching shows, but I mentioned it in my previous blog. If you'd told me a year ago I would get pretty addicted to going to the gym, I would have laughed at you so hard, I'd have toppled over. But it's true. A year ago, I signed up at the 'Boxing Company', a Dutch venture that offers boxing as a workout session (not meant to actually hurt each other). After a trial lesson, I signed up immediately, and I've been going steadily ever since. More so even when I enrolled in a 3-month program to lose weight and gain muscle. Well, I lost weight (perhaps not as much as I would have liked, but still more than I'd thought possible a year ago). Didn't gain the muscle just yet (my body is special, it seems). But, I've become a hell of a lot stronger since. The things I couldn't do half a year ago (like lifting a 20 kg barbell in a shoulder press, I can do now). And to me, that's the most important thing because it means my body can deal with the punches my chronic illness throws at me. It has also become my happy place. Hello dopamine rush.
And if I am not doing any of the above, I'm probably napping!
Up next on the Blog
May News & Updates
Thank you
For all your support. It means a lot to me.
Love,
Kara