It’s Wednesday and I’m pretty sure you’re wondering what’s new! I haven’t shared my current obsessions lately, mostly because I’ve been super busy trying to get out of a writing funk. It happens, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Sometimes, especially with me, though, it happens when I’m just at the end of a project. Why? No idea. I think it’s fear that keeps me from finishing. The constant worry of “Is it good enough?” pops into my head and yeah … It kind of puts a damper on my productivity.
Anyway, while I’ve been scratching my head with my current WiP, I thought I should start the research on another project, just so I can say to folks I am actually working. Weirdly enough, this tactic is actually helping me get some words down on paper.
Of course, you know what they say:
So, without further ado, I present my current obsessions.
What’s New
TV / Films
The new seasons of Harlots and Poldark started, too, in case you missed it. There’s nothing quite like some steamy, intriguing historical fiction to get me through the cold winter nights. Oh, and this season of The Handmaid’s Tale is probably my favorite yet. I can’t wait to see how June burns Gilead to the ground!
I’m actually starting my binge-watch of the latest season of Veronica Mars (screaming internally) tonight. This is a real treat to my inner-teen, who just so happens to be a bad-ass, witty P.I. that loves a good mystery. 🙂
And I’ve decided to start my annual Jane Austen adaptation phase (it always happens around this time of year) this weekend. Love and Friendship, which stars Kate Beckinsale, and is based on Jane Austen’s novella, Lady Susan, is first on my list. From there, I’ll probably return to Pride and Prejudice and then Emma. Yay!
Books
Right now, I’m reading The Complete Fiction of H.P. Lovecraft (it’s a monster, but I love it), The Shining by Stephen King (I’ve watched the adaptations numerous times, but never read the book before now), as well as Emma by Jane Austen (weird, I know, because I love the adaptations).
The Night Weaver
Yes, I’m still obsessed with Vesuvian Books’ edition of my beautiful Bram Stoker Award nominated novel, The Night Weaver! I was gushing about how absolutely breathtaking the book is in another recent blog post, but I still can’t help myself from staring at the artwork at times. It’s surreal, you know?
Beauty aside, bestselling author, Seven Jane, recently reviewed The Night Weaver on her blog, and it blew my mind! Here’s a little extract:
“Modeled off the Black Annis, a blue-faced, iron-clawed, child-gobbling bogeyman in English folklore, the Night Weaver doesn’t only prey upon the flesh of children, but on grief, fear, and pain—making her both the monster under the bed in a scared child’s bedroom and a fitting personification of the dark shadow that lives in the back of the mind of anyone who has experienced tragedy.”
You can read her full review here.
If that’s not enough of a reason to get my pretty-pretty, you should see book 1 and book 2 side-by-side … Ooh, they are B-E-A-U-TIFUL! Well, I can’t show you that cover yet, but seriously, it’s gorgeous.
Pre-order your copy of The Night Weaver today!
Other Writing
What’s new with the rest of my writing? Well, I’ve been busy with other stuff, as I mentioned in the beginning of this post, and am quite proud of myself. I did an interview, submitted a non-fiction article to an invite-only anthology, and submitted a piece of flash fiction. So far, I have no idea what happened to them, but I’m happy to have done something worth talking about. If I get any more news, I’ll be sure to share it with everyone, so keep your eyes open for announcements (whether good or bad).
Gardening and Other Green Delights
Herbs and Stuff
So, what’s new in my garden? I’ve mentioned before that I’ve started gardening (mostly herbs), but it wasn’t just a BAM! now you’re a gardener situation. Oh, no. I had to create an entire eco-system, because apart from ants and spiders, there was nothing to really help the plants grow. Okay, well, it’s winter here, so no newb really expects crops, especially if said newb used to kill any plant by just looking at it. Today, I’m pleased to inform the world that I’ve actually had numerous micro-crops over the winter.
My basil yielded 2 micro-crops. It bloomed twice without me even realizing. Luckily I got there with the scissors, before it was almost too late and the plant turned bitter. From my harvests, I made about 2 liters worth of basil-infused vinegar (yum).
I’m ready to harvest mint again (I’m glad I planted it in a pot, because phew!).
My thyme, rosemary, and golden oregano are growing into nice little bushes. I’ve stayed away from them mostly, because I really want them to turn into hedges that bush together, if you know what I mean, but they’re growing a little slow.
My pride and glory, however, are my oh so wondrous, 3-months-in-the-making, edible flowers. Guess what? They are finally budding! I’m stoked about those babies, because I bought a “lucky packet” on a whim and just tossed the seeds into a pot. Now, I think marigolds are popping up and my chamomile are hot on their heels. 🙂 I’m super excited to see what other pretty flowers I can gobble up or turn into tea.
Savon Soap SA
I’m planning to review most of Savon Soap SA‘s range, but until then I just had to tell everyone how obsessed I am with their products thus far. These soaps are so freaking wonderful on my skin, and they’re super gentle on the environment.
So far, I’ve used the Jasmine & Grapefruit and the Lemongrass, and I am seriously struggling to pick which one I liked more.These soaps smell great, lather wonderfully, hold up to 3 weeks for 2 people using the same bar, and they really are gentle on your skin.
If you’re looking for a good soap, I totally recommend these products.
Okay, I’ll stop babbling now until the next What’s New Wednesday rolls in. 🙂
I hope everyone has a super week!
Monique
