What I’m Writing:
Honestly, I go through phases where I dread writing. Mainly because I’m stretching myself too thin and/or trying to find my footing in my next project. I think I’m in the middle of both of those issues. I have three completed manuscripts—one of which needs editing—I want to start something new, but I’m also EXHAUSTED. All that being said, I started yet another novel. It’s my second attempt at a contemporary, but again, I. am. struggling. I know I’ll find my footing in one of my projects, but I haven’t hit solid ground yet. Between BFest, Bad Bloods releasing, and my day job, life hasn’t afforded me a lot free time for writing either (which might be part of the problem). Let me put it this way, I only wrote 5,000 words…in June. IN ALL OF JUNE. I need a hug. But I will power through it!
Whenever I reach that inevitable “I dread writing” phase, I do something I dread more to remind me why I love writing. Like the dishes.
— Shannon A. Thompson (@AuthorSAT) June 25, 2016
What I’m Publishing:
A new review is in of November Snow! “Truly, Thompson has done an incredible job here of story weaving. Just wonderful. Don’t underestimate your need for tissues here people, don’t do it. Prepare yourself with tissues and a cuddly stuffed animal.” – Babbling Books (Seriously, listen to her advice. Tissues will come in handy.)
This week, Catelyn’s Story released on the FREE Bad Bloods Prequel on Wattpad. This is also the first origin story seen from the Southern Flock’s perspective. They formed later than the Northern Flock, so from now on, you’ll see stories flip back and forth between the two flocks. If you ever wondered why the groups of bad bloods are called flocks, this origin story explains why! In Bad Bloods, Catelyn is Serena’s best friend. Here is a preview: The girl was pretty enough for plenty of crimes. Read her story by clicking the link.
Also, because I created three cartoon photos of the first three characters, here are three cartoon versions of the most recent stories: Ryne, Violet, and Catelyn.
The #1lineWed theme was “sky” so here is your weekly preview:
It looked like a thousand stars had broken up over the sky and drifted down to be with us. #1lineWed #BadBloods
— Shannon A. Thompson (@AuthorSAT) June 29, 2016
Pre-Order Bad Bloods
November Rain, Part One, releases July 18, 2016
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Smashwords, Goodreads
November Snow, Part Two, releases July 25, 2016
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Smashwords, Goodreads
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What I’m Reading:
I began and finished Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. Heartbreaking and terrifying, yet informative, Salt to the Sea is an emotional story about the Wilhelm Gustloff, the single greatest tragedy in maritime history. Told from four different perspectives, Sepetys focused on young adults and how World War II was affecting their lives forever. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially those who wish to learn more about how WWII affected the youth and what happened to the Wilhelm Gustloff. All that being said, this book is not for the light-hearted. Though I still think the light-hearted should read it, Salt to the Sea is graphic. I know there are scenes that will never leave me. But if I can call something graphic and beautifully written in the same breath, this book deserves that statement. You can read my full 5-star review here.
What I’m Listening To:
Wounded Rhymes album by Lykke Li. I was driving between cities a lot this week, and this was my soundtrack for the week.
What I’m Watching:
I saw Death Note for the first time! (I know. I know. Crazy, right?) I LOVE anime, but I’ve never seen Death Note despite the crazy big fan base. (Perhaps that’s why I haven’t seen it?) I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I LOVED it from episode 1. I have about 10 episodes left, but I think it’s fantastic. And I definitely think the shinigami are adorable.
So, I’m watching #DeathNote for the first time. (Oops)
A. LOVE IT
B. Am I the only one who thinks this guy is cute? pic.twitter.com/71Ni3AfLrC— Shannon A. Thompson (@AuthorSAT) June 27, 2016
I also watched 10 Cloverfield Lane, which I have mixed feelings about. I actually remember seeing Cloverfield in the theatre when I was 16, so seeing this kind-of-sequel-but-not-a-sequel of Cloverfield, was interesting. I think I had a more uncommon opinion by actually liking the first half more than the second half. I thought it was more psychological suspense at first, and then, it turned into a crazy sci-fi battle. The genre mashing didn’t feel very smooth, but it was an entertaining movie!
What I’m Baking, Making, and Drinking:
I baked stuffed peppers this week, and they were awesome! I’ve never made them before, so it was a plus that the recipe was easy. No desserts this week, but I promise they are coming.
What I’m Wearing:
I took new author photos this week, so look out for that! I wore two different outfits—one pink one, one blue one—and I’m excited to change my look. I saw a preview, and the photographer is awesome.
What I’m Wanting:
Tallulah! That movie looks awesome. Why oh why was the release date July 29 and not June 29???
Also, I LOVE The Inventor’s Secret by Andrea Cremer (and the sequel, The Conjurer’s Riddle). They are some of my favorite reads, so I cannot WAIT until November when book 3 of the trilogy releases. The Turncoat’s Gambit looks fantastic! November cannot come fast enough. Click the links if you wish to read my reviews of the first two books. I highly recommend this steampunk series.
What I’m Dreaming Of:
So, I became the first American to become the Queen of England. (Don’t ask me why or how or even if I understand why I had this dream…I mean, I do stalk the Queen’s corgis.) But, yes, I was “voted” in to become the next Queen of England, and everyone was—naturally—very put off by this. Even I was like, “Are you sure? I don’t know about this. Seems strange.” But everyone who voted was like, “You MUST!” So, I had to accept during this party, which was, apparently, only on the other side of the castle, but I had to go through all these secret passageways to get there, and there were assassins around every corner trying to kill me. They never killed me, but they did trap me, and it took me three hours to get out, but I got to the party…and everyone had left. The big surprise was that the Queen owned a Wheel of Fortune game that every Queen has to play in order to become Queen? But of course I was too late, so I didn’t get to play or become Queen. But I did get to play with her corgis.
What Else Is Going On:
I did a podcast interview this week. I look forward to sharing it, since the podcast focuses on Kansas City writers!
~SAT
Shannon A. Thompson 
Have to remember that ‘dread’ trick. Though, my writing falters due to exhaustion more than not wanting to. It’s been a while since I tried watching Death Note. Made it a few episodes in and couldn’t get hooked. Something about how ‘Light’ was written just bugged me. I did like Ryuk though.
Yeah, I think exhaustion is a huge part of it. I really like Death Note though! I definitely don’t like Light as a person, but I like his character. Meaning, I don’t see him as a good guy, but I find him really interesting. I’m almost finished. Ryuk is the best!
~SAT
Was thinking about it and finally remembered why I couldn’t stand Light. He was too smart and almost perfect. I never really thought there was a danger of him being caught and he plunged into supervillain a little too quickly for me. I got the killing of criminals, but he went after cops and government agents without a second thought. The woman who was looking for him early on because someone she cared about was killed by him did me in. Guess I had trouble even remotely caring about Light, which made it difficult to pay attention when he was the focal point.
I definitely see what you’re saying! He definitely falls into madness quickly and efficiently. In regards to caring about him, I can see how that would make watching the show difficult. I don’t care about him, but I find the cat and mouse situation between L and him interesting enough to keep watching. And the show has definitely gotten crazy! (That death though, of that girl, was SO sad. UGH. I hated Light so much.)
~SAT
A few friends told me it gets better when other characters and Death Notes show up. Maybe I’ll give it another try one day. Right now I’m on a Flame of Recca and Toriko kick, which are from the same vein of DBZ and One Piece.
I’ll have to check those out!
~SAT
Toriko gets a little clogged like Naruto when in anime form and the manga is a lot better. Flame of Recca is a tough one to locate. I just recently found a dubbed boxset to replace the subbed one I have.
And here I am just now realizing I can change my Netflix to watch anime in Japanese or in English… lol
~SAT
That’s a neat trick. Beats searching YouTube.
Hey there. If you’re looking for a good read. Check out “The Beginning of Everything.” It’s an awesome story with a twist I didn’t see coming. 🙂
I’ll have to check it out! Thank you for the suggestion.
~SAT