Kim Hooper's Blog, page 23
February 19, 2021
Weekly Roundup: February 19, 2021
“Putting together a novel is essentially putting together the lives of strangers I’m coming to know. In some ways it’s not unlike putting together my own life. I think I know what I’m doing when in truth I have no idea. I just keep moving forward.” — Ann Patchett
What I’m reading:
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
What I’m listening to:
Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land
Who Cares? Fairplay at Home with Eve Rodsky (Terrible, Thanks for Asking podcast)
Because Science (Darkhorse podcast)
Honoring Black HSP* Leaders of this Generation and Generations to Come with Michael Coles (Julie Bjelland’s HSP podcast)
High Sensitivity and Sexuality with Sarah Mathews (Julie Bjelland’s HSP podcast)
*HSP = Highly Sensitive Person
What I’m watching:
Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer (Netflix)
The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears (Hulu)
Brittany Runs a Marathon (Amazon Prime)
Writing news:
Your usual reminders:
All the Love: Healing Your Heart and Finding Meaning After Pregnancy Loss will be released on March 23. We are doing an online launch event on that date–register here (it’s free!)People Who Knew Me will be re-released on May 11 No Hiding in Boise will release on June 15
What I’m talking about:
Weirdest thing I googled this week:
I realized I forgot this in my last couple posts–a shame. This week’s weirdest google search: “heavy limbs covid.” My Covid test was negative. I’m just tired, apparently.
What I’m grateful for:
A day off on Monday to curl up on the couch and read while my husband read my latest manuscript. It was so cozy and rare (preschool was open so my daughter was there for the day). My husband said, “This is a very special book” and my heart nearly exploded.
The post Weekly Roundup: February 19, 2021 appeared first on Fiction Writing Blog.
February 12, 2021
Weekly Roundup: February 12, 2021
Quote of the week:
“There is this existential loneliness in the real world. I don’t know what you’re thinking of what it’s like inside you and you don’t know what it’s like inside me. In fiction I think we can leap over that wall itself in a certain way… There’s a kind of Ah-ha! Somebody at least for a moment feels about something or sees something the way that I do. It doesn’t happen all the time. It’s these brief flashes or flames, but I get that sometimes. I feel unalone–intellectually, emotionally, spiritually. I feel human and unalone and that I’m in a deep, significant conversation with another consciousness in fiction and poetry in a way that I don’t with other art.”
–David Foster Wallace (interview with Salon in 1996)
What I’m reading:
The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson
What I’m listening to:
The Red Thread by Ann Hood
Happy as a Mother podcast — “Coping with Miscarriage and Loss”
HSP podcast — “Confidence: Let’s Explore Where it Comes From and How to Get It“
HSP podcast — “The Importance of Valuing Our Needs in the Workplace”
What I’m watching:
“Firefly Lane” (Netflix) — a couple episodes left
Writing news:
There are some potentially very exciting things in the works, but I have to leave you hanging for now.
Here are your usual reminders:
What I’m talking about:
The impeachment trial: The case was presented so well. They need to vote to impeach. If they don’t, they are essentially condoning the Capitol riotThe impact of the Capitol riot on officers who were on duty (two have committed suicide — read here)Working mom burnout: The New York Times has a great series out, with several articles on this topic — highly recommendHow women are having more issues with long-haul Covid symptoms than men (probably related to bullet 3 — read here)What I’m grateful for:
My husband turns 38 tomorrow. I’m grateful to have him as my partner in this crazy life. We don’t always see eye to eye (I am taller than him, after all), but we continue to learn new ways to appreciate and respect each other. This photo is, sadly, the last one I have of just the two of us together (it’s from August), thanks to the collision of Covid and having a 3-year-old.
The post Weekly Roundup: February 12, 2021 appeared first on Fiction Writing Blog.
February 5, 2021
Weekly Roundup: February 5, 2021
Quote of the week:
“Sometimes the healthiest thing a person can do is fall apart.” —Malena Ernman
What I’m reading:
The H-Spot: The Feminist Pursuit of Happiness by Jill Filipovic
What I’m listening to:
Our House is On Fire: Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis by Malena Ernman, Greta Thuberg, Svante Thuberg, and Beata Ernman
What I’m watching:
“I Am Greta” (Hulu) — I’m now obsessed with her (hence why I’m listening to the above book)
“Firefly Lane” (Netflix) — based on the Kristin Hannah book which I have not read yet
Writing news:
Scary Mommy published an essay I wrote about the pandemic’s ongoing assault on mothers: “Moms Literally Can’t Do It All, and that Narrative is Killing Us”I just finished a first draft of a new book. I’m currently at the “Is this any good or am I delusional?” stageHere are your usual reminders:
Register here.
What I’m talking about:
The value of female friendship–something I’m really starting to understand as I get olderThe joy and the pain of having a 3-year-oldThe fine line between being energized by everything on your plate and being completely overwhelmed into paralysisWhat I’m grateful for:
The dear friends who fill my cup. They know who they are. And my cat who keeps me company while I work every day.
The post Weekly Roundup: February 5, 2021 appeared first on Fiction Writing Blog.
January 29, 2021
Weekly Roundup: January 29, 2021
Quote of the week:
“Your feminist premise should be: I matter. I matter equally. Not ‘if only.’ Not ‘as long as.’ I matter equally. Full stop.” –Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions
What I’m reading:
The H-Spot: The Feminist Pursuit of Happiness by Jill Filipovic
Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
What I’m listening to:
Craigslist Confessional: A Collection of Secrets from Anonymous Strangers by Helena Dea Bala — just finished
The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood — just started
What I’m watching:
“Workin’ Moms” (Netflix) –I just finished Season 4 and now I have to wait for when Season 5 is on Netflix. So sad
Writing news:
Here are your usual reminders:
All the Love: Healing Your Heart and Finding Meaning After Pregnancy Loss will be released on March 23People Who Knew Me will be re-released on May 11 No Hiding in Boise will release on June 15
What I’m talking about:
What I’m grateful for:
My parents got their first vaccine shot this past week (they are both over 65). It has been such a worry to interact with them during this pandemic because they are in the high risk category. I’m so relieved that we can start to enjoy each other’s company without as much anxiety and trepidation.
I’m also grateful for the adult coloring books that continue to entertain me during this pandemic.
The post Weekly Roundup: January 29, 2021 appeared first on Fiction Writing Blog.
January 22, 2021
Weekly Roundup: January 22, 2021
Quote of the week:
“For there was always light.
If only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
–Amanda Gorman, “The Hill We Climb”
(full transcript of her inauguration poem here)
What I’m reading:
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins — finished it (you can read my Goodreads review here)
The Dating Plan by Sara Desai — about a hundred pages in
What I’m listening to:
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell — finished it (INCREDIBLE)
The Dogs of Venice by Steven Rowley (performed by Neil Patrick Harris; Audible Original story)
Dispossession by Tayari Jones (performed by Gabrielle Union; Audible Original story)
Craigslist Confessional: A Collection of Secrets from Anonymous Strangers by Helena Dea Bala — just started this one
What I’m watching:
“Workin’ Moms” (Netflix) — this show has become like therapy for me
Writing news:
Advance copies of No Hiding in Boise are here!
Also, my essay about paid leave for pregnancy loss was pushed to next week. I have another essay coming next week too. Both will be on Scary Mommy.
Here are your usual reminders:
What I’m talking about:
Weirdest thing I googled this week:
Ate quesadilla moldy cheese.
(Nothing happened. I’m fine.)
What I’m grateful for:
The end of the Trump administration. The beginning of change.
The post Weekly Roundup: January 22, 2021 appeared first on Fiction Writing Blog.
January 15, 2021
Weekly Roundup: January 15, 2021
Quote of the week:
“Storytellers are the meaning makers in a society, and therefore they have a weighty influence and the ability to move humanity forward.” –Elizabeth Lesser, Cassandra Speaks
What I’m reading:
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
What I’m listening to:
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell — SO GOOD
A bunch of Julie Bjelland’s HSP podcast episodes (HSP = highly sensitive person)
What I’m watching:
“Workin’ Moms” (Netflix) — continues to crack me up
“Pieces of a Woman” (Netflix) — heartbreaking
“Shameless” (Showtime)
Writing news:
I’ll have a new essay up on Scary Mommy this week. It’s about the need for paid leave for pregnancy loss.
Here are your usual reminders:
What I’m talking about:
Hitting the pandemic wall. I thought I hit the wall some months ago, but no. THIS is the wall. My daughter’s preschool closed abruptly yesterday due to COVID cases. Not sure when she will be able to go back. So now I’m back to juggling work and childcare. I took my daughter to a park for some fresh air on my lunch break today and there were a total of 16 moms with about 40 or so kids. On a Friday. Nobody was wearing a mask. NOT A SINGLE ONE. And they were all chatting with their faces just inches apart! This pandemic is making me lose faith in humanity. It’s too much. I need a 100-hour nap.
Weirdest thing I googled this week:
Does energy die?
What I’m grateful for:
Lexapro. I can’t even imagine my mental state right now without it.
The post Weekly Roundup: January 15, 2021 appeared first on Fiction Writing Blog.
January 8, 2021
Weekly Roundup: January 8, 2021
Quote of the week:
“The work of the moment, and the work of the next 4 years, must be the restoration of democracy–of decency, honor, respect.” –Joe Biden, in response to the appalling attack on U.S. democracy at the Capitol
What I’m reading:
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
What I’m listening to:
Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction by David Sheff — just finished
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell — just started (so excited! She’s one of my faves)
Mom and Mind Podcast with Dr. Kat: The Highly Sensitive Mother
Women In-Depth Podcast: The Highly Sensitive Mother
What I’m watching:
“Workin’ Moms” (Netflix)
“Happiest Season” (Amazon)
Writing news:
Just your usual reminders:
All the Love: Healing Your Heart and Finding Meaning After Pregnancy Loss will be released on March 23People Who Knew Me will be re-released on May 11 No Hiding in Boise will release on June 15
What I’m talking about:
The disheartening events of a couple days ago. I cannot believe this is our country. I hope a change in leadership helps. Speaking of leadership, I am also talking about this article: “Women Are Better Leaders During a Crisis” (Harvard Business Review).
Weirdest thing I googled this week:
Paul Dirac wife. (I swear all these weird google searches will make sense when the book I’m working on comes out).
What I’m grateful for:
My parents. They celebrated 43 years of marriage yesterday. They have taught me so much about loyalty, patience, and growth.
I am also grateful for the amazing sunrise I got to witness on my run this morning. And I’m grateful that I’m healthy and strong enough to run.
The post Weekly Roundup: January 8, 2021 appeared first on Fiction Writing Blog.
January 3, 2021
Weekly Roundup: January 3, 2021
Quote of the week:
“Why do the stories endure? Why did humans tell them in the first place? For a very simple reason: Life is hard. It’s confusing. We have enough intelligence to ponder existence, but not enough to really understand what’s going on here in our small corner of the vast universe. That’s why we tell the stories. To ease the anxiety of being soft-skinned mortals. To inspire the soul to fathom eternity. To give order to what feels out of control. To guide, to blame, to warn, to shame. To make some kind of sense out of why people do what they do, why things happen the way they happen and how we might all meet each other and daily life with less turmoil and more stability.” —Elizabeth Lesser
What I’m reading:
Cassandra Speaks: When Women are the Storytellers, the Human Story Changes by Elizabeth Lesser
What I’m listening to:
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction by David Sheff
People In Hell Want Ice Water by Edan Lepucki (Audible original short story)
What I’m watching:
“Shameless” (Showtime)
“Jim Gaffigan: Quality Time” (Amazon Prime)
“Jerry Seinfeld: 23 Hours to Kill” (Netflix)
“Unsolved Mysteries” (Netflix)–I’m still thinking about “The Lady in the Lake” episode
Writing news:
I got advance copies of All the Love: Healing Your Heart and Finding Meaning After Pregnancy Loss. This has been such a passion project for me and it’s so amazing to see the hard copies. The book comes out on March 23!
Two reminders:
People Who Knew Me will be re-released on May 11 No Hiding in Boise will release on June 15
What I’m talking about:
Well, preschool has been closed for two weeks, so I’m mostly talking to my daughter–pretending to eat food in her “restaurant,” playing with her babies, and hunting for bears in the backyard. I am desperately in need of adult conversation.
Weirdest thing I googled this week:
“How to cut a little girl’s long hair” on YouTube (this might be going down today).
What I’m grateful for:
I’m so grateful for a new year and a new beginning. I don’t think much is going to improve with Covid in the first half of the year, but vaccines are coming. A new President is coming! Good things are ahead. I’m so grateful that my loved ones remained healthy through 2020. And I’m so grateful for preschool so I could continue to work and not completely lose my mind.
Happy New Year, everyone!
The post Weekly Roundup: January 3, 2021 appeared first on Fiction Writing Blog.
December 30, 2020
Books I read in 2020
So, I usually read about 80-ish books a year. This year: 107. I think it’s safe to say that reading has been my pandemic coping mechanism. The 107 breaks down to 60 fiction, 46 nonfiction, and 1 graphic novel. I’m excited for a new reading year, but it’s probably a good sign if I don’t read as many books in 2021 
December 27, 2020
Weekly Roundup: December 27, 2020
Quote of the week:
“The propensity of humans to blame other people is so strong and such a waste of time, and projecting out into other people what needs to change, when really, the most gratifying and the only work that really works is working on ourselves.” —Elizabeth Lesser
What I’m reading:
White Ivy by Susie Yang
What I’m listening to:
The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans –finished this week
Inferno: A Memoir of Motherhood and Madness by Catherine Cho–finished in two days
Unlocking Us podcast: Brené Brown with Elizabeth Lesser on the power of women’s stories
What I’m watching:
“The Vow” (HBO)–documentary series about the NXIVM organization (aka cult); one episode left and waiting for this creep to get what he deserves
Writing news:
No big news this week. Just your usual reminders:
All the Love: Healing Your Heart and Finding Meaning After Pregnancy Loss is out on March 23 People Who Knew Me will be re-released on May 11 No Hiding in Boise will release on June 15
What I’m talking about:
Trump pardoning all the crooks. Two members of my extended family who are Trumpers said they are sorry they ever voted for him. I guess when it comes to seeing the light, better late than neverThe COVID surge. We have been at 0% ICU capacity in Southern California for weeks now. Healthcare workers are tired. The only silver lining is that they are starting to get vaccinatedThe relief bill debacle. Such a disgrace. Other countries have offered their residents so much more financial relief (up to 100% of their missing income). It’s become increasingly obvious that the U.S. is not country we all thought it wasPost-COVID wish lists. I’ve started mine. It includes “get a massage” and “run a race” (I miss racing)
Weirdest thing I googled this week:
Bath bombs with dinosaurs in them.
What I’m grateful for:
A nice, peaceful Christmas. I didn’t mind the quiet this holiday season. I’m not a fan of hoopla, in general, and the lack of it this year because of COVID was just fine by me. I know nothing magical will happen on January 1; we will still have COVID and lingering political and social upheaval. But I do hope that 2021 sees a collective turning of a corner. On that note, I’ll see you on the flip side. Happy New Year!
My favorite ornament this year.The post Weekly Roundup: December 27, 2020 appeared first on Fiction Writing Blog.
