S.J. Pajonas's Blog, page 24

Sunday Update – May 15, 2022

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

What a week. My husband was gone for most of it, at a conference in Texas. He left on Monday. So, OF COURSE, my youngest woke up on Tuesday, not feeling well and I decided to test her. Yep, COVID positive. The week just went downhill from there. Don’t worry. She’s doing well. It’s mostly a stuffy nose and she’s in good spirits despite missing her friends. But when she’s unable to help out at home, it just left me and my oldest to do everything else. It was exhausting.

My allergies are really bad this year too. On Tuesday, after walking Lulu out in the morning and then again in the afternoon, I was in so much misery from my nose and eyes, that I had to take a Benadryl. I try never to do that in the day because we all know what Benadryl can do to you. I needed it though. Then I decided to start walking Lulu with a mask on, so that's what I've been doing since, and it's making a big difference. I look a little strange out there with the mask on, but I don't care. I'd rather not be suffering.

To top off my week, I'm struggling through the first 10k words of the novel I’m writing and feeling like a failure. Also, don’t worry. I'm aware enough to know that this happens every time I start a really hard story and I WILL get through it. New little bits of ideas come to me all the time. I just may feel like crap for another week before I get it together.

The good news is that I’m able to take care of myself with plenty of reading, knitting, and watching TV. I know self-care. I just need to not feel guilty about it.

One of these things is not like the other!

With my husband out of town, I made things that I was interested in eating. This included overnight steel-cut oats and a whole wheat pasta salad.

I wore my Mother's Day present. :)

Softball season means I eat my dinner in the car a lot. BUT at least I can watch Netflix!

Hanging out with Lulu outside. Before this, she was running around on her lead, but then the landscapers showed up for next door and I had to hold her and keep her from barking her head off.

Lulu sleeping and snoring beside me while I knit.

Speaking of knitting, I'm now knitting the top triangle of the blanket! I should be done soon enough. I also blocked the shawl I just finished and I posted a Reel on Instagram about it. I plan to take photos of it this week and post about it, too.

That's it for this week! Stay safe and healthy, everyone!

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A Publishing Update and Schedule for 2022

Hello readers! I've been writing slowly on the last book of the Hikoboshi Series, so between hemming and hawing over what to write on that, I've been assessing my sales and making choices about what I will be writing and publishing for the rest of this year. I want to take more time for me and spend less time on my computer, working all day and night. That's not healthy, and I have done that for nearly a decade, not even taking weekends off. It's time to be better about my choices!

We're almost at the mid-point of 2022, so now is a good time to set the record on what you can expect from me this year.

The last book of the Hikoboshi Series

First off, I plan on publishing this book sometime in late summer/early fall. I'm writing it now and I know it will take a lot to get all my plot points right and make sure the story ties up all the loose ends. Then as soon as I'm done with the first draft, I will go straight to revisions and edit so that I can publish it for you. This series got a small boost of readers after I made Crash Land on Kurai free, so I feel it's in my best interest to publish it as soon as possible. It's happening, just slowly.

The next two books in the Kimura Sisters Series

The next book in the Kimura Sisters Series is Myra's Big Mistake. This will be published in an anthology in October. I will also be writing a newsletter exclusive novella about the oldest brother. The writing of this book will happen once I'm done with the last Hikoboshi book.

The next book in the Amagi Series

After I'm done with the newsletter exclusive novella, I will be moving on to Skylar's next book in the Amagi Series. Looking at my calendar, I probably won't be writing this till the end of the year, and as such, the book may not be published until 2023. But I thought you should know about it.

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Sunday Update – May 8, 2022

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and those celebrating today! To everyone else, I hope you have a great Sunday!

This was a fairly uneventful week, and I'm happy with that. I didn't do much besides the usual family obligations. There was also knitting, watching TV, and a bit of writing. Plus, I updated the blog with a Book Chat and sent out my newsletter.

I'm really trying to not overwork myself like I have for the past decade. I spent close to ten years working 70 hours a week and every weekend too thinking that if I worked hard that I would be a successful author entrepreneur. A few years ago, before my broken leg and the pandemic, I figured that my lack of success was because I didn't have a break-out hit so I overworked myself to get the Flyght Series done and out there. Lots of overworking!

The pandemic, though, taught me differently about my career. Now I'm taking it easy and trying to enjoy life instead of working all the time. It will mean fewer books per year, but I'm okay with that.

In other news, this week I'm hoping to wash and block the shawl I finished and post about it here so stay tuned!

It was Star Wars Day this week and I celebrated with Leia and watched Rogue One again. I love that movie. I think it's my favorite of the side movies.

My current knit is really coming along! I love this yarn and the easy pattern. I'm already planning my next blanket with the same yarn because I have so much of it.

I've been drinking a lot less and only having a cocktail on Fridays and Saturdays. So I enjoyed a Empress Gin Martini on Friday. I love the purple Empress Gin.

Lulu is awaiting her share of the popcorn. Always.

PS) I'm experimenting with 5:4 ratio images since these are now accepted on Instagram. I had been doing square and 16:9, but 5:4 seems to be the sweet spot between those two.

Have a great week everyone! Stay safe and healthy.

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Book Chat #75 – John Scalzi, Jen Comfort, and Rachel Bach

I've gotten some reading done in the last six weeks! Time to share it all with you…

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi

I pre-ordered this one because John Scalzi is an auto-buy for me, especially in audio with Wil Wheaton narrating. I was not sure what to expect and that made the whole story even more delightful. With Wil Wheaton's sarcastic delivery and all the fun shenanigans in an alternate timeline, I devoured this one during all of my walks with Lulu, and I even laughed out loud, no doubt making me look like a crazy person to my neighbors. I don't want to give any details, but it's basically an alternate universe story with giant godzilla-like animals and a mysterious counter element who gets in the way of the scientists doing the actual work.

The Astronaut and the Star by Jen Comfort

I got this one as a free Kindle First Reads book. I was worried that the author wouldn't know enough about actual astronauts to write this one. I've read SO MANY astronaut biographies at this point, it's a little sick. Though I eventually really warmed to the story, Reggie was probably too combative and hot-headed to be an actual astronaut. To be an astronaut, you have to be a zero. No ego, amigo. But really, that's the only fault I could find with this one. I put aside my ambivalence and really enjoyed it. The chemistry flew off the page. The dialogue was witty and fun and made me laugh in several place. Jon had real charm and I identified the ADHD in him quite early. The story raced by and I was bummed when it was over. All in all, a very fun and funny rom com.

Fortune's Pawn by Rachel Bach

I read the majority of this book while standing in line for the Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run ride at Hollywood Studios while we were at Disney World. Lol. It was a long wait and my family members were all occupied, so why not read? I remember getting this book in a Bookbub deal and wondered who the author was. Turns out this is the pen name for an author I already know and admire, so it was fun seeing what she would do with science fiction. This was classic space opera romance. There are distant human relationships, fractured after they left Earth. There are some aliens. There's lots of action and adventure. The heroine, Devi, is extremely competent (I heard the term “Competence Porn” on a podcast and said YES, that's my favorite because I love it when a heroine is competent but stuff still happens) and ambitious. She knows what she wants and she's out to get it. She makes a few questionable decisions, but nothing outrageous. The story just seems to surround her. I loved it. This one kept me riveted. And yes, there's a small romance in here too that kept me turning the pages into the night. I purchased and am reading the second book right now. Highly recommend!

I also re-read The Rise of Shiroi Nami because I'm now working on the last Hikoboshi book. It sorta counts but doesn't. I'm sure you understand!

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May 2022 Goals

We're deep into spring now! And I'm enjoying the gorgeous weather with lots of walks and sitting on the deck.

What happened with April's Goals?

Finish all edits of Myra's Big Mistake before vacation. Done! I finished these and sent it off to the anthology editor.

Start writing Escape from Shin-Osaka, the last book in the Hikoboshi Series. Unfortunately, I didn't start this because I came down with covid and then a sinus infection. BUT, I did read the previous book in the series, The Rise of Shiroi Nami, and took notes and got some great ideas to get me started.

Start Japanese self-study for JLPT N5. I started this but then stopped when I was sick. I'll pick it back up again in May.

Keep up with the Power Zone Pack Challenge. Well, I had to drop out of the challenge due to being sick. Such a bummer. I've done every one of them since January 2021. I'm disappointed, but I'm hoping I'll make it through the next one.

Reading and knitting. Now, this is something I have been doing. I have been reading a lot and knitting a lot. Those are two things I can do while sick, and that's what I've done.

May Goals

Start writing Escape from Shin-Osaka, the last book in the Hikoboshi Series. It's happening this month! I'm starting the book today.

Start Japanese self-study for JLPT N5. I'll be working on this a few times per week this month.

Get my fitness back. This is a hard one. I am definitely set back by covid. My heart rate is much higher with the same exercise I used to do. I think I'm going to set my FTP score back by 8 points and ramp up some endurance rides. Gotta get back on that horse and keep going.

Reading, watching TV, and knitting. During my recovery, I realized that I am a much happier person when I stay off social media and I spend my time reading, watching good TV, and knitting. So that's what I'm going to do. Time to concentrate on the stuff that makes me happy.

That's it for this month! Have a great May everyone!

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Sunday Update – May 1, 2022

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Another week went by without a post on the blog because I'm still recovering from being sick. As of today, Sunday, I'm at about 85-90% of my usual health status. I still have some sinus issues but I'm done with antibiotics. My energy is still rather low. And when I go out for walks or take Recovery Rides on the Peloton, my heart rate is much higher than usual. Damned Covid. Who knows what it has done to me long term. I'm hoping for the best.

I spent the week doing very little. I have found a groove of knitting and watching TV that I like. I'm spending a lot less time on social media, which I also like. I'd really like this to continue, so I'm going to adjust my “work” schedule to make it happen. I'm also almost done reading The Rise of Shiroi Nami, so I hope to start writing the next book in that series this week. I'm sure it'll take me until the end of June to get that done.

I had planned on updating the blog with a Book Chat, and it just didn't happen this week. I plan on making it happen this coming week, along with my Monthly Goals post tomorrow. Now that I'm off the antibiotics, I hope some of my energy returns.

On Friday, I spoke to the same English class at Michigan State University that I spoke to last time a few months ago, but this time I talked about marketing. I gave them advice on being a career author and branding themselves and their work, not just marketing A BOOK, but instead marketing themselves and their whole body of work. Hopefully it gave them some good ideas for the future.

I don't have much in the way of photos from this week. Sitting on the couch or in bed recovering isn't very interesting, but here are a few highlights…

Lulu is wondering why I'm hanging out in bed so much. Hey Mom! Come out and play!

I'm not doing the low carb thing anymore so I decided to buy a bunch of Korean ramens to try out. Not that I'm going to be eating them all the time or anything. I still need to be choosy about what I'm putting in my body. But this Cheese Ramen called to me and it was DELICIOUS. I added extra veggies and fake crab.

I finally made it out of bed and to the couch for my mornings.

I've been knitting on this blanket and I'm making great progress. I love this project. It's easy to remember and mindless. Perfect for my current mood. I may make another one when I'm done. I have enough of this yarn to do it.

Softball season has started again and that means some of my dinners will be in the car, like last year. But this time, I have the Tesla and Netflix! I love this car so much.

And finally, my husband went to the beach house on Friday and took delivery of our washer and dryer for there. These appliances are pretty small, but they'll get the job done. I can't wait to spend time there this summer. I am counting the days!

Have a great week everyone! Stay safe and healthy!

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Sunday Update – April 24, 2022

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Well, this is not how I planned things. Originally, I had planned to write up a blog post when we came home about our Disney World adventure and have it up on the blog the Tuesday after Easter. But, no, that didn’t happen.

We returned from Disney last Friday, and by Easter Sunday I wasn’t feeling well. I went to bed that night thinking it was just exhaustion from the week in the parks. But I woke up sick on Monday, tested, and it came back positive for COVID. I have been in the bedroom ever since, watching Grey’s Anatomy, Hajimete No Otsukai (Old Enough), and knitting.

It’s basically been a bad cold. And with every cold I get, it turned into a secondary sinus infection. I had a telemedicine appointment Friday and was prescribed antibiotics for that. Today I finally feel better though I am definitely far from 100%.

The whole experience has been isolating. I’ve been sleeping alone in my bed every night while my husband sleeps on the couch with Lulu. (Lulu is very happy about this.) I miss spending time with my family and doing my usual things. It has really bummed me out and I have been skipping all the fun things I usually do like Duolingo. I miss my life.

I think I need another 5-7 days to recuperate. I hope to start some recovery rides on the Peloton this coming week but only if I really feel up to it. Antibiotics are great but they do a number on my stomach and my energy levels. Add in the COVID and the fact that I’ve lost my sense of smell and taste, and I’m a little weary.

My goals for the month are pretty much shot but I did get Myra’s Big Mistake done and that will go to the anthology editor this week. This was the first book I’ve written where my main beta reader gave me zero corrections. None. Usually she gives me a 2 page list! And my proofreader only had a few comments too. My ability to write and edit stories is getting to the point where I’m able to write, edit, and publish with minimal interference. That’s what 10 years of practice will get you. As for current work, I am rereading The Rise of Shiroi Nami so that I can start the last book of the Hikoboshi series as soon as I’m recovered.

Here are some photos from our trip to Disney but there are more over on Instagram.

We enjoyed all the parks in Disney World except Animal Kingdom, and we spent the most time at Epcot while we were there. But our trip to see all the Star Wars stuff at Hollywood Studios was the most memorable.

I couldn't resist getting a Leia doll, and the Rise of the Resistance ride was the best, most creative ride I've ever been on. So much fun!

Space Mountain just past the Speedway.

I ate lots of great food, all over Epcot and then also at our hotel. The Impossible Meat Korean Short Ribs in Epcot were so good, and I couldn't pass up the Mickey waffles at the hotel.

We had fun doing just about everything!! I love Magic Kingdom, especially Tomorrowland. Tomorrowland features in Myra's Big Mistake. You'll need to spot it!

I love that Domo-kun, my favorite Japanese mascot, was featured in the Kawaii Cute exhibit in Epcot's Japan.

We stayed at the Riviera, one of the newer hotels that's close to Epcot and on the Skyliner (gondola system). It was lovely. A gorgeous hotel with all the amenities. Highly recommend.

Back at home, everything is in bloom. I wish I hadn't been sick through the most of it.

And here's where I've been all week. Watching lots of Netflix and knitting, which is really all I've had the energy for.

All right everyone! I hope to pop in with a Book Chat this week. But otherwise, have a great week! Stay safe and healthy.

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Vacation Mode: Activated

Hello friends! As of today, I'm on vacation through Monday April 18th! This means I will not be updating the blog nor will I be visiting other blogs until Tuesday, April 19th.

But I will be on Instagram because we're going to DisneyWorld next Monday through Friday! I can't wait to go hit the parks, ride the rides, eat the food, and spend time with my family away from my computer. If you follow me on Instagram, I plan to share to both my Feed and Stories while I'm in the parks. You can follow me there!

If you're not on Instagram, I'll be sure to write about my trip when we return.

Take care everyone! Stay safe and healthy.

(Photo from our last trip to Disney in 2017.)

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Sunday Update – April 3, 2022

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Good news! I didn't get sick! I went to bed early on Saturday night, slept all night, and woke up the next morning feeling better. So, in the end, my oldest daughter and I did not get the flu. We were the lucky ones who missed it.

My youngest daughter had her stage production of Matilda at school this week, so we went and saw that on Thursday. It was one of the first big events we've done since the pandemic, with lots of people who weren't masked. It almost felt normal again. Almost.

This week I also decided that I'm going to study for the JLPT Level 5 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) in 2023. Level 5 is the easiest; Level 1 is the hardest. The test is usually proctored twice per year so I'm aiming to take it late in 2023. I've started studying now with some apps and I'm also waiting for some books to arrive. I wanted to give myself a language goal to work towards, and this seemed to be my best option. Yes, I'm also still learning Italian. That's just for fun.

The rest of the week went by quickly. I worked on Myra's Big Mistake edits all week, and I expect to be done by Wednesday of this coming week. Yay! We're going to DisneyWorld in less than two weeks and I want to have it done before we go. I can't wait to go on vacation. I need it badly.

On Monday, I decided to go to Panera to get some work done instead of sitting at home. I used to do this all the time before the pandemic. And really, I don't see myself doing it again unless there's some emergency situation. I found all the people to be really distracting and it was too loud there even with my noise canceling headphones.

Lulu continues to be a joy at all times. She got freaked out by a loud thunderstorm this week and had to be put back to bed several times that night. Otherwise, she's the same as always.

My walks this week ranged from freezing cold and windy to warm and sunny. Ahhhhh, spring in the Northeast.

Lulu has been sticking to my hip through all of my edits this week!

I got a bunch of my Japanese books out of storage and started studying this week.

And finally a shot of the kids on stage performing Matilda Jr.! They did a great job!

Have a great week everyone! Stay safe and healthy.

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750+ Free Romance E-Books Today Only!

I'll leave this post up through the weekend because many of these books could be free for more than just today. But TODAY these books are definitely free and there are over 750 to choose from. I KNOW! That's a lot! This is the biggest promotion I have ever been in. You don't want to miss filling up your e-reader with all of these free books.

Check out over 750 Free Romance E-books!

I checked and there are many sci-fi romance and paranormal romance books in here. You're bound to find something to download and love.

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