What I'm reading (and writing!) Wednesday
It’s the Wednesday before Thanksgiving! Get some good reads under your belt as you get ready to loosen your belt for tomorrow- plus, keep an eye on several e-book sales starting on Black Friday- including Tower of Cortico on Kindle (more on that below!)
Reading and just read
Much of my reading has been kid-oriented lately and focused on read alouds the whole family can enjoy. With both kids, I’m reading Martin the Warrior by Brian Jacques; the oldest and I are going through Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling; and the youngest and I have enjoyed a book of classic fairy tales together. I’ve gotten a lot of good practice with doing various voices. I mean, I’m still not great at it, but I’m getting better!
Thanks for reading Kaylena Radcliff- Author! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
My personal reading has been a little drier, save for Kumasagi Part 1: Destin. I’m also trying not to read too much fantasy as I work to finish the draft of the final book of The Elmnas Chronicles (read more below!)
Audio AdventuresA lot of car rides this busy fall has meant a lot of kid-friendly books. Here’s a bit of what we’ve listened to the past few months:
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
While my kids are really familiar with the audio drama production of the series, it’s been a long time since we’ve read/heard the actual story. The easy-to-listen-to audiobook we found on Spotify helped reintroduce the full story to my family. Now here’s the big debate: in what order should we read the rest?
Our next audio adventure as a family is a book I’ve been trying to read for a while: The Green Ember by S.D. Smith
Lots of action and great character development. We were getting a little impatient about the big reveals (takes well past chapter 20ish to get there), but once you do- everything picks up and it gets VERY exciting. We’re almost finished the first book- can’t wait to hear the conclusion!
And finally, a personal read for me: The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment
This book is great encourager on jumping into homeschooling. It seems more geared toward first timers and was lighter on research in the first half of the book than I was hoping. However, there are some good reminders for seasoned homeschoolers as well as helpful ways to articulate your own style (and the schools of education usually associated with those styles). There’s a lot to like in this book, especially if you are someone who appreciates a more anecdote-forward approach to topics of interest.
Seasonal Reads
Something I just discovered and have found absolutely delightful is Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien. This little book is a series of letters Tolkien wrote as Father Christmas for his young children every year as they grew up, as well as a number of beautiful, detailed drawings. Tolkien’s development of Father Christmas and his right hand “man”, the Polar Bear, becomes more Hobbit-esque over the years. I originally got it on Kindle to read for a book club, but after seeing the drawings and original letters, I had to purchase a physical copy. (Amazon was running a sale on the hardback, but it looks like it just expired! Still, you can get it here.)
For other seasonal (but perhaps less whimsical) reads, watch this space and my other social media for a special sale on my Christmas-themed demon-killing duology: “Grandpa Got Run Over by a Bane Deer” and “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.” Sales start November 30th and run through December 9th. Don’t miss them and tell your friends!
Gate Watchers Sale: Starting Nov 30
Finally…writing!
Writing is hard okayI was blessed with the opportunity to get a way for a few days last week and do some heavy book planning and writing for Elmnas Chronicles Book IV. I’d been hitting some real brick walls the past few months and realized (after like, 12 hours) that a lot of it had to do with the way I had originally organized the story. Writing seems to be coming faster after the Great Shuffling. I remain hopeful that this story will be drafted soon. And after that, I’m looking at some big things to include for all you “extra stuff” people— I’m talking maps, appendices, timelines, short stories, the works! But that’s all after the draft is off to the publisher. Until then…keep bugging me!
BLACK FRIDAY SALE: Tower of Cortico
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to get your e-book copy of Tower of Cortico, the time has come! This high-seas adventure fantasy will go on sale on Black Friday- November 29th- for $1.99! Don’t miss out and buy a million copies for everyone you know.
Get reading!
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