Book Progress, A Sleepover, and A Christmas Parade // November 2021

Hello everyone, I hope you’re having a lovely morning, afternoon, or evening! This month was slumpy. My sleeping schedule somehow became super out-of-whack, and I couldn’t get myself out of bed until 10:00 or 11:00 in the morning, which messed up my routine quite a bit. Not to mention, I didn’t really do much this month at all. From sort-of-decorating for Christmas to my first sleepover in years, I had a lot of chill, nothingness this month. Yeah, I just hope December is… I don’t know, something.

>> Special Happenings <<

– First Sleepover In Years –

On Monday, November 15th—on our way home from Bible Study—my older sister, best friend, and I were having a little karaoke to Disney, and we decided right then and there that we needed to have a sleepover the next week. Of course, that sleepover had to be full of more Disney karaoke and a late-night Sheetz run. So, over the week, we went back and forth in a group chat and finalized plans for a sleepover! Sure enough, we had more Disney karaoke, we went to Sheetz at eleven o’clock or so at night, and we had a lot of girl talk. I know that sounds stereotypical but lemme tell you, girl talk is essential. The next morning, my older sister had to leave early for work, but I stayed for a bit longer with my best friend, and she introduced me to whipped cream on Eggo waffles for breakfast (it’s amazing, btw). Overall, it was super fun, a needed break, and a great, personal reminder that—though they are few—I do have friends and folks who care about me (and are even willing to be silly with me and belt Disney songs)

– Christmas “Light-Up Night” Parade –

Every year, a town that I live by hosts a Christmas Light-Up Night parade. It’s a quaint little town (that I actually adore), and although the streets are crowded, I really enjoy getting to go down and watch the little parade. My sister, Briana, and my other younger sister were both in the parade twirling baton. But afterward, Briana and I explored the streets a little bit while my family watched my youngest siblings sing Christmas carols with their school. While exploring, Briana and I found a festive courtyard that held entrances to three shops. We went into two of the shops (an antique store and a floral store) and got some silly pictures (accompanied by odd looks from bystanders) around the festive decorations in the courtyard. We thought about going into the expensive-looking jewelry store (it literally had “goldsmith” in the name) but decided against it. I didn’t exactly wanna be confronted by a store clerk asking why two average-looking teenager girls were perusing a lavish jewelry store.

– More Book Progress –

I got my manuscript back with edits and a feedback sheet! I was thrilled to receive my manuscript back ahead of schedule, and as I read each section of the feedback sheet (talking about my plot development, theme, style, etc.) I couldn’t stop smiling, and it actually got me quite giddy. It felt so nice to be complimented on my writing and aspects that I hadn’t even thought about (such as my style of writing…), and it made me so happy to know that I was doing something write. Now, I just have to rewrite the manuscript (again) and pay attention to some feedback on adjusting a character and some other minor details.
Also, I spoke to someone from a publishing company! They were more of a self-publishing company, but everything they offered really appealed to me and my desires as an aspiring author. However, after talking to my parents (and checking my bank account…) I decided that it was best to research other potential companies (just to weigh my options) and save up a lot more money. I’m excited about this and am pretty content with where I’m at. However, if you have any publishing companies that you suggest I look into (or have any resources for me to check out), please drop a link in the comments below!

>> Books Read <<

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

fantasy, fiction, mystery
first time reading
a friend recommended this to me and I love it! Definitely added to my top ten list!

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

fantasy, fiction
first time reading
the same friend recommended it to me, and I’m enjoying it so far! (it is quite long, however)

>> Movies & TV Shows Watched <<

How To Train Your Dragon: Hidden World

fantasy, animated, adventure
third time watching (maybe?)
I LOVE THIS MOVIE AND AM ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED WITH IT!!! (I cannot apologize for the person I become when I watch this movie…)

John Wick

action, crime, thriller
first time watching (not finished)
ehh. A male co-worker recommended this movie to my sister, Briana, and I. Not to be stereotypical, but I can see how it’s a ‘guy movie.’ There’s no understandable plot, just guns, cool/fast cars, and sexualized woman at an underground mafia club place (?).