Challenge Update, November 2019

I know I’m epically behind on reviews, but I did keep reading in November. NaNo slowed me down but I couldn’t be stopped (completely)! You can look at my progress at any time on my challenge page.

Books finished in November:

Caveat Emptor // Ruth Downie (4/5)
My Drunk Kitchen // Hannah Hart (3/5)
The Mortifications // Derek Palacio (3/5)
Eastbound from Flagstaff // Annette Valentine (3/5)
Not Without My Daughter // Betty Mahmoody (3/5)

So many reviews to catch up on! I’m planned out until after Christmas at this point. So don’t fear! I will get you your reviews as soon as I can.

When Are You Reading? Challenge

11/12
I got the Pre-1300 period finished now by finishing Caveat Emptor by Ruth Downie. I do love that series so it was no problem at all to finish it. I’ve got a plan for my final time period so I’m feeling amazing about checking this challenge off during December and getting ready to do it again in January.

Goodreads Challenge

58/52
Killing it!

Book of the Month

Based on my ratings this month, it’s probably easy to see that I’d pick Caveat Emptor by Ruth Downie for November. I love this series and I’ll continue with it as long as Downie keeps writing them. I think Ruso and Tilla are wonderful and I hope more people can find and love this series because it’s really wonderful.

Added to my TBR

I’m still sitting at 66 so no change for this month. I’ve added more than I really intended to, but it just happens that way some months.

• Semper Fidelis // Ruth Downie. It’s the next book in the Medicus series so, of course, I put it on the list right away!
• Joy, Inc. // Richard Sheridan. I heard Sheridan speak at an HR conference and I really liked his ideas about making work joyful. I’ve had some rough jobs as I’m sure many have and with a job in HR, I feel I could help make a difference in some workplaces and I’d like to know more about how Sheridan did it.
• Shades of Magic Vol. 1: The Steel Prince // V.E. Schwab. I didn’t realize there was a graphic novel in this world! I’m so excited to learn more and also try a graphic novel. I’ve been seriously lacking in that area.
• The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue // Mackenzi Lee. This will be the final book in my challenge this year so I’ll have this one off the list very shortly!

Personal Challenge

I’m gearing up again to track personal goals here. This is a great way to keep me accountable and to tell you about me outside the wide world of books.

• Finish 70.3 Half Ironman: DONE!
• Attend six weddings: DONE!
• Finish a weather blanket: I’m behind AGAIN but I’ll catch up. With NaNo over and the cold weather here, knitting is a welcome past time while watching TV.
• Write: I didn’t expect to do NaNo this year so I’d say this one was a success! The manuscript is a complete mess and needs some major editing but I’m up for it. I really enjoy editing, to be honest. And I’m feeling brave enough that I think I can submit my first manuscript! I’m about ready to hit ‘send’ and feeling brave.
• See my friends more: This month was not a prime example but I’m still doing okay at this. December is always full of parties and Ii think I’ll be up for them. I was sick twice in November which didn’t help but I’m going to assume it means no being sick in December!

How are your challenges going so far? I hope you’re off to a good start. If you love historical fiction, give some thought to my challenge for 2020, it’s fun!

Until next time, write on.

You can follow me on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. I’m available via email at SamAStevensWriter@gmail.com. And as always, feel free to leave a comment!

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