Up and Coming: November

I’m going to change these `Up and Coming` posts. It feels silly getting excited about the books and films that I’m going to dedicate an entire post getting excited about later on.

I might switch it to a monthly wrap-up at the end of the month instead, focusing on which was my favourite and anything else I have watched/read. Then at least I’m not spending a post saying “I want to read this book” with no reason why.

I probably won’t do that until the New Year, though. That’s because my break from blogging has allowed me to get ahead with reading so I’m currently scheduling reviews for December at the moment. If I try and sum up what I have read this month, that will just be repeated in a couple of months’ time.

What can I spend this month talking about then?

Up and Coming: July

June may have been a gorgeous month in regards to the weather, but I am excited about what is coming up on the blog in July!

As well as a number of reviews (see below!), I have a few posts that I’m looking forward to writing. Over the last month, I’ve managed to overcome a few personal challenges, including dealing with stress and being more relaxed in how I tackle each day.

I’m planning to write a post about it –what else does a blogger do when they have achieved something? I think it is going to be an interesting self-reflection, thinking of all the things that I used to do and how I am managing to get around it without completely freaking out.

Up and Coming: June

May literally went in such a blur. Then again, I am certain my mind is still caught back in about March – where is this year going?

I’ve had some great reads pop up over the last month! It has got to the point that I have so many books that I want to either read or re-read that I have drawn myself up a list as to what I am going to read in what order.

I’m mainly doing this for non-reviewing books, because the publication dates helps me decide what makes it onto the blog. But I am currently (still) re-reading Harry Potter and have an ever-growing pile from a friend.

I was getting to the point where I was only reading books for reviewing purposes. Then I realised that I have the entire Infernal Devices and Mortal Instruments series sitting under my bed that I haven’t yet read since I owned them, just because they didn’t need a review.

I didn’t like that feeling, so now have myself a little system. I’m not sure if it will work or not, but as long as I am reading, does it really matter?

Up and Coming: May

Another month gone! I have to admit that I have not been very organised for May. In fact, while writing this (about a day before it needs to be posted), I’m also having a catch-up session so I can actually get through the month.

The culprit? Uni, of course. The deadline is next week, which means I’ve only been focusing on work. I also had a two week break over Easter, so I didn’t get nearly as much reading done. Reviews and posts are a bit behind schedule.

I’m making another blog for one of my projects for uni, and oh my word, I am having so much fun. It doesn’t feel like work as I’m just examining different fantasy covers and exploring the themes shown in the various sub-genres. What’s not to like!

Typically, I found a theme that I really liked while making that. It doesn’t work for this blog (I tried), but it has got me thinking about the design again. How do you all decide what design you really like? Or does it just have to feel right?

Up and Coming: April’s Posts

Although March has whizzed by in a blink of an eye, it feels like it has been ages since I wrote an `Up and Coming` post. Perhaps I was just more organised at the end of February in regards to knowing what I wanted to happen in March. Who knows!

I have had such a reading buzz lately that it was hard selecting four books to focus my reviews on. Although the way I have been going, I’m certain that I will get a few more slipped in there somewhere!

It’s because of the train journeys that I’ve been reading so much. But, scarily, I don’t have many of them left. Or, at least, they won’t be as frequent. I’m going to have to be careful how I plan my reviews from now on to make sure I can stay on top of things.

That being said, I’ve taken it as a personal challenge to see how much I can read before those journeys stop. I’m trying to get a better balance of books for reviewing and books for pleasure and, I must admit, it feels like it might be working. Watch this space is all I can say there!

Up and Coming: February

I’m back!

After reviews going crazy in December, did anyone notice that I wasn’t around in January?

I needed a break. I’m studying for a Masters while working a part-time job and while I adore blogging, it was getting on top of me.

Book reviews were fine – reading on the train meant they kept coming. But I hadn’t watched anything for weeks. Sporadic episodes of Breaking Bad was all I achieved in December and I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep the reviews up without it being stressful.

I’ve been off from uni during January and even had some holiday to take from work. I’ve been planning and writing up a few posts during this time, and it’s made me fall in love with blogging again.

Up and Coming: November

Who would have thought a monthly update could signal so many changes in my life each time? When I wrote October’s schedule, I was just starting the next step of my life, and here I am, a month in.

Everything is going well, which is nice. At least, I think it is. I am sitting here in a haze of exhaustion at the moment after a long shift at work yesterday, but that is to be expected.

Although things have been really busy, I’m pleased to have kept on top of posts. Films have been problematic as I have very few evenings, reducing my turn around on lovefilm. As they are being a nightmare at sending what I actually want, it means I’ve had to be very flexible in regards to what I am reviewing. Books, however, are falling into place nicely – it’s amazing what a train journey twice a week can help you get through.

Up and Coming: October

October is literally a life-changing month for me. I started my Masters a few weeks ago and I start a new, part-time job in a few days. Talk about getting life back on track!

It does mean, however, that I want to apologise in advance. I have my fingers crossed it is an apology that is not needed, but working twenty hours a week plus starting a course means that my time is going to be rapidly restricted and I fear reviews and posts may slip. I hope not, that I can organise myself effectively, but just in case – consider this a pre-warning.

But this month should go according to plan! So what’s on the agenda:

Up and Coming: September

This month is a very exciting one for me. I’ve made some pretty huge life decisions over the last month and feel like I’m taking the right steps in pursuing the carer that I’ve always been interested in. As from the 19^th, I’m back to being a student again as I’m embarking on a Masters course for publishing. Books are such a huge part of my life that I figured it was time to embrace what it is I want and go for it.

I am, however, hoping to be organised enough that it won’t have an impact on this blog. I now have a few long train journeys; the perfect time for catching up on some reading. But what am I planning to get through this month?

Let’s take a look:

 

 

Up and Coming – August

The last month has been a thoroughly enjoyable one in regards to this blog. Posts seem to be getting seen and it’s been lovely having a few comments filtering through as well. I’m not sure if it is just because I’ve been around for about a year now, people are genuinely liking my posts or I’m just selecting the right things to review. Could be one or all of these things, and I really don’t mind either way. It feels lovely to feel as if I am doing something right.

So on that note, it’s time to take a look at what I have planned for the next month: