The cat ate my daughter’s homework! 😆 #totorothecat
How long do you like your chapters? 📖
The book I’m reading right now has very short, episodic chapters. It reads like serial fiction, and I’ve seen some other commercial fiction written this way, but I’m paying closer attention now and wondering how common it is.
A person who is used to reading classics or literary fiction might find short chapters jarring or choppy, I think. I can see that.
I really like to mix up the type of books I read, and find that variety keeps me motivated. This book (Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer) is just what I need right now while I’m distracted by holiday preparations and gatherings. It takes me just a few minutes to read a chapter, and then if I have to put it down, I’m not frustrated.
What about you? Preferences?
Having too much fun thinking about YouTube intros. I did this in Canva on my phone just to test out the fun new-to-me video tools. 😍 It's not what I want for the final intro, but it is exciting that Canva might be an option! When I have time to get on a computer, the middle schooler and I will get creative!
Youtubers out there, did you hire out your intro? Film something separate? Use the label tools in something like iMovie?
#futureyoutuber #bookbarrista #booktube #thebookbarr #youtubeintro #canva #justplaying
Novel draft: done!
Basking in these moments before I start editing and am reminded that first drafts are usually terrible. 😁
I always create a cover mock-up and working title when I am feeling frustrated with the writing process. In this case - that was literally years ago! Such a labor of love.
A few details for those curious: this new book of mine is a full-length (not short stories like last time) Inspirational (Christian) Fiction. And no, I won't be self-publishing!! This book baby of mine is going to be sent out into the wild to try and snag a traditional book deal, so this is likely the last you'll hear of it for a while!
After editing/proofreading, I'll send it out to a handful of trusted beta readers/critique partners and then do my very best to move on and not pace about unproductively until I get an offer. 😬
What do you think I should work on next (besides my regular newspaper and web articles)? A middle-grade fantasy co-written with my oldest child? A memoir about my conversion to Catholicism? A dystopian suspense set in Alaska?
Or maybe... all three at the same time?!? 😉
#feelingaccomplished #writersofig #motivated #roughdraft #inspirationalfiction #christianfiction #ridethemomentum #amediting
A Ducky Miracle!
Victory!! Keeping my ducks "in a row" is as challenging as you'd expect. ;) I've been training them with peas and other treats (kiwi in this video), and it's finally paying off!!!
Ducklings Explore New Home
Our ducklings used their outdoor run for the first time yesterday. Thanks Google Photos for automatically making a video compilation for me! lol! I thought I might as well share it! I'll post a nicer video on YouTube at the end of the week. I hope I can catch their new quacks on film!!
Duckling Lullaby
My two week old duck-babies love music! We've been playing lots of classical, which they seem to enjoy. Today we asked Alexa to play them some "soothing music." Oh my heart! They all started nodding off to sleep. What sweeties!
Yesterday was my daughter's 8th birthday! To celebrate, we did the Hobby Lobby challenge! Except that we only have a JoAnn here in Juneau, so that's where we went. :)
It was hilarious and fun; I highly recommend it if you have someone willing to do it with you. We'll love these photos forever! If you've done it already, I want to see your photos! Post them in the comments!
Thar Be Whales!
Don't mind me.... I geek out every single time I see whales. :) I'm positive I will never get tired of them!
Humpback whales spend their Summers here in Alaska waters, feeding on herring and krill. Then they will starve themselves for the other half of the year in Hawaiin waters where the cows (mamas) will calve (have their adorable babies) in the warmer water.
This group of whales that we saw last week was a particularly large pod. They are one of only two who have learned how to "bubble net" (not shown in video) feed, and they are special to us Juneauites. Did you know you can tell Humpbacks apart by the markings on the underside of their tails?
Knife Skills for Kids
What are you doing this weekend? I'm letting my kids use knives!
There's still time to get the FREE knife skills videos this weekend. I promise to share picture-proof that we aren't in the ER after my kiddos have watched them today! :) You can get them here: https://sl290.isrefer.com/go/kcrf/anjanetteopal/
Here's a short video with more info:
The Book Barr, where everything bookish is on the menu! 
