A Writerly (and expensive) Week + It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #4

This has been a great week, despite being crazy busy and me spending way too much money. Some of you might remember from last week that I was going to the Northwestern University Summer Writer's Conference from Thursday to Saturday. You know how they say doctors make the worst patients? I'm wondering if that applies to teachers being students as well, because I found it so hard to sit still for such a long period. I also realized that as much as I chide my students for not speaking up or participating enough, I will almost NEVER volunteer to speak. Do as I say, not as I do.

I am also terrible at networking, making almost zero connections, though I did become somewhat friendly with a girl there. We exchanged emails, so let's see how that goes. 

Despite my lack of social skills, I had a lot of fun and most of the workshops were really helpful. More than the workshops, what I really enjoyed were the keynote speakers that would come speak to us while we awkwardly munched on our sandwiches. 

My favorite speaker was Nnedi Okorafor, a Nigerian-American author who writes YA and adult African-influenced sci-fi and fantasy books. Her amazing life story, her energy, and the fact that she's bringing something new and diverse to a traditionally white male-dominated genre is fascinating and refreshing. She's given me some great new ideas for a series I've been thinking about, and I can't wait to read her books. I might have been a little overenthusiastic though...

She was so cool and charming!

I gravitated more towards her fantasy stuff, but will definitely check out her sci-fi soon. Expect reviews!

Since I had spent the last few days doing nothing but intensely writing and learning and (sorta) socializing, I decided to spend Sunday in a more relaxing fashion. I hit up downtown Forest Park to check out their sidewalk sale and also found an awesome garage sale on the way back. Retail therapy!

20% off at my local comic book store!

50% off! I <3 scarves

$10 each at a local garage sale

I cannot resist a good bargain; it's just not in me. Seriously though, how adorable are those Funko Pops? And how gorgeous are those scarves? I'm not particularly fashionable, but a great scarf will fancy up any outfit.

And speaking of fancy, check out those tea sets! Can you believe they were only $10 each? The ceramic teapot alone would go for $35 in stores. Also, I'm not sure if the silver set is meant for tea or coffee, but it's gorgeous and that's what counts.

Hosted @ The Book Date

It's Monday! What Are YOU Reading? is a weekly meme where I get to chat about what I was/am/will be reading.

What I Read Last Week:

Review here

Review here

Review this week

 

As you can see, I was extra productive this week! Ok yes, it was a graphic novel and a bunch of cozies, nothing particularly taxing or time-consuming, but still. After a super busy week, I didn't want to take on anything too heavy.

What I Am Currently Reading:

July/August pick for Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group

Cozy Mystery Corner August Serial Reader Challenge

  

As you can see, I have a bit of a full plate at the moment, but hopefully I can get through it all and post a bunch of reviews.

What's Up Next:

 

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So how was your week? What books are you most looking forward to?