June passed me by a little too quickly this year, but I am excited for everything July is going to bring. Not only does today mark the first day of my 22nd year on this planet, but there is so much to look forward to–Camp NanoWriMo to help me make more progress on my WIP novel, #bookstajuly18 on bookstagram, and so much more.
If there’s one thing I am proud of doing this year, it would be finally gathering up the courage to start writing a novel. I have tried several times before but given up just as quickly. This year, I had a plan, and I stuck to it. By June I was already done outlining 60% of my story, and this month, I am hoping to actually start writing it.
It sounds simple when I say it, but writing is so terrifying, and involves so much hard work. Usually, my self-doubts and self-criticisms are the reasons why I always quit: it’s hard to tune out the voice inside that keeps telling me that I am not good enough. But I have learned that practice makes perfect, and since this is the first draft, I am going to try and remember that this is going to be anything BUT perfect.
#bookstajuly18
Creating a book club with my friends was one of the best decisions I have ever made because it helped me meet so many people who love reading as much as I do. Right now, over at Bookstagram BD we are hosting a photo challenge for the month of July for bookstagrammers only. The theme this month is Seven Deadly Sins, and I am really excited to use this to become more active in the community.
#recommendationweek
Over at yet another book club that I joined recently, Book Club Bangladesh, we are having a week-long prompts for writing reviews for books we would personally recommend. I love writing book reviews (DUH) and so I’ll be participating in this too.
Since July marks the beginning of a new semester for me, and usually I have some free time during the first month of a semester, I think I can finish reading 6 books this month. I finished Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor in June (see the review here) and also Legend by Marie Lu, so I’ll aim to finish these two series in July. I haven’t decided what my 6th book will be because I am a moody reader, so if you have any recommendations do share in the comments below!
Personal Goals: C25K
I was a little hesitant to include this here, but this blog is after all both a personal blog and a book blog, so here it goes: this month I plan to get into running regularly.
I have been feeling a bit self-conscious about my weight lately. I am not very over-weight, but I can do without a few extra pounds. Besides, I have been having a few ups and downs lately–emotionally speaking–and I think this will help me feel better about myself and keep me distracted as well.
And that’s about it for my plans this month. Do you have any goals this month? Share them with me in the comments below!
Good luck with all the goals you set for yourself Tanaz! Sending you all the energy and support.
Thank you for mentioning that Bookstagram group! I asked to join just now, because I really need to start getting more involved with the community. I have my little hole there but that’s pretty much it!
I’m actually trying to lose weight too this month. I gained my freshman 15 in college and trying to lose it before starting my new semester. Go us!!
You can do it Alia! I gained a lot of weight during my freshman year too. What is it about universities?
I am trying out the C25K program thingedy–they have a detailed guide on how to start running for beginners (it’s the only physical activity I enjoy). I had to adjust it a lot though cause it is extremely hot and humid in Bangladesh right now.
And yay you are joining! I have accepted your request! Feel free to post whatever you want there and get to know the people– it’s mostly Bangladeshis but everyone’s really friendly–and don’t hesitate to ask any questions. So glad to have you there <3
What's your bookstagram ID?