As you know, neither of us are summer fun girls. We don’t do #HotGirlSummer. We are more #SpookyGirlFall people. Summer is great for outdoor reading and writing though, so we have high hopes for those cooler summer days. Hanging out in the shade with an icy drink is where we will be for the next couple of months.
We kicked it off this summer with a trip to Word On The Street Toronto festival and the Toronto Comic Arts Festival. We have plans to hit up some new bookstores around the city and actually write together in person. We’ve even talked about starting up a writing group. Honestly, we’re just trying to make the most of the season we like the least. Enjoy our mini summer update here.
Summer Season News and Plans for Another Book on the Shelf
Jette
After a couple of years being locked inside, I did get to Boston this spring and that refreshed me in ways I was desperate for. I’m reading more than I had been. This summer’s focus will be graphic novels and anything that is already on my kobo. I am not buying new books! I have more story ideas brewing. I just have to actually get to writing. This summer the plan is to be creative in whatever format. And maybe I’ll find a bit more inspiration on a quick work trip to New York.
Gen
While I didn’t get much reading done while I was in Switzerland, I did spend a lot of time sipping coffee and beer at outdoor cafes with my book close at hand. We’ve already had a couple of heatwaves, so I’m planning to keep my summer pretty light in the reading and working department. All of it’s going to be done poolside, with a brief stint lakeside at my friend’s cottage in Muskoka. So, yeah, despite the heat, summer’s actually looking pretty good.
Top 2 Books We’re Looking Forward to Reading This Summer and Beyond
Jette
So in complete opposition to 2021, reading this year seems to be working. I wanted to read 50 books and for 20 of them to be graphic novels. I’m right on target for my goal with 25 done and a couple on the go. I may be cursing myself as this is the highest goal I’ve ever set but I’m feeling good so far!
Here are two books I’m looking forward to reading this summer:
- Moon Knight: The Complete Collection by Jeff Lemire and Greg Smallwood
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Gen
I started off 2022 with a bang as far as reading goals. January was gloriously relaxing with ample reading time. It was enough that I’m still well ahead of my book goal for the year even if I’m now substantially behind my pages goal. But hey, I’ve still got time.
Here are two books I’m looking forward to reading this summer:
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Gold Diggers by Sanjena Sathian
Our Summer Writing Goals for 2022 and Beyond
Jette
So many ideas are floating around! I’m someone who needs the “work alone together” vibes. In June of 2020, our friend Steph and I did 10 minute writing sprints with word prompts and got lots done, so we are going to start that up again this summer. I’m very excited. And thankfully, another friend is pushing me to get stories done for a short story graphic novel collection. I’m feeling the writing vibes this year — someone just strap me to a chair and get me writing.
Gen
Okay, well, I’m still (yes, still) determined to push through the final chapters of the YA witch novel I’m writing. I’m so close! Luckily, I think the pieces are finally falling into place and my brain has subconsciously been working through all the threads that need to be tied together in the end. I also have the beginnings of a newsletter in the works to build up my freelancing clips, so keep an eye out for that in the wild!
Using the Heat of the Summer to Stay on Track with Reading and Writing
Summer may not be our favourite season, but our reading and writing goals are giving us something to look forward to. We’ve got some cafes to visit and some iced coffee to drink, all with a book, a notebook, and a pen by our side.
What are your summer plans? Do you have any specific reading and writing goals? Or are you going to go with the flow wherever the summer breeze takes you?
