What's Up Wednesday

What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme, started by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk, geared to help readers and writers touch base and let them know what's up. If you want join in, you can find the link widget on Jaime's and Erin's blogs!

{Peonies from my front yard!}

What I'm Reading

So much reading to do! Since I'm heading to San Francisco next weekend, I've been scouting out books to read on the long flight. So far, my list includes:

The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (this recently won the Newbery)
Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield (at the suggestion of my friend Jessica Spotswood)
And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
Let's Explore Diabates with Owls by David Sedaris
Inferno by Dan Brown

I figure those last two will be good airplane reading: fast-paced and entertaining. Win!

What I'm Writing

Chugging along on my YA space western! A few days ago, I sent out the first two chapters to a few trusted readers so my fingers are crossed that they like it. Here's to hoping anyway! Haha. 

What's Inspiring Me Right Now

I teared up at this Atlantic piece about the Oklahoma teachers who used their own bodies to shield their students from the recent tornado. That's real heroism right there. 

What Else I've Been Up To

Trying new recipes! Last week, I made mussels for the first time, using an Ina Garten recipe 'cause the Barefoot Contessa has never steered me wrong. I also tried out this scallion + creamed corn dish, which was divine. I actually made it last night too because it was so tasty—the tarragon added such a nice flavor and the diced anchovies (don't judge!) added an incredible depth. Plus, fresh corn is cheap and plentiful right now. Go forth and cook, I say!

So what have you been up to lately?