Tag: writer

February in San Francisco: Books, Poems and Creations

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

The rain continued through February, but today there is a bright blue sky, and the Chinese New Year parade will crawl through downtown.

I’ve been missing, busy working on The Happy Poet Studio releasing creepy crawly inspired products.

Reading here and there, I’ve already finished five books this year. Do What They Say or Else was an intriguing stream of consciousness of a young woman. Indelicacy pulled me into a poor fabulous world of obsession and evolving relationships. Poor Things took me for a ride I wasn’t expecting with the last chapter a full 180 degree turn.

Listening to music as usual, I’m trying to expand my tastes and try something new, but the Spotify algorthims are keeping me in place.

Writing? Well, a poem here and there, and daily writing exercises when I can. I’m scribbling a few hundred words at the end of the day, but now mostly completing my writing on the weekends. I’m looking for journals to submit a few mismatched lonesome poems – recommendations welcome.

What are you reading/writing/listening to? I want to know.

Wishing for sunny days, this is The Happy Poet signing off.
–Alina

NaNoWriMo23: End of Week Four

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

It’s a quiet chilly morning in San Francisco, and I’m glad Thanksgiving break is coming to an end. I spent the last few days reading, writing, and watching shows, and I’m well rested.

I focused on my daily writing, floundering a bit whenever I thought of NaNoWriMo, but I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself and have a bad time.

I’m proud I stuck with my daily writing routine and pumped out about 18,600 words. It’s better than nothing! Now that I’m looking ahead toward what I want to achieve by the end of this year. I’ve decided I want to hit my goal of writing 93,000 words for my daily writing routine in December.

What else have I been up to? Working on my Etsy Shop – The Happy Poet Studio. I created a few products this week that I had fun designing and have a few more ideas that I want to try out. I love the research that goes into products, keywords, and optimizing my shop. I’ve got a long ways to go but it’s a fun way to unwind.

What else have I been up to?

I watched the Scott Pilgrim Takes Off animated series, and it was a blast. If you’ve read the comics and loved the 2010 live action movie, I highly recommend you check out the series.

I’m reading A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. It feels a bit like reading Howl’s Moving Castle, but there are a few problems with the writing I’ve found already. The concept is fascinating, and so far, I’m planning on finishing the book.

Oh, and I finally hit Level 37 in Hogwarts Legacy…cool.

Are you reading anything fun right now? Do you have a daily or monthly writing goal? I want to hear from you. Leave a comment below and let’s chat.

Happy Poet, Alina
Signing off.

NaNoWriMo23: End of Week Three

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

The city is taking down the fences and blockades for APEC, and I’m relieved. The past week there was an undercurrent of tension pulsing through the city (huge understatement). We all need a break, some space, and just a moment to take a breath.

This week I wrote here and there and tried to read as much as possible. I’m still reading Kingdom of the Cursed and just got my copy of Daughter of The Moon Goddess (I’ve been waiting months for a copy through my library!).

Today, my goal is to write another chapter of my NaNoWriMo project and hopefully squeeze in a couple of hours of reading. I’ve been thinking more about writing poetry and have some images in mind that I want to explore; a blend of natural elements and usual existential crises so I may jot down a few ideas later too.

I’m also going to watch The Killer with my partner (hopefully tonight) and, if possible, play a bit of Hogwarts Legacy – I’m nearly level 37 and curious how I get my hands on Merlin’s robe.

What are you reading? Are you working on a writing project for NaNoWriMo? Leave a comment below. I want to hear from you.

Thank you for reading!