September

This month has been NUTS.

And in the same breath, it’s felt terribly slow. I won’t bore you with my in-depth analysis, but let’s suffice it to say I’m tired. This month’s newsletter will function more like a stream of consciousness of updates rather than a proper report, mostly because my brain cells can’t handle anything more eloquent at present.

• It’s still too dang hot. I’m ready for COLD, people. Plunge this winter bear into the frigid tundra already.

• The boys started a new school, one which we are thus far very impressed with. They like it. Mom and Dad like it. Yay for positive change.

• Sports have taken over our lives. Little league, club baseball, and tackle football between the two of them. Mike and I are exhausted, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

• I put in a work schedule change request some time ago, and blessed stars, it’s been approved. One of my workdays is now a short day (8 hrs instead of 12), which makes me feel like I’ve gotten a piece of my soul back. Yay for more positive change.

• I read an excellent book by a debut author earlier this month. In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy. She doesn’t even know I exist, so this isn’t a sponsored recommendation. It was just really good. Siren mythology, a swoon-worthy king, forced proximity, sinister forces, a creepy old hag that lives in a weathered cottage off the coast who likes to bite people for favors. Seriously, it was a whole vibe. And the prose? 😮‍💨 We all know I’m a sucker for beautiful prose. If you’re looking for something new, check it out!

• Speaking of writing, the end of book two is within my grasp. I sat down the other day and made a checklist of the remaining plot points, and when I tell you there are only a handful left (we’re talking less than ten chapters here, people), I mean I am SO DANG CLOSE. It makes me so excited I can barely write a coherent sentence (counterproductive much?). My goal was to be done drafting by the end of the year. I think I can finish a month ahead of schedule, and if I’m delusional (which is highly probable), at least I’m confident I’ll meet my original goal. Now, whether the draft is worth a darn remains to be seen. I think it’s pretty stellar, but I’m also HEAVILY biased, so there’s that. And how long it’ll take me to edit is another mystery, one which I’ll reveal to you when it reveals itself to me. I don’t even know if that made sense, but hopefully you get my meaning. Anyway, I’ll keep you in the loop, but expect book two at some point next year!

• I put a deposit in with my uber-talented cover design artist for book two’s cover. Cue girlish squealing. I’m really excited. I’ve got a vision, one which she’ll either approve or set aflame, and I can’t wait to put an official face on this second piece of Felíne and Kal’s story. Don’t worry, you’ll see it before anyone else does. #loyalty

• I finally set up my online store, which means signed copies of Cloaking Fate are now available! All orders come with complementary bookish goodies, and shipping is currently within the US. Check out my “Where to Buy” page and tell everyone!

Okay, that’s all I’ve got for this installment. If you’ve got any must-reads for me, send em my way. Otherwise, have a fabulous rest of September, and I’ll check back in at some point next month!

♡ N.