This weekend we spring ahead! Yes, we lose an hour of sleep but we get more sunlight. Yay. Don’t get me wrong, this gal loves autumn so much and all the coziness of early sunsets and pumpkin spice everything but by this time of the year, I’m ready for a change. And, don’t worry, I’ll be complaining about the heat and humidity of summer very soon. For now, I’m going to enjoy the extra sunlight and warmer temps (60s are on tap for next week!).
Not much new on the work front this week because I’ve been deep into the second draft of the next Food Blogger Mystery. I made it through four chapters, which is always a satisfying part of the process. This is when I really get to dig in—tightening up the storylines, having fun with the characters, and fixing all those little threads I dropped in the first draft. It’s also when I finalize which recipes to include in the book. So far, I’ve decided on two, but I need one more. Since the story takes place in January, I’m leaning toward an apple dessert—maybe an apple cobbler? A warm, cozy treat on a snowy night sounds just right. Great. Now I really want apple cobbler!
Lately, I’ve been watching some Lifetime movies, though for the life of me, I can’t remember most of their titles. Lifetime movies are so hit or miss—some are wonderfully done, while others… well, let’s just say they leave a lot to be desired. Last night, I watched The Life I Can’t Remember, about a woman who develops amnesia after being hit by a car. A solid trope (again, not always well executed), but I actually enjoyed this one. Tonight’s pick is Deadly Girls Trip, and I can’t wait to see how that unfolds!
On the reading front, I’ve finished three books since the end of January, and I’ve enjoyed every one of them. I just wrapped up SWEETHEART IN HIGH HEELS by Gemma Halliday – a short story that was such a fun read! It was the perfect palate cleanser after A VERY BAD THING by J.T. Ellison. which had me hooked from page one and kept me flying through the pages. I also loved THE BODY IN THE BOOKSTORE, the first book in The Secret Bookcase Mystery series by Ellie Alexander.
That’s my week in a nutshell! What have you been reading or watching lately? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for recommendations!
Can you believe we’re halfway through the month of January? How is that possible? Wasn’t it just New Year’s Day? Honestly, it’s been a blur since Christmas and just this week I’ve been able to get back on track with my writing (I was able to write 3k words on Wednesday!). A couple family members had some health issues and that took me away from my routine but I did manage to get words written. In order to do that, I had to let go of some things and one of those things was social media. This week marks my return to Facebook and Instagram. I have to admit, it was a nice break.
We’re wrapping up the second week of August. It’s been a heck of a couple weeks with hot temps, lots of rain, first drafting, copy edits and a preview of fall temps. A little bit of everything this week.
The copy edits of the next Food Blogger mystery wasn’t bad so I got through them quickly and returned the manuscript to my editor on Tuesday. It’s such a good feeling to have that off my desk. Now, I’m waiting for the cover design and the proof pages. I can’t wait to see the cover since it’s a mystery set at Christmas. At the beginning of this month a course I enrolled in started and week two has wrapped up. Four more weeks to go and there’s so much information within the modules and could easily be overwhelming but I’m taking it slow and I expect to have to go through the course again to fully absorb all the info. I did have to set aside working on my first draft of another novel to work on the copy edits and this week I was able to get back my writing. I eased into the words slowly on Tuesday and I’m so happy to be back into the story. I missed it. I also missed my early morning writing sprints that I started when I began the book. At this point, I’m not sharing any details of the story. Hopefully, soon.
It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through the year. It feels like it was just yesterday that I rang in the New Year (all cozy asleep in bed that is) and I was shoveling snow. But, it’s the end of June now. Which means, we’re getting closer to the ‘ber months! I know, I know, don’t rush it. But I can’t help it. Especially this year because…a new Food Blogger mystery is coming in one of the ‘ber months. That’s all I can share right now. The manuscript landed in my editor’s inbox a couple weeks ago and we’ll be finalizing the title and cover soon. It’s a Christmas mystery. Okay, that’s all I’m going to say about it. Lips are sealed.
In addition to getting the manuscript to my editor, I was busy this month planning out the next quarter (which starts on Monday!). I set three goals for the quarter which includes writing outlines, pre-release work (setting up events and other good stuff for the upcoming Food Blogger mystery) and working on my systems (I’m trying out a new task management program) to help streamline my things. It’s amazing how much admin work there is as a writer. Who knew?
When I haven’t been at my desk, I’ve been outside in the garden beds. Over the past few years, because of life, those beds have been neglected so I’ve been making an effort to tidy them up. It’s a big process but taking it one section at a time is helping. And I have been enjoying going out on Sunday mornings to weed and maintain those spaces. I’ve also started a new cross stitch project. I purchased the chart last fall but didn’t stitch it. A few weeks ago, I pulled it out along with a piece of linen and started the project. I absolutely fell in love the the sampler and I’m hoping to have it completed by Halloween.
I’m sure I’ll be able to make more progress on this project since it’s that time of the year – Christmas in July, baby! Though, it seems to be starting in June. There’s QVC, which started their Christmas in July last week ( I may have ordered something Christmasy) and there’s Hallmark’s Christmas in July which runs from Friday, June 28 at 8 p.m. Eastern through Wednesday, July 21. Ready to crank up that A/C and fill your mugs with hot cocoa? If you are, click here for more info on the movie schedule.
I think that’s all I have to share for today. Thanks for stopping by and spending a few minutes with me. I’m going to get a refill and get back to work. Before you get your refill, please drop down in the comments what you’re up to today, or this weekend. I’d love to know.
I love this time of the year. By the time August rolls around, I’m ready for the Ber months. Bring. Them. On. I love the sweaters, the boots, the hats, the decorations, the baking, the soups…I could go on and on. But I won’t bore you with a list of all the things. Though, there’s one more I need to add and then I’ll stop. Books. And speaking of books, I’ve had one release this week. A CORPSE AT THE WITCHING HOUR, book 6 in the Food Blogger Mystery series, has made its way out into the world and I’m beyond thrilled. It’s my thirteenth published novel. How fitting that it’s a Halloween-themed story.
With Halloween, comes shorter days, cooler nights and the craving for comfort foods. I’ve already whipped up a batch of Roasted Butternut squash soup and made a batch of chocolate chip cookies. It’s really nice to come into a warm, cozy house after working out in the yard and ladling out a big bowl of soup. Another reason to love the Ber months.
I’m currently reading WHAT THEY DON’T KNOW by Susan Furlong. It’s not a cozy at all. It is a psychological thriller that has twists and turns that have me turning the pages at an insane pace. I’m definitely loving this story.
As for work, I’m promoting my new release and I’m also 11,000 words into a new book. There’s also a takeover of Meg’s Cozy Corner (on Facebook) next week and an upcoming Zoom chat with a book club later this month about HOW THE MURDER CRUMBLES.
I’m in need of a refill, I think I’m going to make it a pumpkin spice, so I’m going to sign off and get more coffee. Thanks for visiting with me today. I’ve shared what’s been going on and I’d love to know what you’re up. Drop a comment and let me know.
