Hello! It’s been a little while hasn’t it? How about we catch up?

Garden Update

The tomatoes are long composted, and the winter garden is in! Now we wait for the broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower to do their thing. As long as the slugs mind their business and don’t mess things up! Ha.

We also planted milkweed! The plants are so small, but I’m hopeful some beautiful monarchs will stop by in the future. 🦋 I hesitated to plant milkweed in the past since my kids were little, and it can be poisonous if eaten, but went for it now that they are older and understand what can and cannot be eaten.

What I’ve been reading

My son and I finally finished reading Where the Red Fern Grows. Hold on I need a minute. 😭Holy crap. That was a devastating book. I had been warned, but DUDE! I’d no idea just how tragic it was. We were both bawling our eyes out trying to get through the last chapter. Very well written, and I see why it is considered a classic. But also fair warning to anyone: there are some very graphic descriptions of, let’s call them “injuries,” that some characters and also the beloved dogs incur. I had to gloss over them for my son (age 7).

The love of the dogs and the boy was pure and almost otherworldly. Those of us who’ve had that one special pet know (love you, Sammy🐈‍⬛). All of that being said, I would not recommend this for kids under 9.

Writing

I’ve been busy plotting out my latest novel. Plotting vs. “pantsing,” as it’s called, is a new method for me. But so far I’m liking it. Having a map sure makes the journey easier. Of course since I’m making this map, I can change it if I feel like it! Or if one of these characters goes off course!

In case you haven’t seen my social posts, my new book is an alternate history/steampunk story set in the California gold rush.

I wanted to explore two topics: my local CA history and Motherhood! (Wait, what?)

Yes, the main character will deal with many of the things Mom’s do: keeping kids safe from outlaws, career as a gold mine owner vs. kids, etc. You know, #steampunkmomlife. 💛

Stay tuned!

What’s Next?

The rest of this year I plan to just keep on keeping on. Keep on writing my new story. Keep on focusing on the holidays with the family. Keep on dreaming of warm weather! 🌞

And keep a look out for a new series of posts on some of the characters from The Mark of the Artist! I’ll be exploring a few of the fun ones like the Villain, the Sidekick, and a mysterious Charlatan. Get your copy of this and the companion short story Maisie’s Escape so you can join the discussion.

Find me on Instagram and Facebook for more updates!