Happy Friday the 13^th everyone! In between avoiding black cats and stepping on cracks, how about a quick round up of how life’s going?

Work in Progress

As anyone who has been reading my blog or following me on social knows, I’m working on a new book. This will be an alternate-history/ steampunk story based in my hometown of Sacramento during our most famous era: the Gold Rush. And wow am I enjoying this project. I’ve been nerding out on local history, facts, side stories, and those amazing tidbits of information that we didn’t get taught in 4^th grade California history (iykyk) 💛.

And even more amazing: I’ve written the entire plot of the new book! Who knew having a plot is actually helpful 😬. So now I’ve gone ahead and started the first few chapters—yes I said Chapters!! Holy Cow!

When I wrote The Mark of the Artist, it took me literally years to finish. I hate to say it, but having a plot would probably have helped move that book into publication years before. I’ve always thought of writing in a free-form, mystical, “Let it all flow and come out of my brain” kinda way. And Plots?? Oh that’s too methodical!

But now…I’m on team plot. At least as a guideline…I plan to wander a bit as I go. Ain’t no stopping me from that!

Reading

Kiddos and I have been reading a few different books. Some American Girls stories, other random library books. My son did a school project about Neil Armstrong, and together we read about the moon landing. Very fun. And of course we had to go and watch the NASA video of that historic moment. Not sure it really sunk in how amazing of an achievement that was, especially to a kid who’s seen nothing but computers and screens his whole life. But it was a start. 🧑🏻‍🚀

We’ve also started the book Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls, which we got from our local library. It’s been a fun read so far, and I remember reading it as a kid. Unlike our experience with Where the red Fern Grows, also by Rawls, I think we should come away from this one less traumatized 🙊!

Editing for a Friend

I can’t say too much, but I’ve been helping out a friend by being her line editor on an upcoming project. Best part: I get to read the story early!! And it’s a great one. 🤫

Garden and Spring

It’s pretty much Spring!

Here in the Sacramento Valley, we’re about to experience a heat wave over the next week (yay, climate change 🙄🔥). Even if we weren’t, it’s about the time to clean out the garden and start getting ready for the planting season. This year I’ll be expanding our home herb garden and planting the regulars: tomatoes, basil, cucumbers/zucchini. Maybe even a watermelon!

In closing…

Take care of yourselves out there. Things are insane right now in SO many ways. Do what you can to keep yourself and loved ones safe, both physically and mentally. Eventually we will all get through, and for the better. I know this author won’t be sitting by the sidelines, but do what you can and feel ok with. Help your local food bank, check in on your neighbors,  double check where you read your news (I like Ground News, which I also read through my local library system for free), and stay involved.

I know this may not sound like a typical thing coming from an Author’s blog, but I think reading and writing is a powerful thing.

On that note:

“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.”

~ 1984, George Orwell