Went camping with family this week, so not a lot of writing, but I did begin bouncing ideas for how I want to revise book 4 of my series.

Non-fiction 5/5

The true biography of Virginia Hall, an American spy in Vichy France during World War II—who only had one leg. The circuits this woman set up under the noses of the Milice (French police), Nazis, and collaborators were phenomenal, as were her exploits such as breaking a dozen spies from a French prison or escaping The Butcher of Lyon, Klaus Barbie, by climbing a snow-covered pass through the Pyrenees. A fascinating read about a fascinating life.

Just came from our local convention which was scheduled to end last year when the con chair retired and no one felt they could fill his incredible shoes–but the local writing college here (the one I work for–I actually midwifed the transition) has picked it up. AND–it has the same awesome vibe it’s had in previous years. I got five panels/presentations (and one of the changes under new management is an honorarium for each) and attended some good sessions. Biggest perk: seeing so many other writer-friends and hanging out. Also sold a few books, which is nice.

Once fall hits, I will be working on Book 4 of my series, so I read over my completed first draft this week. Now I plan to re-read the first 3 books (they were published between 2019-2023) just to be sure I keep continuity when I jump into the rewrite.

YA Horror 3+/5

High School student, Bella, moves to a small town in Washington state and falls for a charismatic vampire—whose obsessive love for her complicates her life. I had to read this book—everyone else has, and I wanted to know what the draw was. Be prepared for some discomfort, insofar as the love story between Bella and Edward is really unhealthy.