September may mean the start of fall for some states, but in Texas, it’s known for the start of college football season. Hook ’em!

The last month and a half have been crazy for me. Polishing up my final draft of State of Grace, beginning the agent query process, publishing my new website, diving into the overwhelming abyss that is social media & blogging…

Instead of inundating you with posts about writing updates, book reviews, etc, I thought I’d do a recap at the end of each month and what’s in the works for the month to come.

A little peek into the life of a writer.

What I Read

You may be thinking, “how in the world does she have time to read with everything else?”

The answer:

If Stephen King says it, it must be true.

So here goes…

GRAND TOTAL: 5

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray

Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

What I Wrote

Guys… I learned a valuable lesson this month. Trying to get your book published and cultivating your brand as an author is a full time job. Or for me, a second full time job.

In September, I prioritized query letters, synopses, blogs and social media in an effort to create my own buzz. 

But as a result, guess how many words I wrote as far as my novels go?

GRAND TOTAL: 0

Horrified? As am I.

All of those other things are important. Beyond important if I want to be a writer. But the entire of being a writer is so that I can write. And I can’t forget to make it a priority.

Coming up in October…

That being said, I am officially starting my second novel this month. Lots of research has already been done, and my goal is to complete my protagonists hero’s journey and to have written those 12 scenes. (And I promise to post a short except in next’s month wrap up.)

By then, I should be prepared for November where I have officially committed to National Novel Writing Month! 50,000 words, here I come!

I’m also hoping to read another 5 books which should be easy considering my beach vacation. All day to read? Yes please! On my list for October:

• Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
• Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
• The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes
• The Vanishing Year by Kate Moretti
• Witch’s Pyre by Josephine Angelini

Oh, and one more thing for October. The Girl on the Train will be coming to a theater near you on October 7th. See it. No excuses. Then report back.

So now that we’re all caught up, tell me…

• Do you enjoy the monthly wrap up idea?
• What books should I add to my reading list?
• How do you prioritize your writing or whatever else may be most important to you?

Leave your comments below, and happy October!