Things typically tend to slow down in the summer, but that hasn’t been true for me so far. Maybe because I am getting ready for vacation, maybe because I am drafting a new novel? I don’t know but I need it to SLOW DOWN. But it was a productive one, so I am happy with the results. Let’s dive in.

What I Read

GRAND TOTAL: 2

Legendary by Stephanie Garber

I got to meet Stephanie when she came to Austin for a talk and signing. I can’t wait for Finale to conclude the series.

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

What I Wrote

This month I completed my goal of writing another 10K words and finishing the first draft of Act 1 – leaving me with a total of 33K words so far. You can read more about the project, meet the characters, and read the first chapter here.

I’d also like to announce my tentative working title: The Blood Between Us.

Good, right?

I did make some progress on outlining Act 2 – a huge shout out to my CP Devon for help! –  but this book has been such a weird experience! I have really only been able to outline a few chapters at a time whereas I’ve outlined the entirety of my previous novels before writing. These characters are really doing their own thing, and ideas are sprouting like daisies as I write. So I am just rolling with it.

Coming Up

Next month, I will be participating in Camp NaNoWriMo to see how much of Act 2 I can knock out. I have nine chapters mostly outlined which I think will be plenty for one month. But after a couple weeks break, I am excited to get writing again.

Speaking of breaks, I am leaving for Jamaica tomorrow and can not wait!!! So you’ll be seeing a hiatus from me on the blog and social media until I get back on July 6.

Due to said vacation, the next month is going to be FULL of reading. Take a look at my list and read along!

• Write Naked by Jennifer Probst
• Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas
• Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
• An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
• Little Black Lies by Sandra Block
• Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno
• Royally Screwed by Emma Chase
• The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E Reichert

Me at the beach

What are your summer reading and vacation plans? Any tips on how to cram that many books into a single suitcase? Let me know in the comments below!