September the beginning of Fall (sort of) and the start of my busy season. I was desperate to get a few different things done before my crazy schedule got even crazier, and I am happy to report I did it.
I also got to take a trip to two new states! I visited Seattle, Washington to explore and be a tourist and then Boise, Idaho to visit my wonderful critique partner, Kelsey Atkins. It was such a cool blessing to get to finally meet someone I’ve been working with for the better part of a year, and while flying to a strange city to meet a practical strange was a little nerve-wracking, we had a blast!
What I Read
GRAND TOTAL: 4
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. DaoÂ
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Towering Sky by Katherine McGeeÂ
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail HoneymanÂ

What I Wrote
I am extremely proud to report that I finished first draft of The Blood Between Us – ten chapters (25,388 words) in twelve days!!! It was a stretch, and I had a hard time pushing through but I did it by the skin of my teeth. It’s way too long and a total mess, but I am really happy with what I have so far.

I was also able to get back on track with the blog and publish one new post per week. Check them out and let me know what you’d like to see next!
- How to use Pinterest to inspire, outline and write your novel
- 14 cozy and creepy books to get you in the mood for Fall
- The Good, The Bad & The Overdone: Tropes in fiction (and how to use them effectively)
Coming Up
October is going to be absolutely insane for me from a travel and work perspective, and – with the first draft of TBBU completed – it’s the perfect time to take a break! I highly encourage all writers to do so between drafts so that they can come back with fresh eyes and minds. I will also be shifting back to start revisions on a previous novel which take up the bulk of my free writing time.
As far as reading goes, I don’t think I will have much time, but there are a few books I’ve been waiting to read that I am super excited about!
- Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
- Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
- Grim Lovelies by Megan Shepherd
Are you excited to kick off Fall! What are your goals for the rest of the year? Let me know!

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