November is usually one of my favorite months of the year. When Autumn finally reaches Texas, Thanksgiving, football season, family time.

But to be perfectly honest, it was a bit of a rough month for me. Between some health challenges, professional setbacks and personal issues, I was beyond ready for this month to end. Thankfully, I was pretty lucky on the reading front, so let’s dive in!

What I Read

GRAND TOTAL: 4

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater 

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Bird Box by Josh Malerman 

A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

What I Wrote

While everyone else was busying cranking out words for NaNoWriMo, I did the exact opposite: nothing. And it was glorious.

I’ve always said that it’s important to take a break between drafts, and this time I really practiced what I preach with a nice, long eleven week break! Granted I had a lot of other things going on that took my mind off of it, but I am still proud of myself for letting myself rest and relax.

I am also excited that 700 Main (which has a shiny new title I will reveal in due course) is now out on its second round of submissions to publishers! Fingers, toes and eyes crossed!

Coming Up

I am taking December as an “all about me” month. Time to get my body and mind where it needs to be for a good start to the new year. So while I have a plan in place, I am not putting a ton of pressure on myself, so that I can stay balanced and healthy.

That being said, The Blood Between Us is printed and ready to start revisions. First things first though, I need to reread it so that I can reacquaint myself with the story. It’s been a while! While I do that, I will start putting my spreadsheet together so that I can identify any pacing issues or plot holes. My goal for this month is to be ready with a revision plan to start the heavy lifting in January.

I am also hoping my December reading will be as good as November’s, and with this line up, I am sure it will be!

• Not Even Bones by Rebecca Schaeffer
• Royally Yours by Emma Chase
• The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Weymouth
• Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

Are you feeling the pressure to accomplish your goals with only one month left? Gearing up for an exciting holiday season?

Share your December plans in the comments and let me know what you’re working on!