How About You?

Hey friends! How was September for you? I hope everyone is well and looking forward to an awesome October! 

I don’t have much actual writing news, but I can tell you that I should be writing. That’s one thing I have going on in October. I will be back to focusing on book 3 of my Evie series. If all goes according to plan, book 3 will be out in spring and book 4 in autumn of next year. I may need some encouragement if y’all don’t mind. 

A couple of other things are happening in October that I’d like to share. On the 6th at noon, I will be doing a book presentation and signing at the Friends of the Library First Thursday program at the Jackson Madison County Library downtown. Am I nervous? Why yes I am, thanks for asking. I’m still new to the speaking part of this, but there is no growth in staying in our comfort zone.

You may remember in the summer I taught writing for six weeks to children who attended Operation Hope summer camp, and I really enjoyed it. Well, I have a wonderful opportunity on October 12th to spend an hour with high school students sharing about being an author at the North Side High Virtual Writing Club. Our children need these opportunities, and I agree with what the facilitator of the Writing Club, Tracy J. Cooper M.Ed., said in the Writing Club overview, “A club like this allows for confidence to be built and hidden talents to be explored.” I’m so looking forward to this opportunity.

Last October I participated in my first “I’m going to be serious about this” readathon. Not that we were forced to read for the full 24 hours. They encouraged us to do what life allows. I cleared my calendar and took advantage of reading as much as possible. I like to sleep as much as read, so I didn’t feel too bad about getting my sleep. Anyway, it’s time to sign up again for Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon, which will be held on October 22nd from 8 am to 8 am on the 23rd. I’ve signed up, will you? If you do, please email me through my website, or let me know on social media. I would love to know about it.

One last event to mention. I will be returning to the wonderful little coffee shop, Selah Coffee, in Savannah, TN, on October 29th from 11 am to 3 pm to bring Gidesha City to my friends there. I’ll have books for sale, or bring yours if you purchased one, and I will gladly sign it if you’d like. 

I was glad to get home to Jersey in early September and share my books and writing journey with friends and family at my hometown library, the West Deptford Public Library. My first experience with presenting my writing journey for over thirty minutes. Yes, I was nervous, thanks again for asking. Later in September, I was finally a participant in Book Fest 2022 at the Jackson Madison County Library: twenty-plus authors displaying their work and getting a chance to talk with our readers. Both were wonderful experiences.

Now onto something more serious. YOU! I’m sharing my heart with you, so please hear me out. It goes against my “comfort zone” to fill this page with ME. I know it has to be done, for obvious reasons, but even more than promoting books and keeping you posted on what I am up to, I want you to know that I care about you. Jesus cares about you! He has me here to be sure you know that. He has already been to earth in human form, but now He has us here to share His love and goodness with others. Matthew 22:37-40 tells us that the most important commandment is to love God, but then it says it is as equally important to love your neighbor (everyone). Of course, that is paraphrased, so you should check it out for yourself. 

I would love to know what is going on in your world, to know how I can pray for you, and be here to encourage you. The commandment I have been given is not to promote myself or my books, but to love God and love His people first and foremost. 

Photo Credit: Melissa Santarsiero

Til next time. . .