No April Fools

I can’t stand April Fools’ Day! Have never liked it. Thinking back, I don’t recall anything in particular happening to make me not like it, but I was picked on quite a bit when I was young and extremely sensitive. Even the mildest joke probably devastated me back then. 

If you recall, April 1st was supposed to be the release date for my book, Banderidge. Initially, I was like, “Ugh!” about the date, but then I decided it would be something good that happens on April Fools’ Day. Well, the unintentional joke was on me. Banderidge was ready to go, so it was published on March 27th-to my delight! Zoe Grace Publishing did an excellent job!

Banderidge is out in the world, and I could not be more excited. It has been a fun week of celebrating and watching as friends and family post pictures of receiving it. One friend snapped a pic of his wife hunkered down with a Spiderman throw over her, Banderidge in one hand and the other hand in a bag of chips. I love it! You can purchase Banderidge here.

I wanted to share all that fun to catch you up, but there is so much more fun to be had! April is loaded with great things for writers and word-lovers! 

First, Camp NaNoWriMo begins today! Do you know that Banderidge is a NaNo baby? I began it in the November 2019 NaNoWriMo. I had not a clue in the world what I was doing. Haha. That is a story for another day. The spotlight is on Camp today. April and July are the months we set our own goals, unlike the big show in November where we are locked into 50,000 words. One goal I always set during Camp is to write every day. (I know, I know! I should be doing that anyway). That is my goal for the month, only I will be revising every day. Book 2 goes to Shelley at Shelley’s Editing Service in July, and it needs to make another stop before it gets to her. I sent Banderidge to my friend Kim Wahl for her to read, offer suggestions, and, most importantly, make sure everything lined up with the Word of God. I hope to do the same this time.

So, what are your Camp goals? 

Second, it is National Poetry Month!  I love poetry! Am I experienced with it? Nope! But I have written a few haiku, and I don’t think they’re half bad. This is the first time I set goals for National Poetry Month. My goal is to write two poems. Two poems of a style different from haiku. Challenging? Oh yeah, but I am up for it! Check out NaPoWriMo for the 30 Poems in 30 Days challenge.

What are your National Poetry Month goals?

Lastly, Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon will be on April 30th beginning at 8:00 a.m. If you recall, last October I participated in my first full Dewey’s Readathon and loved it! I joined again this month, but, unfortunately, it will not be as intense as the first. I have several things going on that day, but I will do my best!

So, that’s that. Make it a fun April. Take advantage of some–or all–of the fun opportunities. If I missed something you think I would enjoy, please let me know! Drop a comment, or find me on social media.

Oh, and if you get my book, take a picture of you reading it and get it to me! I would love to see it! 

Til next time. . .