If we were together today, September 2nd, I might offer you an iced tea instead of coffee. It’s one of those spectacular last days of summer and we could sit out back on the new patio my husband just put in. The sunflowers provide the perfect backdrop. Don’t mind the cats meowing on the porch. They’re a little upset I won’t let them out to join us and jealous that Rocco is sleeping by our feet.
I’d tell you how happy I am that this morning’s migraine finally dissipated. I spent the morning on the couch with a damp, eucalyptus-dipped towel over my eyes, wondering if that was how I’d spend the rest of the day. Now that it’s gone, we can visit.
I’d tell you about the fantastic movie I saw yesterday with my mom and my sister. “The Bookshop” was a sweet, simple story of a strong woman following her dream despite obstacles put in her way by small-minded people. It was a lovely day. We visited the local bookstore after and I picked up a copy of Vox. I love stories that describe alternate realities where people figure out how to defy the system. Mom, Meg, and I went for ice cream after that and headed home. It was a great girls day out.
I’d have to tell you about the first week of school. It was nice to see my students again and to meet the many new ones who’ve joined us. I will need to find time this weekend to put together lesson plans and think about my goals for the year. I’m excited about the novels we are discussing this month – Orphan Train Girl for Grade 6, Hatchet for Grade 7, and Journey to Topaz for Grade 8. I’ve planned new activities for our literature circles and hope it sparks some good conversation. I’m always looking for new ways to teach novels I’ve covered in previous years.
Sooner or later, I’m sure we’d discuss writing. I have been juggling a million projects lately. I’m almost finished with a short story I intend to submit for publication. I have another that I need to work on. I’m not really sure what I’ll do with that one. It’s funny because it came from one of our faculty meetings at school several years ago. My principal announced that the entire school was going for a walk. It was odd and everyone was surprised. That moment stuck with me and I used it as a story starter. It’s become a very dark tale, but I’m pleased with it. I just don’t know if I’ll be able to find a home for it.
My grand plans for marketing my Tales from Blarnach book didn’t go so well this summer. I did take a few online workshops and I’ve tried a few things to get the word out. It’s beginning to take hold, I think. I have some great reviews and promises of more. Book 2 is completely outlined and the first few chapters are done.
I’ve also become a “barista” at one of my favorite writing sites – Go Dog Go Cafe. It’s a fabulous place to read some incredible writing and interact with writers. Nothing is more rewarding than being part of a community. That being said, I’d love to hear from you. What are you working on? How are you spending these last days of summer?
Writing and Reflections 
It sounds like it would be fun to have coffee with you! I love sunflowers. 🙂
So glad your migraine went away, they really are nasty. I am very thankful that I don’t get them near as much as I used too!
I would love to talk more about your writing as I just had a book released. Do you find yourself getting so attached to the characters? Thinking of them as real! 🙂
Now that all the work of writing and editing is finally over the work of marketing has begun! I am thrilled to be able to go into libraries and elementary schools sharing stories from “The Odessa Chronicles”. Making kids smile warms my heart!
I am glad I “met” you on here and look forward to reading more of your posts. Take Care and thanks for the coffee! 🙂
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Thank you for your kind words. 🙂 So happy to meet you.
I do get attached to the characters. Some of them in Blarnach were loosely based on my children. Marketing is the bane of my existence. I’m really bad at it. Lol. I am happy to say that my book was just added to the school library. Yay!
Just ordered “The Odessa Chronicles”. Can’t wait to read it!
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Awh! Thank you so much for ordering a copy. Can’t wait to hear what you think about it. You have a series of books right? That is awesome that you got a library to carry your book! Get the kids excited about your book! 🙂
That is what I am trying to do with doing storytimes at libraries and schools.
My co-author likes to say “one book at a time, for each book sold is one more than you had before.” 🙂
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Thank you. I haven’t had a migraine in a long time.
I checked out your link and would love to make a purchase, both to read your work and support your cause. How do I do that?
My mom has RA and my sister has lupus. Just like writing, supporting these groups is important.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I’m so happy we’ve connected.
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Hi Michele, I’m pleased your migraine dissipated, I suffer from persistent neuralgia. It’s more than annoying at times. And yes I’ve recently been visiting Go Dog Go Cafe, and I agree, it’s a wonderful community site for readers and writers. As for projects, I’m setting up another “Tullawalla” booklet ready for me to self print, then start selling them for my Charity group, the MS society here in Geelong. Oh this Link may explain what I do … https://ivors20.wordpress.com/2018/06/20/tullawalla-booklet-4/
Cheers
Ivor
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summer never ends on the equator Michele but the monsoon is approaching and we will have wet days. it is so good to have your spirit at the GDG and yes the community is a great one, there’s an energy when writers gather, I am glad you have joined us. I would love to sit and write and complete the numerous projects I have going on all the time but the days just slip away. If we were having coffee I’d show you my tiny scrap book and admire your beautiful sunflowers, I adore their beauty. thank you for this lovely post.
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I’m so jealous! They say we are in for a rough winter here. I’m in Connecticut but my son is in school in Phoenix. He’s experienced monsoons and sent me videos. It seems a little scary.
Thank you for the lovely comment and for having me at GDG. I have a little catching up to do to get to full speed but now that school has started and I’ve done much of my prep work, I can give the cafe my full attention. Happy writing!
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