Hi everyone, it's been awhile since I've posted. I've been really busy! In addition to getting the book ready for launch, I have been engulfed in school. My summer reading has consisted of large text books that could double as boat anchors! But, it's all good. Of course, I have been busy on Twitter too ;-)

It hasn't been all work. I've been riding several days per week, which is a great way to clear my head from the studying and all the decisions about the book. Sometimes I have no idea which direction my stories should go, and am often seen slamming my head on the table trying to figure it out. Then, I go for a ride and somehow what the direction becomes clear, I stop banging my head, and I no longer require advil or feel the need to cover the red mark on my forehead. I'm getting used to letting go and letting the story write itself. Sometimes it really does seem like the story takes charge.

I went on vacation to Edisto Beach in South Carolina. I LOVE it! It's such a gorgeous place, not commercial or touristy, and wonderful for hanging out on the beach all day and reading a book. That is pretty much what I did. The problem is, I am really, REALLY white. I slathered myself in 50 sunscreen three times a day and I still burned! Luckily that burn is becoming a tan and the sting is going away.

Speaking of sting, I got stung by a jellyfish within five minutes of being in the water on the first day. If you get stung by a jellyfish, here's a tip the locals will give you: Take wet sand and rub it over the sting. I would never have thought of rubbing sand over a part of my body that is stinging because, ouch, right? Well, it works! The sand takes the jelly off and it stops stinging. I unfortunately did not know this, and by the time I got back to the house my skin was irritated. My wonderful aunt poured meat tenderizer into my hands which I rubbed over the sting. It worked pretty well and removed the jelly, and the sting was gone by the next day.

Anyway, it was a wonderful trip. I have family in SC and we try to get there once a year. We had a great time hanging out and engaging in our own form of debauchery. This included karaoke, singing in the kitchen, trying to learn the electric slide, and a fight involving water that escalated quickly from a flick of water in someone's face to a full-scale water cannon fight. At night. Mostly outside.

Okay, onto book news. I have been pouring over the manuscript like a crazy person, making last minute changes. I am just about to declare it "finished", and that is a terrifying proposition. Once it is released to the world, I can't take it back to fix any typos or change the story. I guess that's not completely true, since it will be published as an ebook initially and can be changed and re-uploaded to Amazon etc. But I'd rather not have to change anything after the fact.

The title and cover of the book will be released soon! We have been tossing around some different names for the book and have finally decided on one. I can't wait to reveal! I can't wait until you all get to read it this Fall.

Thanks for your patience. I have enjoyed connecting with people on Twitter etc, and am amazed at the support I've received without even having a book out yet. Thank you so much :)

I will keep you posted on the reveal for the title and cover. Until then, summer is still going strong. Remember to get out there and play!

:)

HH