August 2023
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Hi, All!
It’s hard to believe the end of summer is here with the beginning of school. But it’s true! School supplies line store shelves, pools limit their open swim, and picnics give way to packed lunches. But this does not imply summer is gone.
My husband and I went on a long bike ride through Fermi Lab in Batavia and stopped to see the bison. These are giant animals—with the cutest babies.
What’s On My Desk
Exciting news! My manuscript is with the editor.
A huge shout-out goes to my first readers, who read my completed manuscript and offered insightful feedback with questions, comments, and suggestions. I considered each and made several revisions for clarity and flow.
While the editor is at work, I’m working on the acknowledgment page, bio, and blurb. Twenty selected fans read three description samples for the book’s back cover—and I’m happy to report that all votes are in.
Exclusive for my blog post readers!
Read the most popular blurb vote (with a few adjustments), And…you can say you heard it here first…Pompey Hollow Road is the title of my upcoming historical fiction novel.
Charlotte and Simone have an unusual friendship.
Charlotte is the daughter of James Worthington, a wealthy tobacco plantation owner and enslaver. Simone, the daughter of a slave, was taken from her mother’s arms and sold to James.
When Simone arrives at Huntington Manor Plantation at seven years old, she and Charlotte have an immediate bond.
But as the girls mature, there is no denying their different positions on the plantation—Charlotte is privileged, and Simone is an enslaved servant.
Then, fourteen-year-old Tilby Smith, another slave purchased by Charlotte’s father, arrives on the plantation, and shortly afterward, he and Simone become confidants, keeping secrets from the other slaves—and even Charlotte. But, Tilby and Simone soon find themselves in a dire situation...
Charlotte wants to help her friend and soon discovers that her sheltered and obedient life becomes one of rebellion, conviction, and undying sacrifices.
Pompey Hollow Road explores friendship at its fondest in the 1800s at the height of slavery and abolition—and how far one will go to protect another from the injustices of society.
What I’m Reading Now
I love book recommendations— here are a couple I’m reading now.
Give Me Chocolate
by Annie Hansen
Invisible Girl
by Lisa Jewell
Books On My Nightstand
The Maidens
by Alex Michaelides
The Other Black Girl
by Zakiya Davila Harris
From the Dog’s POV
Yippee! My human's manuscript is off to the editor and on time.
I think the long walks I insisted on every morning kept her motivated—it was the least I could do to help.
But here's the thing: I recall my human saying something to the tune of finished work meant longer walks, swimming, and another DQ doggie cone. And for the most part, my human kept her promises.
We went to the park twice in one day, for ice cream the next, and swam in the pool on a hot afternoon— but then it all came to a crashing halt!
My human didn't tell me there was more to this book.
One minute I'm getting the best ear massage ever, and the next, it's replaced by a belly rub—under the table—with her feet.
I'm a dog with a lot of patience, but this writing novels thing is out of control. Well, unless, of course, I'm mentioned in the acknowledgments.
Good Vibes
Recently, I bought a Ninja Foodi. Does anyone else have one? I’ve made a couple of meals and have been pleased.
Are you looking for a restaurant-tasting baked potato right from home?
Poke holes in a lightly oiled and salted russet potato
Preheat Ninja Foodi
Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour in the crisper
Best home-baked potato ever.
Do you have any recipes you can share? I’d love to hear from you—because good food makes for GOOD VIBES!
As Always,
Your support of my writing and novels has always brought me joy, and being invited to book clubs, school events, presentations, and Zooms is a pleasure.