I didn’t think I’d have much of an update for July. Writing (and publishing) is a constant loop of hurry up and wait. Lately, I’ve been “waiting.” In that time, I’m writing (always) and reading. Work continues on the co-writing project and my fake ghost book.

And then, all of a sudden, I have a lot of information to share!

I have a manuscript that I love but was unsure what to do with it. On a whim, I entered it into a statewide contest run by Illinois librarians. The book made it to the top 3 finals! I submitted it to a publisher, figuring I wouldn’t hear until the end of the summer if they were interested, but…the publisher read it and offered me a contract.

So I’m delighted to announce that How to Spot a Fake (a mistaken identity story I’ve been writing and tweaking for four years?!?) is under contract with Champagne Books. As I have more information to share, I will.

Book 3 in my Home to Harmony series is well on its way to a fall release (hopefully, cross your fingers). I spent the end of June editing and oh goodness I love this book. The hero and heroine are a pair of bossy-pants people who thrive thanks to their total control over their environments and situations. What happens when NOTHING follows a plan?

I wrote the first draft in 2020. I really didn’t think the pandemic was going to be more than a blip and life would return to normal. We make plans and God laughs. I’ve had to learn how to adapt (this will be a lifelong lesson) and I’m forcing my characters to do the same.

If you haven’t had a chance to read my Home to Harmony series yet, this is the perfect time to start. Because Book 2 centers around a Christmas in July event. Can you believe we’re already into the seventh month of 2022? I can’t (mostly because our summers are so full I have to focus on one day at a time).

Grab a book and head outside! Until next time, happy reading.