I know, I know. We still have a month to go!

2023 has been a productive year. To date, I’ve written nearly 180,000 words. I’ve had many opportunities to meet new readers both online and in-person. And I’ve signed contracts on several projects.

But with the good comes the bad.

My wonderful agent, Dawn Dowdle, sadly passed away the week before Thanksgiving. In a business filled with criticism, Dawn’s kindness was a life preserver. Years ago, she had rejected me with such a thoughtful critique that I vowed to query her again. For two years, she was a huge support and source of motivation. She helped me focus so I could write and leave the business to her. I trusted her completely. I miss her. I’ll admit to feeling sort of unmoored and lost. Like the rope attaching my life preserver to the boat was cut and I’m safe, but bobbing along in the ocean.

I’m in no rush to replace her with another agent. But I am eager to make her proud of the projects we worked on together.

In fact, I signed contracts on the two trilogies we worked on together very recently.

The Shores of Loon Lake is a sweet contemporary romance set in a fictional Wisconsin lake town that will be published with Harbor Lane Books.

Match Made in Montana, my contemporary sweet Western romance trilogy, will be released with Rowan Prose Publishing.

I’ll share more news as I can. But to everyone struggling during the holiday season, I want to extend a virtual hug. Many are weary during the “most wonderful time of the year” and it’s hard to tell from the colorful decorations or smiling social media posts.

Brighter days are ahead.