At the beginning of the year, I started keeping track of how many words I’m writing each day. Predictably, I started the first quarter (January through March) with a bang but the next quarter (April through June) I shifted focus to editing and not crafting new projects.

The third quarter (July through September) just ended. I *think* I found a nice balance and hit my stride. I have been working on my upcoming release, revising two other projects (both currently on submission), and finished another first draft. A lot of the writing business is a study in hurry-up and wait, so I’m managing my time better.

During this quarter, I attended Allie Pleiter’s workshop on her chunky method for time management. If you haven’t read Allie’s books, you should check them out (click here). I have read both and taken online courses, but sitting in the chair during her in-person presentation gave me my a-ha moment.

The Chunky Method essentially takes out the guess-work of when a creative project will be finished. But, in order to be successful, you have to stop listening to your inner critic and can’t give in to it’s too hard, that’s not my process thoughts that are so tempting to use as excuses. As I sat in the chair, I definitely caught myself thinking but I can’t do that and had to stop and realize, I can adjust.

This quarter, I wrote 52,997 words and my year-to-date total is 161,834.

I’m delighted to share the cover for my latest sweet romance, A Perfect Picture of Us. Coming soon from The Wild Rose Press.

Chicago lifestyle blogger, Jess Edwards, built a successful brand based on the pursuit of perfection. From throwing a party to decorating a home, every post is magazine spread worthy. Leo Martinelli, the law school study partner she never mustered the nerve to kiss, shows up in the middle of a photo shoot, and she’s thrilled for the reunion—until he serves her with a lawsuit.

Attorney Leo never thought he’d see Jess again, not after she disappeared halfway through the first semester. For the past ten years, he’s measured every woman who’s crossed his path against her. This meeting is his chance to say good-bye and finally move on from his unrequited crush—before relocating overseas.

To salvage her reputation, Jess has no intention of settling. To obtain the future he’s worked hard for, Leo can’t lose.

Sign-up to be alerted when A Perfect Picture of Us releases. Click here

Summer is winding down for my kids and we are spending one last week at the beach. I’m ready for back to school and schedules so I can get back into the swing of consistent writing time. But, I never regret time spent together.

And luckily, have laptop will travel. I’ve learned over the past few years that I can adapt and get good work done anywhere. I’m nearing the end of one project with my editor (and saw the gorgeous cover this week!!!) and have more at various stages. I can’t wait to share these sweet stories with you.

I haven’t published in nearly a year (and my last–a Kindle World story–was pulled last month alongside the other fan fiction novellas) but I promise the new characters are worth the wait. The next book–a sweet romance set in Chicago–will tug at your heart. (Stay tuned!) I also have a meet cute set on a cruise ship sailing Alaska and my updated twist on Holiday Inn.

Hope your summer has flown with great days too! I’m almost at the ready to pull out sweaters stage of hot weather fatigue. Living in the upper Midwest, autumn is our best season but winter is so close on its heels.