I’m not alone in struggling through this year. Before January even started, 2020 was off to a rocky start with upheaval in the romance writing community. By the end of February, I suffered a huge personal loss. And then came March and the whole world shutting down without any plan for re-starting.

It’s easy and tempting to throw away the calendar and hibernate.

But being a responsible adult and parent means I won’t give up no matter how hard. Figuring things out, adapting, and staying positive is fundamental to raising children. And if you start to reorganize and reprioritize, you can find time and space for the things that matter (even if it’s all a bit different).

Everyone is still home all the time. My husband has worked from home for a long time (that we’re used to). Both kids are still in virtual schooling (with sort of plans to get back but I’m not counting on it) and I’m writing and editing regardless of the constant commotion.

Next week, I’ll publish my second book of the year! I’ve signed three contracts so far, have four projects on submission (cross your fingers), and am gearing up for NaNoWriMo (but giving myself the grace of NaNoWriMoS–November and December). I’ve written over 200,000 words. I’ve pushed through difficult times and have returned to joy in the work. Finding patience has been my biggest lesson this year.

If you’re a writer and are stressed and struggling with goals, I encourage you to give yourself a break from comparing your output to others. But, also understand that if you wait until your situation is “perfect” you’ll never write. Just start now. You’ve got two months to make something out of this crazy year. I think you can do it.

Did you know I’m on Pinterest?

If you’re curious about the inspirations for my novels, check it out here. I use the site to visually bookmark the settings, research, and sights. When I get a release day for my books, I make the boards public on my page.

For Holidays, Inc., I’ve included the website for a musical theater I enjoy in the northern suburbs of Chicago. At this theater two Christmases ago, I watched the stage production of Holiday Inn. I’ve mentioned before being inspired by the movie’s premise of turning a farm into a theater in an out of the way location. The movie is problematic and includes representation that is so wrong and unnecessary that the film is not often available. In my writing, I wanted to update and fix the issues. I was editing the book when I bought tickets to see the stage production. The changes made from movie to theater really warmed my heart.

Also included is a link to a newspaper article. In a twist of life imitating art (sort of), a two-screen cinema in one of the small-towns turned Chicago suburb, is up for sale. I might have an idea for interested buyers in how to transform the property.

Only a little over a month until release day!

Former child actress, Danielle “Dani” Winter, left Hollywood to transform an old cinema into a dinner theater, seeing the project as her chance to take control of her future. The middle-of-nowhere location in Wisconsin is a perfect escape from backstabbing celebrity friends. The small town welcomes her help with open arms, but one man questions her plan.

After unsuccessful writing stints on both coasts, Paul Howell returns home to New Hope. He’s shocked to discover that his sister has sold the family business to a beautiful woman. With the encouragement of his neighbors, he reluctantly agrees to write Dani’s next musical.

Working together, they discover more similarities than differences and grow close. When Dani’s former best friend and America’s sweetheart, Kara Kensington arrives, their blossoming relationship is threatened in more ways than one.