Being Thankful and Talking About What’s Next

Happy September!

I’d meant to publish this blog and send my newsletter a few weeks ago; however, my subscription was populated by 500 bots! I had to manually delete robo names and emails. I couldn’t believe it. I never thought this would happen! I’m an indie romance author. I haven’t sold millions of books (yet!). It’s crazy.

Thank you for being a real subscriber and caring about my author journey, my story, and my books. It means so much to me.

September symbolizes the transition from summer to autumn. Here at my home, although school and kiddo sports are in full swing, we’ve been prioritizing rest. My husband, Charles, had his third neurosurgery late August and is still recovering. I’ve also been sick, navigating fatigue and insomnia, which has affected my mental health, but I’m getting stronger, too. I’ve been reading A LOT, dreaming, and jotting down notes for books when I can. But you, my readers, have brought so much joy during this difficult season. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

Earlier this summer, I asked for beta readers for my own personal love story, my memoir, THE WORDS BETWEEN US, a vulnerable, beautiful memoir about my husband and my journey back to love after his life-changing accident. And you delivered.

❤️ You read.

❤️ You sent me messages.

❤️ You gave me feedback.

❤️ You lifted my spirits.

❤️ You confirmed that this beautiful and deeply personal story will bless others and bring hope.

❤️ And you told me it was the best book I’ve written.

Here are a few beta reader comments:

“Just finished reading your memoir. I am in awe of your strength and vulnerability.”

“Best book you've written. A truly compelling story!”

“Having trouble putting it down! It’s so good!!”

“I love this book! It is a truly inspirational story of God never giving up on us, and us never giving up on love. This has all the elements you love in a book – the great love, the passion, the obstacles to overcome, the commitment, but it’s real life. It is wonderful!!!!

A recent reel, capturing my awe and gratitude.

You completely overwhelmed me in the best way! I cried happy tears. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This was such a long journey and I know I’ve mentioned it before, but it was the hardest book to write. So many times, I put my memoir draft away, thinking it was too personal, too difficult as some of the themes were still happening in the wake of my husband’s surgeries, or worrying that I’m sharing too much. But I listened to that little voice that told me to keep going because I know it will bless others and bring hope.

I know I’m not the only person, wife, or partner going through this trying time with a loved one. I want to reach those women—those craving personal stories that are familiar—to let them know they’re not alone in their struggles. I want them to know it’s okay to struggle, fail, cry and scream, and get back up again. And what’s more, amongst the hard times, I want to show them there are beautiful moments—wonderful moments with your spouse and family as you lean into God and decide to choose love every day. There’s so much we’ve conquered and so much to celebrate. My hope is that THE WORDS BETWEEN US helps connect, uplift, and inspire others.

You may be wondering, what’s next?

I’m going into the query trenches.

I sent my very first query today (see my socials for a fun reel!) to an incredible agent advocate who requested my memoir proposal after a Threads Pitch Event. And later this week, when time allows, I’ll send queries to other agents.

If you’re working on a project of your own and are wondering if you can finish it, keep going. I believe in you. You’ve got this!

With love,