The Embers

The end of the year is nigh. I know there's a few months left, but September always seems to me to be the start of the end. Which is fine. It's my birthday month. My sisters are flying in to help me celebrate, an annual tradition that is the best present I could ask for. I retain, despite decades in California, a love for the turning into autumn and all the crunchy leaves.

I had a proper vacation in Maine a few weeks ago and it was delightful and relaxing and the effects are lasting. I feel calm, despite all the madness in the world, and I'm reminded how important it is to unplug for a bit from time to time. And if there is also schooner trips, botanical gardens, walks in nature, starry nights, good food and great friends and family, all the better.

As for the book, things are moving along at my usual snail's pace. I can't believe it's been 10 months already. I was moved to order two more reviews, and the first one has come back, from IndieReader. I am, in a word, chuffed. They also do author features for books that score over 4 stars, so I have drafted some answers to a nice set of questions that they sent, and that should go up on their site within the next month. I feel somehow sure that will coincide with my next blog post, haha.

There's a lot to be done. I'd like to update the design of this site, which is frankly a tall order for me. When the last review comes in, my plan is to have postcards or a sell sheet printed to leave behind at bookstores and perhaps mail to libraries, and I'll also start looking in earnest at advertising options. In the meantime, I still need to build out the author pages on Amazon and B&N. All these things involve some technical learning curve and honestly, it's a slog. Having to be/do everything can be frustrating and slows me down. In better news, I can feel the seeds sprouting on my next (?) project, and that is a nice feeling.

Take care and crunch some leaves for me.