So, I spent a big chunk of Sunday at the emergency vet with our sweet old kitty (well, she was kind of spicy at the vet). We got her some antibiotics and will follow up for another underlying health issue later. But all things considered? Things turned out so much better than I expected, considering she’s a cat of a certain age (17).
Today, we (all of us) are tired, resting, and relieved.
My nephew, Ryan Bani Tahmaseb, has a new book out today:
Persian Mythology: Epic Stories of Gods, Heroes, and Monsters is a middle-grade nonfiction book all about Persian mythology. It also has some gorgeous illustrations. I can’t wait to see my copies—one for me, one for the Little Free Library—when they arrive today.
Ryan was also featured in Publishers Weekly: Four Questions for Ryan Bani Tahmaseb.
He also has a picture book that was published last year:
Rostam’s Picture-Day Pusteen is adorable (and the copy I added to the Little Free Library vanished within days, or possibly hours).
Congratulations to Ryan! We are all so proud of you!
This morning’s observation: Cats do not care about the end of daylight-saving time. Cats want their breakfast. They want it NOW. So, get up, lazy human, and feed them.
This week was, of course, Halloween. And this year, I’m excited to report that we had many, many trick-or-treaters! I always put out a table by the Little Free Library since the dogs lose their minds over the doorbell and people coming up the walk. This setup makes it easier for everyone, even if I don’t get to see all the costumes.
When I went out later in the evening to check on the candy, this is what I found.
Halloween achievement unlocked!
We also had the city’s book and pie sale this week, where they sell … books and pie (and sloppy joes). I donate books every year, but I’ve never actually been. The sale always ends before I was done with work, but not this year. So I headed on over and bought some books (not that I needed any) and a piece of pie. Not a bad way to round out October. (Well, minus the cat.)
I meant to post this yesterday (and managed to send it to my email list), but then … the carpet installers showed up. They were awesome! The basement looks great! But! Chaos reigned for the rest of the day.
So, I’m sending you over to my interview on Long and Short Reviews. I think the contest to win a $25 bookstore gift card is still open. So comment and enter to win!
First, how is it almost November? Seriously? How?
Second, I am looking forward to November. I want to take stock, look ahead to the upcoming year, and consider what I want to write in the coming months. Obviously, more Pansy. That goes without saying.
Now that I’m no longer in burnout from the day job, I’m trying to figure out how much writing I can tackle.
Full-time writing isn’t something I have experience with. I’m so used to squeezing in my fiction writing in the margins of my life. I want to be more expansive without burning out on the writing itself. I suspect this will take experimentation and balance.
In other news, my daughter and I have cleared out the basement and pulled up the carpet and the tack strips. Y’all, we did this Friday, and I’m still sore and achy. But hopefully this week, we’ll have the new carpet installed (this is not a task we’re performing—we’re not that masochistic).
In a week or two, this should be the cozy space we’ve been wanting for a while. Perfect for pondering plans (or possibly world domination, but I’m feeling a little too sore for that).
Here’s to November! (I think.)
Well, I’m pleased. After four years of publishing absolutely nothing, The Pansy Paradox had what I consider a very good release week.
I was lucky enough to garner a BookBub New Release for Less deal:
So, how did I celebrate? On Thursday, I had my annual exam and got the flu, COVID, and shingles shots. As one does. I did not time that well. I’m still a little achy, and I’m running a low-grade fever. I’ll keep this short and hopefully have more to say next week.
It’s release day for The Pansy Paradox!
You can buy the novel almost anywhere. You can read for free with a Kobo Plus subscription. Or request it from your local library (in eBook or print).
It’s also release day for The Capstone Conundrum, also known as that time when Henry almost met Pansy.
It’s free for my newsletter subscribers as well. But it’s also on sale everywhere, since I know a lot of people don’t want another newsletter in their lives.
If you’re on the fence about The Pansy Paradox, you can always download the extended preview.
If you decide to read, I so hope you enjoy Pansy, Henry, and their adventures.
Did a few marketing things this week for The Pansy Paradox (out on Tuesday!), but I’m also looking ahead to what’s next. Namely, The Marigold Miracle. Because the best marketing is the next book.
Also, I’m excited to head back into the writing cave.
In other news, my daughter and I have committed to clearing out the basement. We are determined to turn it back into the cozy oasis it is meant to be. Still, we have a carpet tear-out this week. Wish us luck. But today I’m putting my feet up and catching up on the slow read of Possession.
I’ve been feeling a bit deflated about the garden this year. Between the long stretches of rain, heat domes, and the air quality, I wasn’t outside working as much as I wanted to be.
Even so? I did plant my cottage garden this year. And it was mostly successful! It’s a bit bedraggled now, thanks to a recent hailstorm, but look at this last lovely gift:
The asters I planted came in strong. Also? They are apparently Vikings fans. (We almost always almost win.)
Another thing I’ve noticed this year is the increase in pollinators and beneficial bugs in the yard. Actual ladybugs! Butterflies, including Monarchs (which I haven’t seen for a couple of years), and, of course, many, many of our native bees.
It’s still so mild that yesterday, my daughter and I took a tour of the yard and—with the pollinators in mind—did some planning for next year. There are some excellent spots near the pond where invasive weeds are growing. We’re going to put down some cardboard and tarp now, so in the spring, we can plant a variety of native wildflowers—and add some milkweed to the mix for those Monarchs.
Our city offers a comprehensive Planting for Pollinators program, which allows you to purchase native seeds by growing area (e.g., dry/wet, partial shade/full sun). And who knows, we might tackle the buckthorn while we’re at it.
So while not everything turned out (my wall of morning glories for the hummingbirds never materialized), all in all, it was a good year for gardening.
Quick news! The Pansy Paradox has not one, but two giveaways happening right now:
And if you haven’t grabbed it yet, don’t miss the extended novella-length preview. You can download it here.
Writing Wrongs 