June was a whirlwind of “life getting in the way” of writing, making me neglect both my book and newsletter. Buying and moving into a brand new condo will do that to you. But my daughter and I have finished painting all the rooms, I’ve bought (and had delivered) new living room and patio furniture and a million other things, I’ve scrubbed the place from top to bottom, and decorated it just so, and then christened it with an incredible housewarming party. With no more condo tasks to complete, it’s back to writing.
Even though I didn’t write last month, I took part in some outstanding writing events.
Hedberg Library Book Fest
On June 21st, the day before my party, I attended the amazing Hedberg Library Book Fest in Janesville, Wisconsin. There I taught a workshop on crafting unforgettable characters, took part in a publishing panel, and co-interviewed people for the Midwest Writers Roomβthe podcast for the Wisconsin Writers Association. I can’t say enough good things about this free, yes free, event.
If you are a writer, or are considering writing, be sure to attend this festival next year. In addition to the multiple writing workshops offered, Maggie Ginsberg, the former managing editor of Madison Magazine and award-winning author, taught a two-hour masterclass on getting unstuck.
And the library held a wine and cheese reception for Maggie the night before, geared toward readers, particularly for the members of local book clubs who had read her award-winning book, Still True. I wasn’t able to attend (did I mention I was throwing a party that weekend?), but I heard it was an incredible event. I’ll be sure to attend it next year.
Again, all this was free!
Kenosha Book Fest
The following Saturday, I braved the 95 degree heat along with Abigail Morrison, Meadoe Hora, Cat Stark, and fifteen other authors to sell books at the Kenosha Book Fest in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Donovan Sherer, owner of Studio Moonfall Bookstore (super cool store), organized the event. He and his team provided large tents, tables, and plenty of water.
When the Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade marched nearby nonstop for two hours, I was happy I was hanging out in the tent’s shade. I don’t know how they did it. The heat also didn’t keep away readers. Remarkably, I sold nineteen books, including all the Carpe Diem, Illinois copies I’d brought. A record for me!
Reading
Speaking of reading, in June I listened to Sunrise on the Reaping, Suzanne Collin’s latest Hunger Games book. It was just so-so. And I re-listened to Pines and Wayward by Blake Crouch with my daughter Jessica. That I’m listening to this series again should tell you how much I enjoy it. I will tell you more when I review these books for my Writer’s Book Club in the weeks to come.
Back to The Runner
Now I’m in full editing gear. I’m excited to be getting back to working on Gaige’s story in The Runner β Book Three of the Devil Particle Series and am on task to finishing this (hopefully final) draft this week. Once I do, I’ll send it to my five critical readers, and work on editing The Renegade, the fourth and final book in the series. It’s so fun getting back into this world.
How was your June?
I hear you about life getting in the way, Kristin. For me it’s just household chores, but also dealt with my mom’s declining health and death last year. Visiting her and going to doctor appts., etc., wasn’t a huge time investment, but the stress of watching her decline made it tough to focus on writing. I had the same emotional/mental distractions during the first two years of COVID–as I’m sure many writers did. Fortunately, I don’t depend on book sales to pay my bills. If that was the case, I’d REALLY be stressed.
Oh yeah, and golf season also cuts into my writing time a lot. π