Hello strangers!

I cannot believe it’s been four months since my last blog post. Much has changed and just as much has stayed the same.

There’s not much to report on the book front. I just turned my third round of revisions in to my agent—yes, my third! Melissa (agent) really wants the book to be as strong as it can be before we go out on submission because the market is so competitive and we only get one shot with these big editors! Melissa is really skilled at picking up what isn’t working (or could just be better). Even though I wasn’t always objective enough to see the issues until she pointed them out, I’ve agreed with everything she’s said so far 100%. She’s really pushing me to work harder and dig deeper than I ever have before and it shows in the results. She’s also teaching me to trust my gut. There were things in the previous rounds I wasn’t quite sure about. I didn’t change them hoping I was wrong or she wouldn’t notice. Wouldn’t you know, those were the same issues Melissa raised. In the third round, if anything felt like maybe it wasn’t working, I fixed it—trusted my gut even if it meant lots of rejigging. I’m crossing everything the next time I hear from her it’s to say the book is ready to be pitched to editors aside from maybe a tweak and a shine. If not, I’m sure it will be for a good reason. I always thought once I got an agent, things would be easier. They aren’t…at all…but I’m so happy to have Melissa in my corner.

Between my second and third round of revisions, I decided to take the “waiting” time to focus on my stomach issues. Unfortunately, the antibiotic I mentioned in my last update didn’t help. I decided to try more holistic measures. I couldn’t bear restricting my diet even more than I already was. After looking into possibilities, my first stop was acupuncture. I’m happy to say it really helps in a noticeable way. I started going twice a week and am now down to once a week. From the very first session, I noticed I didn’t get as full as I used to after every meal or for as long a period time, and the bloat has been reduced. My stomach doesn’t feel amazing, and I have to stick to the restricted diet for the most part, but I feel a good 10% better than I used to. Hooray!! I wish I had tried it a year ago.

My day job has been super stressful over the last couple of months, but I have several vacations planned. The first is to Dallas for the Bouchercon Conference in November. It is aimed at mystery and thriller writers, but my closest writer friend is debuting her thriller later this year and traveling from Toronto. I’d go just about anywhere to see Sammy more than once a year at our annual California retreat. Also, I missed the RWA conference this year and wanted to sneak in at least one writer’s conference in 2019. Although I’ll go to a few sessions—because even a romance writer can learn something at a mystery conference—I’ll mostly mingle and fangirl over all the big name authors who will be there. And spend as much time with my bestie as possible!

Next up is a beach vacation to St. Lucia in December with another friend. I haven’t been on a “real” vacation, i.e. sunbathing and swim-up-bar in more than two years. I can’t wait to totally relax! It might be the most expensive trip I’ve ever booked, but I’ve earned it, I need it, and I’m worth it!

Finally, I’ve already booked airfare for my annual “Beach babes” trip to California in January.

Three vacations in three months? Yes, please!

This weekend is the Jewish New Year—Rosh Hashana. I’m looking forward to spending time with my family. The older I get, the more excited I am for family time. I’ve turned into a real sentimental Sally in my middle age!

That’s it for me. Until next time (which hopefully won’t be another four months…)