Well, I blinked and somehow it’s July.

Since becoming a mom, time flies at the speed of light and every passing month carries a lot of weight. It’s another month of memories and experiences, yes, but it always comes with a sense of loss. Like, I’m sorry, my child can walk and talk now? I’m how old?!

Just the other night, I was telling my husband that I still feel like a young adult who still doesn’t know what they’re doing. The fact that I’m in my 30s with a husband, house, and son is – literally – insanity. (Apparently, he doesn’t feel this way because he is much better at adulting than me, but I know I can’t be alone in feeling this way! 😅)

I’ve said this before, but the grief of the passage of time has been one of my biggest challenges as a writer. I wrote my first ‘book’ when I was about six-years-old. It was handwritten, of course, on a stack of printer paper and some highlighters. And the plot was suspiciously similar to A Bug’s Life…but I digress. The reason this whole concept of time has been a sticking point for me: I didn’t take writing seriously until I was 30. I never actually thought I could make it as a writer, let alone an author. It wasn’t ‘realistic’ enough. And that makes me really sad because I often feel like I waited too long.

And in my current state of life, I feel like I’m in this constant tug-of-war with motherhood and writing:

I just want one moment alone so I can write.

vs.

Time is flying by too fast and I’m not ready for him to grow up.

And it’s really hard. But, honestly? If it weren’t for being a mom, I probably still wouldn’t be writing. It gave me the motivation to pursue my dreams because I want to show my son that he can follow his, too. All there will always be roadblocks and challenges, so there’s no point in shaking my fist at Father Time because that’s just silly. I’m so lucky to be in the position I’m in where I can spend my days with the world’s most adorable little boy and write stories in the evenings.

Reading Recs

I’ve now read 26 books this year, which is 7 books ahead of the arbitrary schedule I set for myself! Here’s a glimpse at what I’m currently reading, what I’ve recently finished, and what I’m planning to read next:

• Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito (current read)
• Blood on Her Tongue by Johanna van Veen (current read)
• “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson (June read)
• The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (June read)
• Summer Camp for Slasher Victims by Matthew Mercer (July read)
• Fyneshade by Kate Griffen (July read)

Since we’re on the topic of books, here a few curated lists I’ve put together recently:

🎶 I have one more recommendation. I’ve been listening to a new musician I found recently, Jesse Welles, and have had his song “War Isn’t Murder” on repeat. It’s poignant and worth a listen if you’re interested!

Writing Projects

I’m still in the weeds with my gothic horror novel rewrites. I’m IN LOVE with this new version – so much so in fact that I will drop a little snippet here for those that may be interested. 😉

“Joseph?” I call again. But only the wind responds, picking up scuttling leaves and dragging them along the cold stone pavers like fingernails.

A cloud passes over the moon and casts a shadow over the already darkened garden. The hair on the back of my neck prickles. I can’t take this. I fumble with my keys, pull the garden gate closed, and lock it.

If Joseph is in the hedge garden, he unlocked it to get in. Which means he could unlock it to get out. Right?

I turn and race back inside without another glance.

I don’t let out the breath I’m holding until the terrace doors are locked behind me. I turn around to find a figure looming in the corridor.

It grabs and pulls me until I slam into its chest.

“Jesus.” I start to push when the intoxicating scent of citrus envelopes me.

Joseph smiles, hair tousled, eyes catching the flickering light of the garden lamps.

“Thank you. But my name is actually Joseph.”

I also wrote 2 new short stories in June (🌎😴🏝️🌀 + 🌊🩸⚓️💋) ! I don’t want to share too much yet, so you can enjoy these very vague emojis!

I also have another story, “The Heart of the Garden,” that I’ll be sharing with my paid newsletter subscribers! Which leads me to…

Ghost Pages (Exclusive Haunted Content!)

A reminder of my all-new paid newsletter! In addition to posts like this, you’ll also have access to exclusive content, like unpublished short stories, early drafts and scenes, character research, hand-drawn maps, behind-the-scenes processes, and more!

The first issue will be coming this month, so if you want to join as a founding member for $3/mo or $30/yr, you can do that now before prices increase! You’ll always be locked in for the founding member rate as long as you’re subscribed.

As always, I appreciate you reading and sharing your thoughts!

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