Hey, everyone! I realize the end of summer isn’t officially until later this month but when September comes around, I tend to think of fall. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for cooler temperatures (not cold, you can keep winter as far as I’m concerned). Autumn means changing leaves, spicy scents, falling acorns, migrating birds, fall festivals, and more. Is there any wonder why it’s my favorite time of year? Not to mention this summer has been a scorcher here in Texas. You know it’s bad when the mid-nineties feel like a cold front has moved through.
It’s been a busy summer for me, writing-wise. I completed the edits for my upcoming release A Death at The Inn, part of the Harbor Pointe Series. If you missed my post about this collaborative project, you can read it here.
I’ve also completed the initial edit of my novel, Blood Red Dawn, and have started the second round of revisions. I had planned to release it in October, but I’ve decided to wait until the spring of 2024 to allow more time to prepare. I may offer advanced reader copies, but more on that in the coming months.
I also read a lot this summer, and I’m at the 80% mark of reaching my Goodreads goal of seventy-five books for the year. I haven’t been posting reviews here, but have reviewed most of them on Goodreads, Bookbub, and Amazon.
Seems like this has been a year for series. Most of you know how much I enjoyed Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor books (and am patiently waiting for the twentieth novel). Having become interested in stories featuring Native American characters, I decided to give Tony Hillerman a try. While I don’t like the Leaphorn and Chee books as much as much as Kruegar’s series, I have enjoyed reading them, and plan to continue. Hillerman’s daughter picked up the series after he passed away in 2008. I’m not sure if I’ll read past his eighteenth and final novel.
Another selection of books I’ve enjoyed is Fiona Tarr’s Opal Fields Series. I learned of the first book through Diana Peach, and since I’m fascinated with the Australian Outback, decided to give it a try. I breezed through the first four novels and have preordered book five which is set for release later this year.
I plan to get back into a blogging routine, although I probably won’t post as often. I’ve also missed visiting with several of you over the summer, and it’s time to change that. Next Monday, I resume my Mystery Monday posts, so I hope you’ll join me for that.
In the meantime, here’s a photo I took on a September evening several years ago. I love the peaceful setting, don’t you?
36 Responses
It sounds like you’ve been very productive, Joan. Ride that writing wave.
Thanks, Pete. I’m ready to get the final edit/rewrite done of Blood Red Dawn, then move to a new project!
We aren’t done with the heat yet. Accuweather says 106 degrees today/tomorrow/Friday for Dallas. Congratulations on completing the edits for A Death at The Inn and Blood Red Dawn. By the way I had an extremely hard time leaving a comment. I had retry four times. Something is wrong with wordpress.
WordPress has been acting crazy lately. Every time they try something “new and improved” it leads to problems.
We’ve been back in the low 100s this week as well, but next week’s forecast is looking good!
Thanks for stopping by, Thomas.
I’ve been having a terrible time leaving comments lately, too.
WordPress is being weird today. You did find a peaceful setting next to a little pond. I look forward to your mystery Mondays!
It is being weird, Vera. I can’t even reply to comments except in the reader. Insane!
Glad you liked the photo.
Thank you for the update, Joan! It sounds as though you’ve had a good summer (except for the scorching heat).
I’m not a fan of winter, but these triple digits are horrendous, and we’re not done yet. Next week’s forecast looks promising. Thanks for stopping by, Liz.
You’re welcome, Joan, I hope that heat eases up on you soon.
If the forecast is correct, we should see some relief by the weekend.
Fingers crossed!
You’ve been more productive in your first year of retirement than I have, Joan. Good for you! I’ve been spending most of my time helping my father care for my mother…writing gets squeezed in somewhere in between. 🙂 Your photo is beautiful!
Family must come first, Jill. I’m glad you liked the photo, and hope you’re able to squeeze in some more writing time.
What a beautiful setting, Joan. Absolutely gorgeous. You’ve had a busy and productive summer. Bravo to you, and congratulations on your upcoming publications. Maybe the steamy summer temps kept you busy indoors? 😊
That’s for sure, Gwen. It was way too hot to be outside. Thankful for air-conditioning!
Thank you for this update, Joan. 🤍🌺 I get really excited about Fall, too, as it’s also my favorite time of year. My husband and I always make a list of apple orchards to visit. 😀
Book-wise, it sounds like you’ve been really productive!
I’ve never visited an apple orchard, but I know that would be fun. Fall is the best season of the year. Thanks for stopping by, Kymber.
Great update, Joan. That scene is very peaceful, and you have been one busy writer and reader.
It’s been too hot to do much of anything else, John. (As you are aware.) But I’m ready for fall. And more writing!
I’m definitely ready for fall.
I love your update, Joan, and I am 100% with you on looking forward to actual Fall temperatures. Next week, they are saying! Whoo Hoo!! I love the photo you shared. So beautiful. You’ve been a busy bee and congrats on all the reading!
I keep looking at the forecast and want to dance for joy! I would love some rain, but even without it, I welcome the cooler temperatures. It’s been a long, hot summer. (As you well know, Jan.)
I’m with you Joan and cooler autumn temps. Although our summer was normal and not the scorcher it was previous years past. Great update and I love that beautiful setting! It does look peaceful.
I remember the problems you had last year with the wildfires. There have been some in our state, but fortunately not as bad as the summer of 2011.
Hoo boy there’s a ton in this post to comment on, Joan! First–I have to look up Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor books. I adore Tony Hillerman, read every book in the series, still read the daughter though with less enthusiasm (I like the Native American flavor). I too picked up Fiona Tarr from Diana and ended up devouring her entire series–avidly await the next.
OK, my pup has diarrhea this morning so I will go check on him. The clean up is nasty. Talk soon!
I really enjoyed the series, Jacqui. Hillerman as well. (I’ve already read two of his books this week and have started a third.
Hope your little pup feels better soon.
Just ordered the first Cork O’Connor from my library. I love long series. Thanks for the rec!
Hope you enjoy it!
Great catch-up post, Joan! And autumn is my favorite time of year, too. Sadly, it’s not here yet. Our temps are still in the 90s and probably won’t drop much before October, or into November. But once it cools down, we have gorgeous weather clear through March and sometimes April. I’m looking forward to being able to garden again, without passing out from the heat.
Funny you should mention Kent Krueger. I was going to email you about the new book, which I downloaded yesterday. I’m finishing another series (an older one from Dean Koontz) right now, but the minute I’m done, it’s back to Cork O’Connor for me, too. Can’t wait!
Happy reading AND writing, my friend!
I had pre-ordered the book, Marcia, so it showed up on my Kindle this week. I also need to read “This Tender Land.” so far, I’ve liked everything he’s written.
We’re supposed to be in the triple digits again today, but cooler weather is on the way.
Oddly enough, we didn’t hit triple digits this year at all, though we usually have them throughout a lot of July. Still … 93 to 97 is more than I care to deal with. If I had to make a choice, I’d pick too cold over too hot any day. (I can always add more clothing!) Glad you’ve got Krueger to look forward to, too. We’ll have to compare notes. 😀 <3
A great update, Joan. I hope your weather cools off soon. We are also awaiting cooler temps. It is finally cooling off a bit in the evenings. Even my dogs are finding it too hot and they’re Spanish dogs so should be used to it. I’m looking forward to your next book.
This summer has been brutal. Not as bad as the one we had in 2011, but it’s been hot. If the forecasters are correct, we’re supposed to have a wetter and colder winter. We need the rain, but I’m not looking forward to the possibility of ice and snow. 🙁 Thanks for stopping by, Darlene.
As much as I love summer, I’m looking forward to autumn. I’ve neglected writing during the warm weather and I hope to rectify that come fall and winter. I also, like you, hope to get to blogging on a more regular basis.
That photo you shared is beautiful!
I’ve spent most of the summer editing, but I’m ready to write some new words. I do love the shorter days and cozy nights and autumn.
Look forward to your future blog posts.