Author Archives: Susan

Not so bad after all — Friday, May 23, 2025

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book cover for Susan Helene Gottfried's collection, Broken but UndauntedNot so bad after all? That’s how I think of this collection of my older short fiction–when I’m being hard on myself. It was all previously published elsewhere before I put it into this collection, and it encapsulates that time in my life. It’s not so bad… it’s not bad at all. It’s just not where I am now as a writer… and a person.

But honestly, the utter goofiness of Pink Snowbunnies In Hell continues to crack me up. And “The Ghost of the Dresser” is a story I still think about regularly. Since it’s a small collection, those two stories take up a nice-sized chunk of the book!

Not so bad after all!

editing

I edit a lot of fantasy. I’m not sure why fantasy authors gravitate toward me — well, in part I am. It’s because of the business name. West of Mars was the name of an episode of the original TV show, Lost in Space. Regardless of the WHY, I love my fantasy authors. (I love all my authors, but that’s another thing.) I love the fantasy genre, and I particularly love when my authors are doing new and different things within it. This edit so far has been great fun. A new series from an established author.

writing

I spent yesterday thinking what I’d written Wednesday night was terrible. I vowed I’d fix it today. And I sat down in the afternoon, the cat keeping the kid company and not me, and… it was not so bad! Definite first draft, but I didn’t need to fix as much as I’d expected to.

I also woke up yesterday to sales reports, which is great, except… they were for April sales, and the book they were for had been removed from the platform in March. I’m hoping there’s not an issue there.

Book of the Day

The Duke who Didn’t, by Courtney Milan
(affiliate link)

Know what your ko-fi donations are going to buy me? A new key cap for my keyboard. I bought new caps two years ago and for some reason, the right shift key broke and I had to go back to using the old one and… I mean, it’s fine. But I want a new shift key. So that’s the vague “operational expenses here at West of Mars” that I keep referring to. Because I know you’re all wondering.

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Playing Hookie — Thursday, May 22, 2025

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Cover for The Complete Demo Tapes, by Susan Helene GottfriedAs I look back at the Trevolution and the Demo Tapes short pieces in particular, all I can think is, “Yeah, Trevor played hookie. Again and again and again. It was part of his charm.”

I will never create a character like Trevor Wolff again. I just won’t. I’m too old now, too jaded, too… I don’t know what. Different.

Grab your own copy of The Complete Demo Tapes and compare it to the Tales from the Sheep Farm series and see what I mean.

editing

I finished off what I was working on in the morning, and right after I asked the kid if playing hookie and going on a pre-moving adventure was about to happen, I opened my new edit from an established client. Big mistake.

I was immediately sucked in.

And it felt SO GOOD.

Which is weird, because it’s not like I’ve been without editing work. Maybe it was the confluence of a familiar author’s voice and the job required of me… I don’t know. All I know is that pigs in mud, tigers in pools, and bison in dirt wallows had NOTHING on me right then.

And then I walked away from my desk and took my kid to buy plates, which yes, qualifies as playing hookie for a number of reasons. And let me tell you, the colors that kid chose are gorgeous. Where I’m a hot mess and one of absolutely everything, the kid was artistic and thoughtful.

writing

I got my words in, but it felt more like I was trying to figure out what I was trying to say, which isn’t like me, but is very much the way this project has been–and I started working on it a year ago, if not more! It’s been THAT hard.

But I have a plan for tonight, so that’s good.

Book of the Day

A Free Man of Color, by Barbara Hambly
Affiliate link, as almost always. And as absolutely always, any monies raised go to operational expenses here at West of Mars.

I’m at my desk today, unless the kid wants another pre-move adventure. (I kinda hope stuff will start to be sorted, but it’s on the kid and I know from experience to let it go and trust my kid’s process because it’ll all get done.)
Reminder to support me however you’d like: Buying Books of the Day via my affiliate link (I’ve got most of them in a list you can check out here.)
You can borrow my books via Hoopla or Libby or whatever ebook system your library uses (I get paid when you do!) — and remember to request them if they’re not there. Looking at you, certain Libby subscriptions and you, Hoopla, who only lists the first three Sheep Farm books.
If you have Kobo Plus (YAY!), I’m there, too. A lot of you like this option, and I am grateful!
You can buy my books, either in ebook or physical form. (Reminder that when you “buy” through the retailers, you’re buying a license to read the book, and they can yank it off your reader whenever they’d like. Buy direct from me if you’d like to actually own and control it.)
And, of course, you can fill my ko-fi, either as a straight-up donation or by paying what you’d like for either my Beta Reader’s Guide and/or my Writer’s Guide to Library Events.

If you too are playing hookie, I want to hear about your adventures!

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1k ice cream — Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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ShapeShifter: The Demo Tapes (Year 3)I wrote a hundred-word flash piece in Demo Tapes 3 called “Twist.” Was it really about ice cream?

Read it and see; it’s only 79c at my store. (99c at any other retailer, so pick your poison and shop where you do.)

The kid and I have been talking about making an ice cream run for days. Ever since she got home, in fact. Last night, we finally went. AND I got my words in. Things are getting complicated for Alyssa, and we’re only 15, 16k words in. This one’s gonna be FUN.

My new tree was supposed to be planted yesterday and… it wasn’t. This is the last piece of the construction project and I’ve gone from being laid-back about it to really wanting it done. Time to move forward, ya know?

editing

I finished the bulk of the current edit yesterday and have a last few things to do today, and then it’s time to start the next! I won’t get it done before I leave to move the kid, and the client knows that, of course.

Because I work on Send When Ready, I almost always have space for new clients. I say “almost always” because sometimes, when the queue gets long, I will ask a new person to wait until I’m caught up. Loyalty to my established folk, ya know?

writing

Well, that update’s above. Best of all, I’ve been having lots of thoughts and ideas and inspiration. Maybe my kid’s my muse.

I did join a promotion for Populated, in which I’ll be giving a copy away, so stay tuned for that!

Book of the Day

The City of Brass, by S. A. Chakraborty
As always, the affiliate link, and monies earned through it will go to operational expenses

Happy Wednesday, friends.

Remember, if you’re digging what I do, fill my ko-fi or help yourself to my Beta Reader’s Guide and/or Writer’s Guide to Library Events, both of which are in my ko-fi shop. Pay what you will!

Treat yourself to an ice cream run today. You deserve it.

Also? We forgot to get a quart to keep here at home, so… we may need to go back before we leave for the big move.

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Waiting for a tree — Tuesday, May 20, 2025

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ShapeShifter: The Demo Tapes (Year 2)I’m thinking of the short piece called “Trevor in Tree,” which is in Demo Tapes: Year 2! (You can also pick up a copy or a bundle at my direct store!)

Yeah… the landscaper was supposed to be here yesterday. Or today. He wasn’t sure which. I’m fine with that, by and large, because the bulk of the house work is done. And yet I’d also like to, you know, be all the way done. This is the last piece, and I am waiting on a tree.

Are we ever all the way done with our homes? Isn’t there always something to tweak?

It’s election day here, so the kids are off school and my neighbors just packed up their four kids and all their bikes and are headed out for an adventure. Wish I could tag along!

editing

I’m going to finish the actual edit today, and then start on the cleanup work. Yay!
The next edit has also arrived, and I’m waiting on the imminent arrival of one, maybe two more. One’s from a potential new client who said they were on vacation, so I’m not sure if I even have the job, let alone if I should be saving space for them.

It all works out in the end.

writing

Somehow, I got my words in, in between everything, including baking my kid’s favorite banana chocolate chip muffins. I felt an obligation to, since the kid brought a banana the whole way home with her. Almost 700 miles, that banana traveled from her home to mine. What else was I supposed to do with it?

Book of the Day

Our Missing Hearts, by Celeste Ng
(Affiliate link)

As always, I’m not paywalling my daily fun, so as I wait for my new tree to arrive, go and fill my ko-fi with some goodness. If you are so inclined, help yourself to either the Beta Reader’s Guide and/or the Writer’s Guide to Library Events, too. Name your price; fill my ko-fi or just pay it forward by being that much more excellent in all you do.

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After the Crawl — Monday, May 19, 2025

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Cover for Susan Helene Gottfried's Maybe the Bird Will RiseMy bestseller at Blythe Books, as part of the Great Pittsburgh Book Crawl! Pick up your own copy; what are you waiting for?

So I did it. My first solo signing in at least a decade, but probably closer to 15 years. Selling in a bookstore is very different from selling under the tent!

Today, I start getting the kid ready for the big move to the new gig.

editing

I’ve got about 100 pages left in my current edit, and then about a day’s work after that, cleaning things up.

One of the six I’ve been waiting for finally arrived and I’ll be working on that in between getting the kid ready for the move. The client knows I’ll be delayed because I wouldn’t feel right not being brutally honest. That’s kind of what my clients know me for. That, and really good editing.

writing

I made my stretch goal with Absolutely Alyssa over the weekend. I wasn’t expecting that, between the kid coming home and the signing yesterday, but baby, I did it. I just came home after the crawl and the signing, let the kid have their space for a bit, and got lost in the story. Lizzie at Blythe Books told a couple potential readers that it’s great escapist fiction, and that was the highest praise!

Book of the Day

Water Moon, by Samantha Sotto Yambao
(Affiliate link)

As always, if you’re digging the content, my ko-fi would love to be filled, or if you would rather, pick up the Beta Readers Guide and/or the Writer’s Guide to Library Events. They’re both in my shop, and seriously. I’d rather they help writers and beta readers and librarians than make a killing on them. That’s code for “it’s set to pay what you want, including free.”

Of course, now that the crawl is over, I need to come up with a new form of mischief, a new way to challenge myself… got ideas? I’m open to hearing them!

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Found it! — Friday, May 16, 2025

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Maybe the Bird Will RiseSo there’s this thing happening with the Bird. It was SUPPOSED to be free today and tomorrow, as part of a promo with a really awesome group of folk. But Amazon’s a total pain in the ass, especially when you’re trying to set a book free, I totally muffed it, and so the organizer and I scrambled and put the book on sale for 99c. Except Kobo didn’t let me change it. And I forgot to change it up in my newsletter because yikes, I’m distracted.

But in other news, I found it! My missing mojo! It’s back!

We’ll see for how long, as I’m super distracted. Focused on my kid coming home tomorrow, on my signing at Blythe Books on Sunday as a closing activity of the Great Pittsburgh Book Crawl, on getting my last print copy of King Trevor in the mail to a long-time fan. Plus I’m getting ready to move the same kid across the country in a few weeks…

Good thing I have editing to keep me busy! Let’s start there…

editing

I made TRACKS through my edit yesterday. And I have a client who has to deal with some life stuff and then is going to send their manuscript on… this is one of the many I’ve been waiting for, and it’s the second in a duology or trilogy. Bring it! This is one of my favorite clients, and one of the few who’s become a friend.

writing

Like I said, I found it. My writing mojo.

I also moved out onto the back deck, even though it was hot and when I opened the pergola’s louvers for some air, I got a bad eye full of sunshine. Later, as dusk approached, I turned the lights on — green this time. I found it lovely, although I did consider searching for a blue to match the sky.

But I got 1600 words done on Absolutely Alyssa and while that doesn’t make up for Wednesday’s nothing, it’s still above my average of 1200.

And I was able to add a couple hundred words to what I’m now calling Shattered (what is it with me and Sheep Farm books that start with the letter S?) before I ran out of time.

Grab your copy of Maybe the Bird Will Rise! Like I said, it’s 99c instead of free and I apologize for that and if it matters that much, holler and I’ll send you a link so you can have it for free.

Book of the Day

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon, by Kimberly Lemming
(NOT an affiliate link; the affiliate link isn’t working for some reason and refused to play nice, so here’s one that does work instead.)

Thanks for the support, as always. Tell a friend, send an author to my editing self, come out and see me on Sunday at Blythe Books, and use my ko-fi to show your appreciation since I’m not paywalling any of this information.

And let’s keep celebrating. I found it. My writing mojo took a day off and now it’s back. Hopefully it’ll stick around.

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Thursday Blahs — May 15, 2025

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Graphic featuring the Tales from the Sheep Farm seriesCommunity’s a way to heal the blahs, right?

I sat down to write last night and looked at the page and thought, “I just don’t have it in me today.” It’s a continuation of my birthday/Mother’s Day and I’m just tired y’all.

But both sides of the front railing are done! All that’s left is the last bit of landscaping, and this project is, six months later, DONE.

I’m going to miss all the contractors. So is Freya Cat. She loved the activity.

editing

I’m deep into this project I officially started yesterday but actually started on Tuesday — when I say on my invoices that I’m starting work now, I’m not kidding!

This is a bit of a unique edit for me, as it’s mostly looking for small points where continuity doesn’t work. It’s great fun and I’m taking lots of notes and trying to keep ’em all organized by storyline/detail.

I’ve got openings if you need me… such is the beauty and the horror of working on Send When Ready!

writing

Like I said above, I looked at the page and sighed. I did get maybe a hundred or so words in; just enough to outline where I’m headed, and then gave in to the blahs. And then I fired up Netflix and decided to just let it all marinate. If it counts when my friends and clients do it, it counts when I do it too.

Need a digital copy of Maybe the Bird Will Rise?

Book of the Day

This Cursed House by Del Sandeen
(affiliate link)

May we all flush away the blahs and get back on track. Right now, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and my neighbor just got back from walking her kids to the bus stop.

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Transition Wednesday — May 14, 2025

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Permission to EnterPermission to Enter features women in transition periods in their lives. Grab a copy. Request it via Hoopla — it used to be there! — and read it through Libby if your library has it. Not all do.

Transition day around here really means I’m transitioning to a new edit, although I may have actually started it yesterday. What can I say; I love what I do. (Also? Thanks to the clients who are quick with payment! You are always my favorite clients.)

I do have a couple of errands to run today first, though.

editing

Like I said, I’m starting something new that’ll take me up to my week off. Don’t think it’s a week at the beach; I’ll be moving my youngest over a thousand miles away. And yikes, do we have a lot to do between now and then!

writing

Another night of exceeding my thousand-word goal with Absolutely Alyssa. I was hoping to hit 10k words, but fell a few hundred short. Not bad, though, to be so close! It’s still a lot of fun, although it is VERY much a rough draft.

I woke up to royalties this morning! That’s always fun, and it’s so wonderful to see people reading the whole series. And this report contained royalties for the Legacy launch… it was my best book launch yet. May you all keep reading with me and helping me reach new readers, too.

If you’ve been wanting to grab a digital copy of Maybe the Bird Will Rise, keep an eye on your favorite retailer between now and the weekend. That’s all I’m saying. Remember it’s always part of your subscriptions at Kobo Plus, Scribd, and others. Got a Fable group? Why not read it together? And it’s on Hoopla — remember to request the rest of the series — and in some Libby systems.

Book of the Day

Last Night at the Telegraph Club, by Malinda Lo
(Affiliate link)

That’s it! Remember to feed my ko-fi if you’re enjoying the content — I’m not paywalling it, and appreciate your support. Send your reader friends to my books and your author friends to my editing services.

Not all transition periods hurt, and I am eager to get to work today!

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Burn it down — Tuesday, May 13, 2025

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Saving Sima (Tales from the Sheep Farm Book 4)Be sure to head over to my Instagram and see today’s post. It’s a mood. And, of course follow me.

So what’s on fire and what am I yowling “Burn it down” about?

Honestly, nothing important and everything stupid. Enough said. Let’s move on to the important stuff.

editing

Today’s editing goal is to finish this edit today and get it back to the client and start the next, even before I type up my notes about this one.

On second thought, that’s not real wise. I like to do the notes as soon as possible, so I can catch any remaining inconsistencies and let the author know before they start on their revisions.

Really, what I need to do is start taking the time to type ’em up before I return the manuscript. Now THERE’s an idea.

(And you ask why I’m all “Burn it down” today?)

writing

I set a writing goal last night that I wasn’t sure I was going to hit.

I blew past it.

That’s one good way to burn it down. I’m not arguing. And, as always when the words come easily, it’s great fun.

Book of the Day

Hundred Years of Happiness by Thanhha Lai, Nguyen Quang, and Kim Lien
(affiliate link)

Not gonna lie. Your stuffing my Ko-fi will improve my mood. It’s rainy here and there’s stuff going on in the background and just UGH. Burn it down, friends. Burn. It. Down.

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Another Shitstorm Holiday Behind Us…

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Book cover for Susan Helene Gottfried's book Permission to EnterMy most feminist collection is today’s book cover, of COURSE.

I’m not the world’s fastest thinker. I tend to marinate, sleep on things, let my subconscious do the work. And it’s rarely wrong. It’s when I ignore it, or tell it, “It won’t be like that. It’ll be FINE” that shit goes sideways.

So now, with new clarity, I put Mother’s Day 2025 behind me and move on to better things, and better places. Hopefully there will be no more shitstorm holiday celebrations in my future.

Like this weekend’s book signing at Blythe Books, the first of three in the area between now and the end of the month! The other two are the Butler City Farmer’s Market on Saturday the 24th, and the Greensburg Night Market on the 29th. Please don’t let printing costs rise until after that because I’ll be placing an order to restock. I may be featuring Permission to Enter here today, but I only have one print copy left until that restock… we’ll see when it sells.

editing

I’m going to finish this edit either today or tomorrow, depending on how today goes.
I still have room for new clients, even though my next edit has arrived! Whee, and thanks for trusting me with your works in progress.

writing

I set a weekend word count goal of hitting 6500 in this new version of Absolutely Alyssa, and I overachieved by a few hundred words. It helped that I went and hung on Saturday with my friends at Umber Chocolates during a pop-up event they were doing, and I got almost a thousand words down in between our chatting.

I KNOW. 6500 is nothing, especially when you consider it’s a little bit under 10% of what I’d cut last weekend. But I cut even more new stuff, and so to be standing where I am at this point in time feels good. Plus I’m having fun and the manuscript has that energy I feel when what I’m working on is right.

Book of the Day

Tofu Takes Time, by Helen H Wu and Julie Jarema, illustrator
(As always, it’s an affiliate link)

That’s it. May you not have any shitstorm holiday events, and if yesterday was one for you, too, well, you’re not alone and I wish for you the mental clarity that hit me at three this morning. Better days lie ahead. They have to.

If you’re feeling sorry for me this morning, or just simply appreciate me, my ko-fi is always open for donations. Be sure to pick up the Beta Reader’s Guide and the Writer’s Guide to Library Events — pick your price includes FREE.

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No Time to Write — May 9, 2025

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ShapeShifter: The Demo Tapes (Year 2)I don’t know why, but the idea of having no time to write made me think back to the Demo Tapes days. I picked this one because I love Lakota’s artwork.

So, yeah. No time to write last night. Why? I was busy booking hotels and flights as I get ready to move the youngest to her new home. Let me tell you, it’s daunting trying to find a hotel right off the highway when you’ve broken up with Wyndham properties after back-to-back stays last year each were deeply problematic. And of course, we’ll be gone over a Saturday night, and why do hotels and airlines get to rook travelers like this?

editing

I’m almost done with this edit; I’ll finish it in the first half of next week, I think. I always read my edits twice, both to make sure I didn’t miss things and that’s where I catch the subtler continuity errors. I’ve enjoyed this manuscript more on the second read-through, and I can’t say that about every one. Just most. I’m a lucky editor in that way. My clients write really good stuff… this is why I say like attracts like.

writing

Like I said, no time to write last night. That’s not entirely true, as I got a couple hundred words — maybe 300 — in, but it’s close enough for someone who usually averages 1200 a day. I feel like I’m running behind in all my writing projects right now, and that’s not a good feeling. I have a lot pulling on me, including writing postcards for the school board race in the district to my east. Yep! I’m helping a race that’s not mine. Why? Because the current school board president rammed through a book banning proposal and was awful to the students he’s supposed to be looking out for and those are my friends and my neighbors. So yeah. I’m writing postcards — but that doesn’t count as writing, even if I’m using three colors of fountain pen ink.

Book of the Day

Sin and Bones, by Paige N Regan
Affiliate link, and a disclaimer: Paige is in my author group and I think she’s awesome.

So that’s it. Hopefully I’ll have all the time to write tonight; I’m planning on being inside, even, as Freya Cat is sitting here, telling me in no uncertain terms that she misses me, since she’s not allowed outside with me, and she chose to stay out of the dining room while I was working at the table, with Lucy Cat for company.

As always, help support operating costs around here by buying me a figurative bottle of fountain pen ink. Recommend your friends who need an editor. Buy my books, or recommend them to your book-buying friends.

Oh! I’ll be hanging out at 1659 Cranberry tomorrow (Saturday), heckling my friend Veronica, who owns Umber Chocolates. I’ll also be arriving with a full laptop battery so that when she’s busy selling chocolate (and you want her chocolate), I’ll be making time to write! Stop in and say hi and get some chocolate. Unless I buy it all first.

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Trucking along — May 8, 2025

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Book cover for Susan Helene Gottfried's LegacyThere’s something about the idea of trucking along that makes me think of Chad, who tries so hard and yet is so inept…

I’m a busy little bee over here, trucking along and trying to get it all done. (I STILL need to fill out my ballot for the PA primary, so it’s not all perfectly smooth sailing.)

I worked out on the deck last night, so late I had to turn the pergola lights on. Had to? No. Chose to, really. Shoulda kept them that cool blue, too — if you saw my Instagram picture, it didn’t do them justice. I’ll have to see if I can find that color again. I was trying to dial in orange, but failed.

And yes, I got my words in. More on that below.

editing

Trucking along here too! I suspect this client loves me because I catch inconsistencies — it’s one of my superpowers, I swear it — and I love working for them because I get to catch inconsistencies.

writing

Got my words in last night. Really like the retooling of the plot and the general base idea of the story. More happens faster, characters meet each other in other ways that are hopefully interesting but are definitely wild and yet not too out there. I hope.

Also, got word that one of my favorite book shows has been confirmed for 2026. It’s the Authors in the Steel City show, and I did so well there last year, so I’m super excited for next year. It’s going to be a HUGE year for me and book shows, so be sure to come out and visit me! It’s also a good thing I’ve got two releases planned for 2026! You’ll need new releases because you’ll be all caught up.

Book of the Day

Yin Yang Love Song, by Lauren Kung Jessen
(affiliate link, as always)

Definitely a quick check-in today, but that’s what happens when the best you can say is “trucking along.” After last week and the car drama, it’s welcome. I prefer the quiet and space to work, even when real life is handing me fodder for my fiction.

Remember that I’m not paywalling this content, so I’d appreciate it if you’d help meet operational costs by donating a virtual bottle of ink via my ko-fi or buying some books. They make great gifts, and if you’d like them autographed, you can either use the store, or just email me directly.

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Time to Settle In To the Week — May 7, 2025

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Broken but Undaunted: Collected StoriesSettle in with a short read, and Broken but Undaunted is really perfect for that.

Yesterday was monthly massage day, and since the location near me closed and I have to go to the farther one — now the only one — and it’s by the library, I stopped to pick up a book I reserved. And two others. And then there were free books in the new open space and I had to stop and look but walk out without any, thankfully. The idea is to have FEWER books, not more.

Also, my library’s construction project is coming along and it looks GREAT and I can hardly wait to spend more time there. They’re even putting in a cafe!

Which means I was pretty discombobulated yesterday and it took forever to settle into the day’s work. As a result, I worked late.

editing

I started the second readthrough of this current edit.
Still waiting on the six… Send When Ready, my friends! Having the best book possible is more important than a date on my calendar. (That said, a client may have to wait longer for me than they’d like. It’s all about compromise.)
And I’m chatting with a couple potential clients. Hopefully they come through; their projects look wonderful!

writing

I sat down and realized I had almost 5k words in this newest, latest version of Absolutely Alyssa. I told myself my goal was to cross the 6k mark…

…and then I started deleting and rewriting and the manuscript is now over… 2k words again…

But I LOVE it and it’s finally come into focus and Alyssa comes out swinging and so we’ve got yet another strong woman running through my fiction and who is surprised by that? If it’s you, you haven’t been reading my books!

Book of the Day

This World is Not Yours, by Kemi Ashing-Giwa

Help me settle into my own work day by not stressing about operational expenses! Buy my books, hire me to be your editor, and/or fill my ko-fi. Don’t want to just give me money for nothing? Pick up the Beta Reader’s Guide and/or the Writer’s Guide to Library Programs. Both are pay what you want, and as I’ve said before, the goal is to get them out into the world, and picking them up for free is also a way to support me. I appreciate it, the cats appreciate it, and the amount of trouble I do not cause because I am happily editing and playing with words also appreciates it.

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Late Start — Tuesday, May 6, 2025

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Safe House (Tales from the Sheep Farm Book 3)I was trying to think of which of my books has a book with a character who got a late start or a late bloom, and Taylor fits the bill. Pick up a copy and see why.

Yes, late start today; it was monthly massage day and it was sorely needed. The car is fixed — otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to keep the appointment — but not without more hassle. Truly, the universe is sending me a message.

So let’s get right to it and trust you’ll see this hassle show up in a future book.

editing

I always say I’m an editor first. So editing’s coming first for now on!

I finished the first read-through yesterday and have a sample to work up and get back to the potential client today too.

Still waiting on those same six manuscripts! Send When Ready… it helps us all produce the best book possible.

writing

I continue to have ideas that’ll shape Absolutely Alyssa. At last! Yay!

A new royalty statement arrived yesterday, and thanks to everyone who’s buying my books and/or borrowing them from your libraries. You know I’m a huge supporter of my library. Some of my late start today might be because I stopped in at my library before I headed home this morning.

I also discovered that in addition to Hoopla only listing the first three of the Sheep Farm Books, certain libraries — like my own! How rude — aren’t carrying any of my books. If you use Hoopla or Libby — and I know a lot of my readers do — please request that they carry my books. That way you and others can read them.

And if you are in an area where you can’t get certain titles, just reach out. I want you reading my books, and you can pay the kindness forward by telling others about them.

Book of the Day

Diablo Lake: Moon Struck, by Lauren Dane

If you’re getting a late start to the Book of the Day fun, welcome. I’m offering this content for free instead of a paid subscription model, but if you’d like to buy me a figurative bottle of fountain pen ink, here’s my ko-fi link. All funds go to operational expenses around here at West of Mars.

Remember to stop back in tomorrow!

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The End of the Tire Saga (I hope) — Monday, May 5, 2025

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Cover for Pink Snowbunnies in Hell, an out-of-print short story anthologyI’ve felt like a Pink Snowbunny in hell this weekend, stuck at home because my mechanic can’t fix my tire until today. It’s been a Looooooong ten days, friends. Cross fingers all goes well with the mechanic and I didn’t do anything dumb like bend my rims. Also? Driving on a donut tire is NOT FUN.

One last note: While the Pink Snowbunnies In Hell anthology is now out of print, you can read my story, The Taste of Pink Snow, in the Broken but Undaunted collection, and you can get THAT at any retailer, Libby, Kobo Plus, and other retailers, including my own for less than the other retail sites. Just… not Hoopla. But feel free to request that Hoopla carry it again!

Clearly, I’ll be taking weekends off from posting here, and I’m okay with that. I’m allowed a few days off and things like “Not missing a day in years” aren’t the badges of honor we often think they are. If you’re chained to a task, when are you exploring the other facets of life? As an editor first and then a writer, the more I know, the more I learn, the better I am at my crafts.

writing

I decided I hated this version of Absolutely Alyssa (the third one, mind you), so on Sunday, I deleted the whole thing and wrote 2500+ more words on a fourth entirely new version. Some books are not born easily.

editing

I’m hoping to finish up this first readthrough of my current edit today, but that’s going to be dependent on my car. I need to stop at the grocery and bank on the way from picking it up.

I’m still waiting on those same six manuscripts, and I’ve been fielding a nice number of potential clients… but they seem to make contact and then ghost me. I’ve learned not to stress; it’s hard to be the one rejecting others, especially in a field so full of rejection. The right people will find me and benefit from my editorial skills, much as I’d love to edit for every single author out there. It’s just not practical!

Book of the Day

Catfish in Paradise, by Joi Jackson

If that’s not proof I pick these randomly, nothing is because if I were engineering the Book of the Day, today’s book would have been about a car tire, or something automotive-related. It’s been hard being stuck at home!

Reminder that if you like my content, rather than a Patreon model, I’ve got a ko-fi that you can fill. Or you can pick up the Beta Reader’s Guide, or the Writer’s Guide to Library Events, and pay what you want for them. Support comes in many ways, including simply following along here, and/or telling your friends.

Cross your fingers that this is, indeed, the end of the tire saga for me!

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Waiting for More — Friday, May 2 2025

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Permission to EnterWhat book best exemplifies waiting? Permission to Enter. It’s a short collection of short stories and a novella about women. Strong women. Women waiting to be strong, seeking to be strong, finding they are strong. They seize permission to enter, they are afraid of it, they want it, they are waiting for it.

Pick up a copy wherever you like to shop. As with all my books, it’s cheaper at my direct store.

We were waiting for another round of thunderstorms last night, but I personally only got rain. The forecast is for a rainy weekend, so we’ll see what comes of it. And what comes of the new grass that still hasn’t sprouted!

writing

Absolutely Alyssa is a book that’s determined to be a problem child. I mean, it has been for about a year now. But we’re getting there. Slowly.

editing

I slowed my pace yesterday on this current edit, which is fine. I am considering working tomorrow so I can finish the first readthrough; we’ll see how I feel in the morning.

There’s nothing in the queue behind this project, and I am still waiting on those six others! This is why I say it’s a good time to get in touch if you need me.

Book of the Day

No Ordinary Love, by Myah Ariel
(affiliate link)

As always, since I’m not doing this series as a subscription, your support is appreciated! Fill my ko-fi and buy me a figurative bottle of fountain pen ink. I have my Benu and my Lamy inked at the moment, so my notes are a light brown (Birmingham’s Gamboge) and a dark purple from old Lamy cartridges that are only about half full, they are so old. Use those babies up!

If you’re my client, for a $9 donation to my ko-fi, I’ll send you via USPS my handwritten notes. Not sure why you’d want them, other than they’re colorful and fun; you can have my typed notes if you ask for them. (Uhhh… this is for clients only, and you can only have the notes on your own book. Do I really need to say that?)

Have a great weekend everyone!

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Cleanup Continues, May 1, 2025

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Cover for The Complete Demo Tapes, by Susan Helene GottfriedSpeaking of the cleanup, putting out the Complete Demo Tapes was a sort of cleaning activity for me, bringing this project to a close at last. It feels good to have the Better than a Box Set out in the world, so go pick up a copy!

Big parts of my region are still without power. Trees are down everywhere. My contractor told me yesterday that on another of his job sites, 11 trees were down and his crew spent the morning clearing them. (Now that’s service — and kindness.)

All systems go over here, though.

writing

Just more work with Authentically Alyssa. Nothing exciting, although the work itself actually sort of is. I mean, the story’s taking shape and I’m getting to know Alyssa better. That’s pretty exciting.

editing

I am making good progress on this new edit, exceeding my page count nicely. We’ll see if that continues, but right now, I’m pleased.
And yes, I’m still waiting on those other six manuscripts.

It’s always a good time to talk to me if you need my services.

Book of the Day

American Posse, by Mary Walsh
(affiliate link)

Have you figured out the theme yet?

And that’s it over here. I’m in need of a good long nap; the painters were here at last over the last two days. Super men, super attentive to detail, as you’d want in a painter. Two more items on the list to go now that this is done. (Note to contractors: wait until ALL this is done before sending the window washers!)

If you feel like saying thanks for the daily Book of the Day and the overall update, I’d love it if you’d buy me a figurative bottle of fountain pen ink via my Ko-fi. Stop and pick up the Beta Reader’s Guide and the Writer’s Guide to Library Events, too!

Before I go, I want to say thanks to everyone who’s been involved in the cleanup in the region. Pittsburgh got hit HARD the other day, and I know it’s been hard and trying. A lot of my friends and colleagues are without power still, and I’m feeling them — and feeling very lucky. Tonight, it could be me who gets hit. (Yes, we are expecting more storms.)

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Stormy Night — April 30, 2025

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Populated (Tales from the Sheep Farm Book 2)

Cover for Populated, written by Susan Helene Gottfried

A friend posted a picture of her copy of Populated. She was reading it last night while her power was out.

It wasn’t a dark and stormy night here so much as a storm ripped through, complete with a derecho in the city that left most of my friends without power. I was spared the worst of it, but it did move my porch furniture around and rip the siding off my neighbors’ house. To be fair, I’ve been watching the one piece flapping for about a year now. I kinda knew to look. (Yes, I did text them about it. I’m not THAT cold.)

Despite all the stormy weather, it was a good night for:

writing

I’m still working on Tales from the Sheep Farm 7, Authentically Alyssa (we’ll see if the title changes, but right now I like it). I have been stuck on these two chapters for a few days now, and had the breakthrough I needed last night, so those are getting reshaped and crafted into a better book.

Today’s the last day I remind you that Safe House is still on sale across all retailers!

editing

I started a new project yesterday. I’ve been working with this client for well over a decade now, and their books always challenge me as an editor and are a lot of fun to work on. But yes, I’m still waiting on manuscripts from six others. Five really, since one of those is this same author.

Still, if you need me, reach out. I’m here, enjoying the stormy weather. And as you see, I work on Send When Ready, so I’m able to be nimble and fit new people in, sometimes at the last minute.

Book of the Day

The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard
(affiliate link)

That’s it! Stay safe. I’m hoping your weather’s not stormy, but if it is, it’s the good kind of stormy, where you can luxuriate in a good thunderstorm.
I love it when you say thanks for my daily hard work here by filling my ko-fi. Any money you send in lieu of subscription fees goes toward operational costs here at West of Mars.

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I apologize

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Ever think about the difference between “I apologize” and “I’m sorry?”

It’s been on my mind for the past few days. I think there is a difference, and it’s an important one. You’re totally free to share your thoughts on this!

writing

More work last night on Sheep Farm 7. And I woke up this morning with some real clarity on where to take the storyline that’ll be an absolute scream.

Combining serious societal issues with a light touch and great characters… that’s me.

Tomorrow is the last day for the sale on Safe House!

Editing

I finished up a project yesterday and got it back to its author, and am about to start something new today. A new series from an established author I’ve been working with for over a decade. Yes, a decade.

I am loyal to my people. What can I say? Other than I do good work.

Book of the Day

Nightbloom, by Peace Adzo Medie

That’s our day! I feel like I need to apologize for being so uninteresting today, but I’ve been not sleeping well, so I’m tired.

But here’s something for you. If you have a minute, say thanks to my contractors, who went above and beyond this morning and changed a tire for me so now I’m not stuck in the unlikely event that I need to not be stuck. My mechanic can’t change out my tires until next Monday. (!)

And since it’s the end of the month, remember to max out your Hoopla borrows by checking out a new-to-you author, preferably indie. Did you know indie authors get paid when you read our books via Hoopla or Libby? We do! Of course, I encourage you to check out my books, and if you’re a Hoopla user, please speak up and ask them to go back to carrying my entire catalog, so you can read the whole Tales from the Sheep Farm series. Right now, only Maybe the Bird Will Rise, Populated, and Safe House are available to borrow. I apologize for that, but it’s out of my hands… although it can be in yours. If enough people request the return of Saving Sima and Legacy, at a minimum…

Or, you know, fill my ko-fi. All monies go to operational costs here at West of Mars. I have a low overhead, but that doesn’t mean I have no overhead!

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Tired Monday, April 28, 2025

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Maybe the Bird Will Rise

Populated (Tales from the Sheep Farm Book 2)

Cover for Populated, written by Susan Helene Gottfried

Safe House (Tales from the Sheep Farm Book 3)

Cover for Susan Helene Gottfried's book, Saving Sima

Book cover for Susan Helene Gottfried's Legacy
ALL the Sheep Farm books! No wonder I’m tired!

Happy Monday! The sun is out, the temperature is low, the house is cold, and I’m tired and recovering from the kickoff Bad Bitch Bazaar here in Pittsburgh. It was a good day, albeit a bit slow. I think everyone spent their book money at Indie Bookstore Day, which had been the day before. Which… I’m not complaining! You’re here because you agree with me that books are important and worth standing up for.

writing

Not much to say here. I didn’t get a lick written on Sunday, go figure, with the Bazaar eating up my day. Saturday, I worked on a variety of projects, more as a palate cleanser, so to speak. I do really like being able to switch between projects.

One other big thing I did was formally submit my story to the Books Books Books Author signing organizers. It’s called “Bashert” and will be included in the anthology that’ll be given to the 50 VIP ticketholders. If you want to see the story (and get me to autograph the first or last page, depending on how the anthology is laid out), look into joining us for the event, and getting a $50 VIP ticket. Another reminder is that the money from all tickets sold goes to charity.

A note about “Bashert” — as soon as the event is over, I’ll have the rights back, which means I can offer it up as a bonus story to my newsletter subscribers, or just save it for another anthology like Broken but Undaunted or Permission to Enter. If you have thoughts or feelings, I’m all ears.

And finally (what happened to not much to say here? Hush. I’m tired), two more days for Safe House to be on sale!

editing

I’m finishing up a short piece today and getting it back to its author, and then starting a really long one. Still waiting on six others to arrive, and I’ll need to take some time off at the end of May/start of June to move my youngest.

As always, it’s a good time to get in touch if you’ll need me anytime after mid-June, with a reminder that if you need a hard deadline — both to get the manuscript to me and to get it back — I gladly hold dates. But if you miss the date getting the manuscript to me, I’m not going to get it back to you on time. In fact, if something’s in the queue, it’ll get priority.

Book of the Day

A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows
(Affiliate link, as always)

If you’re having fun with these short updates and the Book of the Day, remember that this isn’t a Patreon, where you subscribe for the content. So if you have a minute and an extra buck, Ko-fi loves to tell me that I have supportive friends. Why not make a donation and help cover operating expenses here at West of Mars?

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