May 19, 2025
My 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.
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.
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!
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!
May 16, 2025
So 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…
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.
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.
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.
May 15, 2025
Community’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.
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!
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?
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.
May 14, 2025
Permission 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.
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!
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.
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!
May 13, 2025
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.
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?)
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.
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.
May 12, 2025
My 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.
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.
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.
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.
May 9, 2025
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?
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.
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.
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.
May 8, 2025
There’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.
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.
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.
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.
May 7, 2025
Settle 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.
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!
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!
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.
May 6, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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!
May 5, 2025
I’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.
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.
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!
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!
May 2, 2025
What 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!
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.
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.
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!
May 1, 2025
Speaking 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.
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.
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.
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.)
April 30, 2025
Cover for Populated, written by Susan Helene Gottfried
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:
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!
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.
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.
April 29, 2025
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!
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!
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.
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!
April 28, 2025
Cover for Populated, written by Susan Helene Gottfried
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.
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!
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.
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?
April 25, 2025
While I had a late night on the deck, y’all were busy buying copies of Safe House. I hope you found a comfortable place to read it!
Yeah… I was working outside again last night so late, I was able to turn on the pergola’s lights. I’ll have to upload the pictures; they are very cool. (VERY cool.) They are, unfortunately, not completely what I wanted, as I’d wanted lights bright enough to read by. That’s not going to be the case. But they’re cool!
I did spoil myself a bit, but after almost 30 years of wanting to have that part of the deck covered so the deck was actually usable… I figure it’s okay. I waited a very long time and spent a lot of time wishing I could actually get outside on my deck. I love to be outside, and if I can figure out how to get my desktop computer out there so I can edit under the pergola? I’m there.
Yeah, I was writing last night. A lot of friends wanted to chat, too, so maybe I didn’t write as much as I’d wanted, but I also spent less time on social media and playing solitaire, so there’s that. The writing I got done pleased me, so that’s another win.
Five more days for you to get your copy of Safe House while it’s still on sale! If you’re in Pittsburgh, you can also get your copies from Blythe Books (at full price; sorry) or from me at the kickoff Bad Bitch Bazaar. First of the season, and I’ll be there with Mary Walsh and Paige N. Staudt. When you catch me in person, I do discount slightly (mostly so I’m not drowning in ones and change!). And, of course, my ebooks are ALWAYS cheaper at my online store.
When it rains, it pours. That’s the mantra of the freelance editor (even those of us who spend a late night on the deck). Another of the eight manuscripts I’ve been waiting on arrived, so now I’m waiting on six, am about to start working on one, and have one in the queue. I love being a busy editor; it lets me sink into the work and forget about life. Total stress reliever. Not to mention how much fun it is, and how gratifying. I love helping my client list be successful. It’s fun to watch, too!
Just for Show, by Jae
(Affiliate link; as always, any money I make goes toward operational costs here at West of Mars)
That’s it! It probably won’t be another late night on the deck because first, it’s Reggae Shabbat night at temple, and this metal head thinks that sounds like fun (and folk Shabbat was getting old and yes, I still am pushing for a Heavy Metal Shabbat), but also? It’s a rainy day here, with storms predicted for later. The pergola is only an overhead cover, so even if I sit out there to dig the thunderstorm (what could go wrong when you sit under a metal structure?), there’s still a chance the furniture and/or I can get wet. Nothing worse than a soggy ass. Plus, it’s hard to write when it’s wet; computers and rain don’t mix. Go figure.
Have a great weekend and I’ll be back with fresh content on Monday. Don’t forget that tomorrow (Saturday) is Independent Bookstore Day! Go support and indie. Keep 37% of your purchase price in your local community, help a local business stay open, and more. There’s never a bad reason to choose to shop local.
Don’t forget to fill my ko-fi and help cover operational expenses! You can grab either the Beta Reader’s Guide and/or A Writer’s Guide to Library Events.
April 24, 2025
I have a super busy day today, and we are starting off with a delightfully chilly morning. (Saving Sima’s here because it’s set in the late fall and there’s a couple times where characters are cold, and what do you mean that’s a lame reason?)
Wow. A lot going on here!
Today’s the monthly Pennwriters meeting, and I am meeting someone before it even begins, on a quick personal matter. All’s good, and the Pennwriters meeting is one of my favorite diversions of the month. I always suggest this type of format to other writers who want to connect — we have no agenda. We just sit and chat and conversation meanders from the personal to the professional, and we swap tips and team up for things and commiserate and it’s just a wonderful vibe.
I got yet more reports from Kobo Plus, and thank you to everyone reading the Sheep Farm books via Kobo Plus! Don’t forget most of the rest of my catalog is available too, and I of course recommend the short story twins, Permission to Enter and Broken but Undaunted. (The “most of” is because the Complete Demo Tapes is only available through my online store.)
And yes! Safe House is still on sale! Again, thanks to everyone who has picked it up so far, and if you haven’t yet, what are you waiting for? Yes, you can start the series here.
And since it’s Indie Bookstore Weekend, I encourage all my Pittsburgh friends to stop by Blythe Books and pick up hard copies of the Tales from the Sheep Farm series. All are pre-autographed. And if you ask, you can get your hands on the only copies of Saving Sima, Legacy, and Permission to Enter that I left there when I did my last restocking run.
OR
Come see me at the Bad Bitch Bazaar on Sunday. Not quite an indie bookstore but a pop-up bookstore, my friends Mary Walsh and Paige Staudt are going to join me on Craig Street and we’ll be glad to put our books directly into your hands.
Wow. Is that enough? It’s more than enough for me!
Like I said, one of the expected edits arrived. I won’t make much of a start on it today, with the Pennwriters meeting and all, but I can’t wait. My roster of authors works very very hard at their craft and I can’t wait to see what this author has come up with.
The Curious Secrets of Yesterday, by Namrata Patel
(As always, it’s an affiliate link!)
How’s that? Lots going on. Wasn’t I just complaining the other day that life was boring?
It’s these chilly mornings. I’m tellin’ ya. It’s the chilly mornings.
And a reminder: If you’re into what I’m doing here, feel free to buy me a bottle of fountain pen ink. Other ways to support me include buying my books, but also reading through services such as Kobo Plus or even your library apps! I get paid if you read that way, too, and it’s always good to support your local library. Plus, your tax money is underwriting the costs, and when else do you get such a great benefit from your tax dollars?
April 23, 2025
It’s just after eight in the morning and my house is 63 degrees right now. I left select windows and the skylights open all night, so all that nice cold air could flood in. It’s called cold trapping, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. The windows and skylights are closed and the house’s improved insulation should retain the cool, easing demand on my AC.
The next door neighbors really ought to learn this trick. I swear, they keep their house at 63, if not colder, all summer.
Their AC unit is right outside my bedroom window. So I get to listen to it all night long.
I worked outside yesterday afternoon again. More on Absolutely Alyssa, Book Seven in the Tales from the Sheep Farm series. Better use that link in the header and catch up! I’m on Book Seven and you’re on book… Which one again?
Speaking of catching up, I switched how my book is distributed to Kobo and get a report from the old distributor for Kobo Plus reads and… well, that was a year’s worth of reads. Thanks to everyone who’s been reading my books via Kobo Plus! That’s a nice chunk of change.
It’s a nice way to warm up after this cold trapping! 63 is a bit chilly!
Safe House is, yes, still on sale! Only seven more days, so you’re running out of time to take advantage of the sale price. As (almost) always, there’s a discount at my direct store!
Since the end of the month is in sight, it’s time to remind you to max out your loans at Libby and/or Hoopla. I know a number of indie writers who’d love for you to borrow their books from the library. I’m one of them.
But it’s a win-win-win. You get to try a new author for free, although I’m not a new author to you.
The author gets paid for the borrow. (Not every author!)
The library gets to brag about their circulation numbers. With libraries under fire by the government, it’s up to us to use them and protect them.
Hey! One of those eight manuscripts arrived!
Now to finish up what I’m working on and start that one… it’s nice to see these manuscripts arriving.
The Body in the Paddy Field by Nadishka Aloysius
(As always, this is an affiliate link)
Not cold trapping your house? Not one of those wonderful people reading my books via Kobo Plus? Maxed out your library loans? You can still support me by donating directly to my ko-fi. Easier than a monthly Patreon (or not, since you can’t set it and forget it), and all money goes to operational costs here at West of Mars. Lots of us small businesses are hurting right now, and I hate to say it, but I’m not immune.
April 22, 2025
It’s boring around here, and I’m struggling to bring you something pithy.
I ain’t got nothin’. Let’s get to it.
I guess I broke my writing into three sessions yesterday; it wasn’t intentional. The first, done on the back deck (I love the back deck), focused on a short I was challenged to write a year ago. I’ve been not struggling with it, but not giving it the time it needs and deserves, either.
The second and third writing sessions, one done on the back deck and the last inside, went back to what’ll be Tales from the Sheep Farm 7.
Safe House is still on sale! Grab it before the end of the month; you’ll see Taylor in future books. They also make appearances in the first two; they’re pretty important to things in my world, so spend some time with them.
Nothing new here, either. I’ve been keeping busy and, as always, learning new things that should make me a better editor.
I wasn’t kidding when I told you things around here were boring!
I Need a New Butt! by Dawn McMillan and illustrated by Ross Kinnaird
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Talk to yinz and y’all tomorrow. Maybe I’ll have something to say; there’s plenty to look forward to: the Bad Bitch Bazaar opens for the year on Sunday, and I’ll be there with the tent and authors Mary Walsh and Paige Staudt. If you’re local, stop in to see us!
And as always, if you’ve maxed out your book buying budget AND your loans at Hoopla, Libby, or whatever library app but still want to support the cause, buy me a bottle of fountain pen ink.