3/10/25 It's An Author's Life

How are you doing with springing forward? It always takes me at least a week to adjust. My mind and body aren’t ready to get up at 8:00am (fka 7:00 am) just yet. I’ve been sleeping in pretty late according to my bedside clock. But like all things, this too shall pass. 😊

It was another quiet week for me. I did my usual promos. Tornado season has started in Oklahoma. I don’t remember which day it was, but my son and youngest granddaughter stayed overnight since we were at a level 6 out of 10 for having a tornado. We were blessed, and only had thunderstorms. However, I think there was something like 8 tornadoes in the state that night.

I attended a small local author group meeting Wednesday night at one of my favorite places, Shakespeare Wine Company. This is a new group trying to plant their feet on the ground. It is always nice to be around like-minded people. Will I attend next month? Probably.

I turned the heat off last night since it is supposed to be in the 70s during the day and 40s at night this week. It was pretty chilly in the house this morning (it was only in the 30s overnight) so I turned it back on. I am so ready for warmer temps.

I made a really good and easy stoop/soup that I found on Facebook in the slow cooker Saturday. I added a can of diced tomatoes to the mix and used ravioli since I couldn’t find tortellini in the freezer section. I might also use spaghetti next time instead of the tortellini or ravioli. It makes enough for a family, so if you’re single like me, you’ll have leftovers to freeze for another day.

One final note. I have a re-release coming out tomorrow, 3/11/25. I’m excited for my first publication with Rowan Prose Publishing to finally be available. Simply to Die For is a serial killer suspense and may trigger emotions in some readers, so please keep this in mind if you buy and read it.

Simon, my cat, has decided to get all up in my face and is putting himself between me and the laptop. Guess it means I’m done with today’s blog post.

Have a great week and open those windows to let the fresh air flow in when possible.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, others’ lives are never as glamorous as we may think.

May your Kindle or bookshelf overflow with great books to read!

Maxine

3/3/25 It's An Author's Life

What a beautiful week it has been. I’ve been able to open a window and let the front door screen down as well. I love letting the fresh air in after being shut up for the cold winter months. It reminds me of those warmer Wisconsin winter days when it would get in the 20s and I’d open windows and clean. Breathe the freshness in before the steamy days of summer arrive.

Oklahoma has gone from frigid temps just a few weeks ago to the official start of tornado season over the weekend. Spring tornado season runs from now until at least June here in Oklahoma before the dog days of summer are upon us.

I attended my first CAAC (Chickasha Area Arts Council) meeting as a board member. I was on the Board 2018-2023, when I resigned to start taking care of my DIL. With her passing last summer, I returned as I wanted to be back in touch with art-minded people. I am known to arrive somewhere early, sometimes more than an hour early if I plan to get some writing done. And last Tuesday was no different. I am happy to say that I got several pages handwritten at CAAC headquarters, as I always was able to when I used to man the Area Arts Store. I am looking forward to finding my muse again.

Speaking of writing, the past week has not really been productive writing-wise, but all that is going to change. I have a book up for pre-order and due for a June 13 release, which I need to get to the editor by May 1! Luckily, it’s a novella and even though it’s out of my wheelhouse, I haven’t written paranormal for many years, I am looking forward to letting this story take shape.

Friday night was “girls’ night out” and we kicked up our heels at Legends Pub House and Venue, for a tribute to The Cars. While I wasn't a big fan of The Cars, I was chair dancing on more than one occasion. I had great fun with Carlotta, Amy, and Lisa that night, and I even ran into fellow local author and screenwriter Anna Kittrell and fellow CAAC & FOL board member Angela. Maggie and Shane of The Imaginaries were back in town and stopped in Legends to listen as well.

Have a great week and get out in the fresh air when possible.

I can never thank you enough for continuing to read these snippets into my life as an author. I hope I haven’t bored you too much with them. 😊 After all, others’ lives are never as glamorous as we may think.

May your Kindle or bookshelf overflow with great books to read!

Maxine

Carlotta, Lisa, me, Amy

Anna Kittrell (right)

We filled up on Legends pizza and appetizers!