July 16 2026

Seasons

It took me eight years to figure out that writers and many other professionals create their own seasons. For forty-nine years my world revolved around a school schedule. Long weekends, and spring, summer, and Christmas breaks gave me time to catch up with family, sleep, and projects. Those breaks were built in for me. I had no say in when they were, but I counted on them.

When I shifted from teacher to writer, I didn’t build in breaks for myself. I bought into the idea that writers write every day. In Let’s Make the Last 100 Days Count, I committed to writing every day to complete the first draft of Finding Joy in the East. Immediately, I chased another goal––finishing the second draft by midyear. Meeting that goal often came at the expense of everything else. I couldn’t allow myself a break.

Seasons don’t just happen anymore. I’m learning I have to create them.

Now that my editor has my manuscript, I’m calling this my summer break. And this summer I’m playing the “one thing leads to another” game. Painting the inside of my house led to duct and carpet cleaning, new ceiling fans, knobs, hinges, and a host of additional cosmetic home improvements. I’ve also had my bikes and lawn mower tuned up, shopped for accessories to match the fresh paint, and tackled a host of other neglected projects. Next week, the never-ending landscape improvements will begin. Don’t you love how one project leads to four more?

In the meantime, I’m still fact-checking for Joy in the East, promoting Joy in the West, and planning my next motorhome trip to the Southwest.

Soon my editor will return my manuscript, and a new season will begin. Until then, I’m making the most of this season. I hope you are making the most of yours.