June is for Refining Your Writing Process and Walking Your Cat

Where Fleur writes words, talks to writers and librarians, and takes Floof for a walk.

We’re on Day 9 (and yes, I did have to check the date) of my self-imposed, no-rules writing challenges, where I set out to write every day. You can still join, even though we’re well into June. There really are no rules, just write.

So far, so good. I have been able to write every day, though it was definitely challenging at times. Having you all to answer to this Sunday helped. I clocked in almost 8K words on a new and very fun middle-grade, realizing I have a lot of research to do. But that’s okay. I’m using oodles of placeholders and taking notes as I write.

So far, I’ve learned that I’m best-off writing very early in the morning (the world gets LOUD after 8 AM, friends…), and deciding the day before what I’m going to write. I knew this about my writing process already, so this was no surprise. But it was a nice affirmation.

The hardest days were when I have events scheduled. Knowing I have to travel on a day made it harder to focus, but I got it done. I’m hoping to continue in June and possibly July. Summer is quiet on my calendar, which seems like the perfect time to write a book.

How is your writing or other creative endeavor going?

HESTL EdCON

I know, you’re probably wondering what all those letters stand for. I had to look it up several times, but it’s Colorado Department of Education’s Highly Effective Schools Through Libraries (HESTL), and you get the rest. Anyway, I was lucky enough to be there, along with a lot of Colorado librarians and fellow authors. I had fun and took a few pictures. I forgot to take selfies this time…

Here is my table mate, the incredibly talented author/illustrator Alice Feagan.

And I was finally able to meet the equally talented J.E. Thomas. I learned a lot about table swag and banners, plus she’s just the loveliest person.

Of course, none of us are anywhere without a bookseller, which Second Star to the Right Books deftly handled. They truly are the best.

I was also on a panel with some of my fellow Sisters in Crime friends yesterday, talking about book launches. I learned a lot from my fellow panelists, as I usually do. Plus, SinC is always a good time. Alas, I completely failed to take pictures…

Where I’m Going

Mostly, my backyard, which I’m quite happy about. I planted stuff and now hope to watch it grow. It’s hotter than Hades out here, so my hopes are high, but I keep my expectations tempered. Bless air conditioning.

Kitten Cam

As you may know, I have three kitten houseguests from my local Humane Society. Fostering is fun, and I get to snuggle with kittens every day. They are genuinely trying to escape their kitten room, however…

Your Weekly Floof

For those of you worried about Floof in all this: she could not care less about the kittens. She is Floof, and she feels secure about her legendary place in the world. We should all be so confident.

Floof would really like to go outside, though I have to keep her on a leash, which she does not appreciate…