A Writer’s Pause: Sunshine, Stories, and What’s Still Brewing
For the past two months, I’ve stepped away from starting book four. Aside from blogs, newsletters, and the occasional Facebook post, I made a deliberate decision to give my mind a break from its usual routine of spinning plots, wrangling characters, and concocting deceptive red herrings. Unfortunately, my brain did not get the memo. It is still hard at work crafting an elaborate mystery in the background—only now, there’s absolutely nothing written down to prove it.
I may not have achieved my goal of rest and regeneration, but one thing is certain: it’s been a full and enjoyable March and April. I’ve spent time with family and friends, soaked up Florida’s sunshine, and made the most of beach days and pickleball courts. I thought I’d share a few highlights from these adventures and some of the sunny spots that made them special.
Beautiful Venice Avenue. A delightful tree-covered walk from downtown to the beach.
Speaking of the beach – morning Yoga is a thing – including a gentle loosening of these rusty joints. Apparently, there were manatees and dolphins frolicking about, but I missed them ☹
We had two lovely days, one day visiting the quaint Greek town of Tarpon Springs. Traffic can be daunting, but our dear friends Nancy and Bob graciously chauffeured us to the sponge capital of the U.S.
The next day, we headed south to Naples while most cars headed north. We had a lovely visit with a high school friend I hadn’t seen in 46 years, neither of us had changed one bit. The end of the snowbird season has arrived.
A WRITER’S JOURNEY
I’ve been exploring the possibility of turning Obedient Unto Death into an audiobook. At one point, I considered narrating it myself—and invested in a class to learn the process. Along the way, I discovered that a walk-in closet packed with clothes can double as a surprisingly effective sound studio! With a basic microphone and a computer, I was able to get started… but that’s where things became more complicated.
Once I reached the world of sound mixing, editing, and formatting the proper audio files, I realized there’s a whole level of expertise involved. So, I’m now looking into working with a professional to bring the audiobook to life. I’ll be sure to keep you posted as things develop.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Ants Across the Page by Connie A. Williams
I picked up this book because of my interest in the challenges children face with dyslexia, but it became so much more than I expected. What unfolds is a powerful story of hope, resilience, love, and forgiveness. Connie does a beautiful job portraying everyday people facing real struggles while discovering God’s love in unexpected moments and through unlikely individuals. A heartfelt and inspiring read that stays with you long after you finish.
BIBLE VERSE
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. — John 14:27
I love this verse, but it is taken out of context, and you need the whole chapter to understand why we don’t need to be afraid.
BLOG POST HIGHLIGHT
From Property to Person: Rome’s Shifting Social Order
Could someone go from being property… to becoming a Roman citizen?
