It’s been an exhausting year so far, and we’re only coming up on the half-way mark. There are days when we get out there and fight for the good, and days when we need to turn inward and care for ourselves. There are days when we feel we’re making progress, and days that feel stagnant. There are days when we can and should celebrate our own small accomplishments.

When I started this writer’s life almost six years ago, I had no idea where it would take me. In the world of publishing, there are many factors over which an author has little control. I learned very early on to focus on the things I could impact like improving my writing skills, the amount of content I produce, and the projects I choose. I also understand that I have to keep focused on my short-term tasks while maintaining a long-game view, and I should take the time to celebrate my accomplishments.

Tomorrow my fifth book will be published. This one is penned under my alter-ego, Maggie Clare, and is part of a romantic suspense series I’ve been having fun with. I know many of you follow me for my speculative fiction writing. Don’t worry! I’m making solid progress on my next manuscript - an edgy urban fantasy. But, if you feel so inclined to read a “sexy thriller” as my husband calls them, here’s the link: Run and Hide.

It’s hard to want to celebrate with the world as scary and volatile as it is right now, but I think it’s okay to honor those moments of personal accomplishment and joy. Thank you all for the love and support. It means more than I can say.