Coincidence? I think not.

“A coincidence will remain a coincidence until its significance is known.” ― Angie Corbett-Kuiper

As I’ve mentioned in the last few issues of this newsletter, I’ve been struggling to regain momentum on Goodbye For Now. Over the last two weeks, however, several synchronicities have convinced me that the project is, indeed, worth the struggle, and I should pick it back up.

• The First Synchronicity

  • A student who recently finished reading An Expected End wrote in her journal last Friday that she and her friend are writing a book together. Its title? Goodbye For Now.

• The Second Synchronicity

  • I’ve been reading Katherine May’s Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age. As I proudly declared in a previous issue, I always write in my books, and a line I found myself underlining in a recent sitting reads: “I don’t want to sit like a brooding hen on the nest of my past achievements. I want to keep on going deep into the uncertain act of making” (129). I admit I’ve been tempted to just be satisfied with my one book. I wrote a book. That is enough. Check it off the list. Success(ish). But this line from May seems to speak directly to my writer’s heart, nudging it awake, urging me to try again, reminding me that I am indeed compelled—obligated—to write.

• The Third Synchronicity

  • According to my mom, when women could first and finally establish credit independently of their husbands, my grandma did so with the purchase of an Ethan Allen rolltop desk that my grandpa then worked from for years and years and years in his job with Hostess. I have memories of sitting on my grandpa’s lap at that very desk, playing with his printing calculator and talking to him about my loose tooth. In recent weeks, this desk unexpectedly found its way to into my home. What better place to re-draft Goodbye For Now than at my grandpa’s old wooden desk? Could there be a more solid sign to start writing than a sturdy, wooden writing desk appearing in your office?

What I’m Working On

My Debut Novel: An Expected End

I’m still promoting my debut novel. (And I thought revising it and finding a publisher was the hard part!)

Here’s a recent book review from blogger and fellow outdoorswoman, Amanda in Motion:

“I absolutely loved it! The plot was captivating and so creative. I was instantly rooting for the main character and couldn’t wait to see what she would do next. I appreciated the symbolism present throughout the story and the way Amanda captured the raw and honest emotions of each character. I couldn’t put this book down. If you want a story with lots of introspection, plot twists, an adorable dog, and what life could be like in the future, you’ll love this book.”

Coming up, I’ve got a book club dinner with The Bookshelf, Irvington and an after-hours reading and signing at Book People. I’d love your help spreading the word, and I’d love to see you there.

In addition, an episode of the 5 Minutes of Peace podcast about An Expected End will drop in late March.

My Next Novel: Goodbye For Now

After all my talk about synchronicities, I have to admit that I haven’t actually acted on any of them yet, but the impetus is there.

Outdoor Writing

Last week, I learned that two of my “Explore More” articles earned recognition in the Virginia Outdoor Writers Association Excellence-in-Craft contest. “Two Rivers, Three States and a lot of Paddling” earned first-place column, while “Of Wildlife and Local Legend” earned second-place column.

A couple weeks ago, I submitted my article about Virginia State Parks’ Wandering Waters Paddle Quest, which will appear in the April issue of Cooperative Living Magazine in my “Explore More” column.

On the horizon: hiking The Channels! I really, really hope the weather (and all other variables) cooperates, because this will already be my third attempt. Third time’s a charm!

Potential Summer Gig

Recently, I applied for a summer role working as a virtual writing instructor for The Joy of Writing. It seems like a fabulous opportunity for so many reasons, and I’m very excited about it. I hope to hear back from them regarding potential next steps soon.

What I’m Reading

No real update here. Still reading Enchantment. One of the advantages of this book is that at a time when I have so few opportunities to read, all of the essays are more or less self-contained, so if several days (or even a week) go by before I have my next chance to read, I’m not lost.

Links to My Latest

Last month, a podcast interview about An Expected End dropped. You can find the episode, titled “Embracing the Unseen Horizon: Navigating Life’s Uncharted Territories with An Expected End,” of Peter Michael Dedes’s podcast, Transcendent Minds, on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and more.

“Preserving the Heads of State: Abandoned presidential statues have a bright future in Williamsburg” appears in the “Explore More” column of the January/February 2024 issue of Cooperative Living Magazine.

Beer Dogs Virginia includes a full-page photo of Soda with accompanying bio, a full-page photo of Nacho with accompanying bio, and an essay I wrote about Jack, Sadie, and The Littles, entitled “Hello From Across the Rainbow Bridge.”

The Littles—and Archie!

Nacho, king of the world on a recent hike, high up on a hill above the lake

Soda after a day of hiking in the fresh air and woods

Nacho snuggles up on our bed in our cabin post-hike

Soda stays warm by the fire

Archie sits on his shower perch.

Archie perches on my hand.

Soda and Archie relax on the couch

What I Saw Outside

The golden hour at Pocahontas State Park

The amaryllis blooming in my backyard greenhouse

Literary Calendar

MARCH

• March 14, 2024 | 6:00pm-8:00pm | The Bookshelf, Irvington Book Club Dinner and Discussion

  Join me for a literary dinner discussing my debut novel, An Expected End, with the members of The Bookshelf, Irvington’s Book Club! If you’re interested in participating in this in-person event, be sure to RSVP and register in advance.

• March 23, 2024 | 7:00pm-9:00pm | Book People

  Join me for a reading from and signing of my debut novel, An Expected End. A 10- to 15-minute reading from the book will be followed by an audience Q&A session prior to the signing. Bring a friend and support a local bookstore! Find details here.