August Writing Update

A glimpse into the progress of my literary (and other) adventures

Photo by hannah grace on Unsplash

Hello friends!

I hope you’re enjoying your summer.

My life has been eventful, filled with necessary tasks like finding a caregiver for my sister and completing my poetry anthology.

We took some time off to visit our daughter in Colorado last month, though. She continues to shine in her chosen career and has a wonderful group of friends who love and support her. It was a glorious trip!

Before you know it, the cooler autumn days will be here. I’m not sure about yours, but my days will overflow with activities.

Besides all the usual little things like birthdays, I have doctors’ appointments with my sister, a high school reunion, a chocolate spa getaway with a trio of former coworkers, and one of the most consequential elections of my lifetime on November 5.

Friends in the US, we have a call to action this election season. It’s one that urges each soul to embrace the power vested in their hands—the power to shape the course of tomorrow.

I've put some of my thoughts about voting in this poem.

The promise of change lingers, 
Beckoning with possibility’s sweet allure. 

November 5th, a date etched in time,
Where history meets future's gaze;
Each voter holds the key to change,
A ballot cast for more than self alone.

Walk with purpose to your polling places,
Each step a declaration of values held;
In the heart of democracy's rhythm,
Lies the power to paint a world anew.

Let joy be your compass, guiding true,
To a future adorned with laughter's hues;
Hope, a beacon lighting the path ahead,
Illuminating the realm of untold tomorrows.

Love, the binding force of communities,
Weaving threads of unity and compassion;
Freedom, an anthem of voices unchained,
Echoing the promise of a boundless tomorrow.

As the day unfolds and ballots are cast, 
Remember power rests within your hands;
For on that evening, as the sun sets low,
We will hear our voices ring with dreams fulfilled.

Testament to the human spirit, democracy’s beauty;
Celebrating the land of the free, home of the brave.

As for me, I’m casting my vote for joy, not sorrow. I'm casting my vote for hope, not despair. I'm casting my vote for love, not hate. I’ve made my plan. Have you?

Poetry Anthology

I hope to release this sometime next month (September). As I mentioned some months ago, this anthology contains poetry and prose divided into six sections, some of which I've never published.

Short Story Collection

I dug through old stories, gathering, rewriting, and adding new ones in my quest to create a linked collection.

As I read through the pages, each one a window into a different world, I can’t help but feel a pang of uncertainty. Each story requires its unique tone and backdrop.

Just like with my poetry anthology, curating my short story collection will be a labor of love. My plan is to create a unique collection that will inspire and captivate you.

I’m hoping to complete and publish this sometime next year.

Novel

I need to admit my doubts in the story, its ending in particular.

I think putting the novel aside for now is a good idea. It’s a decision that worries me.

The characters I created and the world I described in the book keep haunting my thoughts. They prompt me to explore different paths and narrate their journey in a way that captivates and connects with readers.

I aim to return to the novel with newfound clarity and renewed inspiration to guide my characters to a deserving conclusion.

Upcoming…

• Creative non-fiction pieces:

  We All Scream for Ice Cream, 7 September 2024

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