On episode 101, I shot straight from the hip, no script in hand, because sometimes you just need to get real. As an Atlanta-based author with 14 full-length novels behind me, I felt it was important not to skip another episode, even though I'm still processing a lot.
The truth is, I'm working through my emotions this week. My focus right now is on figuring out what I need to do to protect my mental health and personal well-being while still finding ways to live and find joy anyway. 

Reading as Refuge
I'm going to have to step back from Non-Fiction November - real life is just too much right now. Instead, I'm diving deep into my comfort genres: women's fiction, literary fiction, and romance, especially holiday romance. I might throw in some non-fiction later, but right now, I need the comfort of fiction.
Despite everything, I'm still ahead on my Goodreads challenge at 177 of 200 books. This week I finished:
- "The Quiet Damage" about QAnon and family impact - sad but hopeful in the final chapters
- "Overseas with a Billionaire" by Stephanie Nicole Norris (snatched this new release right up!)
- "While I Slept" by Lakisha Johnson
- "Holiday Heat" by Beverly Jenkins (so grateful to see her on Bluesky now)

Social Media Shifts
I'm not leaving Twitter, but I'm spending more time on Bluesky . It's peaceful there, with great communities for books (BookSky), Black voices (BlackSky), and romance writers (RomanceLandia). I'll still be on Instagram and Facebook too, but I'm intentionally creating safe spaces for myself online.

 Writing Update
I haven't opened any documents this week, but I did read through "Calculated Risk" because I missed Imani and Desmond. Even in its rough draft form, I really like it and I'm excited for you all to get it in 2025. "The Festival at Evergreen Falls" is still waiting for me. I'm hoping to get some writing done during my business travel this week.

Free Books Alert!
Two upcoming events for your reading pleasure:
1. Black Reader Appreciation Experience (BRAE.website) - running 12th-16th with lots of authors offering free ebooks
2. Stuff Your Earbuds at RomanceAudioBookworms.com - November 15th-16th for free indie audiobooks.

I appreciate all your good thoughts, prayers, and support.  I'm focusing on taking care of myself and finding joy where I can. Books have always been my coping mechanism, and my face is going to be buried in them. 

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