I know for some parents summer can be a challenging time as they try to figure out what to do with the kids. School is out. Kids are free. But we as parents can’t just stop working because the kids are on vacation. Around here I see a few turned loose, but a lot of kids head for fun time with grandparents.

Family is a blessing.

Personally, I am thankful that the majority of my work takes place at home. That leaves me time to spend with the kids. In fact, I just got back from a walk with my oldest daughter.

The downside is that I find it harder to carve out time to just sit and write. When I hear the kids playing in the yard, I want to be out with them. Even if I’m not jumping in the pool or zipping down the slip’n slide, I can laugh and talk with them. I try to remember that the bulk of my writing takes place during school and the memories made with the family are fuel to insert into different stories.

Right now I’m plunking away at book 3. The majority of my writing time has been spent trying to pull everything together for my August 5 release date for Trinity. It’s funny how much effort formatting takes.

In addition, I’m planning on attending a few conventions in the New England area this fall. I’ll get more information out once things are locked down and my tables have been confirmed. There really isn’t anything like getting out and talking to readers face to face. It might be my second favorite thing about writing, after the feeling of finishing a manuscript.

Last piece of business, I’m starting to put some of my short stories up on the Kindle Vella. The first to arrive is the initial segment of The Rifters which some of you may have read here on my site. If you haven’t read it, check it out, punch the like button, and feel free to share it with friends.

I believe all of my shorts will be free, so dive in.

Hey now, circle August 5 on your calendar. In the meantime, keep on reading, try a new restaurant, and keep on flying the Black.