IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE: Grateful Taking a Break Holiday Event Zahra's Fun Fact My Personal Gossip |
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When I was a child, I knew I'd be two things—a writer and a teacher. I've been lots of other things over the past few decades, but today I'm grateful and honored to be able to say I am the two things my 9-year-old self always knew I'd be—a writer and a teacher. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to pursue my passions. And I'm grateful you are here to share in that journey. Thank you for your support. I'm grateful for my beautiful family. I'm grateful for our loyal pets. I'm grateful for the roof over our heads and food in our kitchen (and that stash of goodies hidden elsewhere). I'm grateful for the beauty of nature and each day we have to enjoy the trees, sky, animals, weather. lakes, oceans, mountains, moon, sunrises, and sunsets. I'm grateful for each day we have to support each other as we pursue our passions and develop our talents. I'm grateful for Zahra, Danni, Miss Jellisia Levion, and all the characters in the Zahra of the Uwharrie series. They push me to tell their stories. They inspire me. I hope they inspire you as well. |
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Happy National Novel Writing Month! It's been my tradition for years to participate in NaNoWriMo. This year, however, I'll be taking a break. Check out why on TikTok, or read my latest blog. |
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Taking a break in 2022 I've been a dedicated NaNoWriMo participant for years. Each November, I challenge myself to draft a book—or at least the first 50K words of a draft. In recent years, I've dedicated the month of November to the Zahra of the Uwharries series, published by Level Elevate ... | | |
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Can't make it to the pop-up event, but still want to give the gift of a new adventure this holiday season? Here are online options for purchasing Society of the Sentinelia for your 8-12 year old! |
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Zahra loves November. She says the winterberries in the Uwharrie National Forest ripen this time of year. Zahra and other scraebins add them to stews (which are really just mixtures of nuts and berries served at "room" temperature), and use them to dye fibers, wood, and rocks. They're beautiful to see during a winter hike, too! |
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Rona finally caught me. I missed a big wedding and several days of school dealing with the aftermath of Rona's vengeance. Ironically, I was scheduled to get another booster two days after I was notified of the positive test by the CDC, the urgent care where I was seen, and the health department (in that order). |
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The above picture is a screenshot of the TikTok I filmed in bed to announce I would not be at the Louisville Book Festival after all. I did send swag to Carmichael's Book Store for everyone who purchased my book at the festival or the store. Rona, pictured floating above my head, first tried to take away my voice. Then she tried to cook me—the folks at urgent care were not happy with my fever of nearly 105 degrees Fahrenheit (despite having taken ibuprofen). I don't remember much of that day. I do remember the day I was notified of my positive test. The phone calls and survey questions were surprising, lengthy, and exhausting. I may not be contagious any longer, and I may be allowed to work and otherwise be amongst people in public, but Rona keeps zapping my energy. The weird, vivid dreams are an adjustment, too. However, I'm so very grateful. I'm grateful that I never lost my sense of taste or smell. I'm grateful the infection wasn't life-threatening. I'm grateful to be able to get on with my life, despite the exhaustion and foggy-headedness that drifts in and out. I'm grateful for those who reached out with warm thoughts, caring concern, and excellent recipes. I'm so very grateful that despite Rona, I'll be able to celebrate the holidays with my family and friends. |
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