The Absent Writer

Dear Patient Readers,

Remember me—the absent writer? I have plenty of excuses—family drama, constant distractions, health issues, and the cat marching across my keyboard and sending the computer into a spiral dive (the W key may never recover). Despite the cat insisting on rubbing against the touch screen monitors and everything else, I am  moving forward, refocusing, rearranging, and reprioritizing my writer’s journey. It’s been a juggle. Here’s the update.

Over the past few months, I’ve streamlined my website, Stories Served Around the Table, reconnected with my writing community, and adjusted my schedules to make better use of my time. I highly recommend Michele Oucharek-Deo’s podcast, Your Productivity Pulse   for practical, doable time management strategies She’s entertaining, insightful, and a delight.

A big part of being a writer is learning to sell my work. Although marketing often feels daunting and sometimes icky, it’s essential for building readership. Since I’m most comfortable presenting to teachers and kids, I’ve put my marketing energy into promoting my work through school author visits and developing teacher resources. I wrote and mailed 68 brochures (complete with return address labels and stamps) to Curriculum and Instruction Administrators across my county’s school districts. Soon, I will snail‑mail nearly 230 more to individual school librarians and media specialists.

The Stories Served Around the Table blog will feature deeper reflections on my writing journey and process. And don’t worry—the stories told around the table continue to shape so much of my work. You’ll also see a clearer presence for my books, children’s activities, and information about “There’s an Author in Our School!”, visiting author programs.

I invite you to browse my website, Stories Served Around the Table. Visit the Books by Me tab to explore my memoir, children’s books, journaling prompts, and activities. Take advantage of my come back with the following GiveAways: 

Whew! That was a lot. You may be wondering if there is another book in the future. I do have one children’s picture book manuscript done, and another in a planning stage. Truth be told, I am actively working on an historical fiction series about the lineage of stregas (Sicilian witches), magic, and family lore. My sisters, cousins and I are embarking on an ancestral explore in Sicily this October (research).

I’d love to know your thoughts on my once-again-start-up plan and the GiveAways. 

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