I'm back to both writing and podcasting after a long but helpful break, and I'm making exciting progress on my projects! I'm also telling stories to my kids, reading books in order, and learning one way reading so fast is a helpful tool.

Continuing to go over my latest work in progress and also trying some new things with audiobooks. My daughters love to read or "read" to me, and I've been doing some thinking on what makes me consider a book or movie a "great story."

I'm finding so many small-to-medium things I will need to fix as I go through my latest first draft, and I finally did a small thing that was a huge help for doing my taxes. I'm also trying go let go of reading aloud at the "perfect" time, and I'm slowly learning to not feel the guilt of "not doing enough."

In the internet age, unfortunately, you have to be willing to try new things and sometimes let go of old ones when it comes to promoting books. I'm also reading a thought-provoking (but kinda awful) book, and I had a sweet reminder of why I started writing YA sci-fi in the first place.

I'm very close to finishing the first draft of my next book, and am overall happy with how it's been going! I'm also thinking ahead to next month and reading a very thought-provoking book. Also, my husband and I saw Argylle and had VERY different reactions. Why is that?

I had to rethink the last half of my current work-in-progress, but that's still not as painful as revisiting old work! Also, we are reading books about airplanes, I'm reading a surprisingly good thriller, and I might be reading a bit too fast--or am I?

It looks like I'll be able to finish writing my next book this month, and I have a couple recommendations for learning how to outline a novel. Also, my daughter LOVES koalas, I'm reading Demon Copperhead, and I'm trying to be flexible when it comes to writing consistently with so many babies around!

I'm trying to step up my wordcount next month so I can get this book finished, and I'm thinking about my reading for the year. I also got a very sweet reminder of why I need to be flexible in my daily schedule. And which do you need more, motivation or willpower?

I got to one of those scenes in the Firmament series I've looked forward to writing for over a decade! I'm also not sure what I'll be bringing to my book club's "fight night," my daughter read me a whole book, and I've been thinking about how I'll read pretty much anything.

My novella is about to release, I have an unusual method for writing chapters, and my two-year-old loves routine. Also, is there a way to be consistent in working towards your goals without putting pressure on yourself and your family?