Worth noting that I’m actively revising The Black Hour now. Had a writing date with my friend Yvonne and she was interested in reading some pages. Next thing I know, she’s my beta reader and is one-third through the book and full of encouragement. The fact that she’s waiting anxiously for the next chapter is highly motivating, so I’ve blasted through 146 pages since this weekend.

Warning, Voni. The second and third sections will need more detailed revision. Calm yourself, lady, and we’ll get there.

It’s really great to be sharing my work with someone. I’d not thought of it, but it’s been a while since I had a reader. I graduated my MFA program. My writing group broke up when the alpha member, Mary Anne, moved. (I blame you and your suburban charms, Oak Park.) And while she and I still write together, we don’t do as much sharing. We’re just too busy. I was thinking I might like to get a dedicated writing group together at some point. At the moment, though, I have a great deal of Other Stuff to get done. Like figuring out how to teach three advanced writing students who cannot be in the same room at the same time. I think they might be the same student, messing with Alma Mater’s admission system.

Nice trick, ladies.

It’s going to be a busy fall.