Holiday Chaos, Book Edits, and a Baby on the Way.

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It's that time of year when I'm either going to lose my mind or come out on the other side feeling like an Amazon warrior. Speaking of Amazon, don't forget to stop by my author page and pick out another one of my books while you're doing your Christmas shopping—like I am from the comfort of home.

Those of you who know me will completely understand this: I do not like shopping. Never have. I've always considered it a chore, not an escape. I know for some of you ladies, that's sacrilegious, but not to me. So am I grateful to be living in an era where I can have my groceries and other items delivered right to my door? One hundred percent.

But guess what? You all benefit from my quirky personality. While you're out shopping, doing the things most women enjoy, I'm sitting right here working on your next great read.

Speaking of which, book two of the Pack Saddle Ranch series is done, and I'm deep in the editing process. I'd hoped to give you a purchase link in this newsletter, but I've been slightly derailed lately. Fingers crossed and praying for a miracle, it'll be ready next week.

So what's my issue with getting things done on time? Family. I've got to make time for family once in a while, and this month has been full of it. First, there was the baby shower a couple of weeks ago. It was fun, and I spent way too much money—even though I don't like shopping or spending money. But there's something about your first grandbaby on the way that will loosen the pocketbook ever so slightly.

Then there are my in-laws, who've been visiting for... well, we didn't know when they'd arrive, and we don't know when they're leaving, but we're spending every night with them. My father-in-law's health has reached a point where he may not be with us much longer, so I'm glad my husband has this time with him. I just wish he weren't wheelchair-bound because it makes it hard to create new memories and do things together. But this is the season for storytelling—sitting around, listening to the past come alive. As someone who spends a lot of time in the historical world, this is my escape, my complete heaven. So though it's slowing me down on my next book, it's giving me something precious.

Here's a little snippet from book two. Yes, I'm dangling a carrot, but I can promise the wait will be worth it:

His eyes met hers, something unspoken passing between them. "There's a hillside on our place that blooms with lupine in June," he said. "Purple as far as you can see. If you ever see it, you'll forget rooms like this exist."

The words hung in the air between them, fragile and impossible. Flo felt something crack open in her chest, something she'd kept locked tight for years. Hope. Dangerous, foolish hope.

"I don't want to be looked at like I'm a thing," she murmured.

"I don't want to be the man who looks away," he replied.

Flo turned back to Alfred and lifted his shirt to recheck the bandage. Laughter drifted through the open window above them. Then Leonard's shout, loud and sharp, cut through the air. Flo flinched. Alfred reached for her hand and interlaced his fingers with hers.

He reached into his pocket with his free hand and pulled out a worn but clean, folded handkerchief. "Keep it," he said, pressing it into her palm. "I'll come back for it."

"Don't promise things you can't keep."

"I'm only promising what I can carry."

What's Next on My Writing Plate?

My immediate goal is to finish the Pack Saddle trilogy with book three by the end of the year. Beyond that, I have several projects brewing (in no particular order):

  • A Woolsey Revolutionary War novel – Taking the story further back in time to feature my two Woolsey patriots (father and son) who served in the Revolution. This one needs to be finished by April for the Idaho state banquet for the NSDAR.
  • A dual timeline story about my husband's grandmother – A woman I had the privilege of knowing and interviewing about growing up during the Great Depression. This one's special to me because I want to weave in the fascinating genealogical discoveries I made along the way. I've been letting this one brew for two years, so no promises on a release date—but I am recreating a scrapbook of her life with photos, records, newspapers, research, and the stories she shared. It might be the perfect way to kick off the book.
  • A return to The Last Wagon – My first book was nonfiction, but I've been thinking about choosing some of the individuals from it and writing fictional stories about their lives, diving deeper into the Romany traveling lifestyle. Could be an interesting read.
  • The story of Michael Oliver Jenkins – My 5th great-grandfather, an illegitimate child in 1800s North Carolina. The family went to great lengths to hide his parentage while still keeping him in the fold. It's a fascinating mystery, and I can't wait to unravel it on the page.

These are just a few of the real-life historical stories that inspire me and will lead to future books. Stay tuned!

Some of you have asked for audio versions of my books, and I get it. If you're like me, you consume a lot of audiobooks because you're just so busy. It's easier to listen while cleaning house, gardening, feeding the animals, driving, crunching through data at work, and tackling other monotonous chores. I am happy to say, all of my books should be in audiobooks within the next day or so, if not already available by the time you get this.

Until next week,

Amy

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