Burnout. There’s no denying when it happens; you know when you’re there. For writers, it can mean a creative standstill—or lacking any desire to write at all.   
 
A little over a year ago, my siblings and I lost our brother, Jack. His death ripped a hole in all of us, and it changed me forever. I had experienced great loss before—my father, nine years ago, and my mother, twenty-five, and both still feel like they happened yesterday. Those experiences were devastating, but nothing could prepare me for losing a sibling. It wasn’t so much about his age, even though he was only sixty-one. It was about his potential, about regrets, about all the love and joy he would miss out on. And it was about our experiences and memories growing up together, as Jack and I were barely two years apart. It all came back.
 
In the months and year following his death, I found myself unable to write anything that required deep or emotional thought. Suddenly my stories, which often involve loss or death, seemed trivial, pointless, and even inappropriate to an extent. My second novel, In the Vanishing Hour, in which my main character can’t move on after her brother’s death, felt like a poor imitation of real life. I wrote it long before I knew my brother’s life would end, but that didn’t matter. Losing him changed everything.    
 
As the months—and then a year—passed, I tried writing, but found the process forced, the words empty. Meanwhile, I had a completed rough draft of my third novel staring back at me, with no words or desire to begin the editing process. I also had short stories in progress, and a few screenplays (more on that venture soon), waiting for me to dive back in. Even social media, which had become my creative tool and outlet, suddenly felt like a foreign language and a wasteland. I lost my desire to take part in it and felt I had nothing to say.
 
And there was the day job, that time-draining, mind-numbing obstacle most writers need to pay the bills. I often ask myself why I stayed in a career (computer-aided drafting) I disliked for so many years. I could have abandoned it at age 30, 40, or even 50, and started over. Lesson learned: Follow your dreams. Never settle. Life goes by incredibly fast.
 
Jack and I were alike in that we had the need to leave our creative stamp behind. If he were alive today, he would tell me to stop playing it safe and pursue every dream I want, and to post without hesitation. Losing him was not the only reason for my lack of words, but it was one of many catalysts for my writing burnout—and a period of reflection, which I probably needed. I’m now at the age he was when he passed away, and I’m finally ready to dive back in again. 
 
Above is one of my favorite watercolors of Jack’s. More on novel #3 and screenplays coming soon.

It's official! IN THE VANISHING HOUR is an audiobook, thanks to my awesome publisher, Encircle Publications, and the lovely voice of Melora Kordos. The audiobook is available on Audible at the following link: 
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https://www.audible.com/.../In-the-Vanishing.../B0CSPRFYC6

After a busier than expected 2023, I'm happy to report the audiobook for IN THE VANISHING HOUR is in the home stretch! In less than two weeks, the book will be available on Audible from Encircle Publications.

It's been a fun (and surreal) process listening to my words read by the lovely voice of Melora Kordos, who is a multi-talented actress, director, writer, and voice artist. I'm so honored to have her on board. You can check out her other work, and listen to a sample of the audiobook on her website.

The audiobook may land sooner than later, so stay tuned for release day. In the meantime, here's a fun teaser I created on my Facebook page. 

Thank you to Discover Books for featuring my books in their newsletter! Discover books is an online shop and blog dedicated to sharing all things books and authors. They offer exclusive discounts and a newsletter for subscribers.
I'm honored to be included! You can visit their website at: https://discoverbooks.com/​
 

I tend to write mini-sized reviews of the books I read, and I don't do it often enough. As an author, I know that even just a few words can mean the world, and just a rating is appreciated. I've fallen behind on reading and reviews, so here are a few words about Shelley Burbank's wonderful novel, so long overdue. 

Lively is a fitting name for the main character of Final Draft: An Olivia Lively Mystery by Shelley Burbank. Olivia, who calls herself Liv, is the smart, vivacious character at the center of this realistic world. She fights for truth and stands up for herself, while also leaving time in her busy schedule to help friends. She’s insatiably curious, always three steps ahead in her mind, sometimes inspecting others with a healthy dose of doubt. It was that honesty I loved about the novel—Olivia’s observations about others, not without the occasional opinion, suspicion, or other human traits. This inquisitive, tangential mind is what makes Liv as a private investigator not only credible but intriguing. Burbank isn’t afraid to show her supporting characters’ weaknesses too—the subtle mind games, the clever subtext and body language that is so well illustrated. The writing is strong and descriptive, and moves along effortlessly, inviting the reader from place to place. I enjoyed following Liv on her investigation, and around the beautiful city of Portland, Maine. The novel is part mystery, part domestic drama, with a touch of romance and a lot of spirit. I’d be happy to follow Liv on another journey, or to read anything Shelley Burbank writes. 

You can purchase the book through the review link on BookBub.

Happy April! I'm so excited about this featured interview in WE Magazine for Women by Heidi Richards Mooney. Heidi is a publisher, editor, small business marketing expert, and creator of this wonderful magazine. I'm honored to have IN THE VANISHING HOUR showcased on this week's home page. Thank you, Heidi! 

I adore this cover for the German edition of THE ONE TRUE OCEAN, out now in eBook from DotBooks! The new title translates to THE OLD HOUSE BY THE SEA, which I love because it speaks to the novel’s gothic, romantic side. Thank you to DotBooks for bringing my first novel back to readers across the sea.