In the gold rush days of self-publishing, circa 2014, I would meet an author friend for writing dates. I was four books into my historical romance career and working a day job related to ebook publishing. She was writing full-time, which seemed like the dream. We met up punishingly early to write before my commute. We hung out at wine bars and wrote until closing. Sometimes we would drive to Half Moon Bay or Sonoma and check into fancy hotels for writing weekends. It felt like I was writing all the time, in bars and coffee shops all across San Francisco.
Iowa really sounds like a different country--and I speak as someone who has lived in other countries. But that is the thing about countries of any size, isn't it, that parts of it would seem entirely foreign to people in other parts. Also, the bargain hunter in me is squealing at the 90%+ discount on the fancy water, even though my regular policy is to stay away from bottled water. (She says, while guiltily eyeing the canned, store-brand sparking water on her pantry shelf because it just taste so good on a hot day and there had been so many scorchers this years.)
It really does feel like a different country here. Writing this blog is helping me to wrap my head around that feeling, but on some level the differences feel inexplicable.
And if you ever visit, I will take you to the discount store to see what wonders we might find that day!
Thank you!! I definitely felt a pang of nostalgia when I looked at the notebook in the picture and realized which book it was from. I think I prefer my second series now, but those first books were so important to me. I’m glad you enjoyed them so much!
I wish the Milwaukee conference was still happening - I loved the time we spent there! You all made me feel so welcome and I’ll always cherish those memories ❤️
Iowa really sounds like a different country--and I speak as someone who has lived in other countries. But that is the thing about countries of any size, isn't it, that parts of it would seem entirely foreign to people in other parts. Also, the bargain hunter in me is squealing at the 90%+ discount on the fancy water, even though my regular policy is to stay away from bottled water. (She says, while guiltily eyeing the canned, store-brand sparking water on her pantry shelf because it just taste so good on a hot day and there had been so many scorchers this years.)
It really does feel like a different country here. Writing this blog is helping me to wrap my head around that feeling, but on some level the differences feel inexplicable.
And if you ever visit, I will take you to the discount store to see what wonders we might find that day!
Those 4 books will always have a special place in my heart. It is time for another reread!
Thank you!! I definitely felt a pang of nostalgia when I looked at the notebook in the picture and realized which book it was from. I think I prefer my second series now, but those first books were so important to me. I’m glad you enjoyed them so much!
I mean, I love those too! But those first 4 bring back so many good memories and meeting you!
I wish the Milwaukee conference was still happening - I loved the time we spent there! You all made me feel so welcome and I’ll always cherish those memories ❤️
Your closing line made me laugh out loud. Beautifully written as always, Sara.
Thank you! And it’s so good to see your name in my inbox 🤗