Do
you want the long version or the short version?
Just
kidding… long version it is.
Over
the past few weeks, well, chaos would be a good word to use for
description. Both of my sisters arrived for visits of varying
lengths. My parents celebrated their fiftieth anniversary. And…
yup… Life Won’t Pass Me By and Conversations
are in the process of being edited and assembled for release.
(Not a bad grouping for surface scratching. Side note: Lawn needs
to be mowed and there is a ton of laundry piling up.)
It
has been almost four years since we have been able to get the
entire family together (and counting), and about two years since
we have assembled the majority of the group. Since the process
to bring us together begins with planning cross-country and international
travel, we try to take advantage of it when the stars do align.
So… past three weeks… card playing, dinners, driving, shopping,
driving, various adventures, lunches, driving, craft projects,
LOTS of clam chowder and clam cakes, and more.
That
doesn’t mean a good amount of work hasn’t been taking place though.
Books are being edited and finalized. And here’s where a few things
stand right now…
Life
Won’t Pass Me By
I
had been chasing a July release for this effort, but I am switching
things up. A proof copy of the book revealed a couple of issues…
small issues, but things I want adjusted.
The
text is done… cover wrapped up… and I think everything is now
in place (just waiting on a new proof copy). I feel very comfortable
announcing that Life Won’t Pass Me By will be out on
August 8, 2017.
Here’s
an image that is being used for the cover. Jay created it a few
years ago for Terry and I.
Conversations
August
22, 2017. That’s the release date of this effort.
I
wanted a bit of separation from Life Won’t Pass Me By…
wanted to get it out ahead of this year’s National Buy Bob’s Book
Day festivities… and everything in general is going well.
Over
the next few days I will be sharing a bit more about both of these
projects. Moving along…
Writing
& Books
In
addition to releasing the two new efforts, plans are being made
for some appearances. Signings and readings are being scheduled.
And, a new workshop is being designed and set up.
Later
this month I will be announcing the first wave of specifics… which
will include details about the first three dates of A Writer’s
Workshop, which have pretty much been finalized.
Keep
up on all things writing by checking out the sections in that
area of the In My Backpack site.
Local
Friends for Local Business
The
July effort has begun. Continuing with the recently adjusted,
now full-month design, Sum-Sum-Summertime is the challenge theme
and it continues until July 31st.
What
things do you enjoy doing in the summer? Is there a specific food
stand that opens seasonally or serves a specific type of food?
Do you head out to a specific park for a picnic, take a boat ride,
or participate in some outdoor adventure?
The
summer celebrates what it offers in ways other seasons cannot
imagine. The longer days and warmer weather, getting outdoors
for yardwork and grilling, activities with friends… the list has
no end.
Sum-Sum-Summertime
is looking at all things summer fun. The cravings, activities,
people and food and more.
ComplemenTerry
Designs
It
honestly doesn’t seem possible… but it’s true… the next wave of
craft fairs and community festivals and holiday events is approaching.
We’ve already confirmed our participation in two events for the
annual Fall-Harvest-Christmas run. We should have specifics posted
soon, and expect to add at least one more to what likely will
be a slightly abbreviated schedule.
Even
with a reduced in-person-cars-on-the-road run, you can reach out
to us if you have special requests. The lights are on over the
crafting tables… the elves are busy… and it’s never too early
to think about some decorations for your home.
Actually…
even though that covers it nicely enough… that is the short version
of things after all.
Family
visits… book releases… community activities… calendar of events…
and that’s just the start.
Two
brand new books coming up in August. I have lots of details to
share about those projects as the release dates approach.
In
the next couple of days, I will have at least two new essays to
share.
This
fall, a strong run of travel and appearances kicks off.
And
I’m looking forward to sharing some of the information about all
of this with you.
July
is going to be a massive turning point for things. Thanks for
hopping on for the ride.