Thanks for stopping by SGL again, my friends! I’d not intended it to be a year since the last update, but here we are. Grab a favorite drink and get cozy to hear me chat away about my latest doings!
Amelia has been out for over a year now and is available in more than six locations around Oregon, not to mention online of course. About a hundred copies have sold since it released in late February, 2025.
The next installment, Georgia, is currently out with an editor, giving me a lovely little break to work on the third installment, Harrison.
Harrison is coming along pretty well – getting more of his story figured out has been fun. It’s also been essential since we do see him in Georgia. And even if this isn’t a typical series where you must start with book one to have any idea of what’s going on three books in…. the facts must still be the facts all the way through. I’ve always planned that he will go through very hard times, so am working to weave that in with the light of faith and hope.
As for the other writing, I’ve submitted a short story for an anthology and that will hopefully be published this year. It’s the first time I wrote a short story in so many years, I was worried I’d have a hard time keeping within the word limit but, I surprised myself and was well under.
I’ve had some ‘lightbulb’ moments for the fantasy duology I’ve been writing the last few years … read that to mean that it might be becoming a trilogy… and that’s been a lot of fun to dive back into. This will be a Christian fantasy and it’s been interesting to weave faith into a fantasy world. Allegories, anyone?
For crochet, I’ve not created any patterns yet this year like I’d planned, but I have been busy making items! Herringbone Books now graciously stocks some of them, if you’re local, go check them out! Also, I have two upcoming markets in July, so I’ve been getting ready for those. Did I mention that I made a giant octopus?! It was amazing to make but wow – those tentacles took at least ten hours alone. I keep thinking that a giant shark is needed now as a companion for her. (fish are friends, not food) (if you get that reference, we’re definitely already friends, if not, go watch Finding Nemo).
I also made another reversible amigurumi and just absolutely love how they come out. I’m wanting to start making characters from some of my favorites, but I’m so mood driven in my makes…
Personally, I’ve settled into my own space with my dogs and we’re cozy and comfortable here. I’ve been enjoying getting out whenever I can, and have plans to take them on some easy hikes in the next months. Other plans include making shelves for a cupboard and lay a brick patio. Reading has, wonderfully, entered more into my activities, and I’ve found some really lovely books.
I’m working on figuring out gluten free sourdough bread, something I’ve wanted to try for a couple of years, but didn’t have the bandwidth for until recently. Can definitely recommend The Art of Gluten-Free Bread by Aran Goyoaga if you’re wanting to get into it as well.
It’s not something I talk about much, but since it used to be a common topic here on SGL, I’ll do a quick mention that my health is better than I dreamed it’d be. I still deal with fatigue and brain fog but God has been so good to sustain me and heal me.
All in all, a productive whirlwind of a couple of months with hope and promise for the upcoming months. Thanks for joining me on this journey and God bless,
Laura
the start of a good life 