October 20, 2022

I’ve worked in education in some form or another for most of my life and mid-October always marks the moment when routines finally settle in for students, teachers, or even support staff like me. In Minnesota, we have what we call “MEA Break”, which is two days off for students and technically two days of professional development for teachers. At least, that’s probably how it started. “MEA” stands for Minnesota Education Association, which was the teacher union that helped put on workshops during the Thursday/Friday every year around the same time in October.

A lot of K-12 schools and even colleges and universities offer a “Fall Break” around now. It’s breathing room after an intense roll back into a specific routine.

For my part, I’m especially grateful for the breathing room this year as I continue to process a recent loss. My father passed away on October 10th, and for any of you who have experienced the loss of a parent (or anyone else close to you, of course), you can understand the many different kinds of emotions that take over whenever they want. If you’re interested in the kind of man he was, you can read about him here. 

Like many parent-child relationships, mine was complicated with him. One thing that wasn’t complicated was that I loved him and he loved me, and I am at peace with that. A tidbit that I discovered when visiting my stepmother earlier this week was that he’d made it about halfway through my debut, All I’m Asking. I did know he was reading it and I also know it was probably a true “labor” of love as it is not his kind of reading on so many different levels. But what I appreciate is that he was trying. I love him for this, too.

“Trying” for anyone we care about is important work. I hope you are able to pause today and consider who is trying for your sake and how you might be trying for others.

On a more uplifting note, I was able to attend a writing retreat through one of my writing organizations (Women’s Fiction Writing Association) and learned gobs of things from publishing trends guru Jane Friedman. Additionally, I met and hung out with so many amazing authors. I’m including a few photos…maybe you’ll recognize one or two.

Did you know? All I’m Asking is currently available in Kindle Unlimited! It will be there through December 14. I may extend that, but that date, at least, is guaranteed. Also, TODAY through Monday, October 24, the ebook version will be on sale through Amazon for $1.99. I wonder if I can ask you to spread the word? I think the book is especially appealing to teachers and maybe this breathing room time (for those who have it) might be just the right time to breeze through this quick read (unless you’re my dad, haha–too soon to joke? I think he’d laugh, too!). If you’re on FB, Twitter, or IG, look for my posts about this deal and share! Word of mouth works great, too. Plus, I have Bingo cards to fill out while reading, just for funsies! Scroll to the end of this email to download it and more info about book club opportunities.

Jane Friedman talked about a question she asked in one of her recent newsletters about books people re-read. I don’t very often re-read books in print anymore because I have this sense of urgency to read so many new books! I have, however, been known to re-listen to books, especially during busy times in my life (such as the start of the school year). A few books I’ve re-listened to include All of Louise Penny’s Chief Inspector Gamache books (NOTE: only the early ones that were read by Ralph Cosham), Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, Book Lovers by Emily Henry, and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.

What about you? What are books you re-read (or re-listen to) and why? I’d love to hear from you and share your answers in my next newsletter.

One of the scenes in All I’m Asking features Naomi, the main character, and her colleagues surreptitiously using Bingo cards during a staff meeting. It seemed appropriate to create one for you to fill out while you’re reading All I’m Asking, too!

Save the image below and print out. I also have a link to different combinations in the event a book club crew might like to use them ahead of their meeting.

Maybe you’re planning on reading All I’m Asking for your next book club? If so, please contact me if you’d like me to visit virtually or in-person (Greater Metro Area of Twin Cities, MN)! I have discussion guide questions on my website and, of course, the link to the group of Bingo cards!

If you've read this far, THANK YOU! Ever grateful for you and your support.