August 01, 2022

At the book launch for All I’m Asking, I talked about how one of the inspirations for my novel came from the long distance email communications between me and my friend, Jen. She and I met online about twelve or so years ago (I live in Minnesota, she lives in Tennessee) and a couple of years after that we took a risk and decided to spend two weeks together in Guatemala.

It wasn’t our first time meeting in real life. It was the second. That’s how confident we were in our friendship. I mean, smarter people would have maybe chosen a shorter trip because what if we’d had completely different traveling habits? What if week two was hell together?

But of course, it wasn’t. (Although, it’s given me an idea for a story, now!) In fact, we took three more trips together after that (Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Peru) and several States-side long weekends, including blending our families together on a couple of different occasions, too. As it turns out, we are fantastic travel partners. We share similar attitudes and curiosities and complement each other in planning and in-country decision-making. After that first trip to Guatemala, we decided to do a trip together every couple of years. 

We had to miss our 2020 adventure, but finally got to play it out last month in Belize. It was an amazing trip with both jungle and beach adventures (including snorkeling–a first for me!). Belize was a beautiful joy and the time together with my friend was a much-needed balm after some wearying years. What an incredible privilege and gift it has been to have these trips. I’m ever grateful.

Do you have a friend (or friends) that make great travel partners? Or what about friends you’ve met online resulting in great in-person meet ups? I’d love to hear about your stories.

Also, we are undecided about our next destination. Ecuador or Argentina? Which would you choose?

Book number two is officially in the publishing works! I’ve finished the first round of edits and revisions from my content editor and y’all, I actually cried when reading through one of the lines in the last chapter, which never happens with me! I cry when reading other author’s books, but not my own! I’m not saying YOU will cry, but I hope you’ll feel “all the feels” with this next book.

As Though You Were Mine has family, friendship, parenting, and love. I don’t really have any idea yet when it will release, but I promise I’m doing my part to keep it sooner rather than later!

In the meantime, if you enjoyed All I’m Asking (or even if you haven’t read it yet), I’d be grateful if you would recommend it to others in whatever way you like to recommend books. An added bonus would be to encourage it for a book club! I’d love to join in for any discussions virtually, or in-person if you’re in the Twin Cities area.

Ever grateful for all of you and being able to do this thing called storytelling. May you have an amazing August.