As we settle in during the cold, treacherous, winter months, let's not forget what brings us warmth.

... are you thinking? What'd you come up with? What warms your innards? Message me, I'd love to hear.

What warms my insides? A good book. Recent: Cabin at the End of the World. A good twisty, binge-able series. Recent: His & Hers. A good movie. Recent: Twinless. A good soup. Spicy Tomato Basil. A good meal. Stuffed cabbage, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole. Good company. Friends, family, even a drink with a stranger.

So... art steadies my thoughts, food comforts my body, and the right people thaw the coldest corners of my heart.

Updates on my acting and writing projects. Two book festivals coming up in May—Nashville and Knoxville bound.

My fourth book is completely polished and ready for the press. I have ordered a couple copies to visualize and hold in my hands. Proof that it exists outside of my word document and computer. It's crazy to think that two years of grueling work existed only in a tiny folder icon in my computer.

I’ve been working through rewrites with huge help from my editor, Lauren, and sending query letters to agents along the way. Still no requests for manuscripts, which is what finally pushed me to make a decision I’m hoping will give me a bigger swing out of the bullpen (and in the query letter).

I've changed the title of the book.

The Wick Effect is now The Maroon Candle. Please see cover changes (tentative) above. What I've learned is, The Wick Effect is too vague, but also too scientific. It doesn't scream: Pyromaniac serial killer lurking in the remote castle shadows, picking off guests during a wedding event. The Maroon Candle doesn't scream it, either, but it has a more distinctive, visual hook. Slightly classy, slightly sinister. Implications of ritual, mystery, meaning. And it just so happens, the killer leaves a maroon candle at each murder site, their calling card.

With January behind us and February ahead, I’m moving forward in my writing journey, believing these latest tweaks will make a meaningful impact on the road to publication. And through it all, I’ll keep seeking all the things that will provide warmth.

If you've made it this far, thank you. I appreciate your support and for joining me on this dusty, bumpy road called life.

​