Is self or trad publishing better? One of the many things zipping through my mind...

Boomerang was just the start. I've got a whole slew of stories. And I'm working on book two.

Yeah, I know. It’s been a little quiet over here — but not because I’ve stopped writing.

Quite the opposite.

This past year or so has been a rollercoaster. I spent seven months back in journalism reporting on mental health issues (and my work was honored with a second-place win for community leadership by the Florida Society of News Editors!). While I loved being back in the trenches of storytelling, for personal reasons, I went back to work for a health care organization that I absolutely love. I'm on the Public Relations team there.

At the same time, I’m still chipping away at my Master’s in Public Relations at the University of Florida (classes resume in August).

I officially joined the 5-0 club in March.

And I’m scheduled for a hip replacement in July. I can't wait to stop sleeping in a recliner with frozen peas on my hip.

Jason Vorhees let me be during my visit. Unless it wasn't a racoon that went through my garbage can.

Add to that the tidal wave of emotions that come with being a mom right now: My daughter recently graduated from UF, where I stayed in a camper alone one night, where I regretted every "Friday the 13th" movie I've ever watched. And that same daughter has moved seven hours away. My son is quite the actor and had one of the leading roles in his high school’s production of Chicago — which feels especially poetic since I was born and raised in the The Windy City. He's graduating high school soon and starts college this fall (where is still up in the air).

Good times.

In short: it’s a lot.

And, no, I’m not ready. Make it stop, for cryin' out loud!

Make it stop!!!

Since Boomerang's release, my mind has been on my next book. I have a whole notebook full of scribbled ideas for future novel ideas, some coming to me in the middle of the night. (Which means I have all kinds of notes in my phone, thanks to my middle of the night, "Hey Siri. Remind me to tomorrow to add [insert plot idea here] to my list of novel ideas." (The best is when it doesn't understand me and I have no clue of what I'm looking at the next day.)

I've just been busy with everyday life.

But I can't ignore the call anymore. There's a story tugging at my heart, and I feel the pull. I must write it. Right now.

So, I am deep into my second psychological thriller. It pretty much fills my weekends. I have no life, to be honest. Here's me tonight.

I love writing books in kava bars. Headphones often required.

I don’t say this lightly: I’m obsessed. The story is dark, emotional and full of the kind of twists that kept even me up at night. I plan to release it in 2026, and honestly? Every time I sit down to work on it, I fall into this world so fully that hours go by without me noticing. I plot. I write. I tinker with chapter outlines. I even make mock covers like a giddy fan — because I just can’t help how excited I am about these characters and where they’re taking me.

As for Boomerang — it’s still finding new readers. It was recently named an Honorable Mention in the 2024 New York Book Festival. I received praise from another contest I entered, where I made it to the top 5% of admissions. A judge broke down what I did right, but also provided some helpful advice about how I could have done differently, which I appreciate. It helps me know that in general, my instincts and structure were pretty good — and areas where I can improve. She said making it to the top 5% was "a significant feat." She also said that judges have personal preferences, as do readers.

"So, if your book has received praise in other arenas, like with general readers, editors, and other contests, and I expect it has, that is wonderful. Your book deserves it." She told me I was "very talented" and get this — she thinks I should go beyond self-publishing and explore trying to get a traditional publishing deal. To keep sending it out. To be stubborn. That Boomerang was better than 99% of novels pitched to publishing houses.

I was verklempt. And still am.

She also told me this:

"Getting traditionally published is just a numbers game with someone like you. Just be stubborn, keep sending the book out to as many places as you can (it's always more places than you think it should be — for every author), and it will happen."

My heart skipped a beat. And still does when I look at that email in my moments of frustration. It reinforced the feeling I have in my gut — I was born to do this. And I'm going to keep writing, no matter what, till the day I die.

Despite all I've read or discussed with others, I'm starting to wonder if self or trad publishing is better.

Or at least try.

Thanks to all my readers...and reviewers (even the haters)

That email alone would’ve been enough to keep me smiling for weeks — but then I saw this five-star Amazon review from a reader, (I usually try not to read them at the risk of being discouraged) and my heart just about burst:

“10/10 recommend! This book kept me guessing until the very end! So many twists, so many turns! I couldn’t put it down!”— JW, Verified Purchase, March 24, 2025

So that’s where I’ve been. Full-time job. Grad school (sometimes). Empty nest prep. Bum hip that keeps me up half the night. Midlife milestones. Emotional whiplash...but also the beautiful escape of crafting something brand new. Thanks to feedback I've gotten about my first novel, I know what to do (and what NOT to do) moving forward.

Thank you for sticking with me. Truly.

I can’t wait to share more soon.

I promise. It'll be worth the wait.