Cruel summer (Bananarama’s version); one more time for the cheap seats; those sensational condors; a dazzle of book people.

I probably say this every year, but summer seems to have gone by so fast. Too fast. It feels like it barely started!

I’ve enjoyed many special moments the past couple of months, including my granddaughter Abby’s graduation, time spent with family, a summer vacation in Monterey, and a couple of trips to Los Angeles.

I’m heading to Pasadena for a book launch party this afternoon. But after that, the only thing left on my summer calendar appears to be a dentist appointment Tuesday. Nothing says the good times are over quite like a trip to the dentist.

If you haven’t already, or if you have but would like to choose a second option, please take a minute to weigh in on the best days and times for one-hour accountability meetings and AMAs in September. Thank you for your help!

Summer may be over, but wildfire season is not. The Timber Fire broke out in eastern Monterey County on August 8th. As of this morning, the wildfire has burned over 7,500 acres and is 29% contained.

The Timber Fire initially posed a threat to condor nests and left two condors (340 and 868) trapped in an enclosure near the condor sanctuary in the Ventana Wilderness. The adult condors were in the final stages of recovering from lead poisoning. Rescuers traveled up to the remote pen to release the trapped birds. They have since flown to the Pinnacles, out of harm’s way, and the nests are no longer in danger.

In other news, Condor 161, who was released into the Central Coast wilderness as a chick in 1997, spent the next seven years in the Big Sur area, then moved to southern California in 2004 … recently returned to Big Sur after 22 years away!

“Biologists are thrilled but mystified by her sudden homecoming.”

—Kelly Sorenson, Executive Director, Ventana Wildlife Society

Maybe condors get a little nostalgic as they grow older, too?

You can find me and lots of my writer friends at the “Best Conference in the West,” the Central Coast Writers’ Conference, September 25th & 26th. Two whole days filled with workshops, panels, books, and book people! I hope to see you there!

XOXO,

Leanne

P.S. Speaking of books, I recently stopped in at Librairie, the smallest brick & mortar bookshop in Los Angeles. In this Thursday’s newsletter, I’ll tell you all about it.

Leanne Phillips
Writer | Book Coach | Editor
​leannephillips.com

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