Rockin' and Rollin' All Week Long

Hello Foxes,

As always, it’s lovely to talk to you all again. I hope you’re doing well.

With the sweltering temperatures we’ve had lately, my never-ending quest for the perfect summer beverage is even more urgent. While I am addicted to tea (especially fig leaf tea), I’m adding coffee spritzers to the rotation this week. I will report back on whether or not this version with the orange zest becomes a staple.

Meanwhile, for those in the same hemisphere as me: what are you doing to stay cool? I’d love some tips and tricks. Our million year old A/C unit bit the dust, and we’re not quite ready to invest in another one just yet. We do have a portable one and a collection of window fans, but I’m probably overlooking some simple things we could do to keep things cool around here.

I’ve been diligently writing away this week. I even started my third rockstar romance—twice! No, that’s not a typo. I really did start this book over.

While working on this story, I went back to the opening and re-read it. There wasn’t anything wrong with it, really. It was fine. But that was the problem. It was just fine, you know? As the kids say, the vibes were off.

I stepped away from it to give it a bit of breathing room, and figured out what I wanted to do instead. I changed the POV and started in a different place. Right away, it felt SO much better. I’m extremely happy I listened to my gut and wasn’t afraid to set the old version aside. It makes for a much stronger start.

And those words in the old version of the chapter were not wasted, per se. Writing them helped clarify a few backstory issues for me, which will inform the characters going forward without needing to take up space on the page.

(BTW, this upcoming story is Shred’s book. He’s the bassist in my band. Just for fun, I’ve started a Pinterest board with some inspiration photos.)

That’s all from me for now. Until next time, I hope you are safe, comfortable, and with those you love.

XO,

Nika S

Wordmistress and Coffee-Spritzing Nerd