The fourth novel is written. Not exactly done, I guess, since it’s right back to work tomorrow morning doing some cleanup and rewrites, but it is WRITTEN. I will not miss my deadline. I did it. My plan I set up for making up lost ground this summer fucking WORKED. It’s a banner day.

This book was interesting. It was, for the first time, easier. Truly. I put this book together with far less angst and anxiety, and it’s turned out well. I’m happy with it. Some of the stuff in this story slaps. I don’t think people will see it coming, and I think most readers will be pumping their fist in a “fuck yeah” by the time they get to the end.

Joy snoozing next to me. Liz is watching TikTok on her phone. Coops is down by our feet, snuggling. Life is good.

I got a nice little nap in today after finishing and sending it off to my cowriter.

Oh! Live pupdate: Joy just rolled over to put her head up against my arm and let out a big, contented sigh. Squeeeeeee. She’s such a little cuddle bug. And she wakes up every morning with the sweetest kisses on my face.

Played a little bit of Stray. That’s something I want to do a little bit more, play video games. Not a ton. But a little bit. Lately, it’s been not at all. First it was the move, and then it was Coco. It’s been like two years since I really played a game. Ride my bike. Fix up the front and back yards for real. Yeah. And still write. I want more balance. Something more sustainable. At least to reach for. I know it won’t be perfect; I know on most projects, at points, I’ll really just have to buckle down and get shit done…but I definitely can get into more of a steady flow. Like this blog.

Almost ten years. Damn.

Night night.