Writing Update…

Um, there’s not much to say.

Summer ended, the kids went back to school, and the next day my husband was hit by a car while bicycling (see more at the bottom), so there has been little to no writing accomplished this past month. We were living day to day, moment to moment for a while there. I wasn’t exactly in a good headspace to attack my writing goals. I was able to stay on top of Dreamcatcher edits and new submissions for my writing group, and I beta read for a wonderful author. I tried to make headway on Red Hour but I really need a few days in a row of focused effort to get back into the book and I couldn’t make that happen.

During the past few weeks, I focused on my blessings. I listened to my body, heart, mind, and soul and only did critical things on my ‘to do’ list. We went to bed early to rest as much as possible. I did my daily yoga and drank plenty of water to stay strong. With the help of my older kiddos, one of whom can drive, we kept the house clean, the lawn trimmed, laundry at a manageable level and the fridge stocked. The kids steadily moved forward in school and during extra-curricular activities.

I’ve been more of a mood reader than ever, putting down good books simply because I didn’t have enough energy or attention span. Thank goodness for audiobooks and a fav author’s backlist, so I could still escape into books during the first two weeks post-accident.

I’m glad I’m still home full-time and could flex to take care of my family in a new way after the accident without the added complication of an offsite FT job. My reader, writer, full-time mom life is a wonderful gift that I don’t take for granted. Now that things are starting to get back to normal, I’m attempting to dedicate time for querying and finishing Red Hour.

Below is my Instagram post from a week after the accident:

PSA: Share the Road 🚴🏻‍♂️

For drivers, sharing the road begins with the understanding that bicyclists and motorcyclists have the same rights as you. In 2022, 1,105 bicyclists died in traffic crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Share. The. Road. 

When there are two lanes, move over and pass safely. If you can’t pass safely, slow down and wait.

It’s been a rough week. My husband is an avid bike racer and was on a routine training ride last Saturday morning with a dear friend when they were both struck from behind by a car.

It was 6am but already light outside. Both bikers were in the right lane riding single file with bright flashing lights on the backs of their bikes. There was a left lane for other traffic to use. A semi truck was in the left lane safely passing their bikes when an impatient car driver whipped around the back of the truck, wanting to pass it in the right lane, and slammed into both bikers.
 
The driver thankfully stayed and took responsibility, so we don’t have the added complication of a hit-and-run scenario. A security guard at a factory immediately ran over to help. An off-duty paramedic was passing by and stopped to help stabilize them. Ambulances and police came swiftly and they both received good medical care. When hard things happen, looking for the helpers adds some light.

We are so thankful they both survived but they have a long road ahead to recover from their injuries, and this obviously impacts work/financial health as well as physical/emotional health.
 
Drivers, please please please pay attention to the road and make safe decisions. A person’s life could be at stake.