Dear reader,
I’m writing to you from my sunroom where I’ve got hot coffee in my favorite mug and our new puppy sleeping at my feet.
When the whole world feels chaotic, it’s those little things that keep me grounded. At least for a moment.
I haven’t written a newsletter in a long time. But the more regular social media stresses me out, the more I think I’d like to connect with readers here instead. I can’t promise how frequently I’ll write, but I’d like to at least say hello now and then and let you know what I’ve been up to.
One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is to slow down. Not just in writing, but in everything. I have a friend who once told me to “do less, more often,” and I’ve taken that to heart. So I expect that my newsletters will be fairly simple—fancy graphics and headlines and all of that will likely be minimal.
Writing-wise, I’ve been working on a new book that excites me as much as it terrifies me. It’s a gothic psychological suspense novel I’m currently referring to as Amy. I haven’t sold it yet because I’m wanting to finish the book first. (Usually I try to sell books on proposal.) This is a big jump for me genre-wise, so I want to feel confident in my ability to pull it off before I try to get a publisher on board.
The writing itself is going slowly. This book requires a lot more planning and plotting than in Romance. But I’m finally enjoying writing again, and I think that’s what matters most.
I’m also enjoying reading again! Part of writing in a new genre means reading in a new genre. I’ve been reading a lot of classics I haven’t read before, like Rebecca, Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights, and The Haunting of Hill House. I’ve also started reading some contemporary horror novels, so if you have any recommendations, please share them with me! My current read is The September House by fellow Berkley author, Carissa Orlando.
Other things I’ve been up to: crochet, hiking, and a ton of genealogy research. Something I feel proud of is tracking my maternal line back twelve generations!
Please enjoy the puppy tax below.
Until next time!
XO, SGR
Sarah, you're back, baby! I understand what you mean by exhausting social media. Every time I log in, it's like bleh. I'm so grateful for this new post. I've been dipping into the "that's the butts" archive for some inspiration. Still working on my zero draft. I'm 20k away from a full novel...by word count anyway. LOL. I've been so used to being working higher ed admin woman (which is fun in this climate /s), and I think I've lost my writing soul a little. Trying to get it back. PS- the puppy is freaking cute!
❤️