PUSH, PULL &...

..PRESS ON! That’s what the last month has been like on my end. Between yet another book deadline VERY rapidly approaching (= only 4 more full days to get the first full draft of this manuscript done); run two races (= I did a 5k and half marathon this weekend); and continue house hunting (= I have put in offers on homes, then been outbid, for 3 consecutive weeks). So yeahhh, I have been feeling a bit more ON EDGE lately. Luckily I have also had more than a few ‘mood boosts’ in May. Today, in fact, I was the featured author on WORT FM’s “Madison Book Beat” hosted by Lisa Malawski. Being able to chat about two of my books that were released in 2023 (“Moving & Grooving to Fillmore’s Beat” and “Macro Cooking Made Simple”), as well as share a few poems, was an unexpected invitation that I’m glad to have accepted.

I am equally grateful to Black Oxygen host Angela Russell for having me on as a guest recently too. Our conversation simply flowed from one passion of mine to the next. Give this episode a listen the next time you could use a laugh — or two — in addition to a few stellar reading recommendations. And if you’re left feeling like you could use a bit of ‘writerly advice’ from me in real time, pop in to the Kid Lit Publishing Practicum I am facilitating online during Lighthouse Writers Workshop’s annual LitFest on June 11. Or if you have more general ‘income generating’ questions, check out my latest blog for The Loft Literary Center (= get A LOT of the tea about how much $$$ I make as a writer). Then chat with me in real time during this virtual “sampler class” for more pro freelance tips.

Speaking of samples, west-bourne had me the minute I saw the chic minimalist aesthetic of the products I received for culinary testing. The eco-conscious brand’s Organic Extra Virgin Avocado Oil is currently a staple in my kitchen, plus I am looking forward to the first long, summer evening under the stars that I can pop on this hand-dyed sweatshirt created in collaboration with Upstate. (*There’s a high probability I’ll have one of these non-alcoholic bevys next to me too!)

So SALUD to more CHILL and CHEER for us all in the weeks ahead. (*You know, after I get the book done…plus close on a house.) All will be well though, as long as I keep my Spring 2024 playlist cued up — and we don’t ultimately end up in a neighborhood like the protagonist family in Shilpi Somaya Gowda’s “A Great Country.” I can’t risk saying anything more unless you want me to ruin this book for you. Just know the rave reviews it has received thus far are 100% deserved. —Rachel

PS: Craving a stellar “book lovers” event to be a part of this year? The Wisconsin Book Festival is now accepting proposals for its annual four-day celebration which will take place October 17-20. (*The submission deadline is June 30, 2024 = Send in your session and author panel ideas SOON!)