Summer is here!

some news on the audiobook front, too

Let’s start with some images from the Largo Library’s Romantically Ever After Book Fest. On May 2nd, 54 authors assembled and met over 1,500 visitors in just 4 hours! Whew! What an amazing time. Photo credits: Largo Public Library

This was an amazing event and is definitely on my “do it again” list. The energy was just phenomenal. Southwest Floridians really love love… and books.

Were you one of the many who signed up for this newsletter there? Tell me how your finding things as you poke around (past newsletters and posts are available,, just scroll through the top). If you switch to a paid subscription, there’s some audio content as well — and more coming soon (keep reading).

Creatively, I have actually managed some writing. Small steps. Just over 3,000 words during the last week of May. I’m back poking around Jess, Elena, and Eric’s lives (We Three series).

I have also made progress on edits of the magical fantasy novel (and planning book 2 plot points) and the contemporary sapphic romance. Stay tuned!

But what really has gained momentum is audio production. For this first project, I will be reading my stories in Turning In. It’s about three hours for all six stories, plus the front and back matter. My spouse has some audio production skills (and equipment) from his years in a band and has recorded me reading them. And he is now out for the summer (teacher) and has promised me his time.

I thought, as each story is completed, I’d post them in full here for paid subscribers. When all six stories are done, I’ll package it up as an official audiobook and sell it from a store on my website.

Here’s a sample from “The End of the Beginning,” which kicks off Turning In.

I’m hoping to build a fund to hire professional narrators for my novels. So… Six stories, released over six months starting in July. What do you think?

Book Club

I also joined a book club in May. Right now the group is focused on fantasy, and the first book was not really one I’d recommend. The book for this month feels a little more promising. But a bit of social gathering, I think, is going to be good for my mental health.

What are you reading? And would you recommend it?

I will only be at one event this month: June 6, at the Oviedo Mall (Oviedo, Florida), for the Summer Lovin’ Book Festival. I also will be giving a talk, “Beta Reading 101,” that starts at 12 Noon in the Community Room. Perfect for voracious readers.

That’s all for now. Take care.

~ Lara