Hello, Darklings!
At the time of this writing, the Earth’s Northern Hemisphere is under the influence of a major geomagnetic (solar) storm. While no catastrophic damage has occurred, it has produced some amazing aurora that have been seen as far south (in the US) as Alabama. My husband and I were out on our back deck last night here on the Oregon Coast and he got some gorgeous pictures. (I can’t take pictures to save my ass, no matter what camera or how many pixels there are. My photos are so bad, they’re a family joke.) If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere and haven’t seen the Northern Lights, you still have a chance for the next two days as the geomagnetic storm is predicted to continue through the weekend.
Sun storms. As though I needed another reason to despise summer. Yesterday was our first 80F (26.7C) day where I live, and I was Not Happy. Now, Oregon weather follows a strict “wait five minutes” policy, in that “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes” and it will change. Today, 24 hours later, the temperature has dropped by 15 degrees. Though still sunny and clear, the temperature is still flirting with numbers beginning with 7, and anything above 70F (21C) is where I draw the line. The blackout/thermal curtains are out and up and I am in the house until September.
Enough about the weather. Let’s talk about something else. Last time we talked about my return to school, and the completion of my first term. I was expecting good grades, and despite some tough spots I did better than expected. (Patrons at the Pen Pal tier and up get to know the actual numbers, so if you’re curious about the details of my degree-seeking adventure, head over there and join the Cool Kids Club!)
Between classes and other life obligations, I’m getting things done here and there. I’m still working on the Midnight Tea Shop novel and hope to have the Silverthorn prequel short (I’m not sure if it will end up as a short story or a novella, but it’s in progress) finished and out by the end of summer (hope!). I have the rough outline, some notes, and part of the introductory chapter to Book II of the World of Attrition series written, so I can officially count that as a WIP (work in progress) now. I am working with my awesome editor and graphic designer on releasing the Stranger Things series as a box set later in the year, but that’s not a priority for either one of us at the moment.
Speaking of my awesome editor, there’s a couple things I’d like your help with.
1) If you’re a cat lover and can spare a few pennies, Skyla could use a hand corralling her horde of wayward creatures. She’s set up a sponsorship page detailing those with the most need, and your help could go a long way toward improving things for the lot of them. There are a multitude of ways to help, so if you’re in a position to do so, it would mean a lot to her, me, and the cats. (I am an absolute sucker for Rodney. I love that derpy orange brat.)
2) She’s still got that Dungeons & Dragons Patreon offer going. When she makes it to 100 Patrons, she’s planning on holding a contest where one lucky winner gets to play in a D&D one shot with her (I’m the Dungeonmaster) at our usual Friday game, so if that’s a thing you’d be interested in, there’s another reason to support her there. Shenanigans may include TNR of an owlbear, the murder of red-headed children (don’t ask), seducing a lich (really, don’t ask), or helping a kitten out of a tree. Or maybe overthrowing a local fascist dictator. Who knows?!
Last but not least, I still have things going on over at Bookfunnel. I haven’t had a chance to participate in any sales or promotions lately, but I will be soon, so stay tuned. I’ll update you as soon as I have more information.
That’s all for now, Darklings!
Enjoy the Daystar, if that’s your thing, or join me in the Lair as I go to ground until all this bright and shiny nonsense passes.
Until Next Time,
Dina
P.S. My neighbor just informed me it’s prom for his daughter tonight, which reminds me I have a Midnight Tea Shop short story all about prom on the Oregon Coast. If you haven’t read it yet, happy prom!