I intended to make a Meanderings post yesterday and then…
Well, I didn’t. It was Labor Day in the United states and an official holiday. I honestly had no idea where the holiday originated until I read Nicholas Rossis’ post on Story Empire. It’s quite interesting.

Today’s post will be short and sweet. I wanted to let everyone know I will have a guest author on Thursday that I think you’ll enjoy meeting. Hope you’ll stop by to support her.
On the writing front, I finished the final read-through for Painting Christmas and sent it off to the editor! This one really feels like a victory.
I told someone yesterday, it feels like I am trying to cram writing and publishing books in between all the work hours. If I was younger, I could probably do a better job. But I’m not and I have to keep working, so it is what it is. Will I write another book? I don’t plan to start a new project anytime soon. I need a minute to take a breath AND to finalize some other book projects I’ve been putting off for months.
When I republished The White Rune Series, I never finished setting them up for paperbacks. I know some authors don’t ever bother with print books, but since I still attend in-person events, I need to have a way to order copies. So, I’ll be revisiting that abandoned project and get it done. I’ve never been satisfied with the AI generated cover for Ghostly Interference, so will also be revisiting that as well. I have a few ideas.
Oh, did I tell you that “Fringes, Heartstrings and Lyrics” is named as a finalist in the Page Turner Awards? Well, shame on me!

The family is all doing well, so nothing on that front. I continue to take Sydney to physical therapy and hopefully, she’ll be walking without the boot soon!
Folks, I said this would be short and sweet, and so it is. But I’ll leave you with this thought.

And I had to pull a card. It’s seems to fit for me since I finished the Painting Christmas manuscript.

The Four of Wands is all about celebrating a victory, a homecoming or reunion. In my case, I’ll celebrate finishing the little book that almost wasn’t. 🙂 What are you celebrating?
Have a great week and hope to see you on Thursday!
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Congrats on the award, Jan! You have been busy, and I love the motivation in the image. I’m waiting to hear back on some contests I entered and my second children’s book that I submitted to a small publisher. The waiting is so much fun, isn’t it? 🙂 And I’m celebrating having my son home for a visit. Take care and good luck on all your projects!
Thank you, Lauren, for all the good wishes. Fingers crossed for a win for you with your children’s book! How wonderful that you get to have your son home for a visit. Family time is so precious!
You’re welcome, Jan, and thank you too!
These little celebrations, no matter how small, really help us along. Congratulations again on Fringes!!! That’s excellent and I’m so proud of you, sister!
Yes, they do, sister. Thank you for stopping by! Love you!
Hi Jan, congratulations on the book award nomination and on finishing your short story. I’m also very busy with my new book with the published and Tanka Sunflower underway. I also have another cake book in progress. I like the card. I’m celebrating feeling settled in my new job. The change was hard but I think it’s worth it.
It’s a busy life, Robbie! Glad you are feeling settled in the new job and congratulations on all the upcoming projects!!! Thank you for visiting!
Sounds like you have a lot going on. Hope you can take a pause and get on top of everything.
Maybe someday, Craig. 🙂 The saying, “I’ll rest when I’m dead” has taken on a whole new meaning. I just need a pause to regroup.
Sending your book to the editor is the best feeling, congratulations! I’m celebrating finishing the first draft of my second book very soon 😊
Whoo hoo!! That’s great news, Pooja. I will b anxiously waiting for your new book. Thanks for dropping by!
Thank you and I’ll be waiting for yours as well!
Congrats on sending your book off to the editor, Jan
Thanks so much, Toni!
I also had no idea where the Labor Day originated until I read Nicholas Rossis’ post on Story Empire. Quite interesting. You certainly have a lot to celebrate. Congratulations on sending Painting Christmas to the editor and congratulations on “Fringes, Heartstrings and Lyrics” named as a finalist in the Page Turner Awards.
The Story Empire post was quite enlightening, wasn’t it, Thomas? Thanks so much for stopping by and for all the good wishes!
Congratulations on being a finalist with this book, Jan, and all the best for preparing the paperback. Glad to hear that Sydney’s on the mend, and that you’re keeping busy in so many ways. Best wishes for it all and thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thanks so much, Laura! I appreciate you stopping by!
Congrats on the progress you’re making. I could blog while working, but I didn’t start writing until after I retired.
Thank you for visiting, Dan. Yea. I am trying to juggle a lot. And I am no spring chicken. Still I am grateful. I can’t imagine having nothing to do.
I have a few retired friends in that situation, and it sounds awful to me. Most of my retired friends are busier now than they were when they were working.
Thank you for the update, Jan! Kudos on your progress with Painting Christmas and the Page Turner finalist recognition!!
I am glad that you have submitted your book to the editor, Jan. Moving ahead is the way!
For sure, Balroop. Thank you for visiting!
Congratulations on your award, Jan!
It’s nice to read that you’re doing so well, Jan, even had a book be an award finalist, and your family is doing well too. Have a wonderful week.
Thanks so much, Tim! Happy you dropped by.
It was my pleasure, Jan. 😍 You’re welcome.
Glad all is well, Jan.
Thanks, John.
Ever since I watched Finding Nemo, just keep swimming has been my mantra, Jan. A big congrats on being a finalist and sending your book to the editor. You deserve a double celebration!
Thank you, Teri. Yes, Dory’s mantra is a good one. Nothing to do but keep going. Thanks for visiting and for the congrats!
Congratulations again Jan and delighted your Christmas book is moving through the process and looking forward to reading.. You have taken on a lot more in recent months and you have an amazing family to share all their events with… that has to take priority and you know your fans will be there when you publish ♥
You are so kind, Sally. I appreciate your encouragement and of course, your wonderful support!
How awesome is having your book being an award finalist. And how awesome that you have so much from which to choose when wondering what to do. I know that it can be just as weird as having nothing to do, but to me, it would seem that being able to move from one thing to another, is like a huge circle of creativity in which to dance. Personally, I prefer paperback or hard back books…
You make a great point, Annette. I cannot imagine having nothing to do. It all keeps me going. Thank you so much for your comment!
Yay for finishing your final read-through for Painting Christmas. I hope Sydney is 100 percent soon!
Thanks so much, Priscilla. Appreciate you stopping by.
I had thought to be relaxing, reading all day by this age. Just ain’t happenin’! God’s plan, I think.
Exactly, Jacqui. Who made the rules for this game anyway? 😁 Thanks for visiting!
The Doctor Joyce Brothers quote is perfect!! Thanks.
So glad you enjoyed it, Darlene.