A life without love is like a year without summer.

(very wise old proverb)

Not long ago, when a girl asked me how I go about writing a book (as people often do), I began with my usual pat answer – first an idea, then the characters, setting, conflict, plot & chapter outlines, etc – as if there is a specific formula I actually follow. 

The
truth is, it’s not really like that. 

“To
be honest,” I said to her as I paused mid-sentence, “I’m mostly
winging it.” 

Writing is pretty much like living: you have ideas and goals you’d like to pursue, people you’d like to connect with, places where you’d like to live, conflicts you’d like to resolve — but most of the time you’re improvising and revising as you go along.

So WINGING IT, I decided, is the perfect name for my quarterly newsletter, which begins today with this summer edition!

After a very busy spring, including a phenomenal adventure
through New Zealand

Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand

with library and school stops along the way,

Half Moon Bay School on Stewart Island, New Zealand

followed by a trip to see my editor at Carolrhoda Books in Minneapolis,

Carolrhoda Books, a subsidiary of Lerner Publishing Group

I’m now gearing up for my new novel, Fly Back Agnes, which will be released in March 2020! I’ve seen the cover and, I have to admit, it’s my favorite so far.

And luckily my writing partner approves…

In less than two months, I’ll fly over to The Azores where I plan to visit more libraries and a school or two. I’m beyond excited to explore this volcanic paradise!

And I’m already brushing up on the bit of Portuguese I learned decades ago the summer I lived in Brasil …

Campos, Rio de Janeiro

Later in the fall, I’ll head north with Island Readers & Writers to work with students living off the coast of Maine and in Washington County.  This will be my third time traveling with IRW and I can’t say enough about the phenomenal work this unique literacy organization does for Maine kids!

Dennysville, Maine

Part of my visit is being generously sponsored by the Ferguson Foundation, who will match donations.

To learn more about IRW grants and how you can help, please check them out here.

By the way, you can still find me on Facebook, Twitter, and now on Instagram — I’d love to follow you!

So that’s my slice of news from this tiny corner of the world. If you get a chance, let me know what you’re up to this summer in the comments section below — especially what you’re reading! I’m finishing up Becoming by Michelle Obama (powerful and inspiring) and starting The Overstory by Richard Powers. Any recommendations?

Thank you, as always, for checking in and for the many years of support!

May your summer be memorable and your memories filled with summer.

Lake Kezar

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