Hello there, friends! November is the middle of the holiday season- and all the chaos with it. Consequently, so it my life.

Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) are starting to go out for Waiting for Scotland and I’m reaching out the booksellers about keeping it in stock. I also have my first official vendor of Waiting for Scotland! The Violet Fox Bookshop in Virginia Beach has enthusiastically opened up preorders for the book and is also currently working on a review of it. Many thanks to Emily for being an amazing support! While I do not mind if you order through Amazon, I will be making a specific and concerted effort to support local booksellers. Therefore, I will share the bookshop.org link more frequently when providing preorder options. I do my best to support local economies so that our money goes to good places and people!

I’m also preparing for book signings, so if you have suggestions, let me know! I am willing (and eager) to travel, so it doesn’t have to be local to me. Just within reasonable driving distance. Already, I’m delving into opportunities in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Hoping for some Pennsylvania spots as well.

In addition, I’m also preparing for a virtual book tour and designing merch! You all will get first access to Waiting for Scotland merch, which includes tote bags, notebooks, and mugs as voted upon by you all, my dear friends! Yes, hoodies will be included. It’s hoodie season, and I intend to keep you all warm. Be on the lookout for an email about the opening of the store. I really can’t wait to share it with you.

These pre-launch days are full of technical work, and I do my best to juggle it. Even with the responsibilities of everyday living and preparing to move house during the Christmas season. After publishing three books, I certainly feel more prepared about launching this newest one. Though admittedly, it still terrifies and intimidates me.

Well, it’s looking like we won’t move into our new farm until closer to Christmas. To build is to be delayed, I think. So, we’ll just roll with it. In the meantime, we work on clearing the overgrowth to install pasture fencing. So, here’s a pic from the opening fox hunt at Bacon’s Castle for your patience with tedious news.

Rosa and I competed in our first official AERC sanctioned 50-mile endurance race at the Sand Hills Stampede in SC and did really well. (Cover photo is a photo of us on race day.) She was a champ and had great scores for her well-being. And we did it in the rain, too. So we had quite the adventure. And, Rosa and I have ridden over 1,000 miles since Jan. 1 of this year, which is remarkable considering she wouldn’t move forward under saddle in April 2021. We hit that mile-marker during the race, too! Many thanks to my friend, Mary Howell, for being an excellent endurance mentor. And for her patience with us. Hoping Tim and Manny can join on the next race!

Things are going to just get busier and busier! But I’m grateful for you all and your constant support. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy of Waiting for Scotland. Pre-sales are quite important to authors, as it boosts the book’s visibility. Many reviewers and readers rely on word of mouth and personal endorsements over official reviews, so it’s vital for you to share your thoughts and excitement with friends and family in person and on social media.

I’m still keen on the idea of making this book a bestseller. While I’m working towards that, it can’t be done without your support. And most of all, thanks for being here through the journey.

This November, I am so very grateful for you.

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