Super late, but I attended the San Francisco's Writers Conference back in February. One of the most memorable experiences I've had. The price tag was pretty hefty so I volunteered instead (life pro tip: you can volunteer to get into most festivals or conferences, even Coachella). I did all my required volunteer work and was able to attend some sessions I truly believe have made me a better writer. Most importantly, I came out of it with some incredible new friends.

Finally going to pitch my thriller book to agents. I think I waited far too long though. I wanted to pitch it earlier this year, but kept waiting for feedback, and my personal life took a huge shift. In a good way.

In other news, my mini mini TikTok got the attention of some agencies and publishers. I'm now offered early screeners for movies and Macmillan books has sent me some packages. I'm part of two creator programs, too. I never intended to get any attention for my BookTok, but hey, I'm not complaining in the slightest. It actually feels rewarding.

Feel like I've been on planes far longer than I've been in a car these past few months. I do love traveling though and feel fortunate I get to do it for work fairly often.

In between all the work travel, I took a vacation to Barcelona, Spain with a few friends. Much needed filled with tapas, sangria, and pleasant weather. Definitely want to come back.

All the time on planes meant I read quite a few books, so got my TBR list down. Of course, I then added more to the list. Been focusing a lot of my time on my BookTok channel, too. It's something I look forward to every few days because I have a lot of fun doing it.

I was able to complete three more chapters in the sequel to The Clean Slate Act. Every time I feel like marketing the first book out more, I stop myself because I really do want there to be a sequel first. Right now, it's still just for me, but I've seen a few more people pick it up!

In October, I also attended the Gotham Writers Conference where I was able to talk about my standalone I've been working on. Based on the feedback, I'm editing quite a bit of it and will formally pitch it soon.

Not sure if anyone will read this, but that's what I said about The Clean Slate Act and it seems that a few have picked it up (I cried). While I get lost in the query trenches for a romantic thriller I've completed, I thought I should document my self-publishing journey for The Clean Accords. A trilogy I've spent 10 years planning.

I'm already writing the second book in the series, having outlined each chapter about a year ago. I've completed 19 chapters, or at least the first draft of those chapters. It definitely won't take another 10 years to finish this one as I finally have a full plan. I envision myself completing the first draft in a few months.

I've been having a lot of fun introducing chapters for three more characters that didn't have PoVs in the first book. Whether they'll all remain or get chopped in the end is up in the air. I did end up chopping two PoVs in The Clean Slate Act after all. Can you guess who?

If you're reading this, thanks for the support. I truly mean it.

The picture on the left was during a much-needed relaxation retreat in Bali. It helped me finally decide to publish The Clean Slate Act.