This month marks my third consecutive participation in National Novel Writing Month. I first attempted it in 2019 with a middle grade novel that I only anticipated would be about 25-30K words. When I finished that project, I was still under the 50K NaNo goal, so I started working on its sequel. I finished it, and reached 50K, three days into December.
However, I learned a lot about myself and my writing through that process. Although this was not my first novel, I credit experience as the kickstart to my writing career.
One year, I kept a running total on my blog for readers to watch my progress. This year, I've learned how to update the bar daily. I am extremely excited about the project I have chosen and I look forward to telling you more about it in my next newsletter.
Are you a writer participating in NaNo? Or have you before? I would love to hear about your experiences. Feel free to share them in the comments below.
But, that is not my only news. Today marks the return of Hartfield Chronicles on its brand new website!
Hartfield Chronicles
Melinda and Pat are both happy to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families. But when rumors of Pat and another girl appear in the celebrity gossip columns, his relationship with Melinda is tested.
Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life. Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal. New episodes are published every Friday.
Here's what you've missed
Episode 58: Melinda tells her mother about her new relationship while Pat tells his siblings.
Reviews from Ashleigh's Bookshelf
For Middle Grade readers
Down with the Dance
C. T. Walsh
Nerdy Austin just wants to survive middle school. Unfortunately, with his popular older brother in his grade and a new principal who has marked him as a troublemaker, surviving is easier said than done. When the Halloween dance is put in jeopardy--more than once--Austin starts to take matters into his own hands to save his school year.
For Romance readers
Pumpkin Spice
Belle Bailey
Marigold can't wait to enter the annual pumpkin pie baking contest, even if it means she will be partnered with a professional chef. However, things get off to rough start when they must first share a vending booth and then determine whose recipe to use for the contest. With the appearance of their rivals, Marigold and Sawyer work doubly hard prove they can make the best pumpkin pie.
Free Books
Honorary Prince
Bonus story in the Royal Family Saga
Honorary Prince is a special bonus book that overlaps Part Three of Billionaire Crown Prince (The Young Princes), features alternate point-of-views of scenes from Billionaire Hero and Billionaire's Brother.
Follow Alex, Jr.'s journey from a rebellious playboy through his tragic car accident when he has a near-death experience, which he calls a journey to paradise, and claims to have been in the presence of God. Witness his transformation dedicating his life to God and speaking out against teen drinking.
Watch him fall in love with Ellen, struggle to maintain the standards God expects of him, and attempt to heal his body and heart.
The Guy From the Library
A sudden puppy short story
She's ready for a new chapter.
Andrea trusts books more than boys. After all, they don’t embarrass you or make mean jokes, and they’re certainly clear about their intentions. But Jackson from the library seems genuinely friendly amidst this sudden puppy situation. Is it possible he could be her next chapter?
"The Guy From the Library" is a short and sweet sudden puppy story, set in the world of Somerville Downs.
Death in the Afternoon
A Fun, quirky, cozy mystery
Crop circles, a dead farmer, and a wet-behind-the-ears reporter. What could go wrong?
Meet Mallory Hemingway, reporter—er, receptionist—for the Harmony Times. Distant cousin to the famous Ernest Hemingway.
She’s got a stuffy, snob of a boyfriend, a overbearing mother, and a boss who thinks she’s best left to answering the phones at the paper.
But a hot tip comes in about a strange crop circle at the Farmer’s Farm down the road and Mallory decides to investigate. When she arrives at the scene, she finds a dead body and now she’s neck deep in a mystery.
As Mallory’s investigation leads her from the farm next door to the giants of the agricultural industry, a dramatic tale of intrigue and blackmail begin to appear, but is she getting too close to the truth?
The farther down the rabbit hole she goes, the more she fears for her own life. She promises herself if she solves this case—or even makes it out alive—she’s taking that caretaker job at the Hemingway House down in Key West and starting a new life.
Want more free books? Check out these giveaways!
Other Books on Sale
Caged Hearts
A Clean forbidden romance
Zoologist Grace Parker is better with animals than she is with people. Trust has been difficult for her ever since her boyfriend cheated on her with a mean girl back in high school. The one constant in her life has always been Mary’s Zoo.
And Ethan Stewart.
Ethan is everything Grace wants in a guy: besides his obvious good looks, his kindness and consideration are difficult to ignore. He’s always known Grace has a unique connection to the animals, and because of him, she gets paid doing something she loves.
But being with Ethan is forbidden. In fact, dating him could have dire consequences for the zoo. On the brink of bankruptcy, the new owners want Ethan to marry their daughter. Ethan is a world-renowned zoologist, and having him not only as part of their staff but part of their family will only make them look more worthy.
Grace must come to terms with these conflicting feelings of love and loyalty if she’s finally going to open her heart to anyone who doesn’t have fur.
Owned by the Alien
A SciFi Alien Romance
Abducted by aliens and bound for a breeding zoo.
I thought things couldn’t get any worse...
I was abducted by aliens.
Yep, you heard me right.
Aliens.
But they’re not little green men.
They’re gorgeous creatures called Titans.
Heaven help me.
Hard. Callous. Cruel.
That’s how the crew describe their captain.
After their attempted mutiny, he comes to me for aid.
Help him recover from their poison and he’ll return me to Earth.
There’s just one catch.
Healing requires the use of my body for one whole night.
If I give him what he needs, will he keep his word?
And will sleeping with him make me his fated mate for all time?
Always On Duty
A Klondike Mystery Novella
A relaxing vacation at sea...what could go wrong?
Officer Cassidy Peck needs a vacation and when her parents can't go, she takes over their cruise tickets and invites her new friend, Caryl-Anne Newsome to go with her. All is good until a passenger is reported missing and Cass has an idea who might be to blame. After all, she's always on duty.
