It’s been an interesting month, to say the least. Last week I drove over to St. Pete Beach for the annual writer’s conference that I’ve started going to. It was my fourth year and I had a blast hanging out with my author friends, going to all of the writing and advertising sessions, and meeting new people. Missy always drives over on Friday and brings the boys for the weekend to have fun at the beach. Great memories were made!
While at the conference, I kept hearing rumblings about this hurricane called Ian making its way toward Florida. The track even had it making a beeline for St. Pete Beach for a while, so the impending storm was on everybody’s mind. We drove home on Sunday then the next night they evacuated the hotel, so we made it out just in time!
Ian hit early yesterday morning. Before it did, I picked up my mom when there was a lull between two of the feeder bands and managed to get home safely with plenty of food, snacks, and most importantly, coffee. Then we settled in and hunkered down…
Everyone is safe. No damage to our house, except for maybe some shingles we’ll have to get checked out. Lots of flooding at the entrance to our neighborhood, so we’ve been staying put until it recedes some. I’m very thankful. It could’ve been a lot worse!
As far as my new story goes, Blake Jordan #9 is coming along. My update last month was that I had just finished the first draft, and as I type this, I’m almost finished with the second draft. Then I’ll write a third and final draft, then I’ll send the manuscript to my amazing editor. It’s always exciting to see the story start to take shape with each draft.
Thanks to those who reached out to check in this week. I have the best readers! -Ken