It's My Stroke-aversary
On March 5, 2018, I survived a severe hemorrhagic stroke. I do not recommend this as a productivity hack, yet it actually had that effect with my writing because it stripped away the illusion that I have unlimited time. Every year on this date, I celebrate my survival because statistics don’t get the final word in my story. When you come face-to-face with your own mortality, you stop waiting…
On March 5, 2018, I survived a severe hemorrhagic stroke.
I do not recommend this as a productivity hack, yet it actually had that effect with my writing because it stripped away the illusion that I have unlimited time. Every year on this date, I celebrate my survival because statistics don’t get the final word in my story.
When you come face-to-face with your own mortality, you stop waiting for perfect conditions. You write the book, you hug your kids, pet your cats, and tell the people you love how you feel. You understand that fear is loud but temporary. Regret is quieter and sticks around.
Surviving made me braver on the page. I let my characters risk more, love more, lose more. They fight harder. They recognize that they only get this one amazing life and they go for it.
We don’t get infinite drafts in real life. We get today. So if you’re waiting for permission to write the thing living in your head, consider this it. This morning you took a breath and opened your eyes, and there are plenty of people in this world that didn’t share that gift with you today. You’re still here. Use it. Use every bit of it.
The TRAVELER duology is about a girl who steps through mirrors into alternate realities. The idea of a multiverse has always intrigued me, so I have to ask. If you could step through a mirror into an alternate reality, which would you choose:
⚔️ Fantasy Kingdom Epic
🚀 Sci-Fi Adventure
🕰️ Time Travel To The Past
🌎 Same World, But With Hilarious Alterations
A To Z Book Review: The Double Drastic Time Capsule Caper By Van Temple
My letter “D” pick for this year’s A To Z Reading Challenge was THE DOUBLE DRASTIC TIME CAPSULE CAPER by Van Temple. I try to pick one middle-grade or children’s book each year, and I’ve always been pleasantly surprised. This time – not so much. The book centers around a group of quirky friends, ages ten to twelve-ish, who believe their mayor is plotting to steal something valuable out of a time…
Two weeks until the Williamsburg Book Festival! This annual family-friendly event brings together a dynamic mix of authors, poets, speakers, illustrators, and publishers from Virginia and beyond. The 2026 festival will be held from 10 am to 4 pm at the William & Mary School of Education, offering a full day of literary discovery and connection. I'll be there, along with a load of talented people!