Hello everyone! I’ve missed you so. What a busy start to the year. For REAL.

The truth is, after coming back from my grandfather’s funeral, I still was very very sad and well, I find it hard to be my healthy self when I’m sad. Plus, like I alluded to before, I got some frustrating news about my cholesterol, which I’ve been meaning to blog about, but got so disgruntled about it I haven’t yet. AND when I’m not being healthy, well, then I’m embarrassed to blog on here to you guys. (I know. I’m being ridiculous. Thanks for not judging)

But I will be making more of an effort in these coming months because, well, I REALLY MISS YOU GUYS! Plus, blogging helps me keep track with my own person goals. I lost 30 lbs last year and want to reach my goal this year. I know we can reach our goals together.

I also want to develop the author half of my blog more (which I will make sure doesn’t overtake my healthy recipe side…which I have some INCREDIBLE recipes I need to share with you all ASAP).

But yes, I have quite literally fallen into a writer cave (aka. my living room couch where my husband won’t disturb me if he hears rock violins playing. Yes. Really). On top of my writing job with Samaritan’s Purse (how is it that I’ve already been on two disaster trips already?), I’ve been freelancing up a storm (including taking a bunch of new marketing clients), and I’ve been nose down into my  novel writing.

At the beginning of the year, I started a wonderful relationship with the best editor (and old friend), Katelyn Stark of Stark Contrast Editing who is also the same editor for my very talented friend and fellow blogger of The Newfangled Housewife, Emily Herring Dunn (whose book “Missing” is INCREDIBLE just FYI). We’ve been working on some hardcore revision of my soft sci-fi, young adult novel THE CURED, and I’m just blown away at how polished it’s getting. I really think my next round of beta readers will love it (at least I hope so).

My editor Katelyn and I chatting over coffee to discuss THE CURED. She’s a fabulous editor who believes in having that one-on-one relationship that is hard to find. She’ll Skype with those who live far away. I’m just lucky to live close enough for coffee meetings.

Speaking of which, those who have already signed up to be a First Reader for me will be in for a treat soon. I will be releasing the first five chapters of the latest version of The Cured for beta reading soon (release date to be announced!). So, if you haven’t already, go on and sign up here to be one of the first to get these early chapters. All you have to do is agree to submit a review and your honest opinion. That’s a fair deal, right?

And on top of all my revising with Stark Contrast Editing, I decided to be ridiculous and sign up for Camp NaNoWriMo to help me stay on track with my other sci-fi, young adult novel, EVERGREENED (it’s an addiction people. I swear). But I couldn’t resist when Camp NaNoWriMo advertised that I could be put in a “bunk” with 10 other sci-fi/fantasy authors. YAY WRITING COMMUNITY! I love making new friends.

Phew. I’ve been busy. Thankfully, the Hubs is super supportive, but my elliptical and Zumba self is struggling with finding a balance…and yes, balance will be a post soon because I can’t just ignore my healthy ever after to pursue my author life. Both can and will exist! It just may be a little difficult.

Anywho, thanks for your patience and all your lovely comments while I’ve been swamped. I will be blogging about healthy lunches and some fantastic recipes soon! Also, if there’s anything you’ve been wanting to read about or have questions on that you want me to research for you, please leave a comment below!