🌸 Messy, Lovely, Mine
Did May feel like a whirlwind for you too? If so—you’re not alone. Between end-of-school chaos, high humidity, and about twelve half-finished to-do lists, I’m calling it: we all won Maycember just by surviving it. 🙌
(If you haven’t heard the term Maycember, go watch this hilarious Holderness Family parody—thank me later.)
Over here in DC, June arrived with a blast of summer heat, and I’m doing my best to stay hydrated, emotionally regulated, and slightly ahead of my laundry. Wins across the board. 😅
📖 Story in Progress
As I shared last month, I pitched three agents at the Washington Writers Conference—and all three asked for my manuscript (!!). And I pitched a fourth virtually who’s also interested.
Since then, I’ve revised the first 50 pages, polished my query letter and synopsis, and sent them to my lifesaver story coach. Her feedback’s back in my hands—and now, I’m doing those final touch-ups so I can hit send this week. Deep breaths. Trying to hush the “it’s not good enough” gremlin.
Also on the horizon: I’ll be attending the Romance Writers of America conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario this July! I’m designing bookmarks to hand out there and beyond—both to promote my stories and grow this little reader crew. I can’t wait to show you once they’re done!
🎁 Your Monthly Romance Treat
This month, I teamed up with author Cindy Sein to bring you a free, emotional, slow-burn romance:
Snow Falls on Charcoal
She sings to survive.
He collects debts in the dark.
Their worlds were never meant to collide—until one haunting note changes everything…
If you like your love stories cinematic, dangerous, and deeply emotional, grab this one now.
👀 A Little Tease…
If you haven’t read my free sweet contemporary romance How the Cookie Crumbles yet, maybe this little taste 🍪 will tempt you:
How the Cookie Crumbles
“What’s wrong, Cookies?” He put his hand under her chin, drawing her eyes back to his own.
“It’s… It’s too good, too sweet. I remember your taste, but it doesn’t seem real, and I don’t trust it. I don’t feel in charge at all, soldier. I gotta go.”
Brushing the dough off the front of her clothes, she pulled out of his grasp to leave.
“Wait, Molly. Can we talk?” He couldn’t bear her leaving without a resolution.
“Call me, Jake. Like old times. Let’s start there.”
At his nod, she slipped out the door.
He remembered all the nights they used to sit and talk on the phone late at night. They knew each other’s every secret then. Maybe she was right. They needed to start from scratch, like the cookies, if this was new. Though he was certain it was the same recipe he’d always wanted.
💘 Certified Swoon
🫶 Just Emilia by Jennifer Oko –
Time travel + tangled emotions + DC Metro drama. I heard her read at Politics and Prose and was hooked! After, I enjoyed some margaritas with other writers at the good ole Guapos.
🍷 Nantucket Food & Wine Festival –
Visited with my hubs to celebrate 20 years married 💕💒 (!!) and it charmed me. The wine didn’t hurt either. 🍷
📚 Help me prep! –
I’m headed back to Nantucket for an Elin Hilderbrand weekend—but I haven’t read her yet 😳.
Hit reply and tell me your fave! What’s a must-read before I go?
🐾 Paws & Affection
“Do not leave us again, human.” – These two, probably
It wouldn’t be a full update without these two love bugs. This was them giving full side-eye when they realized I was packing… again.
They may not write romances, but they sure know how to be loyal, dramatic, and steal hearts. 💕
💌 Until Next Time…
Thanks for following along—through the messy drafts, the steamy chapters, and the sweet dog pics. I’ll be back next month with more writing updates, another romance treat, and (fingers crossed) some good news to share.
Stay cool, stay scrappy,
Skye
(P.S. To my giveaway winners—I haven’t forgotten you! My nanny has been in Australia, and I’ve been playing catch-up. Your books are still coming! Charlotte, come home!!)