September was a wild ride. A roller coaster, if you will.

Truest is almost done. I sent a final-ish draft to my editor at the beginning of the month, received line edits back just this last Friday, and will make small revisions and turn it in yet this week. It gets better and better with every draft. I can’t believe that after this, there will only be copyediting to do!  I’ve gotten to see some mock-ups of possible book covers, and I’m really excited about them. The release date hasn’t been set yet (or at least I don’t know it), but it will likely be around this time next year. I can’t wait!  A whole year!  I hope it goes by fast, but I also hope that I can take lots of time to enjoy it.

I met Peter S. Beagle, the author of one of my favorite books. It was a hilarious night. Full post coming later this week!

I hosted a baby shower … and also attended a baby funeral. The first delighted my heart; the second absolutely broke it. I’ll admit my faith was quite shaken, and God and I had to have a lot of talks in the past couple weeks as he sorted my thoughts and theology out.

I listened to a review panel debate the merits of my grant proposal. They basically hated me. I’m not counting on that grant money at all.  Oh well. I’ll try again next summer!  (I can be quite relentless sometimes.)

I got the best email I’ve ever gotten, maybe in my whole life. My editor said (among other wonderful things):

I don’t know why it took me so long to finish this version. But I just did and all I can say is WOW. I just think it’s the kind of book that will change kids and adults, too–forever.

A whirlwind month. How was yours?