A Summer Whirlwind – July 2025 Wrap
July was a whirlwind. I can’t believe how much happened this month. Here are the highlights.
My Tenth Anthology Publication With Wickedness & Wonder
On July 22, I celebrated the release of Wickedness & Wonder by Wild Ink Publishing. This is my tenth anthology.
I wrote all about Wickedness & Wonder in this blog post, including a glimpse into my story, “Out of the Oven,” my unboxing video, and more. I seriously can’t believe ten of my short stories got published in less than a year. I’m so grateful.
Three Anthology Cover Reveals
July was the month of anthology cover reveals.
First, I’m beyond excited to share the beautiful cover for my butterfly anthology, Kaleidoscopic Quill. Huge thank you to Abby for designing this. I can’t wait to start editing the stories and poems in August. Next spring, I’ll get to hold this book in my hands.
Second is the cover for Tread Lightly, Speak Gently, also designed by Abby. I’m honored to be included with my young adult magical realism story, “Fae D’Angelo’s Notes of Wisdom.” I also have a co-authored poem in the anthology called “A Lily’s Verse” under the pen name, Sadie Lielle.
And third is the cover for Seasons of Romantasy: Autumn by Quill & Flame Publishing House. I have a co-authored young adult romantasy in here called “A Slice of Fire and Apples” under Sadie Lielle as well.
Celebrating three cover reveals was a huge highlight of July. I can’t wait until all of these anthologies are published.
More Anthology Updates
This month, I submitted two short stories. One is a young adult quiet horror that I wrote a while ago. This story wasn’t accepted for the first anthology I submitted it to, so my fingers are crossed that I found it a perfect home this time. Decisions will be sent out early August.
The second story I submitted is an adorable young adult meet-cute for a holiday romance anthology. I’ll receive the news about this one early August, too.
At the end of the month, I drafted a wintery meet-cute for an anthology opening for submissions later this year. I’m excited to polish this one and send it to some friends to read soon.
I obviously have more anthologies on my list. In August, I’m going to write a young adult horror featuring a deal with a devil and strawberry fields. When I randomly got the idea for this story and posted about it on Twitter, the tweet went semi-viral. I’m definitely feeling the pressure to make this story a great one. My goal is to have it drafted by mid-August. That way, I can get feedback from friends and revise before submitting it to the anthology in September.
After the strawberry fields horror, I’m going to write a new adult Christmas romantasy. I’m not sure if I’ll write this one in August or not, but the deadline is September 30. I might start drafting it early September, but I’ll see how things go with the horror one.
Revising My Gemstone Fantasy
At the beginning of the month, I received incredible feedback from an agent on a partial request, so I revised my book again. I’m so happy with the new version, and I started querying it already. I’m hopeful I’ll find my agent soon.
Here is my beautiful mood board for some manifestation.
Also, I’m going to commission character art soon. I have never done this before, so I’m beyond excited. More than ever, I want my gemstone fantasy to find a home.
The New England Writing Workshop
The last weekend of July, I participated in the online New England Writing Workshop. During the conference, I attended amazing classes and panels and got to pitch fabulous agents.
Take Your Kid to Publishing Day
This month, one of my author friends hosted a virtual event called Take Your Kid to Publishing Day. I got to join other industry professionals and participate in fun activities with the kids, including writing a short story and answering questions. This was truly such a delightful experience.
Round Two at the Farmers Market
Even though I had a super bookish month, I definitely spent time with music, too. I played a two-hour set at the Murrysville Farmers Market.
I’m excited to perform again in August.
Submitting for the Holiday Music and Film Awards
Last year, “Winter Cold” won Best Christmas Jazz Song at the 3rd Annual Holiday Music and Film Awards, which I wrote all about in this blog post.
It was definitely Christmas in July because I submitted for this year’s awards. “Meet Me At Christmas Time” is being considered for Best Christmas Pop Song, “Candy Cane” for Best Christmas Jazz Song, and “Tinsel Heart” for Best Christmas Country Pop Song. Nominations should be announced in August. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for at least one nomination.
So, that’s a wrap on my July. I’m excited for what August has in store for me. It’s definitely going to be a month of receiving news, from anthologies and agents to the Holiday Music and Film Awards and ISSA Awards. Maybe I’ll even get an offer of representation. A girl can manifest and dream!