We’re heading into fall, and I must say, I’m looking forward to it. After living in L.A. for a few decades, I had almost forgotten how beautiful the change of seasons can be. Don’t get me wrong—I love L.A. and its weather is at the top of my list of reasons to love it. But I also love where I live now—the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. This place knows how to put on a show when it comes to fall color, and now I have a front row seat.

I’ve really been enjoying my life here since my move last September. There’s a reason this place has been a haven for writers and artists for many years.  Every time I turn around, I meet a painter or sculptor or writer. They flock to this place and flourish.

I’ve been very busy myself working on the sequel to It Seemed Funny at the Time. For now, I’m calling it No Worse for Wear. The title might change before the book sees a printing, but it came to me in a dream and it fits nicely. I’m workshopping No Worse for Wear in a writers’ group online, which has been fun.

I’ve also been doing some freelance writing for a website about dogs. Animal rescue is a cause near and dear to my heart, so it seemed fitting to write about it.

I haven’t been shopping It Seemed Funny at the Time because I’ve been tweaking it a little as I write No Worse for Wear, making sure the two tie together well. I’m planning to take it to a writers’ conference in November though, and it should be ready to shop again by then.

In the meantime, you’ll find me happily working on No Worse for Wear on my wide covered front porch with a big yellow dog lying at my feet, just waiting for the leaves to turn.