Catching up...

It’s early morning and I’m sitting in one of my favorite coffee houses in the H Street corridor in Washington, D.C. It’s Caribbean Heritage Month and they are playing reggae (The Joint on Sirius XM is one of my favorite stations). I don’t know if it’s in honor of Caribbean Heritage Month or whether this particular barista just likes this station but either way, it works for me.

As an author, my mind is now divided between writing and marketing. My first novel, Somerset Grove, is continuing to do well. Most recently I was honored to be one of three featured authors at the International Reggae Poster Exhibition hosted by the Embassy of Jamaica at the Organization of American States that was held in May in Washington, D.C. I’m also really excited to be going to South Africa in 2015 to do an author talk. (And ahem, if you're looking for a great summer read...)

Writing has also been productive for me – I finished the first draft of my third novel, The Butterfly, which is now with my fantastic editor. In the meantime, I’ve started my fourth book and  I’ve also written a couple of short stories. Competing with all of that is that lost second novel - that prodigal son that disappeared on me when I was a quarter of the way through writing it. I let it go and just like the parable, it has returned to me and I’m welcoming it back with open arms. Maybe the time wasn’t right for me to work on it when I had started it, but I feel that time is coming closer now.

So what’s on tap for the summer? I’m planning a visit to Jamaica with my wonderful cousin, Andrea Peart. Part research trip, part reconnecting and part relaxation, I’m looking forward to embracing the sights, sounds and aromas of that beautiful island once again (though if Andrea has anything to say about it, we'll be balancing that relaxation out with some good live music!). I will definitely post pics when I’m back!

In the meantime, I can’t leave this post without telling you what I’m listening to, can I? It’s Superman, by Tarrus Riley. It’s a song that should be enjoyed on a rooftop on a sunny evening. It has a relaxing vibe and Tarrus Riley has such a soulful voice, you can’t help but lean back and think about the good life.

That’s it for now…