July Recap
After doing a June Recap last month, I decided to make this a regular thing by writing a July recap. I like looking back on the prior month to see where I moved forward, where I stayed stagnant, and where I can improve. This is a relatively new practice for me. I’m not the best at slowing down, but I’ve been working to add more intentionality to rest and reflection, and these recaps are a great way to do it. I write the nitty gritty stuff in my journal for my eyes only, but there is plenty I can share.
Let’s do it, shall we? Here’s my July recap.
Life.
July was an overall tame month. I worked from home for most of the month, which I loved. I’m immensely productive when I’m working from home. I also love the freedom to do things like cook my lunch in real time, take my dog for a walk, or hop on my Peloton for a few minutes. I especially like reading in my cozy chair on my lunch break. I taught 28 Pure Barre classes and took 12. I also started a podcast! I’m three episodes deep so far, and I’m having the best time. I can’t wait to see where this thing takes me.
Writing.
After writing more than 50,000 words in June, driven by my goal of writing an average of 1,000 words a day for the month, July was much tamer. I focused most of my writing efforts on bonus content for Political Gain while focusing on edits for my next book, Strictly Business. I’m in the very final stages now, and the release date is (finally!) so soon. Then my full attention will turn to the Political Gain series. Buckle up, friends.
Another writing-related thing I did in July was take brand photos and revamp my website. I’m focused on growing my author brand right now, and it was time for a total refresh. My old headshot was from three years ago! My friend and Pure Barre client Molly Kate took the photos. I can’t say enough good things about her work. I redid my website myself so it took a while, but I’m thrilled with the outcome.
Indie authors. We do it all.
Reading.
I read three books in July:
- Golden Son by Pierce Brown
- The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings
- Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My goal was to read five or six, but the three that I did read were, in order of listing above, fantastic, entertaining, and heartwrenching. I am having the best time reading the Red Rising series. Golden Son was phenomenal. The very first page of the book was so good, writing-wise, that I set the book down for a moment to wish I had written it. I can’t get into Morning Star fast enough. I had a good time reading The Conditions of Will. Sam was a dreamy MMC, and as someone who grew up in the American South, I kept thinking to myself, “I know these people” whenever she was with her family.
But Astmosphere.
Atmosphere.
I have no words. It was utterly stunning. Every single thing about it was breathtaking. I ugly girl cried for the last 50 or so pages. The love story, the historical elements, the research, the found family… All of it was absolute perfection.
Perfection, I tell you.
August.
I’m welcoming August with salt air and rust on the door. I’m releasing Strictly Business in August, continuing to build my podcast, and diving into Political Gain edits. I hope there is more in store personally, too.
To live for the hope of it all, as Taylor says.
Happy August.
