What I Learned This Month (Besides Don’t Refresh Medium Stats at Midnight)
July came in like a heatwave—because it was—but also because I kept chasing the momentum I’d built in previous months.
This was a month of visibility and (honestly?) renewed fire. I showed up on Medium more consistently and saw real growth—new followers, real conversations, and a few lovely surprises in the stats. But even better than that? I came back from the Historical Novel Society Conference fully energized. (Still numerous things to revisit, jeesh, how do I fit this all in?!?)
But gotta say, there’s something bout being surrounded by other writers—ones who are just as obsessed with story, research, and the weird magic of revision—that makes you remember why you do this.
I’m also considering joining the HNS board. That thought terrifies me in all the right ways. Wish me luck!!
Back home, I dove into reviewing more books. Check out this recent one I truly enjoyed reading: The Shakespeare Secret. Got a book you'd like me to review? Let me know in the comments, cause I'm looking for titles to review for my website as well.
Elsewhere in July:
Queried a new agent I found on Medium and one on Twitter (thank you algorithm gods)
Drafted more than I edited
Revisited my digital nomad dreams and started planning (14 months and counting)
Created quote cards, audio clips, and tiny personal posts
Started whispering “novella” into my coffee mug, and now I’m writing one (yay!!)
What I didn’t do? Finish my writing planner (soon, promise). Or figure out what the heck my fall content strategy is. But then I never wrap things up neatly.
If you’ve ever come back from something—an event, a break, a spiral—and felt your creative engine rev just a little louder, trust it.
You’re not behind. You’re on the brink.
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From the Writer’s Table – a free note from Williamaye’s desk for readers who still believe in stories (even messy ones).