On Conversations With Friends.

I feel so blessed that copies of my newest novel, Moody Blue, are still being ordered and that readers are kind enough to share that news with me, as well as their thoughts about the novel! You can order your copy here. And if you have read it, please consider taking the time to leave a review on Goodreads or Amazon–it would be greatly, greatly appreciated!

I know this blog has been rambling this summer, and I apologize for that. I really believe a return to teaching and, more importantly, a return to schedule will do me good. I’ll still post about what I’m currently reading and on my work in progress, and about Miracle Maddie, but I also want to share plenty of tips and tricks and tools that have helped me in my writing journey.

Writing

Speaking of my work in progress, my dissertation is due September 16th and I’m having my last meeting with my supervisor shortly. I’ll have a little less than a quarter of my manuscript for my third novel finished, which is exciting. I’ll be traveling a lot over the next few weeks and I want to be able to print out and read it over and spend some time with it, but I’m not entirely sure that’s going to be an option. I used to love being in the car and rushing around, but as of late, I desperately want my own space and my own schedule. If nothing else, it’ll free up the time and the space for writing.

Reading Buy it here.

I finally got to read some Sally Rooney. The only title available the the nearest Barnes and Noble was Conversations with Friends, her debut novel. I read it in one day, so I was obviously very engaged and enjoyed the story, but I felt frustrated as the novel reached its conclusion. There was a lot of ambiguity about the characters and their relationships and that dissatisfied me. That’s not a slight against Rooney. Her writing is gorgeous and I can’t wait to read more. I think at this point in my reading life, I’m looking for certainty. I don’t want to have to make decisions or draw conclusions. That might mean I’m lazy, and I’m sure that’s an accurate adjective for now, but I’m also hopeful it will change.

Miracle Maddie

Maddie Girl had her therapy appointment that was combined with her speech therapy—the plan is to help Maddie start communicating with special devices and methods so that we can know when she’s tired or feeling good. She’s been looking good, staying calm, and having a string a great days. We’ve noticed she’s more interactive and engaged. She’s restless at night and only allows for her trach to be capped for a few minutes, but there’s something to be excited about every day. She’s amazing.

Please keep praying and sharing her GoFundMe fundraiser, and please consider donating to our Austin fundraiser.

Wanna win some COOL and VALUABLE GIFT CARDS??!!?!

We leave for Austin, Texas in just 10 days for Miracle Maddie’s Magical Medical Tour! LET’S GET THESE BOXES GONE!

Pick a number to fill a box! When you choose your box, you’ll commit to donating that dollar amount towards Maddie’s upcoming therapy intensive with Dr. Crawford at the Austin Center for Developing Minds in Austin, Texas!

There are THREE ways to claim your box: 1) Venmo the amount to @Melissa-Wagenhoffer-1, 2) Use Cash App: $MelissaWagenhoffer, 3) PayPal: john_wagenhoffer@yahoo.com

There are 10 gifts cards in mystery numbers throughout the chart—choose the right box and you could win a gift card for gas, to Amazon, Starbucks, and more!

Winners will be announced when we return from Austin!

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