Black Cats, and Witches

Hello Friends,

Well, we have another heatwave happening here in Portland Oregon. We aren’t getting the soaring temperatures of the freak “heat dome” earlier this summer, thank goodness, but 100 degrees fahrenheit is plenty hot enough for me. It’s hot enough for the birds, too, who stand around in the shade with beaks wide open, trying to get cool.

I’ve been putting out cool water twice a day, which they seem to appreciate, as do the raccoons and possums who leave evidence of night time visits, sometimes in the form of disintegrating bread rolls that they clearly tried to wash and then abandoned.

Once again, neighbors have been helping neighbors, getting electrolyte drinks, cold water, sunscreen, and wading pools filled with ice water to parks and out to camps of folks who live on the streets. I’m so grateful for these people, which include friends of mine, and have been supporting them as I can.

When government fails us, and society at large doesn’t seem to care? We still have each other. And that’s important to me.

This week, I’m also grateful for everyone who has turned out to support my very first Kickstarter project. 

During the pandemic, I’ve needed a lift, and started writing a bonkers, cozy paranormal mystery series. I’ve got two books finished and am partway through the third, and thought I’d kickstart the new series. I was hoping to raise a few hundred bucks to help offset some editing and production costs.

Well. You all have surpassed my expectations. As of this morning, the campaign is almost at $3000, which means my costs for the series are fully covered, and I’m starting to get paid for my writing time! Plus, Kickstarter named it a “Project We Love” which is kind of a big deal.

Turns out people like witches, black cats, gnomes, and other wacky characters!

For those of you who’ve already backed the campaign? One thousand thank yous. For those who haven’t even heard about it yet?

Welcome to Seashell Cove, where the waves are treacherous and the occupants are... strange.

I’ll have more stretch goal rewards up this weekend and hope to hit that 3k mark today. Also, every backer from $1 and up has a story waiting. It’s told from Rhiannon the cat’s point of view, and is a lot of fun. Just check Update #3.

Thanks as always for being in the world, for supporting my work, and for showing up for your families, friends, and communities.

The world needs that kind of magic.

blessed be — Thorn