I’ve been horrible at updating this blog, but I have some good excuses (more on that later!)

Mostly I want to fill everyone in on the latest charitable foundation I’ve selected. As a recap: for each month that I’m a “debut author” I am donating a portion of proceeds from the sale of A Paris Apartment to a different organization. The idea is not only to give back but also raise awareness about a variety of very worthy entities and causes.

I was thrilled to be able to make a nice donation to the Wounded Warrior Project for June sales of A Paris Apartment. Their vision is to “foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.” If you have a few extra dollars won’t you join me?

For July I’ve selected Monarch School in my hometown of San Diego. Their mission is to “educate students impacted by homelessness and to help them develop hope for a future with the necessary skills and experiences for personal success.”

I’ve met many of their impressive students and what these kids achieve with the aid of their fantastic educators is nothing short of amazing. That a child can be homeless and still have an education and a shot at college and a career is beyond inspiring. Again, I encourage you to give anything you can. If you end up donating, I would love to hear about it!

In other news, back in early June my generous employer agreed to let me take a leave of absence for the summer so I can concentrate on marketing my book and writing book #2. It was a good decision as I have a new two-book deal with Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin’s Press (folks who published A Paris Apartment) and book #2 is due 10/3!

I’m so excited to work with this publisher again. I have a different editor this time around but she is fantastic. She’s edited some super huge names so I’m thrilled to be in her company, and on the receiving end of her expertise!

So between writing, marketing (my book tour took me to DC and Virginia), my daughters playing All Stars softball, and my youngest having pneumonia for three weeks (yikes!) it’s been a crazy busy summer. And the forecast calls for more of the same! Though hopefully not the pneumonia part. Oh yeah, I also turned 40.

Hope you all are enjoying your summer!