Yesterday the Blue Angels arrived. Yup, during my nap. The house shook as they went overhead. I got up and looked first outside and then at the calendar. I wonder if other authors lose time like I do? I used to keep up with the seasons by writing my books in real time. Now I try to push ahead a bit. Book 25 takes place in autumn in the Haunted Series.

But July is almost here. The National Cherry Festival is about to descend upon us, and this year I’m caught up on my work, so I’ll be attending. It’s going to be hot this weekend, so I’ll watch the air show from the deck outside my office window, drink icy cold drinks, and ruminate on what the next book will be about.

I really do try to stay in the present, but my writing pulls me away. During my walks, I look around and imagine Cid Garrett walking down the street passing me. Where is he going, and why is he here? Or is he somewhere else? What activity of Kiki’s construction company has pulled him away from working on his house? With Cid, I try to keep his explorations into the paranormal world to be more “everyman.” With PEEPs I have more to pull from, and so Cid Garrett P.I. books are more of a challenge to write.

My editor is busy with Book of Souls (Book 24). I’ve just finished the first draft of Book 25, but I can’t give you the title because Book of Souls isn’t out yet. It’s one of those spoiler situations. When I decided on this title, I think I opened a can of worms because I have no idea how to achieve the cover. Why don’t I make things easier?

But easy isn’t the Alexie way. I paint myself frequently into corners, promise impossible things. But it’s who I am. I can hear the Blue Angels taking off for their rehearsal. Time to secure the breakables… Cid would probably have taken care of them yesterday in between making potato salad and baked beans…