A Night to Remember

and Summer Writing Reflections

Today’s the Day!

I’m happy to finally be sharing my first newsletter with all of you. A bit later than originally planned because the summer has been full. Back in June, God threw open a door for my family to move to a bigger house in a better area. It made life crazy for a few weeks, but we are thankful for His kindness and loving our new home.

---

Summer Stories

Even with the busyness of our move, these summer months have held their share of fun when it comes to writing. One highlight was being part of this contemporary romance collection with twelve of my lovely writer friends.

If you want to hang on to summer just a little longer, this e-book is a great reading choice! So many sweet short stories, including my piece, “Up in the Air,” where a roller coaster ride stalling on the lift hill leads to the main character’s life moving forward in other ways.

Havok published two of my flash fiction stories online this summer: “Big Ben” and “Wish Come True.” Both are reimaginings of well-known tales, and it’s still sinking in that both won spots in the season’s printed anthology to be published in spring 2025!

I should receive word soon about my final two submissions for Havok’s current season—one for November and one for December. We’ll see what God has planned for them, but for now, here’s a snippet of the December tale:

If you have a membership and would like to read any of my publications with Havok, you can find them here:

---

A Dream Come True

Okay, a little backstory for you…

I gave birth to a sweet baby boy late in March—just a couple of months before our ten year wedding anniversary. And for various reasons, those first weeks postpartum were stressful. So imagine my shock when, at the approach of this marriage milestone, my husband told my emotional, sleep-deprived self that he’d planned a belated-anniversary/right-on-time birthday gift for me in September.

To be exact, that he’d purchased tickets for us to see Hans Zimmer in concert.

Hans Zimmer.

The smiles and tears, y’all. The smiles and tears.

I was an early teen when I discovered movie scores composed by Hans Zimmer. I would listen when I studied, when I rested. When I’d write or daydream. I loved the beauty of the music. The excitement. The heart. The way it told a story yet also inspired so many of my own. Hans Zimmer has been blessed by God with a tremendous gift.

And days ago, I got to hear his music live.

I held my husband’s hand as I watched passionate musicians bring powerful music to life, joined by Hans Zimmer himself. I couldn’t stop smiling when I heard favorites from Gladiator and Pirates of the Caribbean. But what brought tears to my eyes was The Lion King finale, ending with the triumphant “King of Pride Rock.”

It was a wondrous night, and I’m beyond grateful for the man who planned this special time for us to enjoy together.

Until next time, friends!

Holly