Summer is here in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing with it a symphony of experiences. This month, we witnessed Father’s Day, the Solstice, the Strawberry Full Moon, and a nationwide heatwave that affected half of the U.S. population. The unusually high temps brought extreme weather to many of our hometowns and many panicked phone calls to the A/C repair guy. Yet, the warmth of the sun, the thrill of travel, and the joy of no school make it a season to remember. This year, as an author, the release of my latest novel, Conjoined, has added another layer of excitement to my summer.
The Warm Embrace of Summer
Despite the unusual warmth, I find myself absorbing the sunshine and relaxed atmosphere this time of year brings. We’ve enjoyed the early bounty of the growing season in the Midwest, with fresh strawberries, blackberries, and cherries, as well as green beans, cucumbers, and many herbs. This is the time of year to cook outside, using fresh, local ingredients and spending time with friends and loved ones. We especially love to grill out with our smoker or regular grill. We were even lucky enough to celebrate Father’s Day on our rooftop! (see image below)
The Unpredictability of Storms
We were a little worried our celebration might be interrupted by a passing storm, but the weather gods were looking down on us with favor because it was a beautiful evening with the cloud cover providing an amazing sunset! Have you been affected by storms and extreme weather in your area? Fortunately, the worst of it, meaning tornadoes for Chicagoland, have been only passing threats. I can’t say the same for our nearby neighbors in Wisconsin and Iowa! Both have had numerous destructive tornadoes sweep through, as well as flooding and other damage.
Travel Ideas for a Memorable Summer
Although the weather has been crazy, it’s still a fantastic time to get out there and explore! Experiencing life outside of your little bubble can open up so much for you. Even my tagline is 'Exploring the World Through Words,' and I couldn’t do it without having an outside perspective. Short on ideas? I found this great list online the other day from fellow blogger xoChristine. Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip or a relaxing getaway to a tropical paradise, the possibilities are endless. Traveling is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures and cuisines. Exploring the vibrant food scenes in cities like New Orleans, San Francisco, or New York can be a gastronomic delight. Attending local festivals and events (Hello, County Fair Season!) allows you to experience the unique traditions and customs of each place.
Inspiration in the Season
Summer, with its vibrant energy and diverse experiences, offers endless inspiration for writers. Each moment, whether serene or chaotic, holds the potential to spark creativity and fuel the next story. Releasing a novel is a significant milestone for any author. For me, the journey of writing and publishing Conjoined has been a labor of love. The process involved countless hours of writing, editing, and revising, followed by the anticipation and excitement of sharing it with the world. One of the most rewarding aspects of being an author is connecting with readers. Hearing feedback, engaging in discussions, and seeing how the story resonates with people is incredibly fulfilling. Summer book tours, signings, and literary festivals provide opportunities to meet readers face-to-face and share the passion behind the pages.
I Hope to See YOU this Summer!
If you have any interest in helping me connect with your local library, indie bookstore, or book club, please reach out, and let’s collaborate! Cheers to a Beautiful Summer! 🥂 Love, KTG.
© K.T. George 2024 | This post was first seen on ktgeorge.com | Image credit K.T. George 2024