Life Updates: July 2026

I joined ANWA (American Night Writers Association)! I have been in Arizona for over five years now, continuing with my Utah writing group online (because they are the best), and I have just been missing in person interaction with fellow writers. ANWA is a writing association based in Arizona (though they have chapters in other states as well) and just seemed like a perfect fit.

I have been to my first chapter meeting and their writing retreat. At the retreat, I got a little room that I loved (I called it my Harry Potter closet or Hobbit Hole), wrote a lot, and walked around the pines (harassing both the local cows and deer alike).

And I had meals and after dinner games with all the writers! Just what I was looking for!

Here we are at the retreat. I am at the end wearing my favorite Dragon Heartbeat shirt (Fantasy & Nursing together!).

I love being out in the woods and hiking (like I was able to do at both my retreats this summer), and I think it helps me spark new ideas. Do you have a favorite place to write/journal/think? Let me know!