Reading
I just picked up a copy of Maggie Smith’s Dear Writer. Now, you may be asking me: Stefa, didn’t you say you were moving across the country and downsizing your books and trying to save money? Well, why don’t you mind your own business? Maggie Smith is a National and Local Treasure, and her book was literally written specifically for me: a writer.
Eating
Spent Sunay with some of my best friends. They’re amazing cooks and mixologists and the reason that my sense of humor is so crass and childish. They made me tacos and cocktails and birthday brownies and we laughed so hard our sides hurt. They’re also the people who introduced me to coastal Michigan, so in a way, you have them to thank for A Case of You. Don’t tell them though, their heads will swell.
Playing
My Middle Ages playlist. I’ll admit, it’s not as good at my A Case of You playlist. But I’ve found that having background music really helps me focus on my writing.
Obsessing
Obsessing over the bookstagram and bookthreads community. I reached out looking for fellow readers and writers after about 3 days of non-stop bot activity. And people came out en force. I found so many fellow Ohio writers that my writer friend, E.N. Gussler, and I have decided to host an Ohio Writer/Reader meet up in June! Go to the event tab at the top of my site to learn more and register.
Recommending
I highly recommend celebrating your wins. For a long time, I kept my wins private, not wanting to feel like a braggart. But you’d be surprised by how many people are on your side and want to see you succeed. So, let’s celebrate a win right now.
A Case of You is still a work in progress. It’s with a developmental editor right now, just so I can be positive that I’ve done right by this story.
Many of my beta readers also agreed that the beginning of my manuscript is the weakest part.
All that to say that I entered The Writer’s Sanctuary Storyteller First Page Contest back in March. And I just got my feedback.
62/80. My scores for the eight categories (scored out of 10) included one 10, five 8s, and two 6s.
So as someone that knows their first few pages need work, this is a huge win for me. In addition, the contest is judged by best-selling authors and experienced editors, which feels extremely validating. Also, here is my favorite part of the feedback:
Love the voice and tone of this story. The writing perfectly conveys the beauty and laziness of summer. Also, the characters were fantastic.
Treating
I treated myself to the most glorious massage on Sunday afternoon. The therapist was recommended to me by a friend and I was not steered wrong. So, if you’ve been thinking about scheduling that massage- go ahead and do it. It’s worth it. Already planning my next one.
See you next week 🙂
stefakessler.com 
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