It’s been forever, I know. I’d like to say I’ve been too busy to update the blog or to share news with you, but like everyone else in the world, I was simply trying to survive this pandemic.
Living with an autoimmune disease in the midst of a global pandemic brings out an entirely new level of anxiety I wasn’t sure existed. I’m ready to move forward and not dwell on the issues faced over the past year, but suffice it to say, we are all learning and living a new normal. I am still in the midst of online and face to face teaching and it’s more work than any of my previous 19 years in the classroom. I am so proud of my students for showing up and doing their best, but we all need a break. One day I’ll tell you about creating a high school yearbook when most of the year was virtual! Oy 🙂
Now, on to why you’re here- my wonderful family by choice! I have missed you all so much, but rest assured- I have been writing continuously. These characters have kept me going through this long year and I am so excited to share what’s coming in the future.
To begin with- the blog redesign.
Since I have 2 series now, I wanted to allow for people to learn about the characters and stories they are encountering. Whether reading the sequel without the original series or starting from the beginning, I wanted a reference point. A way to see what was covered in each story and where each character was introduced. Believe me- I need a refresher at times.
I like to think of the series as a TV drama. Each book is a 1-2 hour show that moves across days and weeks. The sequel is a spin off 🙂 That would be my dream… can you imagine? How many seasons would we have already? 🙂
Makes sense?
So yes, a lot happens to these characters, but truly, they are living their lives (albeit in a much more dramatic way than us). They go through twists and turn and ups and downs. Some episodes (books) focus more on one couple, but I try to keep each couple involved in each book. It’s a struggle, but I love it.
Looking into the next few posts, my plan is to introduce the original series in a new way. I want to break down each book and explain what happens and how it’s connected to the sequel. One of my biggest complaints with the sequel is the confusion with characters they don’t know. I wish I could spend time introducing each part of the family, but it’s intense. I want this blog to be a point of reference. A place to put it all together.
I am also really excited to move the sequel through the ever expanding family of the next generation. The young adults are tackling so many issues and figuring out life just as their parents did. Their stories are their own, and I love allowing the parents to help guide the next group, but still have some of their own stories. They are only in their 40’s and 50’s-lots of life left for them.
The latest book “Just Breathe” was released two days ago and it’s intense. I am loving Kevin and Josie and I hope you are, too. I will put the link below in case you missed it. Also- enjoy a free preview!
I would love some feedback or questions. I will answer them in the next post. As always- email me at rnadler103@aol.com or respond/comment right here.
Thank you for sticking with this family and with me for over 10 years! More coming this week.
