June

I am here to tell you that it is officially June! I fear I have to remind you of this because, given the weather, you might not know. Though, if you have lived in Maine long enough, you know that this is just the norm. 

For those of you outside of this great state who might have no clue what I am talking about, I say this: don’t let my musings stop you from your summer travel plans, and don’t let the gas prices bother you either. A trip to Maine is well worth a little rain, fog, and gas. 

There is nothing more “Maine” than sitting by a window, listening to the rain, and reading a good book with a cup of coffee, tea, or—if it is the afternoon—a tumbler of scotch. 

I am happy to announce that my formatter has sent me the eBook version of Last Light to review. He also sent me a schedule of when he will be done with the other versions and their covers. With this information, I was able to confer with Jeannie Mitchell and set the date for October 3rd at 5:00 PM. 

Many of you who follow me on Facebook already know that I have started a new routine when visiting my dad at the neurorehabilitation facility. I initially started reading a chapter of First Light to him during my visits, but this has since grown into reading to all the residents of his wing. I sit here now trying to find the right words to describe the effect this has had on my dad. I can see an air of pride as he sits there listening to me read a book I published to the group. I wrote many real memories into that book—experiences he and I shared. Though it is tough to read them sometimes, we both treasure the trip down memory lane. 

June is my favorite month; it has been for as long as I can remember. The biggest reason, which is alluded to in the chapters of First Light, was the anticipation of school ending and getting back on the boat. Long before I got my own skiff and traps, I couldn't wait to get back out on the water every summer. Sure, the money was good, but the time spent out on the ocean with my father is something I have recently realized is truly priceless. 

As I got older, June became much, much more. It meant days spent out in my skiff, bouncing around Linekin Bay, Boothbay Harbor, and the surrounding islands. I was untethered from all parental supervision, guided only by the planted seeds of discipline that would speak up when I was about to do something foolish. Most of the time I listened... most of the time. Then came the reward of hauling strategically set traps, reaping the benefits of the knowledge my father had passed down to me. 

June also brought the beginning of the Lobster Boat Racing circuit, which kicked off in Boothbay Harbor. There was nothing like the feeling of idling around the harbor, scouting out the boats, and giving rides to racing legends like Corlis Holland and the Young brothers, Arvin and Arvid. The only thing that topped that was the next day at the races when you were crouched down low, blasting down the track with your skiff hopping up out of the water. I can still taste the victory. 

June is also the month I embarked on this author journey three years ago. To quote the Grateful Dead, “What a long, strange trip it’s been.” I want to thank all of you for buying my books, attending the signings and author talks, following me on Facebook, and for your continued support. 

Ah! I couldn't find a good way to segue into this, so I will just drop it here like a large brick. One of my mentors pointed out the lack of reviews for Red in the Morning and First Light. If you have a moment... if you don't, make one! Please leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads for those books, and Red At Night if you haven't already. 

Thanks again for all the support, and let's have a great June!