Savoring the Perfect Moments — This week I realized (again — can you re-realize?) that I can see the Atlantic Ocean from my balcony. Sitting down, at that. No need to climb the railing and squint. Most days, the sky and water match shades and the ocean just looks like a continuation of the sky…

Life is busier in the summer here, but still pretty chillaxed. The Algarve moved from winter to summer with barely a nod to spring. By 9 am, the temperature is reading 63 degrees, but in the sun, it feels closer to 73. This afternoon the temperatures will hit 80 degrees…

Know if you’re dealing with a hybrid publisher, traditional house, or self publishing service. Here are three things to check out first. I’ve been chatting with one of my past editing clients who has completed a new manuscript. He has published both traditionally and self-published. He is shopping this latest…

Adult education involves adult beverages (YAY!) — I’ve been taking Portuguese language courses at the local high school and it’s been fun, if frustrating. The school year is comprised of three terms and, not gonna lie, the end of term parties are my favorite part. The first one was in December; basically, it’s the Christmas break. The…

It’s not rocket science, but you do need to know some basic stuff. — Note: This is the second in the series, Should YOU Self-Publish Your Book? If you missed the first part, you can find it here. You don’t have to be a computer genius, but some technical skills are needed to self-publish your book. Those skills include editing, interior formatting, cover design…

A stateside representative is essential when you move abroad. — You’ve left the US and are happily ensconced in your new country, but most expats still need a point of contact — a stateside rep — to handle stateside paperwork and any emergencies that may come up. …

And yes, they do think you are crazy — When you decide to move overseas, your friends and family are naturally going to worry about you. First, they’re going to wonder if you’ve gone crazy — let’s face it, the idea of leaving the US behind is hard to wrap your head around after being told that the US…

Flying My Freak Flag Today. Enter at your own risk. — My mind is a jumble of stuff most days and today is no different. I was hoping my morning walk would sort it out, but no. At least I can eat my croissant guilt-free. Do you ever have dream hangovers? You know, you were deep into REM and you woke…

You know that thing you always dreamed of? You should do it. — Every Friday I send out a newsletter called Friday Happynings. I’m sharing this one from June of 2022 to (perhaps) encourage you to make the leap. Happy Friday! I am heading out to Madrid today (IF I make my connections…) for a writers’ conference and I’m pretty darn excited. Why…