Homemade Gravestone, Cover Reveal, & Christmas Comes Early || October Recap

Okay, yes, "click-bait" may have popped into my head when I titled this post. But since it's true...that's okay, right?

|| Life. ||

>> After not doing anything with it since spring, I got a couple inches of hair whacked off. It's still below my shoulders, but easier to manage. And cuter, in my opinion. xD

>> So I almost accidentally got two copies of the same book from the library and it wasn't even my fault...

I was reading the If I Live series by Terri Blackstock, (I'm still recovering, by the way. If you've read those, let's chat. Or maybe start a survivors club.) and I needed books #2 and #3. I'd placed #2 on hold, but when I get to the library, I checked the shelves to see if #3 had been returned. It hadn't been...but #2 was still on the shelf.

Faith's brain assumed that it was actually #3 that I had placed a hold on (honestly, who doesn't confuse those titles?!), so I nabbed #2 and went to the front desk. And when the librarian went to get my hold from behind the counter...it was #2 as well.

They'd literally brought another copy of the same book from a different location when there was a perfectly fine copy sitting on a shelf, only a few yards from the desk. I laughed all the way home.


>> The Potts family plowed potatoes! Yes, it was kinda late in the season to finally get around to it. And yes, that's a hand plow. Don't judge. We're traditional. ;P

>> Two girls who I've recently come to know through the blogging world, Maddy and Lillian, started a business to aid indie authors in getting reviews for their books! Stellae Books is an awesome—not to mention, beautiful—website. If you've been wanting to read Dandelion Dust, here's your chance to grab a free copy! Hop on over to their site for details. :)

>> The Potts family also cut and shipped out Christmas trees and I'm still in denial that it's already time for such shenanigans...

>> I spent a day last week wandering around cemeteries with my mom and great-aunt. And if that freaks you out, well, you don't know what you're missing. Check out these....

Isn't that just the best?! xD

Apparently homemade gravestones were a thing in the '80s....
Sorry I missed that fad. 

>> I listened to oodles of songs on repeat this month. In particular, Burn the Ships and God Only Knows by For King & Country, Stuck on Me + You by Emily Ann Roberts, Die from a Broken Heart by Maddie & Tae, I'm Listening by Tenth Avenue North, and Olivia Mae by Brett Young. Someone flail over these gems with me. <33

|| Books. ||

// Reads

If I Run by Terri Blackstock -- 5 stars
Falling for You by Becky Wade -- 3.5 stars -- Review
The Yellow House Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner -- 3 stars
If I'm Found by Terri Blackstock -- 5 stars
The Christmas Child by Max Lucado -- 3 stars
Surprise Island by Gertrude Chandler Warner -- 3 stars
Mystery Ranch by Gertrude Chandler Warner -- 3 stars
The Waltons: The Accident by Virginia McDonnell -- 4 stars
If I Live by Terri Blackstock -- 5 stars
Plot Bunny to Novel by Kellyn Roth -- 4 stars
Never Fear Anything by Robert Terkla -- 3.5 stars
The Christmas Prayer by Wanda Brunstetter -- 2.5 stars
Kate's Dilemma by Sarah Holman -- 4 stars
The View from the Lighthouse by Melody Carlson -- 3.5 stars
In the Dark Streets Shineth by David McCullough -- 5 stars

// Short Stories

Heritage of Praise by Rebekah A. Morris -- 5 stars

True Love by R.A. Rooney -- 4 stars

A Change of Heart by Anika Walkes -- 5 stars

Unto Him by Rebekah A. Morris -- 4 stars

One December Night by Melissa Tagg -- 5 stars

The Christmas Robe by Jennifer Lamont Leo -- 4 stars

So, yeah, I kinda read a ton this month.... I also bought a ton of books. :P Eleven from a used book store and these three lovelies from a CBD sale!

|| Writing. ||

Unlike with recent previous months, I actually have something to say in this section, without rambling for 7.4 minutes, boring y'all to tears, and getting no where.

First off, I finished the final story in Behold and got the collection off to betas. Betas finished a week or so ago, and I applied their edits and then got the manuscript sent to my editor.  The December 7th deadline is quickly approaching! Meanwhile, I'm diving into editing War Tears, until it's time to do the final edit and format. :)

Another fabulous happenings this month... I got Behold's cover! Sarah Grace from Estetico Designs did an amazing job and I'm so happy with how it turned out. :D

|| Blogging. ||

// Favorite Posts 

More Precious than Gold ~ Turn to God

A Purpose and a Promise ~ Let There Be Light

Having a Heart Like His ~ You Have a Purposeful Calling

Loved Before Time ~ What is Surrender?

Twilight to Dawn ~ Give Up Ideals

Important Nothings ~ Maybe Love

Showers of Blessings ~ Words to Live By

// My Posts 

Day One ~ Day Two ~ Day Three ~ Day Four ~ Day Five ~ Day Six

|| Goals. || 

~ October Goals

>> Read 8 books.     Several times over, yes...

>> Start working full-time.      Ha, no. Long story there. But soon. xP

>> Send Behold to betas and apply feedback.      Yup! It's in the hands of a fabulous editor. ;)

>> Edit pt.1 of War Tears.      Um, no? Behold took too much of my time. Hopefully this month I'll get into that. xD

>> Take part in the Five Fall Favorites party.      YESSS!

~ November Goals 

>> Read 8 books.

>> Do the final edit of Behold, get it formatted, and order proof.

>> Edit pt.1 of War Tears.

>> Post weekly on both blogs.

How was your October? Can you believe the holiday season is creeping up on us so quickly? What's one of your goals for the month? If you're doing NaNo, I might be jealous.
~Faith