July has July 1st, Canada Day, and July 4th, Independence Day in the United States. I don’t know about you and where you live, but in Canada most of the usual Canada Day celebrations have been canceled, across Canada, due to the Corona virus. And group celebrations, including fireworks displays have been canceled. We are limited to a few drive-through events like pancake breakfasts and small family barbeques in the backyard, while still social distancing. Fireworks are virtual. Happy Canada Day!
I’m not sure what the United States is doing for Independence Day as it appears it differs from state to state. So, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, Happy Independence Day!
The rest of the month, there are a few more smaller significant days.
July 11 World Population Day
July 12 – Paper Bag Day
July 14th Bastille Day
July 18th International Nelson Mandala Day
July 26th National Parent’s Day
Have fun celebrating.
The corona virus, as I mentioned for Canada day, is still with us and affecting our lifestyles. As a writer I am adjusting. I think it’s going to be with us for awhile. To help the economy recover I’m following the measures health officials recommend. I’m wearing a mask to protect other people and maybe myself. I’m social distancing and washing my hands. Actually, I even wear gloves in stores so I’m not touching items and spreading anything that way. I’m staying home and at first that was kind of ‘brain fogging’, but that’s passing. Now I’m actually sorting and organizing files, writing, reading and meditating. And I even learned Zoom.
I hope everyone is coping and staying safe through this challenging time and celebrating all occasions sensibly. Have a quiet summer.
Finally, after so many months, Death Southern Style is up for pre-order and will be available July 20th. It will be available in both e-Book and print. Here’s the link to pre-order.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089VRC1WR?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420
Here’s an excerpt from Death Southern Style.
Inside the house Julie Ann turned back to Savannah. “I’m going to find out what happened to Mom. She shouldn’t have died that way and I’m going to find out why.”
“You be careful girl. There’s something evil going on around here. I don’t know what it is, but you don’t wanna to get involved. I notice you didn’t explain that sixth sense of yours to the policeman.”
Julie Ann managed a weak smile. “I didn’t think he was up for that. He got that weird look on his face when I showed him the voodoo doll and again when I mentioned sensing something. He’s not a believer. Besides, I don’t totally understand that sensing thing myself. I’ve always tried to avoid using it. Most people think I’m crazy when I say something about seeing or sensing something. Perrine was the one with that skill or power. She encouraged me to work with it and strengthen it. She knew she was going to die.”
Julie Ann managed a weak smile. “I didn’t think he was up for that. He got that weird look on his face when I showed him the voodoo doll and again when I mentioned sensing something. He’s not a believer. Besides, I don’t totally understand that sensing thing myself. I’ve always tried to avoid using it. Most people think I’m crazy when I say something about seeing or sensing something. Perrine was the one with that skill or power. She encouraged me to work with it and strengthen it. She knew she was going to die.”
“You sensed that?”
“Yes, when I came into the house. She ran so she didn’t die in the house.”
“That makes sense. Now you think Perrine might try to talk to you?”
“Uh huh, I’m hoping she might. Mom would want me to find out what happened. And she’d be happy if I tried to improve my sensing and vision skills. We both know Perrine’s not going to be able to rest peacefully until we find out what really happened and why. And I get the feeling there’s something she wants me to know. I think it’s in a brown envelope – somewhere.”
“And you know this how?”
“When I said good-bye to her today, I got flashes.”
“Yup, that’s Perrine trying to get through to you, sure ‘nuff, but I don’t want you gettin’ in any trouble. She’ll never rest if something happens to you.”
“I’ll be fine, Savannah. Really, I will. I’ll be careful. I don’t have a choice. Now, how about you whippin’ me up some of your special red beans and rice. Nobody makes it quite like you and I haven’t had it since I moved to New York.”
“You’ve got it, girl. You come on over to my place and let me see if we can put a few pounds on those skinny bones of yours.”
“That sounds good. And for the record, I think you know more than you’re telling anyone. You’ve known Perrine for a very long time. You know more about my birth mother than Mom
ever told me.”
“Now baby girl, don’ you start going there. That’s nothin’ but trouble.”
“It’s time I knew what Perrine would never discuss and you will tell me. There’s a good chance it has to do with why they killed her.”
Savannah heaved herself up from the chair and wrapped an arm around Julie Ann’s shoulder.
“We’ll see, we’ll see… Let’s see what Perrine says first.”
“If she says anything, but if she doesn’t you are going to tell me what you know. It’s time I learned the truth.”
“You sound like your mother. We’ll talk later.”
“I’m holding you to that. Now, I’m going to see Priestess Ava. I need to talk to her. You make those red beans and rice for dinner. I’ll be back shortly.”
Savannah nodded. “Priestess Ava is a good idea. She’ll help you.”
They moved to the door together. Something made Julie Ann glance over her shoulder back into the living room. A shadow disappeared into a corner.
Who was it? Was it the murderer? Were the spirits restless? Was it her mother? Or just her imagination?
You can also follow me and check me out:
July Enter to win 1 of 4 gift cards https://www.redcarpetfiction.com/bookbub-july-2020
July Enter to win 1 of 4 gift cards https://www.redcarpetfiction.com/amazon-july-2020
July 20th on Ellen Mint
https://ellenmint.blog/2020/07/20/death-southern-style-by-beverley-bateman/
July 25th on my blog
https://beverleybateman.blogspot.com/ a group blog on “How do you develop a character who is different in personality from all the other characters you have developed, or from yourself?”
July 29th on Dee Knight
http://www.nomadauthors.com/blog/
I have continued writing 100 words a day and report my word count to the ‘100 words a day’ group. I’m working on The Foundation Lydia’s Story, the second in the series, which I’ve mentioned before. I’m about one third of the way through it. I’ll be working on it for quite awhile. Hopefully Not as long as it took me to write Death Southern Style.
I’m also thinking I might write a short novella. I’m sort of noodling on that. I’ll talk more about that next month.
And you can follow me follow me on my blog https://beverleybateman.blogspot.com/ for how I’m doing, Canada Day, tips and guest authors.
