It's time to close some tabs

I'll see you in September!

Between Glenridding Dodd and Heron Pike in the Lake District—August 2026

Hi friend,

There are too many tabs open in my brain right now.

I am actively working on a book proposal with my agent. I am outlining a (separate) tiny book I’m going to write and share with you here. I am thinking about a series of posts I’ve been wanting to write for months, and still deciding if I’m going to do that here or put it into the big book.

I am making a list of things I want to do with Tall Man during the two weeks we don’t have the kids (right now). We are making a list of things we might all do together during the last two weeks of this month.

I am thinking about my immigration status. I am studying for my Life in the UK test, knowing I want to take it in September. (In case I fail and need to try again in October, November, etc.) I am taking practice tests and passing some and failing others.

I am still reading romantasy, even though July is over and I was “supposed” to stop. That’s going to be an interesting update to write/chat about!

I am also reading an advanced copy of my friend Liz’s debut novel, THE THREE GRACES OF PEARL STREET, which comes out on September 1st! (Note that if you’re outside of North America, you can buy it via Blackwell’s.)

I am researching my next genre for The Taste Test…

I am reflecting on the fact that it’s been 1 year since TM and I moved in together. I am noticing what’s changed and what hasn’t, and realizing that most of my initial fears haven’t been actualized. (Amazing reminder for an anxious brain!)

I am craving having a desk and some space of my own. I am taking zero steps toward making that a reality.

I am thinking about recent conversations we’ve been having about moving…

I am cleaning up some kind of mess every day, because that’s what life with a senior pet looks like. I am realizing that I’m never mad about it, only worried about her—which is also what life with a senior pet feels like.

I am looking up new recipes, because I am always looking up new recipes.

I am enjoying my weekly workouts and feeling stronger, mostly in my legs and core.

I am feeling a bit sore from the 9km hike we did in the Lake District yesterday.

I am getting ready to go to the hospital and get hooked up to some monitors, so I can do a sleep study… TONIGHT!

I am dreaming about stressful situations, most nights. These two are not correlated, just a random fact. I always feel happy to wake up, lol.

I am daydreaming about writing fiction. I am signing up for free webinars and reading books on the craft, and wondering when I’ll stop studying and start writing.

I am saving screenshots and bookmarks about a small business idea I’d love to bring to life one day.

I am missing recording audio. Podcasts and audiobooks have been some of my favourite projects to work on.

I am worrying about money. I am watching all my numbers go down. I am applying for the occasional job. I am getting rejected by almost every one (gotta love this economy, and being an immigrant in it).

I am noticing that most rejections feel like a sign to keep writing. I am feeling broke financially but rich in creative ideas.

I am writing this list so I can see HOW MANY THINGS are swirling around and taking up space in my mind (and time in my life).

I am writing this list so I can see what’s worth thinking about now and what can be thought about later.

I am writing this list so I can close some of the tabs in my brain.

I am writing this list so I can focus.

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I’ll be offline for the month of August. Long-time readers will know this is something I do every year! I find it’s a quiet month on the internet anyway, so a great time to take a step back (take this as a nod, if you’re a writer!). But this year, the time offline somehow feels a little more essential. More needed than in previous years.

I really need to close some of the tabs in my brain. Thanks to the list, I’ve made a new list of the few things I want to focus on in August, so I can say “no” or “not right now” or “we’ll talk about it in September” whenever something else pops up.

What I want to focus on in August:

• spend two weeks working on book projects, while the kids are away (now)

• have lots of quality time with TM in those evenings

• spend two weeks with the kids, only writing for an hour or so in the mornings

• see a bunch of friends between Aug 26th-29th

• study for my Life in the UK test, in little pockets of time all throughout

What I want to share, when I’m back:

• Light News from August

• a recap from my “Summer of Romantasy”

• a BIG book giveaway for paid subscribers!

And depending on where my book projects are at, we’ll see where things go from there! With that, I will wish you a wonderful month ahead, friend. I hope you enjoy this bit of summer or winter, wherever you are in the world ☺️ if you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear if there’s anything you’re trying to focus on this month too!

See you again soon!

xx Cait

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Thank you for reading this little newsletter of mine. I’ve been writing online since 2010, and have always valued keeping my content clean (aka free of ads/sponsored content) so we can be present together. If you found calm, joy or inspiration from this, you can: like this post (click on the heart button), subscribe to read more or buy me a coffee! ❤️☕