Greetings! Once a month or #writerwednesday, I will post a newsletter-style entry that contains bits and pieces of reflections, updates, and anecdotes titled ¨Ebb and Flow.”

Oxford Languages defines ¨Ebb and Flow¨ as a recurrent or rhythmical pattern of coming and going or decline and regrowth. It is the perfect title for this monthly collection of bits and pieces from my observations and experiences because I am forever ebbing and flowing with the tides of life. 

That phrase is also part of the tagline for my debut novel, Enduring the Waves.

Enduring the Waves Update: Enduring the Waves is my debut novel, which will be published later this year by Wild Rose Press. My manuscript was formerly titled Chapter One-A Novel, but thanks to the wisdom of everyone I have encountered at WRP, they collectively saw a better title for the story, and one that also is rife with symbolism and meaning. I am almost finished with the second rounds of edits and recently approved its stunning cover, which I will reveal closer to its release date. The publication process has taught me to let go of what I thought was and polish what is, and as a result, the novel has evolved by shedding its past versions and becoming its own entity. I hope to start an actual newsletter similar to this post within the next month and will share a sign-up link as soon as its available.

Floating WIth Life’s Currents: During last week’s break, I traveled for a quick overnight to Connecticut with my nephew and sister-in-law to look at the University of Connecticut, Yale University, and Fairfield University. I had attended the 2019 Yale Writer’s Workshop, ironically with a version of my novel that no longer exists, and I enjoyed showing the campus to my nephew. I remembered where my dorm room and some of my classrooms were, and saw more of the campus on this visit than I did in 2019. We enjoyed dinner at Texas Roadhouse and got to see UConnś arena. I also went to Yankee Stadium with my nephew, a cherished friend, and her friend and daughter to see the Yankees take on the Minnesota Twins on Tino Martinez Bobblehead Night. We got to see Tino throw out the first pitch AND Anthony Volpe hit his first major league home run. I bought his jersey from the stadium store about 30 minutes before his blast to the seats and couldn’t contain my excitement. It was such a monumental moment, and Judge hit a home run immediately after Volpe. Nestor Cortes pitched a gem but unfortunately, didn’t get the win because the bullpen blew the lead (Grrrr). It was still an outstanding evening.

Tidepools: The birds singing in the morning, the cherry and pear trees blossoming, and the grass and leaves budding has made the days much more pleasant. We made it over winter’s hump of melancholy, and boy, what a beautiful world. Call me simple, but noticing these brief moments are the best parts of my day.

Navigational Hazards and Necessary Detours: In addition to my novel’s revision, I’m under deadline for editorial projects for my publisher over at Jersey Shore Publications, as well as yearbook and end-of-year work-related deadlines. It’s a busy time, and I am doing my best to ebb and flow with the many responsibilities currently on my calendar. Last night’s yoga class was well needed and an absolutely wonderful escape, just as my writing group’s monthly meeting on Saturday. I left both feeling purposeful and inspired.

Thank you for joining me on my journey. I’m glad you are here.

With light and love,

Jill

“Ebb and Flow, Volume 1 (4/23)” was posted on jillocone.com on April 19, 2023. Views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the writer, who was not endorsed or compensated in any manner by any entity; views do not represent any of my employers. Copyright 2023, Jill Ocone. All rights reserved. Contact jillocone@gmail.com with reposting, licensing, and publishing inquiries.