Following my passions and reveling in fall

Now that my contract at Apple News has ended, looking for a new gig is taking up a lot of my time. Particularly since I’m determined to find a job that will allow me to use my skills to help make the world a better place.

Until that happens, however, I’m following my passions. I’m reading several books at once and will definitely hit my Goodreads Challenge goal this year.

Much to my husband’s joy — and chagrin — I’m baking a lot. Last week, we indulged in pumpkin pie with a tasty digestive crust and a very dark hot fudge pudding cake with whipped cream and fresh raspberries. Plus, the “Great British Baking Show” is about to return for a new season.

I’ve also been writing like a mad fiend. I started working on a new epistolary novel that may or may not turn out the way I hoped. (Darn you, fiction! Why do you vex me so?)

A Bit of Good News continues to find an audience of readers who yearn for positivity and life-affirming stories.

The End Files launched in June. Seventeen issues later, I’m chuffed to bits to have a place to share my love of fascinating obits and beautiful cemeteries while inspiring healthy discussions about death.

Then, on September 1, I launched The Moonlight Reader Society, a weekly bookish newsletter for readers who often say to themselves: “One more chapter and then I’ll sleep!” You know, bibliophiles like myself. Each issue features book news and videos, interviews with readers, 25-word reviews, polls, literary holidays, writer birthdays and reading quotes. There’s even a calendar of literary events for those who like to attend readings and discussions in person.

This week, I dedicated an entire issue of The Moonlight Reader Society to an important topic: banned books. September 22-28 is Banned Books Week and I wanted to join educators, booksellers and libraries in raising awareness about the issue. If you have a free moment, please give it a read and share it with others.

For those of you who’ve already subscribed to my newsletters, thank you so very much. Your readership means the world to me. All of my publications are free, but if you want to aid my efforts — and can afford to do so — paid subscriptions are only $5/month, or $50/year. Everyone who purchases a subscription will gain full access to the archives and be automatically entered into monthly giveaways for prizes.

I’m also thrilled that autumn is officially here, a time of cool weather, colorful leaves, spooky stories and the arrival of Holiday Jade. If the news is breaking your heart and/or hurting your head, go outside right now. Admire the leaves as they turn, dance and fall. Bid farewell to the birds before they depart on their southern travels. Sip a cup of cider or a pumpkin spice latte. Head to an orchard and pick a few apples for pie. Carve a pumpkin into a mighty Jack o’Lantern or install a graveyard on your front lawn.

This gorgeous season will be gone before you know it. Take it in and enjoy.