everything has its season
An exploration of everything I wrote this past summer.
I spent the summer writing my heart out.
For four months, between packed semesters for my grad school program, I was fortunate enough to spend time soaking up the sun and disappearing into made-up worlds. And oh, some beautiful things were born from this.
If you’re subscribed to this newsletter, you probably already know this, but I barely wrote during the first third of the year. Classes and my internship completely and utterly consumed me. I barely had enough energy to eat, let alone to work on books.
This summer was a godsend. It is quite a privilege, to have the ability to take time off like this, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. I’ve had some difficult, ugly summers, and I’m happy that the summer of 2024 was a kind one. (I hope it was kind to you as well—please, tell me about your experience in the comments!)
In the meantime, let me tell you about what I got up to during the warmer months.
MAY.
As Boston defrosted, so did I. After wrestling my way out of finals season, I crawled back into the cool, bright sunlight.
I dragged way too many friends to Amorino for gelato because I became a little obsessed with it, met a new ginger cat friend at a used book store, and spent lots of time in the Commons. I also popped into Cambridge and wandered into a house that was covered, top to bottom, in some beautiful original paintings by the married couple that owns it.
Writing-wise, the YA Sapphic Romcom took up most of this month. I was still getting back into the swing of writing after not having enough time for it during the semester. I worked on a few personal projects just for fun, to remember how to write. I ended the month with 55k words written. Off to a strong start!
Toni Morrison’s The Source of Self-Regard was my favorite read of the month. Such a brilliant, unique mind, with an incredible perspective on topics of race, class, accessibility, and creativity.
JUNE.
I barely survived the multiple 90-degree heat waves that scorched this month. We don’t have to talk about that.
While at the lake, I saw the most majestic heron I’d ever seen in my life. I’m not a big fan of birds, but if I have to see one, I’d prefer it to be a heron. (This is probably because I also love The Boy and the Heron, but like, who doesn’t?)
I was possessed by some sort of writing demon during June. I wrote 56k words, 1k more than May. Most of it was for the first draft of The Sci-Fi Thriller, which would consume my mind for the rest of the summer. (And, if I’m being honest, still consumes my mind even now.)
Onto reading: I really enjoyed Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. I find myself thinking fondly of the two main characters even now. Usually, my memory is goldfish-level, and I forget things immediately, but this story’s stuck with me these past few months.
JULY.
I took most of July off as a writing break—I’d written enough in the first half of the summer and I was kind of burnt out. Besides, life got really exciting: my friend Cat came to visit and I spirited away to NYC for a week for my friend Joelle’s book launch (and to hang out with my friend Joel, shop, and be a tourist). Besides, my tarot cards told me to take a break, so who was I to ignore them?
I also saw Peach PRC in concert, which was an absolutely magical experience. Super pink. Super motivating for working on my romcom as well.
Speaking of, I finished YA Sapphic Romcom and handed it off to my agent. I also managed to finish a first draft-shaped thing for The Sci-Fi Thriller, and I’d moved on to outlining revisions for it.
I read quite a bit this month, but the most exciting thing I finished was The Secret History by Donna Tartt. It’s a cult classic for a reason. I highly recommend it if you’re interested in dark academia, descents into madness, poetic prose, atmospheric storytelling, and pretentiousness for the fun of it.
AUGUST.
August. My final month of freedom.
In Boston, I visited the rose garden, ate matcha croffles, and wandered the Museum of Fine Arts. Back home in Philly, my friends and I partied our way through the Gayborhood.
The first half of the month was spent dreading the second half of the month. I knew I had to get all four of my wisdom teeth removed mid-month, so it sort’ve threw off the vibes. But my healing process went very well! I stayed home, played video games, and finished edits for my YA Sapphic Romcom with record speed because of it. Like, what else was I going to do, besides eat soup?
When the YA Sapphic Romcom wasn’t in front of me, my time was split between The Sci-Fi Thriller and The Romantic Horror Novel. I also dabbled, quickly, in another YA romcom idea, but didn’t make it very far into the novel.
I closed out August with 23k words written. A respectable end to summer, in my opinion!
In total, about 144k new words were born these past four months! For YA Sapphic Romcom, I finished a final draft and a first round of edits with my agent. For The Sci-Fi Thriller, I finished a zero draft, a revision outline, and the first act of the second draft.
I made a lot of lovely memories this summer as well. Just in time to suffer through my next two semesters of grad school. (Pray for me—honestly, any deity will do. The more hands on deck, the better.)
Until next time!
where to find me.
Website: ashiamonet.com
Twitter: @ashiamonet
Tiktok, Threads, and Instagram: @ashiawrites