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Self-Doubt Has Three Mean Cousins

Hello, August!

How did we get here already? Summer is flying by, and I've spent much of mine making final edits to my next suspense novel, TRAPPED, which will be available this fall.

 

This month, I'm sharing a few recent reads, some August adventures, another peek behind the keyboard, and a free resource to help you squeeze a little more fun out of summer. I also have a thought to share about Self-Doubt and the three mean cousins she likes to bring along.

 

Let's get started!


 

📚 Books Read and Reviewed!

 

It's been an interesting reading month—from a five-star favorite to one that simply wasn't for me. Here's what's been on my nightstand.


 ★★★★★ The Friend of the Family — Dean KoontzMy favorite of this group and an easy five stars. Beautifully written, memorable, and compelling. I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator was amazing.

 

★★★★ Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus — Dusti BowlingA middle-grade novel and a change of pace for me. One of my granddaughters recommended this one, and I couldn't resist reading it so we could compare notes. It turned out to be a fun mystery with a surprising amount of heart. I think kids from 3rd grade up would love it.

 

★★½ In the Likely Event — Rebecca YarrosNot every book hits the mark for every reader. I'd categorize this as a spicy romance and it's a quick read—lots of people love it, but it wasn't quite for me. Recommended for mature readers only.


Currently Reading: One More Sunday by John D. MacDonald

 

On My TBR List: This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page—recommended by one of you! I love getting book recommendations from my newsletter readers.

 

Are you curious about some of the books that have been getting lots of attention in 2025–26? Here are a few to add to your own TBR List.


Literary: Broken Country, The CorrespondentThriller: The Tenant, Nobody's FoolRomance: Great Big Beautiful Life, AtmosphereFantasy: Onyx StormScience Fiction: Project Hail Mary


✍🏻 Behind the Keyboard


One of the fun things about writing is discovering that even the smallest characters can play a very big role in a story.


Meet Duchess.

  • Small, white, fluffy—and occasionally stubborn.

  • She was Dominique's beloved dog.

  • Has a knack for being exactly where she shouldn't be.

  • Far braver than anyone expects.

     

Duchess may have four legs, but make no mistake, she's an important character in TRAPPED. When things go terribly wrong, this little dog becomes more than Vivienne's companion. She gives her something worth fighting for.


📍Want to be the first to know when TRAPPED is available? Hit reply and let me know—I'll make sure you're on the list for launch news, cover reveal, and release-day details before anyone else hears about it.

 🌞 August Adventures

August brought a few unexpected adventures—and one very unexpected visitor!

 

Oh, Deer! Imagine my surprise when I discovered a deer on the garage roof! Yes, you read that correctly. It created quite a stir and definitely earned a spot among this month's most memorable moments.

 

Coffee, Anyone?

A trip to the Lake of the Ozarks led me to a charming little coffee shop. You know I can't resist a good cup of coffee, especially when it comes with a fun new place to enjoy it. Next time you're in Laurie, Missouri, stop by Mo Java Coffee!



Down the Rabbit Hole


I also visited The Rabbit hOle, a wonderfully imaginative children's museum in Kansas City. What a creative place! It brings children's books and their characters to life.



Ready for more August adventures? I put together an August Activity Calendar filled with ideas to add a little adventure to your month


Want a copy? Just reply to this email and ask for the August calendar. I'll be happy to send one your way!


Who's Talking?

Have you ever had an idea you were excited about, only to hear a little voice say, Who do you think you are? I have.

 

The voice belongs to Self-Doubt, and she rarely shows up alone. She likes to bring along her three mean cousins: Discouragement, Overwhelm, and Perfectionism.



Self-Doubt asks questions like: What if I… fail? Make a fool of myself? Show up late? Am completely out of place?

 

Here's something I've learned. I may not be able to completely silence Self-Doubt, but I don't have to let her stop me from moving forward.

 

Even Self-Doubt can occasionally be useful. She makes me stop, evaluate, and ask if I can do something better. But there's a difference between listening to a concern and allowing it to make the decision.

 

So, the next time you hear that familiar voice, change the question. Instead of asking, What if I fail? ask yourself:

 

What's the best thing that could happen?

 

What if you succeed? What if you're better at it than you expected? What if one small step opens a door you never imagined?

 

Then take that step. Send the email. Make the call. Write the page. Sign up for the class. Self-Doubt may still be talking, but you get to decide how much attention you give her.

Next month: Why a trip to the library reminds me that Discouragement doesn't have to win.


Thank you for being part of this community.

P.S. Don't forget, if you'd like my August Activity Calendar, just hit reply and write “August Calendar.” I'll send it your way! Blessings, Sandy


 
 
 

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