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# What's Up - California Fires Edition
- URL: https://newsletter.ryansouthwickauthor.com/whats-up-california-fires-edition/
- Published: 2020-08-26T07:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-01-10T00:03:10.000Z
- Author: Ryan Southwick
- Tags: Blog

Hope everyone affected by fires in CA is doing as well as you can! The smoke here is better today, thank goodness. Yesterday smelled like someone had lit a campfire in the middle of the guest bathroom. Today was clear enough that I braved the treadmill and walked a fast mile without getting unduly out of breath. At this point, though, I'm just happy to have a home.

If you're looking to help the thousands of displaced families across the state, [this article](https://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/2020/08/20/california-fires-how-to-help-river-lake-carmel-wildfires/5618698002/?ref=newsletter.ryansouthwickauthor.com) has some great suggestions.

Apart from that, I've been busy with Book 2's upcoming launch—specifically the artwork. I really, *really* want to share the initial drafts with you because they're just that freakin' cool, but I think the wait will be worth it. =\] Look for a cover reveal in late September!

Duovolt Art recently posted a [wonderful review](https://duovoltart.com/angels-in-the-mist-a-convergence-of-sci-fi-fantasy-adventure-and-modern-fiction/?ref=newsletter.ryansouthwickauthor.com) of *Angels in the Mist*, which includes this small snippet:

*"At the heart of this enigmatic story is Southwick’s dedication to breathing life and dimension into the hero of the novel – Anne Perrin. Unlike so many storytellers introducing a heroine, Anne is not simply a hero wrapped in a feminine veneer. Southwick gives us a true-to-life protagonist who is, at the same time, on a classic hero’s journey of self-exploration, growth, and empowerment while also maintaining a genuine female perspective and truth."*

For me, this highlighted a key aspect of the novel, and that is the genuineness of the heroine. Seeing this unprompted in print was completely awesome. Thanks, June, for the inspiring write-up. It's juiced me up to finish the current manuscript!

You can read more of Judy's review here: [https://duovoltart.com/angels-in-the-mist-a-convergence-of-sci-fi-fantasy-adventure-and-modern-fiction/](https://duovoltart.com/angels-in-the-mist-a-convergence-of-sci-fi-fantasy-adventure-and-modern-fiction/?ref=newsletter.ryansouthwickauthor.com)

Until next time, take care.