It’s been a long time since I’ve updated, and a lot has happened. First, of course, was my book release with Helen Angove and Rachel Green. It’s a trio of mystery and suspense novellas, involving the women of a small Cornish village, over the course of three centuries. The collection is called Blades of Justice. It’s fantastic, and it’s available now from Blind Eye Books. I can’t tell you what a wonderful experience it has been to work with such talented co-authors. And a big thank-you to Nicole Kimberling, for approaching me to do a project with Blind Eye in the first place. I am so, so proud of this anthology. If you haven’t checked it out, you’re in for a treat.
At the same time, my family and I have spent the last 9 months planning our emigration to Scotland, and it has finally happened! We’ve been in Edinburgh for two weeks, now, and have managed to figure things out pretty well. I’m particularly impressed with the bus system. For a former Angeleno, it’s mind-blowing that we haven’t felt the need for a car even once in our two weeks here. The municipal health club is impressive, too. It’s amazing what a government can do when it uses tax money for what people actually want, rather than to give tax breaks to billionaires. I’ve also been looking for work. Looks like the gig-teaching-economy is in full swing here. I have one online writing course scheduled for September (information as it becomes available) and am looking into other opportunities to teach writing and martial arts around the city and around the web. I have a work permit, and I know how to use it!
The third piece of news is that I tested for, and received, my third degree in Tae Kwon Do in May. “Instructor Jess”! I promise to only use my powers for good. And perhaps for occasional entertainment.
Jess Faraday 