Summer Heat, a Writer’s Doubts, and Music as Medicine

Afternoon, Friday, June 13, 2025, Miami, Florida

The subtropical sun is relentless today, casting its familiar heat over Coral Terrace. At 87°F (31°C) under mostly sunny skies, the humidity sits at a heavy 67%, making it feel more like 93°F (34°C). A southeasterly breeze at 14 MPH (23 Km/H) offers a little relief, though not much. Thankfully, I’m inside, where air conditioning is a lifesaver. As a native Floridian, I’m used to the heat, even if I sometimes wish for a more temperate climate.

Creativity is in short supply for me this afternoon. After nearly 25 months of novel-writing, my energy feels depleted, and the lack of sales for Reunion: Coda this June isn’t helping. Writing is my passion—it’s where my skills and aspirations align—but let’s be honest, royalties matter too. Checking my Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) account and seeing no movement is discouraging. It makes it harder to push forward on new projects.

Still, Comings and Goings is off to a promising start. Scene One is complete, and thanks to a detailed outline, I know where it’s heading. If I can shake off this cloud of doubt and exhaustion, I might tackle more of it this afternoon. I’ve faced emotional downturns before—in Tampa, in Madison—and I powered through them by focusing on finishing Coda. That wasn’t easy, especially during the emotional whirlwind of late 2023 through 2024, but I finished the novel, earned seven ratings and five customer reviews, and soon, the first royalty payments will come. That’s something. I just wish sales were a bit more lively.

Music always helps. It brings me comfort, inspiration, and the occasional spark of joy. So to close out this post, I’m including a few favorite tunes from YouTube.

Until next time—stay safe, stay well, and I’ll catch you on the sunny side.