From Archeology to Authorship with Sean McLachlan

 

On this week's episode of The Truth About Storytelling, Sean McLachlan and I dive into how travel and history shape the stories we tell. From archaeology to authorship, Sean shares how his global adventures—from Cairo to Bulgaria—infuse authenticity and depth into his fiction. We talk about research, language learning, and the beauty of seeing the world through different cultural lenses. It’s an inspiring conversation about curiosity, courage, and creative life across continents.

Listen Here On The Truth About Storytelling

Conference Thoughts

I recently returned from Author Nation and I am heading into a deep planning sort of mood for the fall. Writing is going strong, but I'm also spending time considering how to use all the tools, or at least a few of the tools, I learned about at Author Nation. I love conferences because they energize me for what's next on the horizon.

Why I write about swords

When I was a kid, I had a chance to speak up about an injustice.

I didn’t have steel in my hands, but it felt like carrying a blade. It took every ounce of courage I had to open my mouth and say the truth out loud. It wasn’t easy. It changed my life.

Kickstarter News

My "Why I write about swords" series is part of my Kickstarter Prelaunch. I'm sharing it in my newsletters and have each of those segments planned out for the next two months. The Dark Blade Trilogy is well on its way to being finished. Book 3 is in progress, Book 2 is getting re-edited, and Book 1 is in the design process for the paperback and hardback this week. Soon, I hope to have some wraparound covers to share, and by December I hope to have a full proof copy of Books 1 and 2, with one to come for Book 3 in January.

Why Prelaunch?

• It helps Kickstarters gain momentum and recognition on the platform.
• It gives visibility to the book series.

Please consider heading to my prelaunch page and clicking the "Notify Me" button. This does not commit you to more than an email when the campaign launches. 

Thank you for all of your encouragement and support!

Happy IWSG Day and Favorite Stories!

 

Happy IWSG Day!

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

The awesome co-hosts for the October 1 posting of the IWSG are Beth Camp, Crystal Collier, and Cathrina Constantine! 

Our Fearless Leader is Alex J. Cavanaugh!

Our optional question this month is about our favorite stories we've written... 

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My Favorite Things I’ve Written (So Far)

It’s always hard to choose a favorite piece of writing — usually, it’s the last book I’ve published. But looking back, here are a few that hold a special place in my heart:

• Dark Blade Forged (2024) — My latest fantasy novel, and the first in the Dark Blade Trilogy. It’s a story about a cursed sword, justice, and the power of light against shadow.

• “The Top Hat” (3rd Grade) — One of my earliest stories, and the first time I received real compliments on my writing in school. 

• Champion in the Darkness (2013) — My debut novel, and the start of the Champion Trilogy. Publishing this book taught me courage in stepping into the world as an author.

• “Dragonfold” (2009) — My first published short story. Dragons have always inspired my imagination, and this story opened the door to being published.

• “Seedling” — Another short story close to my heart, about growth, hope, and finding friendship in unexpected places.

• To Speak (coming 2026) — A forthcoming poetry collection in a newly expanded edition. 

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New Podcast Mini-Series

I’ve just launched a new podcast mini-series about the writing life, blending travel, caregiving, and creativity. This week is all about “Cacti, Camels, and Writing.” I share about the last few days in Mongolia and what these experiences taught me about resilience, faith, and the creative journey. Each week, I'll also air two shorter episodes with writing prompts. If you get my newsletter, you'll hear a few stories about riding camels and sitting accidentally on cacti as a kid. 

Here's a picture of me on a camel, along with the core mission team:

And the cactus part, well, it's a metaphor for some stuff (see below), and it came from finding this anonymous quote in my dad's calendar:

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You may be given a cactus, but you don't have to sit on it.

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What I'm Writing Right Now:

Dark Blade 2 (Title may be changing) is finished as a main draft. 

But I am not ready to release it yet due to some life circumstances. 

I came home from Mongolia to find that I needed to step into a caregiving role for my parents. I am getting help, and I am finding ways to manage this, but I am going to take a beat to figure out how and when to release my next books. They are coming, but not immediately.

Mainly, I am journal writing and writing bits and pieces of Dark Blade 3.

I will let you know as soon as I can work on the release dates, and I may be asking for help. 

How can I keep on podcasting with this? Well, podcasting has been fun. 

And, I'm honestly winging a lot of episodes. Joy + grace = restful enough to do. 

Coming Home September 2025

 Coming home is interesting.

It always is.

The world looks different.

Home looks different.

My dad is in a care center, recuperating from three fractured ribs. He had a fall.

Work (my other work) has many things that need to be done yesterday.

I long to see my daughters and visit my grandson.

I'm writing, but it's currently more reflection on traveling than fiction. I have a plan to get back to fiction writing starting tomorrow. It's a good plan.

I've been podcasting extensively about my trip, with nine episodes prepped and scheduled. 

I've already put out a few, including:

I'm Back!

Mongolia Reflections, Part 1.

I've linked to Youtube here, but you can also find them on Spotify, RSS Feeds, Amazon Music, and More. 

Returning Home and IWSG

 

Happy IWSG Day!

I am traveling and may not be able to get around to comment, but thought I would add a short post today.

Returning Home

 Today, I am flying home. I know from past trips, I am probably thinking of how soft my bed is. I might be dozing. I might be looking forward to the rainy and damp weather Western Washington is famous for. And no matter what, I will be longing for the warm embrace of my husband. 

What do you love about returning home from a trip away, even if it's been a grand adventure?

Fun Facts About Mongolia

• Ulaanbaatar, the capital, is the coldest capital city in the world.
• Mongolia is known as the ‘Land of the Eternal Blue Sky,’ with over 250 sunny days every year.
• Nomadic herding is still a huge part of life.
• And the traditional dwelling, called a ger—sometimes called a yurt—is a round felt tent you can take down and set up again, perfectly suited for a life on the move.
• The latitude of Mongolia and the size of Mongolia makes it similar (but not the same) as Montana, North and South Dakota, Wyoming, and part of Canada just above Montana and the Dakotas. Yet, the population is similar to the greater Seattle area, and half of that population lives in or around the cities.
• Ulaanbaatar has apartment buildings, but it is also surrounded by neighborhoods of gers. The word "ger" not only means the dwelling we think of as a yurt (a Russian rename for it), but it also means home.

How do you describe your home? Is it a land of Blue Sky, Damp Rain, Wide Horizons, Misty Mountains? 

Mongolia Mission Trip and The Knock on My Door

Today, on my 54th birthday, I’ll be leaving for my very first mission trip—to Mongolia! 

I didn’t wait for Gandalf to knock on my door, but the Holy Spirit did knock on my heart at the right time. Even though I don’t feel like the best, most eloquent, or most prepared person, I said yes. No second pocket handkerchief here —but I am bringing a journal, a small tablet, and my phone camera.

I’m both excited and nervous, but most of all hopeful—that I will be an instrument of God’s love and encouragement to those we meet.

Would you pray for us? Specifically:

The fullness of the Holy Spirit for our team and everyone we meet

Good listening hearts

The right words and scriptures at the right time

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I can’t wait to share stories, pictures, and glimpses of God’s work when I return.

And we will also be taking part in a baptism of new believers!