Mariella Hunt

Aside from the extreme temperatures that can make it difficult to sit outside, I have found that June and July have gentle on my soul. I have not had a ‘cruel summer’ (as a Swiftie, I must get the reference in); where there was occasional unrest, matters settled quickly, and I have enjoyed the sunset every day.

This month, July, I accidentally found myself writing a new book. Well, not ‘accidentally;’ it was my entry for the Vellys competition, and I was going to keep updating it weekly. I can say that I didn’t expect to finish it this very same month.

As I type this, Davy Jones’s Daughter has reached 62,000 words. I predict that it will be finished in only a few more chapters.

I enjoy experimenting with novels where there are multiple POVs. It has been fun to explore the minds of characters Ewan and Keira as they await a visit from Captain Davy Jones, Keira’s father—and later, when they strike a deal with him. Does Ewan dare to captain the Flying Dutchman for ten years?

Read the story here.

It will also be available, eventually, as a novel. I see at least three novellas following these characters, but don’t want to bite off more than I can chew.

After I finish Davy Jones’s Daughter, I must get back to writing book 3 of my mermaid series. I also have the wood witch novel which I finished and forgot about. I’ve improved as a writer since then, and will probably cringe when I get back to it.

If I can keep up an adequate schedule, I’ll have three manuscripts by the end of the year, and at least one of them will be published.

This summer, I dusted off an old dream of mine: I want to learn the ukulele. I own two, but always become distracted before I can build any learning habits. My favorite ukulele is my baritone. It reminds me of a guitar, with a deep, rich sound.

Learning chords, I’ve discovered, is easy; singing along is difficult, not only because I am self conscious, but it’s hard to sing and keep rhythm. However, I intend to develop the skill this time, even if I only use it to entertain myself.

The songs I’ve been playing with on ukulele include Enchanted by Taylor Swift and Riptide by Vance Joy (a truly underrated artist). I know I’ll learn faster if I am playing songs that I like and am familiar with. This might also make it easier for me to sing along while strumming.

We have entered the hottest stretch of summer, which means (naturally) that I am anticipating autumn: leaves, pumpkin spice, cups of apple cider. Autumn is my favorite season, but we have something to learn from all of them. I accept with gratitude the lessons summer offered this year, and the stories I encountered along the way.

How has your summer been?

Do you play an instrument? Do you have any advice for me on this journey?