Wish I could tell you August began with just another hot day.
If you've seen the news, even the national news, you know that three wildfires have broken out in northern and western Spokane. One was purposefully set. The result? About 10,500 acres currently afire. Some 65,000 people evacuated. Over 700 structures destroyed.
The news is devastating, but people have rallied immediately. Firefighters and police from over 12 states and Australia. Community members and groups gathering resources -- from diapers to food to places to stay. Our mayor assembled a team of federal and state people, all committed to helping those displaced. For now, the fires are contained.
So, I haven't been writing. I live in south Spokane, some 15 miles from the disaster area. But my friends are affected, and I feel helpless. Because I really can't do much. Phone calls and e-mails, yes. Groceries, yes.
Temperatures are heating up later this week. The winds today are quieter. But the rest of August looms, bringing more fire danger to all.
My own writing is stalled. If I were to give an update, it's brief: Honeymoon in Egypt is in final review. A new story, The Cozy Quiltpatch Murder Club, is at the early draft stage, relatively untouched.
Today is officially Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) day -- that monthly opportunity to check in with other writers, offer support, and cheer on our various writing projects. What I'm looking forward to is reading what other writers are doing, a true distraction, for even writing this post is stressful. Yes, my worries about others reinforces my sense of helplessness. Yes, my daughter and family are safely at the Oregon coast. But, still.
Thank you, hosts for this month. Please visit them and comment! Shannon Lawrence, Diedre Knight, Liza, and Pat Garcia!
To comment on other IWSG writers, visit the IWSG home page here.
If you wish more information or want to help, check out this page set up by the City of Spokane. Meanwhile, be safe. May your writing -- and the rest of the summer -- go well.
