Novel Update — September 8, 2026 — The Memory of Water

Back in April 2026, I found an opportunity to enter a contest and receive a critique of a portion of my manuscript, now titled The Memory of Water. I entered through the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, tied to their annual conference. 

A critique, especially from industry professionals, is a great opportunity. And the contest? A dream. Still, I chose to enter, knowing that no matter the result, it would be valuable. 

The contest has ten different categories based on the book’s genre. Of the stories submitted, only eight per category are chosen as finalists. To enter, you needed a 500-word synopsis detailing the entire book and up to 3,500 words of the novel. I enjoyed writing the synopsis and felt good about my entry. But I never expected the result.

I am pleased to announce that The Memory of Water has been chosen as a finalist! 

As a writer, you get so used to rejection that after a certain point, sending things out starts to feel robotic, to protect yourself from expectations. I am extremely happy and grateful that my story resonated. I wrote this story with my whole soul, and this is the greatest validation of its heart.