29 Comments
User's avatar
Meg Oolders's avatar

Loved catching up with you here, Justin. 💜I'm very behind.

If you're still looking for beta readers, I'd love to read your story! And I have a book-loving fourth graders at home who might be willing to take it for a spin as well. You know where to find me. 🙂

Expand full comment
Justin Deming's avatar

Hi Meg! Oh, no worries, my friend. I’m always finding myself in that same boat, as well.

Oh my gosh! I would love for you (and your book-loving fourth grader) to read my story! I’ll be in touch soon…hopefully later this evening! Thank you so much, my friend!

Expand full comment
Stephanie Sweeney's avatar

How exciting! Glad the writing projects and time with family have been going so well. Nice to see you back here.

Expand full comment
Justin Deming's avatar

Hey Stephanie! Thank you so much. It was time well spent. 😊 I’m happy to be back. Hope all is well with you!

Expand full comment
Sue Cauhape's avatar

Welcome back, Justin. We HAVE missed you.

Recently, I've been reading juvenile fiction in lieu of my toddler-age grands reading good books when they're 10-13 years old. I've managed to find books I enjoyed at that age. Rereading them is such a pleasure. And they're not even fantasy or sci-fi (although I just receive A Wrinkle in Time today). They're about read kids going through real situations: a migrant worker family in Depression-era California, a boy who is blinded by a firecracker and must learn to live without sight.

I'd be interesting in reading your manuscript too.

Expand full comment
Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you, Sue!

That sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve been reading all sorts of books (and series) with my children. The world of juvenile fiction is vast, and there is no shortage of quality books out there!

I’d love for you to read my manuscript. I should be able to send it your way tomorrow. I really appreciate it! 🙏

Expand full comment
Sue Cauhape's avatar

Looking forward to it, Justin. The way things are going, I should be done with Wrinkle in Time by the time it gets here. You know, I'll bet if adults read juvenile and Young Adult fiction, especially the older stuff, many of their hang-ups could be dealt with. Sometimes, people don't deal with adolescent issues and carry them into adulthood. Hmmmm....

Expand full comment
Sharron Bassano's avatar

It is so good to hear your voice again, Justin. Your project sounds delightful - especially the joy of sharing it with your daughter - who I suspect will also become a writer. I look forward to having both of these books in my little library! And I look forward to returning to 50s by the fire.

Expand full comment
Justin Deming's avatar

That’s very kind of you to say, Sharron! I’m excited to be working on larger projects once more. It feels good to be back. The project was a blast, and my daughter is already pushing me to hit the ground running with book number two. I took a breath, so I might have to keep the kid happy and surge ahead!

And yes!! Can’t wait to get the “Fifties” crew back together next week. The hiatus was needed, but I missed hanging out by the fire!

Expand full comment
K.C. Knouse's avatar

Well, Justin is back and he is not just by the fire, he is on fire. It is a blessing indeed to have found your writing niche. I'm happy for you Justin. Sharing your writing with your child; what a wonderful way to connect. I am looking forward to your book of flash fiction.

Expand full comment
Justin Deming's avatar

Haha, thank you, K.C.! I couldn’t come back empty handed now could I? I really appreciate the kind words. There are endless imaginative possibilities with that age range. Children’s literature is so much fun! Sharing the story with my daughter is something I’ll cherish forever.

Expand full comment
Mark Starlin's avatar

Follow your inspiration. It is the way. 🤓

Expand full comment
Justin Deming's avatar

It truly is, Mark! I’m going to keep leaning into it more consistently moving forward. Thanks for reading, and I hope all is well!

Expand full comment
Mark Starlin's avatar

Yup. I am doing pretty well for an old geezer.

Expand full comment
Justin Deming's avatar

🤣

Expand full comment
Richbee's avatar

Writing, like the ski slope.

Mogul, jump, schuss.

When you fall into a hole

Just have a rope and pick your way out to continue the journey.

Glad you found footing

Feats to be grounded

Skis set aside. Books snow plow clear paths to future adventures.

Expand full comment
Justin Deming's avatar

Thank you so much, Richard. I appreciate your encouragement! By the way, I love everything you write. Looking forward to seeing you “by the fire” soon! 🔥

Expand full comment
Richbee's avatar

Thanks

Expand full comment
Brian Reindel 👾⚔️'s avatar

That's awesome, Justin! Congratulations on being so productive and working through the writing to find your interests. Definitely something to celebrate. 🎉🎉🎉

Expand full comment
Justin Deming's avatar

Thanks so much, Brian! I’ve written YA and took a stab at a middle grade novel, but something about this feels right. I appreciate you, my friend! I see you’ve been busy as well! I’ll be diving in to some of your stories soon.

Expand full comment
Kim Deming's avatar

What can I say ! I am amazed at your writing and am so proud of you to keep following your dreams !Love you son !!

Expand full comment
Justin Deming's avatar

Love you, Mom! 💜

Expand full comment
Kim Smyth's avatar

I'm so happy to hear your news and I'd be a happy beta reader for you! You know I love your work, but I'd be fair and honest in my assessment.

I'm glad you'll be back with 50’s too, I've missed you!

Its wonderful that you've spent time with your kids, that is what you SHOULD do.

Expand full comment
Justin Deming's avatar

Kim, that would be amazing! Thank you so much for offering! I’ll be in touch soon with the draft.

And exactly! They had such a fun winter. With that said, bring on spring! 💐 🌞

Expand full comment
Kim Smyth's avatar

Yes, I'm ready too!

Expand full comment
Daniel O’Donnell's avatar

Welcome back Justin. Glad to hear you’ve been having fun at home and at work! All the new projects sound great so looking forward to reading them when they arrive. If you need beta readers then by all means let me know and I’ll be happy to give whatever help or advice I can 👍🏼

Expand full comment
Justin Deming's avatar

Daniel, thanks so much for the warm words! I’d love to get your eyes on it if you have the time. Your feedback would be invaluable! I’ll send an email or a message soon. I appreciate you! 🙏

Expand full comment
andrea tackach's avatar

I'm so excited to read your new book, Justin!! I'll be emailing you soon.

Expand full comment
Justin Deming's avatar

And I’m so excited to share it with you, Andrea!! Sounds good. 😊

Expand full comment