The internet says fall is here, but in Texas it still feels like summer. Even so, the calendar doesn’t lie: we’ve entered the last 100 days of 2025. It’s the perfect time to check in on our goals, reset where needed, and finish strong. 

Reading update: 
At the start of the year, I set myself a reading goal — but my Goodreads is looking pretty slim. Between finishing my second book, creating a podcast, moving, and job hunting, my reading has been a little scattered. 

• On Audible, I’m halfway through Been Wrong for So Long It Feels Right by Walter Mosley. 

• From the library, I renewed Daughter of the Dragon by Yunte Huang, the story of Anna Wong, a groundbreaking Asian actress in Hollywood’s golden age. 

• On Kindle, I’ve been staring down How to Photograph the Dead by Dean Koontz (book two in the Nameless series, which I started over a year ago). 

• And then there’s the hardest read of my life: The Iliad. Nine months later, Kindle says I’m still at 1%. 😶 

Books are still my way of slowing down and fueling my own creative process, even when progress is slow. 

Author + social update: 
I’ve also been showing up more on social media. I’ll admit it still feels scary to be on camera, but after a few takes, something natural starts to peek through. You can see some behind-the-scenes videos of me wrapping up Go Get the Priestess on Instagram @portialeivette. This week, I’ll be revealing the cover — and I can’t wait for you to meet Diana Bell, my main character brought to life by a truly talented artist. 

Podcast launch: 
Alongside releasing my book, I’m launching a podcast! If you’ve read my older blog posts, you know I’ve always loved talking about motivation, goal setting, and chasing dreams — especially at a big age. Now, I’m blending that with writing tips and habits, and Habits of a Writer was born. 

This podcast is for aspiring writers, especially Gen Xers, who want to turn their story ideas into finished novels by building confidence and simplifying the writing process. The first two episodes drop September 30, 2025. You’ll be able to find it anywhere you listen to podcasts — but for now, you can get a sneak peek on Substack: Habits of a Writer 

Motivation for you: 
As I reflect on my own goals this quarter, I want to check in with you, too: 
👉 Are you staying accountable to yourself? 
👉 Are your goals still aligned with your why? 

Don’t wait until January to reset. Choose one thing today — your workspace, your notes, or your reading schedule — and organize it. Future you will thank you. 

Let’s finish the year strong — not by doing everything, but by doing the right things. Hit reply and tell me: What one goal are you focusing on for the last 100 days of 2025? 

Love & light 💛 
Portia