I was up early this morning—around 5 a.m., give or take. These are the last fleeting days of vacation, and I’m soaking them in. Bittersweet? Not quite. I thrive on staying busy, which is why finishing Riven over the holiday break was such a rewarding experience. Between writing, editing, and reworking the story’s flow, it kept me plenty occupied. Fun fact: Riven was originally going to be much longer, but I streamlined the outline to make it faster-paced. Hopefully, you’ll feel that momentum as you read.
Now, with Friday morning underway, I’ve turned my focus back to teaching. There’s testing right after the break (not exactly the students’ favorite thing!), and I’ve been prepping materials. Classroom behavior can be a challenge, though, and I’m always open to advice if you’ve got any tips to share.
This year, I’m simplifying my approach to learning centers. Instead of elaborate visuals and flashy decorations, I’m focusing on clear, text-based activities. My centers include blends, ending sounds, sight words, and even some content tied to the story we’re reading. Our curriculum puts a big emphasis on writing, but many of my students are still catching up on their reading skills. It’s been a challenge to balance both. As a writer, you’d think teaching writing would be my passion—but it’s tough to inspire when the basics still feel out of reach for some of them.
Still, I’m determined to give it another go. By exposing my students to more words and building their confidence, I’m hopeful this new approach will make a difference.
In the meantime, I’m sketching out ideas for Riven Book 2 and working on a few other stories. If you enjoyed Riven, stay tuned—there’s so much more to come. And if you haven’t picked it up yet, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Riven today and experience the adventure firsthand.
“Fear is the first crack, Salome.”
When Nahor’s mystical barrier begins to fail, Princess Salome ventures beyond its safety. Joined by Prince Nmzar and Captain of the Lystran Guard, Reuben, she faces the Riven—a force that twists land, creatures, and minds. To save her home, Salome must confront the shadows and risk everything.
👉 Step into the world of Riven. Get your copy today!
Rosemary Draven 