Grateful this Thanksgiving for how writing humbled me. Used to be a nitpicky reader—complaining about prologues, long chapters, too many words, etc. Then I became an author & realized I knew nothing. Now I see stories as art. Break rules. Write it your way. #HappyThanksgiving #AuthorSky #BookSky

Broke my non-writing streak today. Finally carved out time by the pool & wrote 700 words in Book 5. Hotel worker gave us a cabana for free. We got to talking about my books & he wrote down my series for his wife, who’s an avid reader. Hopefully I gained a new reader. #AuthorSky #BookSky #VacaySky

Didn’t write a word this #vacation, but I did finish reviewing the print copy for Book 4 & got all the corrections in. Writing a series can be stressful, but today’s glass-bottom boat ride was calming. Grateful this Thanksgiving for my family, my readers & small moments like this. #AuthorSky

I’m really disappointed in Amazon. I’ve seen them remove reviews for no clear reason, even when authors work so hard to earn them. It feels like the system is stacked against us sometimes, and it’s frustrating to watch our hard-earned progress disappear. #AuthorSky #BookSky

Excited to take my kids snorkeling today. Turned in my print proof & got the final version back. Going through it again double-checking every fix, making sure all the errors are gone. All the hard work is paying off—definitely what I’m grateful for this Thanksgiving. 🦃 #AuthorSky #VacationSky

Finally finished reviewing my print-proof of The Serpent’s Order. Caught a few thing. Nothing major but enough to feel good about being thorough after reading this book for the millionth time. Sending fixes to my publisher & enjoying the rest of our Hawaii Thanksgiving trip. #AuthorSky #BookSky

Hapuna Beach is no joke — those signs about the strong tide? Yeah, I got pulled under twice. But my kids are having a blast, and I’m only about 3 chapters away from finishing my print-proof review. Working a little, relaxing a lot, grateful for time away from the screen. 🌊📚 #AuthorSky #VacationSky

This Thanksgiving I’m incredibly grateful for awesome writers I’ve met in the #writingcommunity and for them actually reading my books. Support is so crucial in this publishing journey. #AuthorSky #BookSky

11 years ago hubby & I bought a points-based timeshare & we thought it was the stupidest thing we’d ever done. Turned out to be the best decision. Our 8-day resort stay was fully covered by points & it forces me—workaholic—to slow down. Feeling grateful for this Hawaii trip. #AuthorSky #VacationSky

Found this sign while shopping in a mall in Hawaii and… 😂 As a thriller author who routinely leaves a trail of fictional bodies in my books, I feel personally called out. Might need this for my front door. #AuthorSky #VacationSky

I normally stay out of the ocean, but my kids convinced me to get in & it was a lot warmer than I expected. The hotel pool was warm too, with a slide & everything. It actually has felt really good to not write & just enjoy Thanksgiving week in Hawaii with my family. #AuthorSky #ParentSky

At ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay) & soaking it all in. Dipped my toes in, but I’m definitely too wimpy to dive fully into the water. The view is gorgeous & I’m using the time to go through my print copy one more time for any last errors. Hawaii + proofreading isn’t a bad combo. #AuthorSky #VacationSky

It’s been a while since I’ve been in Hawaii, & I forgot what real humidity feels like. It’s only 76 degrees, but honestly feels closer to 100. Still, I’m soaking it in — the change of pace, the scenery, the reset I didn’t realize I needed. #AuthorSky #VacationSky

Enjoyed dinner at Tommy Bahama tonight & got to watch the kids enjoy the pool. I’m about halfway through rereading my print proof for Book 4 & still catching little things, even after going over it a million times. You really can’t be too thorough. #AuthorSky #BookSky #ParentSky

Finally made it to Hawaii, with one more hop from Oahu to Kona. Going through my final print proof for The Serpent’s Order (Book 4) — my last chance to catch anything before it’s locked in. Hoping to get my notes in to the publisher by tomorrow so I can joy my vacation. #AuthorSky #BookSky

At the airport running on fumes. Woke up at 4am to get through the lines. It’s way too early for anything except sleep. The kids, naturally, are unaffected & operating at full volume. Trying to get through reviewing my print proof copy of book 4—if only I can stay awake! #AuthorSky #FamilySky

In publishing, you reread your book endlessly—dev edits, pub edits, print proof, even audiobook fixes. I’m deep in the print proof final review now, & it’s tedious, but loving your story gets you through it. Hoping to finish on these flights so I can actually enjoy Hawaii. #AuthorSky #BookSky

On our way to Hawaii… sort of. 😅 Our Fresno flight got changed, so now we drove to SF, staying overnight & up at 4 a.m. to fly to San Diego—then finally to Hawaii. As adults, we’re fine. It’s the kids (especially the 4-year-old) we’re worried about. This’ll be interesting. #AuthorSky #FamilySky

It’s been a long time since we’ve taken a real vacation, but we’re finally heading to Hawaii for Thanksgiving week and it’ll be my kids’ first time there. I might bring my laptop for a quick writing sprint…or maybe I’ll just let myself unplug and enjoy the moment. #AuthorSky #FamilySky

It’s always so nice talking to readers and hearing what resonated with them. I got to do that yesterday, and it was genuinely rewarding. Not everyone will connect with your work or even like it—but connecting with the ones who do makes all the hard days worth it. #AuthorSky #BookSky

It’s getting real — the excavators are here and they’re digging the hole for our pool! I can’t believe it’s actually happening. Once summer hits 110° in Fresno, having this pool is going to feel like a lifesaver. Also an activity for the kids. Excited is an understatement! #AuthorSky #FamilySky

Was floored today. A reader commented on my author FB page & had no idea he’d also posted a long review on his own page praising The Serpent Woman. He read Books 1 & 2 & said Book 2 was the best he’s read this year, if not this decade. Absolutely humbled, blown away & in tears. #AuthorSky #BookSky

A fellow author reached out after seeing my trailer for The Serpent’s Order (out Feb 2026). They loved it & wanted to know who I hired. I made it myself. I’ve got a BA + MA in film production—I can wipe my butt with those degrees, but at least I can make my own book trailers.😅 #AuthorSky #BookSky

Being a first-time homeowner means discovering wild things…like permanent outdoor Christmas light install costing $600–$1,500. 😭 Two-story house or not, that’s outrageous. Eff that! I swear I’m in the wrong business. So we skipped it & bought a Christmas projector instead. 🎄✨ #AuthorSky #FamilySky

It is always such a humbling experience when virtual friends and fellow authors purchase my book. Dave, you made my day! Thank you! 🥲 #AuthorSky #BookSky

Just purchased The Serpent Series by S.Z. Estavillo because it took me forever to find my ancient Kindle! @szestavilloauthor.com #booksky #kindle #authors #writinglife

Finally got our Christmas tree up. 🎄 Not decorated yet, but at least it’s standing. Hard to believe we’re already getting closer to Christmas and the New Year. Time is moving so fast! #AuthorSky #FamilySky

Rainy days are the hardest. Keeping the kids busy & not bored is a whole mission by itself. 😅 Thank God for our membership to the indoor play park. My husband’s taking them off my hands, and I’m hoping to squeeze in another writing sprint while I got a quiet house. #AuthorSky #ParentSky

I wrote 530 words today & I’m really happy about that. I do short sprints & making my way through Book 5. Officially at 11k words into this WIP. It’s slow, steady, and full of late-night brain sparks, but I’m chipping away one session at a time. Progress is progress.💙📚 #AuthorSky #BookSky

Since moving to Fresno, we learned real quick how hot triple-digit summers feel. We tried to get a pool installed, but between easements and backyard issues, we weren’t sure our permit would ever get approved. But it finally did. We’re so excited! 🥳💦 #AuthorSky #FamilySky

I’m opening book tour signups through @silverdaggertours.bsky.social for The Serpent Series! If you’ve got a blog, IG, Facebook page, Bookstagram, TikTok, or any platform where you share books, I’d love to have you join. If you love dark thrillers, this series is for you.🖤 #AuthorSky #BookSky

Burnout is real. Some days the work drains you—writing, rewriting, marketing, chasing ARC readers, reviews, pre-sales. Publishing is a marathon, not a sprint. All we can do is show up, day after day, and keep trying. #AuthorSky #BookSky

I did an audiobook giveaway and only 2 people signed up for my newsletter—but one is already halfway through The Serpent’s Bridge and said she’s buying Books 2 and 3. It reminded me you don’t need a million readers. Sometimes one is enough to keep you going. #AuthorSky #BookSky

Someone thought my husband was out with his grandson today. 😅 Nope—just our 4-year-old. He went gray early, I went caffeine-dependent early, and together we’re the “older parents” at preschool pickup. Guess it’s official—we’ve entered our distinguished parent era. #AuthorSky #ParentSky

I wrote the Serpent Series to explore how far we’ll go to protect the people we love—and what happens when vengeance becomes the only language left. For anyone who’s ever wanted justice their own way. Start the series → www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW6KP433 #AuthorSky #BookSky

Everything’s been great since moving into the new house—except for the neighbor’s tiny dog that barks all night. 😩 I love dogs, truly. But if your yappy furball’s barking till sunrise, please—for the love of sleep—shut your damn dog up! Having clinical insomnia doesn't help. #AuthorSky #DogSky

So excited to share that The Serpent’s Bridge just got its first ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on Audible! I’m incredibly proud of how the #audiobook turned out—huge thanks to the amazing narrator, Zara Eden, for bringing the story to life. 🎧 If you haven’t yet, give it a listen on Audible! #AuthorSky #BookSky

Sometimes healing doesn’t come from forgiveness—it comes from creation. I wrote Von, my vigilante heroine from the Serpent Series, to destroy the monsters that once haunted me. Writing her was cathartic. If you’ve lived through trauma, try channeling it through a character. #AuthorSky #BookSky

It’s been since July since we said goodbye to our senior dog, Abraham. That same month, we welcomed Chloe—a silver Lab who’s now 4 months old and already 45 pounds of pure energy. After a lifetime of small dogs, it’s definitely an adjustment—but a joyful one. 🐾 #AuthorSky #PetSky #DogSky

The words have been slower today. My husband’s out of town, and it’s been hard to find focus with everything else going on. But it’s okay. Some days it’s not about pages—it’s about showing up, even if all you write is a single sentence. #AuthorSky #BookSky

Been eyeballs-deep in conference video editing this week, and it hit me—storytelling’s the same no matter the medium. Whether it’s video or the written word, it’s all about rhythm, emotion, and finding the truth that makes it connect. #AuthorSky #BookSky

This past Friday, I had the pleasure of being on You, Me, & the Writing Journey—a podcast by kid-lit author @drenderturmaud.bsky.social. We talked about avoiding burnout as writers—having support helps, but so does rest. Sometimes, not writing is part of the writing process. #AuthorSky #BookSky

Missing SoCal beaches sometimes—nothing beats that perfect weather. But I’m loving fall here in Central California, where we actually get four seasons. The leaves, the air, the quiet—it’s gorgeous. Reminds me you need the pauses in life just as much as the writing time. 🍂 #AuthorSky #LifeSky

When you don’t have family nearby, you build your own. Since moving, we’ve found an amazing dog sitter + a wonderful babysitter. My MIL passed last year & my family’s scattered, so community means everything. Sitter’s got the kids tonight—it’s go time. Writing sprint begins! #AuthorSky #ParentSky

Hubby’s out of town, and I'm already going nuts. Babysitter’s coming at 5:30 to wrangle the kids at an indoor play park so I can edit conference videos, sneak in writing time, + manage one senior dog, one giant puppy, and 2 guinea pigs who eat like furry garbage disposals. #AuthorSky #ParentSky

Hubby’s heading out of town, which means it’s about to get real over here. Me, the kids, the dogs, and the guinea pigs holding down the fort. Might need to call in backup (aka the babysitter) so that I can have some time to write and so that I don't lose my mind. #AuthorSky #ParentSky

My son got an award today for learning to spell his name—no easy feat when you’re 4 years old & your name’s Thaideon (8 letters long!) He’s in pre-K, not in kindergarten yet & already crushing it. What can I say? I’m a writer. Wanted an original name, so I made his up! 😅 #AuthorSky #ParentSky

A school bus is hijacked & live-streamed to the world. The hijacker’s demand: pay millions so poor kids can earn a fortune, if they keep the rich kids from escaping. As the social experiment spirals, one detective races to find her father’s bus before the game turns deadly. #Q #A #T #QuestPit

Finally got two new signups for my newsletter & gave away two free audiobooks tonight Whether it’s 2 people or 20,000, I’m grateful for every connection. It’s the small things—new friends, shared stories, and a full moon to end the night. #AuthorSky #BookSky

Tried something new this week—posted on Threads, TikTok & here on BlueSky asking people to subscribe to my newsletter for a chance to win a free Audible copy of The Serpent’s Bridge (Book 1). Not a single response. 😅 Ah well. The hustle’s real. Back to writing & trying again. #AuthorSky #BookSky