Kat Drennan Author

Discover sensual, satisfying Contemporary, Historical, and Time Travel Romance

Find love on the fault line

  • Home
  • Bio
  • Books
    • A Classic Car Romance
      • Mint Condition
      • One of a Kind
      • Hot Rod Lincoln
    • Love on the Faultline
      • Borrego Moon
      • Lies in White Satin
    • The Goddess of Undo
  • Blog
  • Media Kit

TGIO – Out of the Ashes: HOPE for 2018

December 30, 2017 by Kat Drennan 2 Comments

2017 – A year of breaking records

A worldwide Women’s March in January, record-breaking high temperatures and continued drought, Hurricane Harvey, California wildfires–no one can deny 2017 gave us more biggests, worsts, and OMGs than I have the heart to list here. Suffice to say the country was hit with a boatload of pain from stem to stern this year. My heart went out to all those affected by mega tragedy, but nothing prepares you–NO THING–for the day disaster lands on your own doorstep.

The Thomas Fire

Thomas Fire from Reyes Peak
Seen from Reyes Peak, it seemed impossible that this fire could be at our door before morning.

On December 6th, two days after this monster fire raced down the “other side of the mountain” through Santa Paula and on to Ventura, the raging inferno switched direction and bore impossibly down on our little town of Ojai.

Thomas fire
A menacing glow less than one mile away, its path determined by capricious wind.

We packed our van with important documents, a few necessities (Hunky Boy’s surfboard among them), and the dog and cat, respirators failing miserably to keep the smoke from burning our throats, and  took one last look as flames consumed the drought-dry hillsides near our home, and wondered what if anything would be standing when we returned.

We spent two days away as it was near impossible to breathe, but found it less stressful to stay close by, the anxiety of watching the fire from afar too much to bear. Each time we left, we took away less “stuff”. Somehow it just wasn’t important anymore.

In the end, our home was spared, but far too many of our neighbors lost theirs, subject only to the capricious wind.

Eighteen days later, The Thomas Fire, named for the St. Thomas Acquinas College in the hills between Ojai and Santa Paula, would become the largest wildfire in California history, burning more than 280,000 acres.

Out of the Ashes

It hardly seems fitting to announce the release of the second book in my A Classic Car Romance series, the event I had planned to celebrate in this last blog of the year.  However, ONE OF A KIND was released, despite having lost power, being evacuated and returning to a changed landscape. Ironically, much of the setting depicted in this series–the hills of Ojai and along beaches from Ventura to Santa Barbara, the majestic mansions of Montecito, California–have been turned to ash and stone.

Out of the ashes
This overlook on the Casitas Pass–the setting for the “black moment” in ONE OF A KIND–gives new meaning to the literary term. Obviously, a popular drinking spot.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Romantic Suspense, Writers' Life Tagged With: babyboomers, romantic suspense

Comments

  1. Robbie Sheppard says

    December 30, 2017 at 5:02 pm

    Terrific blog! Interesting adventurous and structured approach to life. Wish I had your zest! I enjoy yours vicariously. I’m thrilled about your awards. You certainly deserve the recognition.

    Reply
    • Kat Drennan says

      December 30, 2017 at 7:48 pm

      Thank you so much. I’ll have to toughen up my callouses so we can sing another duet soon.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Receive Kat’s Newsletter

This form needs Javascript to display, which your browser doesn’t support. Sign up here instead

 

 

Follow Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Tags

Author Classic Love Author Kat Drennan authors babyboomers booklover California cars cargiving classic cars comfort zone cupid dementia Family friendship Giveaway Kat Drennan Author Love magazine Nanowrimo parents with dementia published romance romance writers romantic suspense Still Alice storyteller Valentines day vintage corvette writers writing

Recent Posts

  • When your parents fail to thrive…
  • THE LAST OF MY SUMMER PROMOS – THIS ONE’S A BLOCKBUSTER
  • AS PROMISED: YOUR SECOND SUMMER PROMO: This time it’s Romantic Suspense Giveaways
  • Hey Romance Lovers! Discover new favorites AND a chance to win great gifts, including a $50 Amazon Gift Card!
  • TGIO – Out of the Ashes: HOPE for 2018
  • Sweet Progress
  • November is coming.

Privacy Policy

Contact Kat

    Copyright © 2025 · a WebbWeaversWebsite