Happy Everything

I simply adore this time of year in the pacific northwest. These winter days feel so short and fleeting. Technically they are… And in this season of life I’m in, they’re flying by all too fast. January has become my favorite month of the year. It’s still cozy and the skies are moody but there aren’t a gazillion activities/events/celebrations to tend to. It’s cold enough that I crave writing time, and there’s nowhere to be. It also feels like a fresh start. Fresh calendars, fresh goals (which I don’t set but I love the idea of), maybe even a dusting of fresh snow (I’m crossing my fingers, but not holding my breath).

But alas, as my sweet friend Jefna reminded me this morning, the solstice is upon us and the days will soon be adding minutes. I know that’s a great comfort for many (if not most) and I hope that you find light and comfort in these short cozy days, and warmth and inspiration in the coming of the sun.

GIVE THE GIFT THAT DOESN’T MAKE THEM WAIT

It’s easy to forget that in the past 365 days I’ve released two new books. Isn’t that crazy? It feels like so long since UNCHOSEN and WHEN SPARKS IGNITE came out! If you’re still looking for that perfect bookish gift for the reader in your life, the full series makes a wonderful present!

It’s essentially the equivalent of gifting them a Netflix series to binge, amiright?

GROW A SPINE ALREADY

This is an oldie but a goodie. I recently took a class with the inimitable Erin Entrada Kelly (whose book was a finalist for the national book award—read it now!!) and one of the exercises she asked us to do was the Pixar story spine. Here’s what it looks like:

I love this spine and have started using it on a weekly basis to stay rooted in the most distilled essence of my current project. You simply take each of these prompts and tell the story. For example:

See how that works? Sure, there’s quidditch and Malfoy and the forbidden forest, but that’s the spine of the story that everything works in support of.

Have you ever used this tool in your writing? Would you ever? (If you have the time, here’s a great YouTube clip explaining it!)

BACKLIST BOOK CLUB

This is the perfect book for your end-of-the-year reading goals. It’s inventive, hilarious, and blessedly short. NOTHING TO SEE HERE by Kevin Wilson has popped up on recommended reader lists for me over the past five years, and I don’t know why it took me so long to finally pick it up.

It tells the story of Lillian, who briefly attended a prestigious prep school with veritable American royalty, Madison. They reconnect years later when Madison asks Lillian to help with her step-children who spontaneously catch on fire. As in they spontaneously go up in flames, remaining unscathed. Their surroundings, less so. When Madison’s husband finds himself up for secretary of state, Lillian must protect the kids from the spotlight and that’s where the adventure really takes off. It’s equal parts thoughtful and irreverent and I highly recommend it.

Welp, there’s nothing more to see here. I hope that you and yours have a wonderful holiday season, and I’ll see you in the new year!