Each month I take a moment to pause and share a few things I’ve found to be helpful and fun along the journey as a busy writer.
I hope you find them to be enlightening and encouraging!
Article Roundup: Self-Publishing
I recently wrote about various publishing options that we have as writers, and how different options may be better for different writers and with different projects.
Here is a selection of articles with more information about self publishing. So if self publishing is something you’ve been thinking about or want to explore further- read on! Stay tuned for a roundup of articles on traditional publishing soon.
Start Here: How To Self-Publish Your Book– Jane Friedman
- This is a wonderful introduction and guide to the world of self-publishing. Jane Friedman has a wealth of experience and information to share!
Lessons Learned From Self Publishing– Fiction University
- Isn’t it great how we can learn from others who have gone before us? Here we can see one experience with self-publishing and all that went right or not-so-right.
Successful Self-Publishing Tips With Joanna Penn and Mark Dawson– The Creative Penn
- Also available on video or podcast, this is a great interview talking about the “top five things authors should know about self-publishing.”
Should You Self-Publish Or Traditionally Publish? 7 Questions To Ask Yourself– Nathan Bransford
- Not sure whether self-publishing is the best route for you? This is a great guide to sorting out which publishing direction to take our stories in.
How To Win The Self-Publishing Gauntlet– CreativINDIE with Derek Murphey
- Derek has a ton of resources and videos walking indie publishers through practical aspects of self-publishing as well as giving great encouragement along the way.
Book Spotlight: No Matter What by Debi Gliori
Note: Links for this book are affiliate links which means if you purchase something I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more info see my site policy.
This board book has been my 1 year old’s favorite this week so I thought I’d take a moment to tell you all the reasons why we enjoy it! (And how I can still enjoy it even after reading it around 100 times in the past 7 days haha.)
Whether you have children or not, this is a great book to pick up if you have a moment! Wonderful storytelling and powerful themes can be found in all our favorite stories no matter the age level.
So what makes this book so special?
First of all, I have a soft spot in my heart for foxes. The picture on the front of the book is cute. So I already wanted to like this book. But when I read it to my kids it went so much deeper than that.
The core of this book is a message of unconditional love that is not changed by appearances, mistakes, or distance. This makes it a story I want to read to my children again and again so they can internalize and understand how much they are loved. The message is that they are loved “no matter what,” and really, that is a truth we all need to hear sometimes. <3
So as you go forth and read books, my friend, remember that you are loved! You are valuable no matter what.
And take a moment to read a picture book if you get the chance! We’re never too old for children’s stories. 🙂
Recipe of the Month: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Sweater weather is most definitely here in New England and it’s time to be enjoying a bowl of deliciously cozy soup. I love getting to throw everything in the crock pot and know that dinner will be ready even if my day turns out a bit chaotic! While I’m not always a huge fan of squash recipes, this one has been a consistent favorite. I hope you like it too!
Self Care Homework: Reflections
‘Tis the end of the year, my friends! It it’s anything like mine, it’s probably had its share of ups and downs and all sorts of bumps in between.
As we move on to the new year, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect. You don’t need to make goals or think ahead yet- just pause.
Think about what went well. Think about what went not so well.
Reflecting on these memories and maybe writing a few of them down- especially those great moments we don’t want to forget- is so valuable. So pause a minute today and look back on your year.
Writing Prompt: Reflections Part 2: Journaling
To continue on with our reflections, a great tool can be to write out our thoughts and experiences. Not only do we not remember things unless we write them down (my mind is a sieve), sometimes just the process of writing things out helps us to understand them better. Journaling is awesome! 🙂
A few questions we can ask ourselves are: What have I learned this year? What have I done well? What do I want to improve in? How did my writing go? What books did I read? Did I have good moments with family and friends? How do I feel about my year overall?
So take a moment and pull out your journal or a new google doc. Let’s not rush into the new year without slowing down to breathe and reflect a bit.
Cuteness Quota: Puppy in the Snow <3
Quote:
“All the words I use in my stories can be found in the dictionary—it’s just a matter of arranging them into the right sentences.” – Somerset Maugham
Happy writing and joyous holidays to you all!
If you have any questions or topics you’d like me to write about in the coming year, please comment below or send me a note! I always love to hear from you all. 🙂
