Jennifer David Hesse's Blog, page 4

Puppy Love & Other Good Stuff

Here’s a question:

What do you do when your life is busy with a full-time job, a part-time writing career, a house to take care of, and a family you’d like to see once in a while? …And when you’re already skimming on things you know are important, like exercise, a full night’s sleep, and self-care? …And when you constantly wish you had more time to engage with readers, work on writing projects, and maybe even go out on the town once in a while?

Well, if you’re like me, you make things more comp...

The Best Time to Read is...

Happy Friday!

When would you say is the best time to read? Is the correct answer ALL THE TIME?

For me, one of the best times to read is on the subway, commuting to and from work. There are few distractions to pull me away from my book, plus reading a good book is a great way to make the commute go by faster. I also like to read in bed for a few minutes each night, though sometimes I'm too sleepy to last very long!

When I was a teenager, I'd lie outside on a blanket and read. Now I enjoy sitting...

Catching up to spring (+ a sneak peek!)

Is it spring yet?

I don’t know about you, but I feel like this month has been one great big April Fool from Mother Nature. From what I’ve heard, parts of the West skipped straight to summer this year, while much of the rest of the country—including Chicago—experienced a winter-that-wouldn’t-quit. (It felt so wrong to see snow-covered flowers!)

Spring break was early this year, too. During the last week of March, my husband, daughter, and I headed southeast to spend a few days in Gatlinburg, Ten...

A Spring Surprise

Happy Spring ~ Happy Ostara!
 
What’s happening outside your window today? Here in Chicago, green shoots are appearing like magic in the otherwise brown landscape. In spite of the cool, crisp air, I know Mother Nature is doing her thing beneath the surface, gearing up to burst forth in a splendor of color and beauty and warmth. It won’t be long now! I’ve been busy too. This week I’m finishing up the copy-edits for Book #4, Samhain Secrets . (Release date is 8/28/18, but it’s available for...

Samhain Secrets - Cover Reveal!

The other day I received some cover flats from my publisher for Book #4, Samhain Secrets . Do you know what cover flats are? I sure didn't, not before my editor sent me some for Book #1 a couple years ago. Cover flats are essentially the unfolded cover of a book, front and back side-by-side. The back of the flat has some marketing information and details for book sellers. Cover flats can be used for promotional purposes, but they're also nice keepsakes.

My awesome dad framed each one of my cov...

How to Make Magic

Happy Candlemas / Imbolc / Groundhog Day!
 
Here we are at another turn of the Wheel already. I don't know about you, but I'm still getting used to the fact that it's 2018-- still laying my plans and setting my resolutions for the new year. 
 
Of course, it's never too late for all that, but this weekend seems like an extra good time for dreaming dreams and crystallizing intentions. After all, today is Candlemas, a hopeful time to focus on new beginnings... (not to mention the holiday featured i...

Cuddle Up and Get Cozy

Brrr! Baby, it's COLD outside this week-- at least, it is here in the Midwest where we've dropped into the single digits. It's good weather for staying inside if you can.  Of course, sometimes we must venture outside... which makes us all the more grateful to come in out of the cold!

If the bitter temps have you chilled, there are a few things you can do to warm not only your fingers and toes, but also your heart and soul. Are you hip to hygge? Pronounced hoo-ga or hue-guh, this is a Danish c...

A Yuletide Gift for You

Happy Holly-Jolly Holidays!

Today is the Winter Solstice, which means it is also Yule—a celebration of light and new beginnings. After the longest night of the year, the sun makes its gradual return. That’s good news indeed!

Since this is the season of giving, I wanted to give something to you. In fact, I have both a Gift and a Giveaway to announce.

First the giveaway:

As you might have seen me mention on Facebook, Karen Owen of “Beyond the Bookmarks” is hosting a month-long Facebook event featu...

Thank you ~ Thank you ~ Thank you

Happy Thanksgiving!

It’s that time of year again, when folks in America gather together to share a meal and count our blessings. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’ve been thinking about things I’m grateful for.

In no particular order, here are a few: ~ The cheerful morning sun lighting up blue skies, autumn leaves, and… everything, really! A new day, a new perspective, a new chance to do something good.

~ The Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel. Full disclosure: I don’t have cable and I’ve...

October gave a party

Trick-or-treat! Can you believe Halloween is here already?! And just like that, the month of October is over.

In a way, this is a season of endings, isn't it? Daylight savings time ends soon. The days are getting colder and shorter, and the leaves have pretty much finished changing colors. Here in Chicago, the leaves are spiraling to the ground in earnest now. People are cleaning out their gardens in preparation for the first frost. Even the potted mums I bought for my front porch are de...