Jennifer Probst's Blog, page 4

Random Thoughts on New Year’s Eve…

Ah, 2020.

As I was scrolling through Facebook and receiving my regular blog posts from the ones I admire, I was overcome with the explosion of F—off 2020, along with a smattering of best ranked lists and goals for 2021.

I’m always fascinated to read opinions on the year behind us and the year ahead. Maybe this is why I’m a writer—delving into an individual’s outlook, concept of the world, personality, etc feeds my soul. Perhaps, it’s my input, context, maximizer, or developer at work. Or maybe it’s just my curious Muse as she feeds the well for all the books we’ll create in the future.

Bottom line? It doesn’t matter.

I’m more thoughtful as I look at the changed world around me. I won’t get into the details of what I learned, what I grieved, or who I’ve become—that’s way too deep for this blog.

For now, I’d just like to name some random things that stood out for me in 2020, and why, in no particular order.

Pixar’s movie SOUL

I know Bridgerton is currently getting more play but Soul is the winner for movie of the year for me. It’s entertaining and deep and has purpose. It’s a guiding light for the younger generation and spiked some fabulous discussion with my boys as we mused about life after death, purpose, soul work, and a variety of other topics. To me, it closed out the year on a high note, because spiritual and mental health is needed more than ever going into 2021. I’d recommend seeing it.

Netflix and Prime and CBS Access and Hulu and Apple Tv and Disney + and oh, my….

Since movie theaters shut down –a huge loss for me and my family as we are avid movie theater buffs—streaming stepped up. And oh, my, the quality and number of shows were too much to pick from. It even beat my beloved BRAVO for brain candy—ranging from Love is Blind to Tiger King and everything in between. I binged on some amazing shows: The Boys, Ozark, The Undoing, The Queen’s Gambit, the Crowne, Little Fires Everywhere, On Pointe, The Stand, and so many others there will never be enough room for it all. Shudder feeds my horror loving soul. My family and I have bonded big time as we claim movie night, make the popcorn, pick a flick or series to binge, and all gather together to watch. My son even made a list of the top fifty movies ranked as the best of all time, and we made our way through every single one. Biggest surprise? Citizen Kane. Damn, that was a good movie.

 

Meditation

As the world crumbled, I made a decision to make my inner self stronger – or at least, get to know myself better. I joined in on a meditation class every Sunday at 7:30pm and kept to it the entire year. It had changed everything for me. Before, when I believed someone else was the problem, or dealt with the unkind tapes my mind loved to spin, I’ve now learned I have the power and have made great strides toward peace. It’s also helped in my creative career in a way that’s been a game-changer. If anyone is flirting with the idea, try it. There’s plenty of apps or this special running today for the wonderful teacher I use here: Virtual Meditation Membership (January – June) – Deborah Hanlon (thecenterforbeingknowingdoing.com)

 

So. Many. Books. I gorged and read every single day in every single genre. Some notable ones literally off the top of my head:

Untamed – Glenda Doyle

The Vanishing Half – Brit  Bennett

Pretty Things – Janelle Brown

Beach Read – Emily Henry

Essentialism – Greg McKeown

The Last Flight – Julie Clark

Caste –Isabel Wilkerson

Ties that Tether – Jane Igharo

Who Rescued Who – Victoria Schade

The Initiation – Nikki Sloane

Crown Rules – CD Reiss

Dance Away with Me – Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Open Book – Jessica Simpson

A Rogue of One’s Own – Evie Dunmore

The Wives – Taryn Fisher

These are literally just a handful from my very recent memory.

Games

I’ve always been a big advocate of games and this was a perfect year to dive into even more! A list of me and boy’s all-time favorites:

Unstable Unicorns
The Chameleon
Mexican Train **how did I not know this is one of the greatest games in history???*
Taboo
Catch Phrase
The Horror Trivia Game
The Occulus Virtual Reality – you can go on roller coasters, chase zombies, and do other cool things!
Smart Ass
I Should Have Known That
Left, Right, Center

 

That’s it, my peeps. That’s all she wrote.

I could go into a big list of accomplishments and failures for the year but why bother? It is what it is. I’ve made my peace and committing to more peace for 2021 inside of myself—because you can’t find it out there.

I wish all of you health, happiness, and love on this New Year’s Eve!

PS: The featured pic was taken on top of Cadillac Mountain in Maine and reminds me of the beauty always out there amidst the mess.

Our Italian Christmas

 

 

The holiday season is a time when memories ripen before us like plump fruit; ready to be picked; cherished, and savored. I also believe our senses become a primary vehicle for those memories—the tastes, sounds, textures, and sights of our environment and people around us help solidify all the magical moments we treasure.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a tradition in my family that has always made me smile and long for a simpler, quieter time.

Coming from a big Italian household, when I close my eyes and remember Christmas, I can still picture the food spread out on the massive table for Christmas Eve. The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a traditional Italian custom where a seafood feast is served. Though I was young, I’ll never forget the multiple courses my grandmother cooked, and the excitement of me and my cousins anticipating every last one.

Homemade ravioli would begin the evening, smothered in a sauce that had been simmering for hours on the stove in the giant steel pot. The tangy scents of garlic, basil, and tomatoes filled the air. The pasta was always cooked al dente—on the firm side, and inside the ricotta cheese melted in your mouth, fragrant with herbs.

Yes. This was our appetizer.

The seafood came next. Fresh crab claws stacked on top of one another and dripping with lemon and butter. Flaky fillets of baccalà (salt cod), halibut, and sole served with roasted fennel and olives. Mussels and clams steamed until their shells crack open invitingly, the tender treasures inside still tangy with the scent of the ocean. Chilled Gulf shrimp laid out on platters with lemon and cocktail sauce. Loaves of crusty bread littered the table. Jugs of Chianti accompanied each course, milk for the children.

My family is loud and the table was overrun by laughter, hand gestures, and trying to talk over one another in order to propel their opinion. Of course, all of this for me was a simple preparation for the finale.

Dessert.

The fluffy cakes of panettone and pandoro were a staple, along with traditional holiday delights such as torrone, hazelnut chocolates, panforte, and endless butter cookies. Cannoli’s and eclairs stuffed with cream; walnuts and chestnuts still in their hard shells, the chewy nuts a reward for brandishing the nutcracker like a weapon. This was all washed down by a bitter, clear alcohol called grappa, and the sweet bite of sambuca poured into tiny cups of steaming espresso.

My family would whip out the deck of cards and play poker and pinochle, while the men smoked thick cigars and the women rushed about cleaning up while the children played, crawling under the table for hide and go seek games, warm and cozy in our pajamas. 

I’ve made my own beloved traditions with my children, but we don’t honor the Feast of the Seven Fishes. We go out to an Italian restaurant and spend three hours on meals cooked by the experts, with no cleanup. But my memories of past Christmases, with my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, is a staple that has made me who I am today. 

While writing Our Italian Summer, food plays a prominent character, along with family. I’ve tried to weave in the same magic I remember from my holidays, where a table with people and good food and good conversation will always be the most fun, and most cherished of all memories. 

To celebrate my upcoming release on January 12th – I’d love to give away a special signed copy of Our Italian Summer.

Just share with me:

What is that special meal you love to cook or eat with your family Please take a moment to share! Even better—recipes are encouraged and welcomed!

I wish you all a beautiful holiday, celebrated with your own traditions, and with most of all: love.

 

You’re not going to believe what I did…

I published a brand new children’s book.

I know. I’m a romance author, right? But like most moms, I adore reading to my kids and as my boys grew older, I was the one who held onto all of their favorite children’s books, refusing to give them away because they held so much meaning to me. I’ve collected my own stories along the way and decided it was time to put them in print. I found a wonderful illustrator and look forward to many more in the future.

This was a story inspired by my brother and niece, and their infamous hippo hunt. I thought it would make a sweet, funny story for children and a perfect gift for the upcoming holidays!

Discover Katie and the Hippo Egg – available on Amazon in print, digital, and Kindle Unlimited NOW!

 

A Writing Pep Talk for NANOWRIMO

For all of the writers on the journey of the elusive 50K by the end of November, I salute you! Here’s a post to inspire you to reach for the stars. 

I have to re set every day.

Just because I have a great writing day does not mean it will carry over to the next day.

I have to start all over again, from scratch, even if I’m in the middle of a book. Even if I read the paragraph before. Even if I’m brimming with ideas. It’s still a brand new moment I have to show up for in order to get the words.

It’s good news and bad news.

Good because if you have a bad day, you get to start all over again.

Bad, because if you have a productive day, the next one may suck.

It shows the importance and absolute crucial obligation to remain patient. I laugh at people who think this career is exciting, different, thrilling, or fascinating. Okay – sometimes it is. At the best of times, and maybe a few days out of the year.

Mostly, it’s a boring, tedious career. Because every day you just show up and sit. And wait. And tinker. And try. And sometimes you get the ride of a lifetime, but then it stops for dinner, or to pick up the kids, or let the dog out, and you start ALL OVER AGAIN. You sit back down at the desk and re-start the same shit.

But along the way, something amazing occurs.

The showing up and writing gives us a special and unique gift. The gift to know oneself on the very deepest of levels. It is a meditation of mind and heart and soul. We can never hide from ourselves because we are always putting it on the page, or wrestling it from the deepest caves of our minds, and spilling our secrets.

How damn cool is that, guys?

But to get there, you need the patience to wait. Wait for the muse, wait for the words, wait for the ideas. Wait for a sentence. Wait for an edit. Wait to finally tie in all the loose threads of your story so it makes sense. Wait for the theme to reveal or a character to finally make sense to you.

Sit…and wait.

Sit…and work.

Sit…and be. Over and over. Day after day.

And that is how you create your greatest work. Your masterpieces. Your final book version that has been dusted off after years of architectural digging and revealed to the world. Don’t let anyone ever tell you different—there is no failure in producing art. EVER. There is only failure by giving up. In believing it didn’t matter.

But then you must do it again. Each time you learn. Get better. Find out more about yourself. Face new fears.

That’s our job as writers.  That’s our gift.

Don’t underestimate the power or undervalue the work.

Don’t get an ego from it either. Because the moment you are on top of the world and feeling like God, the next you are scum under someone’s shoe and related to an amoeba. Being humble does not mean discarding the importance of creative work. It means you are serving the work—you are open to new ideas without judgement or the rational mind trying to shove you into a category or pin a label on you.

Start every day with intention; purpose; and honor.

Because you are a writer.

#writetrue #nanowrimo #writenaked

My New Book is Finally Here!

Happy Friday, my lovelies!

I hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of Fall. Over here in my household, we’ve already decorated for Halloween, burnt pumpkin spice candles, and went on some long walks to enjoy the turning foliage.

But what I’m truly thrilled to share with you is my newest release for writers: Write True: A Bestseller’s Guide to Writing Craft and Achieving Success in the Romance Industry. It’s chock full of personal stories, encouragement, and lessons on craft. It’s been my passion project to work on this year during the crisis of COVID. I love giving back to this industry, and sharing my passion for writing, so if you know a writer in your life, I think it would make a great gift for the holidays!

Here are all the deets!

 

Write True: A Bestseller’s Guide to Writing Craft and Achieving Success in the Romance Industry.

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst teaches a surprising key to success in the romance industry: truth.

Write True intermingles personal essays on craft and being a career author with down-to-earth advice on writing romance in the digital age. Probst will teach you how to:

– Handle and overcome fear using solid, step-by-step advice.

– Pivot in an ever-changing industry.

– Write fast-moving, riveting dialogue.

– Create a description and setting that pop.

– Master the keys to being a successful career author in the romance genre.

– Develop heroes and heroines that captivate readers.

– Seed and develop a popular series.

– Discover unique ways to market and build your platform.

In today’s ever-changing, competitive industry, connecting with your writing and story truths is key to sustaining a joyful, successful writing career. To survive—and thrive—you need the help and wisdom of an expert. It’s time to discover your truth as a storyteller.

Written in Probst’s unmistakable and honest voice, Write True is filled with lessons, craft, and truthful advice every writer needs to succeed.

Don’t just write.

Write true.

 

An Exclusive Sneak Peek at Our Italian Summer!

 

 

How about an exclusive sneak peek of my upcoming release, Our Italian Summer?

Head over to Frolic to read now and let me know what you think!

Chasing The Story…by Jennifer Probst

Sometimes, I forget that writing is like life. You can have clear goals, focus on the finish line, and do the work nonstop to get there. But many times, the end is just out of reach—like the treasure keeps tauntingly moving a few steps ahead of you until you wonder:

Was this a good idea in the first place?

Is this not meant to be?

Will I ever really get there?

I’ve pondered these questions through books I wondered if I hadn’t been meant to write, projects that seemed like a great idea at the time but then blew up, and personal goals that seemed to dissipate in the harsh morning light.

Most of the time, I get there, though. The funny thing?

Many times, the end was not what I imagined it to be.

I found an old folder with some of my rough notes sketched out for the development of some books I had written. After leafing through them, I was amazed at how much changed of the original story concept. I’ve always been a pantser—I figure out the story as I go along—but I do have firm ideas of character, rough plot, or specific scenes I was excited to write.

Would it have been an even better book if I’d stuck with the plan?

Maybe. But maybe not. And who cares at this point? The book is out in the world and I can say I’m damn proud of every book I put out there. Each one was lovingly crafted and contains my blood, sweat and tears.

Next time, I’d like to be more graceful in accepting the end is not what I planned. Most times, the road branches off to bigger roads and we find out later, they were all intermingled the entire time. You cannot break off one and get the same result years later.

Story is like that. An idea nugget grows and shoves us off in different directions. I think many writers freeze and don’t even try to finish the book because of all the overwhelming choices—and our stubborn refusal to accept the end may be different. This doesn’t mean plotters are wrong to be frustrated if the book isn’t getting written as planned. It’s more of a concept that if we allow ourselves to experience the surprises along the way, we may find the end is better than what could have even imagined.

The seeds have always been planted. The whisper in your ear, teasing you forward.

But it takes a bit of faith. Trust. Belief in creativity and our ability to get there.

I think with the harshness of the world lately, with all the challenges and toxic culture and raw emotions pouring forth, it would be nice to take a gentler approach to our writing. To be more open to possibilities and surprising outcomes.

I’m trying to do this more in my writing right now, and my life. I like the way it’s turning out, too. My achiever mode is sometimes a bit frustrated, but I’m reminding myself going slower and taking the long path doesn’t mean we’re not getting to the end.

We’re just taking a more leisurely, scenic route. And if we smell the flowers and listen to the creak of branches under out feet and experience the hot sting of the sun on our face along the way?

Well, wasn’t it more pleasant? Who cares if it took longer if I enjoyed the journey more? How could that be wrong?

We’re still chasing the story. Our stories.

But we’re chasing them with more joy.

#writetrue

 

It’s my Birthday…and I have a gift for you!

I’m the big 5-0 today.

Yeah, I’m okay telling my age. Maybe it’s because I’m channeling the Rob Thomas song, “One Less Day (Dying Young)” and I’m grateful for every day I’m blessed to be here. Hell, maybe it’s because as I age, I find I’m happier; more connected with my authentic self; and able to tackle my fears with more grace. Who cares? I’m taking the day to celebrate with all the people who love me, and not focus on the fact  I never shed those last ten pounds, or walked the red carpet in a gorgeous Dior gown for my book’s movie premiere, or chatted with GMA about my newest novel hitting all the bestseller lists.

Screw it.

I have family and friends and readers I love. I get to write books every day—my dream since I was young. And today, I get to share an amazing project I’ve worked on the past few months that’s finally ready to be unveiled into the world.

Write True: A Bestseller’s Guide to Writing Craft and Achieving Success in the Romance Industry.

It’s a book I lovingly crafted for all the writers out there-published and non-published. A book that continues to build on Write Naked and offer more stories, experiences, advice, and encouragement with my trademark humor and honesty. It’s a gift to myself, and hopefully to aspiring and career writers struggling to live a creative life on a daily basis.

Here’s the blurb and buy links below for pre-order—Write True is available on October 9th everywhere.

I hope you enjoy the book, the day, and take some pleasure in the upcoming Fall season!

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst teaches a surprising key to success in the romance industry: truth.

Write True intermingles personal essays on craft and being a career author with down-to-earth advice on writing romance in the digital age. Probst will teach you how to:

– Handle and overcome fear using solid, step-by-step advice.

– Pivot in an ever-changing industry.

– Write fast moving, riveting dialogue.

– Create description and setting that pop.

– Master the keys to being a successful career author in the romance genre.

– Develop heroes and heroines that captivate readers.

– Seed and develop a popular series.

– Discover unique ways to market and build your platform.

In today’s ever-changing, competitive industry, connecting with your writing and story truths is key to sustaining a joyful, successful writing career. To survive—and thrive—you need the help and wisdom of an expert. It’s time to discover your truth as a storyteller.

Written in Probst’s unmistakable and honest voice, Write True is filled with lessons, craft, and truthful advice every writer needs to succeed.

Don’t just write.

Write true.

***

It would be an easier, happier world if none of us had to face the harsh realities and pain of our lives, but eventually, we all will. When it’s your turn, and you sink down into the abyss, remember there will be light one day. It won’t be easy to crawl out of the dark, but it’s possible because writing is about hope.

Hope that our story can give one person in the world a gift. Maybe that is the gift of escape, or happiness, or a laugh during a difficult time. Or the power to dream. Or the determination to keep going, just like our characters. We may not realize it during our darkness, trying to fight to make our writing come alive on the page, but those readers are out there, waiting for us.

We owe them this fight. They need our story.

They need your story.

Read an excerpt now: 

On Writing…

We need hope in this industry to consistently propel us forward. And if we don’t achieve fortune or fame from our books? If we just keep growing slowly but steady, experiencing highs and lows, all the while creating a body of work that stamps our voice into the story of humanity or the conversation of the day?

I’ll take it. That needs to be enough of a success sometimes. Yes, we need money to pay bills, and we deserve recognition for the hours and months and years of work with no reward. But sometimes the work needs to be the reward all in its own. If you can get there, you will win every time. You will be able to flourish in a creative career that I believe can give you more than what you take. Because the gift you’re really getting is yourself.

You are getting to know who you are at the very core. What you can do well and what you can’t. What you fear. Who you love. What makes you spiral and what makes you fight. What fills you with passion and what brings hate. When you are able to look yourself in the eye, reach deep into your soul to see the good and bad and in between, and bring that to the page—we will always be the winner.

 

 

Sometimes, you just need to laugh…

I did this thing.

It’s cool and I’m excited about it. Years ago, my twelve year old niece told my kids a story that made them laugh out loud hysterically. Everyone who heard it would beg her to repeat the story until it became a bit of a legend with the kids.

I decided it would be an amazing project to get the story published. At the time, I didn’t have an agent. I tried to go the traditional route and sent dozens and dozens of letters to agents, children’s publishers, etc, but received rejections everywhere. It just wasn’t the type of children’s book anyone envisioned to be popular or garner sales.

I decided to invest some money to pay for the book to be published. (Don’t do this, guys. It’s just a ridiculous idea when you can self publish on your own, but this was a while ago.) We got a friend to do the illustrations, the company found a cover, and we sent it out into the world.

It was a fun experience. My niece and I did some school and library signings locally. Then the book collected dust, made no sales, and we moved on.

During our isolation because of COVID, I came across this children’s book, read through it, and laughed. I reached out to my niece and we agreed we’d love to give new life to the book. I tweaked the story a bit, hired a professional illustrator, and decided to publish it on Amazon available for FREE through Kindle Unlimited.

And now, Buffy and the Carrot, has been reborn.

If any of you have kids who don’t want to read a story about learning a lesson, this is a book you want to check out. It’s silly. It’s funny. It’s nonsense. It’s pretty to look at. And I felt good working on a project that gave me pleasure.

Here are the links if you want to check it out:

Buffy and the Carrot

And because my creative juices have been pumping, there will be 2 more children’s books releasing into the world by the end of the year. I’ve had these stories in my back pocket for years, and now that I found an illustrator I adore, I think it’s time to get them out there.

Sometimes, you just need to work on a project that brings joy – with no thought to sales, deadlines, reviews, publishers, readers, etc.

Sometimes, you just need to write a story for YOU.

I hope you enjoy Buffy and the Carrot!

 

Get Tempted…

The countdown is on!

Only 5 days until the second book in The Sunshine Sisters is released!

I spent some time in Cape May this summer, visiting many of the places I’d written about, dropping off some signed books, and spending time in the small bookshop in town that has sold out of Love on Beach Avenue a few times. I’ve watched a plane fly my banner over the beaches with pride. I’ve received countless emails from Cape May residents who loved and recommended the book, and knowing I was able to write this amazing series set in my favorite beach town has filled me up all summer.

Temptation on Ocean Drive is a story about unrequited love. It’s a hard trope to write, and needs to be delicately balanced, but I think Bella and Gabe will give you the happiness, laughter, and emotion you all deserve in your books.

Make sure to check out my playlist on Spotify as you read, which is chock full of songs that get you in the mood.

**Think Hello by Lionel Richie- old school goodness!**

Oh, and drag out your Dr. Seuss collection for some extra fun. You’re about to watch the wedding of the century unfold before you.

To celebrate the new release, Love on Beach Avenue is only $1.99 so you can jump into the series right now! Of course, Temptation is a standalone so you don’t need to read the first one if you want to get right to Gabe and Bella.

Order Temptation on Ocean Drive

Read Love on Beach Avenue

Listen to Temptation on Ocean Drive playlist