Robin Constantine's Blog, page 2

It's Been HOW LONG Since Your Last Novel?

Photo credit: Vnwayne Fan via Unsplash.

IT’S been seven years since my last book release. Objectively, I suppose, that seems like a wide gap. Being on the other side of those seven years, I can tell you it mostly feels like, in the words of fellow NJ native Bruce Springsteen, it passed by in the wink of a young girl’s eye.  

 SEVEN YEARS?! Really?

 Yep.

I’ve been thinking about this post for a while. The need to explain myself because I know I’ll be asked, or maybe it just feels that way. Maybe I’m asking myself – why did it take me so long?

I don’t know.

Also – I do know.

When I dreamed of being a published author, it was always in an undefined way. I never said, “I’m going to write “x” amount of books in “x” amount of years”, it was more like “I really dig writing, it would be cool to write a novel someday.” 

Ah, the naiveté of youth. 

Becoming an author, for me at least, has been a journey of self-discovery. That sounds sappy, but it’s true. You can imagine what it’s like to be an author all you want but until it happens, you don’t know what it’s truly like.

There’s no debut author handbook that helps you navigate the ups and downs of the publishing business. To a publisher – you’re just another novelist. I don’t mean that in a flippant way – I mean – they do this every day for hundreds if not thousands of books. The book business is second nature to them, and also to many of the people you work with on the road to publication.

Specifics, for me?

I didn’t know how terrifying it would be to be so accessible to readers after years of focusing on my work. Or that I didn’t have to answer every Tweet or DM thrown my way. Or how I thought I could somehow control the outcome of a publicity push. Or determine the number of people who would show up at a book signing. Or that one bad review would mean my career was over before it started.

I also never thought of what I wanted to accomplish as an author.  Would I have to write a book a year? That’s what really successful authors do, right? So, if I don’t have a book or two out every year, am I a failure? In our current hustle culture, the resounding answer seems to be YES!

Except, that’s total crap.

And it took me creative burnout and seven years to understand that.

That’s not to say that this seven-year gap doesn’t feel like a failure. Some days it does. On the other hand, I lived A LOT of life in those years. Lost friends and family. Watched my children grow. Made a few big moves. Hit some milestones. I wrote two different books before I wrote the story that became SOMEONE YOU LOVED. One was awful. Like, truly dreadful. The other one, I actually liked, and did a lot of research for, but in the end, my publisher didn’t feel it was The One.

That news, especially after I worked so hard, and watched so much soccer, took some time, and good chocolate and Netflix, to digest. I wasn’t sure I wanted to write anymore. That maybe my other books had been dumb luck.

Then I started writing SOMEONE YOU LOVED – it immediately felt different. I loved it from the start. The characters, their story, their flaws. I was invested. And it felt good. It took me a few months to write a first draft. And then, with some help from a global pandemic, a few years to revise. And now in less than two months, it will be released to the world.

No longer just mine.

And suddenly those seven years don’t seem that long anymore.   

Will it take me another seven years to release a book? I certainly hope not. What I’ve realized in these years of being a published author is that the only thing I have control over is my words. So, I’m setting goals, getting words down and doing my best to keep my eyes on my own page. My career is my own and I’m so thankful, every day, for this wild ride.

Things I Wish I could Tell my Debut Self!

Photo credit: Aaron Burden via Unspash

It’s going on ten years since my first book sold! I’ll never forget the excitement about getting “the call”.  How it hardly seemed real until I held my book in my hands and even then there were moments I had to pinch myself. This publishing biz can be a gauntlet to navigate - and that still hasn’t changed. Here are some bits of advice, I wish I could go back and tell my debut self (maybe some of it will help you!):

 

 1. Stop taking everything so seriously.

 I was a bit of a wreck my debut year. That’s the thing, no one tells you how absolutely terrifying it can be when a long-held dream comes true. Suddenly you’re thrust into a completely different world, and I felt like I had to know EVERYTHING. I spread myself so thin trying to do and know all the things. You can admit when you feel out of your depth. You can turn off social media. You can *gasp* take an afternoon off. The world is not going to stop.

 

2. Relax. You’re about to meet some of the best people you will ever know.

 If there is one thing I never thought about when I dreamed of becoming an author, is all the amazing people that would come into my life. My agent. My editor. Fellow authors. Readers. Booksellers. Some were just for a season, but many of those people I now call friends. When I’m feeling low about my career, I try to remind myself of that. Probably one of the best surprises!

 

3. Bad reviews are NOT the end of the world.

 Ugh. I mean, they still sting, but guess what? That just means I have more in common with every author that’s ever walked the face of the planet.  Every book, no matter how critically acclaimed, has a one-star review.  Shake that ish right off and keep writing.

 

4.  Enjoy your success! You achieved a dream!

 This. This always gets forgotten because once you grab that brass ring of being published you find out...there’s more. What, your book didn’t sell at auction? You haven’t made the list? Have you earned out? No one purchased movie rights? Your publisher didn’t send you anywhere to promote it? No foreign sales?  There are so many things that can make me feel lesser than, so many ways to measure success, like simply having a published book on the shelves is not an achievement - when the truth is - it absolutely is. Not everyone who strives for that dream achieves it. Take a moment to appreciate it!

 

5.  It’s a marathon not a sprint.

 Slow down. You want to be here a while. The only person you should be competing with is yourself.

 

6. Say hello to Judy Blume in the hallway at that convention!

 Yes. Sadly, I went totally mute. It was at a booksellers convention - one of the first things that I ever did as a published author, and I was so nervous.  Seeing Judy Blume - basically the author whose work inspired me to pursue my dream - was overwhelming. I may have squeaked in her direction or something but that was the extent of it. Judy is a rock star to those who read and loved her books and I was a little fearful of what weirdness might spill out of my mouth if I went up and spoke to her. That experience has taught me to just get out of my shell, it’s okay to be awkward and weird. In the very least, you’ll have a funny story to tell someday!

COVER REVEAL!!!

I’m so excited to reveal the cover for my upcoming YA romance SOMEONE YOU LOVED! (Balzer + Bray 2023)

I’ve been working on this book for three years, so it feels a little strange finally being able to share something about it.  This story has changed so much from its original form, and I really love how the final product is shaping up - you’ll have to wait a bit longer for that, but for now, here is the cover and a little bit about Sarah and Jake’s story.  Enjoy!

 

SARAH feels unmoored following her boyfriend’s sudden and tragic death. Their love story was cut short after just two sweet months together, and now all Sarah can think about are the moments she and Alex should be sharing. Sarah distracts herself by consoling Ash—her best friend and Alex’s sister—and by rehearsing for the school play and working at her aunt’s cafe. But none of this is as comforting as her nightly talks with Jake.

JAKE is not ready to move on. Unable to sleep at night and “mopey”— according to his girlfriend, who doesn’t understand why he isn’t ready to jump back into partying— Jake is wracked with guilt as a witness to Alex’s death. His one source of joy is talking to Sarah. But between their growing closeness and taking over as captain of the basketball team, Jake worries he is co-opting Alex’s life.

Both can’t help but wonder if they’re betraying Alex—and Ash—by acting on the feelings they can no longer deny. Given all that stands in the way, is their relationship worth fighting for?

 

Cover Art: Dominic Bugatto

Cover Design: Catherine Lee and Alison Donalty

 

FEBRUARY ROUND UP!

A monthly digest of what I’ve been up to, what I’m excited about, and cool things I want to share!

Sunrise/Folly Beach. Photo credit: ME

How is it the end of February? Seriously. I know they say as you get older time moves fast, but sheesh, time, can we put the brakes on just a little?  So, here’s what I’ve been up to in the shortest month of the year:

It was FREEZING the morning we left!

1. Folly Beach retreat. Writing is a solitary activity most of the time. The danger in that, is feeling alone in all the crazy moments that come along with working in a creative business. I’m so grateful to have an amazing group of women who have become more than “writing pals” to me, they’ve become friends. I’ve had a challenging few years when it comes to my writing career, and during this retreat I honestly felt like something was lifted. I know that sounds really woo-woo, but being at the beach, and surrounded by such inspiring and creative friends truly filled the well in a way I haven’t felt in a while. I think I need to write more beach stories!

 

2. The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl. “Sometimes I forget that I’ve aged.” is the first line of this heartfelt book.  (also, same Dave, same) I ADORED this!  I went in expecting cool stories from the music industry, but was completely blown away by how much he shared about his early years growing up in Virginia, his time in multiple bands before Nirvana and Foo Fighters and the many stories of his family, and how he became the person he is today. This isn’t just a book, it’s a love letter to music, family and a life of following your passion. Bonus: The audio book is read by Dave himself and it felt like he was in the car with me on a long road trip, just shooting the breeze. Highly recommended!! 

 

This little guy definitely sparks joy!

 

3. Figment Popcorn Bucket! Figment is one of my favorite characters from the Disney Parks. He’s the unofficial mascot of Epcot and was featured prominently in the original “Journey into Imagination” ride. Some present day park goers don’t get the popularity of “that purple dinosaur”.  But if you know, you know. Disney promoted the popcorn bucket on social media a few days before the opening of Epcot Festival of the Arts, and by the first weekend, the popcorn bucket was sold out. There were pictures and videos of people waiting in five-hour lines. And by people, I don’t mean me. I was lucky enough to get him in the second wave, when you could order him up through the mobile app. Happy Valentine’s Day to me! 

 

4. Reinventing Anna. Have you seen this? Julia Garner gives a stunning performance as Anna Delvey/Sorokin, the fake German heiress who conned the elite in NYC. It’s a fascinating story, and halfway through I wondered why I was rooting for Anna? Maybe it’s easy to understand the desire to want to be taken seriously? Or maybe it’s the voyeuristic appeal of seeing people drop thousands on a trip or a meal, as if it were a five-dollar cup of coffee? The cast is fantastic - I especially loved journalist Vivian (played by Anna Chlumsky) and the crew in “Scriberia” and would love a ride or die like Neff.  This was one of those “let me just check this out for ten minutes” shows that you end up watching three episodes of before you even realize it. If you have some free time, definitely check it out on Netflix!

  

5.  Training for a 10K. I’m participating in a 10K in April and have been putting in my weekly miles. It’s been nice becoming more active, and I love getting out in the fresh air and sunshine. It really boosts the mood! Came across this little guy on one of my walks. Nature is so restorative! Just make sure to slather on the sunscreen!

  

One thing I’m looking forward to in March:   LINE EDITS!! 

Thanks for stopping by!

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Just a squirrel, tryin’ to get a nut.

Where Did The Time Go?

Photo Credit: Edwin Hooper/Unsplash

Hello, you! It’s been a hot minute, right? 

Okay, that’s an understatement, but what else can I say?  Everyone has dealt with the pandemic in their own way - me?  I found myself turning within, keeping to myself, only sharing a little bit on social media, then - not at all.  I was not one of those people who spent the pandemic being wildly prolific. Unless you consider binge watching Tiger King, baking all the official Disney Parks recipes, and stress shopping on the internet prolific.  Any time I sat down to create something...anything...I’d hear white noise, and then wonder “What’s the point?”

 “What’s the point” sort of became my mantra, and as far as mantras go - well, I won’t be writing a self-help book any time soon. 

Luckily, I had turned in a book pre-pandemic!  So, while I had originally planned on working on something new during the winter/spring of 2020 - I didn’t feel pressured to perform. Well, at least not until those memes about Newton discovering gravity during the Black Death started circulating! Sheesh, productivity police, read the room, please! 

 A lot has happened since my last blog post. (not necessarily in this order)

I learned how to make Main Street Bakery cinnamon rolls. (Yum, and very dangerous!) 

            My youngest graduated high school. (Where did the time go?!) 

            Bo Burnham’s INSIDE premiered. (How relatable was that?)

            I went on a writing retreat. (Much needed!)

            Oh, and we have a pandemic puppy!  

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Meet Belle!

I’m also in the second round of revisions of that book I turned in, in October 2019. So, fingers crossed - this seems as though it will be THE ONE. It’s been a slow process, (and a few tossed out attempts as well) but I have found a groove with this story, and am currently crafting it into the best version of itself. While everyone is busy NaNoWriMo-ing their way through November, I will be NaNoRevising my butt off, right along with you! As soon as I have even the slightest bit of news to share, I will shout it through the interwebs.

My new mantra? “I can’t wait to share this!”

 Until then, dear readers, I humbly ask you to be patient. 

A skill, I believe, we’ve all grappled with mastering over the last two years.

First Drafts and Pressing SEND

Last week, I pressed “send” on a project I’ve been working on for ten months. As any author can attest, those first five minutes after pressing send are some of the happiest minutes in your author life. No, really. That thing you’ve toiled away on is finally ready to send to your agent or editor, or both. The story you’ve crafted, the characters you’ve spent all your waking (and quite possibly dreaming) hours with, the plot you’ve, well, plotted, within an inch of its life - those elements have all come together, finally, and now resemble a book. 

If this were really me, that gorgeous latte would be all over my keyboard. But, pretty, right?

I wish there was some way to change that email “whoosh” to crowds shouting “huzzah” for special occasions like sending your work through cyberspace. It used to feel more epic - yes, kids, I’ve been doing this so long, I remember the days of heading to an actual mailbox to send queries. Having to put on pants. Get postage. Mingle with the public. Then, dropping the letters into the slot, taking a peek to make sure they actually went into the mysterious shadows of the mailbox. And while, yes, that made it more momentous, nothing can replace the convenience of being able to just “whoosh” your work to someone, without even leaving the house. 

 Now, back to those first five minutes. 

The first overwhelming feeling for me is relief. I made a thing! It’s done! I can move from my computer chair and enjoy fresh air and sunshine!  Then joy - joy that I created something with a beginning, a middle and an end. Joy that I’m in the revision phase - which might be my favorite part of the process. First drafting is akin to pulling teeth for me. It should be fun creating a whole new world, but it’s not, at least not at first. I don’t know what it is - I’ve puzzled over it. 

The knowledge of how long it will take to turn blank pages into a novel?

How hard it is to work through plot snags you thought you already worked through?

Not knowing exactly where I’m headed, or maybe worrying how much all of it is going to change once I get notes on it?

It’s a combination of all of that, but this time, it was much more.

Not all drafts are created equal. For some reason, this one was rough to write. This was my third...yes, third...attempt at writing my fourth book. A book that is under contract - which admittedly, is a nice problem to have in some ways, and a horribly stress inducing problem in another, because there are no guarantees in this business. None. 

Here are some personal stats:

It took me two years to write the first draft of The Promise of Amazing and get it to the point where my agent thought it was ready to shop around. Then once it sold, another six months of revisions with my editor. Debut year was overwhelming.

 The Secrets of Attraction took eight months. Ugh, the first ending I had was awful. I’m not sure the second one was received that well, but Mads and Jesse forever, yo! I love them.

The Season of You & Me, from sale to copy edits took six months. In a business that’s notorious for moving at a glacial pace - this was pretty darn quick. And I felt it. To be honest, it burned me out a bit. Still, it worked. I did it. And I adore the finished product.

Book Four has taken three years...so far. One really failed attempt. One “almost there” attempt. A total scrapping of both of those manuscripts and coming up with something completely different. A full year of basically side-eying my computer, wondering where my muse had disappeared to, and many days contemplating if I even wanted to write anymore. That was scary. Somehow, I found my way to a story that I love so hard. There’s a playlist, there’s a mood board, I find myself daydreaming about what my characters might be doing. I felt none of that for the first two attempts, so I’m hoping that this is a good sign, that this one, is in fact the one. 

 And now the waiting, wondering and worrying begins because as I said above, there are no guarantees.

Yes, it’s been a week since I pressed send, and I find I’m still holding onto the joy. Catching up on reading. (The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman - it’s delicious!!) Catching up on tv and movie viewing. Napping. Enjoying autumn. Spending time with my family. And ssshhhhhh - I’m actually working on something NEW, but I can’t let my muse know I’m that excited about it or he’ll just take off and hit the beach or something. 

I’m rewarding myself for writing, with writing. 

That is a new thing for me. And it feels glorious.

Oh, and pumpkin spice. Time to indulge in ALL things pumpkin spice! 

xoxo,

Robin

It's #AuthorLifeMonth on Instagram!

#wipaesthetic

Are you on Instagram?

Do you like bookish posts?

Would you like to see what the daily life of an author looks like?

February is #AuthorLifeMonth! A fun prompt created by author, and all around fabulous person, Dahlia Adler. Each day there is a prompt about the writing life. It’s a fun way for readers and authors to connect! Today’s prompt is A WIP aesthetic!*

I wanted to share mine on the blog because 1) I’d never put a WIP aesthetic together before and 2)it took me a reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally long time to put together (which is probably why I’ve never done it before! I’m too picky with my images!!). After all that work, I didn’t want it to disappear in my feed. It was fun to put together, and captures the tone and mood of the story I want to tell perfectly.

My WIP is new, and fresh, and hasn’t really taken shape quite yet but I found taking the time to create a mood board has really helped me visualize some of the scenes I want to include. So what do you see? A secret? Autumn? Kissing? All of the above? Mwahahahahaha!! I’m so ready to dive in!

Here’s where you can find me on Instagram! Also follow the #authorlifemonth hashtag to catch a glimpse into the life of some of your favorite authors! Or find some new ones to follow!

xoxo, Robin

**WIP is short for work-in-progress

I don’t own any of the photographs above, they were compiled from free sources on the internet and this post is strictly for fun. I’m not using it to promote anything.

2018 Instagram Top Nine!

Instagram #topnine from 2018

Looking back might not be the best way to start a new year, but I adore doing the Instagram #topnine!  It fascinates me to see which posts garnered the most likes through the year. It’s funny, there are times I feel like I put so much effort into staging a photo, but the ones that are in the moment, most often are the most popular. So here, without further ado, is my Instagram Top Nine of 2018!! 

 (Starting from top left, going across…)

 

 1.     This one is pretty recent.  I was struggling for an image for the #IGwritersNov challenge prompt GOAL, so I needed to get creative.  I’m a little skittish about sharing my goals in public. Fear is part of it – fear that I won’t meet the goal or that I’ll let myself down.  The past year was rough for my writing, it’s like my muse went MIA. No inspiration, no matter how hard I chased it, combined with some personal issues that made finding the time to write next to impossible.  I’ve been slowly reconnecting with what made me love writing in the first place.  Right now, I’d say my writing and I are keeping it casual.  It’s been fun. Stay tuned.

 2.    Bookstagrammers are awesome. That is all.  My first book, The Promise of Amazing holds a special place in my heart. Maybe because it’s my debut? And that cover…which I had nothing to do with!! I also really love Wren and Gray’s chemistry.

 3.     This was from #IGwritersNov too – a special Throwback Thursday photo.  This is from June 2015, the Southeast Summer Book Bash tour with Lynn Matson, Jaye Robin Brown, Lindsay Cummings and Paula Stokes. Photo taken at the now defunct Booksellers at Laurelwood. I adored touring with these ladies – we had a blast meeting readers and also just hanging out with each other.  We went out for BBQ at the One and Only in Memphis after this signing. Banana Pudding. Yum. 

 4.    I still can’t believe that my macarons actually look like macarons! And I had no idea the edges were called “feet”.

 5.    Another #IGwritersNov post (okay, I see a theme…challenges = exposure!)  The prompt:  Books from my favorite Genre.  Which is…Contemporary with a strong dose of ROMANCE!! (kissing is essential, there, I said it!) 

 6.    This might be my favorite photo of one of my books…ever. The Season of You & Me, hanging out in a soda shop in Davidson, NC. Taken by @moriah.chavis  You should check out her Instagram feed for more lovely bookish photos! 

 7.    Ah, the violet lemonade from the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival! I love going to Epcot any time of the year, but it’s so colorful during the spring. If you ever get the chance, you should go!  

 8.    Taken at my local library for #NationalLibraryWeek!   Libraries rock!

 9.    A rare selfie for the #IGwritersNov challeng.  I don’t have Starbucks every day, but when I do, I need to take a picture. 

Here’s to a fantastic and photogenic 2019!!!

 

 

 

Gifts for the Writer in your Life!

It’s that time of year again, when your mailbox gets filled to capacity with catalogs hawking everything from hovercrafts to mint pastilles.  Your favorite radio station has been taken over by Christmas carols. And a certain coffee company releases their seasonal cups (full disclosure : these bring me great joy!).  You might feel that anxiety creeping in about gift giving, especially if you have some hard to buy for people in your life. Well I’m here to help you with that, if your hard to buy for person happens to be a WRITER! 

How, you might ask? Well, if you’re here, you can see – I’m a writer, so I know what I’m talking about – at least some of the time.  I’ve got suggestions for Comfort! Novelty! Practical Use! And because I want to follow in Oprah and Goop’s footsteps – some absolutely outrageous suggestions that you would only think of if you had a limitless bank account, or really wanted to impress the writer in your life.

This list has been curated by yours truly, and yep, I’ve either tried or would LOVE to try most of these.  There are links in each description.  ENJOY! 

COMFORT

Winter is coming, be prepared!  I’ve found the following gifts indispensable to me during the cooler months!

Wrist warmers

These are perfect for drafty drafting days!

I know, I know, at first glance these might seem a bit…much, but trust me, when you work at a computer, and only your hands and wrists are peeking out – your extremities can get chilly.

Mine are from the Sundance catalog, but you can also search Etsy for lots of cute styles! (and support smaller business to boot!). 

Fancy-schmancy hand cream

LOVE this scent!

You know what no one tells you about writing? You stare at your hands an awful lot, and one day you will look at those hands and wonder…when did my skin get so dry? Take care of your mitts!  I discovered Beekman 1802 hand cream last year and it is really worth the hype. Absorbs quickly! Honeyed Grapefruit is my favorite scent! And the bottle is sooooo pretty!

Candles

Marshmallow Fireside is so cozy!

Candles are so hygge. With daylight hours dwindling, lighting a candle can light your mood, and they just make things so cozy – which is conducive to writing or reading. Scented candles really aren’t part of hygge protocol, (neither is the word protocol but, you get the picture) but you can usually find a Bath and Body Works within a stone’s throw and BONUS - you can warm your hands over the three wicks!

NOVELTY

Because even writers like to have fun stuff between killing their darlings!

Writer’s Block soap

…smells like regurgitated ideas and probably a vampire…

I received this in my stocking one year, and now it sits on my desk. Does it work?  I don’t know, it’s my “crack it open in case of emergency” remedy.*   The description just makes me giggle.

Banned Book Socks

*image from Uncommon Goods (so many fun gifts on that site too!! Check it out!!)

These scream Rebel WRITER! And they are warm and comfy too. 

Literary Temporary Tattoos

Mine are from Pride and Prejudice! *image from Litographs website.

In case you want to try out your ink first or change it up according to your mood!  BONUS: The Litographs website has so many fun ideas for the bookish people in your life!!

PRACTICAL

Useful things make the creative life easier!

CROCK POT

I know, sexy, right? *image from Crock Pot website

Hear me out. No, it’s not glamorous, and if you watch This is Us, you might have an avid hate for them, but when you spend a large part of the day draining your brain onto a page, often the last thing you have the energy to do is prepare a meal, either for yourself of your family. That’s where the Crock Pot comes in. Mix up the ingredients in the morning and voila – Chicken Tikka Masala for dinner. Honest, healthier and cheaper than take out! It’s pretty indispensable. 

Notebooks

Hi, my name is Robin, and I am a notebook addict.

I once had a friend bring me back a gorgeous leather bound journal from Italy. Want to know how many words I wrote in it? ZIP. It was too…pretty. It demanded serious writing, journals of expeditions, or tales from other realms. It was too much pressure. These five dollar notebooks from Michael’s are a writers best friend! Lined pages, aesthetically pleasing and easy to pop into a messenger bag.  You can’t go wrong! Get a bunch!

A Year of HEADSPACE

I adore Headspace.

When your mind is your tool, you need to take care of it.  For 99.00 a year (less with a coupon!) you can get a daily meditation and so much more. There are packs for productivity and creativity and even sleepcasts.  Worth every penny.

BONUS: Gift Cards!! Ah, the workhorse of the holiday season. People often think they are the lazy way out, but I beg to differ. Indie bookstores? Office supply stores? Coffee shops? Massages?  Maybe not glam but much appreciated!

EXTRAVAGANT!

If you want to spend the big bucks! (Or just, you know, dream….)

A Standing Desk

*image from Varidesk website of which I have no affiliation with…but this is like the Rolls Royce of standing desks.

Ernest Hemingway. Virginia Woolf. Stan Lee. What do these three writers have in common? They all stood up as they wrote. Also - because sitting is the new smoking, apparently. I suppose you could use your kitchen counter, but where’s the fun in that. Ooooh, pretty AND functional.

Writer’s Retreat

Ah, Prague. Photo Credit: Ryan Lum for Unsplash

Because sometimes you need a change in scenery!

Write Away Europe!

Iceland Writers Retreat!

Christmas Dinner in the Great Hall at Hogwarts!

Christmas Dinner at Hogwarts…’nuff said. This is sold out this year, but hey, never too early to think about next year, right? I mean CHRISTMAS DINNER AT HOGWARTS!

BONUS: Subscription Boxes!!

Books! Chocolate! Coffee! Bubble Bath! If your writer has a favorite something, there’s probably a subscription box for it! (and you don’t even have to buy it for the year! An affordable luxury!)

And that concludes my list! Please note - this is just personal, I’m not affiliated with any of the businesses, I included the links for convenience. Some of the products I’ve used, and some, like um, dinner at Hogwarts, I can only dream about. I don’t receive any compensation. No trips. No Fizzing Whizzbees. Nada. Bupkiss. If you try any of these, and don’t like them, don’t come back waving your virtual fist at me, pretty please. This post is strictly for FUN!! I hope your holidays are merry and bright!!!

*no, the writer’s block soap is not something I use in case of emergency…but I’ve been tempted….

Summer Kick-Off Party!

Looking for something to start your summer off right?  Okay, so it's not OFFICIALLY summer, but with schools getting out and warmer weather it REALLY FEELS LIKE IT!!   Main Street Books in Davidson is throwing a summer kick off party that has something for everyone! Sharks! Scavenger Hunt! Sea themed snacks and nail art!  And of course, Mary Jane Capps and I will be there with our summery books!  Stop by!!

And remember...