Lessons, Leftovers, and a Little Holiday Magic
Well, friends, we made it through Thanksgiving weekend, and if you're anything like me, you're still working through the leftovers while wondering where the time went.
I'll be honest with you—I had grand plans for the long holiday weekend. Extra days off from the "day job" meant extra writing time, right?
That would be a big, resounding no.
Between cooking, eating, football games, more eating, movie marathons, family time, and—did I mention eating?—I stepped away from Book Two and gave the Ellerys a well-deserved break. Sometimes you have to refill the creative well, and mine needed some serious replenishing. Now that we're back to a typical week, I'm happy to report that Caitlin and Cameron's story is coming along nicely. These two have been living in my head for a while now, and watching their second-chance romance unfold on the page has been everything I hoped it would be.
A Note to My Fellow Writers
Speaking of Book Two, can I share something I wish someone had told me when I started this journey? Keep better notes. I'm talking detailed notes—community names, dates, timelines, character details, all of it. Because here I am, researching my own book to make sure I'm not contradicting myself. Did I say the diner was on Main Street or First Avenue? Was that scene set in September or October?
Lesson learned. This time around, I'm keeping a detailed log of everything. Future Elle will thank Present Elle for this small act of organizational kindness.
Our Holiday Traditions
My family has always spent the Sunday after Thanksgiving putting up our Christmas tree and decorating the house. It's become one of my favorite traditions—we make spaghetti with meat sauce (my daughter's favorite since she was little), then break out the hot cocoa and Rice Krispies treats, queue up Miracle on 34th Street and White Christmas, and settle in for a movie marathon while the house transforms around us.
There's something magical about those moments, isn't there? The ones where time slows down just enough to remind you what really matters.
I Want to Hear from You!
How did you spend your holiday weekend (for those who celebrate Thanksgiving)? Were there any Black Friday deals you couldn't resist? And as we head into December, what traditions does your family hold dear?
However you spent the weekend, and whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, another holiday, or none at all—I hope your December is filled with the love of family and friends and that you're preparing for a most wonderful 2026.
Until next time,
Elle
I'll be honest with you—I had grand plans for the long holiday weekend. Extra days off from the "day job" meant extra writing time, right?
That would be a big, resounding no.
Between cooking, eating, football games, more eating, movie marathons, family time, and—did I mention eating?—I stepped away from Book Two and gave the Ellerys a well-deserved break. Sometimes you have to refill the creative well, and mine needed some serious replenishing. Now that we're back to a typical week, I'm happy to report that Caitlin and Cameron's story is coming along nicely. These two have been living in my head for a while now, and watching their second-chance romance unfold on the page has been everything I hoped it would be.
A Note to My Fellow Writers
Speaking of Book Two, can I share something I wish someone had told me when I started this journey? Keep better notes. I'm talking detailed notes—community names, dates, timelines, character details, all of it. Because here I am, researching my own book to make sure I'm not contradicting myself. Did I say the diner was on Main Street or First Avenue? Was that scene set in September or October?
Lesson learned. This time around, I'm keeping a detailed log of everything. Future Elle will thank Present Elle for this small act of organizational kindness.
Our Holiday Traditions
My family has always spent the Sunday after Thanksgiving putting up our Christmas tree and decorating the house. It's become one of my favorite traditions—we make spaghetti with meat sauce (my daughter's favorite since she was little), then break out the hot cocoa and Rice Krispies treats, queue up Miracle on 34th Street and White Christmas, and settle in for a movie marathon while the house transforms around us.
There's something magical about those moments, isn't there? The ones where time slows down just enough to remind you what really matters.
I Want to Hear from You!
How did you spend your holiday weekend (for those who celebrate Thanksgiving)? Were there any Black Friday deals you couldn't resist? And as we head into December, what traditions does your family hold dear?
However you spent the weekend, and whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, another holiday, or none at all—I hope your December is filled with the love of family and friends and that you're preparing for a most wonderful 2026.
Until next time,
Elle
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