Hello writers!
It’s starting to feel like fall here in the Pacific Northwest. Leaves are changing, mornings are dewy, and Morning Writes are happening in the dark again. My youngest is now driving himself to school for his junior year, and the oldest is taking the first steps into her adult life.
I love fall and spring, the transitional seasons. But unlike most years, I’ve been missing that “fresh start” energy I usually get during them. A recent therapy session revealed that perhaps I’m grieving some things (see above, and then some). And so I am approaching my days first with compassion for myself, taking particular care with my creative energy.
If you are struggling at all this week/month/season, I hope you do the same.
But that doesn’t mean I’m not finding joy in things! Here are five things I want to share with you this week.
📖 What I'm reading:
The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown (a re-read of this sweet story before the movie takes over)
Salt to the Sea, by Ruta Sepetys (September’s Reading Like Writers Book Club pick)
This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things by Naomi Wood (available November 26)
📚From the bookstore:
Here are your independent bookstore bestsellers this week. »
For reference, the ABA bestsellers are based on actual sales from independent bookstores across the country (vs. the NYT lists, which are compiled in a dark room by elves).
And here’s what’s on my Staff Pick Shelf at the store right now!
📺 What I'm watching:
English Teacher (FX)
Slow Horses, Season 4 (Apple TV)
The Bear, Season 3 (Hulu)
🎧 What I'm listening to:
The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave, read by Julia Whelan
Quiet Quest for ambient music while writing
What do you recommend? Please let us know in the comments!
✍️ Around Writing Town:
My friend Dani Abernathy is offering her signature free Find Your Writing Roots workshop this weekend! She will teach you to embrace yourself, discover what your story is really about, and find your writing purpose. Click here to learn more! >>
My friend Stacy Frazer’s wonderful new podcast for writers is going strong! Listen now to the Write It Scared Podcast! >>
Looking to get away and focus on your writing? My friend Amy Goldmacher has created a planner to help you plan your ideal writing (solo or group) retreat around your own needs, preferences, budget, and desired outcomes. It’s called Your 5-Step DIY Writing Retreat Planner. Check it out! >>
Are you an author or hopeful author looking for writing craft guidance to write a children’s picture book? My friend and award-winning children’s book author Janet Fox has created a course just for you, and it’s on sale! Perfect Picture Books is only $47 for the next two days! Click here to grab it. >>
Finally, from me to you: Your story matters. You deserve to write it and you have a reader out there who needs it. 💗
Warmly,
Stephanie