Break Room

Meet you there.

I launched my Joy Ride newsletter in August because I wanted to shine a light on good things. My hope is that Joy Ride is a break from the bleak for all of us.

Your Pep Talk 🧘🏻‍♀️

Last year, I took on too many projects and worked through the holidays. And I was miserable. I made a promise to myself: Next year, I’ll take a real break. Little did I know, that 2020 would be the ultimate test of endurance. Like many working parents with kids at home, I juggled. No break in sight.

This year, I am unplugging today. Finishing up my work and not writing until 2021.

I encourage you to join me in giving yourself a break. Whether that’s putting your phone away or saying no—you deserve rest, respite, and a chance to breath. We’ve had a HARD year. We’ve lost, grieved, and still showed up. If you can walk away for a moment, please do.

This is my last newsletter for 2020. I’ll be back on January 8th to resume the joy.

Wishing you the very best holidays!

My Latest News 🎭

I finished a rough draft of my YA rom-com! I haven’t written a new book since my almost 5-year-old twins were born so this feels amazing. To be 100% real, I also got 2 editor rejections on my YA contemporary, and after 3 interviews, I didn’t move forward for a Staff Writer position for a women’s website. As other writers reminded me, other opportunities are ahead.

Check Out This... 🎁

HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special is wonderfully over-the-top and full of cheer and musical talents. For a sneak preview, this Vulture article sums up the allure of Carey: “a mirthful public figure who wears shade like a shawl.”

ARTICLE: How parents are turning toward gratitude in the pandemic. Writer Rudri Bhatt Patel interviewed parents and experts for the Washington Post about how cultivating a gratitude practice has helped families thrive.

TV SHOW: Ted Lasso (Apple+ TV). I did not expect to fall in love and identify with an American football coach sent to the UK to repair a failing football (soccer) team, but season 1 is pure perfection.

NONPROFIT: We Need Diverse Books brings diverse children’s literature to classrooms, support diverse folks in the book publishing industry, and help authors and illustrators with mentors.

I'm Grateful For...

Beautiful sidewalk chalk in my neighborhood (pictured below). Books that I discovered in quarantine. My healthy children. My writing community—Brendan, Melissa, Caitie, Debby, Rena, Pennacook Wonder Women, and UPOD peeps—for all their support. My friends—Fran, Sutton, Jessica, Bernadette, & more— for checking in.

For you, my readers, who brought me joy for giving me time to remember the GOOD.