Welcome to February. Let’s discover some joy together!
Your Pep Talk 📆
I am a planner. I love schedules, breaking down big goals into small steps, and plotting out my time. I wrote an entire book in 15-minute increments every day when my twins were little (thanks, David, for that tip!).
And then 2020 upended me. From October 2020 through January 2021, I decided to slow way down. I didn’t pitch at my usual rate. I didn’t juggle multiple projects. I focused on my YA rom-com—my joyful mental escape—and lowered my expectations.
I say this because: I am a time cop. I hate wasting time. I hate meetings that waste time. But sometimes, you have to let go of “doing everything” and do “one thing.” My mental health demanded it.
I hope you also give yourself a break. We can not run on empty gas tanks forever. If you didn’t accomplish everything you wanted to last year, give yourself the grace to know that it will happen. One step at a time.
My Latest News ⏰
Recently, I joined a startup called BookTime as an expert. If you or someone you know wants to chat about pitching editors, query letters, productivity, or how to use Scrivener (my fave app for writing books), you can schedule a 30-minute meeting with me here.
Check Out This... 📚
VIDEO: SELF-CARE Series: with Jasmine Guillory, Karuna Riazi, and Booki Vivat. If you need a 15-minute pep talk, these authors will pump you up. (The video is part of the DV Con writers conference. If you’re an aspiring author, I highly recommend the DVCon YouTube channel.)
BOOK: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski. I listened to the authors on an Unlocking Us episode and I knew I had to read the book. It’s part science, part emotional intelligence, and made me feel seen.
TV SHOW: Kim’s Convenience on Netflix. I am late to discovering this gem about a Korean-Canadian family who owns a convenience store. It’s funny, heartfelt, and diverse.
KID BOOK DRIVE: My local indie bookstore, Skylight Books, is running a book drive for Children’s Hospital of LA’s Literally Healing program from Feb. 1–March 1. Choose from the wish lists to support books, literacy, and kids.
I'm Grateful For...
My readers. You all send me the loveliest emails and messages. I’ve filed them in my Smile Folder to keep. When I started this newsletter in August 2020, I wanted to focus on the GOOD in the world, and you, my dear readers, have given me lots of joy back too. For anyone who needs it, I’ll end with this sign that I saw outside of a local elementary school while on a run.