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Being Proud of Yourself

Feb5

I was out and about, getting ready to come home and really needed some coffee. I’d had to have a fasting blood test done, so…. Imperative mode activated. Thought of McDonald’s, but didn’t want the drive thru lane. Then I thought hey, what about Casey’s? Good coffee, GREAT breakfast sandwiches, and the podcast I listen to mentions them so often!

And then I thought…. Hey. How about you be proud of yourself, go home and make a pot of coffee and your own breakfast sandwich.

The thought stopped me. Tripped me up. Being Proud of myself. I don’t often think about it, about progress made, things I’m proud of. I’m just getting through the day.

At the end of 2025 I made a plan for 2026. Picked out a word of the year, even. It’s Live, for those who are wondering. I got too into hermit mode again, and need to get out more and do more

It  means I’m cooking again. I don’t enjoy cooking, but I cook once and eat for 3 days. Salads almost every day because I enjoy them. It means spending the night once a month with my sister. It means doing crafts while on a video call with my niece. And decluttering on video call with one of my besties.  It means doing easy, beginning workout so this summer I can walk to the parade route and not have to worry about parking. Just take my chair and go. 

I’m not writing as much, but nothing fiction wise stuck. I am writing letters. My Coffee Epiphany happened at the post office, where I had dropped off 6 letters with family photos and sent them where they belong. I’m writing the letters for care home residents, they’ll be ready to go tomorrow. I am writing, just not the way people feel I should. 

Mostly, I’m taking control. Instead of tucking in and reading a book, I’m crafting, writing letters, redecorating , de cluttering, getting healthier and and and…. And I’m still reading.

But if I hit 464 new books in a year again, I don’t know that my body will recover. And that total– that’s only the new books, not the re-reads. I’m still reading, just also living.

I’ll be back to Fast Fives soon.

What are your goals for this year?

Bookish Fast 5: Emotional Triggers

Jan20

I am currently in my hurt/comfort/grovel era of romance books.. Currently, the author I’ve been reading and re-reading is Maya Alden. Sometimes I have to walk sideways into her books. They can be very emotional. Sometimes I skip them entirely.

Ienn Bullard is another author who I read that hurts my feelings on purpose. She, as well as Alden, is very vocal about telling the reader that our mental health matters more than page reads for them. Here’s his w they protect us from walking into a reading situation that might affect that me tap health

  1. Social Media. Jenn is vocal on when her books might push a person over the edge. Her Unhinged-verse is extremely unhinged. Based on the trigger warnings, I skipped the last book. I just couldn’t.
  2. Most authors now have Trigger Warnings listed at the beginning of the book. Make sure you read them. You may need to check on their website, some authors tell readers at start of book to go to website for full list of triggers– I firmly believe this is a copout. If you’re
  3. Newsletters. Sometimes, like with Alden, in the newsletter they mention not only trigger warnings, but include an excerpt that will give you an idea of what goes on around the trigger. The feel of the book, if you will.
  4. In book warnings. I am reading Maya Alden’s newest Wildflower Canyon book, and just came to the end of a chapter. Instead of the next chapter, there is a page detailing the trigger warning. It tells the reader to either skip the chapter, or close the book, because our mental health matters.
  5. The last line of defense for readers is our brethren. Check out the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads or wherever you go to get info on books.

Authors– please keep your reader in mind. While it may be necessary for the story, some things should never be thrown on a reader without knowledge before hand.

Readers- take care of yourself. I’m still staring at that chapter break for the trigger warning, deciding if I should continue on. I probably will. It’s not on page, is being talked of in the past.

But it is my decision, as the reader, whether or not to read it thanks to an author taking care of her readers.

Fast Five: Your Reading Jornal

Jan14

When I go on YouTube and watch Reading Jornal videos,  sometimes I get inspired. Other times I think to myself “That is never going to be me.” Artistic, intricate and beautiful. Works of art. Some print the covers of the books they’ve read, others draw books on shelves and write the titles in.

There are the store bought reading journals, that come with pre-drawn bookshelves, places for book reviews and TBRs and Book Club reads. They end up both too much and not enough. Too many things I won’t use– if I write a book review, it’s almost always broad strokes before I write it here, good reads and/or Amazon. I don’t do it for every book. I read too much for that LOL. Book club? No, thank you. And the book shelves? Never enough space for all the titles I read.

So if it isn’t a one size fits all– how do you go about making a Reading Journal that you’ll enjoy? That you’ll use and get joy from it?

  1. Decide what type of .journal you want. This goes beyond pre-made or self made. If you’re making it yourself, what kind of notebook/journal do you want? Spiral notebook? Composition book? Journal? For me, I use a Big sized Happy Planner notebook. I like being able to take paper in and out, and the paper is heavy enough I can write on it with felt tip markers and it not bleed through.
  2. Think about what you want in it. For the list of books I’ve read, I’m perfectly ok with just a list. It’s numbered, with the title and date finished on it. I made a bookshelf with washi tape and hand drawn books  only for my 5 star reads. Some people want space for book reviews. Do you want multiple bingo cards or just one?
  3. Play around with it. There’s no right or wrong way to make your journal. Play with the format. Have fun. One of my bff’s (and family member) is trying to figure out how to make stickers scratch n sniff
  4. Whether you like stickers, making your own artful pages or prefer tables and graphs to art, make sure it appeals to you. You are the one who has to make it and use it. Chances are, you’ll use it more if you enjoy it. I have a page that is a pretty pink scrapbook paper covered in romance book trope & smutty book stickers. I love it.
  5. Have fun. Relax. Experiment. This isn’t a YouTube tutorial. It’s a hobby that should make you feel good. It should help you relax, give you a little joy.  If it’s your first one, don’t worry if you don’t use all the pages you made. It just let you know what you can leave out next year.

I hope you give making your own Reading Journal a go.

If you already have one, what are some of your favorite pages in it? I’ve  got room to add!

Fast Five: Why Non-Readers Need Libraries

Jan3

As a reader it’s no shock that the first thing I scope out when moving (after groceries and gas) is the library. It is a great community resource even for non readers.  Here’s your Fast Five for why Non-Readers should be going to the library.

  1. Kids & Teen programs. Libraries have several kids programs, from story time to arts. Some even have service dogs that will sit and listen to a child read aloud. Most also do things for teens, including homework help, crafts and more.
  2. Access to technology. Can’t afford a computer, a new printer or WiFi? You can afford a library card, which is generally free to locals. There may be a nominal fee for the printer, but the computer use is free.
  3. Meeting other adults– my local library has a craft day for grown ups. This Friday, I’m going to attend a Murder Mystery party. They are supposed to also be starting a meet time for adults to come in (kinda like a grown up play date with no safety issues and no booze).
  4. Services & Classes. Mine has a notary for a small fee. They will also proctor exams. What services does your have? They may also have classes on things like: using the computer, coding, gardening, caring for elderly family members. I have seen all of the above at a library. For free.
  5. Other things (non books) to check out. Almost everyone knows about DVDs and CDs. My local library also checks out STEAM kits for kids, puzzles, telescopes, fishing poles and binoculars.

While libraries are great for books and magazines, what they are the very best at? Being the center of the community.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably a reader. What other things does your local library offer that surprised you? It shocked me to learn mine has telescopes and fishing poles 😀

Also, make sure your non-reading family and friends know the services that are available to them.

Here’s to keeping the Libraries open and thriving in 2026!!!!

Getting the word out

Jul28

Ari Wright’s Once Upon A Pack

Ari Wright is releasing the Audio Book for Once Upon a pack, and it has me wondering: what methods do you find work best for getting the word out on new releases (E-book, print or audio)?

As a baby writer (nothing huge published, mostly short stories and a couple of poems) I will send information to those I think might like the story. I use either email or text as I don’t post on social media.

As a consumer, I have 4 main ways of finding books.

  1. Recommendations. Friends, family or even KU. I actually found Ari Wright through a Based on your other books…. Recommendation. She’s one of my favorite authors and an auto read for me. Goodreads– i use it to log my books but don’t really get recs there.
  2. Newsletter. Author newsletters are awesome. I especially like the ones where they share this it’s of what’s going on with them. Maybe a photo of their work desk, or what they’ve been up to. And of course the new releases! As an author, you have to walk a line with the newsletters. Readers want to know about your upcoming and new releases, but not to be inundated by a sales pitch constantly.
  3. Social Media Ads. For me, mainly TikTok and Instagram as those are the two I scroll most. I will say as a reader I prefer Instagram as the link goes directly to the ebook link. I don’t know what’s going on with people, but the amount of TikTok ads for books that FORGET to give the title and/or  author name is ridiculous. I’m also not going to buy off the Tok shop.
  4. Social Media Groups. I belong to a few groups for readers of an author, but also some for specific types of romance. This is where you cannot only get a rec, but also find out what that book you read three months ago with this particular scene was. Life-saving! Or sanity saving.

So– how do you advertise for your writing? If you’re mostly a reader, how do you find the books you read?

Angry Readers: Fast 5

Jun11

OR: How to anger your readers before even writing a word

  1. Constantly shifting publishing dates. Let’s be honest, we as readers don’t care if the date comes quicker. But if you leave us hanging? And then do it repeatedly? Some readers might lose their desire to read your work. Some might even, gasp, forget about it. Give yourself a cushion. We love happy surprises like a fav author publishing a book ahead of time
  2. Having a release coming up and then…. The title and you disappear. Now we all know, stuff happens. But as an author, you should at least apologize on your socials, or somewhere your fans can find it. If you’re ok, that is. At this point, some fans are wondering if you are ok.
  3. Stop writing in the middle of a series that has to be read in order. Looking at the fantasy genre here. I wait now, until all books are done and able to be bought. I do the same with duologues. If there’s a hint of a cliff hanger, well. I’ll wait, thank you.
  4. Don’t change the way you send out ARCs without letting the readers who get them know. It’s a wonderfully quick way to sow discontent around your new release. Wanting to send to only people who hype the pre-release on socials? Go for it. But make sure you let the people who you told reviews on blogs, Amazon and Goodreads were great that they aren’t getting said release. You are a writer. That kind of stuff should have been clearly communicated via email (since you have their emails).
  5. Don’t write a book you don’t love. Trust me. We the readers know when you are writing something and you don’t love it. We might not be able to say exactly what’s wrong with the story, but for your fans? It’ll be an irritant at the least. And when it’s really bad? We, the readers, will DNF.

That’s my fast five for pissing off your readers. While authors who committed the above have come across my TBR pile, and may still remain… Those things do impact how your work is seen when it does, finally, come out

What do authors do to annoy you,, other than the actual writing?

Just Write It: 5 on Just Drive

Apr4

I think I read somewhere that Devyn Sinclair wrote “Just Drive”” as a side story. A passion project, at least at first. A story she loved but wasn’t sure would sell. Was not sure it would resonate with readers.

I have reviewed maybe 2 books on Good Reads and Amazon. Possibly three. I leave a star rating but never a review. It has to hit me hard for me to leave a 5 stars and it has to hit even harder for an actual review. She got both.

Which makes a darn good argument to write what you are passionate about. The story you want. Because trends come and go, but staying true to you will bring the right readers to you.

Note: Just Drive is. RH Omegaverse Romance.

Here’s 5 things I loved about Just Drive:

5. The Formula. one racing. Do I watch racing? Nope. I’ve been known to watch it though, and it’s the only sport other than ice skating and gymnastics that I will watch. Fun fact: when I was a wee girl I wanted to race fast cars. Didn’t go further than checking out TONS of books at the wee little local library when I was younger and a little drag racing when a bit older… But. And there are specific racing details that made me SQUEEE.

4. Relationships & friendships outside the romance. A whole world was built, including both personal and professional relationships. And instead of having EVERYONE hate the new female driver, she did have professional friendships with other drivers.

3. World Building. This is set in an alternate universe. If she played with the rules Formula One racing in the story, it didn’t hit for this casual reader.  Which means short cuts were not taken. Sinclair obviously loves this subject and it shows.

2. Competition & Professionalism within the pack. Vanessa, our heroine is racing on a team with part of her pack and actively racing against another member. And while they are competitive– it’s in the right way. A way that doesn’t make it easy for either of them. They go balls to the wall racing each other, can be grumpy about losing and still celebrate a momentous win.

  1. Grandpa. I cried so hard. And we know, don’t we… That the good books, the great books, they help us. They entertain us. They teach us new things. And they give us a safe space to feel our feelings. I’m tearing up again (it would have been Pop’s 99th today) and we’ll, I’m probably gonna go back and reread so I have that safe space tonight.

That number one though, that’s why I write. While I generally work through stuff in my writing, that connection cannot be beat. It’s magic.

So what magical story have you been dying to tell? Don’t worry about markets right now– just grow your magic.

Ta, my Lovelies

A Bookish Birthday

Mar24

So we celebrated my birthday with lunch and a Barnes & Noble trip yesterday. Loved it. Lots of fun!

B&N Birthday Haul

Originally, this post had a slightly different title. And a very different subject. I was so mad at a magazine I wrote a rant piece. Then I took a deep breath. I retook the picture and removed the original picture that had the magazine I was irked with. I have deleted SEVERAL paragraphs worth of my annoyance with that magazine.

The reasons I changed it up are varied:

  1. I had the ability and time to flip through the magazine before purchase. If I had done so, I wouldn’t have bought it.
  2. It is highly unprofessional as a writer to post that sort of angst against any market.
  3. We don’t yuck someone else’s yum.

Just because I don’t see the value in that magazine, doesn’t mean that someone else won’t. It might be the best thing someone else has ever read. Or written for. Just because it isn’t what I was expecting when I didn’t even do the bare minimum while at the store (flipping through it) doesn’t mean I should do a rant post on it.

And just like that, common decency is born.

With so much access to social media, it’s easy to get it all out and hit the button to send our rants out into the world. But should we?

What would happen if we just moved on? This isn’t anything dangerous. No one’s gonna die or get hurt if they read that magazine. It’s not spreading misinformation. Ranting about it would be like  debating chocolate cake versus strawberry cake.

I like strawberry cake better.

Fight me.

Yah, I didn’t think so. I also don’t care for most frosting. That just means I can scrape it to the side and let you enjoy it.

Thank you for visiting my almost Bookish Rant.

Odd Duck

Mar20

Lately I’ve been feeling like an odd duck, swimming in the ocean.

Let me back up. Life up and heave-hoed me in 2023. My dad died, the one who kept me tethered to where I was, through love for him while honoring a promise to my mother.  I moved from Northern California to Missouri a year and a half ago. I started out here with my teen son, but now I’m suddenly an empty nester. I’ve started attending church. I’ve been around family more. I started working from home.


Holy crap. No wonder I feel like a duck in the ocean.  Feet paddling just as fast as I can.


That has been reflected in my writing. I quit writing—heck I quit reading—for a while. Even the cards I used to send out were few and far between.

I’m writing more now. I’m writing a variety of things, too. I had been firmly in my short story era, but I’ve branched into drabbles, poetry, flash fiction and essays. And I’m submitting that work.


What I haven’t done? Gotten anywhere close to completing a novel. Or heck, half way through a novella. Will I? Maybe. I have in the past, but that was decades ago. Am I heart broken? Not really.
Because this odd duck is writing.

And sometimes that’s all you can do.

2024 Wrap Up

Dec31

2024 I had some definite goals for both reading and writing (excuse me, intentions). Some personal ones as well. Here’s a check in on how the first two went.

To absolutely NO ONES surprise, I crushed my reading goals. So much so that I had to keep moving the goal posts out further. 150 became 180 became 220. I am ending 2024 having read 343 books. 344 if I finish the one I am currently reading. People ask me how, and I’ll tell you the secret. While I often have my television on for background noise, I only watch a few shows. Between COVID and the writers strike, I just started reading more.  I also work from home so spend zero time commuting.

Writing. I am not where I wanted to be but am doing better than I was. At one point I had 4 or 5 different stories bumping around in my head and would switch around. I finally found one that has legs on it and have been working on it exclusively.

I’ve also started writing more poetry. And submitting it! I’ve never submitted to an actual poetry market before, but I’ve done it now lol. And it feels good.

Really good.

Tomorrow will be time enough to reflect on goals for 2025. Today, I’d like to bask in what did go right in 2024.

Happy New Year’s, my Lovelies!