Thought I should get some fresh air while working on a plot issue and nature did not disappoint.

You have someone’s favorite novel inside of you. It is your responsibility to see it safely into the world, to never give up, not in the query trenches, not on submission, never. You must keep going. For them.

No big deal, just the fourth-ever book to make me cry.

#booktwt #amreading Charlotte Duckworth / Rixon | Author

Spent the afternoon perusing Atlanta’s indie bookstores and came across this beauty.

In case no one has told you recently, your words are perfect, your manuscript is beautiful, and a roomful of readers waits for you somewhere, one bright sunny morning, to sign their copies of your bestselling novel.

Will do.

In ninety-nine percent of the situations you’ll find yourself in, you’ve written more words, chapters, novels than anyone else in the room. Even if you aren’t published yet, aren’t agented, aren’t sure how you’ll ever finish your current manuscript, you are prolific.

There was a time when I didn’t know I wanted to be a writer, a time when I didn’t know how to complete the first draft of a novel, how to query, how to get an agent, how to go on submission. Time is patient with new writers. Be as patient with yourself.

To everyone who has had their self-confidence shaken by the query trenches, by languishing on sub, by watching their dreams flicker and fade in front of them, I want to say this: Success may not have found you yet, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t looking for you. Never give up.

Brought my children to my favorite place in England, my happiest of happy places.

An excellent introduction to England. This morning’s pilots on BA 222 were exceptionally kind, British Airways.

Just had something pretty incredible happen. Went to get an aesthetic procedure done. Went to pay the usual $695 afterwards and my care provider said, “You’re good. Happy Holidays.”

Excited to bring my children to the land of Shakespeare, the British Library, Jane Austin, moody December weather this upcoming weekend. They’ve never been to England, never walked along the Thames or through Green Park. It is time to change that.

Perk of having my agent live close by: giving her homemade chocolate chip cookies in person as a Christmas present. You’re the best, Julie Gwinn.

#WritingCommunity #TisTheSeason

My 7-year-old daughter (in the car this morning, on the way to school): I’m kind of important at school. I matter a lot.

Me: Who told you that?

7: No one. I told myself.

Pleased with how my front door decorations turned out.

You know it is going to be a good day when you wake up to a text from someone canceling a plan for something you didn’t want to go to in the first place.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! This is my annual reminder that all my querying occurred between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day and I had twenty full requests. If your dream agent is open during the holidays, go for it.

#WritingCommunity #HappyThanksgiving

Today, two days before Thanksgiving, I found myself at my local library, feet propped up on a footrest, reading next to the fire. The weight of the world rolled off my shoulders. I wish you all this level of peace as we approach Thanksgiving.

Me (leaving an exercise class this morning): Have a great day! I’m off to kill someone.

My exercise buddy (freezes):

My exercise buddy: In your-

Me: Yes, in my novel.

My exercise buddy: Have fun!