The book lover on your list can be one of the trickiest people to shop for—up there with that relative you haven’t talked to in years or that person you just started dating. While the obvious gift—a novel—might be the first thing that comes to mind, when someone reads several books a week odds are high she might have the book you’re thinking of gifting. So, I’ve compiled a list of reading accessories that the book lover on your list will love receiving in addition to book recommendations . . .
Your Guide To Holiday Festivities In Newport Beach (& Holiday Dresses For Cheap!)
Growing up, my family did something festive every day in December to celebrate the holidays. My mom pinned a homemade advent calendar up on the wall in the living room and each day there was a Christmas activity for all of us to do. Most days the activities were simple like pulling out all the Christmas movies from the attic and watching one, or starting a Christmas puzzle, or taking a family trip to Zoo Lights in downtown Portland. But some days my parents went all out. One year I remember we . . .
What To Bring For Thanksgiving When You Can’t Cook Anything
In my house I avoid the kitchen the way most people avoid their nice, fancy dining rooms with expensive china; the light is rarely on and if the floor were carpeted, you would only see footprints near the cabinet where I keep my cheese plate boards and cocktail shaker. I’m not sure if I can’t cook, I just really don’t have a huge desire to. I’d much rather spend my evenings writing, reading, or out enjoying a meal at someone else’s fine establishment. So, Thanksgiving is always a bit daunting . . .
How To Stick With a Dream That Takes Years To Accomplish
In our current culture of instant gratification, deciding to take on a project that you know will takes years to complete can feel daunting. Social media doesn't help. It makes it look like others' dreams are materializing overnight and that can certainly add to the frustration and maybe even make you want to quit. (Been there!) As most of you know, I recently published my first novel after working ten years on the story. A few weeks ago I met another writer, Julianna Lembeck, who has spent the . . .
Fear Being Seen? How To Get Comfortable Sharing Your Creativity With Others
When it comes to what we wear, I’m all about camouflage. You can find these camo pants I’m currently loving here as well as a camo skirt I just added to my wishlist here. Creatively though, I don’t want to camouflage myself or be afraid of being seen. But the truth is that fear is something I struggle with daily, and I know lots of other creatives struggle with it as well. Shop The Look While visiting bookstores across the country, I had the opportunity to talk to many aspiring authors and . . .
A Magical Story of How My Planner Predicted My Future
Back in 2017, when I was frustrated that my novel, Waiting at Hayden's, had not yet been published, and I felt like I’d be an “aspiring author” forever, I went out and bought a planner for 2018. In it, instead of writing down the plans that I DID have for the year ahead, I wrote down all the plans I WANTED to have. In the summer, for instance, I wanted my novel to be published. So, I picked a day in July of 2018 and wrote down, “launch party at my parents’ house”! In September, I wanted . . .
