Breanne Randall's Blog

Top Witchy Reads to Devour This Year: A Collection of Magic, Sisterhood, and Spellbinding Tales!

The air is crisp, the nights are growing longer, and that means one thing—witchy season is upon us! Whether you’re a die-hard fan of witchcraft-inspired tales or just looking for a touch of magic in your reading list, I’ve gathered five standout books that are brimming with enchanting heroines, old family secrets, and worlds where anything seems possible. Here are some of the best witchy reads to lose yourself in this year!

1. Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things by Breanne Randall

In Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things, Breanne Randall introduces us to Calliope Petridi, a young witch cursed with sacrificing her memories to cast spells. Set in the mystical town of Gold Springs, Calliope’s journey to save her home comes at a steep price: she must give up fragments of her own past. When an ancient evil stirs, she binds herself to the leader of a rival coven, sparking a tense but undeniable chemistry.

What makes this book shine is Randall's exploration of family bonds, love, and the toll magic takes on those who wield it. Rich with atmospheric magic and unforgettable characters, this is a must-read for anyone who loves stories about the strength of family and the cost of protecting what you love.

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2. The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields

Sydney J. Shields’ The Honey Witch casts a unique spell over readers with its lush, nature-infused magic. This story follows a young woman whose magic is tied to nature’s sweetest gift: honey. As she delves into her powers, she discovers that harnessing honey’s power is just the beginning—dark forces are rising, and the sweetness of honey may not be enough to protect her loved ones.

This novel is an enchanting blend of folklore and modern witchcraft, interwoven with themes of identity, self-discovery, and resilience. Shields’ rich prose and unique take on nature magic make *The Honey Witch* an unforgettable addition to any witchy TBR.

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3. Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

A powerful mix of historical fantasy and feminist themes, Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow is set in 1893 and follows three estranged sisters who reunite to bring witchcraft back into the world. Their mission? To secure their right to vote—and to be witches—in a world that fears powerful women.

Harrow’s lush, lyrical writing elevates this tale of sisterhood, rebellion, and magic to epic heights. As the sisters battle societal norms and find their own unique powers, they become symbols of both resilience and revolution. It’s a story that will resonate deeply with anyone who loves feminist themes woven into historical fantasy.

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4. The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo

Set in the culturally rich town of El Paso, Luis Jaramillo’s The Witches of El Paso is a refreshing take on magical realism, combining witchcraft with elements of Latin American folklore. This novel follows Marta and Nina across the borders of time and space as they explore their magic and the price it sometimes takes.

Jaramillo’s exploration of El Paso’s unique blend of cultures adds a distinctive flavor to this story, creating a beautifully grounded setting filled with authentic rituals and folklore. If you’re craving a novel that weaves together tradition, culture, and supernatural intrigue, this is a fantastic choice.

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5. Unmagical by Jenn Lessmann

Jenn Lessmann’s Unmagical takes a different approach to the witchy genre. Set in a world where magic is part of everyday life, it follows a protagonist who was born without magic—an “Unmagical” in a society that revolves around spells and sorcery. As she discovers dark secrets about her family and the true nature of magic, she must navigate a society that dismisses and excludes those who are “Unmagical.”

Lessmann’s storytelling strikes a chord with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. This is a heartfelt and witty novel that combines humor with a message of empowerment and self-acceptance, making it an ideal read for those who love fresh takes on magical worlds.

Each of these books offers a unique exploration of magic, sisterhood, and resilience. Whether you’re drawn to lush, atmospheric tales, historical fantasy with feminist themes, or modern takes on witchcraft and magic, there’s something here for everyone. So grab your favorite cozy blanket, a mug of something warm, and dive into one (or all!) of these enchanting reads. Here’s to a season filled with spellbinding stories and the perfect touch of magic! ✨

Hey there, fellow wordsmiths! Today, let's have a heart-to-heart about something that often lurks in the shadows, preventing many talented authors from reaching the heights they deserve. The culprit? It's not some elusive secret or a magical marketing formula. No, it's something much closer to home – your mindset.

**The Mindset Game**

Ever felt like you're standing in your own way, preventing the success you dream of? You're not alone. The mindset you carry can either be your greatest ally or your toughest adversary. The good news? You have the power to shift it and open doors to success you never thought possible.

**The Science of Self-Fulfilling Prophecy**

Ever heard of the self-fulfilling prophecy? It's more than just a catchy phrase; it's a powerful force rooted in neuroscience. Our brains are incredible, adaptable machines, capable of creating new neural pathways based on our thoughts and beliefs. When you repeatedly tell yourself something—whether positive or negative—your brain starts to believe it and acts accordingly.

If you've been feeding your mind with doubts and limitations, it's time for a change. Begin by recognizing those negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. Tell yourself you are a successful author, that your work is valuable, and that you have a unique voice that deserves to be heard.

**Actionable Steps to Transform Your Mindset**

1. **Positive Affirmations:** Start your day with affirmations that resonate with your authorial goals. Repeat them often, especially when self-doubt creeps in.

2. **Visualization:** Picture yourself achieving success. See yourself holding that bestselling book in your hands. Visualization is a powerful tool that aligns your thoughts with your goals.

3. **Surround Yourself with Positivity:** Engage with a supportive community of authors. Share your goals, celebrate successes, and learn from setbacks together. Positivity is contagious!

4. **Mindfulness and Meditation:** Take a few minutes each day to clear your mind. Mindfulness and meditation can help you become aware of negative thoughts and gently guide your focus back to the positive.

5. **Celebrate Small Wins:** Acknowledge and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. This reinforces the belief that success is attainable and encourages a positive mindset.

Remember, success is not just about what you do but also about how you think. By reshaping your mindset, you're not only changing your thoughts but also carving a path to success in your brain. It's like creating a literary roadmap where every positive affirmation is a milestone guiding you toward your destination.

So, dear friend, let's rewrite the narrative. Your success story begins with a shift in mindset. Embrace the power within you, and watch the magic unfold in your writing journey. You've got this! 🌟

And when you’re ready to take the next step, grab my Book Marketing Mini Guide for $3.99 and you can add my pdf “Getting in the Right Mindset” for $1.99. Both of these take a deep dive and walk you through identifying and banishing limiting beliefs that may be holding you back.

It took me over a decade of rejection to finally get a book deal and I went from that to getting over 11,000 preorders and debuting as an instant NYT bestseller. I truly believe a huge part of this is mindset, affirmations, and the power of community, which can be cultivated with the right mindset and strategy!

Discussion Questions for The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic:

1.     The concept of the curse of four heartbreaks (and the other family members curses) plays a significant role in the story. How do you interpret the idea of a curse accompanying one's magic? Do you think it adds depth to the protagonist's character and journey?

2.     The book explores the theme of family secrets and their impact on the characters' lives. Discuss the role of Seth, Sadie's twin brother, and the secrets he brings to light. How do these revelations affect Sadie's understanding of her family and her own identity? What about Gigi’s secrets?

3.     Sadie is torn between her magical abilities, her romantic feelings for Jake, and the overwhelming urge to protect her brother. How does the author portray this conflict, and what does it reveal about Sadie's character? Do you think she made the right choice in the end? Why or why not?

4.     The impending death of Sadie's grandmother acts as a catalyst for the events in the book. How does the imminent loss affect the characters' relationships and their outlook on life? Discuss the portrayal of grief and its transformative power in the story.

5.     The book combines elements of magic and a sense of community. How does the author incorporate these themes into the narrative? In what ways do the magical elements contribute to the overall story and character development?

6.     Sadie and her grandmother share a strong bond, and her grandmother has been a central figure in the family for generations. Discuss the significance of intergenerational relationships in the book. How does Sadie's relationship with her grandmother influence her decisions and growth?

7.     The book is described as a warm and witchy novel. How do you feel the author balanced the magical elements with the overall tone and atmosphere of the story? Did the magical aspects enhance your enjoyment of the book?

8.     In what ways do you see influences from "Practical Magic" and "Gilmore Girls" in the book? Did these references resonate with you as a reader? How did they contribute to your understanding of the story or characters?

9.     Reflecting on the title, "The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic," what do you think the author is trying to convey? How do the themes of heartbreak and magic intersect in the narrative, and what lessons, if any, do the characters learn from their experiences?

10.  Throughout the book, Sadie, Raquel, and Seth have open conversations about mental health. The story emphasizes the importance of therapy and seeking professional help. Do you think the portrayal of therapy in the book is realistic and meaningful? Why or why not?

11.  Jake McNealy plays a pivotal role in Sadie's life and her journey throughout the novel. How does the author portray Jake's growth and transformation from his initial departure from town to his return? What aspects of his character remain consistent, and what changes over the course of the story?

12.  Explore the theme of forgiveness in relation to Jake's character. How do the characters, particularly Sadie, navigate the process of forgiving and letting go of past hurts? Discuss the significance of forgiveness in the context of healing, both in personal relationships and within oneself.

 

  

Feel free to use these questions to spark discussions and delve deeper into the themes and elements of The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic. Enjoy your book club discussion!

 

 

 

 

I was honey in my youth

Brazen as the ripest plum in summer

With no consequence for your sharp beak

Looming on the nearest branch

Ready to pierce my peel and

Suck the juice that made me sweet

My skin stretched tight

Trying to contain my flesh

As I ripened in the warmth of your succor

But I would not be contained, no warning would I heed

My branch bent toward your feathered wings

Bowing with the weight of want

Salvation to my longing

For freedom

For ageless love that rested in me, restless

Waiting to be plucked

I committed myself to your talons,

Weeping as they shredded the sugar from my meat

I hate watermelon.

Lemonade is too tangy.

When I was twelve we visited a museum and I saw how hot dogs were made. I haven’t eaten one since.

Even s’mores, though delicious, make my OCD heart anxious with their sticky mess.

Food is any nutritious substance that we eat or drink to maintain life and growth.

And for me, summer’s most iconic food, isn’t food at all.

It’s the taste of freedom.

The smell of sun warmed rocks.

The tang of river silt clinging to tanned skin.

Sunscreen squirting hot out of the tube.

It’s nostalgia, pure and clean and consumed in doses of serotonin so bright it sticks to your bones through winter.

The food of summer is how your body eats the adrenaline that spikes your blood as you stand, feet burning on a hot boulder, gathering the courage to jump off into the lake.

It’s drinking down the anticipation of finding the perfect grassy spot to watch fireworks.

Summer’s substance is the taste of your hair whipping into your mouth, your head out the window as your best friend drives down back roads and country music blasts from your favorite playlist.

The nutrition of summer, the thing that gives us life and growth, is making memories. First kisses and first love. It’s sidewalk chalk and green citronella spirals burning down. It’s embers hissing from a midnight bonfire, the pops and cracks of glowing wood echoing faintly into a future that feels impossibly far away because the present is so raw and sharp you could bleed from it.

We all have that summer. For me, I was fifteen. I was in unrequited love. We picked blackberries, the thorns pricking our fingers as blood mingled with bright purple juice. I don’t remember the food. I remember the feeling. The flip of my stomach as I watched him walk out of the river, water droplets slipping off his skin and thinking this is it, forever.

The food of summer is freedom. And youth. And heartbreak so hot it cauterizes. Even now, the memories slice through me, grating against my skin like lemon zest, burning but delicious, tangy but sweet. A smile like remembrance stretches across my face. It starts slow and then turns my cheeks to apples. I couldn’t stop it if I tried. And I don’t want to. Because summer is what sustains us, the memories that fuel our future. It’s the hope we cling to as we try to recreate it for our own children. That elusive but ever-present longing for simplicity we can only grasp when our responsibilities fall away like dominoes under the scorching sun.

Summer isn’t the taste of a cold beer but the condensation dripping down the glass and the way your palm forms to the bottle.

It’s not the too sweet pulp of watermelon, but the sound of a sharp knife slicing through its rind and the juice turning your fingers sticky.

Summer isn’t the sour tang of fresh squeezed lemonade, but the echo of laughter as you race to fill your basket the fastest and sugar granules spilled on the counter while you stir.

The ultimate summer recipe:

One dash of freedom

Three drops of laughter (one for each month)

A squeeze of sunshine

A healthy dose of heartache

Two miles of asphalt to ride your bike down (with no hands)

A sprig of romance

Two handfuls of joy (because you can’t hold much more)

Stir together with berry stained fingers and let sit for maximum effect. Consume years later to bring back the mouthwatering memories of what it meant to be young and in love with the food of summer.

Do you ever read a story of success that gives you goosebumps? This is going to be one of those stories. Prepare to get teary eyed and renew your hope in the dreams you've been chasing!

I'm beyond honored to be interviewing award-winning author Laura Drake. She's been writing since 1994 (when she was 40) and it took her...wait for it...15 years to sell a book. AKA never give up on your dreams!

Let's dive in!

How long did you query before you got an offer of representation?

"Sixteen years. Wrote a book, queried. Got no takers. Write, repeat. Third book sold."

About how many rejections did you receive before you got an offer of representation?

"417 (but who’s counting?) "

Were there any times you felt like giving up? If so, what kept you going?

"Many times. But I’d think back to the reason I started writing to begin with, and it had nothing to do with getting an agent or selling. It was about getting the story in my head down on the page in a compelling way – to give readers the joy I’ve had, reading a book I loved for the first time. "

Did you use any resources during your querying journey like QueryTracker, Publishers Marketplace, etc.?

"Mostly the writers group I belonged to – an RWA chapter (Romance Writers of America). They’re actually the reason I got an agent. I’d queried around 150 agents for the first two books. I wrote the third, and I thought it was special. My critters (crit group) said it was sure to sell. But I queried it, and despite many request for fulls, I only had one or two left out there.

We had an editor flying in to speak at our meeting, and I worked near the airport, so they asked me to pick her up. Friday traffic in Southern California is nuts, but that day, a tanker had overturned – she was stuck with me in the car for two hours! Eventually, she asked what I wrote, and I pitched her my book. She said it sounded interesting, and to send her a proposal. I reached into the back seat and handed it to her. Hey, I was desperate! She was a bit taken aback but promised to read it on the plane on the way home. Sure enough, she contacted me on Monday and said, ‘The first thing we need to do is get you an agent.’ Yeah, like I hadn’t thought of that. But she introduced me to my dream agent, Nalini Akolekar of Spencerhill Associates.

That book? Sold in a minor bidding war and won the RWA RITA award for best first book.

So persistence paid off! "

Is there a particular rejection that stands out to you?

"They all did. But you know what? It’s kind of like when you first started plucking your eyebrows. Remember how it burned? But it probably doesn’t hurt quite so bad now, right? Rejection toughens your skin. And that’s something you’re going to need in this career! "

Did you ever receive an R&R?

"Lots! None of them got me an agent."

What’s the best advice you could give someone who’s in the querying trenches?

"Write the BEST book you can. Edit your query until the gatekeeper is going to need sunglasses to read it!

Remember why you started writing, and …

If you keep breathing, and keep learning, you HAVE to get there eventually. It’s science. "

Is there anything else you can share that you think would help others on their querying journey?

Have a Plan B. I’ve seen writers who get discouraged by rejections and decide to self-publish, but they’re bitter. If you have a second plan, like ‘I’ll query for X months, and don’t have an agent, I’ll do ______’

That way, it’s not a failure, just a new plan.

Enjoy this time. An author of over 60 books told me this before I sold. She said this is your time to play. I thought she was nuts. Turns out, she was right. Once you are under contract, you don’t have time to daydream – you have a deadline!

Thank you, Laura, for sharing this beautiful journey with us! Don't forget to check our her latest book, THE ROAD TO ME!

What feels like comfort, you say?

What embrace soothes the soul?

It’s a well written line from a most loved book

“Her face was sad and lovely with bright things in it.”

It’s the stanza from a poem that reads like love feels.

“where I does not exist, nor you

so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,

so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.”

Comfort is cracking the spine of a new book

The sorrow and joy of turning the last page

It’s the way words burrow into your marrow,

Painting pictures you’ve only ever seen in dreams

Putting imagery to things you’ve only ever felt

But never been able to describe

And how you thought you were alone

But now you know that someone, somewhere,

Feels it, too

And somehow, that makes it universal

Comfort is the smell of ink on paper

Stories told and lies sold and hope eternal

It’s the taste of escape in characters that feel like family

And the iron tang of knowledge from lines

Lines that have built your world

Comfort is your fingers trailing over titles

The promise of losing yourself

To a world where the outcome is controlled

It’s the ache in your neck from reading too long

But you tell yourself the same lie over and over

Comfort is saying, “One more chapter.”

I am beyond thrilled to be sharing debut author Amy Watson and her inimitable novel CLOSER TO OKAY, which releases October 11th, 2022 from Penguin Random House.

Amy minored in creative writing in college but only wrote poetry. "My writing journey started with a challenge from my therapist to pick a project that was just for me since self-care is the first thing to go away when my depression gets bad," Amy shared. "I went home that night and told my husband I was going to do NaNoWriMo. And I did. Then it took me another year and some change to actually finish the book. I also completely revised it three or four times before I started querying." (NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month where the goal is to complete a book in the month of November.)

Today we're going to be focusing on Amy's querying journey with the goal of providing hope for aspiring and querying authors. (Read to the end for a peek at what Closer to Okay is all about!)

It took her one year of querying and 49 rejections before she got an offer of representation. Let's dive in!

Were there any times you felt like giving up?

"Every time I got a rejection. I don’t know that you can prepare yourself for how hard it is to be told no so often and so consistently. The query that eventually got me an agent was my 50th and I had told myself that it was the last one before I took a break. The thing that kept me going was the desire to tell my story. There isn’t enough representation of mental illness and I knew I could find a champion for the book eventually."

Did you use any resources during your querying journey like QueryTracker, Publishers Marketplace, etc?

"I used QueryTracker to keep track of what I had outstanding. I also had a spreadsheet of potential agents and the research I’d done on them. For example, I’d list the name, agency, anything on their MSWL, books and/or authors they repped that I liked or could be used as comps."

Is there a particular rejection that stands out to you?

"Not really. I had two full requests that came back with what were basically form rejections. Those stung a little more, but when it came down to it they all sucked pretty bad."

Did you ever receive and R&R?

"Yep. The full request that ended up as an offer was an R&R. The email gave me a ton of feedback. He basically said that my book wasn’t ready, but if I was willing to change A, B, and C, then he’d love to see it again. I don’t know what it was exactly but I could tell that he got it and trusted that if I made the revisions he asked for, then he would be the best and biggest ally for my work. And I was right. He’s the BEST!"

What’s the best advice you could give someone that’s in the querying trenches?

"Don’t give up. Even if you need to take a break, get back to it. You only need one yes. Accept help from beta readers, fellow authors, critique partners. I used Scribophile and joined a novel writing group. Two of my partners from that group are still in touch and we help each other out whenever it’s needed. Be open to criticism. If an agent takes the time to point out a problem, then it’s worth at least some consideration."

So, what's Closer to Okay all about?

Weaving culinary delights with an honest, appraising look at how we deal with the world when it becomes too much, Closer to Okay is the comfort food we all need in these, well, crazy times.

When professional baker Kyle Davies lands in an inpatient mental health facility after a suicide attempt, she adds a new to-do item to her routine; stare out her window at the coffee shop across the street and its hot owner, Jackson. But when Dr. Booth (who may or may not be a hack) lets her out of Hope House for two hours a day, she discovers Jackson is a jerk with a heart of gold. And at a time when Kyle is barely managing her own problems, she finds herself suddenly thrown into the deep end of someone else's. Dr. Booth may have been right after all: falling in love may be the thing that sends Kyle into a backslide she might never be able to crawl out of. Is Jackson too much for her to handle? Does love come at the cost of sanity?

Thank you, Amy, for your bravery in not giving up on querying this gem of a novel. You're absolutely right that we need more representation of mental illness in books!

Don't forget to pre-order Closer to Okay and if you're in the querying trenches; DON'T GIVE UP!

DIY Clarifying Clay Mask

When your toners, serums, and moisturizers just aren’t giving you the radiant results you’re looking for, a face mask is a great solution for any skin type—not to mention an amazing way to indulge after a draining day.

If your t-zone needs a break from excess shine and your blemishes need an eviction notice, a clay mask may be your solution! Make this five-ingredient mask using naturally derived ingredients and soak in the skin-enriching benefits!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon rhassoul clay

1 tablespoon aloe vera gel

1 tablespoon water

5 drops Geranium essential oil

3 drops Tea Tree essential oil

2 drops Lemon essential oil

Instructions

Mix all the ingredients together to form a thick paste. Add more water or aloe vera, one teaspoon at a time, for a thinner consistency. The mask should be thin enough to spread but thick enough to stay in place.

To use

1. Use your fingers to apply the mask evenly to a clean, dry face.

2. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.

3. Rinse off, pat your face dry, and apply a light moisturizer.

For maximum results, use once a week in the evening and store in an airtight jar for up to one month.

Tip: Do you have combination skin? Apply this mask to the oily sections of your face to avoid over-drying any dry patches. After you rinse it off, apply a thick moisturizer to any dry spots.

Clay mask vs. mud mask

You may wonder: Which is better? Clay or mud masks? The truth is, they’re both great standbys in a well-rounded skin care routine. Mud masks pull oil out of your pores, while clay masks work to cleanse your skin.

For this DIY we’ve opted for clay in order to give you the freshest face possible! Here are the benefits of our results-focused clay mask:

Absorbs excess dirt and oil

Dries out excessively oily skin

Tightens sagging skin

Exfoliates dead skin cells

Refines inflamed and enlarged pores

What’s in the mask? 

This clay mask is packed with high-performing, revitalizing ingredients that we’re proud to stand by. Since this mask includes ingredients other than Young Living essential oils, we’ll walk you through how each ingredient meets the Seed to Seal® quality commitment.

Rhassoul clay

Rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium, rhassoul clay—also known as Moroccan or red clay—gives you the vibrant skin you deserve. It’s been assisting people with their beauty goals for centuries! Rhassoul clay helps:

Cleanse skin

Improve clarity and elasticity

Tighten pores

Regulate natural oil balance

Reduce dryness and flakiness

Absorb excess oil

Draw out impurities

We know—this clay is a powerhouse!

Aloe vera gel

This trendy little plant doesn’t just look good on your bookshelf; it’s a dynamic hydration bomb! It’s been said that Cleopatra used aloe vera as a skin care product, and here’s why: It’s packed with enzymes, nutrients, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. Bring on that dewy look!

Water

Water’s main function in this mask may be to create a silky consistency for easy application, but don’t dismiss how essential proper hydration is for your skin. Get lush skin by tackling hydration inside and out!

What essential oils are in the mask?Geranium essential oil

From a romantic flower to a self-care staple, Geranium is the secret to velvety skin! This decadent oil is the queen of multitasking: After using, your skin will be cleansed, look radiant, and feel fresher and younger!

Tea Tree essential oil

As a skin care superstar, Tea Tree is a must in this mask. You like it for its fresh, musky scent, but you’ll love it when your blemishes seem smaller and your skin is cleansed and blooming!

Lemon essential oil

We bet you’ve already got a bottle—or 10—of Lemon tucked away at home. So it’s a no-brainer that we’d include it in a do-it-yourself recipe. When you add this into your nighttime skin routine,* you’ll love how refreshed and clean your skin looks and feels.

Tip: Make this mask the best fit for your skin care needs! Read up on the best essential oils to cleanse the skin and essential oils to add to your face lotion for ideas on other essential oils.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to write a book…Maybe just the thought terrifies you, but you’re trying to step outside of your comfort zone…Regardless of the reason you clicked this post, here’s why you should write a book in 2021;

We’re still in a pandemic.
Wait, we are? I know, I know. Shocker. But here’s the thing - now is the time to try new things. When we need the break from boredom, when our calendars aren’t full of social functions, and when we have a little bit of extra time. Also a great way to get a little “me time.” As in, “Sorry, I'm writing right now.” Just saying.

You need the creative outlet.
Trust me - you don’t know how good it feels to get that creativity going until you do it. It’s a place to pour your stress, anger, sorrow, love…all of it. Write your heart out. Write your feelings out. As Hemingway said;

“There’s nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”

— Hemingway

3. People need to hear what you have to say.
It doesn’t matter if you’re “not a writer.” It doesn’t matter if you have a degree. Hell, it doesn’t even matter if you have a high school diploma. What matters is the story. YOUR story. And everyone has something to share. Something to say. Their own way of seeing the world. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to be GOOD. Write first, edit later.

Remember:
Even if your words never see the light of day, I promise, they’ll change you. The process will force open parts of yourself you forgot were there. Maybe you’ll love it. Maybe you’ll hate it. But you’ll be the better for it. Who knows, maybe you’ve got the next great epic somewhere inside of you.

P.S. The more you write, the more you’ll write. You don’t have to set deadlines or put pressure on yourself. Just enjoy the process, don’t worry about “writer’s block” or get too caught up in outlining (unless you like to). Let this be an exploration into the words and stories and ideas you have swirling around in that beautiful brain of yours.

If you have questions about starting a book, outlining, story/plot, characters, etc. or you just have no idea where to start - hit me up! Message me on Instagram or leave a comment here, click over to the contact page, send a carrier pigeon - whatever works! I’d LOVE to help!