Messy at the start
pondering, preorders, and page turners
It’s the first post of 2024, friends. If you’re new here, welcome. There are a lot of newsletters and media clamoring for our attention. It means a lot that you choose to be here, and return here, too.
I struggled to write this post, partly because this is still the weird, in-between time for us. We’ve put away our Christmas decorations (shockingly early for us), yet winter break isn’t over and I’m trying to both run my tiny business of being an indie book author/publisher and help my kiddos rest and prepare for school to resume.
I want to write something reflective and profound, but I can’t quite dive deep enough or pull the words together to do so. Yet I have an agreement to uphold (sharing the book deals below). My thoughts turn to what I want more of this year. I haven’t chosen a word; maybe I won’t. See in-between time. Here’s what I do know:
I want to keep pursuing what I love. From writing to reading to leaning into my main two clothing styles–what I like to call cottage core-esque and total frump (because I’m leaning into autistic comfort, too).
I want to pursue more connection in my community. Local and global, in sustainable ways. It’s challenging for me to maintain friendships, so I am extra grateful for those who stick around regardless of how infrequently we actually talk. And you don’t need me to tell you about the state of our country and our world. If I can hold onto my sense of self and help others do the same, I will be happy with that small bit of ground work.
I want to keep leaning into my authenticity as a messy, emotional, empathic, imaginative, romantic type 4+ autistic, ADD, etc etc. I get to define that for myself, and no one else does.
Lindsey Melden’s post is a great, first-of-the-year read.
What’s something you want more of this year? I’d love to know in the comments.
Double Alchemy is ready for preorders! It hasn’t uploaded to Amazon yet, but you can find it on Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and others. It’s $1.99 for a short time. And I will let you know when the paperback is available.
I’d set February 9th as the publishing date, but formatting went so well that I might publish sooner. Stay tuned…
Books–today we have a group book sale and a free reader magnet suitable for middle grade readers and up. Simply click on the images to learn more.
P.S. I’ll be sharing more books from authors I know and fewer of these types of promotions here over 2024.
Happy New Year, Stephanie! May it bring you lots of light and laughter despite the bad news all around us. Congratulations on getting Double Alchemy up for preorder!