I never thought I’d be “good enough.” But 18 months ago, I tried. I submitted. Now I have 7 publications in literary magazines. I wish I let myself chase this author dream years ago. If you’re reading this, do it. Be brave. If you need someone to cheer you on, let me. #writingcommunity

Anyone love second chance romance? I’m reading the ARC for Love Letters for Other People by ShaylinGhandi and it’s unputdownable! He never stopped loving her, even though she’s dating someone else… and he’s writing love letters to her, for the man she’s dating! #romancebookrec #romancebooks

Anyone else physically unable to write without coffee? I just can’t do it. Is it the warm beverage? The caffeine? Is it the two second brain break of taking a sip? It’s probably everything. 😂 #author #writing #coffee #writingcommunity #writer #caffiene

The best weather for writing? 🌧️ Rain smattering the windows. Why? It’s the perfect acoustic background music. 🚫 But no thunder. Why? Because I am a jumpy human and it scares the s*** out of me. 🤣 #writingcommunity #writers #authors #writing

The most effective way to edit? Reading out loud, pointing to each word. On paper. Not on a screen. It’s slow, and somewhat torturous, but worth it. #writing #editing #writingcommunity #writers

Can we talk about PROMISE ME SUNSHINE by Cara Bastone for a minute? I was blown away by this book. The depth, the humor… how real all of the characters in the book feel… the exploration of grief and heartache and the budding then blooming romance in this book. PERFECT. #romance #promisemesunshine

I won’t end up like a MC in a thriller novel, stuck on the side of the road tomorrow driving to work. All because my husband fixed the grinding car noise I was sure would strand me tonight. I drove home sweating because of it. There’s a reason I don’t read thrillers, guys. 😰 🤣 #reallifethriller

For me, living dangerously involves walking the dog while reading a book on my phone. Did I mention I’m a natural klutz? 🤣 #reading #booklove #multitasking #books #fiction

📚💙 Just finished reading… Sally Hepworth’s book, THE THINGS WE KEEP. It’s a beautiful exploration of what stays with us as memories decline and the power of friendship and love. If you know anyone personally or professionally with dementia, this is a good one for your TBR!

📚💙Library book sale post #2! If you’ve read these, which was your favorite? The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo-Taylor Jenkins Reid The Midnight Library-Matt Haig The Life Impossible-Matt Haig We All Live Here-Jojo Moyes Amazing Grace Adams-Fran Littlewood Nine Perfect Strangers-Liane Moriarty

📚💙 Library book sales are the best! But now I have so many new books, I can’t choose! Help! What should I read first? #reading #bookcommunity #librarybooksale #fiction #romancebooks #bookrecommendations

I almost cried. My son and husband are able to hold my words. I’ve had five publications (little ones you guys, in lit mags). I’m just a baby author starting out! 🤪 But this was the FIRST to be published in a litmag on paper. It was MAGICAL because I couldn’t have done it without them. #writers

📚💙 3 Reasons to Read BOYS WITH SHARP TEETH by @byjennihowell.bsky.social: 1) The Plot: A fever dream in the best way. 2) The Ending: Your jaw will hang from your face. 3) The Author: Honest, full of grit, & so kind to other writers! You'll thank me (or hate me) when you're still reading at 3am. 🤣

I finally got paid to publish… and earned $1! And ya know what?! I’m overjoyed! Bouncing in my seat! Elated, people! Yes, it’s silly. But I can’t stop myself from being happy! Because that 1c/word for a 100-word microfiction piece is something I’d never dreamed of a year ago! #writingcommunity

📚❤️ @clairebarner.bsky.social’s book, MOONRISING, is out today! If you like sci-fi, romance, an enthralling plot that’ll make you think, and characters who champion diverse viewpoints that add complexity to the story, then this is your next great read!

💙📚 What are you currently reading? I’m a few chapters deep into MOON RISING by @clairebarner.bsky.social I’m loving this book! Environmental concerns + a moon colony + romance!

I get my best writing done in the dark. When my son’s asleep. Writers who are also parents - do you agree? Disagree? #writingcommunity

Drafts and drafts and drafts and drafts and drafts and drafts and… this short story is done! Time to submit. Time to wait. Time to hope. (And time to work on my novel 🤣) #writing #writingcommunity #shortstory #writinglife #writers #authors

Author friends! If you’re looking to find a traditional publisher without an agent, check out @authorspublish for their list of 297+ traditional publishers! I’m nowhere near this point, but wanted to pass this on in case it helps anyone!

(2/2) 2. The Mystery: I raced through this book. HOLY MOLY, the twists and turns! Frances White had me guessing right up until the end! 3. The Humor: Frances White employs witty humor from page one that offset the darker tones of this novel beautifully.

(1/2) 3 Reasons to Read: VOYAGE OF THE DAMMED by Frances White: 1. The Hero: Ganymedes isn’t your typical 6'3" hero with a six-pack, and he’s so much more likeable for it! I loved rooting for this underdog and reluctant hero.

This may be controversial, but for anyone who needs to hear this, I think it’s okay if Mother’s Day is both happy and sad. The children we have, the ones we lost, our parenthood journey and the parents we’ve had and lost. It’s gratitude and reflection and memory and mourning all in one.

My new favorite writing hack? Icicle lights covering the corner walls where my desk is perched. Magical! #writing #writers #authors #writingcommunity

3 Reasons to Read: THE GREAT HORMONE HEIST by Mary Boyer 1) It covers the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause so women know what to expect 2) Easy-to-implement, natural solutions to regain health, power and control as hormones shift 3) Stories highlighting the pain of suffering in silence

know I’m late to the game, but I finally started Onyx Storm! And these were my exact feelings when I saw the length of the audiobook. What about you? Do you love long books? #📚💙 #onyxstorm #onyxstormrebeccayarros #audiobook #longbooks #rebeccayarros #xaden #violetsorrengail #violetandxaden

❓What do you think when a main character in a story you’re reading has a pet? I’ve grown up with animals, so giving Beauty, the main character in my upcoming novel, a pet, was important. ❓ Would you like to meet Beauty’s pet, Roxina, the teacup dragon? Comment below! #bookswithpets

If I have night court nails… And paint stars on my dresser like Feyre… Will I open a portal to Velaris? 🤣❤️ #acotar #nightcourt #sarahjmaasfan #velaris #feyre #acotarfan #📚💙

Authors, does anyone want to follow swap? Similar to a listserv swap. Follow me and I’ll follow you back! A rising tide raises all ships. Let’s grow together! #writingcommunity #authors #writers #buildaplatform #author #writer #book #shortstory

Guests will guzzle warm root beer and lemonade at the party tomorrow. Because I don’t have enough ice. If real life were like Disney movies, Sven would gallantly rush off in his sled and deliver ten blocks of ice. But hey, a girl can dream. #Disney #Frozen #party #partyplanning #hosting

No computer, so I’m writing on my phone. The wording in my short story outline changed from “bliss” to “blood.” Thanks, autocorrect. Anyone else experience this? Any other funny stories out there? 🤣 #authorlife #writingcommunity

Thank goodness author Alyssa Wilde posted this and Derek Doepker emailed the link to his listserv! I plan to use most of the advice on this post! #writer #writingcommunity #author

Muffins are baked with the hope that whoever eats them will love them. The hope that, if you baked them for another, you’re delivering the gift of a brighter moment. Even if you rage bake… at the core of that rage, isn’t there a gleaming kernel of hope of joy, less despair, or escape, however brief?

My son doesn’t usually tell me he misses me. He’ll grab my leg and hug me or ask for an “uppies” hug, even at almost 5 years old. But yesterday he gave me these two hearts and told me to keep them at my writing desk. He said, “One is you, and one is me.” My heart melted. #theygrowuptoofast

#happynewyear #resolutions Happy new year to you! What are your resolutions? I’d love to read them. Comment below!

Merry Christmas! It’s about the family and friends, but I am truly so excited to use this new coffee cup and notebook from my husband and son. I hope this day brings you so much joy! #merrychristmas

Thought I’d have a bit of fun with this character description post! 😂 #📚💙 #picturesofyoubook #elfontheshelf

Credit: @AdamMGrant (Instagram) It makes sense! How do you usually read? #💙📚 #reading

What would you do? Comment below! 📚💙 #picturesofyoubook #romancebooks #whatwouldyoudo

LOVED Pictures of You by Emma Grey!