During the winter months I like to escape into novels even more than usual. My go-to over the break was Lord of the Rings. Not only did we watch the extended trilogy on Christmas, I started re-reading the books. Coming back to them after a loooong hiatus of many years feels like it's healing a bit of my soul right now (it's a dark time on so many fronts). Following along with the Fellowship and hanging out with Elrond and the elves in Rivendell just hits different when life feels so overwhelming and bleak.

A great reminder from Tolkien of the power of small acts and mutual aid:

"Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love."

On the Blog: What's a Story Database?

I finally have a new blog post up!🤓 It's all about the basics of my new service, and I get into:

what sorts of details get catalogued
why a story database is a game-changer for writing a series
how it differs from a style sheet, and
bonus marketing ideas beyond serving as a useful archive

At the end, I also link to an example of one I made for my client's prequel fantasy novel.

Author Resource Round-Up

And now on to some resources worth sharing this month:

Business journaling for freelancers: I attended a really great live planning session with editor Natalie Silver, who shared some great tips for running your own biz retreat and starting a practice of business journaling. Check out her blog for those downloads if you want to add a reflective practice into the mix. I got a lot out of it.
Moving away from SMART goals: If you're allergic to SMART goals and resolutions like I am, you'll probably like this idea of making a PACT instead. It's from our current book club read in the Freelance Editors Club, Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff. My current tiny experiment is taking Wednesdays off in Q1. I'll report back. 👀
How tiny experiments will set you free: Check out this awesome Ted Talk where she discusses how "our attempt at restoring order by creating structure, even if it’s artificial... narrows your options." Super insightful talk for when things feel in freefall...

What I'm Reading & Watching

Along with LOTR and Tiny Experiments, I'm also really enjoying How to Make Your Brain Your Best Friend, penned by another neuroscientist, Dr. Rachel Barr, who demystifies the brain and shows us that self-optimization is not the secret to happiness.
In terms of shows, we just finished Better Call Saul. If you liked Breaking Bad, you NEED to watch this prequel. You learn the backstory about everything!
Over the break I also got really into the cozy video game Tiny Book Shop, where you get to sell books from a cute mobile book shop in the sweetest little coastal town imaginable. My shop's decked out in all manner of plants. (I even sold a copy of the first edition of the Chicago Manual of Style from 1906! 😄 #nerd) It's just so cozy and relaxing. 12/10 recommend.