Hi friend,
If you're from the United States, Happy Thanksgiving for this coming week. I hope it's a joyful time, and if not, that you make time for self care.
In this newsletter I'll share an update on my writing, a book giveaway for creatives, a cookie recipe for your book club, and a few holiday gift ideas!
A cookie recipe for you and your Book Club!
Have you considered choosing The Exit Strategy for your book club?
I'm thrilled that my first novel is featured on Book Club Bites. The site matches recommended book club picks with discussion questions and suggested food.
Mallory Barnes, a fellow writer of women's fiction, does a great job with picking books and testing the recipes! This season, she's also featuring authors and recipes from my podcast, The Best of Women's Fiction.
For my novel, we suggest a recipe for mixed nut cookies, along with book club questions, and I explain why the Nutella fixation in my novel!
COOKIE RECIPE AND BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS
Book Giveaway for Creatives
This year, my friend Karen Kinney released her second book, Doorways to Transformation: Everyday Wisdom for the Creative Soul.
As I say in my review, it's an ideal read (or gift) for any kind of creative.
Each small missive in the book encourages self-reflection, with questions to spark your creativity. I loved how Karen uses her experience as an artist, a writer, and her experience living in Mexico.
I bought two paper copies, so I could give one away!
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Holiday Gift Ideas
While we're in holiday mode, just a reminder that books make the best gifts - including mine! (smile).
The Exit Strategy makes a perfect gift for that badass woman in your life - a mother, sister or a good friend.
Personally, I always love to combine a book with a cute item from Amazon or Etsy like an abibliophobia t-shirt or cute socks.
CHECK OUT MY BOOKISH GIFT IDEAS!
Writing & Health Update
I've been working hard on my second novel, the story of an adventure travel influencer with a secret past identity.
In October, I finished draft 5, a significant rewrite, before I left for the Women's Fiction Writer's Association retreat in Alexandria. The retreat was an absolute blast! On Instagram, I posted a few photos which capture the joy of connecting with writer friends again in real life (Day one, two and three!).
After returning to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, I fell off track on my plan to send this manuscript to my editor by mid December. In part, because I've had a pesky Crohns flare-up for the last 3 weeks (ugh).
A flare-up means I'm short on energy, and I have to choose where I use my spoons. If you're not familiar, "spoons" are the concept that you have a finite amount of energy per day. It's where the term "spoonie" comes from, which is often used to refer to those with chronic conditions (Original post here by Christine Miserandino).
For example, writing this newsletter took two days worth of spoons.
But I'm still optimistic and excited about this next novel! I just sent the first 100 pages to my editor. This new version has an unusual structure (includes reverse flashbacks), so cross your fingers she thinks it works?
I'm also lucky to be participating in a Career Author Mastermind (group coaching program) with one of my favorite authors and life coach, Camille Pagán. I've been learning to re-frame the negative messages in my mind such as "I write slower than everyone in the entire world!"
Here's how I'm reframing the time book 2 is taking me - I'm investing the time needed to create a page turner that one day, my readers will enjoy! (FYI a new mastermind group starts in January).
Lastly, a few videos that may make you smile:
My new doggie writing buddy!
The oddest animal I've met (apparently a tlacuache not a coati as I say in the video!)
Going bagel craaazy in Alexandria
Perhaps the coolest spot I've edited (the photo from the header)
Oh, and a quick update for those following the drama of our car (whose engine blew up on the way to Oaxaca in August). Short version - still not fixed!
But the Mexican mechanic says definitely, certainly, mañana (tomorrow), lol. Same as last month :)
In gratitude and happy Thanksgiving!
Lainey
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