Giving thanks
I was trying to decide what to write about this month, and since it’s Thanksgiving week, I thought I would talk about being thankful—specifically in the context of comparison. In writing/publishing, as in many areas of life, it’s so easy to look at our situation and compare it to people around us and wish we had what they do. Authors often see other writers and their accomplishments and long to have them ourselves. Bestseller lists, huge lines at book fests all over the world, sprayed edges and display tables at Barnes & Nobles across the country, translations in two dozen languages, movie adaptations, awards, being able to make a living on your writing. There’s always something someone else has that we don’t.
But the best way to combat envy is to choose to be thankful for the things we do have. Yes, all of those things would be nice! But here are some of the many things that I’m thankful for in my writing: writer friends who encourage me and cheer me up, a supportive and hard-working agent who’s on my side, friends and their teenagers who frequently tell me how much they appreciate the type of books I write, readers I don’t know who message me because they like my books, the fact that I get to be traditionally published and I do have a few translations and one award, a chance to tell stories that I love, every time someone finds my book in a bookstore, people who leave reviews, friends and family and a husband who support my writing and cheer me on.
When I look at that list, how can I not be grateful for where I am in my journey and all of the great opportunities I’ve had? So whether you’re a writer feeling discouraged, looking around you in the publishing industry, or just in any area of your life, take a moment to list the things you’re thankful for rather than wishing for all the things you don’t have!
Picture-Perfect Boyfriend
This month I’m reflecting on my second YA romance, Picture-Perfect Boyfriend. It’s about a girl who creates a fake boyfriend to impress her family then must play along when a stranger shows up on her family vacation to Hawaii pretending to be the fake boyfriend.
After Love & Other Great Expectations, I was thrilled that my publisher wanted another book. Since the first book is set in England, and since I love to travel, my publisher and I agreed another travel romance would be great. The only problem? It was during Covid, and there was virtually no travel! I needed a setting that was not only a romantic place for a teenager to fall in love, but also somewhere I knew well enough to write without visiting. I settled on the gorgeous island of Maui, where I’ve been several times not just for vacation, but for work, so I got to know people who live there.
I think this book is fun because of the mystery as well as the twist on fake dating. It has some of my favorite dialogue that I’ve written, with lots of double meanings as the characters pretend to know each other while the main character is also trying to figure out what’s going on. This book also has lots of me in it, with the main character’s love of nature (hello, Environmental Studies degree!) and love of photography (my husband has filled our house with photos from our travels).
Sadly, a few months after the book released, the town of Lahaina suffered a terrible fire and much of it was destroyed. The island and the town as I wrote it no longer exist in real life as they do in my book. Books set in the real world capture a moment in time, but there’s no guarantee that the setting will stays the same. I hope I did justice to a beautiful island.
If you’re looking for a warm, summery escape to a tropical island during the winter, check it out!
Holiday Reads
Do you like seasonal reads? I’m often a “summer all year round” person, but I do love a festive story when I’m in the holiday mood. Here are some Christmas season books I recommend!
My Favorite Color is Mistletoe by Eva Austin: Who doesn’t love fake dating, family competitions, and sweet no-spice romance at the holidays?
The All I Want for Christmas Series by Chelsea Bobulski: Four no-spice romances for any trope you like! My favorite is All I Want for Christmas is the Girl in Charge, because it includes some Pride and Prejudice!
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter: One of my favorite YA authors wrote an adult locked room mystery with romance and humor! Yes, please.
Writing Update
Not a whole lot to report, just that I’m working on developmental edits for my next YA romance (The Candy Crush, coming spring 2027), and I’m just about done with the draft of a new sci-fi novel (more details coming in a few months!). They’re keeping me very busy!
Science Fiction Corner
Signed books make great presents! If you want a signed copy of the first (award-winning!) book in my space opera series, Rogue Pursuit, my local indie bookstore has some while they last! Or check out the whole series in paperback, audio, or KU, or the cyberpunk anthology I’m part of.
That’s all for this month! Thanks for reading!
