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Ultimate Galentine Gift Guide

January 30, 2021 milelongtbr 5 Comments

February is the month for celebrating love, so don’t forget to celebrate the girlfriends in your life on February 13th.

Fans of Parks & Rec will know this is not a holiday to skip. Even if the traditional brunch may have to wait until better times, it’s still good to celebrate your female friends and send a little treat their way.

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This Galentine Gift Guide will help you find the perfect bookish gift for everyone in your crew no matter what their interests or relationship status is.

Take a look at this gift guide to find the perfect bookish Galentine present for your girls – and maybe even for yourself! Here we go!

1. For the newly single friend

F*ck You Haiku by Kristina Grish

This is an emotionally-charged collection of haikus that capture the unraveling of a relationship. I love the simplicity and how well the short poems portray the aftermath of breakups.

If you have a bestie who’s going through a breakup this would make the perfect Galentine’s gift.

Many thanks to Tiller Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

2. For the friend who is putting herself first

Self-Love by Devi B. Dillard-Wright

This is a lovely little book to help readers improve their relationships with themselves. It would be great as a daily devotional or to pick up when in need of a boost. There is inspiration from a number of different places, making this a great book for anyone to pick up. Many thanks to Adams Media and NetGalley for the advance copy.

3. For the friend who uses dating apps

Candy Hearts by Tommy Siegel

This book is filled with hilariously honest cartoons of conversation hearts for our modern age. They perfectly convey the awkward things we think but would rather leave unsaid with our partners- whether it’s in dating or more serious relationships.

Your Galentine on the dating scene will definitely get a laugh out of Candy Hearts. Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the advance copy.

4. For the artistic friend

What Would Frida Do? by Arianna Davis

Frida Kahlo lived a life that was all at once fascinating, heartbreaking, and inspiring.

Part biography and part memoir, this book uses the artist’s story to give advice on living bolding and embracing yourself, just as she did. I loved the information and research, though found many parts of the book repetitive. For those skimming through I can see it not being noticed, but in listening through I would have preferred new information or for it to only be stated once. The audiobook is narrated by Marisa Blake, who does a great job telling the story of Frida’s life and is clear and engaging to listen to.

Your creative bestie will be inspired by Khalo’s story and the call to live boldly.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copy of the audiobook.

5. For the friend who is too hard on herself

I Am Definitely, Probably Enough (I Think): Revelations on the Journey to Self-Love by Tori Press

This is a sweet and inspiring book with great pictures perfect for those who already love the author’s @revelatori Instagram account and those just discovering it. I especially love the positive light on mental health, therapy and personal growth .

This book will help you feel heard, accepted, and validated- and that you are enough- perfect for a friend who is struggling with self-doubt or being too tough on herself.

Many thanks to Adams Media and NetGalley for the advance copy .

6. For the friend whose cat is her Valentine

Behind Every Great Woman Is a Great Cat by Lula Mayo

I mean, excuse me… isn’t this cover just the cutest!?

This book celebrates fabulous females and their feline friends with beautiful art, quotes and more.

Included are over 30 women including the Bronte sisters, Betty White, Taylor Swift and Jacinda Ardern.

Your cat loving Galentine will love this gift, I promise!

7. For the friend who is healing

shine your icy crown by Amanda Lovelace

Another amazing collection from Amanda Lovelace! I’m a long-time fan of her poetry and this latest installment in the You Are Your Own Fairytale series did not disappoint!

The sisterly advice in the poems is beautiful and raw, and it’s the advice we should be giving to ourselves. The poems are in Lovelace’s signature style and the book is filled with beautiful pictures.

I especially love the inclusion of trigger warnings and reminders for self-care to go along with some of the heavier themes in the book. It is definitely one of the top poetry collections of the year – perfect for those new to the author and longtime fans.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the advance copy.

8. For the friend who is happily in love

In Love & Pajamas by Catana Chetwynd

This book is filled with cute comics that show relatable glimpses into everyday domestic bliss. Your paired up friends will love it for being honest, adorable, and not too sappy.

Many thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.

9. For the friend who likes to journal

Made Out of Stars by Meera Lee Patel

Any of Meera Lee Patel’s book are perfect for those interested in self-discovery

10. For the friend who is so over dating

Men to Avoid in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni

Men to Avoid in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni is a great blend of classic art, humor, and social commentary. The captions in this book are spot on and the body language on these ladies show how woman have been sick of men’s bull for centuries and that there were Chads even back in the Renaissance.

I love the juxtaposition of the art and captions as the men weigh in on things such as PMS, how a woman should dress, and why their jokes are funny and not effective. I This fantastic book separates the men into five different categories including “the mansplainer” and “the comedian.”

Many thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

There you have it, friends! This Gift Guide is sure to have presents for all the Galentines in your squad.

Whether your besties are single, hopeful, bitter, or booed up – there’s a book on this gift guide that would bring a smile to anyone’s face on Galantines day.

Let me know if one of these books seems like a perfect gift for one of your friends – or if there’s one you’d love to get for a Galentine’s gift.

Be sure to check out my bookshop.org shop that has all the titles and 8 other gift ideas including more books, puzzles, and journals.

2020 Reading Statistics

January 7, 2021 milelongtbr 4 Comments

Hi, readers!

2020 is now thankfully behind us, and while it wasn’t the greatest year for most of us, I’m happy to say that at least for me it brought one of my best reading years to date.

I’ve broken down my statistics into ten categories- because I’m a nerd like that- to take a closer look at exactly what I’m reading. I really love taking stock and it makes it much easier to frame my 2021 reading goals around the results when the numbers do the talking.

Let’s dive in!

1. Total Books Read

The number books read in a year seems to be the metric everyone’s talking about- especially with so many bookstagrammers setting GoodReads goals.

In all honesty I don’t track my reading perfectly on GoodReads, but managed to count 116 books toward my initial goal of 75.

This is absolutely bananas. I’ve never read over 100 books in a year, but despite a slow start all that time at home reading really added up in 2020.

I know I missed a few, so the number is actually higher. Also, I don’t count cookbooks, nonfiction I skim, kids’ books, DNFs, or poetry collections toward my total count.

I’m glad I got to read so many great books, but for me a good reading year is far more in the quality of what I’m reading than the quantity.

2. Monthly Breakdown

This chart breaks down the number of books I read each month.

I started off reading a modest 6 books in January, then nearly doubled that number in February.

March started off strong, but as the pandemic hit my area my reading slowed for a few months.

By summertime the anxiety was mostly under control and the extra time at home reading lead to high numbers that continued to the end of the year.

My best reading months were October and December in terms of quantity- and I read lots of good books then too!

3. Looking at Genre

I enjoy reading from a number of genres and definitely wanted to make a point to branch out in 2020.

I read a few new to me formats- graphic novels and novels in verse- rekindled my love for the YA Genre and pushed myself to try some horror.

Thrillers were my most read genre of the year. About a quarter of the books I read were thrillers- partly for the escapism and partly because I got the idea to write one of my own. Go check out my favorite thrillers of the year for some recommendations!

If you combine Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction, and Classics together for a “General Fiction” genre those would add up to equal the number of thrillers I read. Many of my favorite titles of the years were from these categories.

Overall I’m pleased with the genre diversity of my 2020 reads, though this does give me a starting point for my goals in the new year.

4. Author by Gender

Reading women is important!

I love that nearly 75% of my 2020 reads were written by people who identify as women. I would, however like to read more from nonbinary voices in 2021 as some of my 2020 standouts fell into this category.

5. Author Diversity

2020 brought many long-overdue calls for equality and diversity.

This is another thing I love about charts and numbers – It really puts things into perspective and you can’t argue facts. The publishing is predominantly white- everything from editors to publicists to authors. The statistics were eye-opening and definitely left me seeking out more diverse Own Voice stories, specifically in the second half of the year.

In 2019 13% of the books I read were by BIPOC authors, and it was a number that needed improvement.

This year I increased that stat to 33% and while there’s always room to go I’m glad to have read more than twice as many books from diverse authors.

6. Queer Representation

Just under 15% of the books I read had strong and positive queer representation, the vast majority of those books being written by Own Voice authors.

This is just another example of where representation matters, and I plan to improve this number in 2021.

7. Book Setting by Country

Of all my 2020 reading stats this is the one that means the most to me.

The countries in orange are the ones my books took me to last year, all while being stuck at home.

Books were the escape I needed during the lockdowns and anxiety of 2020 and I loved being able to lose myself in the pages and travel half a world away with the characters of the story.

Whether it was exploring the streets of Jaipur, India with Lakshmi in the Henna Artist, taking a walk with Vivek Oji in Nigeria, staying in Emily St John Mandel’s Glass Hotel in Vancouver, Canada or riding the Orient Express across Europe with Hercule Poirot, 2020 was filled with many bookish adventures and I loved each of them.

In total,I had 23 stamps in my literary passport in a year full of travel bans and canceled flights.

I know 2020 will be filled with many booksih adventures across the world as well, and look forward to seeking out new countries to “visit” by own voice authors.

8. Format Read

Clearly my best reading year ever in 2020 was brought to me by audiobooks.

Over 60% of my reads were on audio and I have no shame over that. I discovered some great narrators who I’m eager to hear more of and discovered Libro.fm– a great site that supports local bookstores!

Audiobooks let me multitask- I love listening while I’m making dinner, drawing, or working on a puzzle. They were also great for when this year made it hard to focus while stuck at home- and for commuting when I returned to work.

I do sometimes long for a physical book to hold, so I won’t be going purely digital any time soon!

9. How I Got the Books

As you can see, I was lucky enough to receive over 50 ARCs in 2020! I love being able to snag an early copy of a much-anticipate book and am very thankful for all of the opportunities.

The rest of my reads were split fairly evenly between books I purchased myself and books I borrowed. I have borrowed from the library, from Kindle Unlimited over the course of the year. Sadly, none of the books I borrowed were from friends because of social distancing. Thanks, 2020!

10. Backlist vs. New Releases

With reading so many ARCs it comes as no surprise that the majority of my 2020 reads were new releases.

Still, over 25% of my books were from the backlist. It’s a number that I plan on growing in 2020. I also reread 4 books in 2020- and the titles should come as a surprise to those who have been following for long. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Furiously Happy, The Little Prince, and Matilda. I pretty much reread each of those books annually.

Alright, friends! There you have it!

2020 is in the books and this is how my reading year breaks down!

Overall I’m very pleased- both with the quality of the reading year overall and the individual numbers.

Remember, reading isn’t a competition.

Reading is about joy, escape, growth, and learning- and these statistics and charts perfectly show how much of those things the wild ride of 2020 held for me.

Which of these categories was your reading especially strong in last year?

Are there any areas you’re looking to improve upon in 2021? Let me know in the comments, and as always happy reading!

November 2020: Books I Read

December 5, 2020 milelongtbr 27 Comments

Hi, friends!

Another month in the books! I’m glad to say November was one of my best reading months of the year! How was reading for you this past month?

In November I read 12 books, which Is awesome for me, especially as there are a couple of thick ones among them.

While I deviated from my original Nonfiction November TBR, half of the titles I read were nonfiction. I’m beyond pleased with that number!

I enjoyed all the books I read this month- some more than others- so I have them all listed here broken into two groups. There are books I loved and books I enjoyed.

Let’s jump in to my November 2020 reads!

LOVED!!

1. Agatha Arch is Afraid of Everything

First off, let’s look at this fun read!

Agatha Arch is Afraid of Everything – from driving on the highway to beans. Yes, beans. Especially Willow Bean, the woman she finds her husband sleeping with and eventually leaves her for.

This book is laugh-out-loud funny, relatable, and inspiring all at once and manages to be both fun and thought-provoking.

I especially loved Agatha’s character arc and growth. She may be an unlikely heroine, but you’ll find yourself rooting for her by the end of the book. (Think Eleanor Oliphant, Bernadette Fox)

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copy.

2. Becoming

For one reason or another I hadn’t read this book despite seeing nothing but glowing reviews for it. I decided this was the perfect book to start off Nonfiction November with- and I’m so glad I did!

I loved hearing Michelle’s account of her life. From growing up in Chicago to her life in the White House and her struggles as a woman. Despite her notoriety, her story is relatable and the warmth she brings to it through her narration makes it so comforting. That’s why we love her so much, after all.

3. A Promised Land

Again, I feel like I’d be the least likely person to pick up this book- anything over 400 pages is a commitment for me and I don’t especially gravitate towards political nonfiction.

Still, I couldn’t resist picking up the 700page first volume of 44’s account of his time in office- or the opportunity to hear him tell his own story on audio.

President Obama is wordy- he’s the first to admit it, but I love the way he speaks and writes as he explains so many of his decisions and struggles during his tenure as president.

This is an intimate look into the office as well as how a man balances family with one of the most demanding jobs on earth. Highly worth the read and I can’t recommend the audio enough.

4. Hood Feminism

This powerful collection of essays is a call to action t enure Intersectional Feminism isn’t just a catchphrase but a movement that makes feminism inclusive for all. I love this book for showing certain topics in a different light that some may not have considered and for taking the time to explain how things are feminist issues.

Hood Feminism should be required reading for those who consider themselves feminists- and everyone else- to see why feminism for all is so important.

5. The Midnight Library

Sometimes I’m wary of super-hyped books, but I just knew that The Midnight Library was going to be a five-star read for me.

In Haig’s latest, he imagines a place between life in death- a library filled with books of other lives we might have lived if we’d made different choices.

This is a introspective and emotional read- I had tears in my eyes a few times in the early chapters, but as the main character Nora is dealing with the loss of a pet it may have been a little close to home for me.

This is definitely a standout book for me- the end didn’t quite deliver the emotional punch I was expecting- possibly because I seemed to be realizing much of what was happening a step or two ahead of Nora- but that didn’t stop me from appreciating it in the least.

Definitely pick this book up and see for yourself what the buzz is all about!

6. Wow, No Thank You

Wow, No Thank You is a hilarious collection of essays on a wide range of subjects from her personal struggles to things all of us are sure to relate to. I love her deadpan sense of humor and observational wit.

This is my first time reading Irby but I definitely plan on reading her earlier books next time I’m in need of a good laugh!

7. Don’t Overthink It

I am prone to overthink everything, including my overthinking, especially in these times.

@annebogel had great practical advice on the subject and offeres many ways to streamline small decisions we make daily that can lead us to feel overwhelmed and indecisive.

I will definitely read through this book again to come up with a plan to put some of the ideas in action.

Anne narrates the audio version, which is perfect because many of us know her voice from her podcasts.

Overall I highly recommend this one if you have a tendency to overthink things and would like to save yourself that energy.

8. Apple: (Skin to the Core)

Apple (skin to the core) is a moving memoir in verse by Eric Gansworth, is “a member of Eel clan, enrolled Onondaga, born and raised at the Tuscarora Nation.”

The verse is haunting and well-crafted but for me the real beauty came in the name and structure of the book. Gansworth reclaimed a racial slur used against him and drew a number of parallels to The Beatles and their music, albums and history, which he explains at the end.

I listened to this as an audiobook and while I enjoyed hearing the author narrate, there is other content to consider as well. Gansworth is a visual artist as well as a writer, so be sure to check out the accompanying artwork which is included in the print edition.

Many thanks to Libro.fm and Dreamscape Media, LLC for the ALC.

9. Hunger

Roxane Gay’s Bad Feminist stands as one of my all-time favorite nonfiction reads. With that in mind I was excited to read this book, which explores her relationship with her body and food.

This book is moving and gives a look into a life and how those with larger bodies than are socially accepted are often mistreated. As always, the writing here is concise and compelling and I’m glad I read it.

Enjoyed!!

10. The Cul-de-Sac War

First of the books I liked is this fun enemies to lovers romance with lots of pranks as these neighbors try to one-up each other.

I really enjoyed the characters and their antics, as well as how the eventually see past their misconceptions.

All the elements going on in the story really added to the experience. There was more character growth than I expected and it made for a well-rounded read.

I listened to the audiobook and thought Kate Rudd was a good choice as a narrator and I highly recommend the audio format for this book. Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advance copy.

11. We Met In December

Next up is this darling contemporary romance! This friends to lovers romance set in London is a lot of fun and just as sweet.

These housemates looking to shake up their lives found a deal renting from a friend- with the caveat that they aren’t allowed to date.

Over the course of a year they spend time together as friends- but this rule and a few other things stand in the way of making it more than that.

The book starts at Christmastime and circles back to end there too, so this is a fun light holiday read and was perfect to listen to while decorating to get into the Christmas spirit!

12. All Stirred Up

Finally, we have this Persuasion retelling!

All Stirred Up is a fun read, though not quite the light rom-com I was expecting. There was more focus on familial relationships, delicious food descriptions. But, that only made it an interesting and more complex novel- just like your favorite dish.

The audio version was great- loved the accents- and was an enjoyable way to experience this second chance romance and Austen reimagining.

Many thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

There you have it! All the books in the first group were standouts and highly recommend them!

Have you read any of the books from my November 2020 reading list?

Let me know which ones you’re excited to get your hands on, and what your favorite November 2020 read was!

12 Festive Winter ASMR Rooms

December 2, 2020 milelongtbr 24 Comments

12 cozy Winter ASMR rooms for Christmas Reading

ASMR Rooms have been a game-changer for me this year. I love turning one on for a cozy and relaxing night of reading.

For those of you unfamiliar with the term, ASMR is an acronym for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which essentially means that the noises here are meant to soothe and trigger a brain response that leads to deep relaxation.

This is, of course, an overly simplified explanation, but you can read more about the science behind ASMR here. There are over 15 million ASMR videos on YouTube, with videos featuring everything from haircuts, book pages turning, and eating being done in a repetitive and soothing enough manner that people want to watch for this response.

Personally, I love ASMR rooms, which feature animated scenes and accompanying background noise to create whatever ambiance is desired. I’ve found this not only relaxing and enjoyable but that it helps improve my focus when reading and my productivity when writing. They’re also great for studying and getting work done on the computer- any time you want a little white noise in the background.

Also, as a bonus, all of the rooms featured here are free from ads in the middle of the video to keep you focused.

Here’s a list of 12 of my favorite winter ASMR rooms for your holiday reading!

1. Beautiful Snow with Wind and Fireplace Crackling Fire Sounds

This cozy bedroom is the perfect place to curl up with your current read and relax. There may be a blizzard whirring outside, but with the crackling fire noises and all the blankets and pillows you’ll feel nice and cozy.

2. Cosy Living Room Snow Falling

This rustic cabin in the woods is an absolute dream! The snow is falling softly outside, but this interior is so warm you won’t mind at all. The main focus of the audio here is the fire so it’s a very peaceful and relaxing video.

3. Beautiful Christmas Fireplace

This festive scene is so inviting . There’s a roaring fire and Christmas music playing in the background. It’s primarily instrumental, but there are some vocals here so keep that in mind when selecting this beautiful scene.

4. Christmas Eve Ambience

This ASMR room transports to a beautiful silent night. It will make you feel like you’re looking out the window at this church as you hear the wind and falling snow outside and the faint ambient noise from the church. It’s such a peaceful scene for an evening of reading.

5. Christmas Fireplace Scene with Snow and Crackling Fire

This giant tree is hard to top and so is this cozy ASMR room. The snow is coming down hard outside, but you’ll feel warm and insulated from this beautiful living room with its blazing fire.

6. Winter Tea Time

This scenic winterscape features beautiful scenery and wildlife from the porch of a cabin in the woods. There are many layers to the audio, including strong winds, a crackling fire, and the occasional sound of someone pouring and stirring their tea in its cup.

7. Cozy Winter Hut

This ASMR video features a cozy reading nook with the sounds of howling wind and a crackling fire. It’s so inviting! I wish I could curl up here and sip the tea and see what books are waiting on the shelves!

8. Falling Snow by Fireplace

This dreamy winter scene is super cozy and realistic. The beautiful arched windows show the snow falling outside, but the crackling fire is sure to make you feel warm inside while you listen to it in the background.

This room is definitely my current favorite to read with.

9. Snowy Night in Starbucks

For those who like a little more noise and music, this Christmas coffeeshop is the perfect holiday ASMR room. There’s instrumental Christmas music playing, as well as the sounds of café guests and steaming milk. Grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage and enjoy!

10. Cozy Christmas Coffeeshop

This merry and bright café is so much fun and a little quieter for those who want a coffeeshop vibe with a little less music. Everything is a bit more subdued here and it’s a great environment to read and relax in.

11. Winter Manor Library

Bibliophiles will love being transported to a different place- and time in this fun and cozy ASMR room. There’s an approaching horse-drawn carriage at the start to set the scene, then things quiet down to she soft burning of a fire and the purring of the cat.

12. Christmas Tree Farm Ambiance

This fun outdoor ASMR scene is beautiful and fun with the retro Hot Chocolate stand and sunset over a Christmas tree farm. This quiet room is great scenic background noise for reading as you can hear quiet nature noises and sounds of drinks being made. This is perfect for those looking for outdoor winter ASMR rooms!

Enjoy these rooms and happy reading!

If you’re looking for more be sure to check out my other lists featuring rooms with autumn vibes or ASMR rooms for writing.

I’d love to hear your favorite winter ASMR rooms in the comments!

13 Tips to Succeed at NaNoWriMo

November 4, 2020 milelongtbr Leave a Comment

Writing a novel is hard.

Even more challenging is setting out to write it in a month, but to those of us who embark on NaNoWriMo, it’s a challenge we’re ready to face.

These tips can help ensure your success in writing, both for NaNoWriMo and beyond, so take a look and use these ideas to set yourself up for productive writing.

1. Schedule your writing time.

The first tip seems fairly obvious- and it is- but it’s something that many overlook.

Once you commit to NaNoWriMo you need to have an idea of when you’ll do the work. You may want to dedicate a certain number of hours each day to writing, or just plan to write in the evenings until you hit your word count. Whatever your approach, come up with a plan and stick to it.

It’s too easy to say you’ll write later, but when you commit to writing at a specific time and write it in your schedule it’s harder to find excuses to skip it.

2. Create a Functional Writing Space

Again, this is a simply but easily overlooked tip for NaNoWriMo. Figuring out where you will write is just as important as knowing when you’ll write. Once you choose your space, try to tidy up a bit – a clear desk is a sign of a clear mind, after all.

Then, do something to make it a bit more inviting and do something to signify that your time here is for writing. This is especially important if you’re using a space that does double duty-say your dining room or kitchen table, or a desk where you also work from home.

This could be something like lighting a scented candle when it’s time to write to associate this time with writing, or turning to an ASMR room for added ambiance.

3. Find Your Tribe

NaNoWriMo’s website is made up of a great community of writers like you and is a fantastic starting point to find a writing group- and even to start your own.

I belong to two online groups through their website- one local and one made up of writers all over the world and love the support and accountability they provide.

You may also want to consider looking locally- your library system, Meetup, or bookstores are all great places to look for and advertise local writing groups.

4. Participate in Virtual Events

Though many in person events have been scrapped this year due to safety concerns, the writing community has certainly come through in organizing virtual ones.

There are a number of official write-ins, as well as ones within your aforementioned groups. Writing sprints are great ways to challenge yourself to get into gear and increase productivity.

There are also a number of social events to connect you with other writers, which is even more welcome in these times than ever.

There are a number of different events, so branch out and give them all a try and see which ones leave you feeling productive and inspired.

5. Buddy Up

Once you’ve found a group and interacted in the above steps, you may want to pair off or form a smaller accountability group.

Perhaps you have a friend who is also participating in NaNo, or connected with someone in one of the events.

A buddy can be a great accountability partner to bug (remind) you about sticking to your writing schedule and bounce ideas off of.

The beauty of this is that your buddy can be anyone, but bonus points if they’re in a compatible time zone or genre so you have the potential for a write-in buddy and potential beta reader down the line.

6. Make a Vision Board

This one is open to interpretation. You may want to print out pictures that remind you of your setting or clip images from magazines that resemble your characters. Personally, I have a board on Pinterest with images and resourses for my work in progress saved digitally.

I’ve heard some writers say they make a playlist for their project with songs that have the mood they’re looking for or remind them of where their story takes place.

Whatever medium you chose, having a source of inspiration to turn to can make a big difference as your write your novel.

7. Come Up With A Strategy for Writer’s Block

Few things threaten progress in writing like the dreaded writer’s block. When you’re struggling to feel inspired have a plan of what to do to get back into the grove so the words will start flowing again. Make a list of ideas to keep in your writing space, and be sure to check back for a blog post with a list of advice from published writers on how to get unstuck.

8. Resist the Urge to Edit

This is a huge downfall of mine, and I know a lot of other writers can relate. Remember, the goal is not to write a perfect final draft of The Great American Novel in one month, despite our fantasies.

NaNoWriMo is about getting words on the page, and time spent doing revisions is time not spent writing. There will be time to go back over your work after the month is up, but for the proposes of the challenge try your best to just keep writing.

9. Focus on Your Daily Word Count

Writing a novel is a daunting task, so break it down into chunks to make it more manageable. For the standard 50,000 word NaNoWriMo goal that averages out to 1667 words every day.

Of course, this isn’t a one-size fits all scenario. Your total WC goal may be different and you may also want to consider adjusting your word count according to what you have going on from day to day.

Use that schedule and try to come up with a word count that will help you fit your goal. For example, if you work during the week and only plan on carving out an hour each weekday, those daily goals will be less than your weekend’s daily goals. If your kids are at school during the week and weekends mean more family time it may be the opposite.

Also, remember to factor in holidays and other special days that may mean less time working on your novel.

The key is figuring out what works for you and sticking to it!

10. Try a Distraction-Free Writing Browser

If you’re focusing too much on word count and the previous paragraph you wrote, you may want to switch to a simplified word processor. My personal favorite is Calmly, which is a blank canvas to start writing on and also has a dark mode feature for late-night writing.

11. Be Ready to Take Notes

Inspiration can strike at the most unlikely – and inconvenient of times. Be prepared. You may want to carry a notepad with you to jot down brilliant ideas while you’re on the go. Or if digital is more your style, have a voice recording or note taking app ready to go on your phone so you can remember your ideas the next time you’re sitting down to write.

12. Plan to Make Sacrifices…

Social calendars already look more sparse than usual in 2020, which may be a good thing because writing a novel often means having to skip doing other fun things. Be sure to carve out some time for self-care, and remember that saying no to achieve this goal is necessary sometimes and will be worth it when you have your manuscript in hand.

If you have to wake up early, stay up late, or skip movie night to get it done you won’t be the only one.

13. …But Plan for Things Not to Go to Plan

Despite our best efforts things are bound to come up that threaten our well-laid plans. Whether it’s writer’s block meaning you don’t hit your word count one day, or a demanding work day that takes from your writing time, don’t let it deter you from your goal.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of giving up on the week because one day wasn’t as productive as you’d like, but don’t do it! With dedication, you can push through and still have a great draft of your novel by the end of the month.

Hopefully this NaNoWriMo Guide gives you a great starting point for how to succeed in your quest to 50k.

Happy Writing, and be sure to check back for more in this series including tips on how to get through writer’s block from published writers.

What tips would you add to this list?

October Reads: 13 Spooky Books Ranked

November 1, 2020 milelongtbr 1 Comment

It’s hard to believe October is already over. It’s one of my favorite months, both for reading and otherwise. I have been planning my spooky month TBR since May, and while I didn’t get to everything on the list, it was a great reading month overall. October reads are the best.

I think I really read a diverse assortment of books here- everything from classics to thrillers to magical realism and even some sci-fi and horror. Some of these genres are definitely outside of my comfort zone, but I’m glad I made the choices I did.

There are thirteen books here overall, so let’s jump in and look at the books I loved, the ones I liked, and the ones that ultimately were not for me.

October Reads I Loved

Ring Shout

This book was probably the furthest out of my comfort zone, yet offered the biggest reward. I’ve seen Ring Shout on many must-read lists this year and hope from this review you can see why it earned a spot there. This is my first read from award-winner Clark and I’m eager to check out his earlier works.

You can read my full review of Ring Shout here.

Don’t Look for Me

This one is up there as being one of my favorite reads in one of my favorite genres- thrillers- this year. Don’t Look For me is the story of a woman who disappears. The signs all point to her walking away from or life and family willingly- but did she?

You can read my full review of Don’t Look For Me here.

Rebecca

This was my first time reading this Gothic classic all the way through and I’m so glad I finally did. The book is atmospheric and chilling- the perfect classic read for October. I loved everything Du Maurier achieved in writing this. For those interested in the film adaptations of Rebecca, check out my guide to three different versions here.

Magic Lessons

Pratical Magic is one of my favorite books, so this prequel was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020. It did not disappoint. Magic Lessons is a beautiful story that takes us back to the Salem Witch Trials and the beginning of the Owens line. It’s filled with the magical wisdom and ethereal prose readers have come to love from Hoffman’s books and it’s sure to be loved by old fans as well as those just discovering the series.

October Reads I Really Liked

Sia Martinez and the Moonlight Beginning of Everything

Sia Martinez and the Moonlight Beginning of Everything is a great YA story that has a little something for everyone. It’s a coming of age story, there’s a mystery element, a love story, family drama, a bit of sci-fi and magical realism, and discussion of important topics such as immigration, ICE, and sexual assault.

It’s a great story and perfect to listen on audio.

Safe

Safe is a wild ride. When a missing girl returns home after many years it should be a wonderful reunion. But it quickly becomes clear that everything is not as it seems- who is fooling whom in this wild, mysterious thriller?

My Sister the Serial Killer

I really enjoyed this short, smart novel about a young woman whose younger sister has a nasty habit of killing her boyfriends. I loved the story, characters, and satire- my only complaint here is that I would have liked more.

The Request

Another twisty, edge of your seat thriller, this one featuring old friends bound by a dark secret. I did guess a couple of the surprises, but there were so many and things were changing so fast it’s hard to guess how everything comes together.

Home Before Dark

I loved the latest from Riley Sager and the fun, creepy ghost story set in a haunted house in a small town that we get in Home Before Dark. It was a fast read- I loved the multiple timelines and the book within the book.

Coraline

I’ve loved the story of Coraline since the movie was released, but this was my first time reading the Gaiman novel it was based on. I found them to be very close in plot and characters and enjoyed reading the book and the eerie world that the author creates.

Hallowe’en Party

This Poirot novel takes place after a party on Halloween- where a little girl says she’s witnessed a murder and then ends up a murder victim that same night. Fans of Christie’s other works may recognize another character- Ariadne Oliver who also makes an appearance in other books like Elephants Can Remember.

October Reads That Weren’t For Me

Mexican Gothic

This book has been getting a lot of buzz, but I think ultimately it wasn’t a book for me. I really enjoyed Noemí’s character and the creepy atmosphere of the house. Ultimately, though, the pacing of the novel made it hard to get into and I would have liked the book to be a little more developed and for the focus to be more on the scary than the bizarre.

Nancy Drew The Secret of the Old Clock

I really wanted to enjoy Nancy Drew for my first time reading as an adult, but ultimately found the writing stiff and the characters a little too idealistic for my taste. I was having a hard time getting into it, but eventually, it got interesting enough for me to finish. Of course, everything worked out perfectly for everyone. I didn’t hate it, but I’m not in any rush to read more of the series.

Alright, there’s a quick take on each of the books I read in October. Have you read any of these ones?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and your favorite book of Spooky month.