Tropes I’d Rather Not Read
Before diving into this, I want to say that this is in no way a jab at you if you love reading these types of books. Reading is subjective! My opinion really means nothing beyond my own preferences. If you love these tropes, keep on loving them. It’s also not set in stone. Maybe one day I will read a book with one of these tropes and fall in love with it. Heck, I might even write a book with one of these elements in it.
My ‘Me’ Year
When I turned 30, something inside me shifted. It was as if a switch had flipped, and I suddenly realized that I had been living about the last two years of my life on autopilot, constantly saying yes to things I didn't want to do, and allowing others to dictate how I spent my time. I knew it was time for a change – a year of focusing on myself, my passions, and my well-being. If I didn’t change something, I was going to lose myself completely.
Healing Through Words: Write What You Know
When you use memories from your life in your writing, the process can be profoundly healing. Memories are the threads that weave the tapestry of our lives. They are the repository of our joys, sorrows, victories, and defeats. Memories are not static; they evolve and shape-shift with time. When we revisit our memories through writing, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
My Reading Preferences
I am always wary about posting my opinions on books. I am an author, so I know how much criticism of something you truly love can hurt. I do think it’s important to note that reading is subjective. Some people will love your book and others might describe it as the worst thing they’ve ever read. There’s no real right or wrong. There are just opinions, what you like, and what you don’t.
Things I Love to have while Writing
I can write in almost any environment. I’ve gotten used to having to write with noise because I have two young children. I write a lot on the road because my husband and I take frequent road trips. I’ve trained myself to be able to tune out everything around me and write. Right now my son is watching a National Geographic show on sharks and I’m standing at my kitchen counter writing this. The fact that I am a person who doesn’t need quiet to write has helped me tremendously. Even though I don’t need peace and quiet, there are a few other things I really enjoy having when I write.
What I’ve Learned (So far)
The absolute biggest lesson I've learned so far on this journey is that you have to go at your own pace. It's so easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, and it will drive you nuts.
My writing journey as a wife, as a mother of two, as a person with a full-time job, as a person running a home with 45 animals, is going to look different than someone who is single, someone without kids, someone who is already a full-time author, and so on.
That's okay.