FIND YOUR PEOPLE✌🏻 The ones who encourage you to keep going bc thats when you find the magic. Right after this pic, my husband and I entered the cave where we watched tons of baby turtles dart and dance✨ A moment I’ll never forget. #5amwritersclub #kidlit #writingcommunity #ocean #kidlit #author #coffee #yachtie #bookstagram #saveourseas #turtles #authorsofinstagram #writersofinstagram #scuba #scubadiving #saltlife
Calling all fiction writers! Yes, I’m talking to YOU! I see you pounding away at the keyboard every day, bleary eyed at 5 am. I see you not hitting the snooze button so you can get up to write, even when your body is screaming, "JUST FIVE MORE MINUTES!" I see you continuing to pursue your dream of becoming published, even when you have no idea if your work will ever turn into anything. You are seen...and you are doing amazing things. Keep up the GREAT work! Tag a fellow writer of stories that needs to hear this! #5amwriters #5amwritersclub #aspiringauthors #firstdraft #firstimewriter #themotivatedwriter #writingmotivation #writingstruggles
Walk this way #5amwritersclub #latestversion #everevolving #flashfiction #writingprompt #randomclick #wednesday
First flowers. Just in time for May. Happy Beltane! #5amWritersClub #FlowerReport #Beltane
The title of today’s blog is “No, I’m not the narcissist, but that doesn’t mean I’m an angel, either.” Some mornings I blog rather than write fiction. Today I’m working out how the desperate attempt to define what did “wrong” is a control thing. Because if I know what I did wrong, I can change it and make people stay. Make them like me. Pleople pleasing is a hard habit to break and it doesn’t get you far. They’ve hurt me, but I’ve hurt myself far worse. ❤️ #5amwritersclub #amwriting #blogger
Somethin’ ‘bout that inner peace. 🙏🏼 #5amwritersclub #igwritingcommunity #writergirl
Do you like speaking in front of big crowds?! A tip for success: PRACTICE! Pic w/ @channel8actionnews news before they introduced me at the Richmond Book Festival last year! Public speaking was something I least expected when becoming an author — but also something I have learned to really love! #RichmondBookFestival #keynote #author #authorlife #writingcommunity #kidlit #books #earthday #schoolvisit #library #5amwritersclub
Who’s your biggest cheerleader? Over the past 12 years in this business, my childhood friend Julie @maple_street_designs has never failed to support me through my many ups and downs. We've known each other since we were young ("You were six and I was FIVE," she never fails to say) so we know each other pretty well. Whenever I need a reminder that I am stronger than I think, someone to yank me out of a pity party, or just an encouraging word on a tough day, she's always there, and I couldn’t be luckier. Who does the same for you? #5amwriters #5amwritersclub #aspiringauthors #firstdraft #firstimewriter #themotivatedwriter #writingmotivation #writingstruggles
I missed #5amWritersClub 2 days in a row. Hopefully I’m back on track. Happy #ThickTrunkTuesday! #WhitePine #Maine #AmEditing
True romance #5amwritersclub #ironclad #flashfiction #writingprompt #randomclick #tuesday
Literature authors on to ↗️ . . . . #5amwritersclub # addictedtobooks # adventurebooksforkids #althebooks #alwaysreading #amediting #amwriting # amwriting fiction #aspiringwriter #author # authorcommunity #authorgram #authorlife #authorplanner # authorpreneur #authorquotes #authors # authorscommunity #authorsofig #post #instagram #fyp #tbr #camus #dostoievski #kafka #literature
Such a Good Family is now available on NetGalley for for early reviewers! I hope you’ll check it out. (Also, I still can’t believe this is real—that I have a book coming out until the world in June! 🫠)
I spend everyday waiting for MONDAY #sneakylinks #sneakylink #situationshipz #situationship #poemsforhim #poemsforyou #ttpdtheanthology #thetorturedpoetsdepartmenttaylorswift #swiftiesforlife #4amthoughts #5amwritersclub
It’s truth time…technology edition! Tell me the state of the files on your computer: A: Everything is organized in properly-labeled folders; B: Cluttered, but you know where everything is; or C: In complete disarray. I’m not going to lie, my computer is definitely A. Very organized, but so full of files it's hard to remember what's there. I put the editing tasks on the desktop so I can jump in at any time and also know exactly what needs attention, and that keeps me sane! So how about you, friend? Tell the truth! #5amwriters #5amwritersclub #aspiringauthors #firstdraft #firstimewriter #themotivatedwriter #writingmotivation #writingstruggles
Facetime #5amwritersclub #lacatrina #flashfiction #writingprompt #writingprompt #monday
Very grateful for the cooperation and excellent experience with @godivafilms #NikiLambropoulos #wggb #InfinityBluePictures #filmaking #filmmaker #wiftgreece #screenwriter #WritingCommunity #writersofinstagram #femalefilmmaker #Producer #5amwritersclub #amwriting a #story #feature #animation #womeninfilm #womensupportingwomen #supportindiefilm #femaleproducer #womeninentertainment #womenempowerment #hello #screenwriters #womenfilmmakers 💫 https://m.imdb.com/title/tt27867001/
Today the #WriterFriendsChallenge is asking us: Are you more of a sunrise or sunset writer? I am definitely a sunrise writer. A proud member of the #5amwritersclub, I have been known to write before sunrise although finally, the sun is starting to show her light before 6 am. Lovely to wake up (on a sleep in day) at 6 am and it is light! Ironically, some of the highest quality work has shown itself after a long day of slogging through a long day working, care-giving or doing whatever is on my calendar during the day. Because of this, I have been scheduling a few night writing sessions during the week so I won’t mindlessly scroll or waste the moments as they pass. The urgency bells are chiming as we head toward Summer when I know I will want to do more consistent playing. What is your favorite time to write and why… is that so? #midnightwriter #sunrisewriter #sunsetwriter #writewheneverIhavesomefreetime #memoirwriter #lifewriting #WritingSuccess #WritingCommunity #WriterFriends #memoirist #thisismylife #April2024 #meetthewriter #findmywritingcommunity #writersfavoriteprompts #writingprompts #writersofbookstagram #writinggoals #2024goals
Weekly photo dump. Still grading, still editing, but almost ready to enjoy the next part. Spring and summer, here I come. #5amwritersclub #momswritersclub #teacherlife
A fresh print reminds me how close I am and how far I have to go. #5amwritersclub #AmWriting #amediting
With all the hustle everyday life requires, it’s easy to overlook the beauty found in doing a few things we truly love. What’s all the hustle for if we don’t allow ourselves time to appreciate and celebrate the little things? Life has taught me the time I take to learn to play the guitar (again!) or absorb the beauty of moments like spending Sunday afternoons playing bodhrán at Irish session can often be the source of much needed inspiration, and is never wasted. Tell me, friend: where have you found beauty and inspiration recently? #5amwriters #5amwritersclub #aspiringauthors #firstdraft #firstimewriter #themotivatedwriter #writingmotivation #writingstruggles
What I learned from@scbwi #agentseditorsdsy24: NETWORK! NETWORK! NETWORK! #editors and #agents want to work with #authors who are good people & who have a solid #writingcommunity💙 After all, #publishing is a business✌🏻 Pic w/ @alioop117 - @pixelandinkbks who was SO LOVELY meet. She shared so much industry knowledge with us and I particularly appreciated our in depth conversation behind our thoughts on the middle grade market right now. Thank you so much for coming south to hang out with the writers in the @scbwi_midatlantic region! #5amwritersclub #kidlit #network #marketing #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #momsofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #writersofinstagram #childrenspublishing #childrensbooks
Pastorale #5amwritersclub #farmtotable #flashfiction #writingprompt #randomclick #sunday
✨ Mood. ✨ Grading and editing and listening to Hole very loud this weekend. #weekendvibes #5amwritersclub #teacherlife
Writing Inspiration: What are your intentions? #writingcommunity #amwriting #authors #5amwritersclub #authors https://inventingrealityediting.com/2018/07/28/writing-inspiration-what-are-your-intentions
Life’s simple pleasures really seem to be underrated sometimes. When I think of slow Saturday mornings drinking tea in my backyard garden, I can’t help but be reminded of trusting the process when it comes to writing and making art. Just like flowers taking weeks to rise from the soil and bloom, it can take a while to put together words that evoke emotions and images. And to create characters that are so real, you feel like you're talking to them in a specific time and place. Kinda funny that in the end, novels are built on observation of the simple things. What’s your favorite simple pleasure? #5amwriters #5amwritersclub #aspiringauthors #firstdraft #firstimewriter #themotivatedwriter #writingmotivation #writingstruggles
IT’S PITCH DAY IN WASHINGTON, DC! I’m up early and practicing for my shark-tank-like live pitch session! My mission today is to hook a great editor! I’m nervous I’m excited & I’m really READY TO MEET SOME AMAZING #editors #authors & #agents in the #kidlit #writingcommunity Thank you, @scbwi for creating this opportunity🤞🏻 Wish me luck! 🤩🍀🫶🏻 #publishing #scbwi #ampitching #onsubmission #5amwritersclub #author #coffee #bookstagram #authorsofinstagram #momsofinstagram #pitchperfect #pitch #pitchday #editorsday #marketing #agentseditorsday24
Ride on #5amwritersclub #citibike #flashfiction #writingprompt #randomclick #saturday
Curling up with my novel to plot out the end. I can’t believe this amazing journey is almost complete. #WritingCommunity #5amwritersclub
Too good (and true) to pass up. #fingerscrossed #kidlit #writingcommunity #writersofinstagram #5amwritersclub
Are you more romance 💕or darkfic 🖤? Deciding what to write next, I always feel torn between the extremes. Finishing up a romance right now (The Love Variations), have a darkfic (The Girl That Time Forgot) to write next. But…then what? SOUNDS LIKE IT’S TIME FOR A VOTE ✅ psychological horror literary fiction (adult) ✅ dark political fantasy (crossover) ✅ southern gothic fantasy (adult)
Reflecting: This week, approximately 3,000 budding ocean activists listened to me speak 🎤🥹 at various events and the last of the series is this morning ✌🏻. I’m here to share that I’m filled with so much HOPE for our future🫶🏻 Our kids and their teachers are truly amazing 💙 and I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to spread such important messages from our under-the-sea friends. #WritingCommunity #5amwritersclub #saveourseas #kidlit #author #coffee #bookstagram #books #teachers #library #amwriting #publishing #marketing #onsubmission #scbwi #authorsofinstagram
There are some once-in-a-lifetime views that continue to bring me happiness. Of course, things like the day I met my three adopted daughters, and any day at the beach come right to mind, but there are certain views I’m lucky enough to see nearly every day of my life. First and foremost, the sight of my grandkids coming up the front walk always makes me smile, especially when they're carrying flowers. 😍@triciabarksdaledesigns What do you see every day that brings you happiness? #5amwriters #5amwritersclub #aspiringauthors #firstdraft #firstimewriter #themotivatedwriter #writingmotivation #writingstruggles
Have you heard the news? Signed copies of my historical fiction/historical romance book "Aoh" have arrived at The General Store @thehistoricvillageatallaire located in Farmingdale, NJ! Stop on by and explore the park, learn the history, get a tour, and pick up a signed book or two. As always, thank you for your continued support. Whether you buy a book, leave a review, or recommend my books to friends and colleagues, it brings me one day closer to achieving my dreams ✨️ #thehistoricvillageatallaire #allairestatepark #books #paperbackbooks #bookrecommendations #bookstagram #igbooks #igwriters #bookreader #historicalfiction #historicalromance #poetry #igpoets #poetstagram #takeawalk #njwriters #njparks #thankyou #indieauthor #selfpublishedauthor #bignews #writerslife #writergoals #sharemywork #readersofinstagram #readmore #booksineedtoread #bookshopping #treatyourself #5amwritersclub
Still editing. Happy Friday! #5amWritersClub
Just a taste #5amwritersclub #brooklynmuseum #flashfiction #writingprompt #randomclick #friday
Some mornings are for dragons and knights - and some mornings are for blogging and contemplation. I’ve been blogging for weeks now, since before the accident maybe. It’s a new site. I haven’t shared it with… well… anyone, even though I think my words have meaning and could be helpful. I am my own worst enemy sometimes. Does anyone get that? I haven’t been hiding because I’m sharing anything I shouldn’t - believe me I’m hyper aware of that- but only my heart. My fears. There are so many days people ask if I’m okay. Yes, I’m okay. Some days. And some days I’m not. That’s life, I think. If it isn’t life for you, please tell me your secret ❤️ Or not. We all have to make our own way. For now blog is available by invite only (just ask), but courage is one of my core values. Do you think my words are worth the risk of sharing? ❤️ #amwriting #5amwritersclub
“Do the thing you think you cannot do.” — Eleanor Roosevelt #breakfree #keepgoing #digdeep #writer #author #writerslife #writing #writingcommunity #5amwritersclub #motivation #inspiration #inspirationalquotes #motivationalquotes
Just over a month ago I gave birth to my first child - a boy 💙 a chunky little thing who only cries when he is hungry (which is often) and can only sleep attached to me like velcro. And it’s made me realise something that I couldnt fully appreciate before… all the well meaning advice on how to carve out the time to write novels, read hundreds of books (and just be productive in anything really), suddenly seems laughable when just finding time to shower is a feat in itself 😂 I was reading @seanscribes substack the other day, all about routines (or the lack there of) with his toddler and @authorslhaynes post about how carving out an allotted time to write is a thing of the past now she has her little one, and it really hit home to me how much of a challenge it is for us parents navigating our new normal. But even though it’s a challenge, I’m here still trying to find the time. Letting myself be flexible with my days, and grabbing any spare 15 mins I can to write, even if that is at 5am on the notes app on my phone. Because even though being a mum is the best thing I have ever done, all my other dreams haven’t disappeared overnight. So to those of you that are in the same space I am, just keep writing, and reading, and resting, and dreaming… and DM me if you want any #momwriter support and accountability ♥️ you’ve got this 💪 #momlife #writermomlife #writer #5amwritersclub #writing
Where do you work best? Working from home/in my studio is certainly preferred, but every once in a while, I park myself in a coffee shop. Sometimes the change of scenery is all I need to get my creative juices flowing. Like if you can relate! #5amwriters #5amwritersclub #aspiringauthors #firstdraft #firstimewriter #themotivatedwriter #writingmotivation #writingstruggles
Though I’m not reading much lately (while I am in editing mode), I have a few books I can dip in and out of. No narrative, just detailed mini histories of colors in The Secret Lives of Colors. It’s saving me during the end of the semester rush. What’s everyone reading lately? I can’t wait to get back to my TBR. #5amwritersclub #momswritersclub #writingcommunity
Leather, steel, hellfire, monsters… Metal and dark fantasy were meant for each other! But I was out way too late at a Judas Priest concert last night to be very productive this morning. #5amWritersClub #Metal
Stay sharp #5amwritersclub #craftservice #flashfiction #writingprompt #randomclick #thursday
Self-care… how do you do it? I bang around on my bodhrán quite a bit and also take a number of short breaks throughout the day to cuddle with my best bud, Knightley. Two non-negotiable for me! Although I love it, my work can be fast and furious, with 5-6 book projects needing edits all at the same time. As a business owner, it’s important to stay focused so I can always have good ideas. So, what's your favorite form of self-care? #5amwriters #5amwritersclub #aspiringauthors #firstdraft #firstimewriter #themotivatedwriter #writingmotivation #writingstruggles
Writing a ten page essay requires a coffee as big as my face. What are you working on this morning?
Very grateful for the cooperation and excellent experience #NikiLambropoulos #wggb #InfinityBluePictures #filmaking #filmmaker #wiftgreece #screenwriter #WritingCommunity #writersofinstagram #femalefilmmaker #Producer #5amwritersclub #amwriting a #story #feature #animation #womeninfilm #womensupportingwomen #supportindiefilm #femaleproducer #womeninentertainment #womenempowerment #hello #screenwriters #womenfilmmakers 💫 https://m.imdb.com/title/tt27867001/
Editing since dawn broke over the sky in Albany, and again, it's almost time to send her off to my Beta Readers, but something isn't quite sitting right with me. I will be working on it until my various appointments begin today. The only one slowing this down and holding the fear of release is me. #5amwritersclub #thekeepers #magicandwhiskers #selfawareness #writer #writing #sequel # #magicseries #editing #betareaders #albany #albanyny
When you wake up at 3am, you can easily join the #5amwritersclub 👩🏻💻 (easy as in: can’t go back to sleep even though you’ve been up late last three nights) #writer #writingstruggles #writing #writerlife #writermom #notamorningperson #adhdproblems #chasingthevibe
I LOVE MY AGENT! I am mindblown 🤯 by @kayppin who shared her incredible knowledge & vision last night during a BRANDING workshop w/ @rosiejpova. “Relationships matter” and I’m SO thankful to work & learn from you every day. But really, how did I get so lucky? 🥹 Thank you to BOTH @kayppin and @rosiejpova for such a great night that INSPIRED, EMPOWERED, MOTIVATED, CALMED, REASSURED, and OPENED MY EYES 👀 to the big big world of the entertainment industry. I have so much to learn and A REALLY BIG VISION! #writingcommunity #5amwritersclub #kidlit #author #entertainment #brand #bookstagram #authorsofinstagram #mindsetmatters #amwriting #publishing #agent #agentappreciation #saveourseas #theislandwriter #plasticocean
Pink moon #5amwritersclub #aprilfull #flashfiction #writingprompt #randomclick #wednesday
Happy Wednesday! The moon was bright this morning! #5amWritersClub #FullMoon
Happy Pub Day to one of my favourite #5amwritersclub friends, Tif Marcelo! IT STARTED WITH A SECRET arrived yesterday, and I'm almost finished reading it. My secret that I will share about this book is that Tif started writing the novel as a standalone, and now she has three books planned in the series... maybe more! Yay! ❤️ About this book: One unforgettable night leads to a whole new life… When Jared Sotheby arrives in Peak, Virginia, to search for his identity—and his Filipino roots—he doesn’t anticipate an instant connection with a stunning woman he meets on his first night in town. And he certainly doesn’t expect her to be managing the B & B owned by the biological family he’s searching for! One passionate night aside, Matilda Matthews needs a cook, and Jared, a chef, needs a way in. She’ll give him the job if he keeps his identity a secret—for now. Their subterfuge quickly grows complicated as Jared yearns for a connection—not only with his family, but also with the once-bitten Matilda. But first he’ll have to convince her to let a younger man into her heart. Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness. #amreading #itstartedwithasecret #tifmarcelo #happypubday #harlequin #specialedition #love #filipinoroots #happiness #romance #5amsuccess #secrets #5amwritingbuddy #loritwining #peakvirginia #writingbuddies #friendsandfamily #agegap #spiritofshenandoahseries #lifeandlove #aprilreads @tifmarcelo
This may sound a little dramatic, but when I talk with clients about their work, I swear you can see sparks flying. Between finding the exact missing plot piece that will make the piece really sing to seeing their eyes shine when they understand how to make the work oh so much better, my job lights me up like nothing else! What’s something you get to do that sends sparks flying in your world? #5amwriters #5amwritersclub #aspiringauthors #firstdraft #firstimewriter #themotivatedwriter #writingmotivation #writingstruggles
GOOD MORNING! I have 3 days of school visits followed by the real deal PITCH DAY w/ @scbwi in DC this weekend! I CANT WAIT to meet & mingle with #editors & hope they LOVE my new series😅 I also get to see some writing friends including my CP bestie @rosiewalano who is joining me from NYC 🙌🥂 OPPORTUNITY AWAITS🍀 #5amwritersclub #amwriting #publishing #kidlit #writingcommunity #coffee #marketing #momsofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #writersofinstagram #bookstagram
Lippy #5amwritersclub #thinkpink #flashfiction #writingprompt #randomclick #tuesday
More editing this morning. Happy #ThickTrunkTuesday! #5amWritersClub
…angetownlibraries.librarycalendar.com/event/mental-h… Register here! Learn about self-care practices and spiritual solutions that have been the backbone of my 12 years of recovery from prescription drug addiction/mental health disorders. See you on May 8 at 5:30 PM! Register now at www.orangeburglibrary.org #WellnessWarrior #spiritualhealing #5amwritersclub #Author #recovery #wellness @orangeburglibrary
Posted @withregram • @theislandwriter8 AUTHOR LIFE IS WILD! It’s EARTH DAY and my TV debut released with The Very Airy Library 🥳 🎬😅🤿 youtu.be/gfpEziA5BOE?fe… THANK YOU @theveryairylibrary and @stanandtheman and crew for this very fun episode! I hope we can help SAVE OUR SEAS! #kidlit #5amwritersclub #IslandGirls #writingcommunity #author #amwriting #library #earthday #ocean #saveourseas #plasticocean #bookstagram #momsofinstagram #writersofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #yachtie #yachtielife