As we close out another calendar year, take time this week to reflect on the past 11 months. . . I'll be posting a question each day of this week for you to take time and think about and reflect on your author journey. Sometimes we reject reflection, because we fear and regret the past. But I urge you to poke through the last few months. The past is invaluable in helping us identify Today, reflect on and journal on this question: What are you leaving behind in 2025? Feel free to share your answer in the comments below, or journal on your own and leave an emoji in the comments below when you're done.

No matter where you are in your author journey, having a clear strategy makes everything feel more focused. From your writing goals, your marketing, your releases, and even your daily habits. So here’s a simple reflection question for today: What’s the ONE strategic move you’re focusing on right now to move your author career forward? It could be: - tightening up your email list schedule - outlining your next book with intention - improving your backlist keywords - building consistency with writing sessions - planning your next launch - simplifying your systems or workflow There’s no right answer. When you know your next strategic step, it becomes so much easier to filter out the noise and actually make progress. What’s your current focus?

One of the most underrated parts of becoming a stronger writer is simply. . . reading the kinds of books you want to write. It’s not about copying anyone — it’s about understanding the rhythm, expectations, tropes, pacing, and emotional beats your readers already love! When you read in your genre, you naturally start to absorb: - What hooks readers - What makes a satisfying ending - How other authors handle tension, world-building, or character arcs - What you want to do differently 👉 I’d love to hear: What’s one book in your genre you’ve read recently that taught you something — big or small — about your own writing?

Every author has some kind of process for planning out their books. . . even if that process is “I don’t outline at all.” (AKA, Pantsers 😅) 👉 I’d love to know: - Do you outline your stories before you write? - If so, what’s your process? - And do you think there’s such a thing as “the best way” to outline? Some writers swear by detailed scene breakdowns. Others use index cards, sticky notes, or just a loose summary. And some absolutely thrive as discovery writers. There’s no one-size-fits-all — it’s about what helps you stay excited and keep moving. Let’s share what’s worked (and what hasn’t) to help each other find our best way forward.

We all dream of those big, focused writing days where the words just flow — but the truth is, most of our progress happens in the quiet, ordinary moments when we show up — even if it’s just for a few words! Consistency isn’t about perfection or massive word counts. It’s about proving to yourself that your writing matters enough to keep coming back to it — especially on the days when it feels hard. 👉 I’d love to hear: How do you stay consistent in your writing life? And what helps you show up even when motivation is low? Every small session adds up — and before you know it, you’ve written a whole book one imperfect writing day at a time.