Why Writers Should Throw Themselves A Christmas Party

Plus: 30 days until my year-end planning workshop, book club reminder, and Instagram.

October might get all the glory but…. I’m so happy I live in a world with Novembers. As Lucy Maud Montgomery (the patron saint of autumn, along with Meg Ryan), once wrote:

“NOVEMBER...was soft & mellow, with pale, aerial mists in the valleys & over the leafless beeches on the western hill...The leaves were still thick on the apple trees, though they were russet hued...The wind made a sweet, drowsy murmur in the boughs”

Let’s dive into what’s new, shall we?

30 Days To Go! Claim Your Workshop Seat!

Do you want to transform your writing business, set clear goals, and maximize your productivity in 2024? I'm excited to invite you to a day-long online workshop dedicated to just that! Join me on December 8th for an empowering experience that will help you unlock your full writing potential.

In this workshop, we'll focus on:

- Identifying High-Value Work Activities

- Embracing Deep Work

- Translating Big-Picture Goals into Actionable Steps

- Confronting Hard Truths That Are Hurting Your Writing and much, much more.

This is your chance to join a community of like-minded individuals, savor your accomplishments, and work ON your business, not just IN it. Get ready to make 2024 your most positive, productive, and profitable year yet.

Learn more and reserve your spot here.

Book Club Reminder!

November’s book is The Sweetness At The Bottom Of The Pie by Alan Bradley. We’ll be meeting tomorrow, November 9, at 7:00 PM EST on Zoom. Bradley is a Canadian author and his protagonist, 11 year old chemistry enthusiast Flavia de Luce, is an English lass who uses her talent for science and her zeal for sleuthing to solve mysteries in and around her English manor house. You can find more details and the Zoom link here.

Join Me On Instagram

Long-time pals know that I once had a robust Instagram account to support my travel writing and then one day it was suddenly gone… Well, it’s still gone! But I have started anew, this time focusing on the business side of writing life. I’d welcome your follows and will happily follow back at @VLCWrites.

Community News

• Need a social media boost? Check out my friend Rebecca’s FREE webinar on social media mistakes that all business owners should avoid. There’s no one I trust more. Access starts November 9th. You can sign up here.

• If you’re a travel writer in Canada, you no doubt know Sandra Phinney. This remarkable leader, storyteller, and nature-lover has given so much to writers all around the country and now she herself needs some help. Her friends are fundraising to help her cover the costs of a complex surgery. I hope you’ll join me in making a donation. See the details here.

• Can travel writing and novel writing go hand in hand? Lola Akinmade Åkerström knows first hand that it’s possible and shares how her travel writing strengthened her fiction in this article.

• Are you looking for a peaceful and inspiring environment to rekindle your creativity? Join Rekindle Creativity: Women’s Writing Retreat in Muskoka from January 16-19, 2024 at the beautiful Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville. This retreat is designed exclusively for women who want to rekindle their creativity and focus on their book projects. This is time for you. You can connect with other writers and be inspired by the stunning natural beauty of Muskoka. You don’t have to carve out time to work on your book project because it is built into the retreat. For more information or to register for the retreat, please visit rekindlecreativity.com.

What I’m Reading

Longbourn by Jo Baker: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice as told from the point of view of the ‘below stairs’, the household servants. Lizzy Bennet’s passion for walking through mucky fields isn’t so admirable from the laundry maid’s perspective.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman: I just gave this favourite a THIRD listen to as an audiobook and I still love it. (My favourite character is Joyce).

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. If you’re a writer, artist, or otherwise creatively self-employed, this may just be THE most important book to read. Just don’t expect any gentle hand holding. This is the kick in the pants, get your shit together kind of read that everyone needs from time to time.

Are You Throwing A Christmas Party For Your Business Of One?

The first time I threw myself a holiday party, I didn’t exactly go all out. In fact, my entire expenditure was about seven dollars, the cost of a latte and a fancy sugar cookie, enjoyed while walking around Chapters. It was a humble celebration but also one of my proudest moments. I was my own boss and didn’t need anyone to foot the bill for my Christmas soiree. Since then, I’ve always looked forward to throwing my “office” Christmas party (and I’m happy to report that my budget has increased a bit too. Hello, wine!)

Writers, bloggers, and creatives are often workplaces-of-one but there’s no reason we shouldn’t celebrate our accomplishments. Besides, why should office workers have all the fun? Here are some ideas to get started on your planning.