We made it to the end of 2024! I’m looking forward to ringing in the New Year, the one where I publish a book. It feels both inevitable and shocking that April is around the corner. To prepare for pub day, I recorded a snippet of my book (pages 82—86, to be exact) with my fancy microphone and headphones. Listening back is such a nice way to reinforce my belief that I wouldn’t be the right person to record my audiobook. That would require enunciation skills.
My other book-launch prep has included: sending advanced reader copies to some of my favorite magazines, recording podcast episodes (stay tuned!), and prioritizing book parties and launches (not like I need a reason to have fun).
I’m also thinking about new year’s resolutions, something that’s not normally a priority (I prefer back-to-school energy more than new year’s). I typically do a version of the same thing every year. This year’s efforts include:
Wearing under-utilized items, such as clothes, shoes and perfume. I’m always surprised when I shop my closet and find so many things I like but haven’t regularly worn. I started logging all my items (my perfume samples in particular) to help with knowing what’s in the back and using it.
Reading books based on recommendations, even if it’s out of my wheelhouse. For example, the New York Public Library does an audiobook of the month. I’d like to listen to their pick, even if it’s something I don’t think would be up my alley. I want to expand my palate.
“Finish” two novels. I’m still working through the second draft of Book 2, but I’m excited about a romance novella I started, so ideally I’d like to have both stories “finished” by the end of the year. For me, that would mean a first draft of the novella and a second draft of Book 2. I’m trying to rally the troops to get a writing circle together, which will help me further those projects.
What are your resolutions? And if you’ve done similar endeavors to mine, I’d love to hear about them. What worked? What didn’t?
Oversharing
Tory Burch has an incredible shoe collection out, particularly these sculptural heels and plum pierced mules.
I’m still enjoying my effort to use up my perfume samples—even passing on picking up a bottle of Vanilla Sin body mist from Ellis Brooklyn. Growth! What I’ve worn lately:
Mizensir For Your Love: musky, patchouli raspberry
Chris Collins Autumn Rhythm: crunchy fall leaves
Le Labo Lavande 31: creamy lavender
Harmonist Moon Glory: honey honey honey
Santa Maria Novella Tabacco Toscano: creamy tobacco vanilla
I binged the Man on the Inside, which is so charming and lovely. It has every funny older actor in it, particularly Lori Tan Chinn.
Grace Atwood’s Substack is a great recommendation hub. I love that she called out the mini martini, which is the perfect amount of alcohol for me. My favorite? Pastis’ Le Petit Pickle.
I got my first Goodreads reviews from people I don’t know 🥲 Every author I’ve spoken to has warned me to stay away from Goodreads, so I will try (maybe I’ll do better in 2025).
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