Where the magic happens…

In this Edition:

Quote.
Update & Motivate: Where were we a year ago? (Revisiting my first blog.)
75-blurb of THE FALSE FLAT.
A view from my desk, my writing atmosphere. (Where the magic happens)
Book Talk: What I’m reading.
A few throwback items: ways to increase your productivity and unsolicited medical advice.
Final thoughts.

Update:

I hope you had a nice holiday!

I started this blog roughly 1 year ago (November 2021), so I decided to revisit my first blog. You can scroll back to the very first one if you’re curious.

First…Where were you a year ago? Do you feel good about what you’ve accomplished over the past year?

It’s inspiring and humbling to look back and watch the passage of time, what went unfulfilled or how much closer you are to your goals or simply how life has changed.

Last year, I wanted to create a YouTube channel that followed my author journey. That didn’t happen. What I’ve learned: It’s not something I can realistically keep up.

That’s the thing about goals. They need to be realistic.

About a year ago, I was also entering my novel THE FALSE FLAT into a women’s fiction “pitch event,” where I described my novel in 75 words and gave them the first 500 words of my first chapter. This was an effort to get an agent for my writing. (I’ll share the pitch below.)

This makes me smile. I didn’t get an agent through that event, but 3 months later, I signed on as a client with a literary agency: The Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, Inc., or JVNLA, Inc. And now, I have an agent, Ariana Philips, who is shopping this novel around to editors. It hasn’t been sold yet, but it’s a huge step from where I was a year ago.

It puts my frustrations in perspective. Maybe you can relate. Occasionally, I get discouraged that I haven’t published my novel, but then I look back and see how far I’ve come. This year…

1. I got an agent.

2. THE FALSE FLAT is being read by editors at publishing houses.

3. I wrote THE LOVE PENTAGON. My agent is currently reading it.

4. I’m about to finish UNBLIND LOVE (my newest rom-com).

5. I wrote, edited, and narrated a short story that many of you have read. (and hopefully enjoyed!)

The publishing business is an incredibly slow process, but right now, I have time to dedicate to it.

Sometimes we need to be reminded that even though we feel like we’ve been stagnant (I sure do sometimes), we’ve accomplished a lot more than we thought in the passage of time. Every little step counts. And you never know what small things in your life are leading to big things.

I think life happens in the day-to-day grind. Each day is like a brushstroke, but if you keep swiping, eventually, you have a whole painting, something you can stand back, look at, and be proud of.

And if this year doesn’t feel that way for you, guess what? You can start fresh or keep trying. It’s never too late, and no step is ever too small. Start this year with the intent on looking back and smiling.

As promised, here’s that 75-word pitch of the novel I’m trying to get published:

Pen's mother micromanages her. Annoying. Her boss steals her clients. Infuriating. Her boyfriend kisses another woman. Devastating. Determined to redefine herself, the biracial, emotionally-distant financial planner moves across the country, starts her own business in Tennessee, and tries not to fall for a mustached cyclist. When grave news mirrors her past and turns her new world upside-down, Pen must decide which life she wants: comfortable and closed-off or vulnerable and open to love.

View from my desk:

I snapped this pic while I was writing this blog.

I snapped this pic while I was writing this newsletter.

One thing that hasn’t changed is my philosophy on surroundings (at least for myself).

Our surroundings affect how we behave, think, and react. I personally breathe better when things are organized and everything has a home. I’m not an extremist, but I do like order. I function best in an organized space decorated with beautiful (to me) pieces. My environment is VERY important to me. It always has been. It still is now. Over the years, no matter how little I’ve had or how much, I’ve always liked my atmosphere at its best.

I still have a “positivity” wall where I collect nice things people say about me or my work. I don’t keep it up like I should, but if I need a boost or when things seem extra negative in life, I can look at those comments. And they give me a boost. I recommend it.

I write better when my atmosphere inspires peace and is free of dust and clutter. (Since my desk is a clutter magnet, I tend to have to “overcome” my environment when I write or I’d rarely write.)

Lately, I’ve been keeping my desk clean. (Lately, as in for the past few days!)

Book Talk: What I’m reading.

No book review again this week. I haven’t read much lately.

I’ve decided to dip my toes back into the suspense/thriller genre a bit.

Here’s what’s on my list:

The Maid by Nita Prose

The It Girl by Ruth Ware

Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

Currently reading The Maid, but I was gifted a hardback copy of Wrong Place Wrong Time, so I’ll start that when we head to FL for a mini trip this week. It’s been so long since I’ve read a physical book! (I listen to audiobooks almost exclusively.) I’m excited.

Live better and be more productive:

4 Ways to improve your atmosphere. This list can be found on that blog post I was talking about earlier if you’re interested.

Unsolicited medical advice:

Back when I first started the newsletter, I had sections I don’t have anymore. I love evolving. Back then, I was dispensing medical tid-bits, a thing I enjoy doing as a provider.

I reminded everyone of a simple way to improve your nutrition:

Chew your food!

It’s basic, but so many of us don’t do it!

Final thoughts:

I’m not huge on New Year resolutions. But progress is smoother when you have a plan to execute.

I hope you take a look at your atmosphere as we head into the new year. Are you surrounded by the things you want to be surrounded by? The right food, the right decor, the right people, the right attitudes?

I encourage you to examine every facet of your life, pick out the rough patches, and make a plan to start smoothing them out.

I’ll see you in the New Year!

Until then, much glitter,

Melissa

p.s. Loving this blog? Get my weekly content: timely updates, book reviews, book bonuses, essentially, ways to love yourself, others, and books! And get email-only specials. Sign up for my weekly newsletter. If you want a free short story: use this link to sign up: https://www.melissacollings.com/freeshortstoryjustdesserts.