Happy New Year!
Any one else’s flights get delayed? And delayed. And then cancelled all together?
Just my family?
Cool.
I wish I could say Christmas left me refreshed and energized for the new year, but after my family took two days trying to arrive in one place (thanks South West), one family member fell asleep at the wheel and totaled his car, I got the flu twice, the stomach bug once, and then strep . . . well, let’s just say I’m grateful the holidays are over 🙂
Hopefully your Christmas was a little less exciting and involved smooth travels or better yet, no travels at all!
But regardless of how your 2023 started, I have some books that always make me happy that I think you’ll like. But first, I have something you’ll definitely like . . . another epic bookish giveaway!!!
This is your chance to win some special edition paperback books, ebooks, and an Amazon giftcard! This giveaway is live January 11th through the 18th!
Without further ado, here are the essential reads for the start of the new year . . .
Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide by John Cleese
In case you don’t recognize the name, John is the guy who wrote the script for Monty Python. The book is a short read but has some fantastic tips which I now use on a regular basis. My favorite piece of advice from the book is to allow time for your subconscious to solve problems.
It sounds weird but it really does work. Problems can be anything from plot holes in a book you’re writing, to how to help your child, landing that new job, improving grandma’s recipe, beating someone in a sparring match—anything.
When you allow yourself time for an answer to percolate at the back of your brain, often times, when you return to it, you’ll find you have new and better solutions.
I do this with every novel I write. I’ll make a mad dash to pump out a rough draft during Nanowrimo and then I’ll put the entire manuscript away for a couple months. When I come back to it, I often find the plot holes I was close to tears over are now easily solved.
Changing the Way You See Everything by Kathryn D. Cramer & Hank Wasiak
This is a guide to positive thinking. Only this book has tangible steps to take and lots of pretty pictures. It’s basically a picture book but for grown-ups and with life lessons. I try and reread this book every couple of years because it’s that good.
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
The plot doctor for novels.
This book is specifically for writers so please ignore this if you’re not one. Or, if you have a writer in your life, you can file this book away in the back of your brain as a great Christmas present for next year. Look at us already getting a jump start on Christmas shopping! 😉
If you’ve written a novel, the chances are, you’ve probably gotten stuck at some point and had no idea what was broken or how to fix it. This book will tell you everything you need to know to get unstuck. I reread portions of this book every time I’m outlining a novel or when I’m in a rut.
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And that’s it! These are a few books that have made my life better and I hope can help you too. I would love to hear what books you’re starting 2023 off with!
If you’re looking for more reading recommendations throughout the year, follow me on Goodreads!
Signing off to pop some more cough drops,
Candace
