Happy March!
The year of the Fire Horse is FLYING by! February went by so fast!
I’ve seen several TikToks saying that this year has flown by, and the days are racing by. This was the first year that I participated in Lunar New Year and Ramadan activities, and it was so nice to learn about other cultures and see those connections.
My daughter has a friend who practices Islam and tried fasting to understand what her friend was doing, and I helped plan several cultural days/events at work, which were rewarding and affirming.
The best part is that we also have a six-year-old! My pandemic baby is growing up!
Book News and Updates
February Interviews
I had the joy of doing two interviews this month — one with Joy on Paper and the lovely Patzi, and another with Black Authors Matter TV. Both conversations felt like sitting down with people who genuinely love books, people, and life. We talked about craft, the heart of the story, the journey behind it, and what makes life meaningful. I left both conversations feeling energized and ready to get back into my draft.
Once Upon a Book Club Box
The biggest highlight was receiving my box from Once Upon a Book Club. No spoilers here — but opening it truly blew my mind.
I can’t believe . . .
Someone read the entire book
Carefully paired physical objects to specific page numbers
Had bags specially designed for each page
Stuffed over 2000 boxes
Stuck notes on each pertinent page
The attention to detail, the thoughtfulness, the experience of it all… I was flabbergasted in the best way. It was one of those moments that makes you pause and think, Wow. This is real and life is the biggest miracle.
Reading Updates
For my Virtual Book Club, we read Indigo by Beverly Jenkins.
It felt like a double win — honoring Black History Month and Valentine’s Day with a historical romance. What struck me most was how many themes still echo today: people seeking safety and freedom, quiet helpers who show up in dangerous moments, and the insistence on joy and love even in uncertain times. I’d read it before for research for Nella, but had forgotten details, so it was great for a reread.
In my OhMGs writing group, we finished Unleashing the Artist Within by Dr. Eric Maisel — and that one felt like therapy for the creative brain.
It asked sooo many helpful questions for creatives looking to lead productive, purposeful lives.
How does your relationship impact your creative work?
Who carries financial pressure in your household?
Do you have a real writing space?
Are you protecting your writing time?
Are you treating selling as part of the creative life?
It helped me identify many of the excuses I have for creating or procrastination techniques I use to FEEL productive rather than BE productive. I HIGHLY recommend for anyone on a creative journey.
Next up, I’m diving into Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel by Hallie Ephron, which feels perfectly timed as I map out what’s next.
Upcoming for March
Spring Break Fun
Spring break is around the corner, and I’m ready for it. We’re planning library trips, a soccer game, a little family adventure, and lots of together time. I hope to do a LOT of casual reading to refill the well, and I hope to share news of a finished manuscript by the end of the month.
How about you?
Any spring break plans? If you could disappear somewhere for a week, where would you go?
All the Best-
Bri
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